The first impact came at six seventeen in the morning.
CLANG!
Thane opened one blue eye.
For several seconds, he lay perfectly still beneath the covers, listening to the familiar sounds of Freya’s environmental systems.
Perhaps he’d imagined it.
Perhaps some maintenance equipment had cycled.
Perhaps—
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!
The unmistakable hammering of a heavy industrial impact wrench reverberated through the deck.
Thane closed his eye.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
Silence.
Then another tremendous metallic crash.
CLANG!
Thane rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.
“Mark.”
It wasn’t a question.
Another burst from the impact wrench answered him.
Thane reached toward the bedside communications panel.
“Mark.”
Nothing.
“Mark, you magnificent pain in my ass.”
A moment later, a cheerful voice answered.
“Morning, Thane!”
Thane blinked.
Mark was cheerful.
At six seventeen in the morning.
That was never a good sign.
“Mark, what in the name of all that’s holy are you doing?”
“Installing the new fabrication unit.”
Thane stared at the ceiling.
“Now?”
“Yep!”
“It’s six seventeen.”
“Six eighteen, actually.”
Thane closed his eyes again.
“Mark.”
“What?”
“We’re supposed to be taking a few days off.”
“I know.”
“And?”
“And I’ve got three days without a salvage contract to worry about. Perfect time to get this thing installed.”
Another metallic clank echoed through the ship.
Thane sighed.
“Can you at least stop beating the shit out of the bulkheads until I’ve had coffee?”
“I’m not beating the bulkheads.”
“Then what the hell was that?”
“Mounting bracket.”
“Of course it was.”
Mark sounded genuinely pleased.
“She’s going to fit beautifully.”
Thane couldn’t help smiling.
“Wonderful.”
“Come down and have a look!”
“I’ll be down.”
“Bring Gabriel.”
Thane looked toward the ceiling.
“Oh, I’ll definitely bring Gabriel.”
He disconnected the communicator.
Then lay back against the pillow.
For approximately ten seconds, Freya was quiet.
Then the impact wrench started again.
Thane threw back the covers.
“Son of a bitch.”
Gabriel was considerably less philosophical about the situation.
When Thane reached the residential corridor, he found the seven-foot black wolf standing outside his cabin wearing loose sleep trousers and an expression of profound personal betrayal.
His ears were flattened.
His blue eyes were narrowed.
His tail was moving in short, irritated sweeps.
“Tell me we’re under attack.”
Thane laughed.
“Morning, Gabriel.”
“No. Seriously. Tell me we’re under attack.”
“Nope.”
“Tell me a cargo transport has crashed through the hull.”
“Nope.”
“Tell me some horrible mechanical catastrophe has occurred that absolutely requires the entire ship to sound like a demolition site.”
Thane grinned.
“Mark’s installing the new fabrication machine.”
Gabriel stared at him.
Then slowly looked toward the ceiling.
A distant metallic bang echoed through the corridor.
“I’m going to kill him.”
“Get in line.”
“We made a hundred and thirty-three thousand credits.”
“Yep.”
“We finished a complicated recovery job.”
“Yep.”
“We were promised rest and relaxation.”
“Yep.”
Gabriel spread his arms.
“THEN WHY ARE WE AWAKE?”
Thane burst out laughing.
Gabriel pointed toward the deck.
“That lunatic has been down there since before six!”
“Apparently.”
“Who wakes up at five in the morning excited about industrial mounting hardware?”
“Mark.”
Gabriel considered the answer.
Then sighed.
“Fair point.”
Thane gestured toward the galley.
“Come on. Coffee.”
Gabriel fell into step beside him, their bare paws making soft contact with the corridor’s warm flooring.
“He’s going to make us help, isn’t he?”
“Probably.”
“I hate this family.”
“No, you don’t.”
Gabriel considered.
“No. But I reserve the right to complain about it.”
“Granted.”
By seven o’clock, the two wolves had consumed enough coffee to become reasonably civilized.
They arrived in Freya’s fabrication shop carrying a third mug for Mark.
The sight awaiting them was impressive.
The newly purchased materials processor had been moved from its temporary storage position into the expanded workshop area.
Its protective transport covers were removed.
Several access panels stood open.
A heavy mounting frame had been positioned against the deck’s reinforced equipment supports.
Tools occupied nearly every available horizontal surface.
And in the middle of it all stood Mark.
He wore faded work trousers and an old gray engineering shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
His gray-and-white fur was slightly disheveled.
A smudge of lubricant decorated one cheek.
His brown eyes were bright.
His tail was wagging.
He looked absolutely delighted.
“Morning!”
Gabriel stared at him.
Thane smiled.
“Morning, brother.”
Mark gestured proudly toward the machine.
“Look at that!”
Gabriel examined the enormous industrial unit.
Then looked back at Mark.
“Yes. It’s a machine.”
Mark ignored him.
“Fits perfectly.”
Thane walked around the equipment.
The processor was a substantial assembly, nearly four meters long, containing a precision cutting chamber, automated material-handling system, and a modular fabrication head capable of working with a wide range of industrial alloys.
The machine was designed to produce large, accurately finished components from raw stock.
