Neverwylde Read Online Free Page A

Most of us tossed our pistols when those eye worms attacked us in the temple.”
                “Or in the garden,” Kelen added.
                “That’s because we didn’t think we’d have any way to recharge them,” Fullgrath noted. “Dox, if we’re able to retrieve our guns, could you recharge them?”
                Kelen saw the little man’s eyebrows rise as he thought about it. “Maybe,” Dox finally answered. She smiled to herself. In Dox-speak that was a yes, but with a caveat. More than likely that caveat meant he’d probably have to tinker with the weapons’ initial construction. She’d almost guarantee he’d change them to the point where they wouldn’t look anything remotely like they’d been originally. And he’d have a great time doing it. Dox was happiest when he was tinkering. It was more than an obsession with him. More than a job. It was his whole life. Want to give Dox a present? Give him a tool, the more unique and exotic, the better.
                Kyber hefted the tube weapon. It looked small in the Seneecian’s big hands. “Dox, how many of these do you have?”
                “Four.”
                “This looks like a piece of insulation from the ionic filters. How do you fire it?” Fullgrath inquired, taking the tube from Kyber. “Do you have to touch the creature?”
                “Shake it and point,” Dox instructed. “Wide dispersal. The closer, the better.”
                Giving him a look of disbelief, Fullgrath gave the tube a shake, then aimed one end of it down the corridor. There was a faint keening sound. A second later, part of the wall exploded, sending dust, debris, rock, and dirt billowing through the tunnel. Everyone ducked and covered their faces as they turned away from the blast. Once things began to settle, Jules snorted.
                “I bet, given enough time, Dox could get our ship space-worthy again.”
                Mellori laughed. “I wouldn’t take that bet!”
                “What about Dayall?” Kelen brought their attention back to the unconscious man.
                “One thing’s certain. He’ll have to remain tied up and watched,” the physician noted.
                “Your crew member is mentally unstable,” Tojun commented. “He is a threat to us.”
                Sandow shot the Seneecian a guarded look. “I’ve seen this reaction before with others, usually those in command positions. Dayall’s condition is exacerbated by the concussion he took when we crashed.”
                “Is there anything you can give him?” Jules asked. “Something to keep him calm?”
                Sandow held out his hands. “We have no meds. My scanners are useless, unless…” He turned to Dox. Reaching into the pouch hanging from his waist, he extracted the palm-sized machine and handed it over to the little man. “Dox, I need you to fix this. Recharge it, recalibrate it, whatever you need to do, do it.”
                Dox nodded, taking the scanner and shoving it inside his shirt for safekeeping.
                Kyber peered down the corridor. “I’m not familiar with this tunnel. How far are the apartments from this entrance?”
                Gaveer answered him. “Less than a majuur’s walk. Not far.”
                “Good. Let’s move. We need to dry out as soon as possible, and find food.”
                Fullgrath reached down toward Dayall. “Jules, help me carry the commander.”
                “No need for that,” Massapa intervened. Stepping forward, he lifted the man and hefted him over one shoulder. Kyber took the lead again, and everyone else fell into step behind him.
                They reached a familiar looking door before too long. Kyber signaled for them to keep their distance and