14 Feeling the Mites

Buried beneath the rubble from the last explosion and pinned down by gunfire, hope of escape fades. At any moment, Dex and Gekko expect the mine’s troops to enter the remains of the building. Where is Ying-Tai? Is she still alive? Is it too late to stop the mites? 

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The author of the Exodus series is intentional about avoiding profanity and explicit sexual content. However, this episode does contain scenes of violence that some listeners may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. The grit of the building's deck ground against his cheek. Some object was over his head. With his left arm he pushed it off. Bright, hazy dust and smoke filled the space, and Dex blinked at the irritating gray moon dust. He twisted his head. Above, the ceiling had been torn open and the building had been eviscerated like the bowels of some giant creature, where pipes and wires hung twisted every which way. Sparks from shredded power conduits vomited sporadically down to the floor. Another loud boom shook the an explosion pounded his ears again. He heard more collapsing of the building in an adjacent space. He thought as he tried to shift a beam pinning his legs. He turned his head. The doctor had used his body to cover a patient he was helping as the gray dust snowed down. Boob was rummaging through a med kit helping the dock, and Gecko was just beginning to rise from a pile of loose debris. Oh. One more of those and it's over. Gecko said, coughing as he went to the jagged remains of the baggage wall. What's going on? Dex asked. Gecko wiped his eyes and peered around the sharp edge. The usual, he said, and looked in Dex's direction. Twenty. Headed this way. Ah, I'm pinned. Gecko crouched and made his way to Dex. The rounds of gunfire resumed, and now, with much of the walls missing, bullets slammed into the interior. Are they broke? Gecko asked. I don't think so. Just pinned. I think the armor helped. With Gecko helping, Dex was able to shift the beam releasing his eyes. He grabbed his weapon and took up a position and began firing at the oncoming troops. Realized Gecko and himself were the only remaining prisoners standing. Where's Ying Tai? Gecko asked as he fired a three-round burst. Dex shook his head, remembering what he'd seen earlier. Don't think she made it. He watched a man crumple as his rounds found a weakness in the trooper's armor. Gonna be a short fight, Gecko said, firing out at the troops. Heard it before he saw it. A loud, deep thrumming sound. It was getting closer. Then the deck began to vibrate. He glanced outside. A large orange oar hauler like a massive wall rumbled toward the building. The attacking troops looked to their left in astonishment and began to cheer. The cheering continued for a moment, and then was replaced with words of warning as the hauler came right at him. With nowhere to go, the hauler backed him up to the edge of the shaft and then hit the brakes hard. As the huge vehicle skidded forward, the troopers were shoved into the shaft, and the hauler came to a halt with the massive front wheels half over the edge. Dex heard gears grind and the hauler lurched back from the edge, backed up and then rolled forward on the far edge of the shaft. The door to the cab flung open and Ying Tai waved. Both Dex and Gekko burst out laughing. After Ying Tai parked the truck, she hobbled over to where her companions waited. Thank heaven you came when you did, Gekko said. Yeah, the fight wasn't gonna last much longer. Dex agreed. Come on, we need to get everybody aboard and get out of here. First thing we need to do is bring up the rest of the prisoners. Ying Tai said as she rested against the wall. She held her leg up, taking some pressure off the injured limb, and allowed Dex to tear off a piece of clothing from one of the dead soldiers to bind up the most recent wound on her right arm. They should be on the way up, Gecko said, jumping through the shattered wall and heading toward the shaft. Ying Tai looked at Dex. He was covered in dust and dark smudges. A few small bleeding cuts here and there. Other than that, he'd survived unscathed. Has anyone looked around for the yellow pills? She asked. Maybe it was all the accent, but she could swear she felt the mites more active inside her. Haven't had any time yet. We need to make some time. She frowned. More troops will be coming soon. We need to find them before they get here. Dex wiped his hand across his forehead, smearing blood and grind. Okay, you stay put. He gestured with his gun toward her leg. Rest that leg. I'll go see what I can find. Pink Tai winced as she redirected her biowired physiology into controlling the bleeding and the pain shooting up her leg. When she had the wound under control, she slid down to sit on the debris-stream floor and rested. She glanced at all the wounded inmates lying on the floor. Somehow they had to get them all loaded on the truck before another attack occurred. A sudden writhing in her chest captured her attention and fear. Her heart beat a little faster, and she worried. Are the lights starting to dine on my lungs? Dex better have found something. Fifteen minutes later, her