Contents
CHAPTER 28
Overview
While completing the trellis sale and confirming repairs, Greenstalk is lured away by local Skroderiders. Pham arms up and follows, uncovering a low-tech ambush where Greenstalk is among the attackers. In a fierce firefight, Pham signals the OOB for help and is wounded as Blueshell thwarts one assailant. A rescue appears imminent.
Summary
Ravna, exhausted by recent horrors, accompanies Blueshell and Greenstalk as they deliver trellises for payment and repair sign-off. Inside a wormhead-run terrane and crowded concourse, Saint Rihndell’s crew validates most sets, finalizing the sale and the OOB’s repair commit. Amid the bustle, Greenstalk drifts off with local Skroderiders.
Pham, anticipating trouble, dons an intimidating suit despite “dress-code” warnings and follows. Greenstalk contacts them, inviting a short visit to the local Skroderiders’ terrane. Pham suspects a trap and advances cautiously into a quiet transport area beneath a shepherd moon.
Pham’s midges reveal a directional mine and armed Skroderiders, including Greenstalk. The mine detonates near Blueshell, and a firefight erupts. Pham fires a warning shot that blows a hole in the hull, then uses the debris plume to signal the OOB for aid while dodging coordinated enemy fire.
Pham is hit and nearly loses consciousness as his midges are picked off. Overhead, Blueshell first appears suspect, then dives and drops a heavy object to crush an attacker, pleading for Greenstalk to stop. With two assailants down, only Greenstalk and one more remain; Pham eliminates the third as Greenstalk rakes Blueshell’s cover.
In a final exchange, Blueshell begs Pham not to kill Greenstalk. Pham fires a sweeping shot that drops her. As he spins out, wounded and fading, he glimpses a feathery-spined ship overhead, suggesting the OOB’s imminent rescue.
Who Appears
- Pham NuwenLeads the response to Greenstalk’s disappearance; infiltrates the concourse; fights ambushers; signals OOB; is wounded.
- BlueshellCompletes the trellis sale; initially confused; later intervenes, crushing an attacker and pleading for Greenstalk.
- GreenstalkLured by local Skroderiders; participates in an ambush against Pham; is ultimately shot down.
- Ravna BergsndotCoordinates from the OOB; monitors feeds and dress-code alerts; reports sale completion and repairs commit.
- Saint RihndellTusk-leg trader; validates trellises and finalizes payment; offers no help finding Greenstalk.
- Trisk interpreterTranslates for Rihndell’s crew; curtly ends business and disavows knowledge of Greenstalk.
- Local SkroderidersLure Greenstalk and stage a low-tech ambush with mines and beamers on their terrane.