Planet Wrecker

-70-

It took an hour to reach the huge exhaust crater.

“I don’t like this,” Osadar said, while standing beside Marten. They looked down at the massive cavity that sank into the guts of the asteroid. “All the cyborgs have to do is turn on the engine and burn us to death.”

“That’s right,” said Marten.

“Why won’t they it?” Osadar asked.

“We’re taking a risk,” Marten said. “But it’s certain death to march across the crater-plain to the domes. Our only other choice is to reenter the patrol boats and fly our way to the domes.”

“That would be suicide,” Osadar said.

“Can you think of anything better than this then?”

“I cannot.”

“Should we do nothing?” Marten asked.

“That is not logical.”

“So this is the only rational choice we have,” Marten said.

“We never really had a chance,” Osadar said.

“Yeah,” said Marten. “I’ve heard you say that for a long time now, but we’re still here. These big rocks are still heading for Earth. So I can’t dither all day talking to you. Are you coming?”

The tall cyborg took her time answering. Finally, her voice crackled over his headphones. “Lead the way, Marten Kluge.”

Gripping his gyroc rifle, Marten began the descent into the massive exhaust-port.