soulban l = desert raiders

8/12/2019 Soulban L = Desert Raiders

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Lucien Soulban Desert R aiders

re#orseless, $%e are !ri&en an! $%e "ear no$%in'( W% oul! $%e 8 T%e are reborn a'ain an! a'ain, rea! $o "i'%$ an! !ie, an!$o con$inue on(**;ou a!#ire $%e#8* =o##issar Re+ail aske!, %is &oice 5ues$ionin', bu$ i$% an ele#en$ o" an accusa$ion lin'erin'(*I a!#ire $%eir ca)aci$ $o !ie,* Das%our sai!( *An #an can oa$%-s ear %is "eal$ $o $%e E#)eror, bu$ %e$%er %e li&es or !ies b$%a$ oa$% is %a$ #akes %i# $rue( I %a&e "ace! !o n !ea$% be"ore an! ne&er once %esi$a$e! in # alle'iance $o $%e >ol!en T%ronean! $%e Hi'% Lor!s o" Terra( I see $%e sa#e in $%e $ rani!s, as )er&er$e! as $%eir cause #a be( I canno$ %el) bu$ a!#ire $%e#, "ori" I can ea$%er # "ai$% a'ains$ $%eirs an! s$an! unbo e!, $%en I %a&e )ro&en # lo al$ $o $%e E#)eror( I ask $%a$ I !ie s$ron'(*

Nisri an! $%e o$%er Turena' no!!e!(*W%a$ can e e1)ec$ "ro# $%e $ rani!s, colonel8* Re+ail aske!, oinin' $%e#(*W%a$ can ou e1)ec$ o" an s$or#8 ;ou can e1)ec$ a )or$ion o" i$ $o s ee) o&er ou %ile $%e re#ain!er con$inues on i$s )a$%,so#e%o un!i#inis%e!( ;ou canno$ run an! en'a'e $%e# in #o&in' ba$$les, ou ill onl !ie $ire!( T%e are relen$less(**T%ere 'oes our a!&an$a'e,* Turk sai!(*9n"or$una$el ( T%e bes$ e can %o)e "or is $o bunker !o n an! ea$%er $%eir onslau'%$(**We nee! #ore $i#e $o )re)are,* Das%our sai!( *Once $%e $ rani!s s$ar$ #o&in', $%e ill no$ s$o)( T%e *ll be on $o) o" us i$%in%ours(**A'ree!,* Nisri re)lie!( *We #us$ "or$i" $%is )osi$ion( Mean %ile, I ill bu us $%e $i#e e nee!(*

Nisri s$oo! an! en$ $o $%e &o1 o)era$or( He $ook $%e %an!se$( *Ma or Hussari, $%is is base ca#)(**;es, sir,* Hussari*s &oice crackle! back(*Ho close are $%e $ rani!s $o #o&in', in our es$i#a$ion(**I is% I coul! sa , sir((( a "e #ore %ours(**T%en I %a&e a 'rea$ $ask $o ask o" ou. I nee! our s5ua!rons $o en'a'e $%e $ rani! %os$ be"ore $%e #o&e, an! !ra $%e# in $%eo))osi$e !irec$ion(*T%e line en$ !ea! "or a #o#en$, $%e ei'%$ o" $%e re5ues$ %ea& in $%e air( Finall , $%e line crackle!( *T%a$*s ei'%$een bir!sa'ains$ le'ions o" ene#ies, sir**I a# a are o" $%a$,* Nisri sai!( T%e ca#) nee!s #ore $i#e $o )re)are( We nee! ou $o bai$ $%e ene# a a "ro# %ere( Do so an!ou ill be sa&in' $%e li&es o" %un!re!s o" #en(*Ano$%er )ause( *9n!ers$oo!, sir( We*ll en'a'e $%e ene# $%e #o#en$ $%e a))ear rea! $o #o&e(**Ackno le!'e!, Ma or Hussari( Fi'%$ i$% $%e E#)eror*s 'race(*

Nisri )u$ !o n $%e %an!se$, %al"-e1)ec$in' an ar'u#en$ "ro# Turk, bu$ Turk si#)l no!!e!( He un!ers$oo! $%e necessi$ o" $%e"ein$ an! $%e sacri"ice(*Tell $%e #en %a$*s %a))enin',* Nisri sai!( *Tell $%e# $o )re)are "or a lar'e-scale assaul$( We nee! $o "or$i" our )osi$ions(*O""icers %urrie! ou$ o" $%e co##an! bunker $o rela $%e or!ers( Turk, %o e&er, %esi$a$e! be"ore lea&in'( He !re in close $o Nisri(

*We*re e1)ose! ou$ %ere, sir,* Turk sai!( *Surel ou can see $%a$( T%e ca&es-**T%e ca&es are o""-li#i$s,* Nisri sai!, 5uie$l ( *Ha&e =a)$ain Toria an! Ser'ean$ 7allasra re$urne! e$8**T%e *re !ue $o arri&e s%or$l ,* Turk sai!(*>oo!( We*ll nee! all $%e %el) e can 'e$(**;es, sir,* Turk sai!, sna))in' $o a salu$e be"ore lea&in'(

2

THE T;RANID HORDE #illin' abou$ a$ $%e e!'es o" $%e snail s%i) see#e! $o 'ro lar'er b $%e #o#en$( T%e #ore Ma or Hussaria$c%e! $%e# $%rou'% %is )air o" #a'noculars, $%e #ore cer$ain %e as o" %is i#)en!in' !ea$%(T%e $ rani!s see#e! !i&erse an! uni"or# a$ $%e sa#e $i#e( He coul! i!en$i" &arious s)ecies, bu$ $%e s$ra$a see#e! #an , "ar $oo#an "or %is e es $o i!en$i" ( T%e #o&e! in an! aroun! one ano$%er, like curren$s in $%e ocean, ne&er colli!in' or $ra#)lin' oneano$%er un!er"oo$. a 'rea$ c%oreo'ra)% o" or'anis#s i$% one s%are! $%ou'%$( T%e s#aller s ar#s kne %en $o s%i"$ an! #o&earoun! $%e lar'er, $ank-like crea$ures( T%ere as no %esi$a$ion in $%eir s$e)s( T%e scu$$le! aroun! i#)a$ien$l on cla e! "ee$,

)ereo)o!s bris$lin' i$% $%orns or on $%eir bellies( None sle)$( None ai$e!( T%e ere ea'er $o be unleas%e!, an! $%e !in $%e#a!e 're s$ea!il (A 'loss cara)ace co&ere! $%eir bo!ies, $%eir %ea!s an! ribca'es )la$e! i$% $%orn bone s%iel!s( 7arbe! $on'ues !ar$e! "ro#

be$ een ro s o" s)ike!, nee!le-like $ee$% #oun$e! in )o er"ul a s( So#e sla&ere!, $%eir s)i$$le scorc%in' $%e 'lass lake u)on%ic% $%e ai$e!( An! s$ill, Hussari coul! no$ %el) bu$ s$are a$ $%eir li#bs, #ul$i)le ar#s $%a$ "lo e! in$o icke!-lookin'sc $%es, cur&e! $alons "or %an!s, c%es$ $en$acles i$% %ooke! suckers, an! $ails $%a$ en!e! in s$abbin' lances or elon 'a$e! s$in'ers(T%e o""ere! so #an %orrible a s $o !ie, an! all %ile s$arin' in$o $%eir black, i#)assi&e, ab sslike e es(Hussari also no$ice! $%a$ so#e o" $%e# carrie! or'anic-lookin' cannons, )o ere! b )ulsin' &eins an! )is$on-like #uscles( T%ecannons #el$e! in$o $%eir ar#s an! backs( T%a$ alone "ri'%$ene! Hussari be on! reason( 7e$$er $o $%ink o" $%e# as ani#als, i$%no $%ou'%$ be on! $%e bases$ ins$inc$s( T%e ea)ons i#)lie! col! calcula$in' in$elli'ence( T%e ea)ons i#)lie! $ac$ics an!

)lannin', an! an a'en!a(Hussari )ri&a$el curse! $%e #a'ni"ica$ion s$ren'$% o" %is #a'noculars, %ic% s%o e! %i# "ar $oo #uc% !e$ail( He 'rabbe! $%e&o1 $%a$ Cubak %el! "or %i# an! !elibera$el si'%e! be"ore s)eakin'(*So %a$ a# I lookin' a$8* Hussari aske!(*;ou see $%e ea)ons8* Das%our aske!, %is &oice cracklin' o&er $%e line(*So#e sor$ o" or'anic 'un i$% cable "ee!s $ie! back in$o $%eir bo!ies8* Hussari sai!( *W%a$ !o $%e 'uns "ire8**Horror,* Das%our re)lie!( *I" ou*re luck , $%e *ll "ire s)ines i$% !ea!l )oisons $%a$ cri))le an! kill(*


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*An! i" I*# unluck 8* Hussari aske!( He looke! a$ Cubak an! s%ook %is %ea!( Cubak #irrore! $%e sen$i#en$(*T%e *ll "ire a a! o" or#s $%a$ ill bore in$o our bo! an! ea$ our ner&es un$il ou !ie screa#in', or a clus$er o" bee$les $%a$ill !e&our clo$%in', ar#our, "les% an! bone(**Won!er"ul,* Hussari #u$$ere!(*Don*$ un!eres$i#a$e $%e s#all ones( T%e are $%e "as$es$ on $%e ba$$le"iel!( T%e ill $r $o o&er$ake ou an! s ar# ou( T%e *ll!ra' ou !o n( I" $%e canno$ kill ou o"", $%e *ll slo ou !o n lon' enou'% "or $%eir allies $o "inis% $%e ob( T%e lar'er ones killan! so $error b a!in' in$o $%e ranks o" ene#ies( T%e lar'es$ are $%ere $o break $%rou'% !e"ences(**9n!ers$oo!, #a or,* Hussari sai!, $r in' $o )us% $%e "ear "ro# %is $%ou'%$s, $r in' $o "in! so#e$%in' $o ins)ire %i# an! %is )ilo$s(*Do e %a&e an a!&an$a'es o&er $%e#8**Ran'e,* Das%our re)lie! a"$er a #o#en$*s consi!era$ion( *T%e %a&e so#e ea)ons $%a$ can #a$c% ours, bu$ no$ $%e "as$ ones, no$"ro# %a$ I re#e#ber( T%e s#all ones are !ea!l i$%in close ran'e, #os$l **Are $%ere an ((( co##an!in' o""icers in $%eir ranks8 So#e$%in' e can kill $o so con"usion8**No$%in' ou can easil i!en$i" ( Alrea! , b our !escri)$ions, $%ese $ rani!s see# !i""eren$ "ro# $%e ones e "ace!, bu$ $%a$*s $o

be e1)ec$e!(**Di""eren$8*T%e line crackle!( *T%e ones e "ace!,* Das%our sai!, * ere #os$l sub$erranean ! ellers, !i''ers( T%e use! borin' %orns, !ir$ea$ers an! aci! $o burro $%rou'% $%e ear$%( I sus)ec$ $%e ones ou !escribe! are be$$er a!a)$e! $o $%e !eser$( T%eir colourin'#a$c%es $%e san!, es8*Hussari s$are! $%rou'% $%e #a'noculars a$ $%e $ rani!s* )i'#en$s, $%e oran'e an! $an #o$$lin'( I$ as a )er"ec$ #irror $o $%esurroun!in' san!s( *T%e !o(**I*&e %ear! o" s)lin$er "lee$s 5uie$l orbi$in' )lane$s "or eeks, reabsorbin' $%eir o n bio#ass $o crea$e ne arriors sui$e! $o $%e

)lane$ belo (**9n!ers$oo!,* Hussari sai!( *T%e ne s as 'ro in' 'ri##er b $%e #o#en$( No$ onl ere $%e s#ar$, bu$ $%e %a! also a!a)$e!$o :%a!ar alrea! ( Ho lon' %a! $%e been u) $%ere8 I$ !i!n*$ #a$$er, Hussari realise!( T%e a!&an$a'e as $%eirs in e&er a (*Ma or, lis$en,* Das%our sai!, a li$$le #ore 5uie$l ( *T%e $ rani!s )ossess s%are! $%ou'%$s, bu$ "ro# %a$ I*&e %ear! abou$ $%e#, $%e%a&e #as$ers((( a link $%rou'% %ic% $%eir $%ou'%$s "lo (**Woul! i$ be on $%a$ snail s%i) o" $%eirs8**6er%a)s( I can*$ sa i$% an cer$ain$ , bu$ es, I belie&e a #as$er $ rani! oul! re#ain on-boar! s%i) "or sa"e$ ( I" i$ !ies, $%e$ rani! link is s%a$$ere!(**T%ank ou, #a or,* Hussari sai!( *I %a&e an i!ea, bu$ I*ll nee! $o s)eak $o =olonel Dakar "irs$**=er$ainl , bu$ one #ore $%in'/ I su''es$ ou i$%!ra back $o $%e Sen$inels( So#e $ rani!s are ca)able o" "li'%$, bu$ o$%ers((($%e *re c%a#eleons(*

3

*IWON *T LIE $o ou,* Hussari sai!, * e "ace a 'ri# $ask(*Si1$een #en s$oo! in a se#i-circle aroun! Ma or Hussari( T%eir Sen$inels ai$e! be%in! $%e#, close $o $%e 'roun! an! i!lin',rea! "or ac$ion a$ a #o#en$*s no$ice(*T%e ou$)os$ nee!s #ore $i#e $o s%ore u) i$s !e"ences, an! $%e nee! us $o bu $%e# $%a$ $i#e,* Hussari sai!(*M "a$%er oul! !iso n #e i" %e kne I as sa&in' a bunc% o" Turena',* =or)oral


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$o !i'es$ an! a!! $o $%eir bir$%in' "ac$oru#s( T%e $ rani!s on $%e 'roun! alrea! see#e! ea'er an! ski$$is%( T%e a))eare! $os#ell $%e air, !ra in' on so#e scen$ $%a$ !ro&e $%e# $o a 'rea$er "ren+(Ma or Hussari )ra e! $%e coul!n*$ s#ell $%e "ear i#)re'na$in' e&er !ro) o" %is s ea$( T%e $ rani!s re#aine! in $%eir clus$ers,%o e&er, a'i$a$e! bu$ o$%er ise !isci)line!(T%e o)enin' sal&o cau'%$ $%e $ rani!s b sur)rise( Si1 bir!s "ro# $%e &arious s5ua!rons =a!ian-an! Ar#a'e!!on-)a$$ernSen$inels, s oo)e! o&er $%e li) o" a !une an! o)ene! "ire i$% $%eir lon'-ran'e 'uns( T%e air crackle! i$% $%e ener' "ire o" $%elascannons, %ile $%e "as$ re&ol&in' c%a#bers o" $%e au$ocannons s)e e! ou$ a s$ea! c%ain o" roun!s( T%e Sen$inels con$inue!runnin' alon' $%e !une*s ri!'e, $%eir 'uns s i&elle! $o ar!s $%e $ rani! #ob an! "irin' blin!l i$% accura$e !e&as$a$ion(Trani!s e1)lo!e! "ro# $%e au$ocannon "ire, $%e s$rea# o" s%ells s$i$c%in' i$s )a$% $%rou'% $%eir ranks an! $earin' cra$ers incara)ace, bone an! 'lass( T%e lascannon unleas%e! s$ea! bea#s in$o #ore crea$ures, &a)orisin' s#aller $ar'e$s an! )unc%in'searin' %oles $%rou'% $%e lar'er ones( T%e $ rani!s ere so $i'%$l clus$ere!, i$ as eas s%oo$in'( Al#os$ e&er secon! !re i$ss%are o" $ rani! ic%or(Ma or Hussari coul! %a&e s$a e! on $%e !une*s li) "or a lon' %ile, s$ra"in' $%e ene# lines an! &en$in' $%e le$%ar' o" $%e las$"e #on$%s, bu$ $%e $ rani!s ere reac$in' "ar $oo 5uickl "or %is $as$e( Fro# $%e #o#en$ $%e "irs$ s%o$s lan!e!, $%e $ rani!ss%rieke! in a caco)%on o" &oices, an! be'an #o&in' as one( T%e 'lass "iel! cracke! an! broke un!er $%e co#bine! ei'%$ o" $%e$ rani!s #o&in' i$% a uni$e! )ur)ose( So#e ere alrea! "irin' back i$% elec$ricall c%ar'e! roun!s(Man s%o$s lan!e! co#"or$abl s%or$ o" $%e bir!s, bu$ a clus$er o" $ rani!s i$% si#ian-like s a''ers an! li#bs carrie! #oun$e!cannons on $%eir backs, $%eir a##o sacs )ulsin' an! $%robbin'( T%e brace!, an! $%e $en!on )is$ons on $%eir or'anic cannonscon$rac$e!( 7lue elec$rici$ en&elo)e! $%e cannon #u++les as $%e crea$ures "ire! clus$ere! s)ores a$ $%e Sen$inels(*Sca$$er?* Hussari sai! in$o %is #icro-bea!( A &olle o" elec$ri"ie! s%o$s saile! $%rou'% $%e air, al#os$ la+ in $%eir arcs( T%e bir!s

broke "or#a$ion !o n $%e !une slo)e, eac% o" $%e# scra#blin' $o re oin $%eir s5ua!rons "or $%e #a! run(Hussari silen$l blesse! eac% #an "or %is skill as $%e bir!s %al" ran, %al" ska$e! !o n $%e !une*s back( 6is$ons %ine! an!con$or$e! #e$al 'roane! as $%e Sen$inels #o&e! in a s $%e eren*$ #ean$ $o #o&e( T%e s%oul! %a&e $ri))e! an! "allen, bu$ $%e

