The first thing Tavin noticed about Hesper Transfer Station was that it appeared to have been assembled by someone who had never seen two pieces of architecture that matched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second thing was that it was enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stood beside Thane on Freya’s bridge, staring through the forward windows as the station slowly grew against the stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a sprawling collection of interconnected structures: broad cylindrical habitation modules, rectangular cargo terminals, rotating residential sections, and enormous docking platforms extending in every direction. Some portions looked relatively new, gleaming silver and white beneath the harsh light of Hesper’s sun. Others were clearly decades old, their hulls covered in repaired plating, faded corporate markings, and generations of additional equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freighters moved between the outer cargo berths. Small service craft darted through designated traffic lanes. An enormous bulk carrier was slowly being maneuvered toward a heavy industrial terminal by three station tugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s amber eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly hell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced over from navigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPretty impressive, isn’t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s huge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwenty-eight kilometers across at its widest point,\u201d Gabriel said. \u201cNot counting the external freight-handling platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwenty-eight kilometers?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow many people live there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLast census put the permanent population around eighty thousand. Transient population fluctuates anywhere between fifteen and forty thousand depending on shipping traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin slowly shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’ve never seen anything like it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s a busy place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBusy?\u201d Gabriel repeated. \u201cIt’s a logistical nightmare held together by traffic controllers, docking fees, and the collective desperation of several thousand shipping companies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled from the engineering station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds familiar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly. It’s like running Freya, except everybody’s arguing about whose turn it is to pay for maintenance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo basically Gabriel’s dream job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’ll have you know that I am exceptionally good at my job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s what makes the complaining so impressive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGentlemen, can we concentrate on docking before we start another argument?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe weren’t arguing,\u201d Tavin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was being professionally insulted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAn important distinction,\u201d Mark observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head, smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGabriel, what’s our berth assignment?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIndustrial Terminal Six, Cargo Berth Forty-Two. The client has a handling crew waiting for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Let’s get this delivery finished.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya continued toward the enormous station, her engines settling into the steady, precise rhythm of approach maneuvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Tavin, the entire experience was mesmerizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d seen Calder Industrial Station, of course. He’d worked there, lived there, and spent enough time navigating its crowded corridors to know which shortcuts avoided the busiest commercial sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Calder was a relatively modest facility compared with Hesper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hesper was practically a city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And somewhere inside that city were places he’d never imagined visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He didn’t yet know that he was about to see most of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delivery itself was almost disappointingly uneventful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The client’s representative, a tall, broad-shouldered alien with dark violet skin and four thick fingers on each hand, met them in the cargo bay accompanied by two structural inspectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His name was Dren, and he appeared positively delighted when he saw the recovered loading assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s it,\u201d he said, walking slowly around the enormous machinery. \u201cThat’s our rig.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs advertised.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dren examined the damaged mounting brackets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was told the main structure was intact, but I didn’t expect it to be in such good condition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMostly intact,\u201d Mark corrected. \u201cThere are several damaged components, and one boom is going to need substantial repair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dren nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course. But the central transfer frame is worth nearly half the assembly’s replacement cost by itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s smile widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I believe you’ll find our recovery fee quite reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked away to hide his amusement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The client’s inspectors reviewed the securing arrangements, compared the rig against the original equipment identification, and confirmed that Freya had satisfied the recovery specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark showed Dren the photographs of the fractured mounting bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The alien’s expression became considerably more serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou believe this was a fatigue failure?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt certainly has features consistent with one,\u201d Mark replied. \u201cI wouldn’t call it definitive without a metallurgical analysis. But I strongly recommend inspecting any identical mounting assemblies still in service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dren studied the images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have three others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I’d have somebody qualified look at all three before putting them under another heavy load.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dren nodded slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI appreciate the warning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHappy to help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The station’s cargo-handling crew unloaded the rig using a heavy overhead transfer system, and Gabriel completed the final acceptance paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirty minutes later, the transaction was finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forty-two thousand credits had been transferred into Freya’s commercial account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at the confirmation on his terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGentlemen, another successful contract.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat sounded almost cheerful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMoney makes me happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEspecially when it’s money somebody else owes me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, since we’re finished here, I think we ought to discuss our plans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot at all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked around at the three wolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe’ve been working pretty steadily. I think it’s time we took a day off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA day off?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAn entire day?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s generally how they work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel considered this remarkable development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you feeling all right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPerfectly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHave you been exposed to some kind of alien intoxicant?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGabriel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m just checking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe’re docked at one of the largest commercial stations in this sector. We’ve got our contract money. We have no urgent commitments. And I haven’t had a proper opportunity to wander around a station like this in years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds good to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat would we do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane turned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhatever we want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhatever?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWithin reason.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel immediately raised a hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI object to that last part.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cObjection noted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShopping. Exploring. Looking around. Eating something we didn’t cook ourselves. I don’t particularly care. Everybody gets the day to themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced between the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe don’t have work to do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo maintenance?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing that can’t wait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo cleaning?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel opened his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel closed it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin slowly grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWelcome to shore leave, son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next morning, Hesper Transfer Station’s commercial promenade was already bustling when the four wolves stepped out of the transit lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stopped so abruptly that Gabriel nearly walked into him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhoa.