CHAPTER 13

Hera: Close by the merc ship, approx. 4 AM

Glad they kep’ the red lights, won’t bugger up my night vision while I’m inside.

Seen some movement up top, must be the merc pilot. Minor complication, that. Hoped both of ‘em’d be down here at the ramp. Coulda just dialed down the Callahan and dropped ‘em both from a distance. Gotta do this one the hard way.

That bein’ the case, need to move a bit. Circle round, come up ‘longside the can. He’s been pacin’ from one side to the t’other at the top of the ramp. Take a quick peek, see where he is. Up the ramp quick, take him with my knife. Can shoot the pilot from behind, then scram the core.

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Gettin’ over here was the easy part, now for the hard. Ease on up here just a little more and sneak my eye round the edge.....other side, good. Set the shotgun down, easy. Get my knife out, flip it around, edge out. Here he comes, and............now.

Into the light, onto the ramp, gain speed. Goin’ for his pistol, ain’t gonna make it. Slam into him hard, throw an elbow strike to the face, follow it up with the blade. Try to duck as the blood sprays from his throat, don’t quite make it. He’s down, thrashin’, bleed out in a minute. My right hand and arm are covered.

Knife in scabbard, Callahan out, safety off. Ladder headin’ up, where I wanna go.

Passage looks clear, door to the con is open. Yeah, he’s there. Metal grid deck, gotta be smooth and quiet. Toe then heel, toe then heel, quiet as I can.

Close enough. Take a breath, sights centered on the back of his head. Let it out slow, and squeeeze.... POP. Move in quick now, POP, second for insurance.

Good hits, first prolly was enough. Break the gun open, discard empties, replace with fresh. Back down the passage, check each compartment. Nuthin’, nuthin’, and nuthin’. All clear.

Engine room door ahead, closed. Get to the side, yank it open. Side, side, high, low. Nuthin’.

What a piece of go se. Wires goin’ all over. You boy’s’ve either got balls like