“Gabriel, if you order the most expensive thing on that menu just because it’s the most expensive thing on the menu, I’m going to bite you.”
Gabriel looked up from his tablet.
His blue eyes widened with theatrical indignation.
“Captain, I am deeply offended.”
Thane raised an eyebrow.
“Are you?”
“Absolutely. I would never order something merely because of its price.”
Mark, walking beside them, made a skeptical noise.
Gabriel ignored him.
“I would order it because it’s an extraordinary culinary experience, prepared by a highly trained chef using ingredients imported from three different star systems.”
Thane looked at the menu displayed on Gabriel’s tablet.
“That steak costs two hundred forty credits.”
“Two hundred thirty-eight.”
“Oh, pardon me.”
“Precision matters, Captain.”
Mark glanced over.
“Does it come with the animal?”
Gabriel grinned.
“For that price, it had better come with a personal apology from the rancher.”
Thane burst out laughing.
The three wolves continued down Calder Station’s commercial promenade, drawing the occasional glance from passing pedestrians.
They were difficult to overlook.
Thane and Gabriel stood seven feet tall, broad-shouldered and powerfully built, their brown and black fur contrasting against the clean shirts and trousers they’d selected for the evening. Mark, at six feet five, was somewhat shorter but no less unmistakably wolfish, his gray-and-white coat neatly groomed.
All three walked barefoot, their broad, padded, clawed paws making soft contact with the promenade’s polished flooring.
People generally gave them room.
Not dramatically. Not with obvious alarm.
Just the subtle, almost unconscious adjustment that occurred when three large predators approached through a crowded space.
A pair of human maintenance workers stepped aside near a shop entrance. One nodded politely.
Thane returned the gesture.
A small, six-limbed alien merchant watched them pass with open curiosity.
Gabriel waved cheerfully.
The merchant waved back with three hands.
“Friendly place,” Gabriel observed.
“Most places are when you aren’t arguing with their billing department,” Mark replied.
Gabriel gave him a wounded look.
“I cannot believe how little appreciation I receive around here.”
Thane smiled.
“You received one hundred thirty-three thousand credits’ worth of appreciation this afternoon.”
“Technically, the company received that.”
“And who owns the company?”
Gabriel considered.
“Three exceptionally handsome wolves?”
“Two handsome wolves and you,” Mark said.
Thane laughed so hard he nearly walked into a decorative planter.
The Last Berth occupied the upper level of Calder Station’s western commercial promenade.
The restaurant had been operating for nearly forty years, according to Gabriel’s enthusiastic research, and had earned a reputation among commercial crews for excellent food, generous portions, and a drinks selection that ranged from affordable local brews to imported liquors costing more than a week’s docking fees.
Its entrance was framed by dark metallic panels and warm amber lighting.
A large sign displayed the establishment’s name beneath a stylized image of an old-fashioned spacecraft entering a docking berth.
Through the windows, Thane could see a spacious dining room filled with comfortable booths, polished tables, and decorative pieces salvaged from retired commercial vessels.
An enormous observation window occupied much of the far wall.
Beyond it stretched Calder Station’s industrial docking complex, illuminated by thousands of running lights.
Cargo vessels moved slowly between berths.
Service craft drifted among enormous structural supports.
Farther away, the blue-white curve of Veyra filled part of the view.
Thane stopped just inside the entrance.
“Well.”
Gabriel smiled.
“Told you.”
“Not bad.”
“Not bad? Captain, this is magnificent.”
Mark looked around.
“Looks comfortable.”
Gabriel stared at him.
“Mark, you could stand in the middle of the most spectacular palace in the galaxy and describe it as reasonably well constructed.”
The gray-and-white wolf considered that.
“Depends on the construction.”
Thane laughed.
A human hostess approached.
“Good evening, gentlemen. Welcome to The Last Berth.”
Gabriel smiled.
“Good evening. Reservation for Gabriel. Three.”
The hostess checked her terminal.
“Ah, yes. Eight o’clock. Observation window.”
“That’s us.”
She looked up at the three enormous wolves.
Then glanced toward the standard-sized seating near the window.
Her professional smile faltered for only a fraction of a second.
“Would you gentlemen prefer one of our larger booths?”
Thane grinned.
“That would be appreciated.”
“Of course. Right this way.”
The booth was enormous.
Designed for larger species, it featured deep upholstered seating, generous legroom, and a wide table that comfortably accommodated all three wolves.
Thane settled into the curved bench with a contented sigh.
“Oh, now this is nice.”
Gabriel slid into the opposite side.
“See? I know things.”
Mark sat beside him and examined the table.
“Solid construction.”
Gabriel closed his eyes.
“Of course that’s the first thing you notice.”
Thane laughed.
Their hostess handed them three menus.
“Your server will be with you shortly. Can I get you anything while you wait?”
Gabriel smiled.
“Three glasses of your best aged Veyran reserve whiskey.”
Mark looked at him.
“Gabriel.”
“What?”
“Do you even know what that costs?”
Gabriel grinned.
“Yes.”
Thane leaned back.
“Make it three.”
Mark sighed.
The hostess smiled.
“Excellent choice, gentlemen.”
She headed toward the bar.
Gabriel folded his paws on the table.
“Now, this is how you celebrate a successful contract.”
Thane looked through the observation window.
Somewhere among the docking structures, Freya rested in Berth Seventeen.
They couldn’t see her from this angle.
But he knew exactly where she was.
