Star Storm

Chapter Twenty-Six

Loosing a Gem

Slowly, the others trailed after Amara. Cyre made her way from the back of their group to the front, causing their one-line formation to scatter. In the distance a weerton called out, its song breaking the unwanted silence.

"Captain Lee."

Kael and his companions froze at the platform's steps as Hu Waan emerged from the Rapid's cargo ramp. Several Celestial Watch officers flocked him, Jet and Ry disarmed and at their mercy. Hu Waan had his people push Jet and Ry to their knees before them.

"Captain Lee," he repeated, this time bringing clusters of Sorii out of hiding. They surrounded the group of rogues and Nona muttered her concerns over her brother's botched rescue mission.

"It's Amara now, plain Amara, Amara, Amara." Redgerman swept around the Watch members and crossed his arms. "You left me with these fellas on their ship, ship, ship. Broke the code, code, code."

"Yes, well, that's very touching and all, but step aside. You've played your part." Hu Waan swept Redgerman away. "I thank you for leaving this man to my care. He was very useful in providing the information I required," he said to Amara.

"Knew you'd land with old Gorgie, Gorgie, Gorgie."

"Be quiet!" Hu Waan slapped Redgerman with his unworn gloves. "Now, Captain Lee, you have two choices. You stand there and do as we tell you, or you try something stupid and we put an end to your legacy."

When no one moved nor answered him, the Celestial Watch commander clapped his hands. The sound was carried throughout the eerie city and caused a weerton to take flight. Although the creature was far from near him, Kael ducked as it flew overhead.

Hu Waan laughed. "Drop your weapons and surrender."

"Drop yours and we'll consider it," Amara called back. Her voice might not have given away her nerves, but her sunken posture did. Suddenly she seemed small, a little girl lost within a world of adults. Kael knew how she felt.

A blaster was pushed to the back of Ry's head and Cyre took a step forward, her weapon in both hands. Amara held her friend back – but only just. Their reaction gained another clap from Hu Waan, who waved his hand and ordered them once more.

"Drop the weapons, or I drop your crew. You have until I reach three, then if you're not lowering things, I will. One. Two."

With a clatter, Amara dropped her blaster to the ground. Slowly Kael and his companions did the same. He spared a glance at his friends and Traen, their faces set in angry scowls. If Kael had been the one threatening them he would have backed out by now.

"Send the prince and princess over," Hu Waan said.

Two large Sorii warriors took hold of Kael and Nona, dragged them to the platform and left them at Hu Waan's feet. Kael straightened up and locked eyes with the commander, ready to show him he was not afraid.

"Redgerman tells me there is a great price on your head. Ambassador Lezorith has promised two million credits for whoever brings you to him, double if you are still breathing." Hu Waan smiled, his yellow teeth catching the light. "With such money, I could retire early."

"Early? Looks like you'll be retiring late to me," Nona hissed. The Celestial Watch officer holding her tightened his grip and she spat on him. She would have been knocked out had Hu Waan not interrupted his officer's responsive attack.

"You said we'd half the cash, cash, cash," Redgerman said. "One million-"

"Yes, yes – each, each, each." Hu Waan swiped a baster from a nearby officer and aimed it at the alien. "But dead men can't collect."