I add more kick to get us over a swift-approaching mountain, passing close enough to the peak that my entire body clenches—but we pass by without a scrape. Course correct, three degrees west. We’re on target now. Good. Now we need to come down slow… slower… maybe not that slow. There. There’s the sweet spot. Set the wheels down in three, two…

My back slams against my seat as we touch the surface, thrusting my mind back into my body. I blink rapidly, grip the control wheel, and ease us into a stop. The wheels slip on ice, but I fight the urge to slam on the brakes, knowing they’ll find purchase eventually—and they do. Fortuna comes to a stop just inside the shelter of the rocky cave I was aiming for.

This time there are no alarms wailing, no smoke, no flashing warnings. We made it. It wasn’t a perfect landing, but I’ll be damned if it wasn’t the closest I’ve ever gotten. I sink back in my seat with a satisfied sigh. The feeling is almost as good as being drunk.

For a minute I stay in my seat, half expecting Momma to come in and congratulate me on a landing well done. Once the lingering adrenaline drains away and leaves me clearheaded, I realize how foolish that is. The only time she ever barges into the cockpit is when I screw up. Since things went according to plan, she’s likely already moving on to step two, along with the rest of my family. I sigh and climb to my feet, giving the control wheel an affectionate thump before following the voices down to the cargo bay.

The moment I reach the bottom of the stairs, a pile of assorted clothing hits me in the chest, and I scramble to catch it before it falls.

“The hell took you so long? Gear up,” Momma snaps at me, while I blink at the pile of equipment in my arms. “There’s a storm warning. We need to reach the city.”

The rest of my siblings are already half suited up, donning the protective outer layers and heavy boots necessary to brave Titan. At first I’m surprised to see everyone dressed for the surface; usually Lyre, at least, prefers to stay behind on the ship while we’re here.

But of course, everyone must be eager to see Corvus. I’m the only one who seems to hold any reservations about our big brother’s return to the family. A sour taste in the back of my mouth chases away the lingering sense of accomplishment from the landing.