It would substantially expand Freya’s ability to manufacture replacement parts while operating far from established industrial centers.
Thane studied the mounting frame.
“Looks good.”
Mark grinned.
“Better than good.”
Gabriel glanced toward the ceiling.
“Was that mounting frame responsible for the earthquake?”
Mark looked at him.
“What earthquake?”
“The one that woke us up.”
“Oh.”
Mark smiled.
“Had to remove the original brackets.”
“With explosives?”
“Impact wrench.”
“I noticed.”
Thane handed Mark his coffee.
“Here.”
The engineer accepted it gratefully.
“Thanks!”
Gabriel folded his arms.
“Do you have any idea what time it is?”
Mark glanced at the wall clock.
“Seven twelve.”
Gabriel closed his eyes.
“That’s not what I meant.”
Thane laughed.
Mark took a sip of coffee.
Then gestured toward the processor.
“Come on. I’ve got the foundation secured, but I need help positioning the main assembly.”
Gabriel stared at him.
“Of course you do.”
The next three hours passed in a familiar combination of skilled mechanical work, cheerful argument, and increasingly elaborate insults.
Mark directed the installation.
Thane handled the heavy lifting and alignment.
Gabriel operated the shop’s powered handling equipment, coordinated parts, and assisted with securing the assembly.
The work wasn’t particularly complicated, but it required precision.
The processor weighed several tons, and its internal mechanisms depended on a rigid, accurately leveled mounting foundation.
A poorly installed machine could produce dimensional errors, excessive vibration, or premature wear.
Mark had absolutely no intention of allowing any of those things aboard his ship.
“Two millimeters to port,” he instructed.
Thane adjusted the positioning controls.
The machine moved slightly.
“Hold.”
Thane stopped.
Mark checked the alignment display.
“Another half millimeter.”
Gabriel leaned against the control console.
“Do you want me to move it one molecule at a time?”
“If you can,” Mark replied.
Gabriel grinned.
“Give me a smaller wrench.”
Thane laughed.
They lowered the machine onto its mounting supports.
Mark checked the load distribution.
Then the leveling references.
Then the structural alignment.
Then he checked all three again.
Gabriel watched patiently for nearly five minutes.
Finally, he sighed.
“Mark.”
“Hmm?”
“Are we building a machine shop or aligning a planetary defense cannon?”
Mark didn’t look up.
“Precision matters.”
“Apparently more than sleep.”
“Would you rather have the machine produce inaccurate parts?”
Gabriel considered.
“Would I still get to sleep?”
Thane laughed.
Mark ignored him.
Eventually, the final alignment reading settled within specification.
The engineer nodded.
“Perfect.”
Thane tightened the mounting locks.
“Secured.”
Gabriel checked the handling system.
“Load released.”
Mark stepped back.
For a moment, all three looked at the newly installed machine.
Thane smiled.
“Well, she’s in.”
Mark nodded happily.
“Beautiful.”
Gabriel looked at the clock.
“Excellent. Can we go back to bed?”
“No,” Mark said.
Gabriel groaned.
“Of course not.”
The mechanical installation was complete shortly before eleven.
That left the electrical connections.
Freya’s main power-distribution system had been extensively rebuilt during her restoration, but it retained several characteristics of the older industrial design.
Her workshop distribution network supplied a stable high-voltage industrial service, with individual equipment interfaces adapted to the requirements of each machine.
The new processor, however, used a more modern power-input arrangement.
Mark had anticipated most of the compatibility requirements.
He had already installed the appropriate protective disconnect, verified the cable capacity, and checked the machine’s maximum electrical demand against Freya’s available power budget.
There was plenty of capacity.
Unfortunately, when he opened the machine’s primary power compartment, he discovered that the manufacturer had supplied the wrong interface module.
He stared at it.
Thane recognized the expression immediately.
“Uh-oh.”
Mark didn’t answer.
He examined the module’s identification plate.
Then the installation documentation.
Then the identification plate again.
Gabriel leaned over his shoulder.
“Problem?”
Mark slowly exhaled.
“Wrong adapter.”
Gabriel blinked.
“Wrong what?”
“Power-interface adapter.”
“Is that bad?”
“It’s annoying.”
Thane smiled.
“How annoying?”
Mark pointed toward the installed module.
“This machine was configured for a newer industrial distribution standard. We need the legacy-compatible interface to connect it to Freya’s workshop grid.”
Gabriel folded his arms.
“Which they were supposed to include?”
“Yes.”
Gabriel’s ears angled backward.
“Oh, wonderful.”
Mark opened the installation documentation.
“The purchase specifications clearly identify the required adapter.”
Thane glanced toward Gabriel.
“Did we order the right one?”
Gabriel looked offended.
“Of course we ordered the right one.”
Mark nodded.
“He’s right. It’s listed here.”
Gabriel pointed at him triumphantly.
“Thank you!”
The engineer continued.
“But they shipped the standard configuration.”
Gabriel’s expression hardened.
“Well, somebody’s about to receive a very educational phone call.”
Thane laughed.
“Easy.”
Gabriel was already opening his wrist terminal.
