His crew cast sidelong glances, then settled into their tasks. Leric updated him and he had brief conversations with the commanders of the other ships. He didn’t know any of them well, but their records were exemplary, all of them, and he had full confidence they’d manage the Outriders without having to produce Rush. “Take us out of the Falls, all necessary speed and in defense formation only.” No sense in provoking the Home World ships. “Sir.” Leric ensured his commands were followed and the future began to unfold. In a surprisingly short time, the helm reported the other ships within sensor range and they were hailed. “Captain Franks. Home World. Permission to come on board.” It was difficult to really tell anything from the other man’s voice, but to Vayne it lacked certainty, even if the request was framed more as a demand. The other three Shadalla ships were using the cover of the Falls to flank the Outriders—if all went well and Vayne’s efforts were distracting enough.
