The comm unit crackled again; the transmission still not clear. Zac picked it up and, while Laila ate, attempted to raise the shuttle to no avail. He gestured for Oren to join them. “We need to go to higher ground to get a better signal.”
Oren nodded at Laila. “Do you think you can make it?”
Higher ground meant climbing to the top of one of the nearby hills. It would improve the signal, but they would be seen more easily by any remaining Xakul. With her leg preventing her from walking properly, she would be a liability to Zac and Oren. They would be exposed.
“We could split up,” she suggested. She didn't like the idea of being alone, or of Zac and Oren leaving her behind, but it made no sense for all of them to be stuck here.
“We’re not leaving you,” Zac stated emphatically.
Laila raised an eyebrow as she gestured at her leg. “You can't carry me and fight at the same time.”
Oren’s eyebrows lifted almost comically as he looked between Zac and Laila, fighting to hide a smile.
Laila should not feel the rush of relief at Zac’s words, but she did. She didn't want to be left alone, not here. Besides, she would do the same thing if the roles were reversed. No, they would stick together. “So, what's your plan?”
“I don't really have one beyond getting high enough to get a better signal and then get out of here.” He crouched down next to where she sat on the fallen tree, resting his hand on her uninjured thigh and squeezing gently.
Laila relaxed at his touch, his calm confidence reassuring her. They would get off Elthea in one piece. “I think I can walk by myself. I just need a little help.” There, she said, pointing. “That stick should do the job nicely.”
Zac picked up the stout piece of wood, wrapping a piece of leftover bandage around the top to serve as a handle. He passed it to Laila and grabbed the packs.
All three of them checked their weapons before making their way from the safety of the trees and heading away from the trench where they had encountered Xakul the night before. The rocky ground gave Laila some trouble, and she gasped as she stumbled, Zac immediately at her side.
“I'm fine, I'm fine.” She said, steadying herself against him briefly before pushing herself upright and continuing up the incline. The climb was slow, and Laila was breathing hard when they reached the top.
“At least the dust shows footprints easily,” she said, scanning the terrain with a pair of compact binoculars she had retrieved from a pocket in her jacket. The Xakul appeared to have retreated, at least from this location, the red dust that blanketed the landscape was undisturbed. She handed the binoculars to Oren, who repeated her perusal of the terrain, before returning them with a small nod.
They were safe, for now.
Zac kept his plasma rifle ready, using the attached scope to scan the landscape, obviously uncomfortable in such an exposed position.
Laila opened the comm channel, raising the shuttle on her third attempt.
“Captain, it is good to hear your voice.” The deep, steady voice of Domik on the channel boosted Laila's spirits.
“It's good to hear yours, too.” She replied, smiling. “Are we clear for retrieval?” Quickly relaying their coordinates, Laila sighed in relief when he confirmed the shuttle would touch down in moments. “Great, see you soon. We are close to the original landing zone.”
“I thought I was going to die down here, you know,” she said quietly to Zac, a small frown on her face. “So, thank you for everything you have done for me. I wasn't sure if I would have time to say that.”
Zac flinched, eyebrows drawn together as his green gaze met hers. “You will not die here.”
“Well, I know that now.” She looked at her feet, scuffing the toe of her injured leg in the dirt.
Zac shook his head. “Laila, I don't—”
The sound of the incoming shuttle reached them, and they all looked up to watch as it set down, sending a cloud of dust flying into the air.
“Let's go,” Laila had to raise her voice to be heard over the noise of the engines.
She took a step, her leg collapsing under her as she tried to bear weight on it. “Fuck!”
Zac cursed, threw the packs to Oren, and picked her up in one movement, then sprinted for the shuttle, Oren on his heels.
The ramp was not fully lowered before Domik and CJ jumped from the craft, scanning the terrain as Zac and Oren headed for the safety of the small ship.
“Get down!” The shout came from Domik. “Incoming!”
The shrill sound of a deadly Xakul fighter-style ship bearing down on them drowned out his words. These small ships were barely big enough for one Xakul soldier, and they were notorious for appearing out of nowhere. Their onboard guns were not plasma weapons, instead they used high velocity projectiles—bullets—which were currently being sprayed towards them.
