Maniacs The Krittika Conflict - By Nick S. Thomas Page 0,13

metre and a half long and weighed twenty kilos. Mason swung it back and smashed the rod with every ounce of strength he could muster. Sparks burst from it, and a pulse of electricity rushed down the wrench and into Mason's hands. The shock threw him off his feet and three metres away onto his back where he landed hard. Rolling over to his side, he coughed out a little blood as he heard the engines roar with power.

"Five hundred metres, four, three."

They could feel the engines begin to push the tail down and quickly level them off. Mason looked up at Archibald from the deck and prayed. Twenty seconds went by when they both expected to crash and burn at any second.

"We've done it!"

"Just as the call came over the radio, the engines coughed and spluttered and cut out."

"All right, here we go. Hold on to your asses," said Mitchell.

They hit the ground hard, but a lot lighter than they had expected. They bounced just a metre off the ground, landing once again with a jolt, and sliding a hundred metres through dirt and dust.

"This is the pilot speaking. Welcome to Krittika. I hope you had a pleasant flight and appreciate the fact you’re still alive."

Chapter 3

Mason sat sprawled out on one of the chairs from the hold of the ship. He’d dragged it out into the open air beside their final resting place and also brought the table with him. His right leg was up on the table, and he had a bottle of Beaulieu's reserve in one hand. It was a coarse and unlikeable whiskey liqueur they had gotten a crate of cheap a few months back. It was the only drink available, and he was making the most of the sunshine while drinking it. Wizard strode up to him. He looked even filthier than before, now he'd spent an hour going over the damage.

"Well, how bad is it?"

"Bad. We've got a couple of holes in one of the blocks. The reactor's shot. Inlet manifolds punctured."

Mason's eyes widened.

"Yeah, I'd say we took a few shots back on Sharini when we picked you up. They must have nailed us in the ass. The damage was done and gone unnoticed. It has only got worse."

"Christ, what did they hit us with?"

"Something heavy. Looks like they took one of your trucks, so I guess that would explain it. You should have been long gone before that could have happened."

"That was my fault," replied Erin.

She and Liu were sitting beside the table with Mason.

"Damn right it was," added Mason.

Liu scowled at him.

"Not like she asked to be there," he said.

"Well, nonetheless, it is what it is. Upside is we get to catch a few rays."

"What do we need to get her working?" Liu asked.

"A tonne of components which should cost about fifty k, but God knows what we'll be charged if the dealers know they have us over a barrel. Plus about a week’s work."

Mason shook his head.

“All the years of smooth running the Lady has given, us and now we get lumped in the shit."

"They were never that smooth," muttered Andrews.

"Mily okay?"

Erin looked surprised.

"The quadcopter you came in on," Liu clarified.

"One of the Boss’ wives?"

"Girlfriend," Mason smiled.

"Yeah, amazingly she didn't take anything but a few scrapes and burns. She's ready when you are," said Andrews.

"Nearest town is just a few clicks north," stated Mason. "Felix, you know what parts we need?"

"I got a pretty good idea."

"Good, then you're coming with me. We don't know anything about this world, so all of you watch yourselves. Wizard, get working on what you can. Liu, you're on guard duty. We came in pretty hot, so our presence cannot have gone unnoticed."

"You expecting hostility here?"

"I always expect hostility and prepare for everything, Erin."

"It's a little cynical, don't you think?"

"Fact, I'm still alive while many others in this line of work aren't."

She looked to Liu who could not help but agree. Mason turned to leave but was interrupted by Erin.

"Then I can help. I can shoot."

He smirked and laughed a little. "Really? That part of your comprehensive education?"

"Yes," she replied sternly, "I can ride, I can shoot, and I can hunt."

"Anyone ever put you to the test?" he asked, lifting his rifle from the table. He threw it at her with some force. She barely caught it and almost lost her balance.

"This the way you treat all the women you meet?"

Liu laughed, and it was confirmation enough for her. Mason spun around, looking at the