AN HOUR OR SO LATER, Loba and the officers emerged from the entrance to the structure, where the defense units awaited them. In single file, they marched to the shuttle. Haggardy was at the back of the line. After they had climbed up the ramp and into the passenger cabin, something that resembled the pilot, Grantwise, took the pilot’s seat. The officers sat down and buckled their safety belts. The defense units surrounded them, but Loba didn’t order them to train their weapons on the officers. Like the others’, Haggardy sat looking forward, not speaking, his expression impassive.
Chapter EighteenLEE CAME JOGGING TOWARD Jas and Lingiari as they left the area of the brig and headed for the flight deck.
“Nice one, Navigator,” said Lingiari as she approached.
“Stop,” said Jas. “Wait a minut
