The duo cautiously approached the downed aircraft, searching for any sign of enemy contact. The smoking engine filled the air with the pungent scent of oily fire, reminding Alder that they would have to move quickly. Fire in a vehicle's engine never ended well, as prewar moving pictures loved to emphasize.
Upon reaching the steel beast's flank, Alder clambered onto the cocked side of the bird and tightly clenched the pilot's door, using all of his wiry strength to pry the hatch open as Ember kept watch. After tugging and wrenching the door a couple of times, the metal aperture finally came loose with a metallic groan as its hinges gave way.
In a flash, Alder was tackled to the ground by the pilot as the latter initiated close combat. The young man paid no mind to the pilot's ineffectual blows and used his left hand to grab and push the assailant's head back, exposing his throat. Alder's right hand closed the gap rapidly, crushing the pilot's windpipe and restricting his airflow. With a horrendous gasping sound the pilot's useless assault ceased, sagging onto Alder's body beneath him.
Alder released the pilot's head and pushed hard, flipping the pilot onto the pavement and sitting on top of him. Without missing a beat, Alder wrenched the pilot into a sitting position and grabbed the sides of his victim's head. A dreadful snap sounded as Alder jerked the man's head violently, breaking his neck without so much as a blink.
A sudden rattle of equipment from the cargo bay led Alder to release the dead man and draw his .44 magnum and hold it at waist level. The large side door of the VTOL rolled open to release ten fully equipped soldiers, all aiming their tools of war at Alder.
Alder froze, considering his grim options. One, he could open fire on the men, most likely getting killed in the process. Two, he could throw his weapons down and possibly keep his life. Neither path agreed with him much.
He did not flinch when one of the men -- most likely a non-com -- bellowed, "Lay your weapons down! Now!"
Alder's mind was focused on another detail of the situation. None of the guns were aimed at Ember.
A sharp bloom of pain blossomed in the back of his head, and consciousness faded.
YOU ARE READING
The Collapse
Science FictionLong ago, humanity ruined its home world of Gaia with quantum weapon fire and synthetic production of soldiers. High-ranking officials were able to board battleships and disappear into the stars, but the rest of the population were left to fend for...
