The Quick and the Dead: A Space Opera SciFi Series (Hinterspace Book 2) by Page Zaplendam

Author:Page Zaplendam [Zaplendam, Page]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quanta Publishing
Published: 2024-03-27T00:00:00+00:00

Ash stepped off the Maverovna onto the hover platform, her mouth agape at the size of the cavern. It could easily fit another two ships the size of the Maverovna and was probably three times as high, if not more. The entrance through which they had been lowered was invisible in the darkness overhead, but she was sure there were many eyes monitoring them from overhead. Dots and streams of light, windows and lighted gangways hewn into the rock, became visible in the rock face as her eyes adjusted.

A select number of her crew would be accompanying her on this trip into Sanctuaria. The majority of the crew would maintain their quarters aboard ship, but many of them were keen to get off the ship.

“Is Sanctuaria an asteroid?” she asked Novak who stood at her elbow and watched her discovering his retreat.

“No. A moonlet. Almost an asteroid.”

“Are you afraid it will be discovered someday?”

“That is a risk, but they will have to come with guns blazing because we are well defended.”

She looked over at him, trying not to get distracted by the cut of his jaw. “I am surprised you are so candid about it. Aren’t you afraid I will reveal all your secrets to my enemies?”

He turned and leaned against the rail of the hover. “No. Should I be?”

“No. Your faith is well-placed. But I would caution you against being so free with the Maverovna’s secrets. I would not appreciate it.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He yawned and stretched and looked up and around at the windows, where silhouettes of people stood and watched. She realized there were entire balconies full of people watching them. “It’s good to be home again.”

A massive holograph came on at one end of the dry dock, showing an up close shot of Thad.

“Sanctuaria welcomes back, Thad Novak.”

A thunderous roaring sound of approval, claps, and hails rumbled around them. Thad stood upright, turned to face the rail, smiled and laughed, lifting an arm in recognition and waved.

“Sanctuaria welcomes Ash Knighton and the Maverovna.” The camera, wherever it was, turned to her and Ash smiled tightly, closemouthed, and then bowed her head, and lifted her hands and bowed in a posture of gratitude.

The hails continued, turning into a pounding chant. Thad-eus. Thad-eus. Thad-eus.

“You are welcomed back like a god,” Ash leaned over to say, having to shout over the clamor.

The hover began moving away from the ship and Ash waved goodbye to Knuckles who stood to one side at the airlock as the door began closing. He waved back.

“The commoners love me. The higher ups in the organization have no choice but to prefer me or risk alienating their populace.”

“Why didn’t they break you out of prison?”

“That’s what I want to know!” he nodded at her. “I probably won’t get to spend much time with you while we are here. But you still owe me that date. I have something in mind. Since you’re free, I’d like to set it up.”

“Here?” Ash said.

“No, but in the Neptunian system.

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