‘What’s the plan?’ Deke swings the boat around, threading between the waiting warships and First Circle’s curves, a lizard slipping under the noses of lions. Two sky-ships come into view. ‘That’s the plan.’ The nearest one notices their approach and a pilot steps out, weapon in hand. Genner’s rifle fires twice, silent, silencing. No more challenges come and they dock, unloading from one vessel into another quickly.

