The Gemstone was a wreck, but she flew. One of the original saucer designs, she was divided into wedge-shaped rooms like a giant pie: five sleeping quarters, the bridge, the galley, a communal lavatory, and a small storage hold. The ship was modified for light combat, which just meant that instead of simply exploding in a firefight, it could shoot back a couple times and then explode.

Nevin’s eyes widened when he saw the captain limp in. “Shit, you’re bleeding everywhere, sir. I’ve got to take a look at it.”

“No time, Nevin. Where’s Reggie?”

“In his quarters.”

“Get him. I need full power from the aft vectors and I need it yesterday.”

“Yes sir.”

Kathryn carefully sat Murphy at the controls and took her seat beside him. “Are you sure you’re up for this, Captain? Violet can fly, you know, and you look terrib—”

“Hell no,” growled Murphy, “Hughes’ got a fleet up there waiting for us and they’re not making the same mistake they made last time.”

“Christ.”

“We gotta go. Now. Start the launch sequence.”