“I negotiated this entire purchase. They can damned well deliver the correct equipment.”
Mark checked the part number.
“Calder Industrial Supply should have the adapter in stock.”
“Then I’ll have them send it over,” Gabriel replied.
Thane considered the matter.
“Actually, I’ll go get it.”
Both wolves looked at him.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
“Why?”
“Because I feel like getting off the ship for a while.”
Mark nodded.
“Fair enough.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Running away from work, Captain?”
“Absolutely.”
“Shameful.”
“Learned from the best.”
Gabriel laughed.
Thane looked toward Mark.
“Send me the part number.”
“Already did.”
“Of course you did.”
“And Thane?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t let them substitute the standard adapter. We need the L-series interface with the isolation-monitoring option.”
Thane smiled.
“Got it.”
Mark hesitated.
“Check the identification plate before you leave.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Gabriel burst out laughing.
Calder Station’s commercial district was busy that morning.
Industrial supply deliveries moved through the corridors on grav-assisted cargo platforms. Technicians hurried between maintenance facilities. Commercial crews browsed equipment shops, restaurants, and service offices.
Thane enjoyed the bustle.
He’d spent much of his adult life working around machinery, communications systems, and industrial equipment. There was something reassuring about an environment where people were building, fixing, transporting, and maintaining the infrastructure that kept civilization functioning.
He walked at an unhurried pace.
His dark blue shirt was open at the collar, and his comfortable black trousers moved easily with his long stride.
His broad, brown-furred paws made surprisingly little noise against the station’s floor.
At seven feet tall, he attracted attention without trying.
A pair of human cargo handlers stepped aside to let him pass.
He nodded politely.
They returned the gesture.
A young alien technician carrying a tool case glanced up, then quickly moved out of his path.
Thane smiled faintly.
Some things never changed.
His size and species had always produced a certain instinctive caution in people unfamiliar with wolves.
He’d learned long ago not to take it personally.
Most people relaxed once they realized he was friendly.
And those who didn’t?
Well, that was their problem.
He reached the junction between the commercial promenade and the industrial supply corridor.
A directional display indicated that Calder Industrial Supply was another six hundred meters ahead.
Thane checked the part number on his terminal.
Then continued walking.
A moment later, he heard shouting.
At first, he paid little attention.
The station was busy.
People argued.
Cargo workers shouted instructions.
Commercial crews disagreed over invoices.
None of that was unusual.
But then he heard a voice he recognized.
“Just leave me alone!”
Thane stopped.
His ears turned toward a narrower service corridor branching away from the main promenade.
Another voice answered.
It was deeper, rougher, and carried an unmistakably mocking tone.
“What’s wrong, little wolf? Lost your leash?”
A second voice laughed.
Thane’s expression changed.
He turned toward the corridor.
And saw Tavin.
The young rust-red wolf was backed against the wall approximately twenty meters away.
His cream-colored muzzle was twisted in an expression of frightened anger.
His amber eyes moved between two larger figures standing in front of him.
Both were young adult aliens.
Thane recognized their species as Kordans, broad-bodied humanoids with leathery blue-gray skin, heavy brow ridges, and thick, powerful arms.
They stood a little over six feet six inches tall.
Larger than Tavin.
Not larger than Thane.
One of them held Tavin’s backpack by a strap.
The other had a hand pressed against the youngster’s chest, pinning him against the wall.
“Come on, puppy,” the first one sneered. “Ask nicely.”
Tavin’s ears were flattened.
“Give me my bag.”
The Kordan laughed.
“Give me my bag,” he repeated in a mocking voice.
His companion shoved Tavin harder.
The young wolf struck the wall with a dull thump.
Thane felt his hackles rise.
He started walking.
Not running.
Not charging.
Just walking.
But there was suddenly nothing relaxed about his posture.
“Leave the kid alone.”
The words weren’t shouted.
They didn’t need to be.
The two Kordans turned.
Tavin looked past them.
His eyes widened.
“Thane?”
The older wolf continued approaching.
The first Kordan looked him up and down.
“Mind your business, old wolf.”
Thane stopped a few paces away.
“Let him go.”
The Kordan holding Tavin against the wall sneered.
“Or what?”
Thane’s blue eyes settled on him.
“Don’t make me repeat myself.”
For a moment, the corridor was silent.
Then the larger Kordan laughed.
“Look at this guy.”
He turned toward his companion.
“Another puppy thinks he’s tough.”
Thane didn’t move.
“Last chance.”
The Kordan looked directly at him.
Then deliberately shoved Tavin again.
Hard.
The youngster stumbled sideways.
And Thane moved.
It happened so quickly that Tavin barely understood what he’d seen.
One moment, the Kordan was standing in front of him.
The next, Thane’s enormous brown paw had closed around the front of the aggressor’s collar and upper chest.
The alien’s feet left the floor.
Thane turned and threw him down the corridor with an almost casual movement of his arm.
The Kordan sailed several meters before landing on his backside and sliding across the smooth flooring.
His surprised shout echoed against the walls.
He came to a stop near a maintenance access panel, blinking in utter disbelief.
Thane turned toward the second aggressor.
The alien still held Tavin’s backpack.