)ilo$s ere $raine! "or !eser$ co#ba$, $raine! $o s$a on $%eir "ee$ in $%e #os$ une&en o" $errains(7e%in! $%e#, $%e s)ores %isse! an! )o))e!( Hussari 'lance! back ar!s an! sa $%e s)ore )o!s e1)lo!e on $%eir !escen$( T%eunleas%e! a su!!en rain o" lon' nee!les $%a$ )e))ere! $%e san!, #issin' all bu$ one Sen$inel, a s$ra''ler $%a$ %a! reac$e! $ooslo l $o $%e !an'er( Hussari a$c%e! in %orror as $%e nee!les i#be!!e! $%e#sel&es in$o $%e s$eel c%assis o" =or)oral :a!i ;*!ar*s

bir!( Se&eral s%o$s breac%e! $%e cano) an! i#)ale! :a!i*s "les% i$% "i"$een cen$i#e$re-lon' nee!les( E&en "ro# %ere %e as,Hussari sa $%e nee!les s)innin', !rillin' $%rou'% s$eel an! skin(:a!i screa#e! an! con$or$e! in )ain insi!e %is cock)i$( His bir! $o))le! en! o&er en! !o n $%e !une, $o ar!s Hussari an! o$%ers(*Mo&e?* Hussari s%ou$e! as :a!i*s bir! barrelle! !o n on $%e#( Hussari )us%e! %is bir! in$o a lon' s$ri!e an! u#)e! !o n in$o$%e $rou'% be$ een $%e !unes( His ac$ua$ors an! )is$ons ra$$le! %ar!, an! Hussari as renc%e! !o n $i'%$ b %is sa"e$ %arness(

T%e bir!s sca$$ere! in $i'%$ $urns alon' $%e $rou'%, al#os$ bein' u)en!e! in $%e )rocess, bu$ :a!i*s Sen$inel rolle! )as$ $%e#,kickin' u) s)ra s o" san!, an! barel #issin' $%e o$%er )ilo$s(Hussari 'roane! i$% relie" be"ore ellin' in$o %is #icro-bea!/ *>o, 'o, 'o?*T%e Sen$inels s)li$ $o re oin $%eir s5ua!rons( T%e !unes s%e! s%ee$s o" san! "ro# $%e a))roac%in' $ rani! s$a#)e!e(

= OR6ORAL ELA6H = ARTO9: , s5ua!ron lea!er o" $%e 7urnin' Falcons, la on %is s$o#ac% a$ $%e e!'e o" $%e !une an! s$are!$%rou'% %is #a'noculars( He "el$ e1)ose! ou$si!e %is bir!, so close $o $%e snail s%i), bu$ as Ma or Hussari %a! )ro#ise!, $%eira$$ack as !ra in' $%e $ rani! %or!e a a ( He a$c%e! as $%e s ar# s$rea#e! o&er an! aroun! $%e !unes, in $%e o))osi$e!irec$ion( =ar$ouk brea$%e! a si'% o" relie", an! s$are! a$ $%e snail s%i)( Onl a %an!"ul o" $%e crea$ures re#aine!(*W%a$ no 8* 6ri&a$e Dubar Iban Dubar %is)ere!( He as a oun' #an, barel a ca#)ai'n ol!, bu$ alrea! "a#iliar i$% "i'%$in'$%e $ rani!s(*E#)eror illin', Hussari ill kee) $%e $ rani!s bus lon' enou'% "or rein"orce#en$s $o arri&e(**So e ai$8*

*We ai$*A"$er a #o#en$, Dubar %is)ere!, *I ne&er $%ou'%$ I*! be %o)in' "or a 7anna $o succee!(*

5

To THE 9NTRAINED e e, $%e s5ua!rons !i!n*$ a))ear $o be o)era$in' $o'e$%er, bu$ $%en a'ain, $%is asn*$ $ank ar"are( T%eSen$inels use! $%eir s)ee! $o $%eir a!&an$a'e, ea&in' aroun! one ano$%er an! %o)e"ull raisin' enou'% !us$ $o blin! $%e ene#

be%in! $%e#( T%e Sen$inels ere in con$ac$ i$% eac% o$%er, eac% s5ua!ron a$c%in' ou$ "or i$s o n, an! $%e s5ua!ronco##an!ers ans erin' $o Hussari(Ser'ean$ =or$ikas la$%*s s5ua!ron, $%e War =%asers, s)li$ $o $%e eas$, $akin' a )or$ion o" $%e $ rani! broo! i$% $%e#( He#anoeu&re! $%rou'% $%e $rou'%s o" $%e !une sea, %is 'eneral course alrea! !e$er#ine!( A$ "irs$ $%e $ rani!s $rie! o&er$akin' %i#

b #oun$in' $%e !une cres$s, bu$ $%a$ slo e! $%e# e&en "ur$%er( E&en$uall , $%e $ rani!s learne!, an! "unnelle! $%rou'% $%e #a+eo" "urro s, "ollo in' $%e s5ua!ron like $%e %ea! o" a "loo!(*Ser'ean$?* a &oice crie! o&er $%e #icro-bea!( I$ belon'e! $o 6ri&a$e Dee$er Mo%ar, a s)o$$ )ilo$ i$% one ca#)ai'n un!er %is bel$alrea! ( *T%e *re s)li$$in' o""?*Ia$% )i&o$e! in %is sea$ $o look, $%e Sen$inels #o&in' an! ra$$lin' $oo #uc% "or %i# $o #ake use o" rear-re"lec$ors( 7e%in! %i#, a'rou) o" crea$ures as &eerin' o"" in$o a connec$in' c%annel( T%e ere 5uick runners, $%eir si1 le's barel $ouc%in' $%e san!,


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8

= OR6ORAL R AWAN LED %is Hol S$ri!ers $%rou'% $%e une&en !une can ons( His aus)e1 as a collision o" $o)o'ra)%icalin"or#a$ion, a #ess o" orbi$al resonance $aken %en $%e lan!e! o&er $%ree #on$%s a'o an! $%e curren$ !a$a s$rea#in' $%rou'%aus)e1( Wi$% an an'r snarl, %e s%u$ o"" $%e ol! in$el. $%e !unes s%i"$e! 5uickl aroun! %ere an! $%e orbi$al scans ere no lon'er

&ali!( He*! %a&e $o rel on aus)e1 $o na&i'a$e $%rou'% $%e #a+e o" !unes, re'ar!less o" %o li#i$e! i$s ran'e(More s%o$s screa#e! b Ra an*s bir!( He 'lance! back an! realise! $%a$ $%e $ rani! s ar#s c%asin' %i# ere onl #e$res be%in!( T%e !a#n $%in's ere "as$, an! no #a$$er %a$ %e !i!, %is s5ua!ron coul!n*$ s%ake $%e#( T%e beas$s ere relen$less, an!"or $%e )as$ cou)le o" %ours since $%is be'an, $%e *! been 'ainin' s$ea!il (T%e collec$i&e s%rieks s$ar$le! Ra an as si1-le''e! runners launc%e! $%e#sel&es a$ $%e Sen$inels( Ra an a$c%e! in %orror as $ oo" $%e crea$ures la$c%e! on $o $%e rear#os$ Sen$inel, )ilo$e! b 6ri&a$e El#a Taris( One o" $%e crea$ures $rie! $o 'rab an e1%aus$s$ack an! )ull i$sel" u), bu$ burne! i$s %an! on $%e su)er-%o$ #e$al( I$ le$ 'o i$% an an'r cr , bu$ %el! on $o $%e #ul$i-lasercannon an! i$s ba$$er )acks i$% i$s o$%er $%ree ar#s(T%e secon! runner as alrea! a$o) $%e cano) "ra#e, unbalancin' Taris*s bir!( Taris "ou'%$ "or con$rol, an! $%e las$ $%in' Ra ansa be"ore $urnin' a a as $%e crea$ure a$o) $%e cano) )lun'in' $ o s)ike! )ere-o)o!s in$o $%e cock)i$( A 'e ser o" ar$erials)ra "ollo e!( T%e Sen$inel "ell, an! Ra an )ra e! $%a$ Taris oul! be !ea! lon' be"ore $%e !e&ourin' %or!e s e)$ o&er %i#(Ra an*s aus)e1 )icke! u) #ore #o&e#en$ alon' $%e a! acen$ !unes( T%e $ rani!s ere #o&in' alon' $%e ri!'e cres$s, "irin'!o n a$ $%e#( T%is $i#e $%e )ack consis$e! o" lar'er crea$ures/ clo&en-%oo"e!, bone-cres$ s e)$ bro s, #ul$i- oin$e! le's, u))er

ar#s $%a$ see#e! $o #el$ in$o sc $%es an! )airs o" lo er ar#s $%a$ %el! bone-'uns( W%a$ $%e lacke! in s)ee!, $%e #a!e u) "or inran'e(*No?* Ra an crie!, 'i&in' &oice $o %is ors$ "ears( T%e Hol S$ri!ers ere abou$ $o be o&er$aken(T%e $ rani!s o)ene! "ire, )e))erin' $%e Sen$inels i$% a sal&o o" s%o$s( Ra an #ana'e! $o )i&o$ %is bir!*s cabin in $i#e, allo in'$%e $ in e1%aus$ s$acks be%in! %is cock)i$ $o s%iel! %i#( 6ri&a$e Da#ous Obasra, in $%e Sen$inel a%ea! o" Ra an, asn*$ so luck (He s)un %is "ra#e aroun!, bu$ a roun! s)la$$ere! a'ains$ %is cano) "ra#e, an! %is "ace( He screa#e! as $%e aci!ic 'lobules!es$ro e! %is oculars, an! $%en a$$acke! "les% an! bone( Wi$%in secon!s, %is en$ire skull a))eare! $o colla)se, ri'%$ be"ore Obasra*s!ea$% s)as#s sen$ %is Sen$inel cras%in' $o $%e 'roun!(Ra an $rie! $o a&oi! $%e "allen bir!, bu$ %e cli))e! $%e Sen$inel on %is a )as$, $an'lin' %is le's i$% Obasra*s( T%e s$eerin'le&ers %i))e! ou$ o" Ra an*s %an!s an! %is Sen$inel "ell %ar!( I$ cras%e! an! rolle! a cou)le o" $i#es be"ore "inall co#in' $o as$o)(Des)i$e $%e sa"e$ %arness lockin' %i# in )lace, $%e "all knocke! $%e in! "ro# Ra an*s lun's( He as ra$$le! an! on %is si!e( Hekne enou'% $o kno $%a$ %e as in $rouble as %e "u#ble! "or $%e %ols$er sna) o" %is las)is$ol( T%e $ rani!s ere bearin' !o n on

%i#, $%e cri$$ers runnin' "ull bore on all si1 le's $o reac% %i#( T%e ere a %an!"ul o" #e$res a a %en Ra an #ana'e! $o )ull%is )is$ol( 9n"or$una$el , ins$inc$ $ook o&er %en $%e crea$ures launc%e! $%e#sel&es a$ %i#, $%eir #ou$%s o)en i!e an! $%eircar$ila'e $on'ues e$ i$% clear #ucus( Ra an "ire! $ o cracklin' las-s%o$s $%a$ ioni+e! $%e air i$% ello bea#s( T%e "irs$ s%o$

bounce! o"" a beas$*s e1oskele$on ar#our, bu$ $%e secon! s%o$ cau'%$ i$ in $%e #ou$%( T%e !a''er o" li'%$ )unc%e! $%rou'% $%e back o" i$s skull(A lar'e $ rani! lan!e! a$o) $%e Sen$inel, rockin' i$ i$% i$s ei'%$( I$s sc $%e ar# s$abbe! $%rou'% $%e cano) "ra#e, an! $%rou'%$%e #ea$ an! #uscle o" Ra an*s $%i'%( He $rie! $o screa#, $rie! $o !ra %is )is$ol u) $o %is $e#)le, bu$ $%e #ons$er &o#i$e! on %isar#s( T%e ello is% #ucus be'an $o !issol&e %is bo! ( Ra an*s %an! "ell o"", !ro))in' $%e )is$ol, $%e caus$ic bile ins$an$l!isin$e'ra$in' $%e e1)ose! bone( I$ as breakin' %i# !o n in$o bio-sou)( Ra an con$inue! screa#in' as $%e $ rani!s arri&e! $ola) u) $%e re#ains o" %is !issol&in' bo! , $%eir %ea!s "i'%$in' $o )us% $%rou'% $%e "ra#e o" %is e1)ose! cano) (

9

THE; WERE OVER a !o+en kilo#e$res a a "ro# $%e snail s%i) %en $%e s#all cara&an o" $ o Hell%oun!s an! si1 Sen$inels ca#e$o res$( T%e Hell%oun!s ere #o!i"ie! $roo) carriers, eac% e5ui))e! i$% an in"erno cannon an! a $urre$-#oun$e! %ea& bol$er(T%e $ o s5ua!rons o" Sen$inels consis$e! o" =a$ac%an- an! Mars-)a$$ern bir!s, s%or$-ran'e &e%icles !esi'ne! $o s)rea! $error$%rou'% $%e ranks o" an ene# $%a$ "el$ no "ear(=or)oral =ar$ouk as a$ $%e cres$ o" $%e !une, s$arin' ou$ a$ $%e $ rani! s%i) $%rou'% %is #a'noculars, %en $%e &e%icles arri&e! in$%e !une $rou'% belo %is )erc%( He sli! !o n $%e san! slo)e, !e#an!in', *Is $%is i$8 Is $%is our su))or$8**I$*s all ou*re 'e$$in',* Ser'ean$ H*lal O!assa o" $%e Dus$ Marau!ers s5ua!ron sai!, s$an!in' u) in %is cock)i$( He s$re$c%e! ou$ %is

back( *An!, as senior o""icer,* %e 'run$e!, * ou*re # su))or$, as o" no(*=ar$ouk i'nore! Iban Dubar*s 5uick in!i'nan$ 'lance a$ %i#( No as no$ $%e $i#e $o in!ul'e $%e $ )ical 7annaGTurena' ri&alries(*;es, sir,* %e sai!(T%e $ o Turena' #oun$e! $%eir bir!s an! %eele! $%e# aroun! $o "ollo in s$e) be%in! O!assa*s Dus$ Marau!ers an! $%e secon!

s5ua!ron, $%e 7li'%$ T%orns(

THE 6LAN WAS si#)le, con"erre! o&er #icro-bea! on $%eir a $o $%e snail s%i)( T%e 7li'%$ T%orns oul! s$ra"e $%e s#all s ar#ss$ill #illin' abou$ $%e base o" $%e $ rani! &essel an! !ra $%e# in$o 'i&in' c%ase( T%e 7urnin' Falcons, $%e Dus$ Marau!ers an!$ o Hell%oun!s oul! $%en a$$ack $%e s%i) an! a$$e#)$ $o 'ain en$r ( >i&en $%e si+e $%a$ so#e $ rani!s reac%e!, O!assa reasone!$%a$ $%e coul! en$er $%e &essel i$% $%eir &e%icles an! !es$ro bo$% i$ an! an %i&e-#in! !ri&in' $%e s ar#s(


