We boarded and she immediately told the ship’s computer to power up and make for orbit. I felt the engines hum to life, the vibration coming through my shoes as I stood on the polished hardwood deck. “Computer,” she barked. “Change course to alternate itinerary B, but do not log the course change with Luna Central.” She looked at me and winked. “The radar buoys will spot us veering from our designated space lane, but we’ll have shifted to translight by then.” I smiled at her. “It seems I’ve put myself into the right hands.” Her smile touched her eyes, which grew heavy and suggestive. “We can talk about that later. Make yourself comfortable, and I’ll be back in a moment.” She jogged down a narrow corridor to what I guessed was her stateroom aft. I stood in one of the big bubble windows, watching the Luna city lights twinkle and reflect off the big dome. The vessel swung around, and in less than five seconds it sped toward deep space, the stars floating gently past, then faster as the engines packed on the thrust.
