They entered the 67th Earth under fire.
The moment the Salty Nut broke through the clouds, pulse cannons hidden in the forest opened up.
No warnings.
No demands.
Just fire.
The first blast clipped the hull. The second nearly tore through the rear stabilizer. The ship lurched violently and dropped hundreds of meters before Mei wrestled it back under control.
"Shields are collapsing!"
The console sparked.
"One more direct hit and we're done!"
Xin grabbed the nearest rail.
"Then put us down before they do."
Mei didn't argue.
The ship skimmed over a rocky ridge, scraping metal against stone. Something tore free from the roof. Alarms screamed.
A second later they crashed into the far slope.
Hard.
The impact threw everyone sideways.
Then silence.
Smoke drifted through the cabin.
