“Mark, tell me something.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The gray-and-white wolf looked up from the diagnostic terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If you were designing a commercial freighter, would you put the primary propulsion initialization controls behind three separate menu screens?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark considered the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“No.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good. Because I’m seriously considering tracking down whoever designed this interface and biting them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Get in line.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two wolves stood on the bridge of the Mercy Dawn, surrounded by the pale amber illumination of systems operating in standby mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The freighter’s command deck was considerably smaller than Freya’s. Its controls were arranged for a crew of four, with a conventional forward helm, a navigation station, and two combined engineering and communications consoles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything was functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything was logically arranged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And everything had apparently been designed by people who believed a touchscreen menu was an adequate replacement for a physical switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane hated it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Honestly,” he muttered, “what was wrong with a damned button?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Cheaper to manufacture.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Not cheaper when the operator throws the whole console through the window.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Please don’t do that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Tempting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark returned his attention to the engineering display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All right. Let’s concentrate.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane straightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The joking stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For two days, the three wolves had worked to restore the freighter’s damaged propulsion distribution network. They had fabricated replacement components, installed new switching hardware, corrected the controller’s protection settings, and eliminated an improperly designed feedback interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every static electrical test had passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every simulated fault condition had produced the correct protective response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But none of that guaranteed the system would function properly under actual operating load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was what they were about to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside the forward windows, Freya maintained her position approximately five hundred meters away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel was aboard her, monitoring both vessels and recording the test for the insurance company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn remained mechanically secured against unintended propulsion commands, her drive controls locked out pending authorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Ready?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer studied the checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Almost.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had spent the better part of forty minutes conducting the final pre-energization inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had verified every replacement connection, checked the mechanical fasteners, reviewed the controller configuration, and confirmed that the distribution network was electrically isolated from the propulsion machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he’d performed the checks again using an independent diagnostic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane hadn’t rushed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was no reason to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn had been disabled for weeks. Another hour wasn’t going to matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A mistake, however, could matter very much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Primary isolation confirmed,” Mark reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane acknowledged the reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Emergency shutdown?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Tested and armed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thermal monitoring?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All channels responding.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Distribution controller?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Configuration verified. Firmware checksum matches the approved release.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced toward the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Insulation resistance?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Within specification.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark scrolled through the final checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Reactor output stable at standby. Emergency generators online. Auxiliary power available.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All right.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All right?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We can bring the distribution network online.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane touched his communicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Freya, Mercy Dawn. We’re ready for initial power restoration.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel answered immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Copy, Captain. Recording systems are active. I’m monitoring your external thermal signature and reactor output.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Any traffic concerns?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Local control has established a temporary exclusion zone around both vessels. We’re clear.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Excellent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And for the record, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t blow up the expensive freighter.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We’ll do our best.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good. Because I’m rather fond of the money we’re supposed to make.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Gabriel, would you please let us work?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely. I’ll be over here being professionally supportive.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he looked at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Let’s do it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first stage was deliberately uneventful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark commanded the reactor’s distribution interface to energize the main bus at a carefully controlled rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The system responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contactors closed in sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voltage rose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The distribution network stabilized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A low vibration traveled through the deck beneath Thane’s bare paws as previously dormant machinery began receiving power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He watched the engineering display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Main bus voltage stable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Current nominal.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Any temperature rise?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Minimal.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They waited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirty seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing unexpected happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark continued monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All right. Bringing secondary distribution online.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another set of contactors closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional status indicators turned green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The freighter’s overhead lighting brightened as the ship transferred from emergency power to normal electrical service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several dormant consoles illuminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ventilation fans increased speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Somewhere behind the bridge bulkhead, a circulation pump started with a faint metallic rumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, hello there.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark glanced toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Don’t get sentimental yet.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Too late.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer returned to his terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Secondary bus stable. No abnormal current draw.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane checked the next item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Environmental systems?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Transitioning to normal operation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Navigation?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Coming online.