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The promenade stretched away in both directions, a broad, gently curving corridor lined with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and commercial kiosks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High overhead, an artificial lighting system simulated a pleasant blue sky. Hanging gardens overflowed from balconies and elevated pedestrian walkways. Water flowed through transparent channels suspended above the main corridor, occasionally carrying small aquatic passengers between distant sections of the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The air smelled of baked food, unfamiliar spices, hot machinery, and at least a dozen different species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aliens of every imaginable shape moved through the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tall, thin creatures with translucent skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compact, heavily built beings covered in dark scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A group of floating, jellyfish-like organisms surrounded by faintly glowing atmospheric containment fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several familiar humanoid species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, here and there, a few other wolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears perked up when he noticed them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One gray-furred wolf in a mechanic’s uniform gave the group a friendly nod as he passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane returned it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at the station directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll right. According to this, the main commercial district extends about three kilometers in either direction. There are six entertainment complexes, four major shopping centers, and approximately nine hundred individual retail establishments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNine hundred?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGive or take.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was already studying the directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, look at that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane followed his gaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIndustrial surplus exchange.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAccording to this, they’ve got three entire levels of refurbished machinery and obsolete components.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, I know where you’re going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked positively delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin was still staring at the promenade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat about you, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing you want to see?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEverything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFair answer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane considered the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy don’t we split up for a while? Everybody do their own thing. We’ll meet back here around seventeen hundred and decide where to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWorks for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have a few places in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I really just… go wherever?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane regarded him gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy myself?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf that’s what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’ve got your communicator. You’ve got your station access credentials. And you’ve got your own money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust keep your communicator on and stay out of the restricted areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel raised a finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd don’t buy anything that explodes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat seems unnecessarily limiting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll right, gentlemen. Enjoy yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the first twenty minutes, Tavin didn’t buy anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He barely even entered a shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He simply walked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The promenade seemed endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every few meters, something new caught his attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A confectionery sold sweets that changed colors when exposed to air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A clothing shop displayed garments designed for species with four arms, six arms, tails, wings, and anatomies Tavin couldn’t begin to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One restaurant had an enormous transparent dining room filled entirely with water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stopped and watched several aquatic customers eating around a circular table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wondered whether any of them were Veylith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Probably not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their bodies were longer and more serpentine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, the sight made him smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He thought about Captain Neral and Irix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About their strange food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the way Irix’s skin had turned brilliant gold when Mark praised him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It had only been a couple of days, but Tavin already missed them a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continued walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, he found himself in a narrower section of the promenade lined with smaller independent shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One storefront caught his attention immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SECOND CHANCE ELECTRONICS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beneath the name, a smaller sign read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Refurbished diagnostic equipment, test instruments, industrial controls, and hard-to-find components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, hell yes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He went inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shop smelled wonderful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At least, Tavin thought so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was the familiar scent of clean circuit boards, warm electronics, soldering equipment, and old machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Portable diagnostic instruments sat beside power supplies, industrial interface modules, communication equipment, and neatly organized bins of components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the back of the shop, a compact alien with leathery green skin and enormous round eyes sat behind a workbench repairing a control board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning,\u201d Tavin replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLooking for anything particular?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot really. Just browsing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBest way to find something you didn’t know you needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s what I keep hearing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor returned to its work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin wandered slowly between the shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He examined a rack of portable oscilloscopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A collection of precision soldering tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several refurbished power analyzers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he saw it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside a glass-fronted display cabinet sat a compact professional electronics diagnostic instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its casing was dark gray with reinforced corners and a slightly worn protective bumper. A bright display occupied its upper half, surrounded by several control buttons and rotary selectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The identification label read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kessarin Instruments MDA-450 Portable Electronics Analyzer<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He knew the model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not because he’d ever used one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because he’d spent hours reading about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MDA-450 was a serious professional tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It combined a four-channel oscilloscope, logic analyzer, precision multimeter, signal generator, and component-characterization functions in one portable package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It wasn’t the newest model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it was exceptionally capable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it was exactly the kind of instrument Tavin had dreamed of owning when he was repairing discarded electronics with little more than a basic multimeter and borrowed tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He leaned closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The price tag read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1,850 credits \u2014 Refurbished, tested, ninety-day warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears slowly lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was a lot of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not impossibly expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked at the instrument for another moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then started to turn away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSomething catch your eye?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor had appeared beside the cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah. The MDA-450.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood machine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou work in electronics?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSort of. I’m training as a technician aboard a salvage ship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor’s eyes widened slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSalvage?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen you’d get some use out of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProbably.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor opened the cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWant to see it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don’t think I can afford it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDidn’t ask whether you could afford it. Asked whether you wanted to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor placed the analyzer on the counter and connected it to a test fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The display illuminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor demonstrated its functions, explaining that the instrument had been completely serviced and calibrated six weeks earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin asked several questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then several more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soon the two were discussing input protection, sampling rates, and whether the analyzer’s component-characterization function could handle certain types of industrial power semiconductors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor seemed delighted to have a customer who actually understood the equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, Tavin reluctantly stepped back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks for showing me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnytime.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced at the price again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then toward the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe someday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hadn’t gone far when his communicator chimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane: Having fun?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled and typed a reply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin: Yeah! Found an electronics shop. This station is insane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A moment later:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane: Anything interesting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then typed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin: Only about a thousand things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The response came almost immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane: LOL. Enjoy yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared at the message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked back toward the electronics shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He thought about the money in his account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d been paid for his first days aboard Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not a fortune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But real wages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His wages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobody was deducting mysterious debts from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobody was telling him how much he was allowed to keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He could spend them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or save them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or do whatever he wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked at the shop again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wanted to make sure he understood what he could afford before spending nearly two thousand credits on a piece of equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was something he’d learned from Gabriel, oddly enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The black wolf might complain about everything under the stars, but he was meticulous about money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin pulled up his account balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then his employment agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He studied the numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thought about his expected expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And slowly began to smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Across the station, Mark had found paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was called Hesper Industrial Surplus Exchange, and it occupied three enormous warehouse levels filled with machinery, equipment, components, and miscellaneous industrial hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stood beside him near the entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked positively euphoric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIsn’t it beautiful?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane surveyed the rows of equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hydraulic press stood beside several old power-distribution cabinets. Racks of industrial motors stretched toward the far wall. Suspended overhead were dozens of articulated mechanical assemblies, some clearly removed from spacecraft, others from mining equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeautiful isn’t the first word that comes to mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s because you lack imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI spent three years helping you rebuild Freya.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly. You should know better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They wandered between the shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stopped frequently to examine particular pieces of equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A refurbished actuator controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A set of industrial power couplings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several obsolete interface boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane followed patiently, occasionally asking questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, Mark stopped beside a dusty metal cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stepped closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wiped dust from the identification plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMark?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The gray-and-white wolf slowly turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou remember the original cargo-control system on Freya?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow could I forget?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemember that ridiculous sequencing controller?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe one that kept dropping the bay doors halfway through a cycle?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s the one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNearly drove you insane.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNearly?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark pointed toward the cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLook.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The identification plate identified a heavy-duty industrial sequencing controller manufactured more than thirty years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s tail gave a small, involuntary wag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe same model?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSame model. Same revision. Even the same firmware generation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood grief.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark opened the cabinet’s inspection panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside sat several neatly arranged control modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He examined them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly hell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s complete.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that unusual?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnusual? Thane, I’ve been trying to find one of these for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at the cabinet again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause Freya’s original controller is still in service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI thought you’d replaced that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRebuilt it. Replaced several failed modules. Updated the interface wiring. But the main sequencing processor is still original.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd it still works?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeautifully.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course it does.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at the controller with unmistakable affection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut if that processor ever fails, we’d have to redesign the entire cargo-control interface around a modern replacement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo this would be a proper spare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A warehouse attendant approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInterested in that unit?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark turned so quickly that Thane nearly laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The attendant examined the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOld industrial controller. Came out of a decommissioned heavy transport about two years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWas it tested?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBasic power-up and internal diagnostics. No active faults. Full functional testing would cost extra.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFair enough. What’s the asking price?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The attendant checked its terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSix hundred and forty credits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark went completely still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMark?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The older wolf slowly turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His expression was priceless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane immediately knew what he was thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d seen that expression before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually immediately before Mark announced that he’d found something worth approximately ten times what somebody was asking for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe’ll take it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThane\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t you want to negotiate?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot particularly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The attendant looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stared at his old friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then started laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They arranged to have the controller delivered directly to Freya’s berth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they continued through the warehouse, Thane glanced at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemember the first time we got Freya’s cargo doors working?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark snorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou remember.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow could I forget?