Belle constantly watched the skies as she suffered Liz Danders banter. She sensed something was coming their way.
“Dale's a good man,” said Belle. “You could do a lot worse.”
“Like Akrins, you mean? Seeing as he's the only other available male. Of all the men we could have brought with us, we end up with creepy. I think Dale likes me. Do you think he likes me?”
“He wouldn't kick you out of bed.”
Danders chuckled. “He didn't last time.”
“You mean you and he...”
“Don't be so shocked. I'm still a woman, you know. I have needs. I just don't know if Dale and I could have anything deep and meaningful. Normally, that wouldn't bother me, but, well...I'm thinking this is home, now. Not exactly spoilt for choice. Maybe I'll give Dale a little more encouragement. You should do the same with Patrick.”
Belle bristled. “When I need your advice on my love life, I'll ask for it, ok?”
“Hey, pull your head in, Jazz. We women have to stick together.”
“Sorry. I'm just a little on edge. Waiting for alien invasions has that affect on me. Let's get today over with then we'll see how I feel about Patrick later.”
Chapter 47
The alien invasion didn't happen that day. When they had arrived back at the Romulus, Davron had prepared a meal for everyone. After showering,they ate together, neither saying much. Muffin had turned up again, wanting companionship after finding none on the planet. He sat at the table with the humans, stealing their food even though his plate was full.
“Notice anything?” Davron asked.
“You shaved,” said Belle. “I noticed. A slight improvement.”
Davron looked to Danders for any clues.
“Well, I think you look quite handsome, young man,” she told him.
“I'm glad somebody thinks so,” said Davron. He watched Belle, who seemed only interested in her food. Perhaps it had been just wishful thinking on his part. They all helped clean up and then Danders hooked her hand into Matlock's belt and pulled him towards the door. He didn't put up any resistance. Danders paused at the door and glared at Akrins, then nodded at Belle and Davron. Akrins finally took the hint, yawned, stretched and declared it was past his bedtime. Even Muffin decided it was time to leave.
“Alone at last,” said Davron.
“I noticed.”
Davron was always awkward when it came to chatting up women, especially one as formidable as Jazz Belle. “Jazz. You know...I mean...Well, I...”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
That was all the invitation he needed. He took her in his arms, and she placed her hands on the back of his neck and pulled him to her. The kiss was long, exploring, and all they had wished for. He nibbled on her earlobe, then gently kissed along her neck, going lower. Belle suddenly broke away, took his face in her hands and kissed him again on the lips.
“Not bad,” she said, finally.
“Jasmine,...” gasped a breathless Davron.
She broke away from him and went to the door. “I said I would kiss you if you shaved. So I kissed you.”
He studied her face, trying to read the signals. “Jazz...”
“One step at a time, ok?”
He smiled and nodded. He felt hope in his heart. “Ok. One step at a time. Goodnight, Jasmine.”
“Goodnight.”
Chapter 48
Early the next morning, preparing for another full day on guard duty, they had breakfast and organised supplies to take with them. Matlock was quiet, but had a smile on his face, as had Danders. Danders exchanged glances with Belle, who just shrugged. Minutes later, Davron had the Romulus to himself, even Muffin taking off to spend time in the jungle.
“You shouldn't tease the man,” said Danders, taking her place at the triggers.
“I wasn't. I just want us to take our time.”
Danders said, “I'm not so sure that's a good idea. I mean, suppose we get attacked and wiped out? You'll have missed your chance of having fun with Patrick.”
“Hmm. So you think the chance of our imminent deaths is reason enough for me to have my wicked way with him?”
“Damn right I do. Me and Dale certainly made good use of our time last night. You do like Patrick, don't you?”
“Very much so. He's clever, charming, nice looking.”
“Sexy?”
Belle shrugged. “In a boyish sort of way. Perhaps if he was a few years older.”
“He may look boyish, but he's no boy. If you give him the chance,you just might find that out.”
“We'll see.”
* * *
“Looks like I'm the odd one out,” said Akrins, scanning the skies.
