Asbriong 7

"Whadd'ya see, Pol? Talk to me!" Hable grit his teeth against the changing pressure, clicking his inner ear to equalize in a way he had been capable of since memory but couldn't explain to others.

"She's big and the light's bad, I brought us round a bit. We'll hit middle."

"Middle's nothing. I want something deep!"

"I see it! Right again hard! Keep going! Stop!"

"Canyon?"

"I've got us a good one! She's a slow roller, we'll make it! You'll like this one!"

"Not dark?"

"Let me worry about that!"

"Pol!"

"Shut the fuck up and trust me!"

There was nothing else to do. Hable couldn't see their destination. It was only his strength and Pol's eyes that would land them. He counted a few breaths.

"Just tell me when to 'chute!"

"Naw, I'll just jump and watch y'all crash flat as pancakes."

That brought a chuckle out of Hable. He didn't relax, it was impossible, but a space of clarity lent him patience. He closed his eyes, the box spoke to him.

Something was wrong. A snapping vibration sent his heart racing.