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The memory came back with astonishing clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya had been sitting in a neglected maintenance berth, her hull half-open and her cargo systems completely disabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They’d spent nearly six weeks tracing wiring, replacing damaged actuators, and rebuilding the control circuitry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, one evening, Mark had announced that the system was ready for its first full test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane had stood at the control console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had been in the cargo bay watching the doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had been beside the primary controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled at the memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou told me to hit the button.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd you did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd nothing happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause the safety interlock wasn’t satisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo you checked the interlock.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd found the sensor wiring reversed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou fixed it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd told me to hit the button again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was already laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd this time the doors opened about six inches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSix.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhatever. And then they stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause one of the actuator feedback modules was reporting the wrong position.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd Gabriel was standing in the cargo bay shouting that he’d seen glaciers move faster.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, I remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen you went down there and told him if he didn’t like it, he could come fix it himself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd he said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both wolves spoke together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’M THE ONE PAYING FOR THIS DAMN THING!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They dissolved into laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several nearby shoppers looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane wiped his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGod, those were good times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey really were.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The laughter gradually faded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They continued walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Thane spoke more quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know, I don’t think I’ve ever properly thanked you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFreya.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat about her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll the work you put into her. All those nights you stayed up fixing things. All the systems you rebuilt. All the times you figured out how to make something work when we couldn’t afford a replacement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe wouldn’t have her without you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked down for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know that’s not true.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIsn’t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked toward the rows of old machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou found her. You believed she was worth saving. You put up the money. You spent every spare hour helping me tear things apart and put them back together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd Gabriel somehow managed to keep us solvent while we were spending money faster than we could earn it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBarely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBarely,\u201d Mark agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked back at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFreya wasn’t something I built for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane listened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe was something we built together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, neither spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They resumed walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a few steps, Mark added, \u201cAlthough I will say, you were absolutely terrible at labeling wiring harnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, here we go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m serious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’d write things like ‘left thing’ and ‘big connector’ on the labels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause that’s what they were!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s a miracle I let you near the electrical systems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou loved every minute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMost of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s day had taken a considerably different turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d started with a perfectly reasonable intention to browse the commercial district, perhaps visit a music shop, enjoy a good meal, and generally appreciate being somewhere that didn’t require him to complete paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he’d found the instrument store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RESONANCE \u2014 INSTRUMENTS OF THE KNOWN WORLDS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stopped in the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, now we’re talking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interior was magnificent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stringed instruments hung along one wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wind instruments occupied another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A collection of percussion devices filled an entire corner, including several that appeared to have no solid striking surfaces at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the center of the shop, an alien musician was demonstrating an instrument unlike anything Gabriel had ever seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It consisted of a long, curved wooden body fitted with twelve strings arranged in three groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The musician plucked several strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A low, resonant tone filled the shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sound was warm and rich, with strange harmonic overtones that seemed to shift as the musician moved its hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly hell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The musician looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was tall and slender, with pale lavender skin, four arms, and a narrow face framed by delicate sensory tendrils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInterested?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The musician smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHave you played a harmonic veilar before?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan’t say I have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh. An unfamiliar instrument.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m a guitarist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The musician tilted its head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTerran stringed instrument?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have heard examples.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’d you think?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The alien considered its response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrimitive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel went completely still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then slowly grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, really?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The musician nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLimited harmonic architecture. Restricted tonal range. A rather straightforward mechanical design.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBuddy, you are about to have a very educational morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Twenty minutes later, the shop had attracted a small crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had borrowed an electric guitar from the store’s collection of imported Terran instruments and connected it to a demonstration amplifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The alien musician, whose name was Velis, stood opposite him holding the twelve-string veilar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their initial discussion had been entirely friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Velis had demonstrated a complex harmonic pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had responded with a blues progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis had played a traditional composition from its homeworld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had answered with a fast, intricate rock riff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd had grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis seemed delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel was having the time of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery interesting,\u201d Velis said after Gabriel finished a particularly aggressive passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrimitive enough for you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis’s tendrils shimmered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPerhaps I underestimated the instrument.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlthough your technique relies heavily on mechanical amplification.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, you want to talk technique?