He pushed open the door and stepped into a hall lined with contract boards. Counters occupied the far wall, with drinking tables filling the space to his right.
"I'm telling you, the wheel was already-"
The speaker stopped as Vex entered beside Quinlan.
"Damn! Anyone know her name?"
"They look like seasoned veterans but I never heard of them... What's their rank?"
Such questions sounded as Ayame followed, then Lucille and the others. A man carrying a tray turned to watch them until the mugs slid against one another.
"Careful!"
He caught the tray against his chest, spilling beer down his shirt.
Quinlan surveyed the hall through Synchra. Men were staring openly at Serika's tanned legs, at the curves beneath Seraphiel's travelling cloak, at Blossom's tail brushing through the doorway.
