THE PLANET THAT LOVED PEOPLE (standard:science fiction, 1093 words) [6/15] show all parts
Author: Danny Raven	Added: Mar 07 2016	Views/Reads: 1862/1377	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
PART 2 - CH 6

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

“Okay,” said Kane. “We'll get some rest tonight then meet in my room
tomorrow and work out a plan.” 

***** 

In the bath, Miller struggled with the hand clamped over his mouth then
gave up. He sank back, eyes bulging then felt himself being pushed 
under by another hand and the fragrant warm water closed over him. He 
was held under for a few seconds then the hands were removed and he 
shot up gasping for air, water streaming from his face and hair. 

“You smell like a Midas whore!” a familiar voice said from behind him. 

“Sinto!” Miller spluttered, rubbing soap from his eyes. “But you're
dead!” 

Sinto laughed. “That's what you're supposed to think,” he said. “If it
fooled you and Talis, it'll fool Tyler.” 

The penny dropped in what passed for Miller's mind. “Muslik!” he said.
“Muslik must have set this up after you crashed off the MindBike!” 

“Brilliant!” Sinto remarked, admiringly. “You've got a mind as sharp as
a laser.” 

“So how did he do it?” 

“When he was examining me,” Sinto explained. “I was only a bit groggy. I
was just about to shake myself and get up when I heard Muslik in my 
head. Told me to keep still. Play dead. Then he explained his plan.” 

“So who did the others bury?” 

“Oh some stiff Blaze picked up. One with a silver arrow in its back.” 

Miller grinned. “But that means you can't go back on the Ship.” 

“Who wants to? Tyler can shove his mission. I'm a free man now.” 

“So where will you go?” 

“Nowhere. I'm staying here.” 

“Here!?” Miller said, surprised. “With Kol? He's mad.” 

“All the better,” Sinto said, grinning, his lightning bolt tattoos
creasing. “Easier to convince him how much protection he needs from 
that younger brother of his – he's planning to kill him. Get the 
message?” 

Miller sniggered. “I can see you taking over this planet,” he said. 

“Not right away,” admitted Sinto, “but I'm working on it.” He held out
his hand and they shook. “I'll have to go,” he said. “Stay wasted. Oh 
and tell Kane I owe him. I'll be here for a long time if he ever needs 
me.” 

Then he was gone. 

***** 

Kol demonstrated just how deranged he was when he explained the rules of
the second game to them the following day. They were assembled in front 
of his throne – the large, black leather couch with the usual retinue 
of half-naked women, some of whom were still asleep. 

“The game will take place around a big laser net a thousand feet up in
the wonderful Modas night sky!” he announced, beaming. “Same prize as 
before only this time you all take part.” 

One of the half-naked young women on the couch woke up and wandered off
in search of something to eat. Blaze's eyes followed her all the way. 

“Your Ship has been modified so it can be controlled from a cabin down
here. Blaze will be in the cabin operating the controls. Sark will be 
next door to him in another cabin controlling our Ship which has also 
been modified. Both Ships will be outside the laser net. You five will 
be in separate escape pods inside the net. One by one you will be told 
the co-ordinates where the net will open and they will also flash up on 
Blaze's screen. It's up to him to pick you up before Sark can destroy 
you.” He leaned back on the couch looking pleased with himself. “Well, 
what d'you think?” 

“Super,” Kane replied. 

Kol smiled. “Tonight then, after night falls. Ships and pods look so
much better when they explode in the dark!” 


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