Chapter 23
23 The odor of fuel, oil, and metallic, stale air smothered the Formidable’s bay. After being on the Omeya plains surrounded by humid yet fresh air, Austin understood how some might think the crowded deck of the Parazonium-class carrier was unappealing. To him, it felt like home. The maintenance crew scurried out of the way as the squad of Scorpions, clad in their nondescript black uniforms, left their Tridents parked in a tight row. They entered the cramped corridors, weaving toward the briefing room. Skylar hurried to catch up to Austin. Nudging his shoulder, she smiled as they walked. “You okay?” she asked in the cautious tone people used when they knew the person was anything but fine. “Word gets around pretty quick.” “Small squadron.” She ducked under a pipe protruding from the
- Writer