“You always were,” said Matlock.
Akrins said, “Uglies like me never get a break. Good looking dudes like you get the dames.”
“With these scars on my face I'm good looking?”
Akrins sighed. “They just add to your sex appeal. Women look at me and I see it in their eyes. Ugly loser. That's what they think when they see me.”
“It's more about attitude. Yours stinks.”
“Gee, thanks. What the hell. Living out my life alone on this planet is my future. I just have to accept it.”
“Stop feeling so damned sorry for yourself. You're alive and in one piece. Count yourself lucky.”
“I guess. I'll just take it out on the damn aliens when they get here. Blast a few into hell.”
Matlock laughed. “See? Something to look forward to. Now stop whining, ok?”
“Yeah. Whatever.”
Chapter 49
Another day was coming to a close. Belle and Danders headed back to the Romulus, across the boggy ground. They could see Akrins and Matlock not far behind them. There came the smell of fish cooking from the open airlock.
“A man who can cook,” said Danders. “Maybe I should do a swap with you. You have Dale, I'll have Patrick.”
“Talk about fickle. You'll be after Akrins, next.”
Danders shuddered. “Only in his dreams.”
They were about a hundred yards away from the ship when it happened. From the north, out of the jungle, came about fifty silver balls. They were the size of soccer balls, and moved fast along the ground on two short paddles. The men were closest, so they were the first to be attacked. From a tiny orifice in the centre of each sphere pinpoint lasers began shooting. Akrins took a hit to his shoulder, which was when they first realised they were being attacked. Matlock was carrying his hand laser and took shots at the balls as he and the wounded Akrins raced to the airlock. Belle and Danders could see the swarm of tiny robots running towards them and they ran to the airlock and dived into it.
Davron appeared with a laser rifle and shot one in half as it was flying at Matlock. Akrins took another hit, this time to his right leg and he was down on the ground, rolling in the dirt in agony. Matlock was on one knee by his side, dodging enemy fire, returning his own, taking down the spheres one by one.
Danders grabbed two laser rifles and handed one to Belle and they stood with Davron, shooting the robots. The spheres were surrounding the men, and Matlock was hit in his thigh, but although he yelled out in pain, he continued firing.
Davron said, “You two stay here and protect the ship.”
Davron jumped down and ran to the men on the ground, firing as he went. He took three robots out and the others divided their attack between Matlock, Akrins and Davron. Davron threw himself flat on the ground next to Matlock.
“Get Akrins to the ship. I'll hold them off.”
Matlock struggled to his feet, ignoring the pain in his leg. He grabbed Akrins and dragged him upright. With Akrins' being supported by Matlock, they limped together towards the ship. Laser shots rained all around them, from the spheres and also from Belle and Danders.
“Come on, damn it,” yelled Belle.
It was hard going, being injured, but they were almost to the ship. As Danders took out three more robots, Belle jumped down
and helped the men towards the airlock. The robots gave up their pursuit of Akrins and Matlock, turning as one to the prostrate Davron. He was surrounded, dodging shots as best he could.
Belle raced to help him, blasting sphere after sphere. The robots regrouped and started backing away after losing half their number.
“Make a run for it,” yelled Belle, still shooting.
Davron got to his feet and ran towards the ship, Belle taking out one final, retreating sphere before running after him. Then Davron cried out in pain as a shot from a scurrying robot hit his back and he was down. Belle turned and was hit herself in her shoulder, but shot a sphere as it was running away to the safety of the jungle.
Danders was off the ship and with one eye on the jungle as the last of the evening sun dipped below the horizon, she looked at Davron. In the failing light it was difficult to see if he was dead or alive.
Chapter 50
In the ship's medical room, Danders helped Matlock and Akrins with their injuries, mostly muscle damage, nothing life threatening. Belle had stripped Davron to the waist. He was still unconscious.
“How's Patrick?” asked Danders, Applying dressings to Matlock's leg.