He smiled.
“Yeah. I think we’ve earned it.”
The whiskey arrived in heavy crystal glasses.
It was excellent.
Smooth, warm, and carrying a complex smoky flavor that lingered pleasantly after each sip.
Mark examined his glass.
“All right.”
Gabriel looked delighted.
“All right?”
“This is good.”
Gabriel leaned back triumphantly.
“Ha!”
Thane took another sip.
“Very good.”
“Thank you, gentlemen. I accept your compliments.”
“We were complimenting the whiskey,” Mark said.
“Which I selected.”
“By reading the menu.”
“An underappreciated skill.”
Thane chuckled.
They spent the next several minutes discussing the Mercy Dawn job.
Gabriel remained particularly pleased with the bonus.
Mark was more interested in the independent certification report.
Thane simply enjoyed watching his two old friends argue over which aspect of the contract had been most important.
It was a familiar rhythm.
And a comfortable one.
Then their server arrived.
“Good evening, gentlemen.”
The voice was youthful, pleasant, and just a little uncertain.
Thane looked up.
Standing beside the table was a young wolf.
He was considerably smaller than the three of them, perhaps six feet two inches tall, with rust-red fur, cream-colored markings across his muzzle and chest, and striking amber eyes.
His frame was lean rather than heavily muscled, though there was nothing particularly frail about him.
He wore black service trousers and a dark green restaurant shirt.
Like the three older wolves, he was barefoot.
His long rust-colored tail hung quietly behind him.
He carried a small ordering terminal in one paw.
And around his neck was a collar.
Not a decorative collar.
Not jewelry.
A substantial reinforced restraint device, dark gray, with a heavy locking mechanism beneath his throat and a small illuminated indicator along one side.
Thane recognized the general design immediately.
A labor-compliance restraint.
Tracking equipment, biometric monitoring, and an integrated electrical enforcement system.
He had seen similar devices used to secure violent prisoners during transfers.
He had never liked them.
And he liked seeing one on a restaurant server even less.
“Welcome to The Last Berth,” the young wolf continued. “My name’s Tavin. I’ll be taking care of you tonight.”
Thane looked into the youngster’s amber eyes.
“Evening, Tavin.”
Gabriel smiled.
“Hey there.”
Mark nodded politely.
Tavin glanced between them.
Three older wolves.
All considerably larger than himself.
For a moment, his ears shifted forward with interest.
Then he returned his attention to the ordering terminal.
“Have you gentlemen had a chance to look at the menu?”
Gabriel grinned.
“Oh, we’ve been studying it extensively.”
Thane rolled his eyes.
“He’s been studying the prices.”
Tavin smiled faintly.
“Well, if you want a recommendation, the grilled Veyran strip steak is excellent. And the imported mountain beef is very popular.”
Gabriel leaned forward.
“What about the three-system prime cut?”
Tavin glanced at his terminal.
“That’s one of our specialty selections.”
“Worth the price?”
The young wolf hesitated.
Then gave a small smile.
“Honestly, sir? I’ve never had it.”
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
“Never?”
“It’s pretty expensive.”
Mark nodded approvingly.
“At least somebody here understands that.”
Thane laughed.
Gabriel ignored him.
“Well, what would you order?”
Tavin considered.
“The strip steak, probably. With the roasted potatoes and the mushroom sauce.”
“Sounds good,” Thane said.
Tavin looked pleased.
“Would you like to start with appetizers?”
“Absolutely,” Gabriel replied.
Ordering dinner took nearly ten minutes.
Mostly because Gabriel insisted on asking about practically everything.
Tavin handled the questions patiently.
He knew the menu well, offered sensible recommendations, and seemed genuinely interested in making sure the three wolves enjoyed their meal.
Thane noticed that his smile became a little more natural as the conversation progressed.
He also noticed something else.
Whenever a particular human man appeared near the bar, Tavin’s posture changed.
His ears lowered slightly.
His shoulders tightened.
And one paw drifted unconsciously toward the restraint collar.
Thane glanced toward the man.
Middle-aged.
Heavyset.
Expensive shirt.
A small management insignia on his collar.
The man surveyed the dining room with the proprietary attention of someone who owned the place.
Then he looked toward Tavin.
The young wolf immediately straightened.
“Anything else I can get you gentlemen?”
Thane smiled.
“Not right now, son. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Tavin collected their menus.
“I’ll have your appetizers out shortly.”
He headed toward the kitchen.
Thane watched him go.
Gabriel was watching too.
So was Mark.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Gabriel quietly set down his glass.
“Well, that’s ugly.”
Thane nodded.
“Yep.”
Mark looked toward the bar.
“Labor restraint.”
“Looks like it,” Thane said.
Gabriel’s smile had disappeared.
“What the hell is a restaurant server doing wearing one of those?”
“Good question.”
Mark studied the man near the bar.
“Owner?”
“Possibly.”
Gabriel leaned back.
“I don’t like it.”
Thane took another sip of whiskey.
“Neither do I.”
He glanced toward the kitchen entrance.
“But let’s find out what’s going on before we make assumptions.”
Their appetizers arrived fifteen minutes later.
Tavin placed a large platter of roasted vegetables, seasoned meats, and warm bread in the center of the table.
“Here you go, gentlemen.”
Gabriel smiled.
“That smells fantastic.”
“Hope you enjoy it.”
Thane looked up.
“Tavin?”
“Yes, sir?”
“How old are you, son?”
