Manuel paused outside the hatch. He vaguely paid attention to the girl beside him. He knew she was there and why, but it was okay with him. People were mean to him his whole life so her attitude was nothing new. Besides, he could tell she was someone who didn't know better so he gave her the benefit of the doubt.

His whole being instead focused on the arching swell of the hull of the Horizon as it rose from the dirt where the grand old ship lay at rest. On the surface, as ...