10: Deva
Deva
Deva turned slowly, taking in the trees all around. Nothing but trees, and a rock wall behind the Proteus. Even the sunlight didn’t want to push through.
Didn’t stop its heat from reaching her, though. Already, her shirt clung to her back, and her hair itched.
“I hate forests,” she said. “Think I prefer the desert.”
Keelin stood behind her, but the pilot’s attention was on the Proteus. Her head shook, and she sighed far too often.
The hull was dented and gouged. There were scorch marks near the rear boosters. A couple of panels hung loose, revealing twisted wiring. The rear port lander was buckled. And that was only what was visible from this angle. Deva knew there were more serious issues on the far side of the craft.
“She’s not in a good way, is she?” Deva said, reac
