The trident lay on the deck while Austin read the new system notice.
The ability had caught the weapon. It had also shifted Austin’s balance. He added a ballast block and adjusted his hip dampers before moving away from the mast. He ran a file over the trident’s sharp edges. “Poorly deburred casting. That’s a cut hazard.”
Bai Ze kept his eyes on the floating washers around Austin’s belt. “You did not strike back.”
“I’m busy. And your acolyte isn’t a threat without the rest of that weapon belt.”
Chen stood under guard beside the dory, furious and frightened. He seemed to expect execution.
Austin called Li Xiaoyao over the radio. “Prepare a detention room and an incident hearing. Send a medic for a possible hand injury. Judge Bai Ze is to be present when Chen gives his account.”
Bai Ze blinked. “I am to attend?”
“You saw the throw. You’re also his commanding officer. That makes you a witness, not his executioner.”
