Chapter 6

“That’s a relief. Have to give it to the engineers, they made a sturdy ship.”

The hull and transmitter, yes. In another area Jude had a quibble. “I could’ve gone for engines a bit more resistant to burnout.”

“Okay, that’d have been nice,” conceded Cal, “but for a minute there I wasn’t sure they’d last to get us clear of the dark matter, so we can’t complain too much.”

For the moment, Jude was happy to be alive and in possession of an operational transmitter. If rescue failed to come promptly, he reserved the right to bitch further about the engines.

“Atmosphere outside isn’t toxic, but low in oxygen,” he said, going to his computer. “Our C02 scrubbers look fine, so no crisis there.”

“Besides, the plants are doing well,” said Cal. It was a personal quirk of his that he insisted on keeping a few plants under a growing lamp in order to produce oxygen naturally.

“I’d rather not rely on three small plants.”