Staggering, Kalico struggled under the shrieking Soukup’s weight. Wished, not for the first time, that she had quetzal strength. A shot sounded behind her. Another scream.

More shots.

It wasn’t more than thirty meters, most of it under the glare of the lights.

Seemed like it was halfway across the planet.

Wejee had the gate open, helped to take Soukup’s weight, and once inside, Kalico turned loose of the howling and gasping IG. Let him fall in a heap. As he hit the ground, the man let out another cry of pain. Looked like one of his collarbones had snapped on impact.

“Serves you right, asshole,” Kalico muttered, turning back to the shuttle field.

Out in the landing field, two of the marines were down, armor shining in the light. Three were taking random shots, bellowing, frightened. Firiiki had managed to get her helmet on, was taking her time, shooting as if she had targets in her HUD.

Two of the remaining marines dropped by the prone figures, cursing and calling. They grabbed the closest by the shoulder grips in the carapace; then they struggled to bear their burden toward the gate.

And as quickly, it was over.

“Where did they go?” Firiiki was shouting through her helmet speakers. “Three of them. Did you see?”

“Hell, no!” Asara spit the words. “It’s fucking dark out here. Where’s the crew? Where’s the Colonel?”

“Dead!” Kalico called. “Now, get your asses back inside the fence. There’s been enough stupidity tonight.”

“What the hell?” came the call from behind, Talina emerging from the darkness. “What’s the shooting? We heard they were taking you. Came to effect a rescue.”

“Appreciate it,” Kalico told her. Then she kicked the IG, enjoying the sucking gasp he made as she connected with his broken ribs and reinjured collar bone. “But you’re too late. This bit of shit on my shoe has already played hell.”

Wejee stepped back as two of the marines wrestled the first body through. The bloody armor belonged to Private Than. His head was missing. Just like Hui Ahn’s when Asana and Ituri dragged his bloody and decapitated corpse through the gate a moment later.

“Dear God, what just happened here?” Soukup asked from the ground, his horrified gaze on the headless marines as they were laid on the gravel. Blood began to pool where it drained from the cleanly sliced necks.

Kalico glared down at him. “Welcome to Donovan, you piece of shit,” and she kicked him again.

Chapter 75

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