Page 40

“The Pilot is clear that there are no more Khul on the planet’s surface. The Osiris is registering no Khul accessing Gates that would lead to Haseon,” Jack responded. “Do you fear violence from the Alliance?”

The three of them slowed as they approached Jack and Davies. The two men registered them and nodded, but continued to speak openly.

“I have no idea, Jack, but I don’t want to be caught with my pants down again, especially with Gehenna being out of service,” Davies answered.

“What has happened to Gehenna?” Matias asked, stepping forward, expression filled with alarm.

“Her body was destroyed in the fight. She uploaded herself into the ancient tech, but the Pilot is sure we can get her back. Maybe she’ll have some info to fill us in with,” Davies explained. “I see the pig’s on duty.”

“Chili is ready to serve!” Matias held the pig out to Davies.

Davies smiled and patted Chili’s head. It was the first time he’d looked at all relaxed.

Jace was right to bring the pig, Daraja said.

“All right, why don’t you four get on board so we can head out,” Davies suggested and stepped to the side to allow them up the gangway.

They threaded between Jack and Davies as the two men continued to speak. Daraja was last to board. She stopped before Jack.

“Flight-Commander Parker, I have medicine for the Pilot.” She touched the cooler. “The Osiris assures me that this will help him. My own investigation confirms this.”

Jack’s handsome face broke into a relieved smile. “Thank you, Dr. Isa. I am so relieved to know that you will be taking care of my son.”

“I will do everything I can to keep the Pilot well,” she promised him.

He nodded and smiled once more. She then walked up the gangway of the dropship for the second time in her life. The first time was when she was being taken to the Osiris for the first time. Back then, she had been concerned that this was all a hoax. Now it was all too real. She took a seat beside Matias and Chili, the seatbelt moving around her. Davies was soon coming up the gangway with it hissing shut behind him. He sat opposite them and handed out the hard armor chips. Daraja took hers carefully. It was white like her undersuit and uniform.

“You are to keep these on you at all times. You have your undersuits on, yes?” Davies clarified.

They all three nodded. Chili oinked. Matias looked down at the pig as if he wished she, too, could have armor.

“You activate them by pressing on the back. They will extend over your entire body in five seconds automatically. Do not fight it,” Davies told them. “You’ll need to keep these on your person as well.”

He then handed them small arms. They were laser pistols. Daraja recognized them from training videos she had scanned. Matias held the weapon as if he wanted to give it back. Miranda checked the weapon with definite proficiency. Daraja tucked the weapon into a holster that was available on her belt.

“I’m glad that none of you are rejecting the weapons,” Davies said with a wry smile.

“Do we really need this?” Matias asked as he cradled Chili in one hand and the weapon in the other.

“I hope you never do. But trust me when I say that if you even do confront a Khul, you’ll be glad you have it,” Davies said.

“Everyone buckled up?” Thammah’s voice came over the intercom.

“We’re good to go, Thammah,” Davies called back.

“Then let’s fly!” Thammah laughed.

There was a whine of engines starting and a rumbling vibration ran up Daraja’s legs. Soon, the windows showed the interior of the hangar bay to the black of space. Haseon hung like a jewel below them. The green of the planetary around the shield winked out in one area as they flew through.

“I cannot believe we are about to set foot on an alien planet,” Mathias whispered.

Miranda’s lips parted as she too gazed with amazement as they entered Haseon’s atmosphere. During the battle, Daraja had felt just how fragile the Osiris was compared to the vacuum of space and all that could befall them. But now, as they drew away from its safety, she felt a tug for the familiar mixed with a tug for the unknown.

I must focus on the Pilot. He is what matters. I am going to see a patient, she reminded herself.

This wasn’t a sightseeing expedition. Even if Haseon were still filled with Khul and other dangers, she would have volunteered to go down to help Jace. As a physician, that was her duty. She’d been in countless firefights. Her children could not understand why she continued to work in dangerous areas even as her practice had allowed her a modicum of wealth and safety. But she had always felt drawn to the battlefield. This was the greatest use of her skills.

“We’re going to land at the Moturin Compound rather than the space port,” Thammah’s voice rose up over the intercom again. “Right now, the whole area has been quarantined to the general public.”