The young wolf blinked.
“Nineteen.”
Thane nodded.
“Thought so. You from Calder?”
Tavin shook his head.
“No, sir. I’m from the Rellan settlements.”
Mark raised an eyebrow.
“Rellan?”
“Yes, sir.”
“We were just out there,” Thane said.
Tavin’s ears lifted.
“Really?”
“Yep. Salvage contract.”
The youngster looked between them.
“You’re spacers?”
Gabriel grinned.
“Professional collectors of other people’s expensive mistakes.”
Tavin laughed softly.
Thane smiled.
“We operate a salvage ship. Freya.”
“Freya,” Tavin repeated.
“That’s right.”
“That’s a pretty name.”
“She’s a pretty good ship.”
Mark took a sip of his drink.
“She’s due for a hull wash.”
Gabriel groaned.
“Will you stop?”
Tavin laughed again.
It was a pleasant sound.
Thane found himself smiling.
Then he glanced toward the collar.
“Tavin, mind if I ask you something personal?”
The young wolf hesitated.
“Depends, sir.”
“Fair enough.”
Thane gestured gently toward his own neck.
“What’s the story with that thing?”
Tavin’s expression changed.
His ears lowered.
He looked down at his ordering terminal.
“Oh.”
Thane waited.
The youngster touched the collar with one paw.
“It’s just… a work thing.”
Gabriel’s expression hardened slightly.
“A work thing?”
Tavin glanced toward the bar.
Then lowered his voice.
“I’m paying off a debt.”
Thane nodded slowly.
“That so?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Mind telling us about it?”
Tavin looked uncertain.
Thane gave him a reassuring smile.
“Only if you’re comfortable talking about it.”
The young wolf hesitated.
Then glanced toward the kitchen.
“I should probably check on your dinners.”
“Of course,” Thane said.
Tavin nodded gratefully.
“I’ll be right back.”
He hurried away.
Gabriel watched him disappear.
“Something’s wrong.”
Thane nodded.
“Very.”
Dinner arrived twenty minutes later.
The food was every bit as good as advertised.
Thane’s steak was perfectly cooked.
Mark approved of the roasted potatoes.
Gabriel spent the first five minutes making appreciative noises that became increasingly theatrical.
Tavin returned several times to check on them.
Each time, the three wolves treated him warmly.
Nobody pressed him about the collar.
Nobody made him feel like a spectacle.
Gradually, he relaxed.
At one point, Gabriel asked whether he’d ever worked aboard a spacecraft.
Tavin shook his head.
“No, sir.”
“Never?”
“Just passenger transports.”
“Well, that’s a tragedy.”
Thane smiled.
“Not everybody wants to spend their life crawling around inside broken machinery.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Speak for yourself.”
Mark looked up.
“You don’t crawl around inside broken machinery.”
“Not unless absolutely necessary.”
“Exactly.”
Tavin laughed.
Gabriel pointed at him.
“See? He understands me.”
Mark sighed.
“Poor kid.”
The young wolf laughed harder.
Then glanced toward the bar.
The laughter stopped almost immediately.
Thane noticed.
Again.
“Tavin,” he said gently.
The youngster looked back.
“Yes, sir?”
“You said you were from Rellan.”
“Yes.”
“How’d you end up working here?”
Tavin’s ears lowered.
He looked toward the kitchen.
Then at the three older wolves.
For a moment, Thane thought he might refuse to answer.
Instead, the youngster took a small breath.
“It’s kind of a long story.”
Thane smiled.
“We’ve got time.”
Tavin shifted his weight.
Then he spoke quietly.
“I was traveling with my uncle. He’d gotten into some trouble back home.”
Gabriel set down his fork.
“What kind of trouble?”
“I don’t really know all of it. He owed money to some people. Maybe more than that.”
Tavin looked embarrassed.
“He wasn’t a very good wolf.”
Thane said nothing.
“He took me along when he left Rellan. Said we were going to find work somewhere else.”
“Did you?” Mark asked.
Tavin shook his head.
“Not really.”
He glanced toward the bar again.
“Some bounty hunters caught up with him at a transit station. They had a warrant or something. Took him into custody.”
Thane frowned.
“And you?”
Tavin looked down.
“I was with him.”
“That wasn’t what I asked.”
The young wolf swallowed.
“They took me too.”
Gabriel’s ears flattened.
“On what charge?”
“I wasn’t charged with anything.”
For a moment, none of the older wolves spoke.
Tavin continued.
“They said I was part of his operation. That they couldn’t just leave me behind.”
Thane’s expression remained calm.
But something cold settled behind his blue eyes.
“What happened next?”
“They brought us here. My uncle got transferred to some security people.”
“And you?”
Tavin touched the collar again.
“The hunters were talking about what to do with me. Mister Braddock heard them.”
“Braddock?” Gabriel asked.
“The owner.”
Tavin nodded toward the man near the bar.
“He said he needed help in the restaurant. Offered to pay the hunters a thousand credits to settle whatever they claimed I owed them.”
Thane slowly set down his glass.
“Did you owe them anything?”
Tavin shook his head.
“No, sir.”
“Did you agree to this arrangement?”
The youngster hesitated.
“They told me it was better than being sent to a detention facility.”
Mark’s expression hardened.
Gabriel looked toward the owner.
Tavin continued quietly.
“Mister Braddock paid them. Then he said I had to work off the thousand credits.”
“And the collar?” Thane asked.