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Communications?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Available.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned back slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They had electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was a start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Twenty minutes later, the Mercy Dawn was beginning to resemble an operational spacecraft again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her primary lighting was restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Environmental systems had returned to their normal operating cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Internal communications were functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most importantly, the repaired distribution network remained stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had already performed several controlled load changes, increasing and reducing electrical demand while monitoring the replacement connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every temperature reading remained comfortably within specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fabricated contact was performing exactly as designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark reviewed the data one more time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All right. I’m satisfied with the distribution network.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s a significant statement coming from you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Don’t make me regret it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark opened the propulsion startup checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now comes the interesting part.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Your favorite word.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Appropriate under the circumstances.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They began preparing the freighter’s propulsion machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn used a conventional high-output reaction drive for maneuvering within star systems. Its main propulsion system required a substantial electrical startup sequence to initialize the drive machinery, establish thermal circulation, and bring the control systems into synchronization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That startup demand had been the source of the original problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The replacement controller had incorrectly interpreted the normal transient electrical load as an overload condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its repeated attempts to recover had damaged the distribution hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now Mark had corrected the configuration and repaired the physical damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the only way to verify the work completely was to bring the propulsion machinery online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane checked the freighter’s attitude-control system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thruster locks confirmed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Main drive mechanically inhibited.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“External safety zone?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel answered over communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Still clear. Freya is holding position. I’ve got a very good view of your aft section.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Try not to admire it too much.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Captain, that ship has an ass only an insurance adjuster could love.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Can we please conduct the test?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initial propulsion startup sequence began at ten seventeen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark entered the command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A low electrical hum traveled through the engineering systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The distribution network registered the rising load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched the current readings climb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Twenty percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirty-five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forty-eight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The startup transient approached the threshold that had previously triggered the protective shutdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Here we go.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The current rose sharply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a brief moment, the main distribution system experienced the heavy demand of the drive’s induction stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The controller recognized the transient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accepted it as part of the authorized startup profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And continued operating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No protective trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No isolation command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No repeated recovery sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched the numbers settle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, would you look at that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark didn’t answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was studying the thermal data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The contact temperatures rose slightly, then stabilized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The switching assemblies remained within their operating limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main drive controller completed its initialization sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A green status indicator appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PROPULSION SYSTEM READY<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, Mark simply stared at the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then his ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His tail moved slowly behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And a broad, satisfied smile appeared across his muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Son of a bitch.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good son of a bitch?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark turned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Very good son of a bitch.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane clapped him on the shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Beautiful work, brother.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked back at the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The readings were steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly where they should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She’s back.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Not quite. Still have to test her.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I know.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But that was a hell of a first step.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s voice came through the speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Am I allowed to celebrate yet?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Not yet.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, come ON!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next two hours were devoted to propulsion system verification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn remained stationary relative to Freya while Mark performed a series of no-thrust and low-power tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The drive machinery was brought through its operating modes without producing significant propulsion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thermal circulation was verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Control signals were checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emergency shutdown systems were tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At one point, a temperature sensor on the secondary coolant manifold reported a reading approximately six degrees higher than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark immediately halted the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Problem?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Maybe.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer opened the thermal-control display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The temperature wasn’t dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It wasn’t even outside the equipment’s operating range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it was inconsistent with the corresponding sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark studied the readings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sensor drift, possibly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Could be a restricted cooling line.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Could be.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane waited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark compared the sensor data against the flow measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he switched to an independent diagnostic channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second reading was normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, that’s annoying.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Another bad sensor?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Looks that way.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Can we confirm?