“Bad,” said Belle. “Very bad. The shot missed his spine, but did some internal damage. He would stand a chance in a hospital.”
“I'm ok,” declared Matlock. “Go help Jazz.”
Danders went to the bed where Davron lay on his front. In Davron's back was the neat laser burn hole. “The wounds aren't deep,” said Danders. Those robots don't pack much of a punch. Dale's and Toby's wounds have cauterised with the heat of the laser. I'm no doctor, but I'd say Patrick could have been shot in the liver.”
“He needs to be operated on.”
Danders said, “This medical room is well equipped for that mission it was intended for. All we need is a doctor to go with it.”
With tears in her eyes, Belle said, “If we leave him like this he could die.”
“And if we go cutting him open, we can pretty much guarantee that he will.”
“Are you saying not to try?”
Danders took Belle's arm. “Would you have a clue what to do? I know I wouldn't.”
Belle felt Patrick's pulse. “Not strong, but regular. Liz. We have to do something.”
“He's not bleeding. The laser burned, not cut. I don't know, Jazz. Maybe just see how he goes. If there's no choice, I'll help you any way I can.”
Belle sighed and wiped away a tear. “Ok. I'll stay with him.”
“Right. I'll take a look at that shoulder of yours.” Danders turned to Matlock and Akrins. “You two muppets will live. Go get some food organised.”
The men limped obediently away as Danders helped Belle out of her coveralls.
“You're no stranger to being shot, I see.”
“You mean I'm a mess.”
“I mean you've seen a lot of action. That one there should have killed you.”
Belle said, “It nearly did. Three months in hospital to get right again.”
Danders used the spray for the burns from the laser and applied the dressing. “Is this the reason for holding back from Patrick? Your scars?”
“My legs are the same. I'm horrific. He'll take one look and vomit.”
“If he did, then he's less of a man than I think he is. We all have scars. I've one or two, so has Dale. Even Akrins has seen front-line action. Ok. Your scars are the worse of all of us. That shouldn't mean you can't be loved.”
Belle stroked Davron's face. “I was afraid he would find me repulsive. He's better than that. I should have listened to you, Liz. I could lose him and we'll never have known.”
“You haven't lost him yet, Jazz. You stay here with him. I'll bring you food later.”
Danders found Akrins and Matlock rescuing the fish meal Patrick had been cooking for them.
“How is Patrick?” asked Matlock.
“I didn't say as much to Jazz, but I think he's had it. Maybe a top surgeon could save him.”
They ate their food with little enthusiasm. Once done, they sat quietly, wondering what they should be doing. Danders broke the silence.
“And what about you, Akrins? How many times does Patrick have to save you so you don't hate him?”
“I was wrong about him, Ok? I admit it. I was taken in by the all the bullshit about him.”
Matlock said, “There was enough of it flying around. How's Jazz?”
“Her wound wasn't too bad. She's hurting more inside than out.”
“Is she in love with Patrick?” Akrins asked.
Danders said, “She could be. If she gets the chance to be. She deserves to be happy.”
Matlock sighed. “Then let's hope he pulls through.”
Danders found some halfway edible fish and added salad. “I'll take her this. She won't eat it, though. You two give her some space, right?”
“Sure,” said Matlock.
In the medical room, Belle was still holding Davron's hand.
“How is he?” Danders asked, offering Belle the plate, which she didn't take.
“Hanging on. No change.”
Danders said, “I'd take that for a good sign. He's a young, healthy man, Jazz. He stands a good chance.” She said the words of hope and encouragement, but didn't really believe them. She quietly left Belle to her vigil.
Chapter 51
Danders returned to the men finding them armed with laser rifles.
“And just what the hell are you two doing?”
Akrins said, “We've been thinking about those little robots. Remember that empty cylinder on the ship? We think that's where they came from. They went into the jungle.”
“Could be. So?”
“Just an idea, but I need to take a look inside one to be sure. We're going to get a damaged one and examine it.”
“And get yourself killed in the process?”
Matlock said, “There's a couple of them just twenty yards from the airlock. I'll cover Toby while he goes get it.”
