The first indication that Mark had found something interesting came at six seventeen in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second was the sound of someone laughing in the engineering workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane lay in his bunk for another moment, staring at the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He knew that laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was quiet, slightly breathless, and possessed a particular quality that usually meant one of two things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Either Mark had discovered something extraordinarily clever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or he’d found something so spectacularly stupid that he couldn’t help appreciating the creativity involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane rolled onto his side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLord help us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sat up, stretched his broad shoulders, and swung his clawed feet onto the deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya’s familiar vibration greeted him through his paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything felt normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The environmental systems were humming steadily. The ventilation was operating at its usual low overnight setting, and somewhere beyond his cabin, the ship’s power-distribution equipment maintained the comfortable rhythm he’d known for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing sounded wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which meant Mark was probably just being Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane pulled on his trousers, shrugged into a shirt, and headed for the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coffee first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever engineering miracle had occurred could survive another ten minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By six forty-five, Thane had his coffee and was standing in the workshop doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was seated at the main electronics bench, surrounded by a collection of test leads, service manuals, and the old sequencing controller he’d purchased during their shore leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The controller’s outer housing had been removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several internal modules were connected to a bench power supply and a diagnostic interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A portable display showed a series of configuration parameters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was grinning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned against the doorframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane studied his expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, that’s never good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat face.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark glanced around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat face?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe one you make when you’re about to tell me something that costs money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRelax. This doesn’t cost anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s what you said before we bought the materials processor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was different.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThirty-one thousand, eight hundred credits different.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWorth every one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He walked over to the bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo what’s got you laughing before seven in the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark turned the display toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemember that old sequencing controller we picked up yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHard to forget. You looked like somebody had handed you a winning lottery ticket.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, I powered it up last night and ran the internal diagnostics. Everything passed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I checked the nonvolatile configuration storage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced at the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnything useful?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark scrolled through several pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhoever maintained this thing before it was decommissioned kept exceptionally good records. Configuration backups, test procedures, maintenance notes, even a few engineering sketches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds like somebody you would’ve liked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark opened a text file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd then I found this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The document was labeled:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION MONITORING \u2014 SERVICE MODIFICATION NOTES<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane took a sip of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark pointed toward a diagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSee this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m looking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis controller came from an older transport with a power-distribution architecture very similar to Freya’s. Different manufacturer, different equipment family, but the same basic design philosophy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane examined the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeparate primary and secondary buses?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight. With local switching assemblies and individual branch-monitoring circuits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe previous engineer added a monitoring interface to improve fault diagnosis. Instead of relying solely on the controller’s summary alarms, it recorded individual voltage and switching states during power transitions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDidn’t we discuss doing something similar?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbout four years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy didn’t we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMoney.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh. Our old friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly. At the time, we’d have needed custom interface hardware and a fair amount of fabrication work. We were still paying off the propulsion refurbishment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark gestured toward the workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow we’ve got a precision materials processor, a fully equipped electronics bench, and a perfectly serviceable ship that doesn’t need to be torn apart to accommodate the improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stared back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Thane said, \u201cIn normal money, or Mark money?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin appeared in the doorway just in time to hear the last exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His rust-red ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid somebody say Mark money?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood morning, Tavin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward the dismantled controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, cool!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He immediately crossed the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that the one you bought yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep,\u201d Mark replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoes it work?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeautifully.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin leaned over the bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark pointed to the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTake a look at this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the next several minutes, Mark explained the maintenance records and the old engineer’s monitoring modification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened closely, asking questions whenever he didn’t understand something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo the modification doesn’t actually control the power switching?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCorrect,\u201d Mark said. \u201cIt monitors the individual signals and records their timing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhich means if something trips, you can see what happened immediately before the fault.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin studied the diagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s clever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCould we do that on Freya?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s what I was thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears perked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure. We’d need to adapt the idea to our equipment, but the principle is sound.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane took another sip of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAssuming it doesn’t cost thirty thousand credits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much is it going to cost?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProbably a few hundred in materials. Most of the parts are already in inventory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that a few hundred in normal money, or\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t start,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By eight thirty, Gabriel had joined them in the workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was carrying a mug of coffee, a portable terminal, and an expression suggesting he had already encountered several things that irritated him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood morning, gentlemen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at the dismantled controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, wonderful. We’re taking things apart again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust doing some testing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s what you always say.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned against the workbench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease tell me we’re not modifying the entire cargo-control system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReplacing a propulsion controller?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInstalling another thirty-thousand-credit technological miracle?