Maintenance delayed the launch of the passenger cruiser for fifteen minutes.

Nova felt anxious, strapped in to the seat.

... Going home.

... Going home with William.

He wouldn't say as much, but the thought of Irdat looking down at him with that harshness in her eyes... Like he was still some sort of victim.

There hadn't even been any words said.

Most everyone in the liner was settled in; William was leaned over on his shoulder, and he yawned.

" I'm going to sleep, so wake me up when we hit the Ruxiam Belt," he said.

" Implying I'll still be awake by then."

" Fair point."