“Part of the agreement.”
“Whose agreement?”
Tavin didn’t answer.
He didn’t need to.
Thane leaned back.
He was very still.
Gabriel recognized the expression immediately.
So did Mark.
It was the look Thane got when something had deeply displeased him, but he hadn’t yet decided what to do about it.
“How long have you been here?” Thane asked.
“Almost two months.”
“Two months?”
Tavin nodded.
“What do they pay you?”
“Thirty credits a day, but they deduct food and housing and the collar service fee.”
Gabriel stared at him.
“Collar service fee?”
Tavin nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
Mark slowly folded his arms.
Thane kept his voice gentle.
“How much do you still owe?”
The young wolf opened his ordering terminal and checked a private account screen.
“Eight hundred seventy-two credits.”
Gabriel blinked.
“Eight hundred seventy-two?”
“Yes, sir.”
“After two months?”
Tavin looked embarrassed.
“I know. It’s taking longer than I thought.”
Thane studied the youngster.
Rust-red fur.
Amber eyes.
A pleasant face that should have been enjoying the uncomplicated beginnings of adulthood.
Instead, he stood beside their table wearing an electronic restraint device, apologizing because he hadn’t managed to work off a debt he never legitimately owed.
Thane felt his jaw tighten.
He deliberately relaxed it.
“Well,” he said quietly, “thank you for telling us, son.”
Tavin looked uncertain.
“You’re not going to say anything to Mister Braddock, are you?”
Thane smiled reassuringly.
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
The youngster hesitated.
Then nodded.
“I should get back to work.”
“Of course.”
Tavin collected an empty appetizer plate.
“Can I get you anything else?”
Gabriel smiled.
“Another round of these magnificent drinks, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And Tavin?”
“Yes?”
“You’re doing a hell of a good job tonight.”
The youngster’s ears lifted slightly.
“Thank you, sir.”
He hurried away.
For several seconds, the three wolves sat in silence.
Then Gabriel spoke.
Very quietly.
“Thane.”
“Yeah.”
“Tell me we’re not leaving that kid wearing that damned thing.”
Thane looked toward the bar.
Mister Braddock was speaking with a bartender.
The man laughed at something.
Then glanced toward the dining room.
Thane returned his attention to Gabriel.
“How much did he say?”
“Eight hundred seventy-two.”
Thane nodded.
“Go pay it.”
Gabriel looked at him.
“All of it?”
“Every credit.”
A slow smile spread across the black wolf’s muzzle.
Thane continued.
“And make sure that collar comes off. Completely. I want the alleged debt discharged in writing, no future obligations, no hidden fees, and no possibility of that bastard activating it afterward.”
Gabriel’s smile widened.
“With pleasure.”
Mark nodded.
“Get a copy of the original agreement too, if one exists.”
“Good idea,” Thane said.
He looked at Gabriel again.
“And be polite.”
Gabriel placed a paw against his chest.
“Captain, I am always polite.”
Mark gave him a long look.
Thane raised an eyebrow.
Gabriel sighed.
“Fine. I’ll be professionally polite.”
“That’ll do.”
The black wolf stood.
He straightened his shirt.
Then headed toward the bar.
Thane watched him go.
Mark took another sip of whiskey.
“Eight hundred seventy-two credits.”
“Yep.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Yep.”
Mark looked toward the kitchen.
“Poor kid.”
Thane nodded.
“Let’s see if we can improve his evening.”
Mister Braddock was a human in his early fifties, with thinning hair, a substantial waistline, and the carefully cultivated expression of a man who believed every conversation could be turned into a business opportunity.
He looked up as Gabriel approached.
“Can I help you, sir?”
Gabriel smiled pleasantly.
“I believe you can. Are you Mister Braddock?”
“Yes. Owner and general manager.”
“Excellent. I’m Gabriel.”
He extended a large black-furred paw.
Braddock shook it somewhat cautiously.
“Pleasure.”
“Likewise.”
Gabriel glanced around.
“Lovely establishment.”
“Thank you.”
“Excellent food. Excellent service.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Particularly our server. Young fellow named Tavin.”
Something changed in Braddock’s expression.
Only slightly.
But Gabriel noticed.
“Ah. Yes. Tavin.”
“Good kid.”
“He works hard.”
“Apparently.”
Gabriel smiled.
“I understand he has an outstanding debt-service obligation with your establishment.”
Braddock became more guarded.
“That’s a private employment matter.”
“Of course.”
Gabriel leaned comfortably against the bar.
“I’m here to settle it.”
The owner blinked.
“Settle it?”
“Yes.”
“You’re acquainted with him?”
“Met him tonight.”
Braddock stared.
Gabriel smiled.
“Wonderful kid. Terrific service. Makes excellent recommendations.”
The owner hesitated.
“Well, his account is somewhat complicated.”
“I’m sure it is.”
“There are contractual obligations involved.”
“Naturally.”
“Administrative costs.”
“Of course.”
“And the restraint equipment is provided under a separate service agreement.”
Gabriel’s smile remained perfectly pleasant.
“How much does he owe?”
Braddock hesitated.
“I’d have to check.”
“Please do.”
The owner retrieved a tablet from behind the bar.
He examined the account.
“Eight hundred seventy-two credits.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Excellent. I’ll pay that.”
Braddock looked surprised.
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“Well, there may be early settlement fees.”
Gabriel’s ears shifted.
“Early settlement fees?”
