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Lola was reaching for the salt, and trying hard not to look at Tim, when Viper Henderson stepped to the end of their table.
He spoke softly, clearly for their ears only. “Twenty minutes. Full gear, including personal. We’re gone. Dilya, you’re okay with us for Stage One.” Then he was gone as if he’d never been there.
Lola could feel her heart beat two, three, four times before anyone reacted.
Then they stood up, not all at once, but rather as if going about normal business, dumping half-full and full trays at the cleanup station. A quick pass up the chow line, this time for fruit, energy bars, and maybe a sandwich that could be demolished while they headed for their tents. Dilya moved with similar grace and speed. A half-grown trooper who knew the drill.
Lola followed close behind
