Max grinned when Octavia mentioned his potential designs, as well as the possibility of a boost for his own work. He was sure that he could make it on his own, but there was nothing wrong with accepting help. Refusing help and trying to work it out on your own was the exact kind of stupid Hubert would engage in.

"I do have a few designs I'm working on, but it's all in the blueprint stages right now. If we can get some prototypes built, I would love to see them start a new line of airships for a new company. I loved working for your dad, but part of me wants to be in a position where I can call all the shots. See if I can do better than Hubert, you know?"

As the airship began to pull around to the Orion's hanger, Max saw a security guard sitting near one of the gateposts. It was hard to tell from a distance, but it looked like Smythe.

Smythe was a big guy with a big heart, as well as a wife and two kids. He wasn't particularly loyal to PAS, but money was money. 

"I know him. I might be able to talk him out of reporting us if we can't sneak around. What do you think?"