Obsidian Gate (Homeworld Lost Book 7) by J.N. Chaney & Scott Moon

Author:J.N. Chaney & Scott Moon [Chaney, J.N. & Moon, Scott]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Variant Publications
Published: 2023-12-02T16:00:00+00:00

19

Az piloted the shuttle as smoothly as Kayan ever did, while also showing us each step in the process. I watched the vectors change as he decelerated the small armored craft. There was even a steering yoke that moved as though a pilot’s hands were on it.

“Nice touch,” Solen said.

“Totally.” I switched my attention to a third inspection of our gear. We had an assortment of medical supplies, and all the armor and ammunition we could manage as well. Still, the shuttle was mostly empty. Az had chosen his largest version for this mission. “We should have brought food and water. Just to be nice. Earn some goodwill, you know.”

Az spoke via the team comms. “Tozzi recommended against it, though he was only specific about what size of shuttle to use. Larger is better, he insisted.”

“You spoke directly to him without us?” Solen asked.

“No. The Star Rage relayed the information.”

“Not sure that makes it better.” Solen really didn’t seem happy.

“Did I err?” Az asked.

“No.” She calmed herself for one second. “It’s just that when viewed a certain way, it feels like a less-than-honorable adversary would pack our shuttle with their troops and send them back to take control of… well, you.”

“How diabolical,” Az deadpanned.

“You’re not worried?” I was curious.

“No. That is a foolish plan designed by people who don’t understand my full control of the shuttle.”

“Good point,” Solen admitted. “You see why we are worried?”

“Yes. It would not endanger me but could cause you distress. I will stay alert for other signs of a trap.”

“Thanks, Az. You’re the best.”

“This compliment has been logged in my database. However, I feel they want to send us a gift.”

“Really?” I asked.

“It is hard to explain. I suspect that you could be right about Tozzi and his crew wanting to send something back with you, but I doubt it will be such a blatant and doomed act of violence.”

“That does not make me feel better at all.” I strapped in with the others, and we were soon on our way. The Tyton juggernaut appeared larger than ever on the shuttle cameras. Az showed us several views, but I focused on the raw footage.

Shadows stretched away from uneven surfaces. These included gun emplacements, cranes (that were folded back on themselves when not in use), and a variety of trenches I assumed were useful to maintenance crews. There were other obstructions that made little sense.

Bydel was watching the same screen, his attention focused on the surface of the dreadnought like it was his past and he’d come to reclaim what was owed him—or make amends for mistakes.

Chool watched intently, but his interest was more comprehensive, more practical, according to the comments and notes he shared with me. Sure, he appreciated the Tyton-ness of the monstrous vessel, but not at the expense of the mission. Each member of his squad had a job or jobs to do, most of them involving sleep, at the moment.

They were definitely soldiers first. There was never a bad time to catch up on sleep.

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