2 – The TeamKessler’s Reach wasn’t a big town. Most of the permanent residents worked for the research center and university, and the rest of the place existed to serve the rift raiders and the companies and Imperial offices that supported them. They passed a dozen bars, a warehouse-style swap market, two different gyms, and lots and lots of temporary housing.The residence Lemon had found for them was on the edge of town, in the direction of the rift. It might have been a premium property if it had been updated in the last decade. As it was, it looked run-down and a little sad—a squat stucco building, its courtyard wall weed-choked, and covered in a faded mural that might have once depicted a pastoral scene, but it was hard to tell. Worse, it was wedged between two modern townhomes, highlighting its aged appearance.“It’s not pretty,” Lemon remarked, frowning nervously as their van pulled up to the curb, “but it has enough room for us all.”“It’s fine,” Hector replied. “At least I’m close to the raider compound.”“You gonna want me and Demon to walk over there with you, Hec?” Orin asked from the back of the van.He was talking about Hector’s appointment that afternoon to meet the team. It wasn’t something he was looking forward to—the whole introduction process. Having Orin hanging around wouldn’t make it any easier. He shook his head, looking over his shoulder at the two men. “Nah. I’ll go alone this time.”Demon didn’t react, but Orin frowned. “Man, we’re supposed to be watching your back.”Hector shrugged. “Yeah, so check out the town.”Orin decided to take the dismissal in a positive light. “Yeah, good plan. We’ll find out who the players are—who calls the shots.”Sass inhaled, opening her mouth to speak, but Hector already knew what she was going to say. He beat her to it: “Take Sass with you.”The enforcer frowned slightly, but he nodded. “Right. Sure.”While (...)