Peace Dividend by P.A. Piatt
Author:P.A. Piatt [Piatt, P.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Theogony Books
Published: 2023-08-28T16:00:00+00:00
* * *
The drones delivered the third container without mishap, and Yak guided it into the cargo bay. As soon as it was on deck, Yak stowed the crane and secured the cargo door without direction from the control room. The cargo handlers scrambled to secure the container as Yak began to equalize the pressure.
âLetâs get them out of there as soon as possible,â Lakshaw ordered unnecessarily.
Yak keyed his mic. âIn progress, Captain.â He turned to Fortis. âNever, ever work for your ex-wife. Câmon, letâs go down and greet our guests.â
As soon as the pressure alarms cleared, and the hatch interlocks released, Fortis and Yak entered the cargo bay. The cargo handlers opened the doors on the third box, and the Paladins climbed out. Each man wore a portable breathing device like the emergency escape devices in use on most ships. They fell into ranks, and two men detached from the group and approached Fortis.
âIâm Herron, and this is Zylstra,â the larger of the two said. âIâm the lead on this contract. I command First Company. Zylstra has Second.â
Herron had dark, narrow features and a dark five oâclock shadow, while Zylstra had wispy brown hair that covered the half of his head that wasnât gnarled burn scars. His left ear was new, pink tissue, and the scars disappeared under his collar.
âIâm Fortis.â The trio shook hands. âThat was quite an entrance.â
âWe left Burketown in the box because there are a lot of people who like to keep track of what Paladin is up to. Itâs uncomfortable but effective.â
âHey, Herron, everyone is here,â one of the Paladins called.
Lakshaw appeared with another Dancer crewman in tow.
âThis is Zenith Lakshaw, master of Dancer,â Fortis said. âThis is Herron and Zylstra.â
Lakshaw stepped forward. âWelcome aboard, gents. This is Dinkle, sheâs my head steward. Sheâll take care of your messing and berthing needs.â
While Dinkle worked out the details of the Paladin embarkation, Lakshaw pulled Fortis aside.
âI hope your rich daddy has deep pockets, because the shuttle master is pissed off about his drone.â
âIâm sure he can cover it. Send him a bill.â
âSpeaking of your rich daddy, have you heard any more about where weâre going?â
âAll I have are the coordinates he gave you. Maybe heâll give me more when I report the arrival of the Paladins.â
âKeep me posted. Iâm going to get us pointed in the right direction.â She nodded toward the mercenaries, who were unpacking their weapons and gear. âMake sure they keep the weapons in here, please.â
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