Belen’s burgundy-clad troops were inposition on the ground and in trees, ready to fire. I regrettedagainthe mistake with the mist. The perfect defensive weapon. Andperfectly useless. But we were as prepared as we could be. Two moredays to get the last Aristolans off the planet. Then we’d take themto a nice safe place. If there were any nice safe places in thegalaxy. Some of my squad indicated they’d like to stay with theAristolans. The Aristolans were agreeable. I wondered how Carmenwould fit in. We were not exactly the best of friends but I wouldmiss her.
A shuttle carrying a load of Aristolansrose slowly up. It climbed smoothly. The red streak coming from thewest was much faster. In seconds it hit the ascending craft. Anexplosion split the skies as smoke and flames erupted. Bodies andme
