She narrowed her already-narrow eyes. “That’s a Guild expression.” She turned to the crew. “If you all are willing to stay, then I guess I will, too.” She looked back at Jake and added, “For now.”
Jake nodded. “I’ve lived most of my life one day at a time, so I accept your offer—for now.”
Juno straightened her back and addressed the crew. “All right, people. Let’s not stand around waiting for the Guards to change their minds. Ash and Vee, find us an outpost that’s as far as possible from Colonial patrol routes. We’ll start looking for transport work there. The rest of you know your jobs. Let’s get this ship ready to move cargo.”
As his new crew left the galley and fanned out to various parts of the ship, Jake felt a sudden chill on the back of his neck. He turned around and saw Jane crouching in the corner. She was in a fetal position again, with her hands covering her ears. Forgetting the odd feeling, he went over to her. “Are you okay?”
She removed her hands from her ears and looked up at him. “Are you prepared for what is coming?” she whispered.
“I hope so,” he said, reaching a hand down to her.
She grabbed his hand and stood up, gazing deep into his eyes. “I hope so, too.”
THE END
The journey continues with
Novum: Exile
Learn more at
JosephRhea.com/Novum2
About the Author
Joseph Rhea is a scientist, science fiction author, computer game designer, and believer in moving humanity forward, not backward. He was advised by his high school English teacher to pursue a life of writing. Instead, he chose a career in engineering and science, driven by a need to explore the world and help create new technologies. Now, three decades later, he has come full circle as a new voice in realistic science fiction.
Learn more at JosephRhea.com
Standalone Novels:
Cyberdrome
Novum Series:
Novum: Genesis
Novum: Exile
Novum: Rubicon
Novum: Revelation
Novum: Apocalypse
Learn more at JosephRhea.com