“Yes. The agreement specifies—”
“May I see it?”
Braddock hesitated.
Gabriel continued smiling.
“The agreement. I’d like to review the terms before settling the account.”
“That’s confidential.”
“Then perhaps Tavin can authorize its release.”
The owner looked toward the dining room.
Gabriel waited.
Eventually, Braddock opened the agreement on his terminal.
Gabriel read it carefully.
His smile faded.
The document was a crude debt-service arrangement, apparently executed by the bounty hunters and later countersigned by the restaurant owner.
It claimed that Tavin had incurred a thousand-credit obligation for transportation, lodging, and administrative expenses associated with his detention.
There was no evidence that Tavin had voluntarily accepted the debt.
There was no legitimate adjudication.
And there was certainly no lawful justification for the electrical restraint collar.
Gabriel looked up.
“Interesting document.”
Braddock shifted.
“It’s a standard arrangement.”
“No, it isn’t.”
The owner’s expression tightened.
Gabriel placed the tablet on the counter.
“Here’s what’s going to happen.”
His voice remained quiet.
But the cheerful warmth had disappeared.
“I’m going to transfer eight hundred seventy-two credits to your business account.”
Braddock watched him.
“In return, you’re going to issue a complete discharge of this supposed obligation, remove the restraint collar, terminate the monitoring service, and provide written confirmation that you have no further claim against Tavin’s earnings or labor.”
The owner frowned.
“The collar is part of the agreement.”
“Then terminate the agreement.”
“I can’t simply—”
“Yes, you can.”
Gabriel leaned forward slightly.
He didn’t raise his voice.
He didn’t bare his teeth.
But at seven feet tall, with powerful shoulders and bright blue eyes that had become decidedly less friendly, he was difficult to ignore.
“Eight hundred seventy-two credits,” Gabriel repeated. “In exchange for a complete and unconditional release.”
Braddock swallowed.
“There’s still the collar equipment.”
“Return it to whoever owns it.”
“That may involve a fee.”
“Then you’d better hope the fee is less than what you’re about to receive.”
The owner stared at him.
Gabriel’s ears angled backward.
“Or we can discuss this arrangement with Calder Station’s labor compliance office. I’m particularly curious what they’d think about an unrepresented nineteen-year-old being saddled with a debt created by bounty hunters who had no legal claim against him.”
Braddock went pale.
Gabriel smiled again.
“Personally, I think the first option is much more convenient.”
The paperwork took twenty-three minutes.
Gabriel insisted on reviewing every clause.
The final document confirmed that Tavin’s alleged debt was fully discharged, that no additional charges could be assessed, and that all associated labor and restraint obligations were terminated.
Braddock also acknowledged that Tavin’s future employment, if any, would be strictly voluntary and subject to ordinary wage arrangements.
Gabriel authorized the transfer.
His wrist terminal displayed the payment confirmation.
872.00 CR — TRANSFER COMPLETED
He saved copies of the agreement and transaction receipt.
Then he looked at Braddock.
“The collar.”
The owner sighed.
“I’ll have it removed.”
“Now.”
“He’s working.”
Gabriel’s smile vanished.
“Now, Mister Braddock.”
Something in the black wolf’s expression persuaded the owner that further negotiation would be unwise.
Braddock contacted his floor supervisor.
“Send Tavin to my office.”
Gabriel folded his arms.
“And I’ll be coming along.”
Tavin entered the small management office looking frightened.
His ears were low.
His tail hung close to his legs.
He glanced at Gabriel, then at Braddock.
“Did I do something wrong, sir?”
Braddock looked irritated.
“No.”
Tavin swallowed.
“Then why—”
“Your debt has been settled.”
The young wolf stared.
“What?”
“Your account. It’s paid.”
Tavin looked confused.
“But I still owe—”
“Not anymore.”
Gabriel stepped forward.
“Hello again, Tavin.”
The youngster looked up at him.
“Sir?”
Gabriel smiled.
“Remember those three big idiots you were serving?”
Tavin blinked.
Then nodded cautiously.
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, two of them are still at the table. And one of them decided you shouldn’t have to keep wearing that thing.”
Gabriel gestured toward the collar.
Tavin’s paw rose to his neck.
“I don’t understand.”
“That’s all right.”
Gabriel’s voice softened.
“You don’t need to understand everything right now.”
Braddock opened a secured cabinet and retrieved a small control terminal.
He entered an authorization code.
The collar emitted a quiet electronic chime.
A green indicator illuminated near the locking mechanism.
Then the heavy clasp released.
Tavin froze.
Braddock removed the device.
For the first time in nearly two months, there was nothing around the young wolf’s neck.
He stood perfectly still.
His paw slowly rose.
He touched the fur beneath his chin.
Then the sides of his neck.
Then the place where the locking mechanism had rested against his throat.
His amber eyes widened.
Gabriel watched quietly.
Braddock placed the collar on his desk.
“There. Satisfied?”
Gabriel turned toward him.
“Almost.”
He held up his tablet.
“Confirm the device has been permanently dissociated from Tavin’s biometric profile.”
Braddock sighed.
Then completed the procedure.
Gabriel checked the confirmation.
“Excellent.”
He looked toward Tavin.
“You’re all set, kid.”
The young wolf stared at him.
“But… what happens now?”
Gabriel smiled.
“Whatever you decide.”
Tavin looked toward the owner.
Braddock shrugged.
“You can finish your shift if you want. I’ll pay you the standard hourly rate.”
