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His gaze narrowed, surprised there was only one X-class vessel. He expected more, along with something possessing more defense capabilities.

And a vessel for freight. There should’ve been at least one, given the supplies it would take to maintain an outpost like this.

He cataloged that among other observations as the cruiser set down.

“It’s a good sign a squad isn’t already waiting for us,” Scala commented, focused on the viewscreen.

“Aye,” he replied, though he expected someone to arrive at any moment, given their ‘find.’

As he glanced back at Scala, he caught sight of Elena and his eyes widened.

“Her combat shell! We need to get it altered to mimic her.” Payim waved Scala toward Elena.

There was no way he was exiting the cruiser while she was still vulnerable.

“It’s going to take a moment. Human isn’t one of the disguises programmed in the combat shell’s arsenal.” Scala took Elena’s wrist and started tapping at the controls on the node.

“It better not take too long. A pair of scalys just exited hangar controls,” Faktil informed them.

Payim glanced back at the viewscreen, following the reptiles’ progress. Again, at least it wasn’t a full squad, but if they delayed opening the hatch for too long that’s what it would turn into.

“Where are we?” he urged Scala.

“Calibrating,” Scala replied, harried.

“We need more time. Come with me.” Payim stood and pointed at Faktil.

“What is your plan?” Faktil asked as they headed to the hatch.

“No idea yet.” He grimaced and shrugged, then swiped the control panel by the exit.

He repressed the urge to grab his disruptor as the hatch opened to reveal the pair of reptiles.

“Where’s Crassa and Shilv?” the pale green male demanded.

“Crassa and Shilv?” Faktil repeated as he looked questioningly at Payim.

“We’re obviously not them,” Payim snapped in agitation, keeping a keen eye on the pair for any threatening movement.

“I told you Kahf spends half his time sleeping in the station.” The other reptile smacked his companion.

The first one grunted in agreement but still studied them.

“I’ve never seen you two,” the scaly bastard said suspiciously.

“Aye. We’ve not been here long and I’m already ready to get off this planet,” he huffed, attempting to play his part.

“You can’t fly in this atmosphere. The other cruiser crashed when that volcano blew,” Faktil added.

“If you’re at the beginning of your rotation it’s going to be a while.” The suspicious reptile’s stance eased as he laughed derisively at them.

Payim covered his sigh of relief, making it sound like an irritated hiss instead. If they got into a fire fight here, he doubted they would make it out of the hangar.

“Where’s the human?” the darker male asked, while attempting to peer inside the cruiser.

“Unconscious. I’ll go get it.” Payim turned and marched back inside.

“I was listening. We’re ready,” Scala whispered as Payim rounded the corner.