Inbound

"I think I'm good enough to land the job," Stated Derrel, who turned, and arched an eyebrow. "If I can prove myself, and safely get These supplies to the colony. Besides, You know much they need us!" His co-pilot, Allen, have him a sincere look, and nodded. "Yes, you know, I am just as interested As you in Hearth. I thought that I would maybe Settle there for a time, but now that I Have found this job, I'm reconsidering A chance to do something that's really great, Something important for the colony..." Derrel leaned back, was silent for a moment, Then checked the flight map, and said, "You do know That means a lot of long hours? This is not The easiest job on the psyche? One Could go crazy out here, as lonesome as It is. What if you get a talkative Co-pilot or something?" and gave a smirk. "I know you're joking, but..." Allen began, But was abruptly halted in his sentence By a loud bang, and they scrambled to check The guages, when the lights and instruments Went out, leaving them in complete darkness But for the porthole windows and the meager Light they afforded the interior Of the cabin. "Oh, God," came Derrel, in A sudden, high pitched voice, "This... This is bad!" He reached out, grabbed Allen's arm, and shook him. "Everything's shot!" "What do you mean!?" said Allen, "Everything?" "Everything!" barked Derrel. "We must have been hit by an EMP." He then squeezed Allen's arm, and took a breath. "Quick! To the back! We're getting out of here. We're too far from the trade route to be found In time with life support out. Just be thankful Our escape pod's designed to work in such A case. With its on-board propulsion systems Being mechanical, it's our one chance At getting back to the trade route, where we May or may not find rescue.... All we Can do is hope."