Free The Copernicus Deception (The Human Chronicles Saga Book 15) by T.R. Harris Page A

creating long, deep shadows that seemed alive within the rapid growth. As rookies on the cutting line, the two Humans thought they saw creatures moving in the shadows every few seconds. The more-experienced prisoners had no such concern, either acclimated to the effect, or uncaring in the resignation of their fate. As a consequence, Adam and Riyad spent more time watching the jungle than they did the prisoner line.
    That was why they failed to see Jym as he worked his way next to Riyad.
    “Am I imagining things, or is this real?” said the tiny bear-like creature.
    Riyad looked down, startled by the familiar voice. His eyes grew wide with recognition and joy.
    “Jym! I’m so glad to see you, my friend!”
    Adam heard Riyad. He stopped his cutting to look for himself.
    “Where’s Kaylor?” he asked.
    “He’s along here somewhere. We work the same shift. What are you doing here?”
    “We came to rescue you,” Riyad said with a full-toothed grin. Adam noticed the brief look of terror fade from the alien’s eyes. Jym was used to the Humans’ habit of displaying facial death-challenges when they were happy.
    “You…you came to rescue us?” Jym’s eyes began to glass over. “That is truly…appreciated.”
    “We came with Copernicus Smith,” Adam added.
    The Jym’s expression changed dramatically. “You did? He is the reason you are here?”
    “We came when he said you were in trouble.”
    “He cannot be trusted. He is only interested in his ships, and those of his clients.”
    “We noticed,” said Riyad. “But we came for you and Kaylor. If his ships get recovered, that will be a bonus.”
    “That is much welcomed. Let us move along now and seek out Kaylor. Do you have a plan of escape, Adam Cain?”
    “Don’t I always?”
    “No. Quite often you are simply creating strategies as you go,” Jym replied matter-of-factly.
    Riyad looked at Adam and smiled. “Our little friend certainly has you pegged, Captain Cain.”
    “Screw you, General. Let’s go find Kaylor so we can all get the hell out of here.”
    “Sounds like as good a plan as any.”

 
    Chapter 12
     
    The guards seemed unconcerned as the trio began to thread their way down the line, as long as they hacked at the growth as they went. Five minutes later Kaylor was spotted, his skin seeming to glow as the powerful lights hit him from behind.
    He was so engrossed in his trimming that he didn’t notice when Adam and Riyad moved up and flanked him. Adam then reached into the jungle with his chainsaw and took a huge chunk out of a thick vine. Riyad mirrored the motion, leaving the area in front of Kaylor clear of any growth. The Belsonian paused, looking at the huge cut.
    “I thank you…but—”
    He glanced to his left…and at Adam’s grinning face. He dropped his cutter in shock, before whipping around to find Riyad’s full-face grin staring back at him. Then his gaze shifted to a more-modestly grinning Jym.
    “I do not understand?”
    “I figured I owed you for saving my life aboard the Klin ship, way back when,” Adam said. “Time to pay up.”
    Kaylor spun around. “You…have come to save my life?”
    “That may be a little overdramatic. We’re actually here to rescue you. If that means saving your life, well all the better.”
    “Resume your labors!” a loud voice boomed from behind them, projected from a loudspeaker on one of the guard carts.
    Kaylor quickly picked up his chainsaw and the four of them began hacking at the jungle as they talked.
    “They came with Copernicus,” Jym offered with a sour tone in his voice.
    “He is the reason you are here?”
    “No, the two of you are the reason we’re here,” Adam corrected. “He came looking for our help when you got arrested.”
    “I thought you were in the Sol-Kor universe? That is the last we heard.”
    “All done. You won’t have to worry about the Sol-Kor anymore.”
    “You were victorious?”
    “Of course, Kaylor. Could there be any other outcome?” Adam