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark retrieved a portable thermal probe from the equipment case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They went to the engineering compartment, where the gray-and-white wolf measured the coolant manifold directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The temperature was normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The installed sensor was reading high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark replaced it with a certified spare from the freighter’s maintenance stores, verified the calibration, and repeated the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything matched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Better?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Much.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Ready to continue?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now I am.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By thirteen hundred, the freighter had passed its stationary propulsion tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane contacted Rellan Traffic Control and requested authorization for a limited maneuvering trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The controller asked for their certification status, test plan, and intended operating area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel transmitted the documentation from Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After several minutes, clearance was granted for a controlled maneuvering exercise within the designated industrial test corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane settled into the Mercy Dawn’s helm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark occupied the engineering station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya would remain under Gabriel’s control, maintaining separation and recording the tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane reviewed the planned maneuvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Initial thrust at five percent. Ten-second burn. Then shutdown and systems check.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Ready.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel came over the communicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Freya standing by. Relative-position monitoring active.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Copy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane rested his clawed hand on the propulsion control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He glanced toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer gave him a small nod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane engaged the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deep within the freighter, the propulsion machinery responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A low, powerful rumble traveled through the deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ship began to accelerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly as commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched the velocity indicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Five percent thrust. Ten seconds.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark monitored the distribution network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Electrical load stable. Thermal systems nominal.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Five.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Four.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Three.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Two.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“One.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane disengaged the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rumble faded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The freighter continued drifting along its new trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark checked the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Perfect.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Let’s do another.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They spent the afternoon putting the Mercy Dawn through a carefully structured series of maneuvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low-power acceleration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Controlled deceleration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attitude changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repeated propulsion starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A sustained moderate-power run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then a simulated emergency shutdown followed by a complete restart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every operation was performed within the approved test plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every result was recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And every time the propulsion machinery started, Mark watched the distribution controller with the attention of a wolf who knew precisely how much work had gone into making it behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By sixteen forty, the freighter had completed the required maneuvering trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane reduced the drive to idle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All right, Mark. How’s she looking?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer reviewed the final data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Very good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s more like it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Primary distribution stable. No abnormal heating. Protection systems responding correctly. Propulsion performance within specifications.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She’s healthy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then I think we’ve got ourselves a freighter.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s voice erupted over communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“AND AN EXTRA FIFTEEN THOUSAND CREDITS!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Priorities.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Somebody has to pay for your expensive toys!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The independent certification inspector arrived the following morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her name was Commander Selene Ardis, a retired commercial fleet officer who now worked as a licensed vessel surveyor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was a tall, silver-haired human woman in her early sixties, with sharp eyes and the no-nonsense manner of someone who had spent decades aboard working spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane liked her almost immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She arrived aboard the Mercy Dawn carrying a compact inspection case and a tablet containing the restoration documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After introductions, she looked around the engineering compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So. You’re the fellows who brought this old girl back to life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ardis studied the main distribution cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’ve reviewed your reports.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Any questions?” Thane asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Several.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’d be concerned if you didn’t.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inspector’s expression softened slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Fair enough.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She turned toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Let’s start with the fabricated contact assembly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark opened the documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the next forty minutes, he walked her through the component’s design, material selection, machining process, and electrical test results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ardis asked pointed questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark answered every one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She examined the component’s certification records, checked its installation, and compared the measured performance against the manufacturer’s specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then she looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You did this aboard your salvage vessel?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Impressive.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We have a good shop.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Apparently.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She moved to the replacement relay interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now explain this.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Gladly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stood nearby, watching the exchange with quiet satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was Mark in his element.