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=ar$ouk !islike! $%e )lan i##e!ia$el an! e1)resse! %is !oub$s, as one o" $%e onl &e$erans $o %a&e "ace! $%e $ rani!s( Nobo! , in%is e1)erience, %a! e&er en$ere! a $ rani! &essel, an! nobo! kne %a$ $o e1)ec$ insi!e( Moreo&er, an nu#ber o" $%e ene#coul! be ai$in' i$%in, an! onl $%e E#)eror kne %a$ s%a)es an! %orrors a ai$e! $%e#(O!assa %a! %is or!ers, %o e&er, an! %e as !ea! se$ on killin' $%e $ rani! #in! beas$s, an! )ro&in' $%e %ero o" $%e !a ( No$ $%a$O!assa sai! $%a$, bu$ =ar$ouk assu#e! as #uc%(So((( us$ ou$ o" si'%$ o" $%e s%i), nes$le! be$ een $%e boso# o" !unes, $%e s5ua!rons an! Hell%oun!s ai$e!( T%e 7li'%$ T%orns*

)ilo$s, 5uie$ $o $%e las$, s$rea#e! )as$ $%e !unes an! buil$ u) s$ea# on $%eir run "or $%e s%i)( =ar$ouk lis$ene! o&er $%e &o1, an! $o%a$ %e coul! %ear i$%in ears%o$(*=on$ac$?* a &oice sai! o&er $%e &o1(T%e %oos% o" )ro#e$%iu#-!ri&en "la#ers, an! $%e s$ea! )ulse o" las-"ire bein' s)e e! ou$ "ro# $%e ro$a$in' barrels, soun!e!o&er $%e !unes, "ollo e! b $%e ec%oes o" $errible screec%es( A ru#ble "ille! $%e air, an! $%e 'roun! s%ook, $%e !unes slou'%in' o"" s%ee$s o" san!(*We 'o$ $%e# #a!,* $%e &o1 c%a$$er sai!( *Disen'a'e an! run?*=ar$ouk an! $%e o$%ers lis$ene!, $%eir collec$i&e brea$%s %el! an! $%eir )lan %in'in' on $%is )recise #o#en$( A"$er %a$ see#e!like "ore&er, $%e ru#ble "a!e!, $%e san! no lon'er s%ook an! $%e s%rieks 're !is$an$(*Re)or$,* O!assa sai!, %is &oice %us%e! o&er $%e &o1( *Ho #an !i! ou )ull a a 8**I !on*$ kno ,* $%e &oice ran' back, *a 'oo! nu#ber( *T%ere*re "ar less o" $%ose bas$ar!s $%ere no , I kno $%a$*O!assa ai$e! ano$%er 'ruellin' %al"-%our be"ore !eci!in' $%a$ $%e s ar#s ere "ar enou'% a a ( T%e blue sun %a! !i))e! !o n$o $%e %ori+on, bu$ $%e air oul! no$ be cool "or so#e $i#e( T%e 'lass "iel!s ere s$ill %o$, !es)i$e $%e e$s o" 'as belc%e! ou$ b $%es%i)(On O!essa*s or!er, =ar$ouk an! Iban Dubar "ollo e! $%e Dus$ Marau!ers aroun! $%e !une an! ou$ in$o $%e o)en( T%e s%i) loo#e!in$o &ie , su!!enl lar'er an! #ore sinis$er a'ains$ $%e se$$in' sun( T%e 'lass "iel!, cracke! an! broken b $%e ei'%$ o" $%e$ rani! s ar#s, re"lec$e! $%e !usk li'%$ like a $%ousan! lakes( T%e )ilo$s "u#ble! "or $%e !i""usion oculars an! s un' a i!e arearoun! $%e s%i), #akin' i$ look as $%ou'% $%e ere 'oin' $o s$ra"e an! run(S#all s ar#s o" $ rani!s, nu#berin' in $%e !o+ens, i##e!ia$el #o&e! $o in$erce)$ "ro# $%eir nes$s aroun! $%e &essels( T%ese

beas$s ere lar'er an! slo er $%an $%eir co#ra!es( T%e ere scor)ion-like i$% ei'%$ )ereo)o!s $%a$ en!e! in icke!l cur&e!sc $%es $%a$ clacke! a'ains$ $%e 'lass "iel!s( T%eir bo!ies ere lon' an! se'#en$e!, an! #easure! u) $o $%e Sen$inel in s$a$ure,%en $%e rose on $%eir back "our le's an! lun'e! $o a$$ack $%e bir!s i$% $%eir "ron$ "our( Se'#en$s o" lon' bone-)la$e ran "ro#$%eir %ea!s, !o n $%e len'$% o" $%eir s)ines, an! en!e! in lon' $ails an! bulbs o" $%orn barbs(Se&eral o" %a$ =ar$ouk calle! *scor)ions* las%e! ou$ i$% $%eir $ails, "irin' a s)ra o" barbs a$ $%e Sen$inels( A )ilo$ screa#e! o&er $%e &o1, an! =ar$ouk $urne! in $i#e $o see a Dus$ Marau!er $u#ble $o $%e 'roun! an! crack $%e 'lass( T%e )ilo$ as ri!!le! i$%$%e s)ines an! screa#in', %is skin bul'in' un!er $%e s$rain o" $%e %un!re!s o" el$s $%a$ ere #er'in' an! 'ro in', an! $earin'

$%e skin o)en(=ar$ouk looke! a a ( He %a! %is o n )roble#s, #ore scor)ions ere c%asin' $%e#, a 'oo! $%ree !o+en b aus)e1 coun$( Tone runes also a))eare! on aus)e1, co#in' u) "as$ be%in! $%e s ar#s( I$ as orkin', =ar$ouk $%ou'%$( T%e %a!n*$ s)o$$e! $%eHell%oun!s sneakin' u)(T%e Sen$inels o&e in be$ een eac% o$%er, $r in' $o $ri) u) $%eir )ursuers( T%is s$ra$e' as "ar easier %en use! a'ains$ $%e orks,%ose &e%icles ere no$ as ni#ble as $%e $ rani!s an! #ore )rone $o collisions( I$ !i!n*$ #a$$er in $%is ins$ance, %o e&er( T%e $ os5ua!rons ere #erel $%e %ea! o" $%e snake, ea&in' back an! "or$%, !is$rac$in' $%e $ rani!s "ro# $%e real $%rea$ be%in! $%e#(T%e $ o Hell%oun!s su!!enl announce! $%eir )resence( T%e )ulle! u) alon'si!e $%e rear-#os$ scor)ions, "lankin' $%e $rain onei$%er si!e, an! "ire! i$% $%eir in"erno cannons( S$ick )ro#e$%iu# "la#e s e)$ o&er $%e s ar#s, en'ul"in' $%e# be"ore $%ecoul! reac$( E&en a%ea! o" $%e #ob, =ar$ouk coul! "eel $%e %ea$ sur'e a$ %is back, blis$erin' $%e )ain$ ob on %is bir!( His earsac%e! i$% $%e !ea$% cries o" %is )ursuers(*No ?* O!assa screa#e! o&er $%e &o1(T%e "our Sen$inels broke "or#a$ion an! sca$$ere! in !i""eren$ !irec$ions( T%e s ar# as !is$rac$e!, $r in' $o esca)e $%e %ellis%

onslau'%$ o" $%e in"erno cannons( T%e Sen$inels !ecelera$e! an! s)un aroun!, a!!in' $%eir o n )ro#e$%iu# $o $%e #i1, or o)enin'"ire i$% $%eir #ul$i-lasers(Trani!s in "li'%$ #a!e "or 'oo! $ar'e$ )rac$ice, an! "or $%e "irs$ $i#e since "i'%$in' $%e beas$s on Absolo#a , =ar$ouk lau'%e!an! %oo)e! as %is las-"ire brou'%$ scor)ions !o n, one a"$er $%e o$%er(I$ as o&er all $oo 5uickl , %o e&er, an! $%e sense o" !an'er re$urne!(*Hurr , "in! a a insi!e,* O!assa or!ere!( *T%e $ rani!s on*$ le$ $%a$ 'o unans ere! "or lon'(*

THE S9N HAD al#os$ se$, an! e&er $%in' as !ea$%l 5uie$, $%e $ rani! rock a))aren$l cas$in' a %us% o&er $%e in!s an! $%esan!s( Ni'%$ as alrea! $%ro in' i$s s$arr cloak o&er $%e %ea&ens %en $%e "inall "oun! an accessible !oor in$o $%e s%i)(

;ot a door$$$ a sphin"ter, =ar$ouk correc$e! %i#sel", an! s%i&ere!(T%e o&al-s%a)e! ori"ice )uckere! ou$ a'ains$ $%e skin o" $%e &essel( Man like i$ %one co#be! $%e s%i)*s sur"ace, bu$ $%is as $%eonl one le&el i$% $%e 'roun!( I$ o)ene! in$o an or'anic-lookin' $ube $%a$ an'le! u) ar! in$o $%e !arkness( T%ere !i!n*$ a))ear $o

be an li'%$s insi!e $%e &essel( 7u$ $%en, =ar$ouk reasone!, $%e $ rani!s no #ore nee!e! $o see $o na&i'a$e $%eir s%i), $%an bloo!

!i! insi!e one*s bo! (*T%e Hell%oun!s can*$ "i$ insi!e,* O!assa 'ru#ble! o&er $%e &o1( *S$a ou$si!e an! secure $%e !oor( Sen$inels, i$% #e(*O!assa*s beacon $orc% "las%e! on as %e en$ere! $%e !ark $ube( =ar$ouk "ollo e!, ins$an$l crin'in' a$ %is surroun!in's( T%e !ark're alls see#e! $o 'lis$en an! en&elo) %i#( T%e cur&e! "loors "el$ s)on' benea$% %is bir!*s "ee$, an! $%e air s#el$ %u#i! an!"e$i! in a a $%a$ !u' !ee) )as$ %is nos$rils( =ar$ouk )ulle! %is ka"i a o&er %is nose an! #ou$%, 'ra$e"ul $%a$ $%e s$enc% %es#elle! as $%a$ o" %is o n un as%e! bo! (


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T%e #o&e! slo l $%rou'% $%e $ubes, )as$ in$ersec$ions, an! u) so#e s$ee)l an'le! )assa'es an! !o n s%ar) slo)es( W%a$'ui!e! $%e# asn*$ an sense o" !irec$ion, bu$ $%e si+e o" $%e corri!ors( No $ o $ubes ere e1ac$l alike, !i""erin' "ro# eac% o$%er in !i#ension an! co#)osi$ion( So#e $unnels see#e! $o brea$%e, $%e air in%ale! an! e1%ale!, $%e &ein-like alls )ulsin' an!'lin$in'( O$%er )laces see#e! #ore like a )ro)er s%i), $%e alls an! "loors #a!e "ro# %ar!ene! resin i$% $%e coolness o" s$eel(T%rou'%ou$ i$ all, $%ere ere no si'ns o" li"e, a$ leas$ no$%in' $%a$ )ro&e! a $%rea$( S#all cockroac% an! crab-si+e! $ rani!sscurrie! abou$ on # s$erious business, #o&in' "ro# un!er"oo$ %en a))roac%e!, "allin' back in )lace %en $%e Sen$inels )asse!(For all $%a$, =ar$ouk coul! no$ %el) bu$ "eel $%e ere so#e%o i$nessin' so#e 'ran! orc%es$ra o" )ur)ose, a s #)%on $%eoul! ne&er see or %ear en$irel ( An!, "or $%a$, %e as 'ra$e"ul(*7 $%e E#)eror,* O!assa %is)ere!, s$e))in' in$o a lar'e c%a#ber( *T%is can*$ be(*A$ "irs$, =ar$ouk !i!n*$ un!ers$an! O!assa*s s%ock( I$ as %ar! $o see $%e c%a#ber*s $rue si+e in $%e !arkness, bu$ i$ a))eare! no!i""eren$ $%an $%e corri!ors, "les% alls an! coa$s o" %ar!ene! resin #el$in' o&er e&er $%in'( T%en, =ar$ouk s$e))e! on$o $%ec%a#ber*s $il$e! "loor an! %ear! $%e #e$allic rin' $o %is "oo$"all( Slo l , $%e c%a#ber ca#e in$o "ocus in %is #in! as $%eir $orc%ess e)$ $%e e#)$iness( T%e "loor as 'ra$e!, $%e %oles )lu''e! i$% !e$ri$us( Arc%e! ca$%e!ral s$ru$s $%a$ e1$en!e! %i'% abo&e $%e#,

)ro$ru!e! $%rou'% $%e resin la ers on $%e alls, alon' i$% $%e "ra#es o" arc%e! in!o s, bi$s o" s$aine! 'lass in!o s "loa$in' in$%e resin(*I$*s one o" ours,* O!assa %is)ere!( *I$*s one o" ours(**No$ an #ore,* =ar$ouk sai!( *T%e $ rani!s #us$ %a&e cobble! i$ $o'e$%er "ro# $%e recka'e o" a cruiser(**We*re ne&er 'e$$in' o"" $%is orl!,* O!assa sai!( He con$inue! s$arin' a$ $%e c%a#ber, 'a)-#ou$%e!(*T%ere*s no$%in' #ore $o see %ere,* =ar$ouk %is)ere!, ur'en$l ( *We #us$ lea&e(*Al#os$ on cue, $%e &o1 crackle! an! s)u$$ere!, $%e )anicke! Hell%oun! !ri&er screa#in' *Ene# con$ac$( Ene# con$ac$?* T%eroar o" $%e in"erno cannon !ro ne! ou$ $%e &oices( *Too #an o" $%e#((( #erci"ul E#)er(((* $%e si'nal !ie!(*We*re $ra))e!?* =ar$ouk sai!( *T%e *ll be on us no (*O!assa s$are! u) in$o $%e e#)$ ca&ern o" $%e &aul$e! c%a#ber, unable $o ac$( *We*re 'oin' $o !ie %ere(**Ser'ean$ O!assa?* =ar$ouk screa#e!( No$%in'( =ar$ouk s)a$ ou$ a curse a$ $%e 7anna "or %is eak bloo!, an! &o1e! $%e o$%er $ oSen$inels( *We*re $ra))e!,* %e sai!, *bu$ )er%a)s e can %ur$ $%e# be"ore e !ie( For# u) on #e(*Iban Dubar an! $%e o$%er Sen$inel "ell in be%in! =ar$ouk( He re're$$e! no$ kno in' $%e na#e o" $%e o$%er Dus$ Marau!er )ilo$, bu$ri'%$ no , o$%er concerns $ook )rece!ence( T%e $%ree Sen$inels ran across $%e c%a#ber, $%eir $orc%es s ee)in' "ro# si!e $o si!e,lookin' "or an e1i$( T%e "oun! a si!e corri!or lar'e enou'% "or $%e# $o use, $%e #e$al alls an! "loor o" $%e I#)eriu# &essels allo e! u) b $%ick 'ro $%s o" resin an! $ rani! bio-#a$$er(=ar$ouk cas$ a las$ 'lance a$ O!assa be"ore !ar$in' in$o $%e $unnel( A #o#en$ la$er, o&er $%e &o1, $%e %ear! %i# screa#(W%ere $%ere as no$%in' be"ore, $%e $ rani! &essel su!!enl sur'e! in$o li"e( T rani!s a))eare! in $%e corri!ors, as $%ou'% bir$%e!"ro# $%e &er alls( T%e sca#)ere! alon' alls an! ceilin's, racin' $o o&er$ake $%e s5ua!ron( T%e see#e! $o be e&er %ere a$

once( Iban Dubar %a! $aken )oin$, an! as blis$erin' ene#ies i$% %is )ro#e$%iu# "uelle! cannon( His "in'ers see#e! $o be s$uck on $%e $ri''er, $%e corri!or %ea$e! $o $%e )oin$ %ere i$ %ur$ $o brea$%e, e$ =ar$ouk kne %e coul! ne&er le$ u)(=ar$ouk $ook $%e rear, an! back-)e!alle! $%rou'% $%e corri!ors, unleas%in' s$rea#s o" las-"ire a$ an $%in' $%a$ #o&e!( Scor)ions,runners, lea)ers an! snakes !ar$e! $o ar!s %i#, bu$ in $%e con"ines o" $%e corri!or, %e %el! $%e# a$ ba (T%eir )ro'ress see#e! in$er#inabl slo , eac% s$e) a kilo#e$re in $%e #akin', un$il "inall , a $errible ren!in' "ille! $%e corri!or(T%e ceilin' see#e! $o ri) o)en be%in! =ar$ouk( He 'lance! back, $%e air "ille! i$% screa#s( An a&alanc%e o" %i$e #a''o$ss)ille! "ro# $%e ren$ in $%e ceilin', !renc%in' $ o Sen$inels un!er i$s #ass( T%e screa#s $urne! $o a'onise! s%rieks, an! $%en $o'ur'les =ar$ouk kne $%e )ilo$s ere bein' ea$en ali&e( Ma''o$s ere alrea! !ro))in' in$o %is cock)i$, $%rou'% $%e crack in $%eceilin', an! racin' o&er %i#(=ar$ouk screa#e! in )ain, $%e #a''o$s bi$in' o"$ "in'er$i)-si+e! c%unks o" #ea$ as $%e bore! in$o %is "les%( More raine! !o n,on %is "ace an! ar#s( =ar$ouk s)un %is Sen$inel $o ar!s $%e o$%er $ o bir!s co&ere! in #a''o$s( 7loo! an! )ain "ille! %is &isionun$il $%e $%in's burro e! in$o %is e es( He s)as#e! in a'on , %is "in'er clu$c%in' $%e $ri''er, an! %e o)ene! "ire on %is s5ua!ron(

