Terolyn’s eyes were trained intently on the gateway, behind and above Oman. She registered his presence, in the back of her mind, but could feel in her gut that there was something else out there.
Brainpower taking a hold as the sedative wore off, she inched her hand closer to the holster, and rested her palm on top of the blaster’s butt. Its cold, hard texture gave her a slight short-lived moment of personal security. Suddenly, though, that futile hope was dashed.
Outside the gate, she could clearly hear footsteps approaching. Instinctively, she drew up her blaster, aiming it well over Oman’s head and in the direction of the opening.
He did not see this subtle difference in aiming, though, and immediately put up his hands, raising them high in the air to show once more that he was not armed.
The footsteps got closer.
“Get out of the way!” Terolyn hissed at Oman, motioning with her free hand for emphasis.
And then Oman heard it too, understanding at the same time and taking several steps in the direction Terolyn had indicated.
They both then turned to look at the gate, just in time to see...
...a man.
He was clad entirely in black, from head to toe - boots, pants, shirt and coat. The only part of his body where skin showed was his face and hands. His hair even was darker than the sky above them.
“Woah!” He put his hands up instantly, upon seeing the blaster trained on him. The ship-mounted laser had adjusted itself to follow Oman’s movements, however. “Hey, take it easy. I won’t bite!”