“No, they might work.”
“Might isn’t a reassuring word.”
“A sharp blade can cut the hoses on the Controllers’ air masks, making it hard for them to breath. That is, if you can get close enough. So might is the best I can do.”
According to Bubba Boom, Lamont had filled the syringe with one of her narcotics. I estimated Ponife would sleep for another three hours.
Bubba Boom “escorted” me to my cell on level five. The main entrance to the brig was now guarded by two armed men. He joked with the guards, but when the guy on the left turned to open the gate, Bubba Boom moved.
Punching the man on the right, he then took the guard’s stun gun and shot them both.
“So much for being subtle,” I said as he unlocked the gate.
“No turning back now.” Bubba Boom dragged them one at a time to an empty cell and locked them inside.
We released Logan first. He rushed out and hugged me. “If I live through this, I’m having a spacious suite built just for me. I never want to be locked in a small room again!”
Riley stayed calmer than Logan. He kept his guard up as he eyed Bubba Boom. The gash on his temple over his left eye had scabbed over, but black and blue bruises colored the left side of his face. His shirt was torn and bloody. I wanted to make sure he had no other injuries but settled for a quick hug instead.
“Are you sure we can trust him?” he asked me.
“Yes.”
He relaxed a bit. “Then let’s go.”
I stayed next to Bubba Boom and Riley. Logan followed us as we headed to the exit.
Unfortunately, Hank had beat us there.
At first Hank was confused as to why no one guarded the gate. And why Bubba Boom had three prisoners with him. Bubba Boom didn’t say a word, just waited for Hank to catch up.
When Hank put it all together, I feared for Bubba Boom’s life. Murderous rage filled Hank’s face as he drew his weapon—a kill-zapper.
He stepped close to Bubba Boom and said with a voice of steel, “You’re a traitor. You’re no son of mine.”
Hank shoved the nozzle of his weapon toward Bubba Boom’s chest. I yelled and squeezed between the kill-zapper and Bubba Boom. Pushing Bubba Boom back with my hips, I leaned forward as Hank pulled the trigger.
CHAPTER 21
The kill-zapper’snozzle burned my skin as current slammed into me. My muscles twitched with the pulses of power, but the pain seemed minor in comparison to the collar’s. I remained standing as Riley and Bubba Boom ran past me. They tackled Hank and wrestled the kill-zapper from his hands.
By the time Bubba Boom stunned Hank, the tremors in my arms and legs had ceased. Riley scooped me up in his arms intent on rushing me to Lamont.
I wriggled from his grasp. “I’mfine.”
But Riley wouldn’t let go of my arms. He stared at me a bit wild eyed. “The kill-zapper made contact. Your shirt is burnt.”
Glancing down, I saw the scorched fabric. I pulled the material away. My skin underneath was red and blistering.
“My heart’s beating. Besides the burn, I don’t feel any pain,” I said.
“Maybe it didn’t have enough time to do any damage,” Logan said.
Bubba Boom shook his head. “It has a very high amperage, so it only takes a fraction of a second. The command collar saved you. It has a surge protector so an EMP can’t damage it. Ironic, isn’t it.”
“You’re still wearing it?” Riley asked.
“Don’t worry.” I showed him the metal X. “It’ll soon be gone. Although…” I touched its smooth surface. “Maybe I’ll wait until after we’ve taken back our ship.”