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would be interested in hearing more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel adjusted the amplifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then launched into a driving, rhythmically complex instrumental passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It wasn’t a song the crowd recognized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just Gabriel improvising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it was good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Really good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His black-furred hands moved confidently across the fretboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His claws clicked lightly against the strings as he shifted positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He used the instrument’s controls to shape the tone, alternating between clean melodic passages and heavily overdriven riffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several spectators began moving in time with the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis watched intently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Gabriel finished, the crowd applauded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour turn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then began playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The veilar produced a remarkable cascade of harmonics, its twelve strings interacting through a complex resonating chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel listened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, without warning, began playing along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKeep going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The alien continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel found the underlying rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the harmonic structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slowly, the two instruments began weaving around one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What started as a friendly challenge became an improvised duet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The veilar’s shimmering tones floated above the guitar’s deep, driving rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shifted into a melodic lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis answered with a cascade of harmonics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd grew louder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the time they finished, nearly forty people had gathered around the shop’s entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The applause was enthusiastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lowered the guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI withdraw my previous assessment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood answer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis extended one of its four hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shook it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was magnificent,\u201d the alien said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot bad yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin discovered the crowd entirely by accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d been heading toward a small restaurant when he heard the unmistakable sound of an electric guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very familiar style of guitar playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He followed the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A moment later, he found Gabriel standing inside the instrument shop, grinning like an idiot while a crowd applauded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin slowly smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then raised his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDO THEY CHARGE ADMISSION, OR DO WE GET PAID TO PUT UP WITH THIS?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s head snapped around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTAVIN!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf waved cheerfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHI!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several spectators laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGET IN HERE!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin wandered inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNice crowd. Did you promise them refunds?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you acquainted?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnfortunately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe’s my crewmate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis’s tendrils shimmered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour crewmate is an exceptional musician.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded thoughtfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, he’s pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For one brief moment, he looked genuinely pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Tavin added, \u201cWhen he isn’t talking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis looked fascinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have an unusual friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel opened one eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They spent another half hour in the instrument shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel and Velis discussed different playing techniques, instrument construction, and the challenges of performing music across species with different hearing ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened with surprising interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hadn’t realized how much technical knowledge went into instrument design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At one point, Velis demonstrated how the veilar’s resonating chamber used adjustable internal membranes to emphasize different harmonic frequencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo it’s almost like a mechanical equalizer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrecisely!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSee? Music is engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExplains why you’re only good at half of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Velis laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, Gabriel purchased a compact set of specialized guitar strings manufactured from an unusually resilient alien alloy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also exchanged contact information with Velis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you’re ever passing through Hesper again,\u201d Velis said, \u201cI would very much enjoy another performance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCount on it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they left the shop, Tavin glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou really are good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlaying guitar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s expression softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a brief silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he added, \u201cStill can’t believe somebody applauded you voluntarily.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAND THERE IT IS.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By midafternoon, Tavin had returned to Second Chance Electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d spent nearly an hour reviewing his finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MDA-450 was expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But he could afford it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And more importantly, he wanted it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not because somebody had told him to buy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not because it was necessary for a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because it was something he’d wanted for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He entered the shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBack again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStill thinking about that analyzer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cActually…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He took a breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I’d like to buy it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExcellent choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The alien retrieved the instrument from its display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It included the original carrying case, a set of test leads, calibration documentation, and a compact power adapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor ran another quick functional check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin transferred the payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The transaction confirmation appeared on his communicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1,850 credits transferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stared at the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, he felt something strange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not fear, exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just the unfamiliar realization that he’d spent a substantial amount of money on something entirely for himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proprietor handed him the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin accepted it carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou take care of that machine, it’ll take care of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI intend to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He walked out into the promenade carrying the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And for the first time in his life, he owned a genuinely professional piece of electronics equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not borrowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not scavenged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not something somebody had thrown away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stopped beside a planter filled with brilliant purple foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opened the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looked at the instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then closed it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A huge grin spread across his muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly hell,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At seventeen hundred, the four wolves reunited near the central transit plaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel arrived first, carrying a small shopping bag and looking insufferably pleased with himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark and Thane appeared a few minutes later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin came last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel spotted the case immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, well, well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSomebody went shopping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s ears perked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’d you get?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin set the case on a nearby bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opened it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, wow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou recognize it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course I recognize it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark examined the instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKessarin MDA-450. That’s a serious piece of equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s tail wagged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRefurbished. Fully calibrated. Ninety-day warranty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded approvingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at the instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEighteen hundred and fifty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s a substantial purchase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lowered slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel studied him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid you check your budget first?