= ARTO9: NEVER SAW %is s%o$s cli) $%e Sen$inels, or $%e )ro#e$%iu# $anks o" Iban Dubar*s bir!( T%e acceleran$ "uelle! e1)losionri))e! $%rou'% $%e $unnel, !e$ona$in' $%e en'ines an! "uel $anks o" $%e o$%er $ o Sen$inels(T%e blas$ $ore o)en $%e a! oinin' $unnels an! )u#)e! "ire $%rou'% en!less corri!ors, "las%-"r in' all #anner o" beas$s in i$s )a$%(Walls cracke! an! $unnels colla)se!. )er%a)s no$ a !ea$%blo $o $%e &essel, bu$ cer$ainl a cri))lin' blo $%a$ sen$ S%ock a&esacross $%e %i&e-#in!, enou'% $o 'i&e $%e crea$ures )ause((( enou'% $o )ull se&eral s ar#s back $o $%e nes$(

10

SER>EANT A*RTAR SHAMAS , s5ua!ron lea!er o" $%e Orakle*s A)os$les, crane! %is neck $o look aroun!( T%e *! been en'a'in' $%e$ rani!s "or se&eral %ours, an! ni'%$ %a! "ir#l locke! i$s )lace o&er $%e orl!( I$ as a beau$i"ul, s$ar-"ille! e&enin', bu$ i$% $%e!arkness ca#e a sense o" isola$ion( T%e ni'%$ in!s e&en soun!e! !i""eren$, an! S%a#as u#)e! a$ $%e erran$ noises(T%e $ rani!s %a! re#aine! i$% $%e# "or $%e "irs$ "e %ours %en, su!!enl , $%e !ro))e! back an! ke)$ $%eir !is$ance( NoS%a#as kne $%e ere ou$ $%ere, us$ ou$ o" si'%$, kee)in' )ace an! ai$in' "or $%e Sen$inels $o #iss$e)(*Re)or$,* S%a#as %is)ere! in$o %is #icro-bea!(*Orakle T%ree %ere(*S%a#as ai$e! "or ano$%er #o#en$ be"ore clickin' $%e #icro-bea! a'ain( *Orakle T o8 Re)or$(*T%e sub$le %iss o" s$a$ic )la e! back( No ans er( I$ as as $%ou'% $%e !eser$ %a! s allo e! %i# u)(*All ri'%$((( )ull in "or#a$ion,* S%a#as res)on!e!( *I an$ ou in &isual con$ac$(*


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*I %a&e ou on aus)e1,* Orakle T%ree re)or$e!( *I*# %ea!in' our a (*S%a#as as s ea$in' %ar!( He ran a !us$ slee&e across %is "ore%ea! an! %aile! Orakle To a'ain( T%ere as s$ill no$%in' on#icro-bea! or aus)e1( He $rie! lis$enin' $o $%e !eser$, )ickin' ou$ soun!s be$ een $%e %ear$bea$ $%u#)s o" %is Sen$inel*s "oo$"alls,

bu$ i$ as i#)ossible $o !iscern an noise o&er $%e ser&os or %is ra$$lin' en'ine( Worse s$ill, $%e "uel 'au'e on %is Sen$inel as!an'erousl lo ( He %a! enou'% le"$ in $%e !ru#s "or a "e #ore %ours o" $%is %ellis% )ace, bu$ $%a$ oul! #ean s$o))in' $ore"uel, an! e&en a #inu$e s$an!in' s$ill see#e! $oo 'rea$ a risk(In $%e !is$ance, %e sa $%e re)ea$e! #u++le "lare o" an au$ocannon on "ull bore( A secon! la$er, $%e "las%es s$o))e! an! i$ as !arka'ain( T%e thump thump thump o" au$ocannon $%un!er ec%oe! across $%e !eser$( S%a#as 'lance! a$ $%e aus)e1, bu$ no i!en$i$runes a))eare!( He see#e! alone in a sea o" 'reen sensor as%(*Orakle T%ree,* S%a#as calle!, * as $%a$ ou "irin'8* T%a$, o" course, as an ob&ious 5ues$ion, since Orakle T%ree as $%e onlone in $%e s5ua!ron i$% an au$ocannon( *=an ou s$ill see #e on aus)e1, Orakle T%ree8 7ecause I can*$ see ou(*T%is $i#e, i$ as Orakle T%ree*s $urn $o re#ain silen$( S%a#as %i#)ere!, $%e ni'%$ %e!'in' in on %i#( He as all alone, $%e las$one s$ill runnin'( He s i$c%e! c%annels on $%e #icro-bea!(*T%is is Orakle One((( is an one ou$ $%ere8*He %ear! no$%in' "or a #o#en$, un$il, *T%is is Runner One,* Hussari*s &oice crackle! back( *Re)or$(*S%a#as bi$ %is li) an! "orce! %i#sel" $o s)eak slo l an! clearl ( He oul! no$ be seen as $%e resi!en$ co ar!, e&en $%ou'% %eas "i'%$in' $%e ur'e $o soil %i#sel"( I$ "el$ as i" %is insi!es %a! su!!enl li5ue"ie!, an! %e as s$ru''lin' a'ains$ %is "ear an! $%eur'en$ nee! $o le$ 'o(*M s5ua!ron is 'one an! I*# runnin' lo on "uel(**W%a$ %a))ene!8* Hussari aske!(*For $%e lo&e o" $%e E#)eror, I !on*$ kno ,* S%a#as re)or$e!, bi$in' %is lo er li) a'ains$ $%e s5uir#in' )ain in %is bo els( *One#inu$e $%e ere $%ere, an! $%e ne1$ #inu$e((( 'one(**Di! $%e $ rani!s 'e$ a%ea! o" ou8 Di! ou !ouble back8**No((( I !on*$ kno , sir( We*&e been runnin' s$rai'%$ since $%is $%in' be'an( O% Lor! E#)eror((( I*# al#os$ ou$ o" "uel(**Ho #uc% re#ainin'8**Ten #inu$es((( less( I %a&e $o s$o)(**No$ e$ ou !on*$( We*ll !o $%is $o'e$%er( Ren!e+&ous i$% $%e Runners( We*ll co&er eac% o$%er as e re"uel(**An! $%e o$%er s5ua!rons8**We los$ con$ac$ i$% $%e Hol S$ri!ers a %ile a'o((( no ours(**I*# sorr sir,* S%a#as sai!, 'enuinel re're$$in' !isa))oin$in' $%e #a or( T%ank"ull , $%e a&e o" bo el cra#)s as re$rea$in'an! $%e ni'%$ air "lus%e! %is skin i$% a cool bree+e(*No$%in' $o a)olo'ise "or( us$ ren!e+&ous a$ 0(0 N 3(3BE( =an ou #ake i$8

*;es, sir(**We*ll re"uel $%ere(**W%a$ abou$ $%e $ rani!s8**We*ll orr abou$ $%a$ %en ou 'e$ %ere( us$ 'e$ %ere in one )iece(*T%e #icro-bea! clicke! o"", an! S%a#as "el$ 'ra$e"ul "or a #o#en$((( a s%or$-li&e! one a$ $%a$( T%e #o&e#en$ as ra)i!(So#e$%in' !ar$e! across $%e sk an! blo$$e! ou$ $%e s$ars "or us$ lon' enou'% $o !ra %is a$$en$ion %ea&en ar!( S%a#as barelcau'%$ $%e #o&e#en$ as i$ %ur$le! $o ar!s %is Sen$inel(

No o$%er $%ou'%$ en$ere! %is %ea! o$%er $%an $o click on $%e #icro-bea!(T%e "l in' $ rani! lan!e! a$o) $%e Sen$inel, i$s al#os$ &es$i'ial %ook-like "ee$ ca$c%in' $%e "ra#e o" $%e cock)i$( I$ nearl $o))le!$%e bir!, bu$ con$inue! "la))in' i$s 'rea$ lea$%er in's( S%a#as screa#e!(*Orakle One8* Hussari s%ou$e!(7e"ore S%a#as coul! e&en reac$, $%e $ rani!*s lon' bla!e! $ail lance! in$o $%e cock)i$, i#)alin' $%e ser'ean$ $%rou'% $%e s$o#ac%an! ou$ $%rou'% $%e back o" %is c%air( He s%u!!ere!, %is bo els releasin' in a ar#, e$ rus%( T%e $ rani!, %o e&er, !i!n*$ see#

$o care( I$ leane! in$o $%e cock)i$ i$% i$s elon'a$e!, ri!'e! %ea!, an! o)ene! i$s a s $o re&eal i$s %ar!, car$ila'e s)ike o" a $on'ue(S%a#as coul! "eel $%e orl! sli))in' a a , $%e renc%in' )ain o" %is 'u$ oun! sub#er'in' benea$% a %a+e o" !arkness( In $%e back o" %is $%ou'%$s, $%ere as one las$ $%in' $o !o( He asn*$ sure %a$ $%a$ $%in' as, a$ leas$ no$ un$il %e sai! i$(*Fl ers,* %e sai!, s$u$$er-'as)in' in$o $%e #icro-bea!(*Orakle One8 Di! ou sa "l ers8*T%e s)ike $on'ue s%o$ ou$ on )neu#a$ic #uscles, crackin' $%rou'% $%e bone o" S%a#as*s skull an! "is%in' ou$ %is "inal $%ou'%$s(

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H9SSARI >ROANED AS %e s$re$c%e! %is back an! cra#)e! le's, an! relie&e! %is bla!!er( T%e blue sun as s i##in' on $%e !ee)a+ure %ori+on, an! "or $%e "irs$ $i#e in %ours, $%e %a! a #o#en$*s re)rie&e( T%ere as $i#e $o $en! $o $%eir ac%in' #uscles an! $ore"uel( Cubak as s$an!in' nearb i$% a &o1 rea! ( He as !o nin' a "e abla$i&e )ills $o ease $%e s$i""ness $%a$ %a! s)rea!across %is back an! neck( =or)oral Maraibe% s$oo! a$o) %is Sen$inel, s$ar in' ou$ $%rou'% a )air o" #a'noculars(*=on"ir#e!, sir,* Maraibe% sai!( *T%e *re %ea!in' back(*Hussari "inis%e! %is business an! #o$ione! Cubak o&er( He $ook $%e &o1 %an!se$ an! ai$e! "or Cubak $o raise $%e ou$)os$( He"inall no!!e!. $%e %a! a si'nal(*Re)or$,* Nisri sai! o&er $%e &o1(*We ke)$ $%e# bus "or #os$ o" $%e ni'%$( T%e "inall )ulle! back( We %a&e $%e 7urnin' Falcons $o $%ank "or $%a$(*


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*An losses8**;es, sir,* Hussari sai!( *We los$ #an Sen$inels( T%e Orakle*s A)os$les, 7urnin' Falcons, $%e Dus$ Marau!ers an! $%e HolS$ri!ers are 'one( We los$ ano$%er bir! "ro# $%e War =%asers( T%e sur&i&ors "ro# $%e 7li'%$ T%orns are ren!e+&ousin' i$% us(T%a$ lea&es us i$% $en Sen$inels, sir( T%e $ rani!s %a&e 'i&en u) $%e c%ase, "or no ( All sur&i&in' s5ua!rons re)or$ $%e beas$sre$rea$in'(**H##,* Nisri sai!, #usin' o&er %is o)$ions, *)robabl $o !eal i$% $%e !a#a'e $o $%eir s%i)( 7u$, e s$ill nee! #ore $i#e(**Sir, $%e %a&e "l ers( T%a$*s %a$ kille! $%e Orakle*s A)os$les( T%e #i'%$ %a&e a#bus%e! us $oo %a! Ser'ean$ S%a#as no$ arne!us( W%a$ I*# $r in' $o i#)ress u)on ou is $%a$ i" ou re#ain a$ $%e ou$)os$, $%e *ll %a&e ou on "i&e si!es, an! $%ere*re $oo #an$o "i'%$(**T%e ne1$ or!s ou$ o" our #ou$% be$$er no$ in&ol&e $%e ca&es,* Nisri sai!, $%e arnin' clear(*O" course no$, sir,* Hussari sai!( He clicke! o"" $%e %an!se$ "or a #o#en$ $o #u$$er a colour"ul s$rin' o" e1)le$i&es, be"orere$urnin' i$ $o %is #ou$%( *I us$ %o)e ou*re &er ell )re)are! "or %a$ #i'%$ be co#in' our a ( W%a$ are our or!ers8**Don*$ le$ $%e $ rani!s esca)e( ;ou*&e #a!e $%e E#)eror )rou! $%is !a i$% our coura'e an! !e!ica$ion, bu$ I nee! ou $o kee)on $%e#((( kee) $%e# !is$rac$e!(*Hussari crane! %is neck back an! s$are! a$ $%e sk ( He s%ook %is %ea! an! )lace! $%e %an!se$ $o %is #ou$%( *9n!ers$oo!, sir(Runner One ou$(* Hussari $osse! $%e %an!se$ back a$ Cubak an! %ea!e! $o %is Sen$inel( T%e colonel e1)ec$s us $o 'e$ #assacre!!e"en!in' an e1)ose! )osi$ion,* Hussari barke!( *Le$*s no$ !isa))oin$ %i#(**Le$*s s%o %i# %o $%e Sen$inels "i'%$,* Cubak sai!(Hussari o""ere! Cubak a 'ri# s#ile as $%e bo$% cli#be! in$o $%eir ai$in' bir!s( Hussari !ro))e! in$o %is sea$ an! or!ere! $%ere#ainin' Sen$inels $o ren!e+&ous "or ano$%er $%rus$(

12

THE =OMMAND 79N:ER as silen$( Nobo! s)oke, "or Nisri !i!n*$ a))ear $o be lis$enin' an #ore( He s$are! a$ $%e $ac$ical sla$e,s$u! in' $%e )ossible a))roac%es $o $%e ou$)os$ an! $%eir bes$ !e"ence( T%e o)era$ors con$inue! $o #oni$or aus)e1 an! &o1, Re+aila))eare! $o be aslee) on $%e co$ in an a! oinin' roo#, %ile Trell si#)l a$c%e! e&er $%in' i$% %is 5uie$ "as$i!iousness(Turk coul!n*$ s$an! $o be insi!e an lon'er( Nisri*s s$ubbornness as killin' $%e "ines$ s5ua!rons o" Sen$inel )ilo$s $%a$ Turk %a!e&er kno n( No $%e ere bein' use! as cannon "o!!er $o )ro$ec$ an ou$)os$ i$% no %o)e o" e&er sur&i&in' $%e onslau'%$ $%a$a ai$e! i$( Turk as cer$ain $%a$ Nisri kne $%is, bu$ $%e colonel as co##i$$e! $o a course o" ac$ion an! un illin' $o sacri"ice $%eca&es( Nisri as $ra))e!( Turk ac$uall )i$ie! %i#, "or a #o#en$, because %e kne $%a$ Nisri sa no a ou$ o" %is si$ua$ion( T%esense o" )i$ las$e! bu$ a #o#en$, %o e&er( I$ as #os$l %is #en $%a$ ere ! in' in $%e !eser$, %is 7anna kins#en, an! soon, allo" $%e# oul! !ie( T%e ur'e $o alk a a as o&er %el#in'(