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No theatrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No exaggeration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just an exceptionally skilled engineer explaining work he understood down to the last connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the inspector clearly recognized it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The certification process lasted nearly six hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ardis examined the restoration records, verified the electrical tests, reviewed the propulsion trials, and conducted independent checks of several critical systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also inspected the freighter’s pressure hull, navigation equipment, environmental systems, and emergency procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ship was not perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No twenty-four-year-old commercial freighter was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She had worn interior fittings, cosmetic hull damage, and a maintenance backlog that would need attention before returning to regular freight service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But none of those issues prevented safe operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At fifteen thirty, Ardis returned to the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane, Mark, and Gabriel were waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inspector stood before them with her tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Gentlemen.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Commander.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’ve completed the certification review.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ardis looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Patience, Sir.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Not my strongest quality.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So I’ve gathered.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She turned toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The Mercy Dawn’s propulsion distribution system has been restored in accordance with the applicable technical standards. The repairs are properly documented, the installed components meet the required specifications, and the vessel has successfully completed its operational tests.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark remained quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But his ears had lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ardis continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’m issuing a limited operational certificate authorizing the vessel to return to Calder under her own power, subject to the specified transit restrictions and routine monitoring.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, nobody spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Gabriel broke into a broad grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, I’ll be damned.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you, Commander.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ardis looked toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And you, sir.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That was some excellent engineering.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The gray-and-white wolf smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She extended her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Ardis turned toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’ve got a good crew, Captain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at his two companions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Best in the business.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel placed a paw against his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, Captain. You’re going to make me emotional.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Please don’t.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delivery arrangements took another day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel coordinated with Mara Ellison, who approved the operational certificate and authorized the return voyage to Calder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the Mercy Dawn required an onboard operator during transit, the insurer arranged for a licensed delivery pilot to travel from a nearby commercial station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His name was Tomas Renn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was a human in his late forties, with short dark hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and the easy confidence of someone who had spent most of his adult life flying commercial spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He arrived carrying one travel bag and an enormous thermos of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane met him in Freya’s cargo bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Captain Renn?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thane.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two shook hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renn looked up at the enormous brown wolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, you’re a big fellow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So I’ve been told.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renn chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Beautiful ship you’ve got here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced around the cargo bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks. She’s been good to us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Old industrial salvage design?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep. Rebuilt her ourselves.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renn whistled softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s a hell of a project.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It was.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark joined them carrying the Mercy Dawn’s operational documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Captain Renn?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes, sir.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Mark. Chief engineer.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renn accepted the tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Pleasure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark began explaining the freighter’s restored systems and the limitations specified in the operational certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renn listened carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He asked sensible questions, reviewed the propulsion startup procedure, and made several notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man clearly knew his business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Gabriel arrived a few minutes later, Renn greeted him cheerfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You must be Gabe.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears angled backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the briefest moment, his cheerful expression vanished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Gabriel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renn blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sorry?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Gabriel,” the black wolf repeated, his voice carrying the faintest edge of a growl. “Not Gabe.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renn raised both hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Understood. Gabriel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wolf’s smile returned immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wonderful. Now that we’ve established that, let’s discuss your delivery authorization.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane turned away to hide his grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark didn’t bother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The return voyage began the following morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn departed the Rellan industrial zone under Captain Renn’s control, while Freya followed at a safe distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two vessels proceeded toward the system’s outer transit boundary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the departure corridor was clear, they coordinated their faster-than-light transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya entered first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn followed several minutes later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both ships settled into the assigned interstellar transit route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The journey would take just under six days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the first twenty-four hours, Mark monitored the freighter’s engineering telemetry with almost obsessive attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The restored distribution network performed flawlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main propulsion system remained stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were no unexpected thermal excursions, no protective trips, and no abnormal electrical loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, Thane found him sitting in Freya’s engineering office, studying the same set of readings he’d already reviewed several times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Mark.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hmm?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She’s fine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I know.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then why are you still staring at her?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Because I want her to stay fine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Fair enough.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He placed a mug of coffee beside the engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Take a break.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at the mug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’re welcome.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The captain headed toward the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And Mark?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks, brother.