“I brought you a hot chocolate.”
Jess jerked out of the trance, heart hammering. It took him several rapid breaths to realise it was Ali that had spoken. He spun around in the pilot’s chair to find her standing holding a steaming mug and with a knowing grin on her face.
“Sorry,” she said. “Did I wake you up?”
“No,” he mumbled through a yawn. “No. I wasn’t asleep. Just resting.”
“Sure. I could see that.”
“No, really. I was aware of everything going on…”
He stopped, realising events clearly proved him wrong. What had happened? Had he fallen asleep? No. The Wanderer confirmed that he hadn’t. But then why hadn’t he noticed Ali approaching? He should have known the moment she left her room.
He asked the Wanderer what had happened. The ship seemed confused. It hadn’t detec
