Taking Life Seriously

-10-

It happened so fast Gordon didn't even have a chance to get a proper look at them. First there were twelve blue streaks of light and then these things appeared. And they were shooting at anyone left standing.

'Run,' said Anita.

The Pack got up from under the table and still holding the clip boards in front of them started running.

'Where are we going?' said Martin.

'I don't know, I don't know, just run!' Anita shouted.

Gordon looked back and saw a middle aged man frozen with fear get hit in the chest by what looked like a blue laser ray. The man fell to the floor convulsing. Gordon thought he saw smoke coming out of the man's eyes and then they burst in a spray of already congealed blood. Gordon screamed.

The six ran out of the Food Court and into the main atrium of the shopping center. They ducked behind a banister.

'Where do we go? Where do we go?' Rajesh shrieked.

Now people all over the shopping center were screaming and running. It was blind panic. Gordon looked back. Two of those things were coming out of the Food Court now and shooting randomly into the mob of shoppers. Jesus Christ, it was like shooting canned lions.

'We need tactical advantage,' he said. 'Somewhere where we can hide and where we know where all the exits are.'

'The Savemore.' Dylan said panting.

'The Savemore?' are you crazy?' said Martin, 'it's like a death trap in there.'

'No, he's right,' said Gordon. 'We know that place inside and out. Run, you curs!'

The Pack ran. Suddenly Gordon stopped. 'Wait!' he shouted. The other five all stopped and turned back. 'We have to get these people to safety.'

'Are you insane, man?' said Rajesh.

'Break up, rescue formation 7. Just get as many of them as you can and meet in the employee lounge in twenty minutes.' said Gordon.

'Gordon, that's insane. That's real weapons out there from planet I don't know where and they kill people dead.' said Dean

'That's why we have to help them. Just tell them to go to the Savemore, we'll figure it out from there. I know you're scared. But just go!'

'No. it's crazy. I am not doing it and there is nothing you can say that will make me!' said Rajesh

Gordon inhaled. He put both hands on Rajesh shoulders and said: 'You are Sothoth The Black. Conceived on the black isles of Isanred, you killed your own flesh mother when you were only a babe in arms to get free of her demon's clasp. You have battled many fierce foes and each time you have emerged victorious. Will you now deny yourself the glory? Now, when the time of the omen is upon us?'

Rajesh said: 'except for that.'

Anita grabbed Dean's hand and ran towards The Hub. Rajesh and Martin went the other way towards the All That Glitters accessory and fun stuff boutique. Gordon and Dylan looked at each other.

'Do you realise just how much pain you have caused me today?' said Dylan.

Gordon smiled. They turned around and ran directly back in the direction of the Food Court.