Excerpt: The Road Two

“The nearest outpost that isn’t a complete Earth Corp planet is Macon 4,” Bea said, checking the navigation screen. “We’ll head for that and wait for your call.”
“Got it,” Viola said. “Anything special you want me to relay to your wife?”
Rex was silent for a moment. “Just tell her the usual.”
Viola turned towards Kathryn.
“Ditto. And tell her we’re not coming home without them.”
The engines roared to a stop a few hundred yards from the center of the village. Kathryn could see people scurrying about. Unexpected visitors always set them on edge.
Kathryn hit the hatch release and the gangplank hissed down.
“Be careful,” Viola said. “And good luck. And as Jack would say, May the Force be with you.” She stepped down the gang plank and waved goodbye as Kathryn closed the hatch.
“I never exactly got what that meant,” Rex said.
“Gravity, man. Everybody needs gravity,” Bea shouted as she hit the thrusters and powered them out into space.