Palmer, Wagner, Osterlund, and Hornsby were all gathered together under the transport pod watching the fish cook. All were silent and pensive. All knew that Murdock would, most likely, come looking for them. None wanted to face Murdock’s retribution. Not alone and not as a group. Wagner jumped up, machete at the ready, and scanned the prairie for any movement.
“What are you doing, Wagner?” Palmer asked. “Getting jumpy?” Osterlund and Hornsby chuckled quietly. “What are you two laughing at?” Palmer asked them sternly. “I don’t see you two being particularly brave. We all know what’s coming, so let’s try to relax and be ready. Murdock is, after all, just one man!”
“I don’t recall you having to fight him!” Wagner retorted.
“I fought him before anyone else did,” Palmer replied quietly.
“An