For a moment, he simply stared.
Then his expression hardened.
“Hey! You can’t—”
Thane stepped forward.
The Kordan stopped speaking.
Up close, the difference between them was unmistakable.
Thane stood a full head taller, with substantially broader shoulders and a powerful frame that made the younger alien look almost slight by comparison.
His ears were angled backward.
His muzzle had tightened.
And his blue eyes were cold.
“Put the bag down.”
The Kordan hesitated.
Thane took another step.
A low, rumbling growl escaped his chest.
“Now.”
The backpack hit the floor.
Thane leaned toward him.
Close enough that the alien could see every exposed fang.
“Listen very carefully.”
The Kordan swallowed.
“I’m going to let you walk away from this.”
Thane’s voice remained low.
Controlled.
Almost conversational.
“But if I ever catch you putting your hands on this young wolf again, we’re going to have a very different conversation.”
The alien’s eyes widened.
“Understand?”
He nodded quickly.
Thane held his gaze.
“Use your words.”
“Y-yes.”
“Yes, what?”
“Yes. I understand.”
Thane straightened.
“Good.”
He stepped aside.
“Get out of here.”
The Kordan didn’t need another invitation.
He hurried toward his companion, who had finally managed to scramble to his feet.
The two exchanged a frightened glance.
Then practically ran toward the far end of the corridor.
Thane watched them disappear.
His nose twitched.
An unfamiliar sharp, acrid odor lingered in the air.
He sniffed once.
Then raised an eyebrow.
“Well.”
Apparently Kordan fear responses involved something very similar to the involuntary bladder reactions of several other species.
Thane shook his head.
“Good grief.”
He turned around.
Tavin was standing against the wall.
His ears were flattened.
His tail hung low.
And he was staring at Thane with an expression that bordered on astonishment.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Thane’s expression softened completely.
“Hey, son.”
Tavin blinked.
“Hi.”
Thane approached.
“You okay?”
The young wolf nodded quickly.
“Yeah.”
Thane studied him.
There was a small scrape along one forearm.
His shirt was rumpled.
But he appeared otherwise uninjured.
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
Thane extended his paw.
“Come here.”
Tavin took it.
The difference in their sizes was considerable.
Thane’s broad hand nearly enveloped the youngster’s.
He helped him away from the wall, then retrieved the backpack from the floor.
He examined it briefly.
The strap was twisted, but nothing appeared damaged.
“Here you go.”
Tavin accepted it.
“Thanks.”
Thane smiled.
“You’re welcome.”
He glanced toward the direction the Kordans had fled.
“Friends of yours?”
Tavin gave a humorless little laugh.
“Not exactly.”
“I gathered.”
The youngster adjusted his backpack.
“They do that sometimes.”
Thane’s expression changed.
“Sometimes?”
Tavin shrugged.
“Yeah.”
“To you?”
“Me. Other people. Whoever they think won’t fight back.”
Thane folded his arms.
“And nobody’s done anything about it?”
Tavin looked uncomfortable.
“They’re kind of known around here.”
“Known?”
“Yeah. Their families have money. They hang around the promenade and mess with people.”
Thane stared down the corridor.
Then looked back at Tavin.
“And you just put up with it?”
The youngster shrugged again.
“What else am I supposed to do?”
Thane considered his answer.
He didn’t want to lecture the kid.
He’d already had enough people telling him how to live.
But this mattered.
“Tavin.”
The youngster looked up.
“Yeah?”
“That isn’t normal.”
Tavin blinked.
“What?”
“Getting shoved around. Having your things taken. Being harassed because somebody thinks you’re an easy target.”
Thane shook his head.
“That isn’t normal, and it sure as hell isn’t something you deserve.”
Tavin looked down.
“I guess.”
“No guessing about it.”
The older wolf’s voice was gentle but firm.
“Nobody has the right to treat you like that.”
Tavin was quiet.
Then he gave a small, embarrassed smile.
“I probably looked pretty stupid.”
Thane raised an eyebrow.
“Why?”
“Getting pushed around like that.”
“Son, there’s nothing stupid about being outnumbered by a couple of assholes.”
Tavin laughed faintly.
Thane continued.
“Especially when they’re bigger than you.”
The youngster looked toward the far end of the corridor.
“They weren’t bigger than you.”
Thane grinned.
“Nope.”
Tavin hesitated.
Then smiled a little more.
“You really threw that guy.”
Thane shrugged.
“He seemed determined to go somewhere.”
Tavin laughed.
A genuine laugh.
Thane smiled.
“There we go.”
They moved back toward the main promenade.
Thane kept an eye on Tavin as they walked.
The youngster wasn’t limping.
His movements were normal.
The scrape on his forearm appeared superficial.
Still, Thane wasn’t entirely satisfied.
“Any pain?”
Tavin looked up.
“What?”
“From getting shoved into the wall.”
“Oh. No. Just surprised me.”
“Head okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Didn’t hit it?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Tavin glanced at him.
“You sound like a doctor.”
Thane laughed.
“Not even close.”
“Then why all the questions?”
“Because I don’t like seeing people get hurt.”
Tavin considered that.
“Oh.”
