Momentum came as a blessing. Ryan had pulled off another miracle, getting two of the three main engines working again. With the capacity of moving at 2/3 cruising speed, the Phoenix was able to limp its way over to a small star system populated by a handful of gas giants and a few dozen rock-like moons. No life detected of any kind, which made it a perfect hiding spot while they made repairs and proceeded with Ryan's plan to cut the ship down.

Life aboard the ...