Jonah stood at the base of the boarding ramp, looking back at the Academy one last time. From this height, the huge complex looked almost peaceful.
"Are you having second thoughts on this?" Vanessa asked beside him. She carried two bags of equipment, filled with every tool and diagnostic device she thought they might need.
"A million of them." Jonah tried to smile. "But we are doing it anyway."
Princess Ariana walked down the ramp behind them. She carried nothing except her sword. "The Empress sent me a message," she said. "She reminded me that I am representing our nation on this journey."
"No pressure, right?" Vanessa said.
"Only the fate of two worlds." Ariana made a small smile, showing she was joking.
"No pressure at all."
Above them, Nomad was held in its dock. The huge ship looked healthier than it had in weeks. Its solar sails were folded but gleaming, ready to catch starlight.
Jonah felt the connection through his God Mark. Nomad was nervous. He could sense it.