Tavin seemed unable to process the words.
Gabriel gently rested a large paw on his shoulder.
“Come on. There’s somebody who wants to talk to you.”
Thane noticed Gabriel returning before Mark did.
The black wolf was smiling.
And beside him walked Tavin.
Without the collar.
Thane felt something warm settle in his chest.
He smiled.
“Well, there you are.”
Tavin stopped beside the table.
He looked utterly bewildered.
His paw kept drifting toward his bare neck.
Thane gestured toward the empty seat at the end of the booth.
“Have a seat, son.”
The youngster hesitated.
“But I’m supposed to be working.”
“Take five minutes,” Gabriel said. “Your boss won’t object.”
The way he said it made Mark smile.
Tavin slowly sat.
He looked from Thane to Mark to Gabriel.
Then back to Thane.
“Mister… Mister Braddock said somebody paid my debt.”
Thane nodded.
“Yep.”
“All of it?”
“Every credit.”
Tavin swallowed.
“But why?”
Thane leaned back.
“Didn’t particularly like seeing that damned collar around your neck.”
The youngster stared.
“That’s… that’s all?”
“Pretty much.”
Tavin looked down at his paws.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then he whispered, “I don’t have any money to pay you back.”
Thane smiled gently.
“Didn’t ask you to.”
“But—”
“Tavin.”
The youngster looked up.
“You’re not paying us back.”
His ears shifted uncertainly.
“I’m not?”
“Nope.”
Thane gestured toward Gabriel.
“He’s already gotten the paperwork. That debt is gone. Nobody can come along later and tell you that you still owe it.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Signed, verified, and copied. Your account is clear.”
Tavin looked between them.
His lower lip trembled slightly.
“I don’t understand.”
Thane’s expression softened.
“There’s nothing to understand, son. You’re a free wolf.”
The words seemed to strike something deep inside the youngster.
He looked down.
His ears lowered.
And suddenly he was struggling not to cry.
Thane didn’t rush him.
Neither did the others.
For a while, the four wolves simply sat together.
Finally, Tavin wiped at his eyes with the back of one paw.
“I’m sorry.”
Thane shook his head.
“Nothing to apologize for.”
Tavin gave a shaky laugh.
“It’s just…”
He touched his neck again.
“I thought I’d be wearing that thing for years.”
Gabriel’s cheerful expression had become unusually gentle.
“Well, you won’t.”
Tavin looked at him.
“Thank you.”
Gabriel smiled.
“You’re welcome, kid.”
Thane opened the personal financial interface on his wrist terminal.
“Tavin, you have a credit account?”
The youngster nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
“Mind opening it?”
Tavin looked confused but complied.
His terminal was an inexpensive older model, worn around the edges but functional.
Thane selected a personal transfer.
He entered the amount.
One hundred credits.
Then he held his terminal near Tavin’s.
The devices exchanged account identifiers.
A confirmation appeared.
Tavin looked down.
His eyes widened.
“Sir?”
Thane authorized the transaction.
The young wolf’s terminal chimed.
100.00 CR — RECEIVED
Tavin stared at the balance.
Then looked at Thane.
“What… what’s this for?”
“Whatever you need.”
“But you’ve already—”
“Yep.”
“That’s a hundred credits.”
“I can count.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Usually.”
Mark made a quiet amused noise.
Tavin looked between them.
“I can’t take this.”
Thane smiled.
“Already did.”
“But why?”
Thane considered the question.
Then shrugged.
“Because being free is a hell of a lot easier when you’ve got a little money in your pocket.”
Tavin looked down at the terminal again.
His amber eyes glistened.
Thane leaned forward slightly.
“Listen to me, son.”
The youngster looked up.
“You don’t owe us anything. Not money. Not work. Not favors. Nothing.”
Tavin swallowed.
“Okay.”
“Whatever you decide to do next is your choice.”
The young wolf nodded slowly.
Thane smiled.
“That’s the whole point.”
For a little while, Tavin seemed overwhelmed.
He kept touching his neck.
Kept glancing at his terminal.
Kept looking at the three older wolves as though expecting someone to announce that the whole thing had been an elaborate joke.
Eventually, Gabriel leaned forward.
“So.”
Tavin looked at him.
“Yes, sir?”
“First order of business.”
The youngster blinked.
“Sir?”
“Stop calling us sir.”
Thane laughed.
Gabriel pointed toward him.
“That’s Thane.”
Then toward Mark.
“That’s Mark.”
Finally, he placed a paw against his own chest.
“And I’m Gabriel.”
Tavin smiled faintly.
“Okay.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Excellent.”
Mark glanced toward the youngster’s terminal.
“Did you get a copy of the debt discharge?”
Tavin shook his head.
“I don’t think so.”
Gabriel immediately opened his own device.
“Well, let’s fix that.”
He transferred the documents.
Tavin’s terminal chimed.
“There. Keep those somewhere safe.”
The young wolf nodded.
“Thank you, Gabriel.”
The black wolf smiled.
“You’re very welcome.”
Thane leaned back.
“Now, tell us something about yourself that doesn’t involve that restaurant.”
Tavin blinked.
“Like what?”
“Anything. What do you enjoy doing?”
The youngster considered.
For a surprisingly long time.
Then he smiled shyly.
“I like fixing things.”
Mark’s ears lifted.
“Oh?”
Tavin nodded.
“Yeah. Electronics mostly. Little stuff.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Well, you’ve come to the right table.”
