Leng Pan smiled. "That should be enough until we return home."
"It is not, but I will collect the rest later."
A weapon struck the recovery chamber door, leaving a glowing mark across the metal.
Leng Pan looked toward it. "It seems our private time is over."
Lu Zhen took her hand and led her away from the entrance. "Stay behind me when the door opens."
She gave him a meaningful look. "Did you forget the promise you made less than a minute ago?"
"I asked you to stand behind me, not hide while I fight alone."
"Then you should stand beside me. It would save us from another argument."
Lu Zhen knew when his wife would not give in. He moved beside her as water and flames gathered around them.
The door broke inward.
Six alien soldiers entered in two rows. Unlike the technician they had captured, these aliens wore dark armor that covered their entire bodies. Their weapons released blue energy nets designed to restrain rather than kill.
Leng Pan raised a spinning water barrier.
