Markesha regains consciousness a little bit out of position. At least the view is breathtaking!

Launched into the sky by the errant barrel explosion, Markesha’s alive, but out cold.

Tithe Crates (often called T-Crates or Cash Boxes) tend to pop up whenever a representative of a High House visits the Halo. These large crates full of cash are culturally understood to be the way lesser Houses curry favor with the higher Houses. They sometimes will include other things, such as promotional material for projects the lower Houses are seeking support for.

Maybe Markesha’s plan could have used a little more work.

In an effort to save on every ounce of weight, the HSF constructs hovercraft-rated cargo crates out of lightweight (and spark-prone) metals like magnesium.

Markesha’s getting a hands on education on the limits of her gravity pack.

Audrey has had to explain the difference to others between mass and weight and how the gravity pack changes them so many times she has a highly polished slideshow presentation on the topic.

Markesha follows Orson’s lead, and gets creative.

Orson’s big secret plan to hold the guards at bay needs a bit of on-the-fly revising.

Hovercraft, especially Halo Security Forces models, burn through a lot of oil. Because of the delicate turbomachinery required for lift, the engines use a special volatile ferromagnetic oil blend. It does its job well, but it quickly becomes a fire hazard once clogged with dust. As a result, the HSF goes through more lubricant than fuel in any given year.

The clock is ticking to get a ride out of the Halo, and Jade has her eyes on a very specific hovercraft.

The gang makes it to the hoverport with more than they came in with.

Zig and Grissom met online as rival Spyders going after the same target. With a clever bit of code Grissom won, but left a calling card for his rival. Zig decided to follow up, fell head over heels for the quiet coder, and the rest is history. These love birds have been partners in crime, and life, ever since!

Orson changes and takes charge.

Blending into crowds is a skill Orson mastered early. The best way to disappear was a simple but effective disguise. The first idea is building layers, which can be discarded as needed. Losing a blazer and put on a hat, and suddenly you don’t fit the description the authorities have on file. But the best tool in the art of Orson’s theory of disguise is this: If you appear boring no one will care enough to look at you.

Orson’s right back on his vague and mysterious boss-man groove, and the clock is ticking for the gang.