[Morning (EST), Tuesday March 23, 2077; Onboard the Kessell, North of Boston]

“Hopper” the Hispanic man replied tersely to Al’s introduction. If he was disturbed by Al’s burn scarred hands he gave no sign and gripped the proffered hand firmly. “If you’re riding up front with me you’d better strap in now, we’re going to be going hell for leather to get out of UCAS airspace as soon as possible. We’ll head north and skip across Quebec, pick up my zep there and coast along through Algonkian, head south through Salish and make the final jump to Sioux lands as fast as possible. It’s more borders but an easier trip, less eyes, and the smallest amount of time over Sioux lands. Settle in, tray tables up and all that crap”

He keyed an internal speaker to address the others riding in the centre of the bird

> Strap in, this will be fast and bumpy!

#84