*I*# 'oin' $o c%eck on $%e #en,* Turk sai!, b a o" an e1cuse $o lea&e( Nisri o""ere! a !is$rac$e! %ea! no!, bu$ con$inue! s$arin' a$ $%e in!ica$ion runes on $%e $ac$ical $able(Turk alke! ou$si!e, an! "el$ i##e!ia$el 'ra$e"ul "or $%e bri'%$ as% o" sunli'%$ an! "or $%e soun!s o" li"e, suc% as $%e ere(Men ere a!!in' #ore san!ba's an! "as$enin' $ri)o! 'uns an! 'rena!e launc%ers $o $%e )ara)e$s( Ro s o" #or$ars res$e! in $%ecour$ ar!, rea! $o )ro&i!e in!irec$ "ire, alon'si!e a##uni$ion cra$es )ro$ec$e! un!er s#all )las$eel bunkers, a$er !ru#s $o cool$%e #or$ar barrels an! $%e %ulkin' "or# o" $%e sel"-)ro)elle! 7asilisk ar$iller )iece( T%e "or ar! obser&er an! "ire !irec$ioncen$re "or $%e #or$ars an! 7asilisk ere s%el$ere! in a )las$eel obser&a$ion nes$ on $%e "loor abo&e $%e co##an! bunker( I$ o""ere!a 0 !e'ree &ie o" $%e !eser$, an! i$ con$aine! se&eral $urre$-#oun$e! au$ocannons, "acin' bo$% $%e !eser$ an! $%e co#)oun!in$erior(Turk s$oo! a$c%in' $%e #en scra#ble $o )re)are $%e base "or a "i'%$ $%e coul!n*$ in( He as sur)rise! %en Trell alke! )as$%i# an! %is)ere!, *We #us$ s)eak( Mee$ #e be%in! $%e &e%icle s$able(*Turk con$inue! s$re$c%in', )re$en!in' %e*! %ear! no$%in'( Trell &anis%e! be%in! $%e &e%icle s$able buil!in', an! Turk "ollo e!(

13

THE REMAININ> SC9ADRONS a))roac%e! $%e $ail o" $%e $ rani! %or!e, $en Sen$inels a'ains$ $%ousan!s $%a$ see#e! %ell-ben$ oni'norin' $%e#( Ma or Hussari*s s#all $ask "orce as a cou)le o" kilo#e$res be%in! $%e s ar# an! blin!e! b $%eir !us$ ake( T%e>uar!s#en s)rea! $%eir "or#a$ion ou$ an! s$eere! b aus)e1 alone, na&i'a$in' $%e "la$ !eser$ )lains i$% cau$ious ease(Ano$%er kilo#e$re an! $%e Sen$inels ere closin' $%e 'a) "as$. $%e oul! be in "irin' ran'e i$%in a "e #inu$es( T%e ru#ble o"$%e $ rani! s$a#)e!e s%ook $%rou'% $%e soles o" Hussari*s boo$s, an! %e $ook !ee) brea$%s in an$ici)a$ion o" ano$%er lon' c%ase(He e&en on!ere! i" $%eir a!&ersaries kne $%e ere s%or$enin' $%e 'a) be%in! $%e#, bu$ $%e aus)e1 re$urne! one soli! #ass o"ene# #o&in' a a "ro# $%e#(T%e ere less $%an a kilo#e$re be%in! %en Hussari 'a&e or!ers o&er $%e #icro-bea! $o 'o ea)ons %o$( T%e 'uns s i&elle! in$%eir #oun$s, $%e )ilo$s blin!l $rackin' $%e lar'es$ clus$ers o" ene#ies, $%eir "in'ers ea'er on $%e $ri''ers( In a #a$$er o" #o#en$s,$%e au$ocannons o" $%e =a!ian-)a$$ern bir!s an! $%e lascannons o" $%e Ar#a'e!!on-)a$$ern &e%icles oul! be in ran'e( =a$ac%an-

an! Mars-)a$$ern Sen$inels i$% %ea& "la#ers or #ul$i-laser ea)ons ere )aire! i$% $%e lon'-ran'e bir!s $o %an!le an$ rani!s $%a$ a))roac%e! $oo closel (Hal" a kilo#e$re a a , an! $%e !us$ s$or# as blin!in'(Su!!enl , screa#s an! curses "ille! $%e #icro-bea!( Ne runes i!en$i" in' ene# )osi$ions b $%e %un!re!s a))eare! a#on' $%eSen$inel "or#a$ions(


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*E&asion, e&asion?* Hussari crie!, bu$ i$ as $oo la$e Trani!s burs$ "ro# $%e 'roun! i$% li'%$nin' "as$ s)ee!( All $%a$ Hussaricoul! see ere #ul$i)le )airs o" sc $%e ar#s an! a snake-like lo er bo! en!in' in, I #an!ible s$in'er, all )ro$ec$e! b cara)ace

)la$in'( I$ %ae#orr%a'e! a "loo! o" s#aller bu's, be%in!, elec$ric i$ !ancin' be$ een $$ eir #an!ibles(*I$*s a $ra),* so#eone screa#e!(Hussari barel a&oi!e! $%e one $%a$ broke "ree o" $%e ru)$ure! ear$% a%ea! o" %i#, i$s sc $%e ar#s slicin' $oo close "or co#"or$( Anearb Sen$inel as no$ so luck T o snake-like $ rani!s sank $%eir sc $%es in$o $%e bir!*s le's an! brou'%$ i$ !o n( Hussari ran

)as$ i$ as $%e $ rani!s ske ere! an! )ulle! $%e )ilo$ ou$ o" $%e bursi cock)i$ "ra#e, sna))in' bone an! ren!in' "les%( T%e s#aller bu's s ar#e! o&er $%e screa#in' )ilo$, bur in' %i# an! %is cries(Aus)e1 as a #ess, $%e soli! #ass o" $ rani!s a%ea! !isin$e'ra$in' in$o s#aller clus$ers o" skir#is% 'rou)s $%a$ ere !oublin'

back $o a$$ack $%e Sen$inels( Hussari curse! an! %i$ $%e c%annel )ur'e on %is #icro-bea!, silencin' all screa#s an! cries "or %el)"or lon' enou'% $o issue a sin'le or!er(*Re$rea$? Full re$rea$?*T%e screa#s "loo!e! back in, an! Hussari curse! $%e cunnin' o" $%eir a!&ersaries( He con$inue! runnin' $%rou'% $%e !us$ ake,$r in' $o "in! o$%er Sen$inels $o %el)( He #a %a&e issue! $%e re$rea$ or!ers, bu$ %e as !a#ne! i" %e as 'oin' $o lea&e %is #ens$ran!e!(Hussari ca#e u)on Ser'ean$ Ha!oori*s Sen$inel, %ic% as s$ill s$an!in', bu$ runnin' in a i!e circle( S#aller $ rani!s erecra lin' u) i$s "ra#e, a blee!in' Ha!oori s$eerin' i$% one ar# an! screa#in' as %e "ire! roun! a"$er roun! "ro# %is las)is$ol a$$%e crea$ures s ar#in' %is cock)i$( One !ro))e! insi!e an! $urne! in$o a "ren+ o" %i))in' cla s( Ha!oori as !one "or(Hussari an'le! %is bir! s$rai'%$ a$ $%e o$%er Sen$inel an! o)ene! "ire i$% %is au$ocannon( T%e %ine o" $%e s)innin' barrels as"ollo e! b a s$ea! &olle o" s%o$s $%a$ ri))e! $%rou'% $ rani!, Sen$inel an! )ilo$ alike( I$ e1)lo!e! a #o#en$ la$er, $%e "l in's%ra)nel lacera$in' $%e surroun!in' san! an! an $%in' un"or$una$e enou'% $o be in $%e a (Ma or Hussari ne&er slo e!( He con$inue! runnin', rakin' $%e 'roun! a%ea! o" %i# i$% a burs$ o" au$ocannon "ire, %en aus)e1re&eale! a '%os$ o" a re$urn, ano$%er snake-like $ rani! %i!!en un!er'roun!(

SER>EANT IATH WAS losin' Mo%ar*s rune a#on' $%e $%ron' o" $ rani! re$urns on $%e aus)e1( I$ as 'ro in' increasin'l !i""icul$$o rea! $%e ba$$le"iel! si'nals. $%e "i'%$ as one lar'e, "ran$ic skir#is% in $%e $%ickenin' !us$ s$or#( 6ar$icles o" ener'ise! san!ere 'enera$in' a s$a$ic c%ar'e lar'e enou'% $o !isru)$ aus)e1 an! &o1 i$% '%os$ i#a'es an! noise burs$s( Screec%es, %o ls an!$%e $%un!er o" au$ocannon "ire or $%e cracklin' %i) o" las-"ire sa$ura$e! $%e air, as !i! $%e #u$e! %iss o" $ rani! bio- ea)ons(Mo%ar screa#e! o&er $%e #icro-bea! be"ore %is $rans#ission cu$( A #o#en$ la$er, $%e !us$ s$or# li$ u) i$% a lon' 'ou$ o" "ire"ro# a %ea& )ro#e$%iu# "la#er( la$% %ea!e! in $%a$ !irec$ion, "irin' a "usilla!e o" s%o$s "ro# $%e ro$a$in' barrel o" %is #ul$i-laserin$o $%e $ rani!s $%a$ crosse! %is )a$%( T%e ra+or bea#s o" li'%$ s%re!!e! an! cau$erise! an beas$ $%e cau'%$, lea&in' be%in!s#oul!erin', !is#e#bere! %usks( Mo%ar*s "la#in' Sen$inel abru)$l ran in$o &ie , $%e c%arre! re#ains o" Mo%ar slu#)e!

"or ar! on $%e s$eerin' lea&ers, carbon-cooke! $ rani!s "use! a'ains$ $%e %ull like a $%ick coa$(la$% a$c%e! $%e burnin' Sen$inel &anis% in$o $%e s$or#, an! %ea!e! !ee)er in$o $%e "ra , $r in' $o loca$e o$%ers( He arri&e! in $i#e$o see an ener'ise! )las#a s%o$ s)la$$er a'ains$ ano$%er Sen$inel( T%e )las#a sal$e! $%e )ilo$ an! bore! %oles in$o %is c%es$, be"ore$%e su)er%ea$e! #a$erial a$e $%rou'% $%e )ro#e$%iu# $anks( T%e "ier e1)losion !e&oure! Sen$inel an! $ rani! alike, %ile $%econcussion a&e $o))le! la$%*s Sen$inel( la$% screa#e!, $%e blis$erin' %ea$ an! "la#e o" $%e e1)losion "las%-searin' %is e1)ose!"les% an! #el$in' clo$% $o skin( I$ ins$an$l "use! %is rubber-ri##e! occulars $o %is "ace(T%e a'on o&erro!e reason, an! la$% "u#ble! "or $%e cock)i$*s #e!-ki$( I$ !i!n*$ #a$$er $%a$ %e as surroun!e! b $ rani!s. i$ onl#a$$ere! $%a$ %e reac% $%e )ain killers, $%a$ %e nu#b $%e e1crucia$in' a'on $%a$ lance! %i#( His ner&es "el$ !e&oure! b "la#e an!%is skin screa#e! i$s an'uis% in$o %is brain( I$ kille! %i# $o #o&e, %is clo$%in' #el$e! in$o %is "les%. e&er li$$le #o&e#en$ )ulle!a$ $%e !o$%, $ore o)en a "res% oun! an! e1)ose! %i# $o so#e ne )ro"oun! $or$ure(la$% coul!n*$ 'rab $%e #e!-ki$, %is 'narle! %an!s burne! in$o "les% kno$s( He crie! in a'on , un$il %e sa cen$i)e!e $ rani!ssnakin' $o ar!s %i#, $%eir $%orn "eelers $ i$c%in' in an$ici)a$ion, $%eir %un!re! le's #o&in' like a&es un!ernea$% $%eir bo!ies,$%eir #an!ibles clackin'( la$% a$c%e! $%e# a))roac% an! screa#e! a$ $%e# $o kill %i#(

He ne&er $%ou'%$ $%e $ rani!s oul! be %is #easure o" #erc (

A9S6E DIDN *T LIE , an! i$ as $ellin' %i# %e as surroun!e!( *Ma!* Maraibe% coul! see $%e )ocke$s o" $ rani!s #o&in' $%rou'%$%e !us$ s$or#, so#e $o ar!s %i# an! o$%ers in !i""eren$ !irec$ions( T%e ere or'anise!, eac% one $o i$s )ur)ose, an! none!e&ia$e! "ro# i$s course( T%e Sen$inels %e coul! see on sco)e %a! ei$%er s$o))e! #o&in' or &anis%e! "ro# $%e )la$e al$o'e$%er(Onl one Sen$inel a))eare! $o %a&e esca)e! $%e #assacre, bu$ i$ as a oun!e! bir! an! li#)e! alon' a$ %al"-s)ee!(He as alone in $%e "i'%$, bu$ $%e $%ou'%$ !i! no$ bo$%er %i#( He oul! !ie ser&in' $%e E#)eror, an! $%e no$ion o" $%a$ 'lore#bol!ene! %i# "ur$%er( Maraibe% o)ene! $%e #icro-bea! c%annel i$% i$s ! in' &oices an! be'an $o sin', no$ o" $%e E#)eror an!no$ o" %is o n c%il!ren, bu$ a )o)ular #elo! back %o#e( I$ as a son' sun' a$ $%e ca#)"ires, o" #en an! $%e )re$$ o#en $%elo&e!( Maraibe% s#ile! a$ $%e #e#or o" %is i"e, "eelin' %er ab %i# in $%e ribs, in!i'nan$( An!, "or $%a$, %e lo&e! %er all $%e#ore(A su)erior, Ser'ean$ Ha!oori )er%a)s, elle! a$ %i# $o clear $%e #icro-bea!, bu$ Maraibe% as $oo ubilan$ $o co#)l ( T%ere asno$%in' in$eres$in' $o %ear on $%e c%annels((( onl cries o" %el) an! or!ers $o re$rea$( So %e san', an! o)ene! $%e no++les on %is"la#er $o "ull( He %ea!e! $o $%e lar'es$ #ob, clearin' a )a$% be"ore %i# b as%in' $%e !eser$ i$% bri'%$ )ro#e$%iu# "la#e( Aseries o" %an! ri$$en runes on %is aus)e1 #arke! $%e !i""eren$ !is$ances an! $%e $i#es $o reac% $%e#(Maraibe% )ulle! ou$ one o" %is )i)e bo#bs( W%en a lar'e $ rani! #ob on aus)e1 reac%e! $%e si1$ secon! #ark ri$$en on %is!is)la )la$e, Maraibe% cranke! %is $ube c%ar'e $o se&en$ secon!s( He !ro))e! $%e e1)losi&e in$o $%e sa$c%el res$in' in $%ecock)i$*s "oo$ ell an! a##e! %is li$ ci'ar in$o %is #ou$%(


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A #inu$e la$er, %e )lou'%e! s$rai'%$ $%rou'% $%e #ob o" $ rani!s, !ancin' %is Sen$inel in a circle an! as%in' e&er $%in' %e coul!see in "la#e( T%e $ rani!s ere a sea o" screec%in' beas$s $%a$ surroun!e! %is bir! "or as "ar as %e coul! see, an! aus)e1 sai! $%es$re$c%e! ou$ "ur$%er $%an $%a$( T%e u#)e! u) on $%e "ra#e o" %is e1)ose! cock)i$, bu$ %e #ana'e! $o "lin' $%e# o"" i$% cra+s)ins $%a$ oul! %a&e $%ro n #os$ Sen$inels on $%eir si!es( S%o$s %i++e! b %i#, bu$ $%e s$ruck ei$%er air or $%ick #e$al(Finall , one o" $%e crea$ures i$% sc $%e ar#s an! cla in' ar#s #ana'e! $o la$c% on $o $%e Sen$inel an! )ull i$s %ea! u) $o $%ecock)i$( Maraibe% lau'%e! an! a##e! %is li$ ci'ar in$o i$s e e(T%e crea$ure screec%e! an! raise! i$s cu$$in' ar#s $o kill Maraibe%(*Too la$e,* $%e #a!#an sai!(T%e )i)e bo#b e1)lo!e! an! !e$ona$e! $%e re#ainin' c%ar'es in $%e sa$c%el( T%e e1)losion en'ul"e! $%e )ro#e$%iu# in $%e $anksan! $urne! $%e Sen$inel in$o a #assi&e "ireball o" s$ick "la#e an! s%ra)nel( Do+ens o" screa#in' $ rani!s ere cau'%$ in $%e!ea!l blosso#, an! !o+ens #ore se&erel oun!e!(

