“Good idea.” Nori nodded. “While you’re at it, see if you can get us a few plates and utensils. The ship’s folding kitchen isn’t exactly stacked.”

“Will do,” Lana said cheerfully and headed toward the exit.

“And be careful. The guards should be keeping an eye out, but it pays to be vigilant.”

“Got my Zapper right here.” She patted her belt. “If any Warped try to get in my way … well … I’m probably going to throw the gun at them and run away.”

“Good plan,” Nori said seriously.

***

They spent the major part of the night studying the ship’s systems and experimenting with its different controls.

Bulco woke up shortly before sunrise, and his nostrils flared at the rich aroma. “Is that coffee I’m smelling?” he asked hopefully and sat up in his bed.

“Yep.” Lana smiled at him and put a steaming mug in his hands. “I brought some from Diamond’s stores. You’ve earned it.”

He took a careful sip and sighed contently. “We ran out of the stuff months ago. If I’d known the old man kept some in storage, we'd have raided the shelter ages ago,” he joked. At least, Lana hoped he was joking.

“I also got a plate with some canned goods ready for you.” The young woman pointed at the raised kitchen counter nearby. “Help yourself.”

“Thanks.” He frowned. “Didn’t you sleep?”

“The others and I stayed up most of the night, running diagnostics and poking our noses around the ship’s systems.” Her eyes shone in excitement. “There’s so much to learn and so little time. We slept a few hours, but there’s so much more to learn that we didn’t want to waste time oversleeping.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice about it,” the large man grunted. “Forcing damaged bulkheads back into shape is a tiring job.”

Lana raised both hands. “Hey, I’m not complaining. None of us has a clue how to do any of that.”

“And don’t you forget it.” He chuckled, then took another sip of the steaming cup. “Ahh, that’s the stuff. Alright, I’m awake. I’ll go work on the outer hull next. Keep an eye out for me, will ya?”

“Can do,” Lana said cheerfully and turned back toward the bridge.

The hours flew by. At noon the Engineer returned to the bridge, followed by Diamond. “All done,” he said with clear satisfaction in his voice. “The living quarters are airtight and should have no problem withstanding the vacuum of space.”

“Good job,” Nori said, getting up from the pilot’s chair to face the shelter leader. “Diamond?”

“My men told me Bulco finished fixing your ride,” he said. “So I just came by to see you off to the moon.” He winced. “I almost can’t believe I just said that. These are weird times.”

“Tell me about it,” Bulco muttered.