Chapter 55

THE JAVELIN DISAPPEARED behind the clouds as Peter's dropship descended towards Hephaestus's craggy surface. For one guilty moment, Peter wished he could have stayed aboard the hulking Fleet Hauler for a few days longer. Exploring the cavernous hull with Rosie as a gruff tour guide had been a nearly limitless source of entertainment.

Vacation's over, he thought, shifting in his new Hunter Guard armor, which felt a little too tight around his legs. Time to get back to work.

Peter nearly lost his balance as the dropship hit a patch of turbulence. Between the heavy duffel back slung over his shoulder and the new rifle in his off hand, he found it difficult to hang on to the overhead strap. Rosie stood beside him, no doubt cursing inside her helmet while she readjusted her footing. A few other Hunter Guards stood around them, also trying to remain upright with varying degrees of success.