H9SSARI *S SENTINEL WAS ba!l !a#a'e! an! li#)in' T%e li'%$s on %is con$rol )anel "lu$$ere!, %ile alar#s arne! %i# o"ca$as$ro)%ic "ailures an! o" $%e "uel leaks $%a$ %a! all bu$ cri))le! %is bir!( He as also blee!in' "ro# a "ore%ea! 'as%, o)ene! u)

b a crea$ure $%a$ %a! 'o$ "ar $oo close $o %i# be"ore %e s%o$ i$ o""( S$ill, %e asn*$ ou$ o" $%e !an'er e$( He*! #ana'e! $o esca)e$%e ba$$le"iel! $%rou'% $%e con"usion, $%e !us$ s$or# an! $%e #assi&e e1)losion $%a$ ra$$le! $%e !eser$, bu$ no$ i$%ou$ )ickin' u) a$ail or $ o( T%ree runners, ski))in' across $%e san! i$% $%eir si1 le's eac%, ere o&er$akin' %is bir! 5uickl ( Hussari, %o e&er,asn*$ $oo$%less e$( He )i&o$e! $o ar!s $%e# an! "ire! %is au$ocannon, rakin' $%e san!( T%e %oun!-like runners ere 5uick,!o!'in' as bes$ $%e coul!, bu$ $%e #a or as "as$er on $%e $ri''er( He cau'%$ eac% one in a %ails$or# o" s$eel- acke$e! roun!s, an!

cu$ $%e# !o n ell s%or$ o" %is bir!(On $%e las$ s%o$, %is cannon clicke! an! %ine! as $%e e#)$ barrels s)un( He %a! e1)en!e! $%e las$ o" %is a##uni$ion(Hussari con$inue! on %is )a$%( Fro# aus)e1, %e as 'la! $o see $%e !is$ance be$ een %is bir! an! $%e $ rani!s 'ro i!er( He*!esca)e! "or $%e #o#en$, bu$ $%ere ere a cou)le o" $%in's s$ill le"$ $o !o( Hussari "li))e! $%rou'% $%e co##-c%annels, $r in' $oraise %is s5ua!rons( No ans ers( He as $%e onl one le"$(*Ho#e base, $%is is Runner One, res)on!(*T%ere as a )ause, "ollo e! b Nisri*s &oice( *T%is is %o#e base( Re)or$(**M #en are all !ea!( We !i! all e coul!(**=on"ir# $%a$,* "ollo e! b ano$%er )ause( *Di! ou #ana'e $o $%in $%eir nu#bers8**We )inc%e! $%e#,* Hussari ans ere!( *T%a$*s abou$ i$( I %o)e e bou'%$ ou $%e $i#e ou nee!e!, because aus)e1 sa s $%e *re%ea!in' our a (**Ro'er $%a$,* Nisri res)on!e!, %is &oice s$ran'el &acan$( *=an ou #ake i$ back8**No$ i$% $%is bir!, sir( S%e*s ba!l %ur$( 7u$ e %i! 6ri&a$e Da#ask*s Sen$inel a"$er %e !ie!( I can reac% i$(*

*>e$ back i$% all !ue %as$e, #a or( We*ll nee! ou %ere( =olonel Nisri ou$(*Hussari clicke! $%e %an!se$ back in$o $%e lockin' cra!le an! s ore un!er %is brea$%( He )us%e! %is Sen$inel as "as$ as s%e oul!'o an! %ea!e! "or Da#ask*s bir!( No $ rani!s "ollo e! %i#(

CHAPTER EIGHT

'The m ind is f or seei ng, but i t is t he h eart t hat l istens.'- The Accounts of the Tallarn by R emembrancer Tremault

1

T9R: LISTENED AS Hussari 'a&e %is re)or$ an! si'ne! o""( T%e co##an! bunker re$urne! $o i$s $o#b-like 5uie$( A"$er a #o#en$, Nisri s$u!ie! $%e $ac$ical )la$e an! issue! $erse or!ers $o $%e o)era$ors, Ma or Das%our an! %i#sel"( =o##issar Re+ail an! %isa! u$an$ "inall le"$ $%e roo# $o e1a#ine $%e aba$is s)ear $renc% lai! a$ $%e "oo$ o" $%e ou$si!e all usin' s$ri)s o" #e$al "ro# $%e!ro) con$ainers(W%en Das%our le"$, Turk alke! u) $o Nisri an! #a!e sure $o re#ain absolu$el cal# $%rou'%ou$ %a$e&er oul! %a))en ne1$(He coul!n*$ 'e$ an'r ( All $%eir li&es )i&o$e! on %is abili$ $o re#ain cal#( T rell*s a!&ice as s$ill "res% in %is #in! an! %e kne$%a$ $%is as $%e ri'%$ course "or bo$% #en, !es)i$e %a$ i$ #ean$ $o $%eir e'os(*I oul! s)eak i$% ou as an e5ual, one )rince $o ano$%er((( alone,* Turk sai! 5uie$l enou'% "or %is or!s $o )ass onl be$ een%i# an! Nisri, *bu$ I ill obe our !ecision as one sol!ier $o %is su)erior o""icer(*

Nisri looke! u), a "las% o" anno ance burnin' on %is "ace, bu$ Turk oul! no$ back !o n( T%is as a #a$$er be$ een $ o )rincesan! $%e $ribes $%e co##an!e!(*No *s no$ $%e $i#e, lieu$enan$-colonel(*Turk sa$ !o n in "ron$ o" Nisri an! con$inue! %is)erin', lo enou'% no$ $o !ra $%e a$$en$ion o" $%e o)era$ors( *I belie&e i$ is(;ou can cour$-#ar$ial #e, an! ou can e1ecu$e #e, bu$ =o##issar Re+ail is no$ %ere( T%is is a #a$$er be$ een $ o $ribes#en an!no$ sol!iers( >i&e #e a #inu$e( A"$er $%a$, I ill "ollo our !irec$ion as our subor!ina$e, )raise $%e E#)eror in all $%in's(*

Nisri si'%e! an! "inall s$are! Turk s$rai'%$ in $%e e es( T%e colonel looke! "a$i'ue!, $%e ei'%$ o" %is !ecisions an! $%eine&i$abili$ o" $%eir "a$e a sure $oll on %is s)iri$( *Fine((( as one )rince $o ano$%er, %a$ is i$8**T%e ca&es,* Turk %is)ere!, * ou is% $%e# $o be a 'i"$ $o our $ribe, correc$8*


43/78


*No$ accor!in' $o our &ie s,* Nisri res)on!e!(*W%a$ I $%ink o" $%e ca&es is no$ in 5ues$ion, is i$, 6rince Dakar8 W%a$ #a$$ers is %a$ $%e ca&es #ean $o ou(*

Nisri $%ou'%$ abou$ i$ "or a #o#en$( *;es,* %e sai!, "inall , *&er ell( T%e ca&es are "or # $ribe((( "or s$a in' $rue $o our "ai$%,* %ea!!e! as a s#all ab(Turk bi$ !o n on %is or!s an! allo e! Nisri %is )e$$ #o#en$( *W%a$, $%en, i" ou*re bein' $es$e!8* Turk aske!( *W%a$ i" $%is isano$%er or!eal8 =%oose be$ een our !u$ $o $%e E#)eror or $%e 'i"$ He bes$o s8 W%ic% is #ore i#)or$an$8*

Nisri s$rai'%$ene!, ins$an$l a are o" $%e ar'u#en$*s i#)lica$ions( *I$ is no suc% $%in', 6rince Iban Sali!( We %a&e "oun! a )ara!iseor$% o" $%e Turena', an! I ill no$ be $%e ruin o" i$(*Turk leane! "or ar!( *T%e Aba Aba Mus%ira oul! no$ 'i&e ou a )ara!ise, us$ $o "ill i$ i$% scor)ions( He oul! no$ o""er ouan oasis, us$ $o )oison i$(**W%a$ i" i$ is a $es$ $o see i" e are $rul or$% o" kee)in' i$8**An! %a$ i" i$*s a $es$ $o see %e$%er i$ is 'ree! or "ai$% $%a$ !ri&es ou8 T%ink, 6rince Dakar, i#a'ine $%e 'lor $%a$ oul! be

)ro#ise! $o our $ribe i" ou $urne! our back on )ara!ise $o "i'%$ His ene#ies(**A )ara!ise nei$%er ou nor Re+ail belie&es $o be ours(**Di! i$ e&er #a$$er $o ou %a$ e belie&e!8* Turk aske!(*No,* Nisri a!#i$$e!(*I kno ou 6rince Dakar, an! ou kno #e( ;ou !o no$ s)en! $%is #uc% $i#e %a$in' so#eone i$%ou$ kno in' $%e $ru$% o" $%e#(I a# no$ askin' ou $o surren!er our 'ar!en o" !eli'%$s( I" $%e E#)eror $rul #ean$ "or ou $o %a&e i$, $%en no$%in' can s$an! in$%e a o" )ro&i!ence( I" $%is isn*$ )ro&i!ence, $%en no$%in' can sa&e i$( In ei$%er case, our re#ainin' %ere, on $%is )la$eau, iscer$ain suici!e( I$ is a as$e o" our !u$ $o $%e E#)eror(* An! i$% $%a$, Turk s%u$ %is #ou$%(I" Trell as s)eakin' $%e $ru$%, an! Turk belie&e! %e as, $%en Nisri alrea! kne $%e ca&es ere $%eir onl %o)e( He*! "ou'%$$%e $ rani!s be"ore, an! %e un!ers$oo! $%e !an'ers o" re#ainin' e1)ose! on all si!es( T%e $rouble as, as in all $%in's $%a$a""lic$e! $%e $ o $ribal alliances $%rou'%ou$ $%is ci&il ar, Nisri nee!e! a reason $o c%an'e %is #in! i$%ou$ a))earin' eak or

be$ra in' %is )eo)le( He nee!e! a reason $o re$rea$ $o $%e ca&es i$%ou$ a))earin' in!ecisi&e( He nee!e! so#eone else $o s$a$e $%e$ru$% "or %i#(

Nisri a))eare! $o %a&e a bur!en li"$e! "ro# %is s%oul!ers, as $%ou'% %e ere no lon'er s%oul!erin' $%e# alone( He s$rai'%$ene!( *I%ear )ara!ise can be "a$$enin'(*Turk s#ile!( *Onl %en i$ )re)ares ou "or $%e slau'%$er(**E#er'enc council, all co##an! s$a"" an! e&er o""icer,* Nisri sai!(*;es, sir,* Turk re)lie!, sna))in' u) $o salu$e be"ore %e $rans#i$$e! $%e or!er o&er %is #icro-bea!(

2

THE =OMMAND 79N:ER s el$ere! i$% o""icers, e&erone 5uie$l lis$enin' $o Turk s)eak as $%e s$oo! surroun!in' %i#(*We lack $%e "ire)o er $o )ro$ec$ us "ro# an all-ou$ a$$ack on all si!es, an! once $%e $ rani!s s ar# us, e*ll be cu$ o"" "ro# oursu))lies o" "oo! an! a$er( We ill no$ las$ $%e ni'%$,* Turk conclu!e!(T%e o""icers lis$ene!, so#e no!!in' $%eir %ea!s, %ile o$%ers s%ook $%eirs, an! looke! $o Nisri "or su))or$(*We*! be lea!in' $%e $ rani!s s$rai'%$ $o $%e ca&erns,* =a)$ain Aban$u sai!, s)eakin' !irec$l $o =olonel Nisri, *$o $%e "u$ure %o#eo" our-**T%e *ll "in! $%e ca&es i$% or i$%ou$ our %el),* =a)$ain Toria res)on!e!, in$erru)$in'( *Is $%a$ no$ $rue o" $%e $ rani!s8 T%e

)ossess an unerrin' skill in $rackin' !o n bio-#a$$er $o consu#e(**T%e !o,* Das%our res)on!e!, *bu$ I sa e kee) $%e# as "ar "ro# $%e ca&es as e can "or as lon' as )ossible(**T%is isn*$ a !iscussion,* Nisri sai!, *i$ is an or!er( T%e ca&es !o no$ belon' $o us unless $%e ill o" $%e Hi'% Lor!s o" Terra are inour "a&our( I" $%e ca&es $rul belon' $o $%e Turena', $%en $%e E#)eror "i'%$s i$% us, an! $%e 7anna, in )ro$ec$in' $%e#( Le$ an#an %o !oub$s $%a$ s)eak(*

Nobo! s)oke. $%e roo$ o" $%e !issension be$ een $%e sol!iers as $ribal in na$ure, bu$ i$% Nisri an! Turk su))or$in' oneano$%er*s !ecisions, nobo! !are! o""er a !issen$in' &oice(*T%ere is one $%in',* a rou'% &oice sai!( E&er one $urne! $o !isco&er Nubis s$an!in' u) $o s)eak( Turk 'roane! in ar!l , )ra in'$%a$ Nubis un!ers$oo! $%e !elica$e balance $%e *! ac%ie&e!( *I" e are 'oin' $o #ake our s$an! a$ $%e ca&es, $%en e s%oul! #ine$%e en$r $unnels an! colla)se-*T%e Turena' o""icers e1)lo!e! in$o ar'u#en$, an! e&en Nisri as &e%e#en$ in %is re"usals( To !es)oil )ara!ise i$% $%eir "i'%$as one $%in', bu$ $o be'in !es$ro in' $%e $unnels as $oo #uc% $o bear( Nubis, %o e&er, as ne&er one $o be co e! b o""icersscrea#in' a$ %i#, an! %e e""ec$i&el raise! %is &oice $o cu$ $%rou'% $%e as%(*I"?* %e barke!, lou! enou'% $o be %ear!( *I" e colla)se $%e lar'er )assa'es, e "orce $%e $ rani!s $%rou'% s#aller c%oke)oin$s( Weconser&e a##uni$ion $%a$ a , an! i$ e*re in !an'er o" bein' s ar#e!, e can colla)se $%e $unnels co#)le$el an! sealoursel&es insi!e $%e ca&es((( i$% no !a#a'e $o $%e#( We sa&e your )ara!ise?*T%e &oices lessene! in )i$c%, enou'% "or Nubis $o s)eak nor#all ( *I" e colla)se $%e $unnels, $%e $ rani!s oul! %a&e $o !i' "aran! lon' $o reac% us, an! e&en $%en, e coul! con$inue $o #oun$ a !e"ence, )er%a)s "or lon' enou'% $o be rescue!, i" $%e E#)erorso is%es i$(*T%e roo# as 5uie$ be"ore Nisri s)oke( *Ver ell((( e colla)se s)eci"ic $unnels $o "unnel $%e ene# , an! e #ine $%e o$%ers( I"e #us$, an! onl on my or!, $%en e colla)se $%e o$%ers $o sa&e oursel&es((( an! $o sa&e our )ara!ise(*Turk allo e! $%e or!er $o sink in be"ore %e #o&e! on $o $%e ne1$ #a$$er, one #os$ $errible $o ask, bu$ crucial $o $%eir sur&i&alnone$%eless(


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*W%a$ I a# abou$ $o ask,* Turk sai!, * ill re5uire a 'rea$ sacri"ice "ro# so#e o" ou( Ma or Hussari re)or$s $%ai $%e $ rani!s ill be%ere in abou$ se&en %ours(*Turk )ause! "or a #o#en$, allo in' $%e s$a$e#en$ $o sink in( He coul! see $%e o""icers 'lancin' aroun!( T%e kne %a$ asco#in', %a$ as bein' aske!( So#e o""icers coul! no$ #ee$ Turk*s e es, an! $%eir 'a+e "ell $o $%e "loor(*I" $%e "in! no$%in' %ere an! "ollo us !irec$l $o $%e ca&es, $%e ill ca$c% us be"ore e can )re)are an a!e5ua$e !e"ence,* Turksai!( Eac% or! "el$ bi$$er in %is #ou$%, a )oison $%a$ oul! surel kill %i# "or s)eakin' i$( He con$inue! none$%eless( *We nee!&olun$eers $o re#ain be%in! $o #an $%e "or$ an! en'a'e $%e $ rani!s( We nee! &olun$eers $o bu $%e re'i#en$ #ore $i#e $o

