The Manticore roared over Theseus, kicking out a stream of superheated air in its wake. One Bravo had pushed the bird to the limit of its tolerances. They were out of time. Ariadne was out of time.

  Jarle marked their shared holo of the city with a waypoint. ‘That’s the diplomatic residence. Theseus Four should be waiting for us on the roof.’

  ‘Roger,’ said Jinn, whipping the Manticore down towards their target.

  ‘We’re getting Sarbin before the rest of the squad?’ said Akiya.

  ‘Captain’s orders.’ Jarle was terse. Aside from the exhaustion, he agreed with Akiya’s unspoken point. They should be taking care of their own first. ‘Gibbs, I want you ready at the door. This is a grab-and-go. If he’s not there, we’re moving right on.’

 
Richard Swan & George Lockett's Novels