RZ-7 Fly Alone

They emerged from the shadow of the sinkhole and returned to the Avadora, which was waiting for them right where they’d left it. It was a little warm inside from sitting out in the sun, but Maize started up the life-support systems and got the temperature down in a matter of moments. She found the coordinates for Jakku and began to program them into the ship’s navicomputer.

“Everybody buckle up. We’ll clear the atmosphere, hit orbit, and then make the jump to hyperspace—so we can get a few hours of sleep. It’s past our bedtime already, and it’ll be a while before we get where we’re going.”

Karr checked the ship’s console data. “It’s past our bedtime?”

“Uh-huh. It’s past mine, anyway. I don’t know about you, but I could use a nap.”

“Does this thing have”—he looked around—“living quarters?”

“It has a couple of pullout beds and a facility for washroom business. That’s about it. This isn’t a long-haul passenger transport. It’s meant to be comfortable and fast. It’s not meant for weeks of space time. Arzee?”

“Yes, madam?”

“You’ll keep watch for us, won’t you?”

“Absolutely. Get some rest, and I’ll finish configuring my pilot protocols so I can fly the ship. If I must. Without assistance. For emergency purposes, you understand. Should you or Karr become incapacitated.”

While RZ-7 made the jump to hyperspace, the kids tucked into their respective sleeping nooks and the lights dimmed. Karr hadn’t even realized how tired he was, but it’d been a busy day.


- Force Collector, Chapter 8