Planet X - Michael Jan Friedman [64]
Then they continued down the corridor, hoping they didn’t meet another squad of Draa’kon before they reached their destination.
As Riker dropped his shuttle through a dense layer of clouds, he got his first glimpse of Verdeen.
It was a small city by Terran standards, nestled in the foothills of a high, sprawling mountain range. Continuing his descent, the first officer could see that the place was laid out in a simple grid, every street at right angles to those that crossed it. There were spots where a tall, steep hill interrupted the pattern, but those were few and far between.
In most parts of the city, the streets were choked with people and vehicles. But not in the northwest section. It seemed that portion of Verdeen was deserted.
No, the first officer thought, his attention drawn to a series of bright, green flashes. Not completely deserted.
Looking more closely at one of the wider thoroughfares, he spied a squad of invaders pursuing a small group of Xhaldians—more than likely, he thought, some of the transformed.
Convinced he had found his “war zone,” Riker looked for a place to put down. Finally, he located a plaza big enough and swung his shuttle into a position directly above it. Then he switched to reverse thrusters and eased the craft to the ground below.
None of the buildings surrounding him was more than a dozen stories tall. They were utilitarian, to say the least, each of them displaying the same oval windows and grey, unadorned facade.
The first officer waited until he was certain the shuttle was on firm ground. Then he got out of his seat and addressed his team of eight, which included Lt. Sovar and four other security officers as well as Storm and Shadowcat.
“Remember,” he said, “there’s nothing subtle about this. The idea is to take out as many Draa’kon as we can before they realize they’ve got a fight on their hands.”
Storm looked at Riker skeptically. “They already have a fight on their hands, Commander. They have the transformed.”
The first officer dismissed the idea with a gesture. “I heard the report about the prison, too,” he reminded her. “But you’re not going to tell me a gaggle of kids with untested abilities is going to stand up to a trained, alien invasion force.”
The mutant frowned. “I have seen such youngsters stand up to greater adversity,” she said. “And though I grant you that this is not my world, I would not be surprised if the transformed were the more serious threat before this day is over—not only to the populace, but to themselves.”
Riker considered her advice. “Maybe that’ll be the case,” he conceded. “But for now, we’ll hit the Draa’kon with everything we’ve got and worry about the transformed later.”
“You are in charge of this mission,” Storm told him. “I assured your captain that I would follow your instructions and I will.”
That’s all right, the first officer mused. She’ll be a lot happier when the Xhaldians are safe from these predators.
“All right,” he told his team. “Split up into pairs, as Captain Picard recommended. But stay in contact as much as possible. If you’re injured, don’t try to make it back to the shuttle—the Draa’kon may be watching it. Just remain where you are and we’ll get you some help.” He looked around. “Any questions?”
There weren’t any.
Riker nodded. “Good.”
Tapping a command into his helm console, he slid open the hatch door. Then he led the way outside. A few moments later, after everyone was out, the door closed again.
The first officer looked around. Half a dozen streets radiated from the plaza. Down one, he saw a glint of green light—evidence of the Draa’kon.
“You’re with me,” he told Storm, taking out his phaser and heading for the street in question.
The mutant didn’t answer. She just followed.
Hearing footfalls in the corridor outside, Data looked up from the Draa’kon transporter console. Nightcrawler, who was standing by the door near a couple of stunned adversaries, gestured for the android not to worry.
“It’s Worf’s team,” he said, remarkably