Laris System

Vel answers, "We've entered the jump lane to the Laris system. Its main feature is the Laris Junction, which connects to the Hades, Praxis, and XM-41 jump lanes. There are no habitable worlds or known outposts; records indicate an abandoned TerraFirm mining base near the junction. Estimated time of arrival is 11.39 Earth hours."

"And where are we headed from there?" you ask.

"The Hades jump lane offers the quickest route to the Deltor System." Vel looks over at you. "The AI will be able to maintain our course in the jump lane until arrival."

"Do it," you say. "Looks like we've got some time. Let's relax and rest up before we exit the lane."

"John," you hear Osha say. "I will bring Holton back to his quarters." She has an arm around the still shaking merchant in an attempt to comfort him. You give her a nod and they leave the bridge. You look over at Kalis; she appears to be running diagnostics on the weapons systems. She looks up for a moment, giving you an unreadable look before turning her attention back to the weapons console.

Suddenly, you feel two arms wrap around your waist as Vel hugs you from behind. "So, John," she says in a low, sultry voice, "you said you wanted to relax?"