In a future where outposts swelter beneath a nuclear sun and run-gunners patrol dusty wastelands to protect against winged creatures known as devlars, Trin is the mech at the waystation in Arens. He has a thing for the gunners: rough men with strong hands and hard bodies, who roll through his garage like the hot desert wind. Gerrick’s the best gunner around, a quick draw with a deadly aim and a penchant for sharing his pallet with young men. He has a roving eye and roaming hands, and has left a string of broken hearts in his wake. Having heard the tales of Gerrick's bravery and seen the man in action for himself, Trin has fallen in love with the man he believes Gerrick to be, and he’s sure he can change the gunner’s mind if given the chance. Gerrick’s all he wants out of this blasted world, and he tells anyone who will listen. Then Gerrick rides through Arens. He’s heard the rumors of what Trin will do for a gunner who only mentions his name. What he wants to know is, what will Trin do for him?

Trin

His stomach growls, hungry. Buttoning the shirt over his naked chest, he leaves the room and hurries down the back stairs. It must be nearing on the evening meal, as far as he can tell, from the bustle in the kitchen. Beck mans her post at the grill, another girl works the ovens, two stand side by side at the counter in front of the sandwich bar as they dress hoagies and garnish plates. Someone washes dishes, someone else sweeps lettuce and crumbs from the floor, a third girl balances a tray in both hands as she pushes through the swinging door into the common room, careful not to spill the bowls of soup she carries. A few of the chore girls glance at him as he comes downstairs, then quickly look away. Trin pretends he doesn’t notice.


Chapter 38