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

rushed for cover, moving to the edges of the wall just out of the line of fire.

“Backup incoming!” A man shouted from outside. One of the pirates already in position called out for them to wait but it was too late. The reinforcements burst in, five guys. Torrence killed the leader. Zem got the one on his left. They drove the others out with suppressive fire. At least one of those men took a hit to the side, making him squeal.

“Hold your positions!” Another shout. Zem couldn’t tell which direction it came from. Additional forces mustered at the front door. Explosions throughout the facility proved the fighting elsewhere continued hot and heavy.

“Sound off,” Zem said. “Everyone still okay?”

“I’m fine,” McCully sounded entirely too calm, “just about wrapped up on this side. Getting ready to move.”

“We’re okay,” Nostros added. His tone didn’t match the captains. Whatever he happened to be dealing with must’ve been tense. “Just trying to hold down the fort with those damn traps. I tell you, there are more men than expected. Shit!” He went silent for a moment. “We’ve got a vehicle incoming toward the front gates.”

“ETA?” Zem asked.

“Ten minutes.”

“Plenty of time,” Zem said. “Get the defenses spun around. Aim at that thing. When it gets close, light it up.” None of the pirates seemed to be moving in the audience chamber. He checked his computer, frowning as some of the dots seemed to be just gone. “That’s not good. Look at the scans. I’ve lost some of our friends.”

“They’re on the move,” Nostros replied. “They’ve got a low range jammer on. Looks like we might’ve missed a small stairwell leading up and to your left.”

“Can they flank us?” Torrence asked.

“Schematics would say…yes, yes they can.”

Great. Zem shifted into a crouch. “Come on, Torrence.” He nudged her, moving toward the right. “Let them take this area. We’re meeting up with you, McCully. Make your way toward the command center.” He led the way, breaking into a quick jog.

“They’re moving!” One of their opponents called out. “Hurry! After them!”

Yeah, follow us dumbasses. Zem took the corner hard, shoulder checking the opposite wall. He sprinted to clear the next thirty yards. The control center was roughly in the center of that floor. If McCully found a way to break from her opponents, she would’ve met them at the doors.

“We’re approaching the corridor,” Zem said. A red beam slammed the wall in front him, a narrow miss to his right side. “Torrence, I can’t shoot back without risking you. Get them.”

The vibration of their weapons filled the hall as she laid down heavy fire behind them. It didn’t stop the attacks coming. Red shots seared the wall ahead. The fact they were all running probably kept them alive. Hauling ass and firing the rifles didn’t do their aim any favors. They were nearly there.

“Move to your left,” McCully said. She sounded so calm she might’ve been working as a jazz DJ. “Better hurry on that.”

Zem saw her up ahead, peeking around the corner. He slipped over as far as he could, hoping Torrence did the same. The moment he did, McCully opened fire, bringing out cries from their pursuers. He risked a quick glance over his shoulder, just long enough to see a body and two additional guys continuing to run after them.

They’re surprisingly dedicated to a pirate asshole. How could he possibly pay enough for them to be this dedicated?

Zem passed McCully, moving behind her. Torrence came after, crying out as she took a hit on the shoulder. She stumbled into the wall which helped her catch her balance enough to toss herself sideways out of harm’s way.

“Crouch!” Zem shouted. McCully complied as he stepped up beside her, firing high while she kept going low. The remaining three pirates in the hall went down in seconds, cut down with multiple shouts to each. “Hold this hall!” He stepped over to Torrence, grabbing her arm. “You okay? Are you going to make it?”

“I’ve got it,” Torrence replied. “Just hurt like a bitch. This armor’s incredible. What’s next?”

“Where the hell is Loch?” Zem narrowed his eyes. “Let’s get back to the control room. I want to get him on the line. McCully, if more than two come down this way, fallback to our position. We’ll hold them in there.” He looked over his shoulder, noting the chunks of bodies littering the floor…victims of their traps.

At least they worked. Zem nudged Torrence. “Come on. The bastard might be trying to get away and if he’s got Rita, I ordered Biggun to blow any ship out of the sky.”

***

Loch stopped abruptly as they reached the landing pad. Two bodies reclined by the door, both smoldering from wounds to the chest and face. Rita recognized them by their clothes as the ones who piloted the yacht. Smoke rose from various parts of the compound, thick and black. Distant shouts continued within.

“Whoever did this is going to pay…” Loch muttered. “Their families will pay. I’ll hunt down every single one of these people…” He stopped himself. “But right now, we have to get out of here.” He gestured to the ship. “Let’s go. Between the two of us, we can pilot this thing back to orbit.”

Do I take my chances with the people attacking this place? Rita turned to the door leading into the complex. If they were some rival gang of pirates, she’d be in a worse position by far. Just then, Loch trusted her… wanted her to help him survive an attack. The people inside may be there for retribution for a wrong. And I probably look like I’m on the wrong side.

Then again, staying meant slipping away… leaving the compound until the attackers did the same. Afterward, she could return to use the communications equipment or at least scavenge some gear. A quick