Free Fringe Runner (Fringe Series Book 1) by Rachel Aukes Page B

time?”
    Reyne looked at the Coast before them. “Pirates don’t attack their own. I’m guessing this pair was the welcome party, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they were out here waiting for us. My guess is they wanted to strip us of our ship and weapons before bringing us into Nova Colony. I should warn you. I’m not the most popular guy out here.”
    “They’re idiots then,” she said simply.
    His console chimed, and he let out a deep breath. He broadcast his words to the entire crew so that Doc and Boden would also hear. “We’re coming up on Nova Colony. Prepare for landing.”
    Throttle contacted the port control and initiated the approach and landing sequence, switching from the powerful Flux engine to the two small navigational engines. Reyne watched as they approached the asteroid known as Nova Colony. From space, it looked like any other gargantuan asteroid. No lights or manmade architecture dotted its surface, as asteroids tended to be pelted regularly by rock showers.
    Sometime in Nova Colony’s distant history, the asteroid had an abundance of frozen water that hollowed out a maze of underground caverns. Those now-empty caverns made perfect shelters, making Nova Colony the only official settlement on the Space Coast—and the only colony outside Collective control.
    Life on Nova Colony wasn’t easy. Inhabited by pirates, convicts, and anyone else who desired to live outside the Collective’s reach, its residents weren’t exactly friendly to newcomers. Nova Colony had its own police force, but they were as likely to kill you as to help you.
    As Throttle lowered the Gryphon into the wide cavern leading to the landing docks, apprehension tightened Reyne’s already tense shoulders. There were ten thousand reasons why he avoided coming here, and he began to have more doubts about taking Vym’s deal.
    The ship settled into a landing slot, and magnetized mooring cables shot out and attached to the Gryphon to secure it in place. Throttle powered down the engines, and Reyne jumped from his seat, anxious to put the whole mess behind him.
    “That was an interesting ride,” Doc said as she and Boden hustled onto the bridge.
    “Listen up,” Reyne said. “No one leaves the ship. And, that includes you, Sixx.”
    “Like hell. I’m not letting you go into that viper’s nest alone,” Sixx said. “Besides, they have the best beer in the system.”
    Reyne’s hard expression quelled any more dissent. “I need you all here to guard the ship. This asteroid is the worst place in the system for shipjackings. And we just gave away the Gryphon’s secret, which makes her a hot commodity. Trust no one, and don’t let anyone except me on board, especially anyone who looks official. If I’m not back in three hours, you leave. Got it?”
    Throttle let out a hmph . “We’re not leaving you.”
    “You won’t be. If I’m not back, I’m already dead.”
    She sobered.
    “That’s why I need to come with you,” Sixx said with no hint of humor this time.
    Reyne shook his head. “If they want to kill me, it’s not going to make a lick of difference if I’m alone or if I have an army with me. Anyone at my side will be just as dead.”
    “Maybe, but I’ll sure as hell take out a few before I go.”
    “I know you would, but I need you here, with Throttle and the rest of the crew.” Reyne attempted a smile. “Hey Throttle, it’s not so bad. If I don’t make it back, the Gryphon’s yours.”
    She sneered. “Oh. If that’s the case, enjoy yourself out there.”
    He gave a weak smile. “Okay then. See you by…” He checked the panel.
    “Thirteen-twenty,” she said before he could speak.
    “Thirteen-twenty,” he repeated and then rushed from the bridge so he didn’t have to see the worry in her eyes.
    He headed straight for the airlock and hustled into his suit. Just as he was about to open the outer door, he heard Throttle’s voice in his speakers.
    “Hey, Reyne.”
    “Yeah?”
    Throttle’s