We're in Space ... So What?

Chapter 17: Um... Why is Our Ship On Fire?

It was the last day for repairs, and the tension in the air was undeniable. Jamie and Judah had poured nearly all of their remaining money into getting the ship up and running again. They'd scraped by with just enough left for the essentials-barely enough to survive in case things went south again. But for now, they were feeling hopeful. Angelia had spent the last few days working tirelessly on the ship, and now, as the morning light streamed through the shipyard, she seemed proud of her work.

She stood back, arms crossed, looking over the ship with a slight smile. "You guys are good to go," she said confidently, giving a firm nod. "You'll be safe out there in space."

Judah and Jamie exchanged glances, relieved. They knew they'd pushed their luck getting this far. Just as they were about to respond, Ryan arrived. His appearance lightened the mood immediately, especially with his fresh stubble, which Jamie and Judah couldn't help but tease him about again.

Ryan laughed and waved them off, clearly in good spirits after his week at the bar. "It's been a good week," he said, grinning. "I learned a lot and met some cool people. I'm actually grateful for the experience."

They congratulated him, giving him a pat on the back as they prepared to leave. The moment felt bittersweet, knowing they were leaving behind Angelia, who had become part of their short, strange adventure.

Jamie was the first to approach her. He reached out his hand to shake hers, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. "Thanks for everything," he said, giving her a bittersweet smile. The handshake lingered, and then, unexpectedly, he pulled her in for a hug. The hug was deep, more emotional than Jamie anticipated, and he could feel in the way Angelia held on that she would miss him. She didn't say anything, but the silence said enough.

Ryan, always the nice guy, followed up with a hug as well. He smiled warmly at her and said, "Take care of yourself, alright? Maybe we'll cross paths again." She chuckled at that, her typical guarded demeanor softening for a moment as she returned his hug.

As Jamie and Ryan headed back into the ship to give Judah and Angelia some space, Judah stepped forward. He was a little more awkward, but there was sincerity in his eyes. "Listen," he began, "if you ever want to talk again or if you're ever in a jam, you can reach me." He handed her a small device with his contact information.

Angelia took it, clearly touched. She tucked it into her pocket and gave him a nod. "I appreciate that," she said, her voice softer than usual. "Really."

She bit her lip, hesitating for a second before waving goodbye. Judah gave her one last smile before turning toward the ship. He was halfway up the ramp when her transmitter rang again.

The moment the call came in, Angelia's face darkened. She answered quickly, her boss's voice barking through the line in an alien language. She tried to brush him off, but it was too late.

Suddenly, the distant hum of engines cut through the air, and within moments, a group of militants stormed into the shipyard, surrounding the ship. Angelia's expression tightened with panic. They weren't just any random thugs-these were serious players, armed and ready to take what they wanted.

Judah, halfway up the ramp, spun around at the commotion. "Angelia!" he yelled, rushing back toward the open hatch. He saw the panic in her eyes as she tried to signal him without drawing too much attention to herself.

Inside the ship, Jamie was already trying to boot up the controls. "What the hell is going on?" he muttered under his breath, frantically hitting switches as the engines struggled to come to life.

Ryan, always the technical guy, was checking the systems, monitoring power levels and defenses. "We've got systems errors all over. They're not ready yet," he called out. "We need more time!"

Outside, Judah reached the open hatch and yelled to Angelia. "What's happening? Are these guys with you?"

Angelia, standing frozen for a second, gave him a hard look. "They want the ship. My boss-he's not happy with the deal I made. But I'll handle it," she said through gritted teeth.

Judah cursed under his breath, torn between running back inside to help Jamie and Ryan or staying out here to help her. But there was no time to think. One of the militants pointed his weapon at Judah, and that was enough to snap him into action.

"Jamie, Ryan, get the ship running!" Judah yelled, turning back to Angelia. "We'll cover you! Just... do whatever you need to do!"

Angelia nodded, her eyes flickering with a mixture of guilt and determination. She had dragged them into this mess, but now it was her turn to make things right-or at least try to. As the militants closed in, it became clear that whatever her plan was, it would have to happen fast.

The next few minutes would decide whether they made it out alive.