“Our cargo is volatile,” she says, turning back to us. Her eyes are bloodshot and ringed with shadow. I nearly forgot that it’s been almost two weeks since we were face-to-face. I’m curious what has her so worried that she’s been losing sleep—but whatever it is, she’s all business now. “We’re going to have to go on the offensive. As soon as they force the ramp open, Pol and Drom, you’re going to board their ship. Force them off and don’t back down.”

“Their ship?” I ask. The Red Baron has a small crew for a ship of its size, but they still outnumber us. The adjustable bridge they use to board us provides a good choke point, where only a few of them can move through at a time. We usually take advantage of that when we fight against boarders, and the crates provide good cover, too. No matter the cargo, the things are made of metal and can take a few hits meant for us. But if the twins push through to the other side, they’ll be completely exposed.

“Did I stutter?” Momma snarls, her eyes meeting mine for the first time. I clamp my mouth shut.

Maybe I shouldn’t be shocked, but I am. She’s never acted this way about a shipment before. Even when we’ve transported weaponry, I’ve never seen her so paranoid about its safety. This has to mean either the cargo really is extremely volatile, or Momma is paranoid about anyone getting close enough to see it… or both. Enough that she’s willing to risk our safety to protect it.

“When they push through, you and you”—Momma points at Lyre and then at me—“are going to follow. Move past while the twins are distracting them. Lyre, you need to disengage the locking mechanisms and cut us loose. Scorpia, cause a distraction, pull as much heat off her as you can. Come back to meet up with us when you’ve done your jobs. As long as we get free, we can outrun them.”

I exchange a glance with Lyre, who looks utterly terrified at the prospect of heading onto the ship. “Cause a distraction” is my usual role, and one I’m comfortable with, but Lyre is never on the front lines. Her brain is much more valuable when it’s not in danger of being blown out.