They continued walking.
After a few moments, the youngster glanced sideways at him.
“Those guys were really scared of you.”
Thane smiled faintly.
“Probably.”
“Does that happen a lot?”
“Sometimes.”
Tavin looked curious.
“Do you like it?”
Thane considered the question.
“No.”
The youngster seemed surprised.
“Really?”
“Not particularly.”
“But you’re huge.”
Thane laughed.
“I’ve noticed.”
“And you’re strong.”
“Yep.”
“And you’ve got those teeth.”
Thane looked at him.
“So do you, son.”
Tavin smiled sheepishly.
“Not quite like yours.”
“Give yourself a few years.”
The youngster laughed.
Thane continued.
“Look, Tavin. Being big and strong is useful. Comes in handy in my line of work.”
He glanced toward the industrial district.
“But I don’t go around looking for people to frighten.”
“Yeah.”
“Most of the time, I’d rather everybody just get along.”
Tavin nodded.
“Me too.”
Thane smiled.
“Good.”
They walked a little farther.
Then the older wolf added, “Of course, sometimes somebody needs reminding that picking on smaller people is a spectacularly bad idea.”
Tavin laughed again.
“Yeah. I think they got the message.”
“Let’s hope.”
The main promenade was busy when they emerged from the service corridor.
A large group of commercial passengers moved past them, followed by a grav-assisted delivery cart loaded with packaged supplies.
Thane glanced toward his terminal.
Calder Industrial Supply was still several hundred meters away.
He looked at Tavin.
“So where were you headed?”
The youngster adjusted his backpack.
“General store.”
“Shopping?”
“Yeah.”
“What for?”
Tavin smiled a little.
“Food. A few personal things.”
Thane nodded.
“Good.”
The young wolf looked down at his terminal.
“I’ve still got most of that hundred credits you gave me.”
Thane smiled.
“Good for you.”
“I bought some stuff yesterday. Toiletries. A new shirt.”
“Excellent.”
“And I got my first actual paycheck from The Last Berth.”
Thane’s ears lifted.
“Did you now?”
Tavin nodded enthusiastically.
“Yeah! Mister Braddock paid me for the rest of that shift. And yesterday too.”
“Proper wages?”
“Yep.”
“Good.”
Tavin looked pleased.
“It wasn’t a whole lot, but it was mine.”
Thane smiled.
“That’s a pretty good feeling, isn’t it?”
The youngster nodded.
“Really good.”
They approached a junction where the promenade divided between the general retail district and the industrial supply corridor.
Thane glanced toward the signs.
“General store’s this way, right?”
Tavin nodded.
“Yeah.”
Thane gestured.
“Come on.”
The youngster looked surprised.
“You’re going that way?”
“For a little while.”
Tavin smiled.
“Okay.”
They walked together through the commercial district.
Thane deliberately kept his pace comfortable.
His normal stride was considerably longer than Tavin’s, and he had no desire to make the youngster hurry to keep up.
The conversation turned toward ordinary things.
Tavin told him that he’d been staying in a small room above the restaurant.
It wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean and had a private bathroom.
Now that the debt agreement was terminated, Braddock had offered to let him continue renting it at the normal employee rate.
Thane listened carefully.
“Decent arrangement?”
Tavin shrugged.
“For now.”
“Fair enough.”
“I’ve been looking at other places.”
“Good idea.”
The youngster glanced at him.
“I don’t know if I’ll stay at the restaurant.”
Thane nodded.
“Nothing wrong with taking your time.”
“Yeah.”
Tavin looked toward a shop window displaying personal communication devices.
“I’d like to get back into electronics someday.”
Thane smiled.
“You mentioned that.”
“I used to fix stuff for people back home.”
“Make any money doing it?”
“A little.”
“Enjoy it?”
Tavin nodded enthusiastically.
“Yeah. A lot.”
“Then maybe that’s something worth pursuing.”
The young wolf considered that.
“Maybe.”
Thane smiled.
He didn’t offer to hire him.
Didn’t suggest a training program.
Didn’t turn the conversation into a discussion about career planning.
He simply listened.
For a while, that seemed to be exactly what Tavin wanted.
They passed a small bakery.
The smell of fresh bread drifted into the corridor.
Tavin’s ears lifted.
Thane noticed.
“Hungry?”
The youngster smiled.
“A little.”
“Good place?”
Tavin nodded.
“Really good. Their breakfast rolls are amazing.”
Thane glanced at the display.
“Want one?”
Tavin immediately shook his head.
“Oh, no. I’m okay.”
“I didn’t ask whether you were okay.”
The youngster looked at him.
Thane grinned.
“I asked whether you wanted one.”
Tavin hesitated.
Then smiled.
“Yeah. I guess.”
“Come on.”
They stepped inside.
The bakery was small and crowded, with a narrow counter and several tables overlooking the promenade.
A human woman stood behind the register.
She looked up as the two wolves entered.
“Morning!”
Thane smiled.
“Morning.”
Tavin approached the display case.
He pointed toward a large spiral pastry filled with sweet cream and roasted nuts.
“That one.”
Thane examined it.
Then looked at the young wolf.