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen why are you smiling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark turned his display toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause I’ve got an idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s actually a pretty good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’ve been here five minutes. You’re already conspiring?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeen here almost two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFeels like five years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark explained the proposed modification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel listened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To his credit, he asked several sensible questions about cost, required downtime, and whether the changes would affect Freya’s operational certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had answers for all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The existing distribution equipment would remain unchanged during normal operation. The proposed monitoring system would be electrically isolated, read-only, and connected through properly rated sensing interfaces. No protective interlocks would be bypassed or modified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Installation would be performed during a planned maintenance window with the affected secondary circuits isolated and verified de-energized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The whole project could be reversed without altering Freya’s original controller configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel considered this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo we’re adding better diagnostic logging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEssentially.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd the existing system keeps working exactly as it does now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCorrect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbout two hundred and seventy credits in additional components.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwo hundred and seventy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGive or take.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo surprise expenses?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot expecting any.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel slowly nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, hell. Let him build it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel raised a finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProvided we don’t take apart anything important while we still need it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFair enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I help?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark turned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cActually, I was planning to ask you something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin straightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow would you like to build the monitoring interface?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked at the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then back at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe whole thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe low-voltage acquisition module. I’ll handle the shipboard sensing hardware and overall integration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’d trust me with that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy wouldn’t I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked momentarily speechless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUh-oh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe’s quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnjoy it while it lasts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere he is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project began with a lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not a lecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark cleared a section of the electronics bench and placed a small development board beside Tavin’s new MDA-450 diagnostic analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBefore we build anything,\u201d he said, \u201ctell me what the monitoring system needs to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin studied the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMeasure the individual voltage states on the secondary distribution circuits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRecord when they change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd send the information to the maintenance logging system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow tell me what it absolutely must not do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInterfere with the existing controller.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCreate a path for current to flow between circuits that are supposed to be isolated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOr affect the protective interlocks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExcellent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo what’s our first design consideration?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cElectrical isolation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBingo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The older wolf pulled up the ship’s distribution schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFreya’s secondary system uses several different voltage references. Some circuits share a common return. Others are isolated. The status signals weren’t designed to be directly connected to a modern data-acquisition board.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo we need to condition the signals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight. And preferably isolate them before they ever reach the processor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They discussed possible approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Optically isolated digital inputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Differential sensing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protected analog-to-digital conversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Signal filtering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Input impedance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark didn’t simply give Tavin a completed design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, he asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What voltage ranges did the inputs need to accommodate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What would happen during a transient?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What if a monitored conductor was accidentally shorted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What if one of the interface modules failed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin worked through each question carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes he answered immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes he had to think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Occasionally he was wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark corrected him without making a production of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By lunchtime, they’d settled on a straightforward design using independently protected inputs, isolation components, and a small processor to timestamp transitions and communicate with Freya’s maintenance terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark reviewed the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLooks good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I build it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark slid the component tray toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHave at it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Mark and Tavin occupied the workshop, Thane and Gabriel headed back into Hesper Transfer Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their first stop was the provisioning district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya’s food stores were still reasonably full, but Thane preferred to restock whenever they had access to a well-supplied commercial station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had a particular fondness for fresh ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Especially meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel, meanwhile, was reviewing contract listings as they walked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing spectacular,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane examined a display of imported vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnything worth considering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA couple of routine equipment transfers. One abandoned cargo pod recovery. A small towing job out near the fifth orbital.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRates?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTerrible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow terrible?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel named a figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They continued through the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A vendor offered Thane a sample of a dark-purple fruit with a bright yellow interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He tasted it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, that’s good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked up from his terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vendor explained that the fruit came from a temperate agricultural world several systems away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane purchased a small bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel watched him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe came here for provisions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe already have food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can have more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m surrounded by spendthrifts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemind me how much you spent on those guitar strings yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was a professional investment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course it was.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An hour later, they were sitting at a small caf\u00e9 overlooking one of the station’s enormous internal transit corridors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane had coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had something that resembled coffee but smelled faintly of toasted nuts and citrus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His terminal sat between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo,\u201d Thane said, \u201canything interesting?