E X C E R P T
Driving a stolen hovercraft near the speed of sound draws attention like the buzzing of a thousand fireflies, so Thalassa cruises under the radar, drawing no red alerts. Downloads surge through every mind-channel as drone flight vectors cross a map. A complete awareness of all smart technology floods into her, yet parts of her mind read, No Admittance - Access Denied.

E X C E R P T 
Vision blinks in and out, her mind an unsolvable equation. As fuel depletes she prepares alternate transportation; a spiral drill with a crushed velvet seat and dual cup-holders - special order. She reclines in the seat, adjusts her black-rimmed cellophane skirt, and rubs her arms while a curved piece of glass lowers over her.

E X C E R P T
Binary code flickers down the navigation screen. She responds as fluid as returning a Frisbee throw, absorbing it, communicating in a language central to the universe itself.

Pressure punches her stomach at the moment of take-off, the drill whirling and grinding down through the planet. A rough ride, but her ride has just begun.

E X C E R P T
Icy walls crack deep inside a cave, a fissure lengthening across the ceiling. The wall gives way as the steel drill spirals forth, sending ice shavings and debris in every direction. People scurry, run to grab the nearest weapon, finding only icicles to defend themselves with, but one person meets Thalassa head on.

"Hell of an entrance," the woman says.