Free Beast Planet 2: Captive Salvation by Angela Castle

pre-programmed the co-ordinates into your air bike. At maximum speed, the journey will take you two hours.”
    “And to think it took us around six days walking.” I mused to my Wuzzle. “Thank you, E. We’ll leave in one hour.  I want to get my man and be in back in time for dinner. Prepare the city, E. Your Zakiu are coming home.”
    “Affirmative, Anna.”
* * * *
    A few hours later I was ready, dressed in a lighter version of Zakiu black battle armour E had designed and created with his particle re-organizer. Helmet on my head and a Put weapon strapped to my back, I flew over the fields, hills and mountains I’d walked across a few days before.
    Like hell I’d ever do that again. A flutter sensation bloomed in my chest, as I rode with steadfast determination towards the encampment. It was time to burst the Druel bubble and free the Zakiu. Well, at least get them safely back to the city, then we could decide what to do next.
    Gripping the handlebars tighter, my lips pressed into a thin line as I surveyed the landscape. No doubts, no second-guessing. The thought of seeing Morrdrook again, being in his arms, made me push the bike harder, faster.
    “Approaching Druel tower,” E’s voice came over the earpiece in my helmet. Essence was determined not to let me totally out of its sight, keeping in audio contact, guiding me.
    “Right, let’s get this done. Engage automatic targeting, fire within range.”
    The weapon on the front of the bike emerged. I heard the whine of the disruptor preparing to fire. With a quick glance at the monitor, I saw it had already locked on the target. I slung the Put disrupter around, holding onto the bike with one hand ready.
    “Firing.” E’s voice came through the speakers. A blue laser bolt shot out, hitting the tower head on. It exploded into heated flames. The barrier sparked briefly, before fizzling out. I pushed the bike up and sailed past.
    “Head for the village. Better the men have the guns than me.” Ahead I saw the black buildings and the dirt covered mounds. My heart thumped harder against my ribs and chest. The men were already running towards the destroyed tower. Their swords ready as I guided the bike down to land just outside.
    I saw Nular, Makkiu and Killiu heading the charge as I managed to set the bike down. I flipped off the engine, studying the wary expression of the approaching Zakiu, ready to defend. They were quite an intimidating sight.
    “What is it?” Nular whispered, just a bit too loud. I grinned behind my helmet before yanking it off.
    “Hello boys! Did you miss me?” I swung my leg over the seat unhooking the Put disrupters.
    They stood in stunned, wide-eyed disbelief and looked almost comical.
    “You found the city!” Killiu strode forward, pushing the younger men out of the way, catching me in a tight hug.
    I squeaked and Killiu set me down. “Sorry Anna.” He stepped back and I saw pride shining in his pale eyes.
    “It’s alright. God knows, it’s good to see you again. You’re right, there’s a whole big empty city but we can’t talk now. Quick take a Put disrupter. I just took out the force-field tower. The Druel defense machines will have been activated and no doubt already homing in on me. We have the weapons to use against them. I brought as many as I could.” I turned around and opened the back compartment under the seat of the bike, handing the first of the Put disrupters to Killiu.
    “Do you know how to use these?”
    “Yes, do not worry.”
    “It is good to see you, Anna. Abby will be happy beyond words.” Nular stepped forward to help Killiu hand out the weapons.
    I turned around trying to spot Morrdrook. Where was he?
    “Take the weapons, defend your females. We are at last free!” Killiu called.
    “Where’s Morrdrook?”
    “I’ll get him. He’s down by the lagoon,” said Nular.
    “No, I’ll go, you need to stand and defend. Take out Druel machines, once and for all.”
    Nular nodded. “Yes, go to him. He