The skycraft slipped back into the maintenance hangar at the Nexus Arena with less than an hour to spare before dawn. The eastern horizon was just beginning to lighten as they powered down the engines and completed their post-flight checks.
"Clean mission," Lucas remarked, stretching as they exited the craft. "Apart from the prison break we didn't actually cause."
"Don't jinx it," Kelvin warned. "We're not in the clear until we're back in our quarters with no one the wiser."
Sophie remained silent as she secured the craft, methodically erasing any evidence of their unauthorized excursion. Her movements were precise, professional—giving nothing away of her thoughts or feelings.
Noah checked his wristband. "0432 hours. I need to return Miss Brooks' clearance chip before she has my head for it"