Nick stood in a classic shooter’s stance, slug pistol in his right hand, left shoulder forward, right arm straight across his body, left hand cupping his right and the pistol’s butt.

His target was a needle-pointed grin just visible within the fissure at the back of the cave.

Mace came to his feet smoothly but deliberately, without any sudden motion. “Don’t do it, Nick.”

“I’d rather not,” Nick admitted. “But I will if I have to.”

“I’ve seen him block blaster bolts. He can do the same with bullets. You won’t have a chance.”

“Says you.” Nick’s voice was uncharacteristically calm and flat, and his hands were as steady as the mountain around them. “You haven’t seen me shoot.”

“This is the wrong time to show me.” Mace put one hand on Nick’s arm and let its tired weight pull the pistol down. “Come on out, Kar.”

The darkness in the fissure gathered itself into the shape of the lor pelek. His vibroshields were pushed back onto his upper arms.


- Shatterpoint, Chapter 15