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remainder of the voyage was pleasantly uneventful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya maintained regular communications with the Mercy Dawn, though the two ships traveled far enough apart within the transit corridor that their relative positions were coordinated through scheduled navigation updates rather than visual contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Captain Renn proved to be an agreeable traveling companion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He occasionally joined the three wolves over the communications link during their evening meals, telling stories about his years flying commercial transports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel took particular delight in discovering that Renn had once accidentally delivered a shipment of agricultural fertilizer to a luxury resort station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The resulting confusion had apparently involved several furious executives, a bewildered cargo supervisor, and an invoice for emergency odor remediation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed so hard he nearly spilled his drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between conversations, the wolves returned to their usual routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark continued preparing the fabrication shop for the new materials processor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel negotiated supply orders for their return to Calder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane reviewed potential contracts and began organizing the next maintenance cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They watched movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They argued about music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They cooked dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And one evening, Gabriel performed the finished version of his guitar composition while the other two listened from the common-room couch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing extraordinary happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No alarms sounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No mysterious vessels appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No emergency calls interrupted their sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For six days, two commercial spacecraft simply traveled from one star system to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that was perfectly fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calder Station appeared on Freya’s long-range navigation display shortly after nine hundred on the sixth morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane sat at the helm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark monitored engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel handled communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Calder Traffic, independent salvage vessel Freya, inbound with commercial freighter Mercy Dawn on authorized delivery assignment. Requesting arrival clearance.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The controller responded promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Freya, Calder Traffic. Identification confirmed. Mercy Dawn’s arrival authorization is on file. Both vessels proceed to commercial receiving zone Three. Maintain assigned separation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel acknowledged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane adjusted their approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the forward windows, Calder Station grew steadily larger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its sprawling industrial structures occupied a substantial portion of the view, surrounded by cargo vessels, maintenance craft, and commercial traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Home sweet home.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Temporary home.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You know what I mean.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Berth Seventeen, here we come.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mara Ellison was waiting in the receiving facility when the Mercy Dawn arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She stood beside the station’s senior surveyor, reviewing the incoming vessel’s documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The freighter approached the assigned berth under her own power, maneuvering thrusters making small, precise corrections as Captain Renn guided her toward the docking structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison watched the external camera feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ship moved smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her attitude remained stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her approach was textbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The surveyor glanced toward Ellison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s the recovery?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Under tow?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“No.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man looked again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She’s flying herself.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Apparently.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercy Dawn settled into the receiving berth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Docking clamps engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pressure connections were established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The receiving station confirmed a secure arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison watched the final status indicators turn green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then she shook her head slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, I’ll be damned.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final acceptance inspection took most of the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The station surveyor verified the Mercy Dawn’s operational certificate, reviewed the restoration records, and examined the repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Captain Renn confirmed that the freighter had completed the entire return voyage without a single propulsion-related fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineering telemetry supported his report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every major system had performed within its approved operating limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The freighter still required routine maintenance and some cosmetic attention before returning to commercial service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But she was no longer a disabled salvage candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was an operational spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that made an enormous difference to her value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At sixteen thirty, the three wolves met Mara Ellison in a conference room overlooking the receiving docks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman stood as they entered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Captain. Gentlemen.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good afternoon, Ms. Ellison.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Please. Mara.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, Mara, I trust you’re pleased with your delivery.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison laughed softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Pleased would be an understatement.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She gestured toward the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the glass, the Mercy Dawn rested in her berth, connected to the receiving facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Do you know what our original valuation was?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“No idea.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison activated the conference display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our initial recovery estimate assumed the vessel would arrive disabled, requiring extensive shipyard work before she could be sold.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Which is what the original contract anticipated.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Correct.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison brought up the numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The projected net recovery value, after towing, repairs, storage, and administrative expenses, was approximately three hundred twenty thousand credits.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s not much for a functional freighter.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Exactly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now, however, we have an operational vessel with a current propulsion certification and a complete restoration record.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She changed the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our revised market valuation is approximately one million, one hundred eighty thousand credits.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel slowly leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane whistled softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s quite a difference.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It is.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison looked toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And a substantial portion of that difference exists because your crew identified and corrected a problem that other contractors expected to require major shipyard work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shrugged modestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wasn’t anything particularly exotic.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Perhaps not to you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s Mark for you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison turned to the financial settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now, gentlemen. Your original recovery contract was eighty-five thousand credits.