A friend of Kells, seemed the easiest, and shortest, explanation.
Thank you, Kells friend. Jur looked toward where Kell fought three guards. Lets give him a hand.
Gods curse it, she really didnt want to respect the lieutenant, but it was a challenge. She and Jur shared a nod, then sprang into the fray.
Between Mara, Lieutenant Jur and Kell, they cleared the platform in less than a minute.
Kell turned to Mara and Jur. Appreciate it. His dark gaze moved over Mara, quick and attentive. Hurt?
She shook her head. You?
Feels like old times. He grinned, and her chest constricted at the sight. His smile dimmed a little when he looked at Jur, finally acknowledging her torn and dirty uniform, the bruises on her face.
Which of these fuckers hurt you?
Just a few knocks, Commander. She waved off his concern, but said, more gently, The next time we meet, it should be under better circumstances. Maybe at the mess hall on base. Though the foods better here.
The contraction in Maras chest tightened. Kell and Jur bantered easily with each other, revealing a long historyfar longer than Mara could claim. It doesnt matter now.
Kell seemed satisfied that they were all in one piece, then leapt off the dais. Weapons, he said over his shoulder.
They followed him out of the warehouse, darting through the chaos of the panicking crowd outside. Smugglers, scavengers and slavers were trying to cram themselves through the gate to get to their ships. A small, smoldering pile of debris indicated that at least one hysterical smuggler tried to run through the plasma fence rather than go through the gate.
No one ever said a scared smuggler was a smart smuggler , Mara thought.
She and Jur caught up with Kell as he took down the guards outside the weapons storage structure. Kell grabbed the decoder from an unconscious guards belt and pressed it to the control panel beside the door. It opened with a hiss, and then he, Mara and Jur stepped inside.
All three of them smiled.
Its like Solstice Morning. Mara sighed.
And Lunar New Year, and Birth Celebration all rolled into one. Kells smile widened into a grin.
Weapons of every size, shape and variety were lined up on tables and hung in cases on the walls.
Pistols, rifles, plasma shredders, heavy and light guns. Plasma grenades. Ion muskets. Even a surface-to-air blaster.
Smugglers and scavengers arent always smart. Mara stroked a plasma shredder. But they are well-armed.
Kell threw her another devastating grin, before he made his way up and down the rows of firearms, loading himself down with as many weapons as he could carry. She and the Lieutenant followed his example, and soon they bristled like a very small, very dangerous army. Even so, there were only three of them and dozens of mercenaries waiting outside.
Hows my Wraith? Jur asked.
Unbreached, for now. Kell checked the power supply for a long-barreled plasma rifle before slinging it over his shoulder. He tucked a few grenades into his belt for extra measure. Lets not keep her waiting.
They stepped outside the storage structure, then flattened against the wall as a volley of plasma fire erupted around them. Mara cursed when she saw the mercenaries positioned in the alley between the weapons structure and the building that contained the Black Wraith. Clearly the guards had been ordered to protect the ship. The alley was a long, vulnerable dash, hemmed in on every side.
Though the route to the Black Wraith was heavily guarded, none of the mercenaries were focused on the way out of the compound, and the ships docked there. Provided one could push through the still teeming, frenzied mob, all that remained was a fairly straight shot to an escape.
More plasma fire burst around Mara, Kell and Jur. They crouched low and shot back.
Kells mouth flattened into a determined line. Mara, you and Celene head back to the Arcadia .
Blend in with the others and you can get through. Take off immediately.
What about you? Mara demanded.
Ill go for the Wraith. He glanced at the treacherous path leading toward the ship. If I cant fly it, Ill be sure to destroy it.
Jurs eyes widened, but she nodded with understanding.
Mara was less understanding. Youll be stranded.
He fired off several rounds at the mercenaries. There are other ships.
If you can reach them. Mara gritted her teeth. What Kell proposed meant his death. He was beyond capable, but the odds against him were monumental. It would take more than skill and brains to survive. Only the intervention of the gods could keep him alive.
She wasnt certain if she believed in the gods. But there was something she did believe in.
Im staying with you.
Chapter Ten
The explosions had been loud, but not loud enough to damage Kells hearing. Still, it took him a moment to realize he hadnt misheard Mara.
Someones got to fly Celene out of here, he said above the plasma fire hammering around them.
Mara threw Celene a quick glance. How are you at piloting modified trawlers?
If it has wings, she answered, I can fly it.