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel scrolled through the listings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen don’t force it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wasn’t planning to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBelieve it or not, I do occasionally know what I’m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’ve noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel took a sip of his drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a while, they watched the passing crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Gabriel spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know, I think the kid’s good for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTavin?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, the elderly gentleman selling pastries over there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, Tavin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think so too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe’s smart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd he works hard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd he’s got a mouth on him that could strip paint off a bulkhead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood lord, that kid can dish it out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou two seem to enjoy yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI suppose we do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously, though. He’s got something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane listened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYesterday, when we were recovering that loading rig? He spotted the problem with the search model before the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd he didn’t make a big deal out of it. He just asked a question.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s the kind of person you want aboard a working ship. Somebody who thinks instead of just following a procedure because that’s what the procedure says.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe’s going to make a fine technician.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked down at his drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then added, \u201cAnd I think he’s happier than he knows what to do with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane’s expression softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid you see him yesterday with that analyzer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe looked like he’d bought himself an entire spaceship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor him, that was a pretty big purchase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe was so proud of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd he should be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a moment of quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Gabriel leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven if he is a monumental pain in my ass.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe declaration of affection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI beg your pardon?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou like him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course I like him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’re practically his big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel opened his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Closed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGod help us all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conversation gradually drifted toward Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They talked about the recent contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the increasingly useful preferred-contractor relationship established after the Mercy Dawn recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the cost of keeping an old industrial vessel in first-class operating condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had been reviewing their financial position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things were good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not spectacularly wealthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not enough to stop working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But comfortably good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn contract had provided an excellent financial cushion, and the Hesper recovery had added another forty-two thousand credits before operating expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They could afford to be selective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane liked that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had no intention of running his crew into the ground simply to keep revenue flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel scrolled through another listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCareful. You’re starting to sound like Mark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel ignored him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He enlarged the listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlanetary equipment recovery. Private redevelopment contract.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel read the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlanet called Orthea. Second planet in the Peloran system. About five days from Hesper at our usual transit profile.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’s the job?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbandoned atmospheric mining installation. Previous operator shut down operations seven years ago. Property has since been acquired by a new development consortium.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd they want the old equipment removed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel continued reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeveral industrial processing units, two large power-generation assemblies, cargo-handling machinery, and miscellaneous support equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCondition?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnknown. Preliminary survey available.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’s the atmosphere?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel opened the planetary data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cActually, this is rather nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He turned the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Orthea was a temperate terrestrial world with a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere, moderate gravity, and a substantial surface-water inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The standard atmospheric profile was comfortably within the breathing requirements of humans and wolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane studied the figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwenty-one percent oxygen. Pressure just a little below Earth standard. Gravity point-nine-six.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTemperature?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSite’s in a temperate highland region. Average daytime temperatures around twenty degrees Celsius this season.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAtmospheric contaminants are within normal tolerances, according to the latest environmental survey. No general respiratory equipment required.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel scrolled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLocal biological hazards are considered low, though standard off-world environmental precautions apply. The major concerns are industrial contamination, structural deterioration, and terrain access.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPotentially.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’s the payout?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel named the advertised compensation range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane raised his eyebrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was substantially higher than their Hesper recovery fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the contract also involved considerably more work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disassembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surface transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Possible fabrication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the complications of recovering heavy equipment from a planetary environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane studied the photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The abandoned installation occupied a broad valley between forested hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several enormous processing buildings stood beside a series of cylindrical storage tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A long conveyor structure climbed toward a scarred mountainside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the industrial site, green vegetation stretched across rolling terrain beneath a pale blue sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin would love it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane could already imagine the young wolf standing in an actual forest on an unfamiliar world, discovering that the galaxy contained more than ships, stations, and industrial corridors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel watched him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInteresting?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWant me to request the detailed survey package?