The Ice Warrior's Grave

Chapter 8

Location: Earth

The Historian gasped, "Is that what I think it is K-9?"

"This unit is incapable of mind reading Mistress," K-9 replied.

"Oh, K-9 you're always so literal."

"What is it? And what is that body?" Andrew demanded.

"That," the Historian said pointing to the weapon, "is an experimental prototype of a sonic lance. And the body is the remains of an Ice Warrior. It was probably part of the convoy that was supposed to deliver the weapon either to a testing site or the front lines a battle. As you can see it never made it."

"We could use it to kill the Ice Warriors when they come," Nathan suggested.

"NO! There will be no killing. Not on my watch. Anyway it is experimental and it has been buried for awhile so who knows if it actually works."

"Why are you so against killing them even thought they would probably kill us without a second thought?" Nathan asked.

"Because you don't know that and even if they would then we would be no better than they are." The Historian turned toward the entrance of the camp to see that a group of Ice Warriors were waiting. The Historian turned back toward the team. " You stay here and whatever you do don't provoke the Ice Warriors. I'm going to try to talk to them."

"How do you know they won't kill you on the spot?" Katy asked with concern.

"Well I don't, but I am unarmed so hopefully their strong sense of honor will prevent them from killing me. Well here goes nothing."

"Good luck," Andrew called after her as she walked over to meet the group.

"Who are you?" the leader rasped.

"I am the Historian. And you would be?"

"I am Lord Hodralk. Your are not of this planet," he stated.

"No I'm not but make no mistake I will protect it."

"You will give us the weapon and I will spare your life and that of your human friends."

"I am afraid that's not going to happen."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't just hand over weapons to anybody."

"Then I will take it by force."

"Really, how would attacking and killing a team of peaceful, unarmed humans look on your honorable reputation?"

"I have no honor," he rasped.

"What do you mean you have no honor? You're and Ice Warrior lord," the Historian asked puzzled.

"I was disgraced and exiled. So you see I would have no problem in killing them or you."

"Oh, I see. That is most unfortunate."

"You have two hours to give us the weapon or we will take it by force," he rasped menacingly. He then turned and started to walk away, his bodyguards falling in step around him. The Historian also turned and headed back toward the team.

"Well K-9 you were right about that plan it failed," the Historian commented.

"What was the plan?" Katy asked.

"Well the plan was to convince them to leave you guys alone and then I could draw them away with the weapon. Instead they gave us two hours to hand over the weapon or they'll take it by force."

"So what do we do now?" Andrew asked.

"Well I'll just have to go to plan b."

"And what exactly is plan b?" Bill asked.

"Plan b is where I go to Mars and try to pull in a favor that one of the Ice Warrior lords owe me."

"And while you're doing that what will we do?" Benjamin asked.

"Yeah, what about us? Are you just going to leave us here for the Ice Warriors?" Matthew asked worriedly.

"Well I suppose you could come with me." This statement was met with looks of excitement from the whole team. "But you can't tell anybody anything about what you will see. Deal?"

"It's a deal," Andrew agreed.

"Okay then. I'll grab the sonic lance and we'll go to my ship." The Historian walked over to the capsule and grabbed the sonic lance.

"Mistress, I advise caution," K-9 said.

"Oh, and why is that?" the Historian asked.

"The Ice Warriors may be monitoring the camp."

"True, they could be. I'll tell you what, K-9 you will lead the team with the sonic lance to the TARDIS and get them safely inside. While you are doing that I will try to draw the Ice Warriors in the opposite direction."

"What if they capture you or try to kill you?" Nancy asked worriedly.

"Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing, at least most of the time. You just get to the TARDIS safely. Now off you go." The team with K-9 in the lead headed in the direction of the TARDIS while the Historian headed in the opposite direction.

"Mars, spaceships,aliens, and a talking robot dog. I just can't believe it! I mean who would have thought!" Katy exclaimed shaking her head. "The worst part is I can't publish any of it."

"I know right! I wish we could tell somebody else, but still the first humans to Mars!" Matthew agreed.

"If you say so, Matthew. Now me I would rather keep my two feet on solid Earth ground," Nancy commented.

"We are approaching our destination," K-9 broke in from Andrew's arms where he was being carried.

"I hope the Historian is okay," Katy said worriedly.

"I'm sure she's fine," Nathan said. "Besides she seems like somebody who's used to being in situations like this and getting out of them."

"I sure hope you're right."