Page 42 of Her Cyborg Commander
When Archer’s ship fired, the blast didn’t bounce off the shield. It tore right through it and took out a good portion of the other ship’s lower deck.
“Do I want to know why a retired colonel is flying around the galaxy with that kind of firepower?” he asked.
“Probably not. Right now, I’m just glad he’s on our side.”
They watched in horror as airlocks all over the ship opened suddenly. Bodies were blown out into the void, along with the ship’s atmosphere.
“Re’veth. They killed the crew?” River asked.
The channel between their ship and Archer’s reactivated. “Are you seeing this?” Phylomenia asked, her face pale.
“We are. Did they say anything? Why did they fire?” River asked.
“We hailed them but never got a reply.”
Archer chimed in. “Oh, they replied all right. But with weapons instead of words.”
“But why kill everyone?” River asked.
Phylomenia answered this time. “Because dead men tell no tales.”
“The dead don’t share secrets, but sometimes databases do. We need to get Nova Force out here to retrieve the wreckage and see what they can get off the systems. Even if they wiped them, I’m sure Magi can get something we can use. They didn’t have time to do a complete job.”
River sighed and leaned into him. “So, it’s over now?” she asked.
“For now,” Phylomenia said.
“The IAF are going to have some questions you need to answer,” Archer stated. “But you’ll be alright. After all, you were the victim of a corporate conspiracy.”
“I was?” River cocked her head in confusion, but Edge saw where this was going. It really was going to be alright.
“You were,” Garrett called from off screen.
“Definitely,” Archer stated firmly.
“Oh yes,” Phylomenia agreed.
River nodded. “Ah, yes. I was.”
Edge asked the next question. “So, where to now?”
Phylomenia smiled. “To the same place you were already heading. We’re going back to The Drift.”
Edge considered that for a moment and then bent down to kiss River’s cheek. It didn’t matter where they went, so long as they did it together.
“Sounds good,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to see that place. I’ve heard a lot about it.”
EPILOGUE
Defiance Station wasn’t openfor business yet, but it was already a busy place. River missed the old station, but she had to admit the new one was full of promise, not to mention state-of-the-art technology and a security system that was second to none. Since the last one had to be decommissioned after an attack by the Gray Men, no one was taking chances.
River sat near the viewscreens that covered the outer wall of the new Nova Club. Workers and bots were setting up the casino area while staff members familiarized themselves with the new layout and menu. There were hints of the old place scattered around. The walls were the same dark blue, and the new floor lit up in swirling patters of light when you stepped on it, just like the old place. And of course, the owners hadn’t changed. Kit, Luke, and Cynder still ran the place with the help of their mates and friends.
River had already caught up with them, but at the moment, she sat next to Edge, who watched the assembly of the various gambling tables with interest.
Chance had been delayed by some last-minute meeting, but she was on her way to meet them now. River didn’t mind. Itgave her some much-needed time to reflect on everything that had happened since they’d met up with Phylomenia and her husbands.
Archer had been right. Valuable intel had been stored on the ship’s computers. They’d uncovered a few code names and references that may lead to arrests, but the biggest discovery was the existence of yet another research station.