heart sank. Dex came back, shaking his head. No yellow pills. At least not that I can find in the remains of the building. Her head dropped to her chest and she closed her eyes tight. Not going to get out of here. She looked up. Don't you feel them? Yeah. For the past day and a half. He squatted next to her and pushed a lock of her raven black hair out of her face. Nothing for it. Just gotta keep forging ahead. She nodded. Help me up. We have to get everyone under the truck. The other prisoners. I should be here soon. Gaggle vaulted through the opening. Gotta move now. More troops are headed this way. Where are the others? Subdecks at they're coming up now. Should be topside in a few more minutes. Good, King Tai said. Gather up some weapons that aren't being used and give them to the prisoners when they arrive. Have them lay down cover fire. It'll buy us some more time. Got it. Gecko went over and started to pick up weapons from the wounded and from the troops who wouldn't be using them anymore. Ying Tai, now on her feet, forced herself to ignore the mites devouring her viscera and summoned new strength. Dex, help me get the wounded to the oar hauler outside. Automatic weapon fire began again, thundering from beyond the truck. Boo! Get to the truck. See if you can help, she said, noting his pallor had improved. Right. Boo paused at the opening and, crouching low, dashed out to the oar truck. A glance out to the shaft told Ying Tai the rest of the inmates had arrived. Gecko handed out the guns he'd collected to the arriving convicts and directed them to take cover behind the truck. Loud's weapons fire from the prisoners began to answer that of the approaching troops. Ignoring the pain that threatened to break the biowire barricade, Ying Tai helped Dex carry the wounded that couldn't walk out to the hall. Tina struggled to her feet and scrambled out to the hauler. When it came time to help Otis, Ying Tai despaired. Otis easily weighed at least 1,200 pounds, if not more. She wouldn't be able to maintain the pain barrier and have enough strength to get Otis in the truck. She glanced at Dex, standing near Otis's feet. He seemed to be visually assessing the impossibility of the task. He shrugged. I don't think I'll be much help leaving behind. Someone like Nelson is one thing. There's no way I'm leaving Otis behind. She whispered. Horston graned as if he heard the comment, but remained unconscious. Ying Tai flexed her bionic hand and prepared to release the pain barrier. We can drag him. Clear a path. She nodded toward a less cluttered area. He stared back. Huh? Two of us. Couldn't butt you. How are you going to drag him? She ignored him and said, Just try. Dex shook his head and moved some of the debris to make a path. Yuntai crouched down looking at the cherubic fat face for a moment. Big heart, no brains. She thought, smiling to herself. There was no one she'd rather have covering her back on this ginormous fat oaf. He was truly guileless. She plunged her bionic arm deep into Otis's armpit, stealed herself for the superhuman task. She looked at Dex. On three. She was just about to release the pain block when Otis opened his eyes. What you doin'? He asked. Lifting your fat carcass to the truck, Dex said. We're going for a ride. Otis's eyes lit up and a silly grin peeled his fat cheeks aside. Otis. We forgot to get you to your hall. So we can get out of here. Ying Tai said, still crouching. Otis can walk, he said, and rolled to the side and began to rise. Ying Tai noticed the bandages on Otis began to turn red as blood seeped from his wounds. Gunfire continued outside, and a few rounds hit the back wall. Otis. Stay low and run to the truck. Okay, he said, and crouched as low as his huge body would allow and lumbered out a gaping weapon toward the hall. Okay. Who's left? Ying Tai looked at Dex. Dex nodded his head to the last person still on the floor. Morston. We could just leave him. The idea was appealing to Ying Tai. She recalled his threat from earlier and how he wanted to leave the other prisoners down in the mine. She knew her word and actions had created a powerful enemy. Can't leave him. He knows where we're going to make deal. Maybe maybe we could just go somewhere else. Morston, as if hearing the plans concerning him, shouted, traitorous whore! Ink Tai looked down at the dangerous man. Come on. Help me with him. An assassin? With a conscience? What would the other prisoners say if we just left him? She glanced at Morston, who seemed to be waking up. Oh. Easy. Hey, cheer. Throw a party. Several more birds smacked into the wall, causing Me and Tai to duck. All right. Grab his arms. Let's get going. Dex said. As they lifted him, he moaned and the bandage over his left eye seeped blood. The dock had patched him up fairly well. It appeared Morston would live. At the side of the oar hauler, Otis single-handedly carried the wounded up the ladder and handed them off to Boog and another prisoner. They set Morston on the ground just as a whistling overhead announced an incoming missile. Everyone hit the deck just before a loud explosion demolished the remains of the building. Fiery ball, interior, and smoking flaming hunks of metal flew through the air. Gecko! Take