Jess felt the knot in his stomach ease the moment Dash made his announcement. Things were still bad, but at least the fleet had a focus now, one that was already pulling everyone back together.
Ali leaned forward and squeezed his shoulder.
“You see?” she said. “Things are working out, and without you having to try and take control.”
Jess nodded. “I’ve had my issues with Dash, but right now I’m damn glad he’s stepping in.”
Clay was looped into their conversation now, though still sitting in his fighter in the docking bay.
“It helps,” he said. “But we’ve lost a lot of ships to Sal and any chance to prepare properly. I don’t see how we can manage to win here, even with the Wanderer helping.”
“If only we could get Sal’s ships back into the fight,” said Jess.
“I don’t think that’s g
