Kerrin reacts quickly but takes my warning the wrong way. She draws her handgun and shoots it.
I cringe, but there’s no explosion. Taking a deep breath, I cough out the dust raised by dropping to the deck, remind myself she’s not familiar with advanced technology.
“I got it!” she yells. “First shot, too.”
The other monks haven’t moved. Nor has Irian.
Looking into the uncomprehending faces of everyone here, it’s hard to find the right words to say. Nothing too angry. They’re scared enough already. “Please.” I pause, pushing down the impulse to swear. “Find cover next time and don’t shoot it. Anything that lights up can explode. Like taking the guns apart.”
Several monks make protective signs against evil. There’s nervous laughter. Kerrin gets defensive.
“Well, it didn’t actually explo
