“That’s not all,” Lana said. “It can carry up to two tons of equipment or about ten fully armed men. With it, you’ll be able to quickly deploy an intervention force, or deliver emergency supplies to people who need it.”

“You’ll also be able to visit the space station to get more bullets,” Nori said. “We’ll leave you most of our Trinium supply. That should get you by for a long while. Long enough for you to come up with your own solution for dealing with the Warped.”

Martin frowned. “Wait, are you leaving?”

Diamond stroked his chin. “The scout ship will be a huge help, but shouldn’t we be worried about some pissed off aliens coming to look for their ride?”

Nori shook her head. “Don’t think so, but we can’t be entirely sure. That’s part of the reason why we need to leave. More and more aliens will come to Earth, that’s for certain. We need to get ahead of them, figure out what they’re looking for and find out ways to handle them if things go southwards. Despite all the damage the Warped caused, they are just a byproduct of alien interference. It’s something we have to get on top of.”

Diamond shook his head slowly. “You’re just kids, and you want to mess around with alien politics?”

“We don’t really have a choice. We need to know what’s going on up there,” Martin objected. “And they can handle themselves. We’re all only still alive thanks to them.” He looked at Diamond and gave the man a mischievous smile. “But it does sound like they could use the help of a certified Diplomat.”

“Oh, hell no,” Diamond said. “I’m too old for going out into space and making nice with aliens. My black ass is staying right here on this planet, thank you very much.”

“I was only kidding,” the Justicar said and looked at Nori. “But maybe it’s not a bad idea to take a few more people with you, you know, for security.”

Nori shook her head. “I don’t think so. The four of us are enough to run the ship. We’re going to try to fit in with the rest of them, not come out with guns blazing. Besides …” her expression became pained. “It’s dangerous, and everyone else is too low level. A small incident, like a console explosion, can be deadly for them.”

“Well, what about me?” Cattie stepped forward. “I’m level five already. I’m a Sharpshooter, so I’m good with a gun, and I don’t die easily.”

Nori frowned, but Lana stepped forward. “It might not be a bad idea, Nori. You and Bulco are tough, but you’re not exactly soldiers. It would be good having a specialized fighter backing us up.”