“Made it” might be speaking too soon.
Barb struggled up the ladder to the top deck, made hard because the ship was climbing steeply and fast. Her ears popped painfully, and she stifled a groan. On the top deck, anything loose had fallen against the rear bulkhead dividing off the bunk room from the living area. She almost had to climb into the cockpit, hanging onto anything she could get a handhold on. Taya glanced once at her as she hauled herself through the door, and her expression of relief was gratifying.
“You hurt?” Taya asked, a gruff, business-like edge to her voice.
“No,” Barb said, though she rubbed her painful ears. “Are they pursuing?”
“They’ve just left the ground.”
“Ten minutes behind. Can we maintain our lead?” Staying even five minutes ahead would let them get to the or