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Correct.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The restoration amendment added fifteen thousand.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Correct.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Approved materials and related expenses total eight thousand, four hundred sixty credits.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at his tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Matches our records.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She brought up the final payment authorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That gives us a contractual settlement of one hundred eight thousand, four hundred sixty credits.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Beautiful.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But,” Ellison continued, “that’s not quite the end of it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our claims director reviewed the revised valuation this morning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s ears perked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Did he now?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He did.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellison smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He was sufficiently impressed that he authorized an additional performance bonus.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She entered a figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The display updated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MERCY DAWN \u2014 FINAL CONTRACT SETTLEMENT<\/p>\n\n\n\n Total authorized payment<\/p>\n\n\n\n For several seconds, nobody spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Gabriel slowly turned toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Captain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yeah?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Have I mentioned lately how much I love this business?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark smiled broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ellison chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I thought that might get your attention.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel placed a paw against his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Mara, I think I love you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n She laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Careful, Gabriel. My husband might object.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Understandable. I’m devastatingly charming.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark muttered, “That’s one description.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane laughed harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the amusement subsided, Ellison became more serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “There’s one other matter I’d like to discuss.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Go ahead.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Our company handles several hundred commercial recovery claims every year. Most are straightforward, but some require specialized contractors.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Naturally.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We maintain a preferred contractor network for operators with demonstrated technical competence, adequate equipment, and reliable commercial practices.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n She looked toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I’d like to add Freya to that network.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The captain considered the offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Nonexclusive?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Absolutely.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Work offered individually?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yes. You’re free to accept or decline any assignment.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Standard commercial rates?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Negotiated per contract, with preferred-contractor access to our recovery listings.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “That sounds interesting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ellison nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “You’d receive early notification of suitable recovery opportunities, direct access to our technical claims department, and expedited payment processing.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane glanced toward his companions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark nodded slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel was already studying the proposed terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I think we’d be interested.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Excellent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ellison extended her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane shook it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her hand was almost completely enclosed within his large brown-furred paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She glanced at the size difference with a faint smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Captain, I suspect we’re going to do quite a bit of business together.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I certainly hope so.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The payment arrived in Freya’s commercial account at seventeen twelve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel verified the transfer twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then checked the account balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then verified the transfer again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane watched from the communications office doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Gabriel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Hmm?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Everything okay?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Beautifully.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Then why are you staring at the account screen?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The black wolf slowly turned around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Because, Captain, I find large numbers deeply comforting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark entered carrying a maintenance tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Did the payment clear?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel turned the display toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Every last credit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark studied the amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “That’s all?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “What would you like me to do?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Dance! Sing! Something!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Is he always like this?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Unfortunately.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel threw up his paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I work with barbarians.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n By eighteen hundred, Freya was back in Berth Seventeen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her engines were powered down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The docking clamps were secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Station services were connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cargo bay was empty, and the next maintenance cycle had been scheduled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane stood on the bridge, reviewing the day’s final reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything was in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mercy Dawn had been delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The contract was complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The payment had cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And Freya’s crew had earned a reputation with a major commercial insurer that could provide years of future work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not a bad outcome for a salvage assignment that had initially looked like a straightforward towing job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He shut down the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he keyed the shipwide intercom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Gentlemen, report to the galley.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n A moment later, Gabriel answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Are we in trouble?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Possibly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Should I bring a lawyer?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Bring yourself.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “That sounds ominous.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark’s voice followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “He’s been like this all afternoon.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Just get up here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Five minutes later, the three wolves stood around the galley table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked suspicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark looked mildly curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane leaned against the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “All right, gentlemen.