Dusk of Defiance (The Era of Ensemble Book 1) by JP Woosey Read Free Book Online

crashed into the ancient iron lock and ripped a hole in the cabinet’s door. The padlock lay in pieces scattered along the floor.
    Luke eagerly opened the door to the cabinet, hoping that the bullet hadn't hit a power cell. The door opened, and a body fell out. Luke caught it, but quickly dropped the body as he saw that nothing was attached to the neck. The decapitated body clattered to the floor. He couldn’t see the head anywhere. Who would put a decapitated body in a small confined place? He couldn’t worry about that now, he was starting to get used to nasty surprises.
    Relief washed over Luke as he saw an unused power cell in the cabinet. He holstered his revolver and grabbed the power cell with both hands. It was heavier than he had anticipated. It nearly slipped out of his hands. He slowly moved it over to the outline of the dimly lit hole. Luke placed it in, making sure it was the right way around. For a second there was nothing. But suddenly the whole room came to life. Lights shone brightly, so bright Luke had to shield his eyes.
    “Thank you... unidentified engineer… for restoring non-essential power to 32-B. Have a pleasant day.” The computerised automated voice spoke over the speaker system. Luke felt somewhat proud of himself, but that feeling quickly vanished as he heard a noise from outside the room.
    He took out his revolver, and loaded another round into its cylinder. He edged to the door, and aimed his weapon. Nothing to his right. He looked to his left, and then lowered his revolver. Luke holstered it, watching the figure in front of him, and then he raised his hands above his head and into the air. Luke stood, gesturing his full surrender.

Chapter 5
    Luke stood still. He did not dare to move a muscle. A man stood across the hall from him. Luke surveyed him. The man was tall, dressed in protective armour, but he didn’t hold his gun like a soldier. The small details flooded Luke’s mind as he made a quick assumption. No, he's not a soldier at all . His battledress was more dusty than bloodied. He wore a bandage strapped around his left arm. His eyes were distinctly bloodshot. There were cuts and bruises all around his face. His nose looked swollen and purple, but he could just be a heavy drinker. He did not look like a man who had directly battled with one of the creatures... but he had battled with something. He was far too twitchy and alert. He must know what's going on aboard this ship. He may be able to help me.
    “ What are you doing here?” The man whispered loudly across the room.
    “ I came to restore power to the tram.” Luke replied. He watched the man twitch from side to side, turning at every little noise. Luke gently, purposefully and slowly lowered his hands. Although the man's gun pointed in his direction, he had asked Luke a question, and Luke deduced the man didn't want to kill him. The man was listening out for those creatures.
    “ Who are you?” The man squinted as he asked.
    “ My name’s Luke Mason, and…”
    “ Why aren’t you like the others?” The man interrupted Luke.
    “ I’ve only recently woken from deep sleep. I awoke to find the ship in this state.”
    The man lowered his weapon, and eased slightly. “What are you looking for? Why are you fighting it?”
    “ I’m trying to find my sister…” Luke paused, unsure of what the man was asking. “Fighting what?”
    The man lau ghed. “You don’t even realise…” He stopped laughing, and then studied Luke. “Maybe you can help me? Yes you must help me.”
    “ Okay. Just explain to me what you want.” Luke answered the man.
    “ Sure… But not here, it’s not safe, follow me.”
    Luke began to follow the man. “Who are you?” He asked.
    “ Maxwell… Maxwell Pearce.” He stopped, and turned to Luke. “Keep your distance from me… I don’t trust you.” He glared at Luke.
    Luke raised his hands for calm. “Okay… Okay, easy now.” He waited a few paces, and then began to follow Maxwell