“This is surprisingly comfortable, isn’t it?” said Jake, relaxing in a big leather seat in the cockpit.

“It’ll be even more comfortable when we’re up in the air, cruising on autopilot,” said Leina.

“True,” replied Jake.

Repeating instructions to himself, he went through the combination of buttons that started the engines, and was rewarded by a satisfying roar. “We’re ready to go!” he beamed.

“Let’s do it!” said Leina.

“O-.” Jake stopped pre-k. “Dammit!”

“What’s the matter Jakey?”

“I’ve left my bag over there,” said Jake, pointing across the dusty floor. “Can you go and get it for me?”

“You get it!” said the indignant looking Leina. “I’m a lady, I should stay here.”

“It’ll be worth your while…” said Jake with a kiss and a wink of false sincerity that really impressed himself.

Leina sighed, and got out of the chair. She had waited long enough to get her Jakey, she didn’t want to mess it up now.

Jake grinned as he saw her sliding across the floor to his bag. His plan was complete. The doors were open, the force from the starting sequence would surely throw Leina out of the ship, and he would fly off, on his own, to make his escape.

“Time to go,” he whispered as he hit the big green button to take off.

WARNING! shouted the spaceship at him. YOU NEED TWO PILOTS TO CONTROL THIS SHIP. PLEASE FIND YOUR CO-PILOT.

“Two pilots? What a bloody stupid idea.” Jake panicked as he saw Leina, the scarily over-keen girl from his office walking back towards the ship. Not only was he having to elope with her when he was finally starting to like Jaska, but she was now on a promise. From him.