Danders picked up a spare rifle. “Two of us covering Toby's a better idea. Come on.”
They opened up the airlock and were on their knees, rifles at the ready as the door opened wide. The only light they had came from the ship as Spero had no moon. In the boggy ground, they could see two damaged spheres.
“Go,” said Matlock.
Akrins jumped down and kept low, running to the spheres. He grabbed both of them and ran back to the ship, diving into the airlock, which Danders was already closing.
“I'll not be doing that too often,” gasped Akrins.
Matlock said, “Those things are pretty banged up. Any use to you?”
“We'll see. This is where I have something useful to do. Why don't you two love-birds have an early night and let me work a little magic?”
“Your best idea yet,” said Danders. She and Matlock left Akrins who was already engrossed in his work.
Chapter 52
Early next morning they found him asleep in his chair in the kitchen, the table covered with parts from the robot and his diagnostic equipment. Danders made coffee and Matlock squeezed unappetising looking stuff out of containers onto plates. Their noise woke Akrins and he smiled crookedly at the coffee put in front of him.
“Have I been here all damn night?” Akrins asked massaging the back of his neck.
“It looks like it. Any joy?” Matlock asked.
“Ah! Yes. Interesting. They are externally controlled.”
The significance of that wasn't lost on either Danders or Matlock.
Matlock asked, “Something out there controls them?”
“Yep,” said Akrins, sipping his coffee. “And not from a planet or satellite or even a ship. This here? This picks up signals. I think its range is no more than fifteen miles.”
“That is interesting,” said Danders. “I'm looking in on Jazz. Then we need to get to the bottom of this.”
Danders took the coffee to the medical room wher
e Belle was asleep on the spare bed. She woke when Danders entered and took the coffee. As that revived her she then checked on Davron.
“No change,” said Belle.
“Being alive is a good sign. I see you rigged up a saline drip into him.”
Belle said, “To keep him hydrated. I had enough of these into me over the years to know how they work.”
“Yeah. Hey, Jazz. There's been a development. Akrins actually made himself useful. He took one of those spheres apart last night. It turns out they're controlled by one of those aliens probably less than fifteen miles from here.”
This stunned Belle for a moment. “All this time they've been here with us?”
“It looks that way. Just inside the jungle, we think. We need to go take a look. Not you. You stay here and look after the ship and Patrick.”
“That makes sense. Call me on the radios only if you have to. They're probably listening in to our every word.”
“Understood. We'll go well prepared. We have some body armour in the hold we brought over from the Venom. It might stop some of the laser fire.” Danders looked at Davron. “A pity we weren't wearing it last night.”
“Because we were expecting ship's fire-power, not those little robots. Body armour wouldn't help much from ships cannons. You go and kick some ass. Keep your heads down.”
“See you soon.”
Danders found Akrins and Matlock checking a collection of assorted weapons inside the airlock. Matlock had already fitted his black body armour and was helping Akrins with his. Danders picked a set up and slipped it over her torso and then strapped on the arm and leg protection. It wouldn't stop all of it, but enough so it wouldn't be fatal, with luck.
“Only you could look as sexy as hell in body armour,” said Matlock.
“You are a sick puppy, Dale,” said Danders, strapping a belt of stun grenades around her and picking up a laser rifle. “Time to go.”
They opened the airlock and checked everywhere was clear before they jumped down and shut the ship up again.
“I think they came from that way,” said Matlock, pointing north.
They set off towards the jungle, with no idea what they would find.
Chapter 53
Belle dabbed a wet cloth on Davron's lips. “Come on, Patrick. I promise not to play hard to get if you wake up.”
Belle felt helpless, wishing she could do more. As a last resort, she and Danders would try surgery. She realised she hadn't had a decent feed for two days and she needed to keep her strength up. She kissed Davron and picked up the plate of uneaten fish which was starting to smell, then she went to the kitchen. Disposing of the food, she prepared a light but nutritious meal and was eating that as she thought of everything going on.