Chapter 137: Death From Above

Chapter 137: Death From Above

The box flying towards us was very high and bobbed through the air as the wings flapped up and down.

What is it? I asked Loran.

He shook his head sorrowfully. A palace transport. They usually send them out to gather the summoned. It is considered a great honour to be sent for in such a manner.

Should we make a run for it? asked Maurice. If its just a big box, maybe we can give it the slip.

I wasnt sure there was much chance of that. The surrounding area was mostly flat grassland. There wasnt really any cover and we wouldnt be moving very fast.

I hooded my eyes with a hand and tried to figure how it worked. Perhaps it was being carried by a large bird we couldnt see because of the angle.

Theres got to be some troops or something inside, right? I said.

Most likely the Palace Guard, said Loran. They are vicious beasts with low intelligence and large teeth. I wouldnt recommend fighting them.

What should we do? Jenny asked me.

I dont know, I said in a very non-leaderly manner. My feet were rooted to the spot and my neck had iced, preventing any signals getting in or out of my brain. How the fuck was I supposed to know the best course of action? If we ran, the box would easily outpace us and wed have to fight whatever was inside after already exhausting ourselves.

On the other hand, if we stayed where we were, wed be giving up without putting up a struggle. More energy efficient, for sure, but capitulation didnt feel very British. Mind you, I did have a few distant French relatives on my fathers side.

Well, said Jenny, it is Colin they want. We could keep them distracted while the rest of you get away.

It was hard to know if I should be angry that she would offer my services as a decoy without asking, or grateful that she had elected to stay behind with me.

Whats this we business, I said. Since when did you get to decide who does what?

She smiled at me. The worst kind of smiledismissive. You amuse me, Colin. You really do.

She is a good woman, said Loran. Loyal. Smart. I dont think you needed to brand her like that.

The stinging rebuke I had all lined up for Jenny died on my lips. It took me a second to realise he meant the burn on her face. Apparently, he had assumed it was a mark of ownership, and not a surprising one at that. It explained why his wife and kids hadnt reacted to it, either.

Yeah, I said, but some women need to be reminded who they belong to.

True, true, said Loran wistfully. His gaze returned to the box which was gliding in to land.

Jenny rolled her eyes but didnt say anything. From the corner of my eye, I could see Claire fuming. Just before she was about to explode, I turned to her.

What did you expect? A world run by demons would have progressive gender politics?

Her mouth opened and then closed again. You didnt have to agree with him. You dont always have to run with the dicks.

No, I agreed. But its so much more fun when I do.

Loran looked back at us, not really understanding what we were arguing about. If some of you wish to escape, you should leave now.

The box was on its final approach.

We arent going anywhere, said Claire without consulting the others; not that they objected. Im going to make it my goal to save your life, Colin. And when I do, youre going to say, Thanks, Claire, I owe you my life. If theres anything I can do in return just name it. And believe me, Ill have a list of ways for you to repay the favour.

I did consider pointing out that even if she saved my life, it would hardly make us even. But it seemed a shame to spoil her triumphant declaration.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Not sure itll be worth it, said Jenny. I saved his life and all I got was this scar and my tits occasionally groped while I sleep.

Fair exchange, if you ask me, I muttered to myself.

Having decided to stay and face whatever was about to emerge from the box, our attention returned to Flight 666. The wings, which were definitely attached to the box and nothing else, slowed to longer beats that brought the box down in a cloud of dust.

The box was shoebox-shaped and appeared to be made of wood, painted red and blue. A grate in the front allowed anyone inside to see out, but it was too dark to see in.

The wings folded along the side. They didnt look mechanical or artificial in any way.

The front fell forward, slamming into the ground and sending up more dust. When the cloud cleared, a very fat man walked down the ramp.

He looked like he might have been forty. A big broad forehead, a long straight nose and a mouth full of brilliant white teeth. He would have been quite handsome if his cheeks werent so thick and jowls so baggy.

He wore a robe, coloured a deep red and made of heavy velvet. Unlike Lorans simple jerkin and trousers, the new arrivals clothes suggested wealth and luxury.

No one else emerged from inside Thunderbird 2.

Loran, he bellowed in a deep voice. How did I know you would be mixed up in all this? A headshake made chin and jowls wobble.