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStill have a reasonable reserve?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWarranty documentation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The black wolf smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou wanted it, you could afford it, and you made an informed decision. That’s exactly what money’s for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin slowly smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was still examining the analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMind if I take a closer look when we get back?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he glanced toward Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo. How was your day?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s grin returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, gentlemen. You are looking at a celebrity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHere we go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel ignored him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI engaged in an extraordinary cultural exchange with a remarkably talented alien musician.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid you now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIndeed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe got into a guitar competition because somebody called his instrument primitive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course he did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was a friendly exchange of musical traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUh-huh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd we had a crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA very confused crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA very appreciative crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome of them even stayed voluntarily.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI should’ve left you at Calder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark held up a small purchase receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, we found something interesting too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA complete replacement sequencing controller for Freya’s original cargo system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe old Karron unit?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSame revision. Complete assembly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSix hundred and forty credits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel went completely still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then slowly turned toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’re kidding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked back at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s worth at least six thousand credits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProbably more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel took a long breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked toward the station ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFinally. Somebody around here understands the value of a bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin raised a hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI bought a professional diagnostic analyzer at a fair price.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd I’m proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sincerity caught him off guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSee? I can be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMust be exhausting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on, everybody. Let’s find somewhere to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The restaurant Gabriel selected was a surprisingly elegant establishment overlooking one of Hesper’s interior observation gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Large windows revealed a beautiful artificial landscape filled with flowering trees, gently flowing water, and carefully maintained paths beneath a simulated evening sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The restaurant itself served a broad selection of dishes from several different worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane ordered a thick grilled steak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark selected a roasted vegetable and protein dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel chose an elaborate seafood platter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin studied the menu for several minutes before finally ordering a dish featuring grilled meat, spiced rice, and a rich sauce made from ingredients he’d never heard of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The food arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a while, the conversation revolved around their purchases and discoveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark explained the significance of the obsolete sequencing controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel described his musical encounter in increasingly dramatic terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin provided a somewhat less flattering account of the same event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane listened, laughed, and occasionally offered commentary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, the conversation shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was describing the early days of Freya’s restoration when Tavin leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I ask something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you ever run out of questions?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust checking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin turned toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat was Freya like when you first found her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark started laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHere we go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe was a mess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA complete disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel raised his glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA financially catastrophic disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemember the first time we walked through her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLike it was yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They’d found Freya in a commercial salvage yard six years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was thirty-two years old now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back then, she’d already spent nearly three decades hauling damaged equipment, recovering derelict machinery, and performing industrial towing operations for a succession of commercial owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her final operator had gone bankrupt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ship had been sold to a liquidation company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the liquidation company had decided she was worth more as scrap than as a functioning vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane had seen the listing almost by accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An old industrial salvage ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Major systems incomplete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Propulsion operational status unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cargo equipment partially stripped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior condition poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sold as-is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had laughed when Thane first showed him the advertisement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had asked for the technical specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that had been the beginning of everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe went to look at her,\u201d Thane told Tavin, \u201cand she was sitting in this miserable little salvage berth with half her external equipment missing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSomebody had removed the starboard cargo-handling controller.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd most of the internal lighting didn’t work,\u201d Thane added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe galley was an absolute horror.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow bad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cImagine a kitchen that hasn’t been cleaned in three years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin winced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow imagine somebody removed half the appliances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd the remaining half had apparently been used to conduct experiments in biological warfare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt wasn’t quite that bad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThane. There was something growing inside the refrigerator.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere was.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nearly choked on his drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat was it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNobody knows,\u201d Gabriel said solemnly. \u201cMark refused to let us investigate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI disconnected the power, sealed the door, and had the entire unit removed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBest decision you ever made,\u201d Gabriel said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut underneath all that neglect, she had good bones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery good bones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe primary hull was sound. Her main structural members were solid. The propulsion assemblies were old but repairable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd the cargo systems,\u201d Mark added, \u201cwere beautifully designed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey were broken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeautifully broken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe could see what she might become.