out their artillery! Ying Tai screamed. On it! One direct hit from that large gun. And this little escapade is over, Ying Tai thought. She turned from Dex and headed toward the hauler's cockpit. When Dex grabbed her from behind, I'll drive, he said. You look like crap. Go rest. Rest. Are you serious? Another explosion ripped the ground apart across the shaft, knocking both of them against the hauler. Ying Tai ended up pressed against Dex. He smiled at her. I'm flattered, but we have no time for this. His face grew serious. Don't argue. I need you somewhat ready for the battle ad. Ying Tai nodded and pushed herself away. All right. Before she could say anything else, Dex swung around her and bounded up the ladder. Tell everyone to strap in, he said, hanging from the top of the ladder. It's gonna get bumpy. Otis gently carried Morston to the top and handed him over to the waiting help. He then reached down and grabbed Ying Tai and easily lifted her to the top just as the hauler rumbled to life. Otis, I can manage. You hurt. Otis help, he said, grinning down at her. Otis handed Ying Tai to boot. She climbed into Lor Holler's bed. Otis flopped over the edge and fell forward as the hauler jerked backwards. Dex swung the wheel as he backed up the hauler and looked out across the wide open cabin. He saw lines of troops advancing toward the hauler, sensing that their prey was going to get away. Bullet rounds kept ricocheting off the hauler's heavy, thick skin, and a few hit the windshield, leaving small chips. Dex tucked his head into his shoulders each time, worried the window might break. Cover fire, please! He shouted through an opening behind the cab. Tracers began streaking from overhead toward the troops, forcing them to take cover behind the mini mounds of ore. Dex tapped the display and mashed his foot down on the accelerator and power surged from the hauler's engine. He guided the vehicle around the smaller panels of ore and made for the main road across the cavern. Soldiers dashed out and fired off a few shots before leaving for cover as the greening monster truck wore in on some way to the great block exploded in front of the hall, and Dick swerved the opening crater. Shut up. A line of bullet tracers drew a line across the windshield to his left. He thought, ignoring it. In the distance, he saw two warballs with soldiers firing over the cabs. One surged forward and pulled into his path, trying to block him. Troopers lined the sides of the bed, firing toward him. He shouted over his shoulder to the passengers in the back. He pulled the wheel hard to the left and changed course away from the blockade. He found himself climbing one of the larger power of the water. The holler's engine screamed in protest as pins from the hole stance across the back. The hollow filled retreat chase after the next. He mashed the accelerator to the floor and the engine's rolling as the back and through back and forth on the loose level. The hollow had to pile on its front wheels. Dex flopped the wheel as it looped from side to side in the spot. Seemingly out of nowhere, the other pursuing hollower, loaded the troops, swung alongside the bullets across Dex's green vehicle. He clinched his teeth and turned hard, swimming into the other hollow, forcing it aside. He turned his head to catch the sight of the faceless helmeted driver fighting for control. When Dex turned back, he was too late to avoid a small pile of worms and his holler launched itself off the hill and standing down. He heard swearing from his passengers in the banking for control. Sticky oozing from his left arm caught his attention as he pulled down at his blood silk seam. Seeing the blood sent instant pain up his arm and into his chest. I'm shot. Never been shot before. He pulled his attention back on the hat of head and had no time to avoid a large piece of equipment. A holler slammed into a cart on the right side, and the wheel was almost ripped from his grasp as the vehicle jerked to the right. Somehow, he managed to hold on. The hauler, loaded with true, followed close behind. The obstacle pressed by Dex's large wheels was flung back toward him. A mangled object slammed into the pursuing hauler, sending it out of control toward a man to war. His left wheel caught the pile and vaulted the truck up and over on its side. Dex heard shouts of joy from his passengers and Dex's arm was really beginning to throw as he wrestled with his controls. Still, several hundred yards away, he spied the main prisoner processing building where he was first brought into the mines. Not much activity seemed to be happening at the building, but he decided to keep the haulers speeding forward. When he was within yards, he applied 100% of the brakes, and the truck skidded to a stop. His hand still held the wheel in a death grip, and he mentally commanded his hands to let go. He collected himself and shouted over his shoulder. Okay, kids, fun rides over. What made you think you could drive? Gecko asked as he massaged his arm, stepping off of the ladder. Dex heard numerous complaints from the passengers as they moaned with new minor injuries. I think you've doubled the number of injured, Boog said, rubbing the side of his