24
The tubes beside the bed moved like pistons, liquids surging into the lines. Ryker’s almond skin was battered and bruised, a dozen tiny scratches covering her face, neck, and arms like roads on a map. A purple circle surrounded her right eye. Austin reached down and clasped her hand, but wondered if such an action was appropriate on the station.
To his relief, she squeezed back, a hint of a smile forming at the corner of her mouth. He stared at their hands locked at her side, his knuckles scratched and bruised from the ordeal on Flin Six.
After they’d landed on Tarton’s Junction three hours before, staff had rushed Austin, Ryker, and Nubern to the infirmary. Word spread amongst the crew of the incident, a mix of cheers and solemn nods greeting them as they hurried through the halls o