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely. But don’t commit to anything until Mark reviews the equipment and site conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAgreed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel tapped the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A moment later, the request was transmitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLooks like we might have our next adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd this time we get to work somewhere with actual dirt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cImagine that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back aboard Freya, Tavin was discovering that designing a working circuit and building a reliable one were not necessarily the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first prototype had gone together beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d mounted the processor, installed the isolation components, connected the input-conditioning circuits, and carefully inspected every solder joint under magnification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His new analyzer had performed wonderfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The instrument’s display was bright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its controls were intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And its measurements were precise enough to make Tavin grin every time he used it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark watched him work with quiet satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By midafternoon, the prototype was ready for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They connected it to a bench fixture that simulated the distribution system’s voltage states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin powered up the acquisition module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The display illuminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet’s see what you’ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin applied the first test signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The module recorded the transition correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He changed the input state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another correct reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he applied a series of timed pulses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The timestamps appeared in the proper sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt works!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLooks good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They tested the remaining channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly hell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFeels good, doesn’t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow let’s try it on the representative system fixture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’s different?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe bench fixture supplies clean signals referenced to a common ground. The system fixture reproduces the electrical isolation, switching transients, and cable characteristics of Freya’s actual distribution equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They powered down the prototype and transferred it to the larger test fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark checked the connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin verified the supply voltages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything appeared correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They powered up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At first, the display showed normal operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Mark triggered a simulated contactor transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One channel changed state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another flickered unexpectedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A third reported a brief false transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s not right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin checked the input signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They appeared normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He ran the test again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The false transitions returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears slowly lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat the hell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin examined the software logs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The processor was functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The input protection circuits showed no fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The isolation components appeared to be operating within specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He tried another test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Same problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s perfect on the bench.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut it doesn’t work here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot reliably.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid I build it wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark considered the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe. Or maybe something about our test conditions is different from what your design assumes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared at the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat changed?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood question.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For nearly forty minutes, Tavin worked through the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He checked the circuit layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verified component values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reexamined the solder joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reviewed the processor’s input thresholds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything looked correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He ran the test again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The false transitions returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, he set down the analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don’t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked up from his terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat don’t you get?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe signals are clean. The processor is working. The isolation components are rated correctly. But the logging keeps recording events that didn’t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay. What do you know for certain?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin took a breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe processor is functioning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe test fixture is generating the correct signals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHave you verified that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin pointed toward the analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMeasured them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMeasured them relative to what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin opened his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked at the analyzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then at the fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then at the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears slowly lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark remained quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, hell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He examined the probe connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’d been measuring the signal relative to the fixture’s local reference, which was perfectly appropriate for checking the signal source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the acquisition board was receiving the signal through an isolated interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The board’s input-side reference wasn’t necessarily at the same potential as the main fixture reference during switching events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The difference was small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only a brief common-mode transient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it was enough to cause a few of the comparator stages to chatter at their thresholds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared at the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’ve been measuring the wrong thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot wrong, exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe wrong reference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere you go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe signal looks clean because I’m measuring it relative to the fixture ground. But the comparator sees the difference between its actual input terminals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin immediately reconfigured the measurement using an appropriate differential input setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He ran the test again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time, the problem was obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brief voltage spikes appeared during switching transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They were well within the isolation components’ voltage ratings, but large enough to cross the comparator thresholds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSon of a bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFound it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked at the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo I need better hysteresis and filtering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPossibly. What would you propose?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sketched a small modification using a comparator configuration with appropriate hysteresis and a short digital validation interval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark reviewed the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLooks reasonable. What about real fault signals that might be brief?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He checked the distribution controller’s timing specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shortest valid state change was considerably longer than the proposed filter interval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He adjusted the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then tested it against the fastest valid transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He tested it against the simulated noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They repeated the sequence dozens of times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No false events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin slowly leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, that’s beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou knew what it was, didn’t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI suspected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy didn’t you just tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause you were doing a pretty good job finding it yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut I spent forty minutes chasing it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd how much do you think you’ll remember about measurement references after today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin thought about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProbably all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane and Gabriel returned to Freya shortly after seventeen hundred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They found Mark and Tavin in the workshop, surrounded by diagnostic equipment and looking thoroughly pleased with themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stopped in the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuccessful prototype.