The Navigator looked like she was about to refuse, then, to everyone’s surprise she turned to Nathan. “What do you think?”

Nathan looked down, embarrassed from the sudden attention. “I like Cattie.”

“Then it’s settled.” Nori declared. “Cattie, welcome aboard.”

The woman grinned and moved to stand next to her new captain.

“We’ll leave the ship and the Trinium at the old library,” Nori said. “We’ll comm you when it’s ready for pick up.”

“I guess this is goodbye, for now,” Martin said, offering his hand. “It was a pleasure working with the Earth Force.”

Nori shook his head and gave him her crooked grin. “It was a pleasure, but don’t you forget - We are all Earth Force now.”

***

They drove back through the deserted streets, leaving Diamond and Martin behind to discuss their future cooperation.

When they arrived at the old library, they saw a line of men moving between the two grounded vessels carrying loads of equipment and components.

“You’re back,” Bulco greeted them. He was guiding his people while carrying a piece of bulkhead several times his own weight on his shoulder.

“Yes,” Lana said happily. “We’ve informed them about everything, and Diamond gave us even more piTec. We’re rich now.”

“What is she doing here?” Bulco stared at Cattie with a frown.

The impish woman winked at him.

“She’s coming with us,” Nori said with a tone that brooked no argument. “How are the repairs going?”

“It’s not easy,” the Engineer admitted reluctantly, ignoring the Sharpshooter. “We already removed the scout’s drive engine, but it turns out it’s too weak for Unity, so it needs some extra adjustment. It’ll work, in the end, but it won’t be nearly as fast as the original drive.”

“It’ll have to do. As long as it gets us to where we need to be.”

“It should. I’ll be finished in a few more hours.”

“That’s good.” Nathan smiled. “Unity will have one more surprise for us by then.”

Bulco shrugged. “Sure, kid, whatever you say.”

“The scout’s thrusters are still functioning?” Nori asked.

“Yeah, it shouldn’t have any problem flying around, and it's faster than Unity.”

“Good, I think I’ll borrow it for a little while, there’s something I have to check by myself.”

Lana frowned. “Where are you going?”

Nori looked away, not meeting any of her friends’ eyes. “São Paulo.”

“Oh.” The Expert bit her lip.

“It shouldn’t take me very long. The rest of you can show Cattie around the ship.” The Navigator walked into the smaller vessel and a moment later it hummed into life and soared into the sky.

***