Human Chronicles Part 2 Book 3: A Galaxy to Conquer by T. R. Harris Read Free Book Online Page A

forward and pulled the MK-17 from Ruszel’s now weakened grip. He expertly twisted the weapon around in his hand until he held it firmly. Next he pointed it at a faraway wall and pulled the trigger.
    The now fully-operational flash weapon discharged a bright ball of blue-white electricity, illuminating the room and slashing against the target wall with a sharp crack. He then turned the MK back on the pilot.
    There was banging on the main door to the great room, a door that Kaylor had locked with the help of his ATD as soon as they had entered. A faint click was now heard as Kaylor released the lock with a command of his mind.
    A flood of Tel’oran guards poured into the room. These were skilled operatives, and not simply armed starship pilots. They acquired targets for their weapons almost immediately—and suffered the same shock and confusion as Ruszel had when their MK’s failed to launch.
    Jym swung the heavy metal lamp down on the arm of the nearest guard, dislodging his weapon. He then scooped up the gun and pointed it at the handful of guards approaching him. They didn’t hesitate, fully convinced that their weapons were inert—for some strange reason. Jym pointed the gun upwards and launched a bolt into the ceiling. The guards stopped in their tracks.
    Having seen Jym’s weapon discharge, most of the guards now resumed the futile triggering of their own weapons once again. Finally, realizing that Kaylor and Jym had the only two working MK’s in the room, the guards dejectedly lowered their weapons and stood waiting for commands from the two intruders.
    Kaylor turned to Ruszel. “Most structures like these have some sort of secure room, where valuables are stored, or as safe place against intruders.”
    “Are you really here to rob me?”
    “No, of course not,” Kaylor said. “It is just that we need to have a safe place to lock away your guards so we can get away. Otherwise we will have to kill them all.”
    A nervous murmur spread through the ranks of the guards, along with the old pilot Kankus.
    “I would prefer not to have to do that.”
    “I say kill them, kill them all so they won’t talk or follow us!” little Jym said while pointing his weapon up at the head of the nearest guard. The towering Tel’oran backed away in fear; Kaylor saw the look of unbridled satisfaction cross Jym’s face. He was finally having his moment....
    “I have such a room,” Ruszel said in a panic. “In fact, I have many such rooms in this large estate. Please do not kill my guards.” He then locked his eyes on Kankus, who was cowering towards the back of the crowd of bodyguards. “Kankus you can kill ... for bringing the two of you into my home. I would feel no regret about that! ”
    “We’re not going to kill anyone,” Kaylor said, beginning to grow annoyed that the situation had come down to talk of mass murder, “. . . unless we have to. Now Ruszel, please lead us to these rooms, rooms large enough to accommodate all your bodyguards—and Kankus.”
    ********
    Half an hour later, after locking the guards away in a large room with food and water to last for three days, Kaylor, Ruszel, as well as an immensely pleased-with-himself Jym, were back in the transport and heading for the spaceport two hours away.

    “You know you cannot force me to help you,” Ruszel said.
    Kaylor smiled. “You are right. We cannot force you, but I’m sure Adam Cain will.”
    “Adam Cain? He is the one the message I relayed was intended for. It is he who is leading the rescue effort?”
    “That is correct. And you would be wise not to anger that particular Human. He almost single-handily brought down the entire Juirean Expansion and now has the Kracori race—as well as your Nebula—fearing for its very survival.”
    “And you said Riyad was a dangerous savage,” Jym chimed in. “Well, it was Adam Cain who taught him all he knows about being dangerous. Resist at your own peril, Ruszel, but soon you will find that resistance