CHAPTER 8

Hera: The Hide

I need a plan.

Hidin’ ain’t a plan.

Kickin’ serious ASS, now that’s a plan.

Intel, area, resources. Intel first.

Well, I know they’re here, duh, but don’t know how many, where exactly in the “here” they are, and what-all they got. Ship is certain, cain’t have got here otherwise. Don’t know for “sure” they got a hover. Might’ve been some other kinda buggy, never actually saw it. Technology level, completely unknown. Personnel, well I know about ol’ Smelly, and Barty. The rest could be just goons, could be mercs, I dunno yet. He surely does have the cash for professional muscle.

Area. Hmmm.... Lure ‘em out here into my favorite playground? Maybe. Thugs won’t do for shit out here, divide and conquer, just like old times. Have to take out their ship first, too big an advantage on their side. Naw... knee’s already marginal, cain’t trust in out here in the rough.

Back in the junkyard, though.... Flat ground, lots of cover, and I for damn sure know it blind. Blind? In the dark. Yeah, LIKE that part.

Resources. Got my toys here, more in the other hide. Four caches scattered about, and a stash in the yard I ain’t divvied out yet. Too bad I ain’t found any ammo for that rocket launcher, sure would come in handy about now. Don’t want any of the big grenades, too much chance of shrapnel bouncin’ off sumthin’ and gettin’ me too. Those Grizwalds now, might be able to use a few of those. Got one seeker, but no transponder to keep from eatin’ that my own-self. Rig it on a tripwire maybe? Possible.

Some opportunities for deadfalls and such in the yard. There’s that stack of scrap ‘bout ready to fall down on it’s own that Marcus was supposed to fix up, but ain’t. And that Firefly engine likes to roll out into the road every time the loader knocks the prop down. Might do for the hover, or whatever that is.

Awrighty then, this is lookin’ doable. Rest up for today, move out tonight, head back towards the yard. See what’s what and who’s where, get the plan dialed in.