I've been slowly working through edits on my short story "Hiding in the Shadows" this past week. Lest everyone get the impression from last week's snippet that Aston was facing the villains of this story, I've decided to post up another snippet from later in that same scene. Enjoy!
I nodded sharply, then stepped backward, trying to put some distance between us before turning.
Sand exploded off to my left. I grabbed for my weapon, forgetting it was still on the ship. My eyes went wide at more than a dozen personnel decked out in golden body armor and full helmets covering their faces.
Then I saw the firepower they were sporting. It looked as if they’d taken stock automatic blast rifles and outfitted them with larger power generation units and targeting computers normally reserved for military use.
I’d fallen into a sting operation.
Things going from bad to worse? I'd say so...
Ahhh, Crap on a Cracker! If it weren't for bad luck, Aston would have no luck at all!
ReplyDeleteOh how I love it!
Of course it was. Aston is such a trouble magnet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Can't say that I disagree with your two assessments. ;-)
ReplyDeleteOutnumbered and outgunned and back against a wall? Where can that go but up? Great snippet.
ReplyDeleteWith Aston, it *could* actually get worse, but let's hope it doesn't. ;-)
ReplyDeleteFace-covering helmets? These are definitely the bad guys. And he left his gun aboard the ship. Aston's a trouble magnet, and he doesn't help himself... Good snippet - thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh, geeze. That is a bonafide FML moment. The golden body armor with full helmets sounds so cool and presents the neatest imagery. Aston has really walked into it.
ReplyDeleteOhh nooo!!! Not again!! And he left his Mark II on his ship...sigh. :) Good stuff as always.
ReplyDeleteThe trouble is that people he deals with (i.e., the three fellows from last week's snippet) sometimes don't like to see weapons in sight. He doesn't ordinarily like to leave his weapon behind. It's gotten him in trouble before when he goes on space stations that forbid weapons as well... ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, everyone!
Ah, yes... The simple additions of larger power generators and targeting computers. These guys definitely don't play by the rules.
ReplyDeletePesky sting ops... :) no wonder it looked so real!
ReplyDeleteCary, I hate when people take away the finesse and skill when dealing with highly powerful energy weapons. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I agree...stings are always so pesky. How is a space pirate supposed to make a living if not for some of those not-so-legal activities? :-)
Couldn't they just leave a noose lying somewhere and wait for him to stick his head in it?
ReplyDeleteThat would make it a bit more difficult for him to find a way out of his predicament.
ReplyDeleteCool weapons! I like all this fire power. Sting operation indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt's what all the ruthless military types are sporting this season... ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh dear!
ReplyDeleteSomehow, I suspect he'll get out of this. But it might take some doing...
He does tend to have that uncanny ability... ;-)
ReplyDeleteUh-oh, he's screwed. I think next time he'll have to remember to carry his weapon at all times. :)
ReplyDeleteHe may have to break a few conventions (and/or regulations) and do just that. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBummer!
ReplyDelete