)re)are( Ma or Hussari is alrea! a are o" $%e si$ua$ion( He*ll arri&e be"ore $%e $ rani! assaul$ an! en'a'e $%e %or!e i$% $%ere#ainin' s5ua!rons in $%e o)en !eser$(*T%e roo# as unco#"or$abl 5uie$( =o##issar Re+ail rose $o %is "ee$, abou$ $o c%allen'e $%e #en $o rise $o $%e occasion( Turkcau'%$ $%e co##issar*s e e, %o e&er, an! 'en$l s%ook %is %ea!( Re+ail looke! s%ocke!, bu$ %e %el! %is $on'ue(Finall , Ma or Das%our s$oo!( *I %a$e ca&es,* %e sai!( *=on"ine! s)aces bo$%er #e( I*ll s$a an! "i'%$ benea$% $%e o)en sk (*Ano$%er #o#en$ )asse!, e&er one*s brea$% %el! %os$a'e in $%a$ #o#en$ be$ een ai$in' an! ac$in'(*I*ll s$a as ell,* =a)$ain Aban$u re)lie! a$ las$( *;ou*ll nee! a 'unner cre o)era$in' $%e 7asilisk, an! %o kno s, )er%a)s oursacri"ice ill #o&e $%e Hi'% Lor!s o" Terra $o 'i&e our )eo)le $%is )lane$**T%ank ou,* Nisri sai!(T%en, $o e&er one*s sur)rise, Cuar$er#as$er :or$an s$oo! as ell, %is e es !ark an! %aun$e!, $%e lon' scab o" $%e "i'%$ s$ill "res%on %is "ace( *I is% $o s$a ,* %e sai!, no!!in'( E&er one as $aken aback. :or$an*s 'i"$ "or sel"is% ac$ion as le'en!ar ( A$ "irs$$%e $%ou'%$ i$ as ano$%er oke, an! so#eone c%uckle! nee!lessl , bu$ :or$an nei$%er cracke! %is cus$o#ar 'rin nor lau'%e!(T%e roo# en$ 5uie$(*T%ank ou, 5uar$er#as$er,* Nisri re)lie!, *bu$ our e1)er$ise ill be nee!e! a$ $%e ca&es(**Ac$uall , sir,* :or$an sai!, *6ri&a$e Sabaak is #ore $%an ca)able o" #ana'in' $%e su))lies( I reco##en! %i# "or a "iel! )ro#o$ion,sir, an!, $ru$%"ull , I((( can*$ le$ $%e Turena' s$a be%in! alone( So#eone %as $o brin' $%e 7anna 'lor ,* %e sai! $%rou'% a eaks#ile(Se&eral o" $%e o""icers c%uckle!, an! Toria )a$$e! %i# on $%e s%oul!er(*Ver ell,* Turk sai!, *an! $%ank ou( I an$ $%e re#ainin' o""icers $o seek ou$ &olun$eers $o #an $%e base( We can*$ s)are #ore$%an "i"$ #en(**Dis#isse!,* Nisri sai!( *7e'in e&acua$ions(*

3

: ORTAN WAS SHA:IN> as %e alke! back $o $%e su))l s%e!( He s$are! a$ $%e bloo!s$aine! rock %ere $ o sol!iers %a! !ie!, an!

"ou'%$ $o s$o#ac% $%e 5ueasiness $%a$ #a!e %is in$es$ines an! 'u$s "eel sli))er ( O""icers ere alrea! barkin' or!ers $o $%eirsol!iers, an! e&er one as 'e$$in' rea! $o )ull ou$ i$% e#er'enc )ro&isions onl ( T%eir )ersonal i$e#s oul! re#ain be%in!un$il $%e coul! re$urn $o re$rie&e $%e#(T%ere as a line o" sol!iers alrea! a$ $%e su))l s%e!, i$% Sabaak $r in' $o %an!le $%e "loo! o" re5ues$s "or sur&i&al 'ear( :or$anas abou$ $o #ake %is a insi!e %en a rou'% %an! 'rabbe! %i# an! )ulle! %i# $o $%e si!e o" $%e s%e!( A "e sol!iers sa an!a$c%e!, bu$ nobo! in$er"ere!(:or$an #e$ Nubis*s )iercin' black e es. $%e scar )a$$erns accen$ua$e! %is an'r sco l( :or$an kne %a$ as co#in'(*Make sure ou !on*$ sur&i&e,* Nubis %is)ere!( *T%ere is no %o#e "or ou a$ $%e ca&es, I )ro#ise ou $%a$(**W% 8 7ecause I kille! $ o o" Anu#an*s #en((( %o ere $r in' $o kill #e8**;ou #ur!ere! $ o #en o" $%e 7anna Alliance, $ o #en o" $%e Nasan!i? M $ribe?*:or$an )us%e! Nubis back( *I sa no #en o" $%e Nasan!i((( onl ackals %o se$ $%eir $ee$% a$ # $%roa$? An! so, I s%o$ $%e# like

ackals(* Nubis reare! back i$% %is "is$, bu$ :or$an !i!n*$ "linc%(*Tell #e, #as$er 'unner,* :or$an sai!, a crooke! s#irk on %is li)s( *Is $%e Nasan!i $ribe a kennel $%ese !a s8 S$rike #e i" ou $rul

belie&e I kille! $ o o" our kins#en $%a$ !a , an! no$ !o's(* Nubis !i! no$ s$rike, bu$ %is "is$ a&ere!(*I $%ou'%$ so,* :or$an sai!( He $urne! an! %ea!e! "or $%e su))l s%e!, %al" e1)ec$in' $o 'e$ bea$en( No blo s arri&e!( T%e o$%ersol!iers )ar$e! a "or %i# an! %e en$ere! un#oles$e!(

4

THE =AM6 SEEMED $o be in s$a''ere! u)roar( T%e =%i#eras ere lea&in' $%e co#)oun! i$% sol!iers )acke! insi!e an! a$o) $%e&e%icles( Frien!s ore so#bre e1)ressions as $%e s%ook %an!s, e#brace! an! kisse! $%e c%eeks o" $%ose s$a in' be%in!( T%eclas)e! ar#s an! e1c%an'e! !a$a-sla$es %ol!in' "are ell le$$ers ri$$en $o lo&e! ones( O$%ers $ra!e! )ieces o" e eller / !e&o$ionc%ains, locke$s i$% )ic$ures o" $%eir i&es an! #e!allions o" sain$s( None o" $%ose s$a in' be%in! sai! i$ as so $%eir co#ra!es

oul! re#e#ber $%e#( I$ as al a s *"or sa"ekee)in'*( T%e >uar!s#en s)oke 5uie$l , $%e air "ille! i$% $%e noise o" #ac%ines(T%e =%i#eras oul! #ake a cou)le o" $ri)s $o 'e$ e&er one, bu$ $%e sol!iers in&ol&e! in ce#en$in' $%e !e"ence o" $%e ca&es en$"irs$. $%e kne $%is oul! be $%e las$ $i#e $%e oul! see one ano$%er( T%e >uar!s#en ere !o'-$ire!, $%eir e""or$s s)en$ o&er $%elas$ !a on "or$i" in' $%e base ca#)( No $%e ere e1)ec$e! $o la e1)losi&es $%rou'%ou$ $%e ca&ern*s $unnels an! secure $%ec%oke )oin$s(


45/78


Worse, )er%a)s, as $%a$ i$% $%e s%i"$ o" a$$en$ion "ro# "or$i" in' base ca#) $o "or$i" in' $%e ca&es, $%e #en lea&in' "el$ arene e! sense o" %o)e( T%e coul! colla)se $%e $unnels an! seal $%e $ rani!s ou$( T%a$ %o)e, Turk kne , also $ore $%e# a)ar$ i$%'uil$( T%a$ %o)e ca#e a$ $%e e1)ense o" $%e #en $%e le"$ be%in!, an! #ore $%an a "e e)$ 5uie$l , s%u!!erin' $o con$ain $%eir'rie" as $%e le"$(Turk a$c%e! as a s5ua!ron o" Sen$inels %ea!e! "or $%e #ain 'a$e carr in' #en on $%eir o)en "ra#e roo"s( I$ as "ar "ro# an i!ealri!e, bu$ =a)$ain Toria an! %is #en ere ur'en$l nee!e! $o scou$ $%e re#ain!er o" $%e ca&erns, $o unco&er an a!!i$ional

)assa'es lea!in' un!er'roun!/ an $%in' $%a$ $%e $ rani!s #i'%$ use $o b )ass $%eir !e"ences( Alrea! $%ere as $%e orr o" burro in' $ rani!s, bu$ Nisri %a! e1)resse! !oub$ $%a$ $%e !i''ers coul! crea$e $ra&ersable $unnels "or $%eir allies $o use( W%e$%er %eas l in' $o o""er a 'li##er o" %o)e, Turk kne no$( 7u$, %e no$ice! $%a$ Nisri s)oke $%rou'% clenc%e! $ee$%, an! $%a$ as enou'%$o orr Turk(S%akin' $%e #an $%ou'%$s "ro# %is %ea!, Turk brie"l a$c%e! $ o >uar!s#en lo er $%e re'i#en$*s !ouble ea'le banner an! rolli$ u) re&eren$l ( T%e @2 n!, suc% as i$ as, as alrea! %o#e $o $%e#( He !ucke! insi!e :a#ala*s $en$( Her ki$ %a! been )acke!an! s%e a))eare! rea! $o lea&e, !es)i$e si$$in' on %er be! an! s$arin' a$ $%e all in a !a+e( Turk $ook %er %an!s an! kneele!

be"ore %er(*M lo&e,* %e sai!, * %ere&er ou are, co#e $o #e(*Her $ire! e es ri&e$e! on %i#, %er e1)ression al#os$ il! an! )anicke!( *Di! - !i! I lea&e ou8* s%e aske!, "ran$icall (*W%a$*s $%e #a$$er8* %e aske!(*W%en I "irs$ arri&e!,* s%e re)lie!, *I as sure $%ere %a! been no #assacre on $%is orl!, no I#)erial )resence( No I*# cer$ain o"$%e o))osi$e( T%ere ere I#)erials %ere, so#e "or'o$$en e1)e!i$ion, an! $%e !ie!, cruell (*T%e san!s %a&e clai#e! $%e# no , bu$ $%e ere %ere( T%eir '%os$s cr ou$ $o be re#e#bere!, an! I can*$ s$o) %earin' $%e#(*Turk no!!e!( He aske! $%e 5ues$ion, !es)i$e %is !isco#"or$( *=an ou %ear $%e# no 8**No$ clearl , bu$ $%e $ rani!s %a&e a akene! $%eir #e#ories an! 'i&en $%e# &oices a'ain( I$*s %ar! $o $ell((( $%e $ rani!s ske #

)erce)$ion o" $%in's( Silence $%e#( S#o$%er,* s%e sai!, $ouc%in' %er li)s( *I$ as $%e $ rani!s %o kille! $%e#(**T%a$ no lon'er #a$$ers,* Turk sai!( *W%a$ #a$$ers is $%a$ e sur&i&e( I secure! our $rans)or$(**;es,* s%e sai!, s$an!in', !a+e!, *I as abou$ $o((( 'o8 Is $%a$ %ere I en$8*Turk s$oo! i$% %er an! cu))e! %er "ace in %is %an!s( *M c%eris%e!, I coul!n*$ le$ ou lea&e i$%ou$ a sui$able 'oo!b e(*:a#ala "ocuse! on %is s#ile, an! s#ile! in re$urn( S%e leane! in$o %is kiss an! see#e! anc%ore! $o i$( T%e relis%e! $%e$en!erness o" one ano$%er "or a lon', lin'erin' #o#en$, be"ore :a#ala*s s#ile "a!e!( S%e broke a a reluc$an$l , a))aren$l los$(S%e 'rabbe! %er ki$ an! %ea!e! "or $%e !oor(Turk s$a e! insi!e $%e $en$ "or a #o#en$ lon'er, absorbin' $%e as#ine '%os$ o" %er scen$, $rouble! b %er &isions( He coul! no$%el) %is $%ou'%$s, coul! no$ %el) $%e )ri#al "ear $%a$ so#e$%in' as ea$in' %er #in!( 7u$ no((( $%e $ rani!s, an! $%e '%os$s $%e

brou'%$ i$% $%e#, ere $roublin' %er( T%a$ as all( He alke! back ou$ in$o $%e il! bus$le o" $%e ca#), "ull con"i!en$ $%a$ in

$%e c%aos o" $%e #o#en$, nobo! oul! see %i# lea&in' :a#ala*s $en$(

5

IT WAS DAR: %en $%e #ain 'a$es s un' o)en an! Ma or Hussari*s Sen$inel s$ro!e in$o ca#)( He as s%ocke! b $%e '%os$ls$a$e o" i$, $%e "i"$ -o!! sol!iers ra$$lin' aroun! insi!e a co#)oun! like a %an!"ul o" loose coins in a lar'e u'( T%e o$%er Sen$inels5ua!rons ere alrea! on )icke$ !u$ , i$% ins$ruc$ions $o %el) base ca#) "or as lon' as $%e coul! be"ore "allin' back $o $%eca&es( Ma or Hussari, %o e&er, %a! s orn $o re#ain an! %el) $%e !e"ences( T%is as no $i#e $o %i!e be%in! rank, no$ $%a$ %e e&er%a!(Ma or Das%our o''e! u) $o $%e Sen$inel as Ma or Hussari $urne! $%e en'ine o"" an! !is#oun$e!( He o""ere! a s%ar) salu$e be"oreaskin' $%e 5ues$ion e&er one as $oo a"rai! $o ask(*Ho "ar be%in! are $%e 8**An %our,* Hussari re)lie!, casuall ( He %an!e! Das%our a !a$a-sla$e( *T%eir !irec$ion %asn*$ c%an'e! "ro# $%e in"or#a$ion %ere(T%e *re co#in' s$rai'%$ "or us(*Das%our no!!e!( *;es, sir( T%e Fire Direc$ion =en$re $ea# can )u$ $%is in$elli'ence $o use( We s%oul! be able $o !ro) a "e s%ellson $%e# be"ore $%e 'e$ in ran'e o" $%e all e#)lace#en$s an! #or$ars(**>oo!,* Hussari re)lie!( *We*ll %a&e )len$ $o s%oo$ a$ %en $%e $i#e co#es(*

6

THE FIRST SI>N o" $%eir arri&al as $%e !us$ clou! $%ai slo l !e&oure! $%e %ori+on( Lon'-ran'e aus)e1 )icke! u) $%e $ rani!sne1$, $%e a))roac%in' %or!e like a soli! s$or# "ron$( I" $%e !i!n*$ kno %a$ $%e ere "acin', $%e o)era$ors #i'%$ %a&e #is$akeni$ "or a $%ick s$or#, bu$ $%e kne %a$ as co#in', an! $%e $re#ble! a$ $%e #a'ni$u!e o" $%e si'nal(T%a$*s %en $%e 7asilisk be'an $o $%un!er, "irin' o"" a !eu$eriu# #acro-s%ell e&er "e secon!s, $%e s ea$s cre orkin'"e&eris%l $o s%o&e s%ells in$o $%e loa!er $%a$ au$o#a$icall "e! $%e breac%( Eac% s%o$ s%ook $%e cour$ ar! an! buil!in's, an! sen$

ou$ a S%ock a&e o" !us$, bu$ $%e sol!iers i'nore! $%e !ea"enin' cru#) o" ar$iller "ire( T%e all ore ear-'uar!s "i$$e! i$% #icro- bea!s $o %ear an! rela or!ers, $%ou'% $%is as a eak re oin!er co#)are! $o $%e ar$iller "iel!e! in #os$ o$%er en'a'e#en$s(>uar!s#en 'a$%ere! alon' $%e nor$%ern all an! a$c%e! as $%e !is$an$ !eser$ 're !ark i$% bo!ies( T%e 7asilisk*s s%ellsre'is$ere! in $%e a))roac%in' #ass as i#)ac$ clou!s $%a$ "lun' )in)rick bo!ies in$o $%e air an! !arkene! $%e #ass i$% )lu#es o"

black s#oke( Onl la$er, %a$ "el$ like an e$erni$ a"$er ar!s, !i! $%e air ec%o back $%e %in$ o" so"$ i#)ac$s( 7u$, $%e "ire see#e!inconse5uen$ial co#)are! $o $%e a))roac%in' #ass, like usin' a )in $o s$ab a$ $%e bo! o" a ol"(