“Looks good.”
“It is.”
Thane ordered two.
And coffee.
They found a small table near the window.
Tavin took his first bite.
His ears perked immediately.
Thane laughed.
“That good?”
The youngster nodded with his mouth full.
Thane smiled.
“Thought so.”
They spent the next fifteen minutes enjoying their breakfast.
Tavin told him about growing up in the Rellan settlements.
About the machinery shops.
The constant noise of mining equipment.
The freight docks where he’d spent afternoons watching ships arrive and depart.
He talked about his uncle, though only briefly.
There were good memories mixed in with the bad.
Thane didn’t press him.
When Tavin changed the subject, the older wolf followed.
It was a pleasant conversation.
Nothing dramatic.
Nothing particularly profound.
Just two wolves sharing breakfast.
By the time they reached Calder General Supply, the commercial district had become considerably busier.
The store occupied a large corner unit filled with household goods, packaged foods, personal electronics, clothing, and everyday supplies.
Tavin stopped near the entrance.
“Well, this is me.”
Thane smiled.
“Looks like it.”
The youngster adjusted his backpack.
“Thanks for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And…”
He hesitated.
Thane waited.
“Thanks for earlier.”
The older wolf nodded.
“Anytime, son.”
Tavin looked toward the store entrance.
Then back at Thane.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
The youngster studied him for a moment.
“Why’d you walk all the way here with me?”
Thane blinked.
“Why?”
“Yeah.”
Tavin gestured toward the industrial corridor.
“You said you were going somewhere else.”
“I am.”
“But you walked me all the way here.”
Thane considered the question.
Then smiled.
“Just wanted to make sure you got here safely.”
Tavin looked at him.
For several seconds, he didn’t speak.
His amber eyes moved across the older wolf’s face.
Then he asked quietly:
“Is that what being in a pack is like?”
Thane felt something warm stir in his chest.
He smiled.
“Yes, son. It is.”
Tavin’s ears lifted slightly.
Thane gave him a friendly nod.
“Have a good day, Tavin.”
The youngster smiled.
“You too, Thane.”
Then Thane turned and continued toward the industrial district.
Calder Industrial Supply occupied a sprawling warehouse complex overlooking the station’s western cargo-transfer facilities.
The company specialized in replacement equipment, machinery components, industrial electronics, and the seemingly endless assortment of obscure fittings required to keep commercial spacecraft operating.
Thane had always liked the place.
It smelled of new machinery, packaging materials, and metal.
The aisles were wide.
The stock was extensive.
And the employees generally knew what they were talking about.
He approached the service counter.
A middle-aged human man looked up from his terminal.
“Can I help you?”
Thane smiled.
“Morning. I’m looking for a power-interface adapter.”
“Part number?”
Thane opened his wrist terminal.
“Virex-Lund Industrial, L-series interface module. Isolation-monitoring option. Part number VL-4807-LI.”
The clerk typed the number into his system.
“Let’s see.”
He studied the result.
“Yep. Got three.”
“Excellent.”
“Which machine?”
“Ardent Heavy Materials Processor. Model 9200.”
The clerk nodded.
“Ah. Legacy power-grid connection.”
“That’s the one.”
The man glanced at Thane.
“Older ship?”
“Thirty-two years.”
“Still going strong?”
Thane grinned.
“Better than ever.”
The clerk smiled.
“Good to hear.”
He disappeared into the warehouse.
A few minutes later, he returned carrying a sealed industrial module.
Thane checked the identification plate.
Correct manufacturer.
Correct model.
Correct interface.
Correct isolation option.
He smiled.
“Perfect.”
The clerk looked pleased.
“Anything else?”
Thane considered.
“Actually, yeah. Got any spare interface fuses for that model?”
“Sure do.”
“Give me four.”
The clerk nodded.
“Good thinking.”
Thane completed the payment with his wrist terminal.
Then collected the module.
“Thanks.”
“Have a good one.”
“You too.”
Freya’s fabrication shop was considerably quieter when Thane returned.
Which was suspicious.
He entered carrying the adapter module and found Mark standing beside the new processor, studying a diagnostic display.
Gabriel sat nearby with a tablet.
Neither looked particularly upset.
Thane relaxed.
“Well, gentlemen.”
Mark turned.
“Got it?”
Thane held up the package.
“One genuine, certified, properly identified L-series power-interface adapter.”
The engineer grinned.
“Beautiful.”
Gabriel looked up.
“And did you verify the identification plate?”
Thane stared at him.
“Yes.”
“Twice?”
“Gabriel.”
“Just checking.”
Mark accepted the package.
He opened it carefully.
Then examined the module.
His smile widened.
“Perfect.”
Thane set his other purchases on the workbench.
“And four spare interface fuses.”
Mark’s ears lifted.
“Oh, excellent.”
Gabriel shook his head.
“Look at you two. Getting excited about fuses.”
Thane grinned.
“You should try it sometime.”
“I prefer activities that involve actual excitement.”
Mark looked at him.
“Like negotiating docking invoices?”
Gabriel considered.
“Exactly.”
The adapter installation took less than an hour.
Mark had already completed the mechanical connections and prepared the power distribution interface.
