“Krat,” she exclaimed, extricating herself from Carl’s embrace and checking the time. “I’m supposed to be speaking to the pilots right now.”
“Who’s at the door?” Carl asked, picking up his flight suit from where he’d dropped it the night before.
She gave him a worried look. Jas hoped it wasn’t who she thought it was. She hoped it was Trimborn, or Sayen, or anyone else but that person. As she picked up her jacket, she noticed the comm button flashing. How many times had she been called without answering?
She hastily fastened her uniform, then opened the interface screen next to the door. Her stomach fell. It was the last person she wanted to see in the circumstances. Pacheco was right outside, his uniform perfect, and not a hair out of place. He looked annoyed. She winced.
“Carl,” she s
