Kesten E. Harris - The Gray Raid

Kesten E. Harris

The Gray Raid

The Explorer Book Two

First published by Stardust Books 2018

Copyright 2018 by Kesten E. Harris

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This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Crossroads

R

uptured spleens werent as cool as they sounded.

The pain in my torso and stomach concerned me long before a man draped in a black and white cloak showed up and told me what was causing them. That man was Surge N. Antant, and he had the galaxys dumbest name. Not that I hadnt been expecting him: hed been lurking around my hospital room every day. Id seen him more often than Id seen Laura and Manning. On this day, the dude strolled into my hospital room, stood illuminated by my windows green light, looked me in the eyes (which I hated), and said, Hold still.

He grabbed a tube from the beeping machine beside me and jammed it into my side. He couldnt blame me for screaming. Why was I even in this mess to begin with? The mission had been simple: retrieve President Frosts shield generator, become an explorer, find my sister, live peacefully with her in this insane war-torn galaxy. Too bad I hadnt achieved a single one of those objectives as smoothly as I should have. We hadnt gotten the generator back, but the dude who had stolen it had gone on to steal us. I couldnt escape without my ship, so Surge had us right where he wanted us.

Names Wander Locke, by the way.

Didnt you say the body could only take so much vita-gel? I tapped the green tube. Over the course of a month Id been filled with so much vita-gel that Id surely gained five pounds. Id also worn enough medic bracelets to start a collection. By the way, am I ever going to heal? I thought one or two medic bracelets would do the trick, but Im still here.

Maybe if you hadnt used your abilities so much when you were disabling the Blue Barricade. Surge turned knobs and hit buttons on the machine. Your body cant heal properly because its fatigued. Using your abilities like that seems to drain you so much that a mere bruise could turn deadly. Heres a suggestion: dont let your sister shoot you. If you werent wearing your suit, shed have killed you.

Id realized that when Id seen the dent in my space suit. A point-blank shot from an AI rifle was deadly. Despite that, I refused to believe that Beth had been trying to kill me. She had just gotten upset.

Dont worry, I doubt Ill ever see her again. She hates me now. Blames me for our parents deaths. I know what that grief feels like; she isnt thinking clearly, but if I do find her, I can change her mind.

I dont know if thats wishful thinking or self-pity, but I need you to knock it off. Surge scowled as he leaned over me. Your hostile sister is coming after you as we speak. She blames you for getting your parents offed, but thats not true. You didnt choose to become a Hybrid, but she doesnt care. Shell keep coming over and over until she brings you back to the AI. She cant be reasoned with, and she wont hold back. Thats why, the next time she comes, you need to stop her. Permanently.

My side ached as I recoiled in shock. What? I cant kill Beth! I couldnt be happier that shes alive. Even if shes sorta evil and working with even eviler robots. Why do you even care? Why are you trying so hard to make sure Im okay? Arent we enemies?

This base is full of kids. You think Im going to let one die even if it is Frosts brat? Anyway, youre being released today. Get into your suit and lets head out.

Quit telling me what to do! I said. Im not one of your sheepwait. Head out? So I can leave now?

Depends on your definition of that word. I already know what your response will be, but I want you and your friends to join the Oppressed.

No.

Understandable, but you dont know the first thing about us. If you disagree with our way of life after youve been here for a while, then I might allow you to leave.

I sighed my frustration out. I know you cast an impenetrable barrier over a city, trapping everyone inside. What else is there to know, dude?

The Blue Barricade was a low point, all right? Our next attempt will be better. Especially if we have people as valuable as you and Theodore. He examined me like I was a priceless figurine. Frost only keeps you around for your abilities, kid. Shes good at hiding it, but I know her. Going back to someone as toxic as that will be disastrous for you and the galaxy. Why not stay here and be so much more than a weapon?

Sounded like he only wanted me around for my abilities too! Plus he was speaking nonsense about next attempts and how valuable I was. I didnt believe that President Frost was pure evil, but, if he was right about her, Id be stuck either way. The smartest move would be to go along with what Surge said. For now. I was stuck on his base, so what good would resisting do? However, if he tried to construct any more barricades, I would bolt.

Just take me to my friends, I said. Well take your stupid free trial, but you need to understand that youre the bad guy to us. Not Frost. Itll take a lot to get us to betray her.