2400 AD

“Tumelo, I’m going in after Callum,” Gideon said, making his weapon ready.

Kendall placed a hand on his arm. “Be careful. You don’t know what Xenocon has planned.”

“Tumelo, scan the area. How many Xenocon Androids are there?”

“There are two on the upper floor of the house. They’re standing behind a window overlooking the street.”

Gideon walked at a quick pace towards the house and didn’t bother to take cover. He aimed his weapon at the window and fired. Both Androids tumbled out and fell to the ground.

“There’s one approaching you from behind. Directly behind you. His weapon is raised.”

“Gideon turned and fired instantly. The Android fell. Smoke rose from his head.

“Two more on the corner. They’ve turned around. Looks as though they’re getting ready to fire.”

“Where? I can’t see them.”

“They’re straight ahead. One is behind a tree, the other is behind a power box.”

“I see the tree. No power box.”

“The power box is hidden from view by the house where Krakat is hiding.”

Gideon fired at the tree, and the Android returned the fire. Gideon continued walking and firing, trying to force the Android out of his position.

“Send in a drone and terminate this thing.”

“Drone activated. Three…Two…One…done.”

“I see it. Aim for that tree, Tumelo, destroy it.”

The drone hissed and buzzed and turned to face the tree and then fired three salvos. The tree collapsed and the Android fell the moment Gideon fired on him.

“Great teamwork, sir,” Tumelo said.

“I’m not too worried about the one behind the power box. Scan the house, tell me what’s happening in there.”

“Callum and Cleo are in a corner, crouched low. Krakat is in another room, waiting for them to make the first move.”

“Does he know I’m coming?”

“Doesn’t look like it. He’s not moving. Just standing there…wait! Callum’s coming out of the corner with Cleo behind him and heading straight down the hallway towards Krakat.”

“Shit!”