XV
The ValleyAfter an hour of inspection and diagnostics with Luke Rickman, Jules and Tom finally decided the hopper was air-worthy. The Firefly would never break atmo again, not with her damage, but Jules and Luke determined it would survive at least a few trips to the valley and back. She'd keep it low and slow, skimming the tops of the massive trees they'd hiked through.
Ideally, they should have waited until morning, but their position was precarious at best and could turn downright deadly if the weather turned or worse, the sky crabs returned.
Especially if the sky crabs returned.
“You sure this is a good idea?”
A bemused smile crossed Jules's lips at the barely concealed anxiety in Tom's voice as he braced himself in the co-pilot's chair next to her. His presence at her side me
