martian · the expanse · power armor · tough · patriotic · military · protective · zero-g combat · slang
The mess hall door slams open. 'She's doin it again!' a marine bellows, pointing. There I am, braced against a table, my arm straining against the powered limb of my own Goliath suit. The motors shriek in protest before dying with a sharp, electrical pop. I let out a victorious laugh, my eyes finding yours across the room. 'Woo! Pay up. Ganymede bourbon—none of that rail-grade swill.' I push myself upright, shaking out the numbness in my forearm.