Someone wrenched open the door, and a familiar man exhaled at the sight of her. “Hell, Mitz, get in here.”

Mitzi jumped through the doorway, and her companion slammed the door closed in the security guard’s face then beamed at her. “Do you have any idea how close you cut that? I was just leaving.”

“Nic,” Mitzi gasped, pressing at the aching stitch in her side and feeling happier to see the pilot than she’d ever been in her life. She wanted to hug him but settled for punching his arm as hard as she could.

“Quick, we’d better take off before they decide to cancel the flight altogether.” Nic ushered her into the cockpit and slid into the leather pilot’s seat while Mitzi took the passenger seat. The ship had already been prepped for takeoff, and Nic quickly unlocked the passageway that connected the ship to the station before he pushed down on the lever to urge the engines into action. Their ship shuddered then ground forward, towards the airlock.

Mitzi didn’t dare speak as they eased the ship into the dark room then waited as the doors closed behind them and the air was pumped out. The gates ahead of them opened, letting them outside the city’s biosphere and giving the ship a clear run towards the atmosphere. Nic kicked the engines into action and sent the ship soaring towards the sky, and Mitzi could finally breathe properly.

“I didn’t think I was going to make it.” She massaged her temple, where a headache had flared.

“I knew you would.” Nic’s cocky grin stretched across his face. “As soon as I saw your name on the mission’s list, I knew you’d get here come hell or high water. It’s good to have you back, Captain.”

Mitzi laughed, realising that she was, really and truly, back. You made it, girl. You’re in the defence force again… even if it is for just one trip.

“You won’t believe how hard I had to delay, though,” Nic said, grinning wolfishly as their ship rose above the planet.

Mitzi gazed out the windows at the little bubbles below, each bubble holding a city, all interconnected by tunnels. “Yeah?

“Yeah. I made two trips to the bathroom, and even pretended I’d dropped my keys in the waiting area. You wouldn’t believe how mad the staff were, but I didn’t want to leave without you.”

Mitzi reached across the seats to give Nic’s head and shoulders a tight squeeze, then she punched his arm again to stop him from getting any ideas that she’d gone soft.

Nic was much younger than Mitzi, but they’d been on several missions together. She was glad to have him as their pilot. He had a level head and just enough of a sense of adventure to agree to her plans.

“Buckle up,” Nic said, indicating the lightening sky. “We’re nearly at the atmosphere. After that, it’s just a short trip to the wormholes and three hours to touchdown at your location. You ready for it?”