Chapter ThirtyWhen the podcraft descended into the square, the shooting stopped. Everyone's attention was drawn to the gleaming craft as it dropped toward the crowd.
As Swift had instructed, J'Tull brought the shuttle down decisively. Vox scattered in all directions from beneath it, clearing a landing site.
It was the second best thing Mariko had seen all day. The best – Captain Swift – stood beside her as she watched the pod's approach from a few meters away.
"Now there's a sight for sore eyes," said Swift.
Mariko nodded emphatically.
"Wow," said Altis, one of Swift's Vox friends. He and several others watched the landing with rapt attention alongside Swift and Mariko.
As far as Mariko was concerned, Altis and his group could stick around as long as they liked. Not only had the