Bibler, responded Loran in a way that suggested he knew the man but didnt like him. Why are you here in that? He pointed at the box.

Ah, I borrowed it.

You mean stole.

Obviously I mean stole. You are as pedantic as ever, I see. Being banished to the wilderness has done you little good. Poor Terry must be ruing the day she agreed to marry you.

Ill thank you not to speak ill of my wife.

I wasnt. I was speaking ill of you!

We were mere bystanders as the two locked horns. For a second I thought perhaps this had nothing to do with us. The fat man perhaps had a beef with Loran and was here to have it out with him. But then he turned around and swept the rest of us with a hard glare.

Bibler frowned. I assure you

Claire raised a finger to indicate he should shut up. He looked annoyed. Probably not used to women giving him orders. She was a pain, but she had her uses.

We could just take the box, said Maurice. He had it hovering a few feet off the ground. Its like one of those mini remote control helicopters. I had one I could pick up Monster Munch with and drop them in my mouth.

Ah, said Dudley, I think somethings coming.

I followed his gaze into the endless white but couldnt see anything at first. Then I saw it. Another flying box.

They have found you, said Bibler. He glanced over at Loran. Did you contact them after all?

Of course not! said Loran indignantly.

And what about your wife?

Loran hesitated. I do not know.

Listen, said Bibler, we still have a chance. If Colin gets in the transport I can set it to self-flight and it will take him to the city.

Why only Colin? said Claire.

With only one person inside it will be able to move much faster. They wont be able to catch him. We can also provide cover. If they stop to capture us, he will have an even better chance to get away. You are his followers, surely you would do all that is possible to aid him.

The looks on their faces didnt suggest they were keen to prove him right.

Of course they would, I said. No sacrifice is too great, right Claire?

She scowled at me.

Maurice, in the meantime, had sent our box soaring into the air.

What are you doing! cried out Bibler.

The box flew up to meet the one approaching. It came up from below and smashed into the rear, tilting the back up. The door fell open and half a dozen small figures fell out.

Do you think theyve invented parachutes in this world? I asked nobody in particular.

The figures plummeted straight down.

Nope, answered Maurice.

I think, said Dudley, his eyes squinted, a number of those chaps were missing limbs.

I turned to Bibler. Really? You had a backup lie in case the first one didnt work? Panic us into going along with your plan and split us up so you can deal with me somewhere nice and secluded, that the idea was it?

Bibler blushed. Or perhaps he was just angry. He glanced over at his men who had shifted to more aggressive postures.

And you lot can calm down, too. I pointed a finger in their direction. My hand lit up in blue flame. Not particularly dangerous to anyone, but effective as a bluff. Fake power, best power.

You may have bits missing, but I treat everyone the same. Youre all scumbags. The flame flared and for a second I worried I might set fire to my clothes, which would probably not have the effect I was hoping for.

The men backed away. Bibler, eyes wide, moved in the other direction. No point getting caught in the crossfire.

More to the point, why is nobody scolding Maurice for murdering a bunch of handicapped people. If Id done it

Its not handicapped, said Flossie, its differently-abled.

You cant win.

I didnt mean to murder them. Maurice sounded very remorseful. Theyll come back to life, wont they?

Loran nodded. Eventually.

Can you bring the box back? I said to Maurice. I turned to Bibler who flinched. I think it would be best if we make our own way to the city, with the aid of your contraption. I dont feel entirely comfortable with you around, so

But how will I get back? said Bibler, now genuinely upset.

Loran smiled. The walk will do you good.

Maurice brought the box down without raising even a slight dust cloud. We climbed in and pulled up the door. Bibler looked distraught to be losing his ride.

We rose into the air in a series of jerks that sent us all falling to the floor except for Maurice.

Ah miss my dragon, complained Flossie.

Once we levelled off, the flight smoothed out and we soon got used to the gentle rise and fall.

Worked out okay, in the end, said Jenny.

Why did you have to say that? I put my hand over my face. Now were doomed.

Dont be such a pessimist, said Claire. At least well have a couple of hours before the next disaster.

Fools. They were all fools.

Um, said Dudley from over by the grate. We all gingerly moved closer to where he was standing.

Through the opening, I saw the dark shapes in the distances. Four more boxes flying towards us.