Free Crystal Venom by Steve Wheeler Page B

‘simple as that. Alter three elements in the river water and they will come closer to the seashore, attracted by a possible aphrodisiac source. Trying to get a warning to the pilot but I am either being blocked, or he is just ignoring me!’
     
    They watched in silence, with a slowly gathering group of spectators from the base, as the inevitable happened. The aircraft swooped low and dozens of two-metre-diameter young whorl were thrown upwards by the adults. The pilot suddenly realised his predicament, but the trap had been sprung and the whorls quickly unfurled multiple tendrils with one grasping the aircraft as it desperately wove through the others’ tendrils.
     
    There was a loud bang followed by multiple shots as Glint fired on the whorls, but many more were shot out of the water and Glint ran out of ammunition. The alarms were sounding all over the base as additional weapons started firing but it was too late; a single whorl landed in the aircraft’s cockpit, instantly dispatching the pilot by biting off his head. It then dragged his body out of the aircraft to fall with it back into the ocean. The aircraft flew straight, unmolested by the other falling whorls; obviously now under remote control, it banked and minutes later landed. There was silence for a few seconds before the whorls turned towards the shore. The crowd rapidly moved inland as the local defences activated, frightening the sea creatures so that they moved into deeper water.
     
    As they walked back towards the frigate Basalt, Marko looked at Jan and whispered, ‘Was that pilot a good Gjomvik or a bad Gjomvik, Jan?’
     
    She shrugged and gripped his hand a little tighter, saying nothing.
     
    Glint looked at them both and said, ‘Well, if he could afford that aircraft I would say that he was wealthy Gjomvik, so would have had a Soul Saver and a link. I could ask Gerald if you like?’
     
    Marko nodded.
     
    Glint contacted the Base AI and said, ‘Yeah, he did. He was a military contractor and had one. Gerald said that the pilot’s zygote will be attached to his Soul Saver data unit and the re-lifing of him will start tomorrow. I wonder what it will be like for him to be conscious for a year as he concentrates on growing himself a new body. Would not bother me but I wonder what it is like for a true human.’
     
    ~ * ~
     
    It was not often that the famous ship was seen in an atmosphere and close to a terrestrial base, in daylight and on the ground, so they had quite a few sightseers lining up against the fences as Patrick refuelled the ship via the large diameter, tendril-like pipes which slid from Basalt’s base then snaked out to locate and latch onto the various fuel feeds. Marko flew the Gunbus and its trailer down from the great wasp-shaped vertical mass of Basalt and ran a few trips lifting the materials back into the engineering deck access hatch in the side of the ship.
     
    He enjoyed flying the odd little machine and got a few enquiries from some of his mates wanting to have a go. He had to admit it was great fun with only a low little windscreen and then nothing out in front, so he felt quite daring. Veg suggested that he needed a leather flying hat and aviator goggles. On the second run, Glint arrived, and promptly hung out over the front making appreciative noises as they swooped down over the complex. Marko grinned as he opened comms. ‘Major.’
     
    ‘Yes, Marko.’
     
    ‘When are we going to tart up Basalt, exterior wise? Looking a bit worse for wear, don’t you think?’
     
    Marko heard the major give a little grunt. ‘Agreed. Put a file together and send it at your leisure. Won’t be this trip, but soon. OK?’
     
    The comms link cut off abruptly as Marko swore quietly and wondered why he did not engage his mind before his mouth. He saw something below and turned to Glint. ‘Glint, do I spy your bicycle on the ground beside Basalt ? When we drop this load off I want you to go get it and store it