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Here it comes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We just completed one of the most profitable jobs we’ve had in months.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “True.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We’ve got the ship secured, the next maintenance cycle scheduled, and no pressing contracts requiring immediate departure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “So I think we’ve earned a few days off.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then a broad grin spread across his muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Oh, Captain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I knew you’d approve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Approve? I’m practically overcome with emotion.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “How many days?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Three, maybe four. We’ll restock, finish installing that new fabrication machine, and take care of some routine work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel nodded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Excellent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “And tonight,” Thane continued, “we’re going out.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Out?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Where?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Dinner. Drinks. Somewhere nice.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel’s tail began moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Somewhere expensive.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The black wolf placed both paws against the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Now you’re speaking my language.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We have food aboard.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “And we’ll still have food aboard tomorrow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel pointed at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Exactly!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark considered the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “All right.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “You’re agreeing?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Without arguing?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Apparently.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Are you feeling okay?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Gabriel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Don’t make me reconsider.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel spent the next twenty minutes researching restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He rejected the first three because their reviews were mediocre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fourth was too formal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fifth specialized in cuisine from a species none of them had ever encountered, which Gabriel found intriguing but Mark considered unnecessarily adventurous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he found a place called The Last Berth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It occupied an observation-level commercial promenade overlooking Calder Station’s main industrial docks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The establishment advertised excellent steaks, a substantial selection of imported drinks, comfortable seating, and a relaxed atmosphere popular with commercial crews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel studied the menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Oh, this looks promising.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked over his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “What is it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Restaurant and bar. Good reviews. Apparently the steaks are excellent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark glanced at the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Expensive.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “That’s the point.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Book us a table.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel tapped the reservation control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Three adults. Eight o’clock.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n He paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Captain?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yeah?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Window table?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Absolutely.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel completed the reservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he leaned back, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Well, gentlemen.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I believe we’ve earned ourselves a very good evening.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n An hour later, Thane stood alone in his cabin, changing out of his work clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He selected a comfortable dark shirt and clean trousers, then glanced at himself in the mirror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seven feet of brown fur, broad shoulders, blue eyes, and a muzzle beginning to show the faintest traces of silver around the edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not a bad-looking wolf, he decided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He straightened his collar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then glanced toward the small photograph on his dresser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It showed the three of them standing beside Freya shortly after her first successful post-rebuild flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They’d come a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From three wolves standing in a half-repaired cargo bay wondering whether they’d made the biggest mistake of their lives, to a successful independent salvage company with a reputation for doing excellent work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They weren’t wealthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They weren’t famous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And Thane had no desire to be either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But they were comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were doing work they enjoyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And they had each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That was enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He switched off the cabin lights and headed toward the common room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel was already waiting, dressed in a dark shirt and trousers, his black fur freshly groomed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark stood beside him in a clean gray shirt, looking considerably less enthusiastic about the evening’s plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Well, don’t you two look handsome.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel struck a ridiculous pose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I know. It’s a burden.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Ready?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Born ready.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark glanced toward the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Did you secure the ship?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Docking locks?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Security system?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Environmental controls?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Mark.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We’re going to dinner, not abandoning the ship.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Fine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane gestured toward the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Come on, boys. Let’s go spend some of that money Gabriel’s so proud of.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The three wolves headed toward Freya’s boarding airlock together, their bare paws making soft, familiar sounds against the deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind them, the old salvage vessel rested quietly in her berth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her engines were cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her cargo bay was empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And for the first time in several weeks, her crew had absolutely nothing pressing to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane couldn’t remember the last time that had happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good dinner sounded wonderful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" “Mark, tell me something.” The gray-and-white wolf looked up from the diagnostic terminal. “What?” “If you were designing a commercial freighter, would you put the primary propulsion initialization controls behind three separate menu screens?” Mark considered the question. “No.” “Good. Because I’m seriously considering tracking down whoever designed this interface and biting them.” “Get in […]<\/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-24","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ship-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24","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=24"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":119,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24\/revisions\/119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Recovery contract<\/td> 85,000 CR<\/td><\/tr> Restoration fee<\/td> 15,000 CR<\/td><\/tr> Approved expense reimbursement<\/td> 8,460 CR<\/td><\/tr> Performance bonus<\/td> 25,000 CR<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 133,460 CR<\/h1>\n\n\n\n