The young Starbounders had deactivated the autopilot so they could all get some practice in. It also helped pass the time during the long flight between space folds. Kaylee and Ryic were in the main cabin playing an impromptu game of zero-gravity soccer. Kaylee had blown air into a rubber glove taken from one of the first aid kits and was kicking it from wall to wall as Ryic tried to intercept it. “Come on, Ryic, if you’re frustrated, talk some trash,” Kaylee said. “I have no interest in speaking about garbage,” he replied. “My focus is on winning.” Zachary could hear Kaylee kick the makeshift balloon ball. There was a pop followed by a whizzing sound, and the deflated glove zipped past his shoulder, making a high-pitched squeal before smacking into the cockpit window. Kaylee soared up beside him. “Sorry, hit the tip of my boot,” she said. “That sound,” Zachary said, still cringing. “It’s worse than nails on a chalkboard for me.” “Really?” Kaylee asked. “A deflating balloon?”
