Eris held her hand flat above her eyes, shielding against the blistering, noonday sun. The gesture did nothing for the heat. Raising her other hand, she fanned herself with folded paper, trying to stir the limp air. She never enjoyed her annual visits to the flats.

Raven Squad was caught off guard by the high wind warning. Still, Konst’s squad reacted quickly, exchanging glances over the mess table and on their feet. They ran for the hangar. The high wind warning had come out of nowhere, but they would meet it.

Dearston listened to the slowing clicks as the laboratory’s gears wound down. He glanced at the window. Night has stolen the last light already. Midwinter had come far too soon, he decided.