With Freya’s workshop circuit isolated and verified, he installed the new module, connected the monitoring leads, and secured the protective housing.
Thane assisted with the final cable routing.
Gabriel monitored the supply documentation and prepared the machine’s commissioning record.
Once the installation was complete, Mark performed the required electrical checks.
Insulation resistance.
Grounding continuity.
Phase synchronization.
Isolation monitoring.
Everything passed.
He stood back.
“All right.”
Thane smiled.
“Ready?”
Mark nodded.
“Let’s energize it.”
Gabriel leaned forward.
“Should we stand behind something?”
Mark looked at him.
“No.”
“Just asking.”
Thane laughed.
Mark enabled the workshop supply.
The processor’s power-interface module came online.
A series of status indicators illuminated.
The machine’s internal cooling system started.
Control electronics initialized.
Then the main display brightened.
SYSTEM READY FOR COMMISSIONING
Mark smiled.
“There she is.”
Thane nodded.
“Beautiful.”
Gabriel looked at the machine.
Then at Mark.
“Can we make something now?”
The engineer grinned.
“Absolutely.”
The commissioning procedure required several calibration routines.
First, the machine verified its internal axis positions and material-handling alignment.
Then it checked the cutting head’s calibration.
Finally, Mark loaded a manufacturer-supplied test program designed to evaluate dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and repeatability.
Thane placed a block of standard test alloy into the material feeder.
Gabriel secured the protective enclosure.
Mark started the program.
The machine came alive.
A low mechanical hum filled the shop.
The cutting head moved smoothly into position.
Coolant flowed through the processing chamber.
Then the cutting operation began.
Unlike Freya’s older machinery, the new processor operated with remarkable smoothness.
Its movements were precise.
Its vibration was minimal.
Its control system provided detailed real-time information about cutting loads, temperature, and tool position.
Mark watched the display with obvious delight.
Thane smiled.
Gabriel looked mildly impressed.
“Well.”
Mark glanced at him.
“What?”
“That’s actually pretty cool.”
The engineer grinned.
“Thought you might think so.”
The program completed twenty minutes later.
The machine automatically transferred the finished test piece into the inspection tray.
Mark retrieved it.
He examined the surface finish.
Then measured the critical dimensions.
Every reading fell within specification.
He checked the results again.
Then smiled broadly.
“Beautiful.”
Thane leaned closer.
“How beautiful?”
“Better than the manufacturer’s nominal accuracy.”
Thane grinned.
“Well, I’ll be damned.”
Gabriel took the finished test piece.
He turned it over in his paws.
Then looked at Mark.
“So.”
The engineer raised an eyebrow.
“Yes?”
“We spent thirty-one thousand eight hundred credits.”
“Correct.”
“Spent the better part of a day installing this thing.”
“Yes.”
“Got woken up at an ungodly hour by industrial demolition noises.”
Mark sighed.
“Gabriel.”
“And after all that…”
The black wolf held up the test component.
“We’ve made a paperweight.”
Thane burst out laughing.
Mark stared at Gabriel.
Then slowly closed his eyes.
“I swear to God.”
Gabriel grinned.
“An exceptionally precise paperweight.”
Thane laughed harder.
Mark shook his head.
“You’re impossible.”
“Yet lovable.”
“Debatable.”
By late afternoon, the new processor was fully commissioned.
Mark updated Freya’s maintenance records and registered the equipment in the ship’s fabrication system.
The workshop now had considerably greater capacity to produce large industrial components.
It was an important improvement.
Not flashy.
Not glamorous.
But exactly the kind of practical investment that would make future salvage operations easier and more profitable.
Thane felt good about it.
The money had been well spent.
And Mark was clearly delighted.
At seventeen thirty, the three wolves shut down the workshop and headed toward the galley.
Gabriel stretched dramatically.
“Well, gentlemen, another hard day of relaxation.”
Thane laughed.
“You’re welcome.”
Mark smiled.
“We got a lot done.”
“Yes, Mark. We did.”
Gabriel looked toward Thane.
“By the way, Captain. You were gone longer than expected.”
Thane nodded.
“Yeah.”
“Supply company busy?”
“Not particularly.”
“Then what happened?”
Thane considered.
“Ran into Tavin.”
Gabriel’s ears lifted.
“Oh?”
Mark looked up.
“The kid from the restaurant?”
“Yep.”
“How’s he doing?” Gabriel asked.
Thane smiled.
“Pretty good, I think.”
“Good.”
They entered the galley.
Thane opened the refrigerator and retrieved a pitcher of cold juice.
Then he added casually, “Ran into a couple of assholes bothering him.”
Gabriel stopped.
His expression changed immediately.
“Bothering him how?”
Thane poured himself a glass.
“Shoving him around. Took his backpack. Making fun of him.”
Mark’s ears angled backward.
“Seriously?”
“Yep.”
Gabriel folded his arms.
“What happened?”
Thane took a sip.
“They left.”
Mark looked at him.
“Voluntarily?”
Thane smiled faintly.
“Eventually.”
For a moment, neither of the other wolves spoke.
Then Gabriel’s expression slowly changed.