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Das%our le$ $%e #en a$c% "or a #o#en$ be"ore sen!in' $%e# back $o $%eir )osi$ions( T%e %ea&ies$ !e"ences ere alon' $%ees$ern all, %ere a !une crea$e! a na$ural ra#) $o $%e )la$eau an! $%e #ain 'a$e( W%ile i$ !i! no$ "ace $%e a))roac%in' $ rani!s,i$ oul! )robabl be $%e #os$ %ea&il e1)loi$e! a&enue u) $o $%e alls( Das%our also )lace! #en alon' $%e o$%er alls $o %an!le$%e $ rani!s $%a$ scale! $%e )la$eau( 7u$, be$ een $%e aba$is $%icke$ o" #e$al lances an! $%e $%in li) o" )la$eau be$ een $%eco#)oun!s alls an! $%e cli""s, Das%our %o)e! "e er #en oul! be nee!e! $o %ol! $%ose )osi$ions(Ma or Hussari as in $%e co##an! bunker, ins$ruc$in' $%e s5ua!rons en'a'in' $%e e!'es o" $%e $ rani! le'ions( Nobo! as $o&en$ure closer $%an au$ocannon ran'e. $%e $ rani!s reac$e! $oo 5uickl $o risk sen!in' $%e# in closer( As i$ as, $%e ene# assen!in' ou$ %arr in' )ar$ies $o 'o a"$er $%e s5ua!rons, o&er$akin' so#e an! sca$$erin' o$%ers( T%is as a "loo!, an! $%e ere bu$a lone rock %o)in' $o break $%e back o" $%e s$or#, bu$ Hussari con$inue! $o !irec$ %is s5ua!rons, %earin' $%e# !ie one a$ a $i#e(He !oub$e! %e$%er #ore $%an a %an!"ul o" bir!s oul! e&er reac% $%e ca&es(:or$an, #ean %ile, as re're$$in' %is !ecision i$% e&er "ibre o" %is bein', bu$ %e s$oo! %is 'roun! alon' $%e nor$%ern all( He$rie! $o i'nore $%e $%un!er o" $%e a))roac%in' #ob, $%e un!ula$in' sea o" bone-'re , $ur5uoise, bloo!-re! an! black cara)aces( T%e

)ressure o" $%e# see#e! i##ense( Ho $%e !i!n*$ crus% one ano$%er i$% $%eir bo!ies, :or$an !i! no$ kno ( For eac% ar$illers%ell $%a$ cra$ere! a %ole in $%eir ranks, $%e %or!e sur'e! $o "ill i$ a'ain. $%ere as no si'n o" $%eir nu#bers $%innin'( T%e ereen!less( :or$an as on $%e &er'e o" colla)se %en a s$ea! %an! "oun! %is s%oul!er( I$ as Das%our( He %an!e! %i# a re#o$e!e&ice i$% a sin'le s i$c% #oun$e! on i$s "ace(*Is $%is $%e #a'ic bu$$on $o #ake $%e# 'o a a 8* :or$an s%ou$e!, no!!in' $o $%e $ rani!s(*In a #anner o" s)eakin',* Das%our sai!, #issin' $%e oke( He sai! so#e$%in' else $%a$ as s allo e! b $%e e1)losi&e ar$illers%o$( T%e air as alrea! $%ick i$% $%e s#ell o" cor!i$e "ro# $%e )ro)ellan$s( *I sai!, once $%e $ rani!s !ra in close, $%e 7asiliskill be useless( T%is is one o" "our $ri''ers $o !e$ona$e $%e a##o s%e!s $%a$ are "ille! i$% !eu$eriu# s%ells(* He )ause!, ai$in'"or ano$%er sal&o $o be "ire!( *W%en $%e ca#) is o&errun-**Don*$ ou #ean i" ,* :or$an sai!, %al" in es$ an! all in %o)e(*W%en,* Das%our sai!( *I$ ill be u) $o Ma or Hussari, =a)$ain Aban$u, #e or ou $o !e$ona$e $%e a##o s%e!s an! $ake as #an o"$%ese bas$ar!s i$% us as e can(*:or$an no!!e!, %is %ea! s i##in' i$% $%e $ru$% o" $%eir si$ua$ion( In #os$ o)era$ions, %e as ell be%in! $%e "ron$ lines( He saco#ba$ rarel , i" e&er( To!a , %o e&er, as ano$%er #a$$er en$irel ( T%e 7asilisk "ire! a'ain( T%is $i#e, i$ as oine! b #or$ar"ire "ro# $%e $renc% belo , an! b $%e 'un e#)lace#en$s on $%e all(T%e $ rani!s %a! reac%e! $%e base o" $%e )la$eau(

THE 7ATTLE WAS an u'l , !es)era$e $%in'( T%e $ rani!s s$ruck $%e base o" $%e )la$eau an! #el$e! aroun! i$, $%e a a$er "lo s $o"in! cracks( T%e sur'e! u) $%e ra#), $%e air "ille! i$% $%eir insec$-like c%a$$er an! $%eir ar %o ls( In #o#en$s, $%e base ca#)s$oo! alone in a li&in' sea o" ene#ies, $%e !eser$ "or'o$$en( T%e $ rani!s ni#bl scale! $%e cli"" si!es, usin' one ano$%er "or )ur-

c%ase be"ore lea)in' u) %i'%er, $%eir cla s an! bla!e ar#s sinkin' in$o $%e rock all( O$%ers, re#iniscen$ o" cen$i)e!es an!cockroac%es i$% "aces, scurrie! u) $%e cli"" an! !e"ie! 'ra&i$ i$% no e""or$( A "e "ire! u) a$ $%e >uar!s#en, bu$ $%e see#e!"ran$ic, ea'er $o reac% $%e %u#ans i$%in an! kill $%e# i$% $%eir bare %an!s(T%e s ell o" $ rani!s reac%e! $%e co#)oun!*s alls( T%e "irs$ a&e cras%e! in$o $%e aba$is s)ikes an! ske ere! $%e#sel&es!elibera$el ( T%e al#os$ suici!al run cau'%$ $%e >uar!s#en o"" kil$er, un$il $%e realise! $%a$ $%e $ rani!s ere usin' $%eir bo!ies$o cork $%e s)ikes( O$%ers use! $%e !ea! $o scra#ble %i'%er u) $%e all, bu$ $%e >uar!s#en "ire! !o n in$o $%e #ob( T%e skir#is%as in !es)era$e an! "ull s in'( T%e %is$le o" #or$ars as as cons$an$ as $%e ea)ons "ire, an! e&er s%o$ as )ro#ise! a %i$(

DASHO9R STOOD WITH %is #en on $%e es$ern all, cer$ainl #ore co#)ose! $%an $%e i$% $%eir !es)era$e ba$$le cries, bu$"i'%$in' us$ $%e sa#e( Wi$% bol$ )is$ol in %an!, %e c%ose %is s%o$s, ai#e! an! "ire!( T%e #ob on $%e ra#) belo as )acke!$o'e$%er an! blin!in' in $%eir uni"or#i$ , bu$ Das%our "ancie! %e un!ers$oo! $%e $ rani!((( res)ec$e! $%eir s$ren'$%s, an!ca)i$alise! on $%eir )ercei&e! eakness( T%e $ rani!s ere %i&e-#in!e!, an! eac% )ack )ossesse! an anc%or $o $%a$ uni" in'in$ellec$( I$ as usuall a lar'er beas$, be$$er ar#e! an! ar#oure! $%an $%e res$( Das%our sou'%$ $%e# ou$ i$% %is s%ar) e es,"irin' 'rena!e s%ell roun!s in$o $%eir bo!ies( T%e roun!s !e$ona$e! insi!e $%e# an! sen$ ou$ a %ail o" s%re!!in' "ra'#en$s in$o$%eir closes$ allies(

: ORTAN :E6T HIS %ea! lo as %e ran alon' $%e &arious alls( T%e o&ersi+e! )acks s$ra))e! o&er bo$% %is s%oul!ers ere %ea& , bu$ ere 5uickl beco#in' li'%$er as sol!iers 'rabbe! "ra' an! krak 'rena!es "ro# %i#( T%e 'rena!es en$ o&er $%e alls5uickl , an! !e$ona$e! i$% #u$e! %u#)s so#e %ere belo ( :or$an !i! no$ lin'er, %o e&er, an! "ocuse! on kee)in' %is %ea!!o n(

H9SSARI WAS ON $%e eas$ern all, $%e one i$% $%e %i'%es$ cli""s( T%e $ rani!s ere clus$ere! "ar belo , i$% s ar#s o" $%e#$r in' $o scale $%e rocks( He ai#e! !o n $%e sco)e o" %is M->ala1 las'un, )ickin' o"" $%e %i'%es$ cli#bers i$% a #i!-ran'ec%ar'e se$$in'( Too li$$le )o er an! $%e s%o$ #i'%$ bounce o"" $%e cara)ace, bu$ $oo s$ron' a c%ar'e oul! !e)le$e $%e )o er )ack(T%e #a or si'%$e!, an! slice! $%rou'% $%e $en$acle ar# o" a cli#bin' beas$ i$% a #ou$% se$ in i$s c%es$, %en so#eone ne1$ $o

%i# screa#e!( Hussari $urne! in $i#e $o see $%e #an on $%e 'roun!, ri$%in' in a'on , %is s%ir$ $orn o)en, an! $%e bloo! blis$erson %is c%es$ e1)lo!in'. bee$le roun!s ere burro in' in$o %is skin( No$%in' coul! be !one "or %i#( T%e #a or $urne! $%e las'unon $%e )oor sol!ier an! s%o$ %i# $%rou'% $%e %ea!( T%a$ as $%e onl $ria'e an o" $%e# coul! e1)ec$ $o!a (He as abou$ $o "ire a$ ano$%er ene# %en ano$%er sol!ier as %i$/ a s%o$ $o $%e "ace $%a$ rocke! %i# o"" %is "ee$ an! sen$ )in-si+e! bee$les runnin' in an! ou$ o" $%e cra$er-like oun!(Sniper, Hussari realise!( T%e ha e a sniper$


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Hussari )eere! o&er $%e e!'e o" $%e all "or a one-secon! coun$ an! %i))e! %is %ea! back a'ain( A s%o$ screa#e! )as$ %i#, $%esni)er 5uick i$% %is ai#( 9n"or$una$el , $%ere ere $oo #an o))onen$s belo "or %i# $o see $%e sni)er, bu$ $%a$ !i!n*$ #a$$er $oHussari( He )ulle! $%ree "ra' 'rena!es "ro# %is ebbin', a! us$e! $%e# $o a s%or$ "use, )ulle! $%e )in on eac% an! !ro))e! $%e#in !i""eren$ !irec$ions( T%e 'rena!es e1)lo!e! abo&e $%e $ rani!s, $%e s%ra)nel !is)ersin' o&er a i!e area( Hussari #o&e! $o a!i""eren$ s)o$ on $%e all an! )eere! o&er a'ain "or a one secon!-coun$( T%e #ob belo as !e&as$a$e!/ cara)aces s)li$ o)en,

bo!ies s)i$$in' e$s o" ic%or an! ello an! re! or'ans unra&ellin' "ro# bo!ies( No s%o$s "ollo e!, bu$ Hussari coul! also see $%e )ress o" $ rani!s rus%in' in $o "ill $%e 'a)s an! !e&our $%eir o n !ea!(

7 A=: ALON> THE es$ern all, o&er $%e #ain 'a$e, $%e "i'%$in' 're #ore in$ense( Wi$% no cli""s $o scale, $%e $ rani!s ere a$ $%eco#)oun!*s alls( Sol!iers alon' $%e ba$$le#en$s "ire! !irec$l !o n in$o $%e #ob belo $%e#( T%e >uar!s#en ere e""icien$ in$%eir killin', bu$, un"or$una$el , ere s$ackin' a all o" cor)ses "or $%e o$%ers $o cli#b( Das%our con$inue! $o )ick %is s%o$s,ai#in' a$ $%ose $ rani!s $%a$ see#e! uni5ue a#on' $%e $%ron' o" runners, lea)ers an! arriors( He asn*$ sure i" %is )lan asorkin', bu$ %e like! $o )re$en! i$ as(Su!!enl , so#e$%in' cau'%$ Das%our*s e e/ a ro o" si#ian-like $ rani!s( T%e ere ell ar#oure!, i$% lon', #uscular ar#san! 'ian$, cla e! "is$s, $%e s%ar) knuckles o" %ic% $%e use! $o !ra' $%e#sel&es "or ar!( 7io#ec%anical cannons 're "ro#$%eir backs, %ile un!er eac% bo! as $%e ei'%$e! u!!er o" $%eir a##o sac( Das%our*s e es i!ene!. %e re#e#bere! $%esecrea$ures, re#e#bere! $%e %orrors $%e coul! in"lic$ i$%in $%e ranks o" $%eir ene#ies(*>unbeas$s? S%oo$ $%e#?* %e crie!, )oin$in'( A "e o" $%e sol!iers looke! con"use!, unable $o !is$in'uis% one $ rani! "ro# ano$%erin $%ese con!i$ions( T%ose $%a$ un!ers$oo! Das%our*s or!ers ai#e! an! "ire!, bu$ $%eir s%o$s "ell s%or$(

Das%our ran u) $o $%e au$ocannon 'unner s%el$ere! be%in! san!ba's an! )ulle! %i# o"" $%e ea)on( He )lan$e! %is s%oul!ers in$o$%e recoil braces an! "ire! a$ $%e $ rani!s, s$i$c%in' roun! a"$er roun! in$o $%e $ar'e$s( S%o$s bounce! o"" $%e %ea& bone #oul!in'o" $%e cannon #oun$s an! $%e %ea&il )la$e! ar#s an! le's, bu$ Das%our ke)$ %is "in'er %ea& on $%e $ri''er, %is $racer roun!s

brin'in' all ran'e! "ire alon' $%e all $o bear a'ains$ $%e 'unbeas$s( To en$ !o n, $ellin' %i$s score! alon' $%e crea$ures* necksan! %ea!s(I$ as $oo la$e( T%ree 'unbeas$s s$raine!, $%eir cannons "larin' i$% elec$ric s)arks an! %ea& #uscle con$rac$in'( T%e "ire! $%eirs)ore clus$ers(T%e "irs$ clus$er saile! o&er $%e all an! s$ruck $%e #or$ar $renc%( T%e s)ore e1)lo!e! on i#)ac$, 'enera$in' a clou! $%a$ en'ul"e!"our #or$ar cre s an! sen$ $%e o$%ers scra#blin' "ro# $%e )i$s( T%e screa#e!, $%eir )aine! %o ls a )iercin' cr $%a$ s$abbe! $%e%ear$( Das%our kne $%e e""ec$s/ ins$an$ %ae#orr%a'in', !es$ruc$ion o" $%e so"$ connec$i&e $issues, !isin$e'ra$ion o" $%e in$ernalor'ans( T%e !ie! as $%eir or'ans an! ar$eries #el$e! in$o )u!!in', an! $%eir skin, #uscles, bones an! $en!ons !e$ac%e! "ro# oneano$%er( T%e $urne! )eo)le in$o ba's o" sou) an! bone(T%e secon! s)ore s$ruck $%e all an! cau'%$ $ o >uar!s#en in $%e s)la$$er( T%e !i!n*$ e&en %a&e $i#e $o screa# as $%e li5ui!

#el$e! $%eir %ea!s an! u))er bo!ies( T%e "ell $o $%e 'roun!, $%eir or'ans s)illin' ou$ o" $%e e1)ose! cu)s o" $%eir c%es$s( T%e "as$ac$in' #olecular aci!s also a$e $%rou'% $%e all, o)enin' a lar'e cra$er, bu$ no$ ea$in' i$s a $%rou'%(T%e $%ir! s)ore s$ruck $%e u))er all, $%is $i#e e1)lo! in' ou$ in a eb o" "ila#en$ $%rea!s co&ere! in "ille$in' #icro-%ooks( T%e$%rea!s ra))e! aroun! $%ree #en an! ins$an$l con$rac$e!( T%e $ore $%rou'% $%eir clo$%in' an! sunk in$o $%eir "les% un$il s$o))e!

b bone( One sol!ier !ie! i$% a 'ur'le on %is li)s, $%e $%rea!s %a&in' cu$ $%rou'% %is $%roa$ an! ra))e! aroun! %is s)inalcolu#n( T%e o$%er $ o crie! ou$ "or %el), $%e ires e#be!!e! %al"- a $%rou'% $%eir s$o#ac%s, ar#s an! $%

soulban l = desert raiders

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