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter a few adjustments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at the workbench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnything catch fire?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope,\u201d Tavin replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnything explode?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny equipment destroyed?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, that’s hardly entertaining.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou could always come over here and touch something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t encourage him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne day, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou keep saying that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark showed them the completed interface module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a compact assembly housed in a newly fabricated metal enclosure, with clearly labeled input connectors, an isolated communications port, and a small status display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin had even added a neat identification plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FREYA \u2014 SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION MONITOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s nice work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel examined the enclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much did it cost?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark checked the parts list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwo hundred and sixty-three credits in additional materials.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnder budget?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeven credits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel slowly looked toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then placed a hand over his heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI may cry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCongratulations, Mark. You’ve achieved the impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The actual installation took place the following morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark refused to rush it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the monitoring system was read-only, it still required proper electrical isolation and integration with Freya’s existing distribution equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The affected secondary circuits were transferred to their maintenance state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The necessary sections were isolated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark verified the absence of voltage using approved procedures and a properly tested instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin assisted with the checklist and cable identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane remained available on the bridge to coordinate ship operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel handled station services and confirmed that the necessary temporary power arrangements were in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only after the electrical safety checks were complete did Mark begin the installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fabricated enclosure mounted neatly beside the existing distribution cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wiring was routed through designated cable paths, protected against abrasion, and clearly labeled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin carefully verified the input connections against the schematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark checked his work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then checked it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When everything was complete, they restored the affected circuits in the prescribed sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya’s systems returned to their normal operating state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The existing distribution controller behaved exactly as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new monitoring system began recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They ran the acceptance tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Normal switching events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simulated fault conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Loss and restoration of individual monitored signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communication interruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recovery after power cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every test passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark studied the final log.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s a good piece of work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s tail wagged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf looked at the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His enclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Installed aboard Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reliably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled so broadly that Thane, watching from the doorway, couldn’t help smiling too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark placed a hand on Tavin’s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCongratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou did good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, the young wolf didn’t say anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he looked back at the monitoring display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly hell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That evening, the four wolves gathered around the galley table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane had prepared a substantial dinner of roasted meat, potatoes, and vegetables, accompanied by a fresh loaf of bread he’d purchased at the station market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel was explaining the potential Orthea contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark listened intently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin was practically vibrating with excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA planet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA whole planet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith trees and everything?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAccording to the survey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd we can breathe the air?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cComfortably,\u201d Gabriel replied. \u201cThe atmosphere is compatible with our normal respiratory requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeen planetside much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot really. A few times when I was younger, but mostly I’ve lived on stations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, this might be a good opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel brought up the survey images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The table display showed Orthea’s abandoned mining facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared at the green hills surrounding it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark studied the industrial structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInteresting equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course that’s what you notice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark pointed toward one of the buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose look like older Kestral-series materials separators.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel checked the equipment list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cActually, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood machines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRecoverable?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPossibly. Depends on their condition and how they’ve been stored.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s why I requested the detailed survey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked around the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we take this contract, it’ll be different from our usual work. Surface operations. Local weather. Ground access. Potential environmental hazards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCareful. You haven’t seen the bugs yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBugs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGabriel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLarge alien insects. Unusual feeding habits. Possibly an appetite for young rust-red wolves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’re making that up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled sweetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAm I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe environmental survey classifies the local wildlife as low hazard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you, Mark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGuess you’ll have to find another way to get rid of me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cApparently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After dinner, the common room became the setting for a new kind of adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel appeared carrying his guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up from his terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat’s that for?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour first lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears shot upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked over from his chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark put down his maintenance report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sat on the couch and gestured toward the space beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin practically bounced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel handed him a spare practice guitar he’d retrieved from storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a modest instrument, smaller than Gabriel’s preferred guitar, with a comfortable neck and relatively light strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin accepted it carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirst rule.