Worlds Without End: The Mission (Book 1)

  **********

  A few moments later, Jake and Skip floated through the payload-deck in their flight suits. They were within fifty feet of NightHawk. Jake loved the little ship; not that it was little. It was only little compared to Mars II. Nonetheless, Jake loved to fly it. It flew a lot like the new F-81 Tigers that the Air Force used, which were actually updated versions of the F-22 Raptors. It could maneuver as well in space as it did in an atmosphere and, with hover technology, there wasn't any need for a runway. Its sleek and slim design resembled the F-117 Nighthawks of the earlier twenty-first century. The only difference was that it was longer and wider, and could accommodate seven passengers comfortably with bathroom facilities and sleeping quarters for each crewmember.

  Jake opened the door in the back of the craft, and the two entered. NightHawk's computer chirped. "Welcome, Commander Palmer and Doctor Hendricks."

  Jake secured his backpack under his seat. He responded as he and Skip buckled themselves into their seats; Jake in the pilot's seat on the left and Skip in the copilot's seat on the right. "Computer, prepare for flight and descent to Mars."

  "Yes, Commander," the ship's computer replied as the craft came to life. The computer panels lit up, and the engine began to hum.

  "Taylor."

  "Yes, Commander."

  "Open the payload doors."

  "Roger that."

  Skip spoke as the doors began to open. "Do you think we'll find anything down there?"

  Jake looked at Skip and said, "I hope not."

  Skip gave Jake a puzzled look.

  Jake continued. "I mean ? honestly, I wish your wormhole theory was right. I don't want to go down there and find anything because I know that there was no way that my dad and his crew could have survived this long on Mars. If I find my dad is dead down there, I don't know what I would do."

  Skip didn't speak. He only nodded in acknowledgment and watched as Jake maneuvered NightHawk out of Mars II.