Mark ignored him.
“What kind of electronics?”
“Communication units. Personal terminals. Stuff people throw away.”
Thane smiled.
“Where’d you learn?”
Tavin shrugged.
“Mostly taught myself. I used to repair things for people back home.”
Mark looked interested.
“Component-level repair?”
“Sometimes. If I could get the parts.”
“Surface-mount work?”
Tavin nodded.
“Yeah.”
Mark smiled.
“That’s a useful skill.”
Tavin looked pleased.
“Thanks.”
Gabriel leaned back.
“Oh, wonderful.”
Thane looked at him.
“What?”
“Another engineer.”
Mark raised an eyebrow.
“Would you prefer another accountant?”
Gabriel considered.
“Actually, yes.”
Thane laughed.
Tavin smiled.
Then, for the first time that evening, he laughed without immediately checking whether someone was watching.
The conversation wandered.
They talked about Rellan.
About life aboard spacecraft.
About the peculiar foods served on different stations.
Gabriel told an increasingly ridiculous story about the time he’d negotiated the purchase of a replacement power converter and nearly destroyed a rental transport trying to get it aboard Freya.
Mark corrected practically every detail.
Thane contributed occasional observations that made the story even worse.
Tavin laughed until his ears flattened.
“You really scraped a transport against a docking tunnel?”
Gabriel looked offended.
“It was a minor clearance discrepancy.”
Mark stared at him.
“Four centimeters.”
“Which means we cleared it!”
“You removed six centimeters of paint.”
“Cosmetic damage!”
Thane laughed.
“And then we spent the rest of the night fixing it.”
Tavin shook his head.
“That’s hilarious.”
Gabriel pointed toward Mark.
“He’ll never let me forget it.”
“Because you keep insisting you did nothing wrong.”
“I didn’t!”
Tavin laughed again.
Thane watched him with quiet satisfaction.
The young wolf’s posture had changed.
His shoulders were no longer hunched.
His tail had begun moving occasionally.
His ears were forward more often than not.
And there was something almost startling about how different he looked without that heavy restraint around his neck.
He looked nineteen.
Like he was supposed to.
Eventually, Tavin glanced toward the time on his terminal.
“Oh, shoot.”
Thane looked up.
“What?”
“I should get back to work.”
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
“You know you don’t have to.”
Tavin smiled.
“I know.”
He looked toward the kitchen.
“But I told the other servers I’d help close tonight. And I don’t want to leave them stuck with everything.”
Mark nodded approvingly.
“Good attitude.”
Thane smiled.
“Your choice, son.”
Tavin looked at him.
Then smiled a little more confidently.
“Yeah.”
He stood.
For a moment, he hesitated beside the table.
Then he looked at Thane.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Are you three… a pack?”
Thane smiled.
“Yep.”
“All three of you?”
“Have been for a long time.”
Tavin looked between them.
“You’re not related?”
Gabriel grinned.
“Thank God.”
Mark sighed.
Thane laughed.
“No, son. Not by blood.”
Tavin looked thoughtful.
“So you just… chose each other?”
Thane nodded.
“Something like that.”
The youngster considered the answer.
Then looked at Gabriel.
“And you all live on the ship?”
Gabriel smiled.
“Yep.”
“Together?”
“Unfortunately.”
Mark looked up.
“You’re welcome to move out anytime.”
Gabriel pointed at him.
“See what I have to put up with?”
Tavin laughed.
Thane smiled.
“Freya’s home. Has been for years.”
Tavin nodded slowly.
“That sounds nice.”
“It is.”
For a moment, the young wolf looked as though he wanted to say something else.
Then he glanced toward the kitchen.
“I really should go.”
Thane nodded.
“Of course.”
They finished dinner another half hour later.
Gabriel ordered dessert.
Mark complained that he was already full.
Then ate most of his dessert anyway.
Thane settled the bill, which was every bit as extravagant as Gabriel had promised.
The black wolf examined the total with obvious satisfaction.
“Now that’s a proper celebration.”
Mark looked at the figure.
“For that amount, we could’ve bought another set of hydraulic couplings.”
Gabriel stared at him.
“Mark.”
“What?”
“Please, for the love of everything sacred, stop pricing dinner in industrial components.”
Thane burst out laughing.
The three wolves stood and prepared to leave.
As they approached the restaurant entrance, Tavin appeared from the kitchen carrying a tray of clean glasses.
He noticed them immediately.
His ears lifted.
“Hey!”
Thane smiled.
“Hey yourself.”
Tavin set the tray on a nearby service counter.
“Heading out?”
“Yep. Time to get back to the ship.”
The youngster nodded.
Then looked at Thane.
“I just wanted to say thank you again.”
Thane smiled.
“You’re welcome, son.”
“Really. I mean it.”
“I know.”
Tavin looked toward Gabriel and Mark.
“All of you.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Glad we could help.”
Mark nodded.
“Take care of yourself.”
The young wolf smiled.
“I will.”
Thane considered him for a moment.
Then said, “We’re going to be on Calder for a few days.”
Tavin looked up.
“Really?”
“Yep. Restocking, maintenance, a little downtime.”
He gestured toward the docking complex beyond the restaurant windows.
“Freya’s in Berth Seventeen.”
Tavin repeated the number.
“Seventeen.”
“That’s right.”
Thane smiled.
“If you get bored, come by and say hello. We’d be happy to show you around.”
