[dcs_p]The pirate reinforcements were 2 big men. One, heavyset, carried a vibroblade
and an iron bar. The other, taller with a stronger build, lugged a 2 handed rifle of
some sort. As if on cue, the two suddenly stiffened at what the scruffy, bearded
pirate said to them. The heavy man looked to the taller, but the taller man was
already pulling his rifle up to shoulder. The heavy man began a slow but steady
run at the smaller, bearded pirate. But the bearded man was faster, pulling his
gun up from the crook of his arm and firing a shot at each man.
Though neither fell, the heavy man rushed by, crashing into the wall as the scruffy
pirate stepped aside. The other man twisted about, dropping his gun and
grabbing his wounded left hand.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]The scruffy man casually turned to fire 2 more rounds at the heavy man, one just
under his ear and one just along the back of his spine in his neck. The heavy man
slumped down, still. The taller pirate now pointed to the scruffy pirate while
narrowing his eyes and bellowing out some sort of dare or curse. The small
pirate responded by raising his right arm once again, firing again and again as he
walked nearer the tall pirate. Without mercy, he shot the man 2 more times on
either side of his neck, then kicked the bloodied, shaking silhouette over to topple
backwards. Then he casually rounded the corridor’s corner once again and
disappeared from sight.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Xandar asked, “What the hell…he’s killing all the pirates? Who is that man?”
Michael replied, “A stowaway possibly? I don’t know. I don’t understand what he
is doing.” He continued, “But I do know that those weapons outside the hatchway
are suffice to defend us.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Joanna spoke, raising her tone as she looked out the ferroglass, “We open that
door and Xandar recovers them.” She looked over to Xandar. “I’ll cover you.”
She raised her pistol. “This thing has pretty good range for a needler. Besides, I
only have to watch that corner out there.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Xandar looked to her. “WHAT?! Are you crazy? Is it not obvious enough that it’s a
trap?!” He shook his head sadly. “I don’t know how you’ve lived this long Joanna.”
“Oh I know its a trap Harlow, but its worth the risk. Especially when you are the
only one we risk.” she explained, cutting her voice to almost a rasp. Conveniently
behind him, she prodded his spine with her gun, “YOU are the one at risk now.
GET those weapons and get BACK in here.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Xandar twisted slowly around to face her. “You crazy bitch, I can’t believe you
think I would do that. I’d sooner face your barrel than whatever that pirate guy’s
packing.” He continued carefully, disguising a bluff as best he could, “Ever think
he might try making a shot at you instead of me?”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Joanna’s eyes narrowed, “You worthless scum. Your opinion matters little to me.
If you expect me to believe he’d shoot me before you then it’s surprising YOU
have survived this long.” Aiming her gun to the left side of his shoulder, she
spattered off a portion of his flesh with her needler. The splintered, air-propelled
plastic shards pierced deep, some cutting straight through his jacket, into his
tissue, and back out the other side of his jacket. She quickly drew the gun’s aim
back to the center of Xandar’s back. Though very fit for a woman of her medium
build, she was much smaller than Xandar. She would have to prove her weapon
made her the superior in this debate.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“AGH! Damnit! Open the door and I’ll do it!” Xandar cried out as he cradled his
bloodied shoulder with his right hand.[/dcs_p]