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Fred nodded “Happens to the best of us from time to time Where do we stand?”

Dru the war trouble, so you should be good to go on schedule”

“Excellent,” Fred said “Of course, they’ve probably taken all the good bunks by now”

“All the bunks are the same,” Holden said “Except mine You can’t have mine”

“Wouldn’t think of it, Captain,” Fred said “The Martian convoy’s put out a distress call The original escort’s trying to burn back toward the in force now As a pretty effective”

“Sorry to hear that,” Holden said “Still nothing from Alex”

“Well We can hope for the best,” Fred said “Latest intel shows the attackers have stopped firing So thataction”

Holden’s blood went cold “Protocol is they blow the ship if boarders get close to taking engineering or the CIC”

“That’s so that the enemy doesn’t compromise your codes,” Drue is already done”

The three were silent for a moment When Fred spoke, his voice was low and , Captain?”

Holden looked at Drummer She held herself professionally at attention, but he thought he saw a glimmer of unease in her eyes Fred Johnson had run Tycho Station for alht not coht not either

Everyone youa hard battle

“Let’s give this part to Foster,” Holden said “Let hi I need to take care of on the station before we go”

Monica was in new roo on the couch, it was like she washim for the first ti out to the Ring, the desperate work she’d done on the Behemoth back before it became Medina Station, her abduction and his rescue of her All of it was gone Her expression was polite, and it was closed

“So,” Holden said “I’m about to take off I’ain And I feel like we’re not good”