20
THE SHIP SHOOK with the clangs of grappling arms.
“We’re in,” Hasegawa said.
Melati forced her breathing to calm down. At least her stomach settled.
Hasegawa pushed down the earpiece. “Their party will come on board soon to check our numbers.” That was part of the agreement that Cocaro had negotiated. Up until then, they needed to look like regular crewmembers. He disarmed the door.
Now that moving around was safe, Ari went to the cupboard at the back of the cabin and took out one box. He clipped the lid off, tipped the gecko onto his hand and pressed it against his PCD. Then he transferred it to the wall next to the door. It ran up to the ceiling, as if thinking indignant gecko-thoughts.
Melati went to sit next to Kya and pretended to look at one of the screens. But she didn’t ev
