HeartStorm (HeartFast Series Book 3) Read Free Page B

them.
                "Hopefully, not long," Hunter responded, eyeing the outer hull. "Let's hope most of what we're looking at is cosmetic damage."
                "Cosmetic, hell," Commander said, taking a stance next to the Guardian leader. "That ship's been through a shit storm, and then some. It's a good sign those guys managed to get the engines back online. But has anyone checked to see if the internal workings have been fried? I wouldn't be surprised to find every power cell totally drained."
                "Guess we'll find out when we get inside her," Deceiver commented. "Let's go grab a hand comp and see how depressing things look."
                Hunter gave his wife another kiss, this time on the lips. "Go sit down. Get off your feet. Why don't I bring you a comp, and you can help me with recalibra—"
                The claxon went off, signaling an emergency call. Everyone froze as Deceiver ran to the communications board. All ears strained to listen.
                "Guardian Command! Can you read us? Please respond! This is Fio Toreedus on Sigma Vialla's third moon! Guardian Command!"
                "This is Guardian Command," Deceiver answered. "We read you. What is your emergency?" He tried to adjust the vid screen, but received only static.
                "Thank the heavens! This is Fio Toreedus. I'm with five other men on the third moon of Sigma Vialla. It's in the Mandrus Vialla system."
                "We know the location. What is your emergency?"
                "We've crashed in the middle of a major blow storm, and we need to be rescued before this gets stronger. Our systems are failing. We have less than forty percent oxygen, and we've lost all heat."
                "Surface temps in a blow storm can reach negative three hundred degrees," Provoker commented from across the bay.
                Deceiver nodded. "What's your current temperature, Toreedus?"
                "Negative sixty-nine degrees, and dropping more than ten degrees every minute."
                "We hear you. We're sending two men to your location immediately. When we get within locator distance, we'll contact you and order you to turn on your locator. Otherwise, shut down all non-essential systems to conserve your energy. We expect to reach you in approximately..." He paused and looked to Time Merchant, who was already using a data board to run some calculations.
                "One hundred eighty-seven minutes," the man gave him.
                "One hundred ninety minutes," Deceiver replied.
                "Thanks, Guardian Command. We'll be waiting for you."
                The line went dead, and Deceiver turned to face the others. His eyes automatically locked onto Master Hunter. "I hate to do this, but I have no other choice. Hunter, Challenger, I'm sending you two to Sigma Vialla."
                "Deceiver, Star's due to give birth in a couple of weeks." Sender stepped up to state the obvious. "Why not let me go in his place? I can transport those people up to Three. "
                The Guardian grimly nodded, but addressed Hunter. "I know, but they shouldn't be gone more than a few days."
                "Why just them two?" Provoker questioned. " Three can hold several more of us, including the six survivors. Why not send Sender? The two of them working together can get the job done in half the time."
                Deceiver thought about it, then nodded. "All right. Sender, you go with them. But remember, this is a rescue mission only. Go, pick up, and bring back, unless their home planet is somewhere between there and here. Then you can drop them off along the way. Any more questions?"
                Sender hurried to catch up with Challenger, who was already halfway across the bay, heading toward Transport Three, which sat