Boss 302 - Chapter 10

Gerry found it hard to miss with the Soul Taker, even if it did kick like a pissed off stud with its nuts in a sling. The Xaclatch had reached the edge of the platform and was just flinging itself into the water when the blast of energy struck it. The impact was a sight to behold. The creature’s entire flaccid body exploded in a spray of grey liquid, but because it was in mid-jump, the eight arms stretching out in all directions hung in the air surrounding the big hole for an instant, like dim sunrays without a sun. Then the remaining ropes of flesh gave in to gravity and plopped in the water. Gerry stood watching this, every muscle in his body flexed tight in response to the weapon’s recoil. A brief smile crossed his lips, and then faded into his immediate exhaustion. He went limp, letting the barrel of the bulky shooter tap on the concrete at his feet. Galack, standing next to him, made a couple of quick gulping sounds. Gerry looked over at him and realized that was his way of laughing. Gerry dropped his eyes to the ground and chuckled for a few seconds himself.

The two walked back into the repair shop. Gerry noticed Galack looking down at the Soul Taker as they made their way back to the Mustang. “You want to have a look?” Gerry asked. Galack looked up at him reverently, then said yes. He handed the gun over to Galack. “Just don’t fire it in here,” Gerry said. “Your bosses wouldn’t like to see a big pile of flaming metal when they return.” Galack seemed to understand as he accepted the weapon. “Where can I get one of these?” he spoke into Gerry’s headset. Gerry thought about it for a second. “I tell you what. You help me get my car running again and show me the way to the shore, and I’ll let you have this one.” The alien security guard looked up at Gerry. It may have been shock that crossed his face, but then it was harder to tell what a different species was thinking from its expressions. Galack handed the weapon back to Gerry. “No,” he said. “I will help you now and you get me one of these later as payment. You need it more than me.” Gerry was surprised by the alien’s selflessness. He held out his hand to Galack. Galack looked down at it, perhaps confused. Gerry moved the hand up and down, miming a handshake. Galack put his hand out and made the same motion. Gerry stepped forward and grabbed the hand and shook it in two slow motions. “That’s how we say ‘thank you’ where I come from,” he said. “Your welcome,” Galack replied. Then the two turned back to face the car, their friendship established. Time to get this ball rolling, Gerry thought to himself. Time to find Dorothy.