/* /*]] */ Axler,_James_-_Deathlands_35_-_Bitter_Fruit A white-hot burning

 

Computer-amplified screams from the entity filled the chamber. It stopped all forward movement, seeming to wilt. Tendrils shot out of its chest, dipping down to start sucking up the water around it. The flare hissed.

 

"Who's in the tunnel?" Ryan called to J.B.

 

"Those White Sands soldiers. They won't back down. We've got to make a move, and soon."

 

Across the room, the plant-thing showed signs of regaining its strength. Ryan watched it, the fear in his stomach cold and hard. A glance at Krysty revealed her face to be drenched with perspiration.

 

"It wants me to help it," the woman cried. "Wants me to kill you." The pistol trembled in her hands. "Gaia, help me, Ryan, but I don't think I can hold it off much longer." A fine trickle of blood ran down her upper lip from her nose.

 

Without warning, Krysty swung the blaster toward him.

 

"I'm sorry, lover."