“Oh, sorry, Nathan, I didn’t mean to startle you, it’s just that this so-called ‘Null Tunnel’ method of achieving faster-than-light speed makes no sense.” Her voice became frustrated. “It’s not a wormhole or space folding. So how else is it possible to cross any distance while standing in place?

The young man simply shrugged at her.

A beeping dot appeared on the giant wall monitor, and the young woman’s fingers ran over the light console, zooming in on it. “It’s the shuttle. Nori’s coming back!”

A moment later the entire freighter shuddered as the shuttle docked. Lana stifled a yawn and stretched. She beckoned Nathan, and the two walked over to the living quarters to greet Nori.

The Navigator emerged from the shuttle bay, carrying two large water containers. Her eyes darted around, taking in her surroundings, then she offered the two students a faint smile. “Hey, guys, was everything alright while I was gone?”

“Yep.” Lana stifled another yawn. “No new Warped appeared. I learned how to access the ship’s external cameras so I could keep an eye out for them, and I’ve been going over the data Alzigo gave us. Bulco got back a while ago and has been locked up in the engine room ever since. Is that water? I’m kinda thirsty. Isn't it weird there’s no kitchen on this ship?”

Nori blinked at the suddenly chatty woman. “Ah, yeah, I brought some water like you asked. Even got a few energy bars in case anyone got the munchies.”

“Sorry if I’m blabbering.” This time, Lana couldn’t hide her yawn. “I tend to do that when I’m tired. I’ve been standing in front of the monitors for hours. What kind of twisted alien forgets to add basic comforts like chairs? I’d even settle for a bar stool at this point.”

Nori smiled at the red-eyed woman. “We should all get some sleep, it’s been a long day. I just want to grab a quick word with Bulco first, and--”

“I’m right here,” the large man said in his thick voice, stepping into the quarters. “Felt the shuttle touch-down. How did it go?”

“Not bad. Gave the remaining Zappers to the Old Stadium and helped them level up a bunch of their guards. They’re in good hands. Martin knows what he’s doing. They should be able to hold out on their own for a while longer.”

Bulco nodded. “Good. That leaves the Grand Mall and Lou’s Yard for us to check out. We should go to them first thing tomorrow—if another level six Warped shows up, they’ll be defenseless.”

“Does that mean you got the new cartridge design to work?”