He flashed into the other cell and handed Leeam and Sheera thin blades.“The Kiraxes is vulnerable to strikes in the gut.Wounds in this region are always fatal to them.Use the weapons wisely since you will have one chance.I will be back and attempt to shimmer you off the ship, but those collars are a problem.The Kiraxes will have the control on his person, and I fear the collar will prevent you leaving his vicinity.”
“Yes, Uncle,” Leeam said, but his uncle had already gone.
Running footsteps sounded, heading toward them and two breathless Scothage reivers appeared, weapons brandished, eyes wild while the sirens continued to wail.The Kiraxes arrived, expression angry yet determined.
“Ah, my property appears healthier.”
The dull boom of an explosion sounded, the ship jerking violently.The Kiraxes lurched off balance, striking the cell doors.The two reivers squawked in alarm.One flew against the wall, bounced off and hit the Kiraxes, knocking them both off their feet.
Sluggishly, the ship righted and Malasses rose with a ferocious scowl.“If anyone comes near my property, you will shoot to kill.If you fail, I will skin you alive.”His tone said this wasn’t a threat.With one final, glare to reiterate his warning, he took off at a sprint.
“Attract their attention,” a voice whispered against Ellard’s ear.
“Hey,” Ellard said.“What’s going on?Is someone attacking?You need to let us out of the cell.We can help protect the ship.”
“We not be stupid,” a reiver said.“They be coming for you.”
Another boom, closer this time made the entire ship shudder.
In the Incorporeals’ cell, sparks flashed without warning.A pained groan filled the air, and a weird curse that came from the corner of the cell snared everyone’s attention.Leeam and Sheera stood there, mouths open, then belatedly Leeam doubled over and groaned.
Gweneth caught the faint flicker, gone in a blink.Was Niran injured?
One of the reivers edged closer.“What be wrong?”
“Stomach,” Leeam groaned.“Must be a reaction to the collar.You’ll have to remove it.”
“I no think so.The Kiraxes never make threats,” the reiver said.
While Leeam had their guards’ attention, Ellard pulled out his blaster.
“I’ll take the one on the right,” he murmured.
Gweneth nodded, cautiously removing her weapon.She pressed the safety, the faint click loud in the cell area.
“They’ve got a—”
Twin blasts rang out, striking the reivers before they could draw their own weapons.They fell and didn’t stir again.
Gweneth pulled out the knife Niran had given her and started to work on their lock.Niran flashed into sight, groaning as he attempted to rise from the floor.
“Those collars kick,” he said.“I suspect he’s built something into them to stop other Incorporeal beings flashing in and attempting a rescue.We need to get his control.”
“If it’s on his person, we’ll have to kill him,” Ellard said.
In the distance, weapon fire sounded.
“They must’ve boarded,” Ellard said.“Kitten, how are you going with the lock?”
“Patience,” Gweneth said, her expression intense with concentration.“Almost.”A click and the cell door opened.“After you, sir.”
“Smart arse,” Ellard muttered.“I think we should stick together.Open the door for Leeam and Sheera.Niran, will you be all right?”
“Not full power after touching Leeam,” he said.“Collar must suck from other Incorporeal somehow.Modified since last saw a Kiraxes.Can’t shimmer back to ship.”
“Can you stay invisible?”
“Yes.”