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd I suppose that was enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three older wolves continued reminiscing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They told Tavin about the first months of rebuilding Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About sleeping in temporary quarters because most of the crew deck lacked functioning environmental controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About spending entire days tracing wiring harnesses and replacing failed distribution equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Gabriel’s seemingly endless battles with suppliers, contractors, and station administrators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the time Mark spent six hours diagnosing a faulty cargo-door sensor only to discover that Thane had accidentally labeled two connectors backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed so hard he had to put down his fork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane pointed at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe’s exaggerating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAm I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSix hours?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFive and a half.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFelt like six years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFine. I labeled the connectors wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin wiped his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd Mark never let you forget it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot once.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProper labeling is important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel raised his glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo proper labeling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin lifted his own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo the big connector and the left thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The table erupted in laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, Tavin asked the question that made the three older wolves grow quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWere you ever afraid it wouldn’t work?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFreya. Were you ever afraid you’d spend all that time and money and she’d never fly again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The older wolves exchanged glances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel answered first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEvery damn day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe were spending money we didn’t have much of, trying to rebuild a ship that hadn’t passed a proper operational inspection in years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere were times we found problems we hadn’t anticipated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExpensive problems,\u201d Gabriel added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid you ever think about giving up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The older wolf leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere were nights I was so exhausted I couldn’t think straight. We’d fix one system and discover two more problems. Sometimes we’d spend days trying to find a replacement part that nobody manufactured anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut then we’d solve something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGet another system working.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnother light would come on,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnother compartment would have heat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnother engine controller would pass its diagnostics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd then I’d discover we’d spent another five thousand credits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEventually, the list of things that worked got longer than the list of things that didn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd one day, we realized she was almost ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened intently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat was the first flight like?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three older wolves went quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, I’ll never forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya’s first flight under their ownership had lasted exactly forty-seven minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They hadn’t gone anywhere particularly interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just out of the maintenance berth, through the local traffic corridor, around a designated test waypoint, and back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But to Thane, it had felt like crossing the galaxy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They’d spent nearly three years rebuilding her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three years of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three years of expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three years of setbacks, arguments, laughter, and stubborn determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then, finally, they’d powered up the engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had sat at engineering, watching every system with almost painful concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had handled navigation and communications, quietly reciting clearance instructions and confirming every operational parameter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane had taken the captain’s chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Freya had moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There had been a slight vibration from one of the secondary coolant pumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A temperature sensor had briefly reported an impossible reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the navigation displays had flickered twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But she had moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under her own power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when Thane had looked toward Mark, the older wolf had been smiling so broadly that his entire muzzle seemed to glow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had been grinning too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For once, he’d had absolutely nothing sarcastic to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They’d taken Freya out into open space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turned her around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brought her home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And afterward, they’d sat together in the unfinished galley drinking cheap coffee from mismatched mugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They hadn’t said much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They hadn’t needed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin was staring at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWow,\u201d the young wolf whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked down at his plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was a good day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne of the best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, the four wolves sat quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Tavin spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish I’d been there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was something in the young wolf’s expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not jealousy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not even sadness, exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just the wistful realization that the three older wolves shared years of memories he could never personally experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane reached across the table and gently rested a hand on Tavin’s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSon, you weren’t there for the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut you’re here now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd we’ve got plenty of memories left to make.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded warmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel raised his glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd preferably some that don’t involve repairing equipment that costs more than the ship itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOr eating things that smell like dead fish?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lowered his glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou just had to ruin it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They returned to Freya after dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The station’s artificial evening lighting had dimmed to a soft amber, and the commercial promenade was gradually transitioning from daytime shopping traffic to nightlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin carried his new diagnostic analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had a small bag of miscellaneous components he’d picked up at the surplus exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel carried his new guitar strings and a very satisfied expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane had purchased several packages of imported Earth meats and a selection of particularly aggressive peppers from a specialty food market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel noticed them as they walked toward the docking terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose peppers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat about them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose are the ones you put in your chili.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTell him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTell him what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat those peppers are dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey’re peppers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey’re weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked intrigued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow hot are they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPretty hot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPretty hot? Last time you made that chili, I couldn’t feel my tongue for twenty minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou ate two bowls.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBECAUSE IT WAS GOOD!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m starting to see a pattern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back aboard Freya, everyone gradually settled into the familiar comfort of home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark went down to engineering to inspect the newly delivered sequencing controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel disappeared into his cabin with his guitar strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin took his analyzer to the common room and carefully unpacked it on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane carried his groceries into the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few minutes later, Tavin appeared in the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, Thane?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNeed any help?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin entered the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat are you making?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust getting some things ready for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChili?