The drop was a fast way to die.
The Ghost skimmed the rooftops. Rain lashed against the cockpit viewscreen. Inside, the only light was the red glow of the instrument panels.
"Thirty seconds to the drop zone," Haruto's voice was calm in their ears.
Kaito sat strapped in the main hold. His stomach churned. Across from him, Riku was checking the seals on his helmet. A machine.
The target was a communication relay tower.
"Wind shear is picking up," Haruto warned. "It's going to be a rough landing."
The ship bucked. Kaito's teeth slammed together. He tasted blood. He suddenly remembered a stupid joke his academy instructor used to tell about turbulence. He couldn't remember the punchline.
"Ten seconds."
The rear ramp lowered with a low hiss. Wind and rain howled into the hold.
"It's a good day to die," Riku said. His voice was flat.
Kaito couldn't tell if he was joking.
"Just another Tuesday," Kaito shot back.
"Five seconds. Get ready."
They stood at the edge of the ramp. Ropes attached to their harnesses. This was insane.
"Go, go, go!"
Riku went first. A shadow disappearing into the storm. Kaito took a breath. Jumped.
The fall, then the rope caught, yanking him hard. He slammed against cold, wet brick. He dangled there, spinning slowly. The rough texture of the rappelling rope was abrasive even through his gloves.
His training kicked in. He found a foothold. Unslung his carbine. Below, the first blue bolts of stun fire lit up the night. The fight had started.