head. Dex ignored their ungrateful complaints and climbed down from the cab. This all stuff. Where's the dock? I'm wounded. While there has been much speculation and rumor about escape from the moon line, the reader should exercise a certain level of the noise from the any of the moon line. A twinge in her neck sent another shudder through her body. Yellow pills. Right. He advanced forward with the muzzle of his gun leading the way. Are you feeling them? Dex asked. Aren't you? Dex tried to smile, and the meantime thought he was trying to come up with some light-hearted equipment to put her at ease. But all he said was a bit here and there. I'll be okay. She sighed and said, They're eating me. I can feel it. Dex reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. Easy. We'll find the pills around here somewhere. They have to be here. He cast his gaze around the space. Let's go find the control room. He led the way through a portal into a room with all sorts of personal mining equipment hanging on the wall. It was a long time ago when I came through. Do you remember anything from when you passed through here? He asked. I've tried to forget. Her skin crawled as she recalled the processing procedure. The millions of moonlights crawling all over her naked flesh and invading her body had left her with many nights filled with nightmares. She considered herself not easily scared. This place was really terrifying. The sooner we're out of here. I'll take the left, she said. With uncovering the right side, Young Tai slammed a fresh magazine into her. When she was ready, she nodded and burst through the door. Door with him, high and her low, ready to pour fire into the space. Ying Tai's enhanced senses, already alert, heard a round chamber just before she saw a flash at the end of a long corridor. Before her ears heard the report, she shoved Dex out of the room. Chattering gunfire reached her ears. Just as the wall next to her was torn apart, the gunfire ceased, and a desperate voice came from down the long hall. We're ready for ya. There's forty armed troops with me. Throw down your weapons and surrender. The person coughed and then continued, You'll get no further. Dex smirked at Ying Tai and whispered, He's laughing. Sounds like a safe bed. She brought her rifle up and nodded at him. Dex readied his weapon. She looked at him and whispered, You go low. I'll play high this time. On three. One. Two. Three. Ying Tai swung into the long hall, firing her rifle high as Dex crouched and fired low. She saw someone dart away from the opening at the end of the hall, screaming in pain. Ying Tai jumped to the side of the wall, and Dex took the other side as they quickly advanced to the end. A gun muzzle appeared next to her. Ying Tai looked to the side and let out a breath. It was Gecko. Did I miss all the fun? He asked. Fun's just begun, Gek. Dex whispered, sliding forward with his gun aimed low. Find anything? Nope. Gecko crouched low and advanced with them. We don't have much time. The soldiers are headed this way for another try. Ying Tai's hand shot. Listen. She heard someone breathing heavily and moaning. At the end of the hall, she chanced a quick peek around the wall's edge. She saw a fat man on the floor with his back up against a control console holding his blood-soaked leg. An automatic rifle lay on the floor several feet out of his reach. There was no one else in the room. Muzzle leading the way, she advanced toward the bleeding figure. A flood of unpleasant memories welled up as she recognized the wounded man. Never forget that face. His name was stitched over the left breast of the uniform. It read, Warden. Devin B. She pointed her gun at his head and went to where he sat. Well, well, well. She fired a shot over Devin's right shoulder into the console. He jumped and looked up, whimpering, Oh, oh, don't, don't, don't kill me. Don't kill me. A hand shoved her gun down at the floor. Don't kill him. Yet, Deck said. She looked up at him with anger in her eyes. If I wanted him dead, he'd have a million holes right now, she said, grinding her teeth. Ying Tai pointed at Devin with her gun. This is the stack of crap that processed me. Fired another round that punctured the deck inches from Devin's crotch. The pitiful man jumped again and screamed. Dex pushed past Ying Tai. Mr. Devon, where are the yellow pills? He asked. The man continued to moan. I've got a better idea, Ying Tai said. She strode forward, picked him up with her bionic arm, and held him dangling. She thrust him against the window that looked out on the process, and the glass cracked, and she felt several ribs snap as all of Devin's breath exploded from his mouth. Dex stepped forward and lifted the man's chin with his hand. She's really mad. I suggest you tell her what she wants to know. She pulled him forward and then slammed over again. More cracks appeared in the thick glass. He raised a shaking hand and pointed to the back of the control room where a door was inset in the wall. Ying Tai nodded at Dex without taking her eyes off Devon. Check it out. Dex went to the door and opened it and went inside. She heard a loud clatter in the distance, and then a explosion shook the deck. Hurry up, Dex!

