HAWK

CHAPTER NINE: WORM (4/5)

It was the darkest hour of the night when Kas and Hik scuttled onto the street. They quickly made their way to the river and followed its dry bed back to where Kas had parked the stolen cruiser.

It was exactly where Kas had left it, resting undisturbed beneath Lanegan bridge on the edge of town. She had chosen the spot deliberately because it was in no man's land, an area that was perfectly situated between three rival gang strongholds. Any gang member seen passing through it was open game for the other two sides, making it a treacherous place for any one of them to venture. That made it about as safe a spot as any in the city, and the best place Kas could think of to hide her stolen cap ship.

Once Hik had got the doors open, the two unlawful explorers boarded and prepared for departure. Kas kept the cruiser's external lights turned off as she powered it up and steered the ship silently into the night. Before long, they were back over water and headed for the sea's distant horizon. Kas stayed close to the ocean's surface and kept her speed low, fighting the temptation to sample the powerful acceleration she knew the cruiser was capable of.

Slow and steady, Kas. Slow and steady...

It took a while, but she eventually zeroed in on the Calista's coordinates and was relieved to see her trusty ship floating peacefully on the black water just as she'd left it. The cruiser touched down in a whirr of frothing sea and rocked up to the Calista like a drunken friend, back from a crazy night out.

Once the rear doors had folded down and Kas and Hik had assembled on the ramp, Kas took out her portable key-pad and unlocked the Calista. The rear doors opened, lowering its own ramp down on top of the cruiser's and forming a crude bridge.

Ryers was already sitting in wait, arms folded over her chest.

'Flight lieutenant Ryers,' Kas said loudly. 'Thank you for your patience. Your captivity is now over. You may step back onboard your ship.'

But Ryers said nothing. The two women locked eyes and Kas knew she was going to make it difficult.

'I'd be happy to keep it if you prefer?'

For several seconds, Ryers stayed seated in her chair like a belligerent child, refusing to follow orders. But then she leaned forwards and stood and sauntered slowly towards the ramp.

'Hands out,' Kas barked.

Ryers paused and pushed her arms out to her side. She gave Kas a weak smile, then continued on her path towards the cruiser.

Kas and Hik split in half to allow Ryers through the middle.

'Don't try anything stupid,' Kas warned, though Hik was warning enough.

Once Ryers was back on her own ship, Kas instructed her to kneel in the rear cabin facing away from them.

'If she moves, Hik, shoot her.'

Ryers wisely remained still.

Kas started backing onto the Calista's ramp, followed by Hik. Once they were both firmly back onboard the Calista, the cruiser's ramp began to rise, soon locking Ryers inside her own ship. Kas closed her own doors and felt relieved to be back home.