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEventually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward the ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I help?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane handed him a cutting board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirst lesson. Proper knife handling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI worked in a restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can cut vegetables.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen you can show me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFair enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They worked side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane prepared the meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin chopped onions and peppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They talked about the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Tavin’s new analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the instrument shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the strange excitement of having money to spend on something he genuinely wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At one point, Tavin stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThane?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, I mean…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor letting me go off on my own. For trusting me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane set down his knife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTavin, you’re nineteen years old. You’re perfectly capable of making your own decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd you don’t need my permission to enjoy a day off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked down at the cutting board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStill getting used to that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane’s expression softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI figured.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut it was nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked around the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then back at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd this is nice too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCooking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’ve done plenty of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The older wolf understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Tavin, kitchens had meant work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Someone watching the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Someone deciding whether he’d done enough to deserve whatever meager pay remained after deductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But here, in Freya’s galley, he was simply helping prepare a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was no supervisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No collar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just two wolves standing side by side, making food for people they cared about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled warmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen we’ll have to do it more often.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s tail gave a small wag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They finished the preparation and packed everything away for the following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin cleaned the cutting board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane wiped down the counters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the young wolf glanced toward the refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I ask something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’s the secret ingredient in your chili?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane slowly turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, come on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFamily secret.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, he simply looked at the young wolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s expression shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hadn’t meant to make a point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d just said it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cYou are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane reached into a cabinet and removed a small sealed container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He opened it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside were several pieces of dark imported Earth chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChocolate?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery dark chocolate. Just a little. It rounds out the bitterness and deepens the savory flavors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou put chocolate in chili?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoes Gabriel know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then slowly smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, this is going to be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t you dare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo promises.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later that evening, the four wolves gathered in the common room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had completed a preliminary inspection of the sequencing controller and was extremely pleased with its condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had restrung his guitar and was quietly playing a gentle instrumental melody from the couch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin sat nearby with his new diagnostic analyzer, exploring the menus and experimenting with a small test circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane relaxed in his favorite chair with a mug of tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a while, nobody spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The music filled the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soft, warm, and surprisingly beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up from his analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, Gabriel?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel continued playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat sounds really good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The black wolf glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s expression softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He played a few more notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAppreciate it, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked up from his terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know, we should get you to play more often.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel continued the melody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin returned his attention to the analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark resumed reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Thane looked around the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He thought about the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the old machinery warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About laughing with Mark over memories that had seemed almost forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Gabriel finding a fellow musician on a distant space station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Tavin buying his first professional tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the young wolf standing in the galley and casually saying, I’m family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And perhaps that was the best thing about the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not the shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not even the memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was the realization that Freya’s story was still being written.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The original three wolves had spent years building a ship and a life together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now there were four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the next chapter of their shared history had already begun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A little later, Gabriel finished playing and set his guitar aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’ve got a question.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course you do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan you teach me to play?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The black wolf studied Tavin for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then slowly grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou want to learn guitar?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel picked up the guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirst lesson tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s grin widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd I’m going to be a very demanding teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled sweetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s okay. I’m used to dealing with difficult personalities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at the young wolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou haven’t even started yet, and you’re already getting on my nerves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNatural talent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGod help me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the common room filled with laughter once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside, Hesper Transfer Station continued its endless bustle of commerce and travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freighters arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cargo changed hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thousands of people went about their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And tucked away in Cargo Berth Forty-Two, an old industrial salvage ship rested quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her machinery was warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her systems were healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her crew was happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And somewhere deep within her hull, four wolves were building a lifetime of memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One ordinary day at a time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The first thing Tavin noticed about Hesper Transfer Station was that it appeared to have been assembled by someone who had never seen two pieces of architecture that matched. The second thing was that it was enormous. He stood beside Thane on Freya’s bridge, staring through the forward windows as the station slowly grew against […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ship-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":111,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions\/111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}