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t drop it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExcellent instruction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSecond rule.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t try to play everything at once.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThird rule.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow many rules are there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs many as I decide.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel showed Tavin how to sit comfortably with the instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to support the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to position his fretting hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And how to avoid placing unnecessary strain on his wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For once, he wasn’t making sarcastic remarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was genuinely fascinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel demonstrated a simple chord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sound was clean and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow you try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin positioned his fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adjusted them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looked at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLike this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlmost. Move that finger back a little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow strum.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The guitar produced a noise that sounded remarkably like a wounded ventilation fan being dragged across a metal floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room went silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane slowly lowered his mug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared at the guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared at the guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Gabriel spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel considered his words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCongratulations. You’ve invented a new form of suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nearly spilled his tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou said this was supposed to be fun!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor who?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next twenty minutes were a fascinating combination of instruction, frustration, and increasingly creative insults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s problem wasn’t a lack of dexterity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His fingers were strong and precise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He could manipulate tiny electronic components, operate delicate tools, and perform intricate soldering work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But guitar required a different kind of coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His fingers needed to press the correct strings without accidentally touching adjacent ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His wrist needed to remain relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His strumming hand had to move independently of his fretting hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And his claws complicated things slightly, requiring him to adjust his finger angles to avoid unintended string contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At first, every attempt produced either a muted thump or a collection of buzzing notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grew increasingly annoyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel remained surprisingly patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRelax your hand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am relaxed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou’re gripping the neck like you’re trying to strangle it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe I am.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s a guitar, not an enemy combatant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel gently repositioned his fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHere. Keep your thumb behind the neck. Use the pads of your fingers. Don’t flatten them against the strings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin tried again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buzz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBetter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was better?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt sounded like somebody stepped on a dying animal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAn improvement over the ventilation fan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProgress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTraitor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, Gabriel simplified the exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay. Forget the full chord for a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked relieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel demonstrated a single note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin copied the finger position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plucked the string.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A clean note rang out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere you go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin played it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another clean note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel demonstrated a second note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then a third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slowly, they worked through a simple melody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It wasn’t impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It wasn’t particularly musical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the notes were clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin was beginning to understand how the instrument responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded approvingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep. Now let’s try that chord again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, come on!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTrust me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He carefully showed the young wolf where to place his fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time, Tavin took his time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He checked each string individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adjusted his wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moved one finger slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then strummed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A chord rang out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One note buzzed faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the others were clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere you go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf stared at the guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then slowly grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly shit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCongratulations. You’ve played your first chord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin immediately tried again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The result was considerably worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, for the love of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWelcome to learning guitar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They continued for another half hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the time Gabriel finally called an end to the lesson, Tavin’s fingers were tired, his wrist was sore, and his respect for musicians had increased enormously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He set down the guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot as easy as it looks, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot even close.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEverybody starts somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow long did it take you to get good?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYears.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYears?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’ve been playing most of my life. Practiced for hours. Got frustrated. Made mistakes. Played badly. Played better. Kept going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo there’s no shortcut.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut there is one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you practice regularly, you’ll get better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin considered that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGuess I’ll keep at it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a brief silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Tavin added, \u201cBesides, somebody around here needs to learn how to play properly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel slowly smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, you’re going to be a wonderful student.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNatural talent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNatural pain in my ass.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSame thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later, after the common room had quieted, Thane found Gabriel putting the guitars away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The black wolf was carefully wiping down the strings on Tavin’s practice instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned against the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou were good with him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe did fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI meant you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou were patient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t sound so surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’m not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are a little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe a little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKid’s got good hands. He’ll learn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think so too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel placed the guitar in its case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe gets frustrated, though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEverybody does.