Page 13 of The Warrior's Oath
The compartment’s emergency landing jets had functioned as designed, bringing the unit to a safe landing, though it had smashed a large number of trees in the process. The ground was cold now, but it had been scorched from the touchdown, burning off the undergrowth in an instant, leaving no further fuel to feed any small fires.
Nyota made her way to the edge of the clearing and watched as Korvin stealthily ran to the downed compartment. She couldn’t help but admire the way he moved, so fast and fluid despite his size. In a flash he had crossed the exposed area and was pressed up against the side of the vessel.
Korvin activated a keypad, opening an airlock door she hadn’t even noticed seated seamlessly into the hull. Impressive alien tech, she marveled as he vanished inside in a flash, leaving her all alone.
She studied the ship’s exterior with a more critical eye. It wasn’t really a proper hull, she realized. It was just another part of the larger ship that had been torn apart and thrown toward the surface. An impromptu vessel of sorts. A life raft.
Much as she hated the Raxxians, Nyota had to appreciate the design. The craft had been intended to salvage the Raxxians’ living cargo, but whatever its original purpose was, the long and short was it had saved her and Korvin’s lives.
And now he was inside of this other segment, facing lord knew what dangers while all Nyota could do was watch and wait. The feeling of useless helplessness was maddening.
Minutes stretched on painfully slow as her eyes sat fixed on the gaping airlock door. What might come out, she wondered. There was no way to tell.
Movement caught her attention. Korvin stepped out into the light, a grim look on his face. His posture was relaxed, his limbs hanging loose. There were no threats here.
Nyota didn’t wait for him to signal her. She hurried from the brush, quickly joining him at the ship.
“You do not want to go in there,” he said quietly but firmly.
“What is it? Are there any survivors?”
“Just death and ruin.”
Nyota looked at the craft. It seemed perfectly intact so far as she could tell. “What do you mean? It all looks okay?”
“The compartment was not designed to withstand extreme stresses of attack like a normal ship. They lost pressure at some point,” he replied. “Those inside perished, the craft’s systems melted to slag. Whether it was the cold of space, heat of reentry, or loss of oxygen that killed them is anyone’s guess. None will be telling their tale.”
Nyota didn’t want to ask, but she had to know. “Were there humans?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.” She felt a knot form in her stomach. “And your general?”
“Not present, though one of my kind was. Fortunately, it would have been a quick death.”
He took a deep breath, held it, then let it out. Rolling his shoulders and standing up straight he turned and quickly scrambled atop the compartment, scanning the area, using the elevated position in the clearing as a means to get a better look at their position. A moment later he climbed down to the charred ground.
“There is a small ridge in that direction. A steep climb but ample elevation. From that vantage point I will be able to determine if other compartments came down in the area.”
Nyota sank down to the ground, exhausted. “I need to rest.”
“My general is still out there somewhere. We can rest once he has been found.”
“You don’t get it. I’m not a machine. And I’m obviously not in the same shape you are. I can’t keep up this pace. Not for much longer, anyway. I need to recharge.”
Korvin’s jaw twitched, but he remained silent, his violet eyes fixed on the human woman sitting at his feet, forcing him to proceed so infuriatingly slowly. He took a breath and held it a moment, calming his mind. “Very well,” he said, the tension still clear in his voice. “We will trek clear of this place and make camp.”
“Why not just camp here?”
“The same reason we departed our own landing site. The Raxxians could come at any time. Unarmed and alone as we are? We do not want to be anywhere near if they do.”
She hated to admit it, but she knew he was right. The Raxxians were evil bastards, and she had no intention of ever letting them capture her again. She would have to push on for a little while longer.
“Okay,” she said, struggling to her feet. “Your point is well taken. Lead the way.”
CHAPTERSEVEN
Korvin walked in annoyed silence as he led them from the downed Raxxian transport ship compartment. His body was not as relaxed as before and his eyes were moving constantly, scanning their surroundings for any sign of a threat. Fortunately, none was apparent. Nevertheless, the tension in the air was palpable.
