Countdown by John Walker (most life changing books TXT) 📕

his gun as the laser came his way, slicing into the console as it covered the surface in black. Two quick blasts were all he could manage before he dove to the floor, going prone. The beam cut directly over him, hot enough to sear his hair. A rumbling explosion made Vic’s ears ring.

The laser turned off. The man fell to the ground, but he’d shot the reactor, ruptured the thing with his ridiculous cannon.

Vic crawled to his feet, hurrying over to the only operating terminal in the place. The ether core appeared to be unstable. An emergency message filled the screen. The place would go up in less than ten minutes without immediate containment. Since he had no idea how to even start, it was time to go.

“Borden?” Vic rushed back to the door then slipped into the maintenance tunnel again. “I’ve got a serious problem down here.”

“What did you do?” Borden asked. “We’re picking up a serious power build up. Did you mess with the reactor?”

“No, one of them did.”

“What’s that mean?”

“The whole place is going to blow up in a few minutes.”

Borden sighed.

“You think you’re put out? I’m about to die down here, man!”

“We’ll dock now,” Borden said, “but you damn well better hurry. We don’t have much time to get out of here.”

Vic climbed the ladder two stories, shifting to the next flight to get to where The Pegasus would be. He checked his scanner on the way up. Dots were swarming the place, probably in a total panic. He wondered what they’d do… if they even had a plan for such a catastrophe.

This place was old enough, Vic thought. I would imagine they’ve thought about what to do in an emergency.

“Attention!” The woman didn’t sound so smug this time. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Get to the escape pods immediately! The reactor has been breached. It will detonate in eight minutes! Repeat, get to the escape pods right now or kiss your ass goodbye. This is the last message. I’m out of here!”

I mean, I guess that’s something. Vic picked up the pace, charging toward the docking ring. At least they won’t try to steal our ship now. He wondered how the Gold Empire would feel about them blowing up the station. They don’t have much to say about it since they sent us here and hadn’t checked it out.

He passed by other doors leading to empty docking clamps. His objective was three away. Footsteps slapped the deck ahead of him, people probably running for their lives. None of them must’ve thought Borden planned to stay. I wonder if they think we’re responsible. He doubted they cared given the circumstances.

“I’m in position!” Vic shouted. “Are you docked?”

“Dude,” Borden said, “I’m doing it now. They aren’t exactly helping me now that you’ve screwed up their home. Relax.”

“You realize what’s about to happen?” Vic aimed his weapon down the hall. He doubted anyone would come but if they did, he needed to be ready. “What it’ll be like over here when this goes up?”

“I’m about to attach our ship to the place,” Borden said. “Yes, I know what it’ll be like. Now you’re distracting me. Settle down.”

Settle down! Son of a bitch! Vic cursed, pacing as he waited. He couldn’t see The Pegasus… and he wasn’t sure it would make him feel better to watch it slowly approach or not. At least then I’d know how long it’ll take to get here. He moved a good twenty feet down the corridor, checking for more pirates.

Scans showed they were moving downward. Okay, so I’m good.

“Hey,” a voice behind him made him jump. “You caused this, huh?” Vic turned to look at a young man, probably in his twenties. Brown hair was long, partially covering his dark eyes. He held a pistol, aimed at Vic’s head. “You’re the reason this place is about to go up in smoke, right?”

“Technically,” Vic replied, “it was one of your guys. Some crazy laser thingie I’ve never seen before… you can’t blame me for this. I just wanted a couple parts without my ship and buddies getting hijacked in the process.”

“Son of a bitch!” The man took a step forward.

The station shook violently, making them both stumble. Vic threw himself against the wall to maintain his balance. His opponent collapsed, losing the gun in the process but he scampered forward on all fours. The man lunged as Vic brought the knife down, sliding it directly into the man’s back just as they grappled.

The blow brought out a huffing groan. His grip tightened though, indicating he still had some fight in him.

Vic wiggled the blade left and right, bringing out an agonized scream. That made the guy let go. As he fell, the man tossed a punch, catching Vic in the balls. The blow made his stomach feel hollow in a second, but it wasn’t hard enough to cause any real damage. He couldn’t yank the blade out before it was torn from his hand by the weight of his opponent.

“We’re here!” Borden shouted. “Sealed up. Go! Get on board! Now!”

Vic hit the panel, slipping into the tunnel. A couple blasts followed him. One caught him in the thigh just before the door closed. White hot pain made it difficult to see. He staggered to the airlock door leading to The Pegasus, hammering the surface with his palm.

Lyson opened it up, pulling him inside. The door closed behind them. A moment later, the magnetics released with a clunk and they were on their way. As the thrusters engaged, Vic winced, clinging to the doctor as she dragged him back toward the medical area.

“What happened?” Lyson asked.

“Asshole shot me,” Vic grunted. “Just before the damn doors! Shit, I knew I should’ve finished him off when he fell! Dammit!”

“You’ll be okay. It’s