Vespris rode upon calm seas in the gray morning light, what movement she did make accountable only to the ocean current. Jem and Nico stood side-by-side at the port shotsman's station, watching as the twelve drones lined up by the elevator from belowdecks. Mister Sharples stood to one side, while Deera inspected each drone, nodding as she walked along. She reached the end drone, and patted it affectionately. "You understand the mission, Number One?"
"Yes. We are to locate any life forms att