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel closed the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut he doesn’t quit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, he doesn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two wolves stood quietly for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Gabriel looked toward the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know, I think he’s going to be pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt guitar?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEventually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt a lot of things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Gabriel’s usual grin returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProvided he survives my teaching methods.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBe nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhere’s the fun in that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following morning, the detailed Orthea survey package arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel forwarded it to Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane reviewed the environmental information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin examined the planetary photographs with enormous interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The contract looked promising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The site was accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The atmosphere was breathable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The equipment appeared potentially recoverable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the preliminary compensation was attractive enough to justify a serious inspection of the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were questions to answer, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ground transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lifting arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Site access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equipment condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Potential contamination from the old mining operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But those were ordinary commercial and engineering considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing mysterious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing ominous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just another opportunity to do the kind of work Freya had been built for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By midday, Mark had completed his initial review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found Thane and Gabriel on the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think we can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat’s what I wanted to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAssuming the detailed contract terms are reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd we’ll need a proper site plan before we commit to any lifting operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked toward the planetary images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWould be nice to work somewhere with a sky for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWouldn’t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the auxiliary station, Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan we really go there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLooks like a good possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAwesome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon’t get too excited. Planetary salvage isn’t all sightseeing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere’s actual work involved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd dirt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’ve heard of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd bugs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGabriel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd possibly enormous carnivorous vegetation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere’s no evidence of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan’t a wolf have any fun?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cApparently not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That evening, Freya was quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new monitoring system had completed its first full day of operation without recording a single false event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recovered sequencing controller was safely stored as an emergency spare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ship’s supplies had been replenished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crew was rested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Gabriel had begun preliminary negotiations for the Orthea contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane sat in his cabin reviewing the day’s reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything looked good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he noticed a new entry in the maintenance log.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It had been submitted by Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The title read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondary Distribution Monitoring Interface \u2014 Installation and Acceptance Summary<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane opened it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The report was detailed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carefully written.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technically accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It described the equipment, the testing procedures, the encountered noise issue, the corrective design changes, and the final acceptance results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end was a short note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special thanks to Mark for the instruction and supervision. Learned a lot about isolation, measurement references, and making sure something works under real operating conditions rather than just on a test bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continued reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, I think my new analyzer has already paid for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he saw the final line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s pretty cool having something aboard Freya that I built myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, he simply looked at the words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he closed the report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the common room, Tavin was sitting on the couch with his practice guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His rust-red tail curled beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His fingers moved carefully across the strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A note rang out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then a third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adjusted his grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tried again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time, the notes were clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the doorway, Gabriel watched silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin didn’t notice him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf tried the chord he’d learned the previous evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buzz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adjusted his fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tried again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A clean chord filled the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears shot upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then quietly stepped away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He didn’t interrupt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Didn’t make a joke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Didn’t offer a sarcastic remark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He simply let the kid have his moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Down the corridor, Mark was reviewing the distribution-monitoring logs with a satisfied smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And in his cabin, Thane sat back in his chair, listening to the faint sound of a guitar drifting through Freya’s ventilation system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He thought about the old ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About all the work they’d put into her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the years they’d spent making her better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And about the young wolf who was now adding his own contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A little more knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A little more confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new piece of equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another day together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya wasn’t perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She never would be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But she didn’t need to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neither did any of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They just needed to keep learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep taking care of one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, whenever possible, make things a little better than they were yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Somewhere in the common room, Tavin played the chord again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time, perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Freya hummed contentedly around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The first indication that Mark had found something interesting came at six seventeen in the morning. The second was the sound of someone laughing in the engineering workshop. Thane lay in his bunk for another moment, staring at the ceiling. He knew that laugh. It was quiet, slightly breathless, and possessed a particular quality that […]<\/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-124","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ship-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124","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=124"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":125,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124\/revisions\/125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}