Cursing again, he writhed about and once more stared up at the banks of panels.
But that was all that he could do. He did not even dare to rise and experiment with the controls spread out before him, for fear someone below would glimpse the movement.
Then, from the hold, there rose a sudden clatter.
Jarl swung back to the plastic window, craning and peering.
Below, the main hatch of rey Gundre's ship was opening. Blue-uniformed Federation crewmen poured out, weapons glinting, and took up positions amid the debris.
In the same instant, the high whine of a light, fast-traveling carrier cut through the hold.
A moment later, a slim, swift craft dropped through the gaping hole in the ancient hull and set down for a landing.
Its prow was marked with Bor Legat's black lightning-flash insignia.
Incredulously, Jarl dug his nails into the plastic.