The crowd started to back away. James couldn’t understand a word they’d said, but he didn’t need to. He staggered to the control console. The Sojourner’s startup sequence was complete. Its propellers were already idling, filling the air outside with a cloud of dust. He smashed his fist into it. “Take us up, Forerunner. And close the fucking ramp.” He slid down the side of the ship, blood still dribbling from within the suit.