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The cryo-batteries were used for powering certain machines and computers, with enough energy to power whole cities. They were in demand and very expensive. She showed it to the others. “Looks like this is the place. We can start searching here.”

“A lot of them are still in these machines,” Tom noted as he studied one of them.

“Then we’ll have to break them apart,” Dani said, turning to Lex and opening their backpack to place the battery inside.

“Also, look for zatium metal sheets,” Myrell added. “Those are on the list too and should be in this area.”

They went to work as the soldiers scoped the place out, letting off streams of fire away from the machines and taking out the infestation as they did.

Dani went around the back to the next room, searching for more batteries. They had to obtain as many as they could find. As she took out another glowstick, she smelled that odor again. Freshly brewed coffee. It smelled good to her, almost comforting, like being back on the ship, but it still confused her.

She threw the glowstick across the room. As she did, the hairs at the back of her neck stood on end.

She flinched as something moved at the corner of her eye. She whirled around and noticed one of the soldiers standing nearby, the officer with the smiley face on his helmet. He took one shot at a large bug on the wall, and it dropped instantly.

“You should be careful shooting in here,” Dani advised. She looked around again, shivering despite it not being so cold. She didn’t usually feel this on edge. She looked at her garometer but only saw readings for the bugs.

Her helmet lit up, showing the oxygen levels. They were stable here, the oxygen tanks and air purifiers still working despite no one being around. Feeling a little out of breath, she unlocked her helmet and took it off, setting it on a nearby table. She wiped her brow and found little beads of sweat on her hand.

Damn,maybe she was just worried about this run.

Officer Smiley crunched another bug under his boot. He took off his helmet, revealing a handsome face with dark eyes, his shoulder-length, dark hair loose around his face as he smiled at her. He swiped a hand through his hair as he placed his helmet under his arm. It was the soldier who had winked at her back on the ship. He chuckled a little. “You got it, boss. I’ll try not to shoot.”

“I’m not your boss.”

He shrugged. “Right now, you are.”

She caught him sizing her up. “Shouldn’t you be looking for bugs?”

He smirked, leaning back against a table. “Probably. But having all this fun wears you out, don’t it?”

“I wouldn’t call this fun.”

He cocked his gun. “Maybe not for you guys. Hell, I feel sorry for you collectors. This job is the dirtiest by far and I’ve dealt with some shit. I would rather be cleaning stalls on the ship than do what you guys have to.”

She crossed her arms. “It’s not that bad.”

“If you say so.” He smirked. “I’ve seen you around, heard you’re like the queen of collectors.”

Dani pursed her lips. Was that supposed to be a compliment?

He laughed. “My name’s Garret. You’re dating Officer Iqara, right?”

She stiffened. “No. That was a year ago. He’s on a different station.”

“Shit, that’s right. Officer Killian then?”

Were they really having this conversation? “No, that was…a few months ago.”

“Ah.” He swiped a hand through his hair again, looking around at the crew still working in the other room. “My mistake.” He looked back at her and smiled. “You got a level head on your shoulders, especially dealing with this.” He waved his hand around.

“Hopefully I won’t be dealing with this for much longer,” she mumbled.

He arched a brow. “Oh, yeah?”

Damn her mouth. She hadn’t exactly told the others her plans. “Yeah. It’s nothing.”

“You’re trying to get into another division, aren’t you? Is it security? If it is, I can show you—”