Pain radiated through Coleridge’s head and chest. His hand rose to the area just over his heart. He could feel the scorched cloth there. Fortunately, the blast – even at such close range – had not penetrated the protective shield he wore under his uniform. He couldn’t say as much for his head.
Rolling to his side, he pushed up off the floor. He touched his throbbing temple. His fingers probed around the deep gash. He looked at their blood covered tips before he scanned the room.
The image of vivid blue eyes swept through his mind. One of the guards had been the other Ancient Knight – the one from the freighter. He would kill the man and both women. Rising to his feet, he felt for his comlink. It was missing, along with all of his weapons and his security key.
He stumbled to the door. Wi
