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There have been times in my life when I knew that everything I prepared for had led up to a single moment. And there were other times when I have had to question what in the sam hill I was thinking. This was a sam hill moment.
My wrists chafed in the metal cuffs that bound to the back wall. I used my upper arm to wipe away a bead of sweat that ran down my face. This ship was not well ventilated.
The Kuda pressed a few buttons on the control console in front of him. The large computer screen turned on, showing the handsome face of the man I detested. Dr. Vik Lenish was a scientist that worked for Westward Galactic Financial Corporation. Working for Westward Galactic was not his biggest crime.
READ MOREI gave him a good thrashing, hoping to change his mind. Some men will take the hint and change their ways. Dr. Lenish instead put a price on my head large enough to make a man rich. At least the man knew value when he saw it.
“So, do I have the pleasure of addressing Captain Anruk?” Dr. Lenish said in his annoying accent. I couldn’t put my foot on what it was about his accent that annoyed me so much. Maybe it was that air of foreign egotism.
Anruk, the Kuda that stood between me and the screen showing Dr. Lenish, nodded. “Dr. Vik Lenish, I presume.”
Dr. Lenish raised an eyebrow. “Naturally. And I thank you for returning my property.”
“I ain’t a good Samaritan, doctor. I’m a businessman.”
“You will, of course, be paid as per the contract of the bounty,” Dr. Lenish said with a wave of his hand. “But first, can I please see Mr. Perry?”
Anruk stepped aside, revealing me to Dr. Lenish.
Dr. Lenish smiled. “Ah, the high and mighty Mr. Perry at last. Such good fortune I have to reacquire you. Our last meeting was…less than gentlemanly.”
“Some men actually learn from the lessons they’re given,” I said, glaring at him.
“Oh, that is where you are wrong,” he said with a chuckle. “You see, Mr. Perry. You showed me a great deal of security weaknesses that I have since remedied.”
“Too bad you didn’t learn any decency.”
“You are hardly one to talk of decency, Mr. Perry. Were you demonstrating decency when you brutally attacked me?”
“The decency was that I gave you a chance to wise up instead of just shooting you on the spot,” I said, tensing up my bound fists.
“Squeamishness, Mr. Perry. What you adorn with the title of decency is only squeamishness to do what is necessary for humanity. I have no such delusions.” He looked at Anruk. “Captain Anruk, please kill Mr. Perry.”
My heart pounded and my breathing stopped...
COLLAPSE5.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Read, a G-rated Mash-up of Gunsmoke, Star Wars and Sixth Sense
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023
Verified PurchaseThe heroes are honorable but not infallible, the heroines are much, much more than eye candy, and the villains are dastardly. This fast-paced science fiction/western escapist romp will keep you turning pages and be glad you did.