Page 66 of The Alien Who Saved Christmas
“If you follow us, I’ll hunt you for food. I don’t care how unappetizing you taste.” Xane snapped, barely sparing them a look. “Sadie, come. We must hurry.”
“But, Xane, how are we going to climb all those mountains and…?”
“Rtaharion!” A new voice suddenly thundered from outside. “You might as well give up now! We have you and the woman surrounded!”
Chapter Eighteen
Then villains came to surround the crew,
Tonight, thank God it’s them instead of you.
From “Do Blue Salt Miners Know It’s Christmastime At All?”
A Christmas Carol for Non-Earthlings by Sadie Malone
“Oh no.” Sadie breathed. “The bad guys found us.”
The invading force was enough to panic the Vipri. Lord C’don literally pissed himself. Jynn lost his perpetually bored countenance. In unison, they scampered deeper into the ship, squealing, and shoving each other for better advantage, and desperately searching for hiding spots. Idiots. He should have killed them when he had the chance. Now he had bigger problems.
Xane crossed the bridge to gaze out at the desert night. Through the forward view-screen, he could see Vice-Corporal Siganthum-Rycen Lonel Lonel and a veritable army of men holding glow-torches. They had completely encircled the Class H-77 Cruiser.
“I will have the woman as my wife!” The Vice-Corporal yelled. “If it means everything else on this planet burns, so be it. There isonefemale in this whole system, and she belongs to me!”
Xane gave a snarl that would have done his feral ancestors proud.
“Octopus-guy issucha dick.” Sadie said, coming up beside him. She seemed concerned, but not panicked. She didn’t yet understand what was about to happen. “Does this shiphave guns? Maybe we can shoot him with one of those glint-rays you were talking about.”
“Only Rtaharion technology has glint-weapons. Lythion ships have defenses, but not against individual targets. Just against other ships.” Xane’s mind raced for a way out of the situation, and he only saw one. “There is an escape pod.”
“Yes!” Sadie’s face brightened in relief. “Let’s use that.”
“You know you’re trapped, Rtaharion!” The Vice-Corporal continued. “I’ve promised a turn with her for every man who helps in her capture, and I’ll give the same to you.”
“Holy crap!” Sadie’s nose wrinkled in shocked distaste. “Did you hear what he just said?”
“I heard. Ignore him.” Xane hustled Sadie to the other side of the control room and began pushing buttons to activate the emergency systems. “Escape pods are meant to launch in space and land on the nearest planet. They detect atmosphere.”
“Uh-huh.” Sadie wasn’t really listening. She was staring out at the mob of men who were looking for a way into the ship. Horror began to bleed into her expression. “My God… There’s so many of them.”
“Pay attention to me. Not them.” Xane spoke slower, trying to get her to focus. “We are launching the escape pod inside an atmosphere, so it will shoot you up and then gradually descend, likely far out into the desert. But there are supplies on board, yes? Food and water capsules. Take this, as well.” He handed her the emergency bag he’d hastily thrown together. “It will last you many…”
“Us.” She interrupted, wide eyes cutting around to stare at him. “It will lastus.”
His jaw firmed. “I will not fit in the escape pod. It is built for a much smaller being…”
She cut him off again, her voice higher. “I’m not going without you, Xane!”
“You must.” Two of his hands came up to cradle her face. “There is no other way.”
“No!”
“If you don’t give her to us willingly, we’ll take her!” The Vice-Corporal screamed. “You can’t get away!”
Men were beating on the metal hull of the ship, now. Trying to break in. Loud clangs and furious grunts echoed, as they used brute force to try to rip apart the craft. They were in a frenzy to reach her.
Sadie looked frantic, as she listened to the noise and to Xane’s words. He wished he could comfort her further, but he didn’t have time. He had to keep her safe.
“You will be alright. I swear it.” He reluctantly released her, so he could get the escape pod ready.
