AMP Colossus Read Online Free Page A

wall over his head.
    I spoke. "Duane, you see that diagram?"
    Duane replied, "Yes, Sir."
    I continued, "That blue line through the tunnel is this door. I’m guessing that red X is where we fell through with the harvester and that other blue line is the other air lock for this section of the tunnel. Now look all the way to the left and all the way to the right. The mines are on the right end, and it looks like some type of city is on the left."
    Duane replied, "The right says Embry 12 and the left Embry Central. I don’t see anything that says ‘city.’"
    I replied, "I’m guessing, of course, but that train was heading to Embry Central. I don’t know why they would take the wreckage to the mines. Embry 12 sounds like a mine. They were taking the harvester back to whatever Embry Central is."
    Duane touched my shoulder. "Ah, Sir. I think we need to move. If that yellow dash heading to Embry Central is the harvester, then we have another train approaching from Embry 12. I would say we have two minutes to find a place to hide."
    The smooth tunnel offered little cover from the soon-to-be thundering winds. Duane jammed himself into a small indentation in the wall beside the control-room office. I had only one option. I squatted against the office door and held on for dear life to the handle. The train was soon upon us. The wind built steadily at first, and then, as the train rounded the bend, the wind speed rose with a ferocity that was well beyond our previous experience.
    The train itself nearly filled the tunnel, almost brushing the smooth walls. As it rumbled past, less than a meter of space separated us from certain death. I was soon flying vertically, with the office door handle being the only thing that kept me in place. The train thundered past for nearly a minute as car after car of ore was being hauled towards Embry Central.
    When the last car passed, the fierce wind began to settle and my feet were returned to their rightful place on the ground. I clutched the door handle tightly until the last of the wind had died out. I looked forward as I released my grip. The blood slowly returned to my hands. Duane emerged from his hiding place as I rose up again to peer into the office window. The control-room worker was staring me in the face. His expression was one of shock.
    I turned the handle on the door and pulled my blaster from its holster.
    Using the translator built into my helmet computer, I spoke. "Give me your name and identification!"
    The worker hesitated for only a moment before pointing to the obvious badge on his smock. I reached out and snatched it from his chest.
    I continued, "It says your name is Feldew Hoffis."
    I glared at the badge and again at his face. "Who would name someone such a name! What are you hiding from us?"
    Feldew Hoffis stuttered, "Uh, ah, uh, yes. I mean no, I am not hiding anything. Uh, are you from the wreckage?"
    I raised the blaster and again glared as I spoke. "What do you know of the wreckage? Are you hiding invaders here in your office? Duane! Search that other room!"
    Feldew looked around and again replied with a shaky voice, "I only know of the wreck because the air lock closed. I saw the maintenance train go by with a strange-looking machine on the flat car. What was that?"
    I forced Feldew back into his chair and began to question him. He answered my questions freely. He was of the local population called the Grell; the planet was named Ponik. He found my questions odd but continued to answer. According to him, the Colossus had brutally ruled his home and his people for centuries.
    I spoke with the tone of an inquisitor, keeping up my angered face. "These Colossus. Are they from a nearby planet? Do they look like you?"
    Again Feldew looked confused. "I don't understand your question. Are you attempting to trick me into saying something harsh about the Masters? I am a good citizen. I follow all the laws!"
    I replied, "Yes, Feldew Hoffis. I am aware of your legal status. But I