The air on the bridge was harsh. Roche had told his officers that Commander Gonzalez had detailed information about enemy deployments and there was no safe route around them. So they were going to push their way through in three to four final jumps depending on how long Ryan could keep the QSG balanced. The journey was getting close to the end, but nerves were raw. They were seeing action more frequently and with greater forces. It was clear the enemy was hunting for them, and they were alone against an entire hostile race. Most everyone was glad to be making a straight shot for home, but fear was there too. Roche could feel it all around them. They had another four hours before they could make their next jump. There was concern that the enemy would find them again before then and
