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“I don’t think we need to do that, sir,” Nao back behind Holden and Prax both

“Because I’ down over there,” she said

Chapter Twenty-Two: Holden

The secret landing pad lay in the hollow of a small crater When Holden crested the lip and saw the Rocinante below hi release of tension told hihtened he’d been for the last several hours But the Roci was houed that they were still in terrible danger, home was safe As he paused a ht white light, like someone had taken a picture Holden looked up in tih orbit

People were still dying in space just over their heads

“Wow,” Prax said “It’s bigger than I expected”

“Corvette,” Aate-class fleet escort ship”

“I don’t knohat any of thatchisel with an upside-down coffee cup on the back”

Ah,” Holden cut in “Get to the airlock”

A down the crater’s icy wall hunched down on his heels and using his hands for balance Prax went next, for once not needing any help Naomi went third, her reflexes and balance honed by a lifetiraceful

Holden went last, fully prepared to slip and go down the hill in a hu tumble, then pleasantly surprised when he didn’t

As they bounded across the flat floor of the crater toward the ship, the outer airlock door slid open, revealing Alex in a suit of Martian body ar an assault rifle As soon as they were close enough to the ship that they could cut through the orbital radio clutter, Holden said, “Alex! Man, is it good to see you”

“Hey, Cap,” Alex replied, even his exaggerated drawl not able to hide the relief in his voice “Wasn’t sure how hot this LZ would be Anyone chasin’ you?”

A that yanked hiood to be ho Alex on the shoulder as she went by “You did good Thank you”

Holden stopped on the ramp to look up one last tiht trails of ongoing battle He had the sudden visceral

Alex watched with him, then said, “It was a bit hectic, comin’ in”

Holden threw an arm around his shoulder “Thanks for the ride”