"Warp us to the starbase at Horus II. Know how to do it?"
The corner of Sofie's mouth turned up slightly.

Ed's did too. [i]Watch and learn, captain. She's the best dang pilot this side of the galaxy. Of course she can do it.[/i] He looked on with pride as Sofie commanded the other pilot seat, and watched in awe as her fingers danced along the control panel to select coordinates, tweak autopilot settings, and adjust flight controls. When her hand moved to take the throttle, Ed forgot to remove his, and their hands briefly touched. Though she swiftly curled her fingers away, the damage was done - the place where she touched him became sacred ground to the lovestruck man. Ed could still feel the tingle long after contact was lost. He blushed and released the throttle, struggling to hide his growing smile.

Sofie eased the throttle forward. The gentle acceleration pressed them into the backs of their seats, giving them a true, thrilling sense of flight that simulators could never fully replicate. The fusion rockets propelled the Raving Maiden through Crescent Prime's atmosphere, past the planetary shield barrier, and out into open space. The stars glittered like a million jewels in a midnight sea, and when the warp drive activated, every single one of them became like shooting stars, as if were wishing the young passengers safe travels on their maiden voyage out before fading into the black.

Captain Darcy let out an exaggerated sigh of relief and clapped his hands. "Your technique could use some improvement here and there, but that was a solid first try for a newbie pilot. Nicely done, m'girl. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a nap in my bunks. Do not disturb me until we arrive at our destination, understand? Good." Without waiting for their response, Darcy flung his jacket over one shoulder and lumbered down the hall to his quarters.

Ed looked at Sofie and grinned. "[i]Your technique could use some improvement![/i]" he mocked. "Screw that! You did great, Sofie. Flawless technique. That old geezer doesn't hold a candle to you; I bet he's just embarrassed you showed him up on his own ship. He seems like a nice guy, though. I'd bet anything he's got some wild stories to tell."