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Haha!

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Jackpot! He yelled from the room. Ying Tai dropped Devon on the deck and dashed to the room. Inside, two shelves were stacked with plastic bins filled with the yellow pills. She reached for them and took three and popped them into her mouth and chewed. The acidic bitter pill never tasted so good. Gecko, get in here, she said. Dex took a pill and swallowed it, and then returned to the room to watch Devon. She turned to Gecko. Take a handful of pills and go distribute them to everybody. Then have those who can help help the wounded to get inside. We'll gather as many pills as we can. Another explosion, louder this time, struck the building. Gecko left the room and then she heard Dex call out Whitey! She went back into the control room and immediately saw the pool of blood spreading under their prisoner. Devin appeared unconscious. She tried to summon up some sympathy for the dying man, but for the author of so many sleepless nights in the past two years, she could only muster hatred. Look at this. Ying Tai came over and looked at the bank of video screens. There she is, he said, pointing at one of the monitors. Ooh, starship. Ying Tai looked at the long vessel that had nuzzled up to the ring station docking hub above the moon. It was an enormous creation. So, Chin Yao, we shall meet again. She whispered. What? Dex asked. Never mind. Gather up all the pills you can. I'll go help with the wounded. She smiled and patted his cheek. Almost there. Thundering explosions pounded against the prisoner processing building again and again. The sound of rapid firing weapons clattered through the thick walls. Gray moon dust shaken loose from overhead powdered the top of Ying Tai's head. She watched from the control room overlooking the processing chamber as all the wounded were hauled across the processing chamber and laid in the main access tube leading to the ring station elevator. Okay, let's move, Dex said, holding multiple satchels filled with little yellow pills. Enough to last everyone several years. Ying Tai studied the control room display panel and keyboard. A crashing sound announced that the troops were close to breaking into the building. She glanced up at Dex. You go, I'll be right behind you, she said, tapping several buttons. Video feeds showed doors bursting open into the building, followed by more soldiers. I'm gonna delay our pursuers. She tapped more buttons and saw that she'd opened various doors throughout the building. More troops surged inside. Come on, Whitey, you don't have enough time. He argued as another explosion rattled the building. Dex. She pierced him with a steady look akin to fire in her eyes. Go now! Dex shook his head and darted through the door that led into the processing chamber. Ying Tai watched as the rest of the prisoners crossed the chamber and exited into the exterior tube. A huge jolt shook the building. Ying Tai held onto the console to keep from being thrown down and then punched a series of buttons. She leaped over the top of the display panel and faulted into the processing chamber as a dark pool flowed up around the perimeter, starting from the niches. Her skin crawled as she watched the spreading black pool and remembered. The mites spread rapidly as Xing Tai leaped over them, landing awkwardly on the opposite side. Her legs screamed as she ducked through the door where Dex and Gecko stood waiting. Close it, she ordered. The door slid shut behind her, and she looked back through the chamber as the black flood of mites flowed, filling the space and invading into the rest of the building through the doors Ying Tai had left open on the opposite side. Another explosion blocked the building, and she saw the room beyond the chamber fill with troopers. She turned away as the soldiers ran into the trap, and the black flood of might surged toward their prey. Muffled screams of terror penetrated into the door. That shit slowed him down. She smiled dreamily. Good thinking. Gekko slapped her on the back. Come on. Let's get going, she said. That starship isn't gonna wait around forever. Moonbound is a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller from the Exodus series by Orson T. Badger. If you crave rebellion, high stakes heists, and lunar warfare, this science fiction audio drama will leave you breathless. Read the entire Exodus five book series. Available wherever digital and physical books are sold.