Kate
Islip down another hallway before they notice me, and run like hell.
I hurry down a dark narrow stairwell until a solid metal body steps into my path, slamming me back hard with a grunt. I go sprawling down the rest of the steps on my ass. Clanking my metal-covered bottom over each edge.
Metal arms reach down toward my shoulders and I can’t move quick enough to get away. I raise the faceplate I’ve been carrying and try to slam it into the outstretched arms but my attacker blocks my strike and slams a knee into my stomach, pinning me to the floor.
“No!” I scream, swinging the faceplate at him. “Get off me.” I pound at him with my metal-gloved hands, but all he does is press his weight down harder.
“You’re the female grounder who took General Rune’s armor,” it grunts.
I swing my fist this time and he smacks my arm away faster than I can realize it ever happening.
“Stop fighting,” he grinds.
I twist my body and thrash around to no avail. “Get off me then.”
The thing hesitates for just a moment, regarding me carefully, then pushes back on his feet, freeing me.
Clumsily, I scramble away and fall down a few more steps I was unaware were under me. I let out a string of curses, disparaging all metal-headed, asshole-alien beings and their stupid womanless ships with douchy sharp-edged steps.
The thing in front of me laughs.
My eyes dart up to its faceplate. “Which alien asshole are you?”
I wait for him to pull out one of those binding cuffs Pious used on me before, but instead he reaches up and releases the lock on his face armor and pulls it off. “I am Jex, General Rune’s personal guard.”
“Well, then you suck at your job,” I say, climbing up to my feet. I try to grip the railing for support but find there is none. I end up leaning back on the wall and clutching my metal mask to my chest.
“Is he aboard this craft?” Jex asks.
“If he was, do you think I would actually tell you? All you assholes are trying to kill him.”
“Tell me where he is.” His tone is harsh and low.
“Disneyland.”
“Disneyland?” He seems to think this over, then takes a step closer. “It’s hard to tell when your kind lies.”
“You want real lies, then put your mask back on. Pious seems to be a very skilled liar.”
“Now, that I know is truth.” His expression is serious, his tone grave.
I don’t know if this is a trick or not—if he’s on their side or Rune’s. But even Rune’s side isn’t my side. I step back, head spinning. “Just let me pass.”
“And where will you go? This ship is riddled with a live feed. You’ll be caught within minutes if you don’t know where to hide.”
“And you do?”
“Well, these sirens aren’t for me, female. No one knows I’m aboard.”
I glare at him. “I have a name.”
“I’m sure it’s lovely.” His expression doesn’t change.
I can’t figure out what his deal is and I really haven’t got the time. “Then tell me how to get off this thing.”
“You won’t be able to do that alone,” he says.