The youngster’s ears perked.
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Fair warning, though. Mark will probably make you listen to a six-hour explanation of our power-distribution system.”
Mark looked at him.
“I would not.”
Thane raised an eyebrow.
Mark considered.
“Four hours, maybe.”
Tavin laughed.
Thane smiled.
“Anyway, no pressure. Just an invitation.”
The young wolf nodded.
“Thanks.”
He paused.
Then looked at all three of them.
“Maybe I will.”
Thane smiled.
“Well, you know where to find us.”
The walk back to Berth Seventeen was considerably quieter than the walk to dinner.
Not uncomfortable.
Just thoughtful.
Gabriel carried a small container of leftover dessert.
Mark had stopped at a vending kiosk to purchase a bottle of something he claimed was better than the restaurant’s expensive whiskey.
Thane walked between them, his bare paws making soft, steady contact with the promenade floor.
After several minutes, Gabriel spoke.
“Well.”
Thane glanced at him.
“Well?”
“That was an interesting evening.”
Mark nodded.
“Good food.”
Gabriel looked at him.
“That’s your takeaway?”
“What?”
“Good food?”
Mark considered.
“The whiskey was excellent.”
Thane laughed.
Gabriel shook his head.
“You are impossible.”
They continued walking.
Then the black wolf became more serious.
“Poor kid.”
Thane nodded.
“Yeah.”
“I still can’t believe that bastard had him wearing one of those collars.”
“Neither can I.”
Gabriel’s ears angled backward.
“I wanted to knock his teeth down his throat.”
Thane looked at him.
“I know.”
“Seriously.”
“I know, Gabriel.”
The black wolf exhaled.
Then gave a small smile.
“Probably would’ve complicated the paperwork.”
Mark nodded.
“Considerably.”
Thane laughed softly.
Gabriel looked toward the docking complex.
“Eight hundred seventy-two credits.”
“Yep.”
“That’s all it took.”
Thane considered that.
“For us.”
Gabriel looked at him.
Thane continued.
“For him, it might as well have been a million.”
The black wolf nodded slowly.
“Yeah.”
For a while, nobody spoke.
Then Mark glanced toward Thane.
“You think he’ll be okay?”
Thane considered the question.
“I hope so.”
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
“Seems like it.”
Gabriel smiled.
“Funny kid, too.”
“Yep.”
They approached the access corridor leading toward Freya’s berth.
Thane glanced at his companions.
“Well, gentlemen.”
Gabriel looked over.
“Yeah?”
“Not a bad night.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Not bad at all.”
Freya was waiting exactly where they’d left her.
Berth Seventeen.
Docking clamps engaged.
Hull lights glowing softly against the station’s industrial structures.
The three wolves passed through the boarding checkpoint and entered the ship through her forward personnel airlock.
Thane felt the familiar vibration beneath his paws almost immediately.
Home.
Gabriel stretched.
“God, I’m stuffed.”
Mark looked at him.
“You ate enough for three people.”
“I’m a growing boy.”
“You’re twenty-three.”
“Exactly.”
Thane laughed.
They made their way toward the residential deck.
The galley was quiet.
The common room lights were dimmed.
Freya’s environmental systems maintained their familiar, comfortable hum.
Gabriel dropped his leftover dessert into the galley refrigerator.
Mark headed toward his cabin.
Thane stopped beside the dining table.
“Hey, boys.”
Both wolves looked back.
Thane smiled.
“Good work today.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Which part?”
“All of it.”
Mark nodded.
“Yeah. Good day.”
Gabriel’s expression softened.
“Sure was.”
Thane looked around the galley.
At the table where they’d shared countless meals.
At the comfortable furniture.
At the photographs and accumulated odds and ends that made Freya unmistakably theirs.
Then he glanced toward his companions.
“Night, brothers.”
Mark smiled.
“Night, Thane.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Night, Captain.”
They went their separate ways.
Later, Thane lay in his cabin listening to the gentle sounds of the ship.
A circulation pump cycled on somewhere beneath the deck.
Air moved quietly through the ventilation system.
Farther aft, an automated maintenance routine briefly activated one of the auxiliary pumps before returning it to standby.
All familiar.
All comforting.
Thane rested one large brown paw behind his head.
He thought about the Mercy Dawn.
About Mark’s remarkable engineering work.
About Gabriel’s negotiations.
About Mara Ellison’s delighted expression when the fully operational freighter arrived at Calder.
It had been a successful job.
A damned successful job.
Then his thoughts wandered to The Last Berth.
A young rust-red wolf.
Amber eyes.
A heavy restraint collar.
The look on his face when the device finally came off.
Thane smiled faintly.
He hoped the youngster would do well.
Maybe he’d find better work.
Maybe he’d return to Rellan.
Maybe he’d use that hundred credits to buy a ticket somewhere he’d always wanted to go.
Whatever he chose, it would be his decision.
And that was what mattered.
Thane turned onto his side.
Outside, Calder Station continued its endless industrial routine.
Cargo vessels arrived.
Others departed.
Somewhere, an exhausted maintenance crew was probably wrestling with a broken hydraulic line.
Somewhere else, a commercial pilot was arguing about docking fees.
And aboard Freya, three old friends were settling down for a well-earned night’s sleep.
Thane closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would bring the usual maintenance work, restocking, and whatever else needed doing.
But tonight?
Tonight had been a good night.
He smiled once more.
Then drifted peacefully to sleep.