Readers may be asking, just what does Another P.O.V. mean. It is what it is, another point of view. The Attack that is, taken from the point of view of this new character. Also unless otherwise stated the quote at the beginning of each chapter is said by the character introduced in the chapter.
Mara had never been one to get into too much trouble, but after hacking
the computers and finding that the Elerian Prince would be aboard she was excited.
If she and Schala could grab just one of his credit sticks, they would be set for life.
Mara looked herself over in the mirror in her quarters, Schala sat near a
com-terminal and was hacking the computer system. “What do you think?” She
turned to Schala.
Schala was typing furiously and talking to herself, “One more... Got it!”
“SCHALA!”
“Huh, what?” Schala glanced over, “Oh looks nice.” She remarked blandly
and returned to typing.
Mara had just put her soft red hair back into a ponytail like she usually did
when they went out to do their usual business. She was dressed in a white T-shirt,
blue denim jeans, and tennis shoes. She pulled on a brown leather jacket. She and
Schala always dressed alike when they were up to something. Although Schala was
nearly half a foot shorter. Mara stood five feet eleven and a half inches and was
thin as a rail. Schala stood at five feet six inches and had her blond hair cut
short. She usually liked to hack the security systems before runs.
Mara turned a chair around backwards and sat down next to the computer
screen. Both were avid hackers, and though Schala hated to admit it, Mara was
always better. The two had been on the run since they raided and hacked a
starship back on earth taking several thousand in valuables. Luckily for them, no
one really knew what they looked like.
Schala thought it was crazy trying to buy passage back to earth, but Mara, she
was more optimistic. Now that they had an opportunity like this they could
probably buy their freedom. One of the Elerian cred sticks would have enough
money on it to buy the Earth itself if it were
for sale.
Schala continued to type away and looked at the map she had hacked. “Well got
it.”
Mara tried to look but was just far enough back that she couldn't see past
Schala, “Well what's the best way in to his quarters?”
Schala grinned, “You're not gonna like this.”
Mara was puzzled at first, then it hit her, “You know I hate small spaces.” Mara
had been slightly claustrophobic all her life.
"Come on,” Schala retorted, “This is an opportunity of a life time, you never let
fear stop you. Just a few steps ahead that's all.”
Mara forced a smile, “Yeah, you're right. This chance isn't...” Suddenly a high
pitched whine resounded across the station com speakers.
Mara jumped and Schala screamed. “What the hell...” Mara covered her ears.
Schala looked back at the com screen.
“Oh man!” she exclaimed. The com screen was fuzzed out. She typed a few
things and brought it back. Mara looked passed Schala and uncovered her ears.
In bold letters the screen read,
COM SYSTEM DOWN UNTIL SHORT
RANGE SENSOR NET IS REPAIRED, CHECK BACK AT 1400 HOURS!
“1400, that's almost five hours away.”
Schala looked back at her, “Yeah but the Elerian delegation is due in one.”
Mara looked at her watch, “You're right, let's get moving.”
The two stepped out of their quarters. They were in habitat ring subsection
Alpha. Fortunately the Elerian quarters were not too far away. However, to get
there meant getting through several meters of ventilation shafts. Down the hall was
the access hatch for the repair tunnels. Mara climbed in first and Schala followed.
After crawling what seemed like minuets, they came upon a ladder an climbed up.
About halfway up Mara stopped. “There's the ventilation opening.” She
peered in, “Man, how did I let you talk me into this?”
“Just think about the money.”
Mara reluctantly climbed in and started to crawl. The shafts were much
smaller than the repair tunnels, but they weren't meant for humans so
it was only natural. After about ten minuets they came to a dry spot and Schala
tugged on Mara’s foot. She stopped, “What?”
“We're here.” Schala whispered.
“Why so...”
“SHHHHH!” Schala snapped as she peered through the vent below. She
pointed down, “Security.” Below a rookie officer in a red and white uniform stood
preparing a bed. Schala curled up and sat back on the vent with her feet up so she
could see below.
Mara did the same as she checked her watch. “Only a few more minutes to
wait.”
The time seemed to go slow. Just as Mara sat up to check her watch again a
violent series of explosion shook the entire station. Schala bolted upright nearly
hitting her head and attempted to move but was not quick enough as the vent gave
way and she screamed, plummeting head over heels into the room below.
Well that does it for Chapter 2. Now just wait and see what happens as the other civilians and people deal with the Aliens in Chapter 3: The long wait!