The Khyber Connection (TimeWars 6)

He had wrestled Martin’s laser away from him and held the soldier before him, weapon to his head. The tribesmen stopped fighting.

“I was right,” said Finn. “They think you’re some kind of sacred demigod. That’s how you’ve been keeping them in line, isn’t it?”

Mulvaney had knocked one of the tribesmen sense-less, and when Finn yelled, he had another hoisted high above his head. He stood, holding the man aloft.

“Put that man down, Mulvaney,” Finn said.

“Right you are, sir!”

He dropped the tribesman over the side. His scream sent the others cowering back.

“Well, you did say to put ‘im down, sir,” said Mulvaney.

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“There’s no way you’re going to get out of here,” said Martin. “Using me as a hostage might work with these superstitious Ghazis, but my men will never fall for it. They’ll shoot us both.”

“Then we’ll go together, won’t we?” said Finn. “Learoyd, Ortheris, Andre, get their weapons. And shut that door.”

Moments later they had the Ghazis tied up and gagged with strips torn from a couple of their robes. The other robes were saved for use as disguises.

“All right,” said Finn, covering Martin. “We’re going out of here the same way you came in. I’ll be right behind you.”

Martin shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Mulvaney came up behind him and twisted his arm up behind his back. Martin gasped with pain. “You’ll do as the lieutenant says, mate, or I’ll break yer bloody arm and then I’ll start on somethin’ else.”

With Mulvaney keeping a firm grasp on Martin’s arm, they moved out into the corridor. “Which way?” Mulvaney said.

“Go to hell,” said Martin.

Mulvaney forced his arm up higher, and Martin cried out.

“Enough of that,” said Finn.”I remember the way. We go left.”

Frog-marching Martin before them, they headed toward the main chamber. When they reached the corridor that led to it, Delaney had them stop.

“You three go on,” he said.

“What do you mean, go on?” Learoyd said. “What about you?”

“We’ll follow you. It’ll attract less attention if we don’t go out as a large group. Whatever happens, don’t turn back. You understand? That’s an order.”

“Right. Miss Cross, you come with us. Mulvaney’ll stay behind and follow with the lieutenant.”

“No. You go ahead. I’m staying with Finn.”

“Don’t let’s argue about it,” said Learoyd. “Come on, now, we haven’t got much time.”

“I said I’m staying. I can take care of myself, Chris. Now go. Hurry.”

Learoyd shook his head. “I swear, you’re the most stubborn woman I ever laid eyes on, but you can handle yourself in a pinch, I’ll grant you that. For God’s sake, be careful. Off now, lads.”

Finn let them get a good start, then he forced Martin up against the wall. “All right, where’d you put our warp discs?”

Martin smiled.”Why don’t you guess?”

“Okay, we’ll take a little walk and look for them.”