Page 52 of Ruin

While not overly ostentatious, the sleek lines and gleaming hull were designed to draw attention and appear intimidating. From the research he’d done on his target, that fit with how Gaius liked to present himself.

He anticipated they’d face a full contingent of security personnel, and probably a couple droids. Nowhere near the worst odds he’d faced, and he had Hush with him. Between the two of them, he didn’t foresee any real issues, but he made a habit of expecting the worst and not underestimating his opponents.

Hearing her shift, he glanced down at Lira. Even wearing her armored clothes underneath it, the maintenance jumpsuit they’d both changed into all but swallowed her, making her look even smaller and more delicate.

A surge of protectiveness washed over him, mingling with the worry he was coming to understand would be his constant companion when it came to her. He drew in a measured breath and pushed them both down. If all went to plan, she wouldn’t be in any direct danger. And she’d proven she was tougher than she appeared.

Besides, there wasn’t really any other choice but to bring her with them. Even if she hadn’t put her little foot down and insisted she was going, he wasn’t willing to leave her behind.

If, for any reason, he wasn’t able to return, she’d be stuck on Skeldra. Alone and vulnerable. That wasn’t a chance either of them were prepared to take.

“Ready, my love?”

She drew in a deep breath and squared her delicate shoulders, those soft green eyes steady on his. “Yep. Let’s do this.”

They slipped out of the maintenance passage, the acrid smell of ozone assaulting his sensitive nose. He scanned everything as they moved, constantly cataloging potential threats, escape routes, cover. At this time of the day cycle, the port was buzzing with activity, making it easier for him and Lira to blend in.

They hadn’t gone far when Hush suddenly materialized beside them, a grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

“About damn time,” the Drifter whispered. “I was startin’ to think I'd die of old age waitin’ for you two lovebirds.”

The maintenance bot joined them half a second later and immediately zeroed in on Lira. Its sensors whirred softly as it scanned her, and Ruin hummed with approval.

Whether the loyalty it so obviously had for her was due to her saving it or Ruin’s decree that its one job was to keep her safe, he couldn’t say. But he damned sure appreciated it.

“We clear on the plan?” he murmured.

Hush's grin widened, showing a flash of sharp teeth. “Crystalline. Get in, kill the bastard, get out. Maybe blow some shit up along the way. Maybe stay in and add a new ship to the fleet.”

Ruin huffed. “We’re stayin’ quiet long as we can, so try not to have too much fun. Knives an’ silent guns only.” He turned to Lira, expression softening. “Stay behind cover. I mean it this time.”

She nodded, but there was a glint in her eyes that made him uneasy.

He pointed at the bot. “Keep an eye on her. Don't let her do anythin’ impulsive.”

It beeped an affirmative, its optics swiveling toward Lira.

They moved as one, weaving between crates and workers, using the bustle of the docking bay as camouflage. His ears twitched at every sound—the clang of tools, the hiss of hydraulics, overlapping shouts from a dozen sources—but he kept his movements smooth and relaxed. Just another dock worker doing his job.

They reached the side of Gaius's ship without issue and ducked behind a stack of empty cargo containers Hush had put there for exactly this purpose.

Facing outward, Ruin kept his breathing slow and controlled and his awareness expanded.

Hush moved past him and up to the hidden utility hatch on the side of the ship, pulling a small, highly illegal device from somewhere on his person.

Trusting his friend to handle hacking into and bypassing the ship’s security, he focused on keeping watch. A few seconds later, a tug on his sleeve drew his attention to Lira, though he kept his eyes up and sweeping.

“Why’s he dancing?” she whispered.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, he couldn’t stop a quiet chuckle. He didn’t need to peer back to know she was referring to Hush or to confirm his often odd friend was undoubtedly dancing to a song playing only in his mind.

“Helps him concentrate.”

“Ah. Like when you rub the hilt of one of your knives.”

Surprised, he glanced down at her. “Do I?”

She sent him a confused look. “Yeah. You didn’t realize?”

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