Torian Reclamation 2: Flash Move Read Online Free PDF Page A

Alan fell asleep first. Hol4 seemed more relaxed when the firelight had dimmed. Jumper put a fresh pile of cortzye stones on the coals to make sure the warmth would continue through the night and dozed off while lying on his side. The float suit was thicker than the usual climate-controlled outfits he and Alan usually wore, but only a little uncomfortable to stretch out in.
    A few of the stones were still hot when Jumper awoke in the predawn, so he went to refill the water pouches in the gray light. When he returned, the sun was peeking over the top of the western horizon. How strange it must be on Earth having sunrises in the east. Alan and Hol4 were stirring and stretching. Jumper sanitized their water again and they consumed the last of the dry fish for breakfast.
    “How are we going to get back to the cities?” Alan asked. “We need transportation.”
    “I’m sure one of the Midlands patrols will take us to the out-towns, if we can find one,” Jumper replied. But he knew that might not be so easy, and they had quite a hike to even get to the Midlands.
    Hol4 looked concerned. “How far is it if we have to walk?”
    “Too far,” Jumper and Alan said in unison.
    “Days,” Jumper added. “And we’re out of food.”
    “Can’t we go south along the base of these mountains?” Hol4 asked. “Then pick up the Ireden range and head west from there? At least we’ll have a water supply that way, and I’ll wager the two of you can find natural food sources.”
    Jumper scratched his chin. “He does have a point, there.”
    Alan objected. “Jumper, it’s at least two days longer if we do it that way, maybe three—as we’ll be travelling survival-style. And our parents will be getting concerned.”
    “You have good point, too. And all we need to do is find someone with a transmitter, to get a message back to the colony. Kayla or Marvin will probably come out to get us.”
    Alan shook his head. “Not if we’re past the out-towns. None of our friends have spines.”
    “I think I can get them to come,” Jumper said. But at that moment he saw a dust cloud moving in their direction from the northwest. “Or maybe we won’t have to.”
    Alan and Hol4 turned their heads at that comment and saw the dust. It was approaching fast. Hol4 then broke into a sprint and ran up into the hills.
    “What’s the matter?” Jumper called after him.
    Within a few minutes, the vehicle responsible for kicking up the dust was in full view. It was a long-range off-trail cruiser, the large model. Six natives were in it, but they still had room for several more. Jumper could see at least two of them holding rifles.
    “Those things are so cool,” Alan said. “Look how far off the ground it hovers, and can climb over uneven terrain. We’ve got to get one of those.”
    “The cruiser is cool,” Jumper said, “but are the passengers? They’re heavily armed, and they scared off Hol4 for some reason. Come to think of it, he was nervously looking off in that direction all night.”
    Alan glanced up the hill where Hol4 had now vanished beyond the brush line. “I guess we’re about to find out.”
    The rugged hovercraft climbed right up the slope over rocks, fallen trees, and small depressions without slowing until it reached them. It was a canvas-top type, but the top was not attached this morning, exposing the upper frame.
    “So cool,” Alan said.
    The vehicle stopped right next to them—but before it could lower, four Amulites jumped out—including the two with the rifles—and hit the ground running. They scrambled up the hills the way Hol4 had gone without bothering to acknowledge Jumper and Alan.
    When the cruiser was settled on the ground with the engine off, the remaining two natives, also both Amulites, stepped out.
    “What’s going on?” Jumper asked. He then noticed the emblem on the side of the cruiser, which looked like two sickles crossed. “You’re with the Northern Militia?”
    “That’s right,” the one who