N-XS made similar repairs to the severed lines on the pod. All the remaining entrails of the craft lay scattered about, and her only hope now was that they were part of the life-support systems, not the small ship's own drive.

Lithely she swung up into the pod through the open hatch. It was as she had left it, except for the colour of the core. It blushed a deep purple, self conscious and shy, unused to being taken on social outings.

N-XS secured the hatch and hopped into the jump seat. She flipped switches and the ship came to life.

Then N-XS saw Smit through the pod's forward screen. He was running towards her.