He gave her a pity-laced smile, gestured at his marines in their armor. “I think, ex-Supervisor Aguila, that my people can more than take care of any slugs or night monsters.” He pointed out at where the shuttle’s silver shape could be made out in the gloom. “We’re going to take a ride. You’ll enjoy it, Aguila. You’ll be out of this fucking shithole and back where civilization reigns.”

At the rumble and clatter, Kalico looked back down the avenue, watched as Board Appointed Inspector General Soukup was wheeled into the lights. Another of the marines, Tashi Arakawa, was pushing his gurney. The wheels weren’t really meant for gravel. She, like the others, wore armor, helmet clipped at her belt.

“You are out of your scum-sucking minds,” Kalico told them. “The pilot and crew for that shuttle should be—”

“On the way.” Creamer glanced at his watch. “Don’t know why they’re not here already.”

“So, you’re going to fire up and leave in the middle of the night? Extract me to Turalon? Hold my inquest up there?”

“I’m not an idiot, Aguila,” Soukup told her. “You’ll answer for your crimes in Transluna. Standing before the Board. Do you really think I’d let this chaotic rabble you live with be party to your judgment? It would be as much a sham as your tenure here as Supervisor.” He smiled, looking weary and pained. “Oh, and by the way, I’ve already informed Cinque Suharto that, in accord with my authority, he will act as interim Supervisor until a Board Appointed successor arrives.”

“Poor Cinque,” she replied. “Wonder if he’ll last a week?”

“Don’t play the loyalty card,” Soukup told her in a dismissive voice. “About a third of your people are rotating back to Solar System. The ones who will be staying are new contractees. They’ll follow Supervisor Suharto’s orders.”

“And just like that, you’ll whisk me up to Turalon and figure that all the loose ends have been tied up?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Soukup told her. “Your sycophants can wail, rend their garments, and build monuments in your name after you’re gone. All that matters is that The Corporation will once again be in control of the mines. Supervisor Suharto will see to that. And I dare say, after your summary replacement, he’ll be a great deal more cognizant of the rules.”

Kalico gave Soukup a bitter smile. Problem was, the man might be right. Once they had her up in orbit, it wasn’t like she could call on allies.

Should have run for the bush. The thought rolled around in her head.

“Ah, here,” Colonel Creamer said with relief.

All eyes turned as a shuttle pilot and copilot came trotting down the avenue, a marine behind them, seemingly pushing them along.

“So,” Kalico noted dryly, “now what? You think Wejee’s going to open that gate?”