Page 62

“Anywhere that isn’t this cell,” Heather said.

“We’ll fight back against these aliens and beat their scaly asses,” Ivy said. “There’s no way I’m going to be spit-roasted by the Banti and then served up in a butter and parsley garnish, so they can devour my flesh.”

Someone in the cell snickered.

Heather rolled her eyes. “They will eat us. This is our chance to get out before that happens.”

“I’m with you,” Ivy said. “I’m not cowering in the corner and letting these sick fuckers have at me.” Her sharp glare shifted around the cell as if daring anyone to object.

“We have to take the next opportunity we get. It won’t be perfect. It will be messy, but we have to try.” Heather looked around at the crowd of wary, scared faces. She recognized most of the women, but some were strangers, most likely passing through the station when the attack happened. Bad luck for them.

“Who’s with us?” Ivy asked.

Several women shuffled their feet; most dropped eye contact. This was not looking good.

“This is our only chance,” Heather said, still not prepared to give up. “We can do this. We can’t wait any longer. You all have people out there who will miss you if you become an alien banquet. Think of the reasons you have to live.”

“I’m with you,” Kate said. “Let’s teach these Banti a lesson.”

“Me too,” said another woman.

Several more women nodded and raised their hands.

“We can do this, nerd girl,” Ivy whispered into her ear. “The cowards are turning into brave bitches.”

Heather nodded as she looked around the cell again. It was time to fight. She turned at the sound of footsteps approaching the door. “This could be our chance.”

“What do we need to do?” Ivy asked.

Heather divided the women into small groups. She pointed at the group to her left. “Focus on the cyborgs’ arms. They could have weapons. Keep them pinned down. If they have lasers, make sure they don’t get to keep them.”

She turned to the next two groups. “You’re on the legs. Stop them from moving.”

“What are you planning to do?” a woman Heather didn’t recognize asked.

“I’m going round the back and disabling them. I know where their emergency off switch is.”

“And I’m helping,” Ivy said.

“Will that work?” the woman asked.

“I’ve done it before.”

“You have? You’ve beaten a cyborg?”

Heather grinned. She had. She’d beaten a cyborg before; she could do it again. “They’re not so tough. Focus on your job. Don’t get scared. If we work together, we’ll win.”

Everyone shuffled back from the door, fear simmering through the group as the door locks clicked open.

Ivy grabbed Heather’s elbow. “No need for you to lead the troops. Wait until you see an opportunity before going after the off switch, or they’ll crush you.”

Heather’s mouth was dry as the door opened to reveal two cyborgs. Her stomach flipped. They both carried lasers.

“Now!” The word wasn’t even fully out of her mouth before the women surged forward in an angry mass.

It wasn’t pretty or coordinated, but they were on the cyborgs in seconds, grabbing their arms and legs as they screamed and kicked.

The lasers clattered to the floor. All Heather could see was two piles of furious females. It was a terrifyingly awesome sight. Everyone was fighting.