jeriendhal | Returned to Life, Part Fifteen

“We meet again, Lt. Freeman,” the Galapados said. The lizard warrior smiled with sharp teeth. “I fear this time it isn’t you who have caused me grief, however.” He strode over to Rachael and picked her up by the neck of her blouse, dragging her to her feet, until she stood on tiptoe. “You, however, cost me the life of one of my warriors, cut down in ambush. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Let her go! She’s a civilian, General! She isn’t part of all this,” Leeza shouted.

Rachael kicked, unable to connect with the Galapados, since he was holding her straight armed away from himself. “Put me down! Please!”

Gisko looked unimpressed. ”If she and the boy had simply surrendered, that would be true. She would be a non-combatant, and would have simply been transferred to a reeducation camp. But she choose to fight, and she killed an experienced warrior in a cowardly ambush. Still, Lord Gene Mage will be the ultimate arbiter of your fates, adn whether I am allowed to take justice out upon you is his decision.” He lowered Rachael back to the ground. “If you are fortunate, he will take pity on you, since you were instrumental in leading us to the Ferin child he has sought for so long.”

Rachael’s heart sank. “Oh, no. You caught him?”

Gisko nodded. “To his credit, he attempted to drag you back down the vent to safety. A suppression grenade took the fight out of him though, and he is now safely in Lord Gene Mage’s lab.”

“Frell,” Lance cursed.

She dropped back down to her knees. “You should have just left me behind, Leeza. I’m useless.”

“Not your fault, Rachael,” Leeza said. “Blame it on the Gene Mage. He makes a habit out of using people.”

The Galapados general frowned. “Mind your tongue, human. You will all come with me to your new cell, where you will await Lord Gene Mage’s pleasure.” He herded them out of the chamber, where a squad of warriors escorted them out of the Galadapos assault shuttle and through a large hanger bay carved out of rock, filled with more shuttles and wicked looking fighter craft. Several of them appeared to be encased in some kind of protective coating, which was being removed by teams of reptilian technicians. Then it was down more corridors and a secured lift, until they were deposited into what was obviously a brig.

“We’re in some sort of asteroid depot,” Lance said softly. “This must be some sort of staging area.”

“Not quite correct, Lt. Freeman, but close enough,” Gisko said. He placed his hand on a palm scanner, and the door in front of them rolled back, revealing another cell. “You will stay here, until you are called for.” They were released from their cuffs and pushed i none too gently by the other warriors, and the door was shut behind them wit ha definitive clank.

“Well, I guess they didn’t spend too much on lighting this place,” Leeza observed. The cell was large and dark, evidentially designed for large numbers of captives, the only light source coming from a single dim panel high above them..

“What’s that?” Rachael asked, rubbing her wrists where the cuffs had dug in. She nodded toward a another light, a small red beacon closer to the floor.

“Hruhh,” they heard a voice growl in the direction of the beacon, “who’s there?”

“Let me handle this,” Lance said, stepping forward to stand between the women and the stranger’s voice. “I’m Lt. Lance Freeman, Gal Sapiens Marines. Who are you? Come on out where we can see you.”

The voice barked out a laugh. “Good to hear a friendly voice. You’re gonna have to forgive me for not coming to attention though, Lieutenant.” They heard the sound of metal scraping on metal, and the red beacon drew closer.

Rachael took a step back as the bizarre creature heaved itself into the light. It was a Vulpine, like Captain Brushtail, but that’s where the resemblance ended. This one was more metal than flesh, with the only fur visible being half his face, chest, and one arm. The rest was all cybernetics, gleaming metal and polished ceramics. The red beacon was the Vulpine’s left eye, replacing what had been lost sometime previously.

The cyber-Vulpine smiled, or at least bared his teeth at them. “Marine Gunnery Sergeant Rue Nightwind at your service, Lt. Freeman. I hope to the Goddess you’re the cavalry, because otherwise that means we’re really up the fraggin’ creek.”

TBC