A grin spread across his muzzle.
“Oh, Captain.”
Thane looked at him.
“What?”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing unreasonable.”
Mark raised an eyebrow.
“Define unreasonable.”
Thane shrugged.
“One of them took a short trip down the hallway.”
Gabriel stared.
Then burst out laughing.
“Oh, you DIDN’T!”
Thane smiled.
“He landed fine.”
Mark shook his head.
“Thane.”
“What?”
“Please tell me you didn’t seriously injure anybody.”
“Nope. Just embarrassed him.”
Gabriel was still laughing.
“God, I wish I’d seen that.”
Thane took another sip.
“The other one decided he’d rather be somewhere else.”
Mark considered.
“Probably wise.”
“Very.”
They settled around the galley table.
Gabriel was still chuckling.
Mark looked thoughtful.
“What did Tavin say?”
Thane shrugged.
“Said those two have been bothering him and other people for a while.”
Gabriel’s smile faded.
“Little bastards.”
“Pretty much.”
“Did you report it?”
“Sent the incident location and time to station security. Told Tavin he could file a statement if he wanted. I didn’t push him.”
Mark nodded.
“Good.”
Gabriel leaned back.
“Kid okay?”
“Yeah. Little scrape on his arm, but nothing serious.”
“Good.”
Thane smiled.
“Walked him to the general store afterward.”
Mark looked at him.
“That was nice.”
“Figured I’d make sure he got there safely.”
Gabriel grinned.
“Of course you did.”
Thane glanced at him.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Gabriel.”
The black wolf smiled.
“Just sounds like you.”
Thane shrugged.
“Well, somebody had to.”
Mark nodded quietly.
Then he looked toward the workshop corridor.
“Anyway, good thing you got back with that adapter.”
Thane laughed.
“Glad my afternoon of heroic intervention didn’t interfere with your industrial ambitions.”
Mark smiled.
“Priorities.”
Gabriel shook his head.
“I live with two lunatics.”
Dinner that evening was simple.
Thane prepared grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and a large pot of seasoned rice.
Gabriel complained that they hadn’t gone out again.
Mark reminded him how much they’d spent the previous evening.
Gabriel countered that the company had earned enough money to afford another nice meal.
Thane told both of them to shut up and eat.
They did.
Eventually.
Afterward, they settled into the common room.
Gabriel retrieved his guitar.
Mark opened a technical manual.
Thane stretched out on the couch with a book he’d been trying to finish for several weeks.
Freya hummed quietly around them.
The new fabrication processor rested in its freshly prepared workshop, ready for its first real assignment.
The ship’s maintenance schedule was in good shape.
Supplies were being replenished.
And for once, there was no urgent contract demanding their attention.
Gabriel began playing a familiar melody.
Thane recognized it immediately.
“That the one you finished during the Mercy Dawn job?”
Gabriel nodded.
“Yep.”
“Still like it.”
“Thanks.”
Mark looked up.
“Needs a little work on the bridge.”
Gabriel stopped playing.
He stared at the engineer.
“Excuse me?”
“The bridge.”
Gabriel blinked.
“Mark.”
“What?”
“You’re an engineer.”
“Yes.”
“Why are you critiquing my musical arrangement?”
Mark shrugged.
“Because I’ve heard it about forty times.”
Thane burst out laughing.
Gabriel stared at him.
Then at Mark.
Then he slowly grinned.
“You know what?”
Mark raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“You’re absolutely right.”
The engineer looked surprised.
Gabriel resumed playing.
Then deliberately altered the bridge into an absurdly complicated series of chords.
Mark closed his eyes.
Thane laughed until his sides hurt.
Later, when the common room had grown quiet, Thane found himself thinking about Tavin.
Not in any particularly dramatic way.
He simply remembered the youngster standing outside the general store, asking why an older wolf had bothered walking him there.
And the question that followed.
Is that what being in a pack is like?
Thane smiled faintly.
It had seemed such an ordinary thing.
Walking someone somewhere.
Making sure they were safe.
Taking a little time out of his day.
But apparently, to Tavin, it hadn’t been ordinary at all.
That bothered Thane more than he cared to admit.
Not because he expected gratitude.
Not because he wanted recognition.
But because a nineteen-year-old wolf shouldn’t find simple consideration surprising.
He glanced toward his companions.
Gabriel was quietly picking out a melody.
Mark had fallen asleep in his chair, his technical manual resting open against his chest.
Thane smiled.
This was what he’d meant.
Not grand gestures.
Not dramatic rescues.
Just knowing that somebody cared whether you made it home.
He closed his book.
Then stood.
“Night, Gabriel.”
The black wolf looked up.
“Night, Captain.”
Thane glanced toward Mark.
“Think we should wake him?”
Gabriel grinned.
“Nah. Let him sleep.”
Thane nodded.
“All right.”
He headed toward his cabin.
Behind him, Gabriel resumed playing.
The music drifted softly through the common room, accompanied by the familiar low rumble of Freya’s environmental systems.
And somewhere deep within the ship, a newly installed industrial machine waited patiently for its next assignment.
For once, Mark had nothing left to fix.
At least until tomorrow.