The van's tires slammed into the ground on the other side with a jolt, the suspension screaming as if unable to bear both the weight and momentum. The vehicle bounced once, twice, before finally regaining stability. The impact rocked the cabin—medical kits flew from shelves, a toolbox clattered to the floor, and Ren was thrown forward, held back only by his seatbelt.
Still, he gripped the wheel tightly, eyes locked on the path ahead.
Smoke billowed from the rear tires, and several dashboard panels blinked yellow, warning of repulsor system overheating. But Ren paid them no mind.
In one smooth, instinctive motion, he jerked the steering wheel right, causing the van to swing in a tight half-circle on the gravel. The tires scraped the hard surface, sending up tiny sparks, and now the vehicle's nose pointed straight at… Trek.
