The shuttle hatch closes with a sigh as the airlock engages and I take my seat behind the bridge controls.

‘Captain,’ says Michael, a mix of terror and excitement in his eyes. ‘Good luck.’

It still feels weird to be called ‘Captain’, as if I’m an imposter, a stowaway who snuck into the captain’s clothes when she wasn’t looking.

‘Come on, Michael. You’ve been calling me Lou outside the ship, call me Lou inside the ship. You’re putting me on edge.’

I give our navigation officer a wink and turn to address the rest of the crew, turning on the intercom so those on different levels can hear too, then I clap my hands together once.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen. I am trusting each and e...

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