The Copernicus Deception (The Human Chronicles Saga Book 15) by T.R. Harris Read Free Book Online Page B

looked at his two companions. “Anyone seriously hurt?”
    “I’m fine,” Riyad said. “Looks worse than it is.”
    “I think I broke a fingernail,” Copernicus replied, while closely surveying his right hand. “The bastards!” Then he smiled. “I know for the two of you this is old hat, but that’s the first time I’ve had a fight with a Juirean.”
    “That wasn’t really a fight, not with eight of them using us as punching bags,” said Adam. “Next time it’ll be different, that I promise.”
    “So what’s the plan?” Riyad asked.
    “I heard them say we’re being taken to the same place they’re holding Kaylor and Jym. The plan? Simple. We take over the place, free ourselves and our friends. Then we wreak havoc on the rest of the planet and make our escape.”
    “So…standard operating procedure?” Riyad said as he slumped back on the bench and closed his eyes. “Good. Wake me when it’s time to go to work.”
    Copernicus shifted his gaze between his fellow prisoners. “Of course, you’re not serious? Did you forget about the collars were wearing?”
    “We haven’t forgotten,” Adam said. “In fact, I kind of like the look. This could be the next big fashion craze back on Earth. After all, we are Cain and Tarazi. We’re famous!”
    “You’re also crazy.”
    “Yeah…that, too.”

 
    Chapter 8
     
     “What is it with you men?” Sherri screeched. “Can’t you spend a week without declaring war on someone?”
    “Hey don’t blame us,” Tobias snapped. “We didn’t start this. And we’re not at war…not yet. But now we have bigger problems.”
    Sherri blinked. “What do you mean?”
    “We’re stuck here, and Hollingsworth thinks we’re going to become high-value targets.”
    “The Juireans will seek to kill us?” Arieel asked. “I am a Formilian, and to be re-appointed the leader of my people. They wouldn’t dare.”
    “Their beef is with the Human, Arieel. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
    “Their beef —I do not understand?”
    “Their gripe, their problem.”
    “I will protest!”
    “I appreciate that, but it may be too little too late. The Juireans are in the process of rounding up and expelling all the Humans in the Frontier, or at least those that can’t be used for propaganda purposes . ”
    “So that leaves us stranded here on Panur’s stinking planet,” Sherri growled.
    “Hollingsworth doesn’t want to risk sending a Human task force to get us, and he thinks us heading out in one of the small local ships would be too dangerous. He recommends we find someplace safe to hide and ride this out.”
    “What about Adam and Riyad?”
    “I haven’t heard from them,” Tobias replied. “I’ll make contact and tell them to stay put, at least until we know what we’re up against.”
    “This is just great!” Sherri said, waving her arms in the air. “And here we made a bid deal announcing our return to the Milky Way, including where we’re staying.”
    Andy was just as frustrated as Sherri, even more so. But he understood Hollingsworth’s caution. “We’ll stay in the palace until we find some place safer. The natives are on our side…for the time being. We’ll see how long that lasts if the Juireans come looking for us.”
    Sherri shifted her gaze at Benefis Na, the flatulent former Juirean Overlord.
    “Speaking of Juireans…what about him?”
    “Me?”
    “Benefis is cool,” Andy said.
    “You expect me to betray you to by brothers?”
    “You said it; they’re your brothers.”
    “But not my friends. You are my friends.”
    Andy watched as Sherri locker her fierce gaze on the Juirean. “We’ll see how long that lasts when they show up at our door,” Sherri growled.
    “Chill out, Sherri. For now, Benefis is part of the team.”
    Tobias looked around the room, sizing up his assets.
    “Benefis, we still have CW communications, so get on the horn with your people and see if they know anything more about what the Juireans are