Free Apex 3: Shaylo Attacks by Adam Moon Page B

humans won, Liktar would probably be tasked with destroying them before they posed a threat to his people. He doubted the humans even knew they existed but that fact wouldn’t stop the talking heads from strategizing and fretting and making plans based on fears rather than reality.
    Of course, that was the best case scenario. The far more likely worst case scenario was that the Greys would wipe out humanity, as they surely would, and then move on his world.
    He called several of his scouts back home; they had to fortify their defenses if they stood half a chance against Shaylo. He left about two thirds out in the field to watch Shaylo’s progress and then he positioned his warship equidistant between the scouts and the defenses so he could be in one place or the other in an equal amount of time.
    A smarter Admiral would lay his money on Shaylo to win but there was something special about the humans that gave him hope. A part of him was starting to believe his defenses would never have to be tested, but that was irresponsible to believe. Luckily for him, he was an Admiral and few could question his decisions.

Shaylo the Soldier
     
    Shaylo opened a locker that hadn’t been opened since his days in the field. It held his armor. The armor was legendary and so far the technology had never been replicated, although many scientists had tried.
    He’d forced a defeated enemy to design it for him. They had been far more technologically advanced than his people were, but they were easily defeated because they were stupid enough to live peacefully. Shaylo accepted his powerful armor and then slaughtered the designers.
    It all seemed so long ago to him but it did bring back fond memories of conquest and dirty work that he pretended he didn’t miss dearly on a daily basis.
    He slipped it on and marveled at how it made him feel. It was ne arly impenetrable. It had built-in weapons, per his instructions, and its flight capabilities were unsurpassed.
    He flexed and smiled. That human would regret what he’d done. That human would suffer in ways few ever had.
    Shaylo called for the next highest ranking officer. “I’ll be going landside and I need you to baby sit the ship.”
    There was a pause. The officer wanted to question his decision but she was smart enough to bite her tongue. “I’m heading your way now.”
    “Good.”
    Shaylo ’s shuttle was no better than the others but it was unique in design. Aesthetically, it set him apart from his men, which had always been important to him as a General, but now the notion seemed so foreign. He had an elevated role that was coveted by all but deep down he’d always been jealous that his men got to have all the fun. Today he was going to break his cardinal rule and join in the fight.
    He got behind the controls of the shuttle and he immediately felt like a real warrior for the first time in years.
    He was about to launch into battle with the mightiest creature he’d ever faced. He was confident he’d be victorious because he knew everything there was to know about his enemy and his enemy didn’t even know his name.
    But there were risks and the risks were what had his heart jumping for joy. This would be a true test.
    When he saw his new First Mate’s shuttle arrive and dock with the mother ship, he launched towards the planet Earth.
    The first and only order he gave his newest First Mate was, “Hack their communications satellites and patch me in when I tell you to.”
    The officer’s voice was shaky over the radio. “Yes General. My name is Galgo, sir.”
    “Not anymore. Now you will answer to First Mate only.”
    “Of course, sir.”

Earthbound
     
    Melanie held her breath as the small spacecraft touched down outside the bar; right in the street like it belonged there.
    It looked nothing like the other spaceships the Greys used.
    A moment later a hatch opened and a robust Grey emerged. It stretched its limbs and looked around bemusedly. Then it started towards the bar in