The smell reached Deck Three before the first warning came over the intercom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was rich, savory, and unmistakably spicy, a combination of slow-cooked meat, roasted peppers, and something darker and more complicated that seemed to settle into every corner of Freya’s residential section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stopped halfway through reviewing a cargo manifest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His black ears turned toward the ventilation grille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sniffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A grin spread across his muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, hell yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pushed back his chair, abandoned the manifest, and headed toward the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind him, the ship’s computer continued displaying the incomplete inventory reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It could wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were more important things happening aboard Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stood over a massive cooking pot, stirring its contents with a long-handled wooden spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At seven feet tall, the brown-furred wolf was an imposing figure even in the domestic surroundings of his own kitchen. His broad shoulders filled much of the space between the counter and cooking island, and his thick tail moved lazily behind him as he worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wore an old dark shirt and comfortable trousers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His bare paws rested on the galley’s nonslip flooring, where he could feel the faint vibration of Freya’s environmental systems through the pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chili had been cooking since early morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it was coming along beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane lifted the spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thick, dark red sauce rolled slowly from its edge, carrying chunks of tender meat, beans, and roasted peppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sniffed appreciatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then tasted a small amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, that’s good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He considered the flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smoky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A deep warmth that developed gradually rather than arriving all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And behind it, a subtle bitterness that balanced the sweetness of the tomatoes and the natural richness of the meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep. That’s the stuff.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The galley door opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inhaled deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, Captain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Morning, Gabriel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Don’t morning me. What the hell is that magnificent smell?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What does it smell like?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel approached the cooking island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His tail was already wagging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Is that…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Is that your chili?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel placed both paws against the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Your special chili?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The four-meat, three-pepper, ridiculously spicy, absolutely glorious chili?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That would be the one.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked toward the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you, universe.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he reached for the spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane slapped his paw away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Not yet.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel recoiled theatrically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Assault!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Keep your paws out of my pot.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I was merely conducting a quality-control inspection.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Quality control happens when it’s finished.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’re a cruel wolf.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Go set the table.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at the enormous pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Captain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“There’s enough chili in there to feed a mining colony.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Leftovers.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s grin widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“God, I love this ship.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane’s chili had become something of a legend aboard Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recipe had evolved over years of experimentation, beginning long before the three wolves purchased the old salvage vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It used four kinds of meat: beef, pork, a lean game meat similar to venison, and a richly flavored smoked sausage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three varieties of hot peppers provided the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One contributed a bright, immediate bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another brought a deep, earthy warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The third was a particularly aggressive variety grown on a frontier agricultural world, famous for its ability to make unsuspecting visitors reconsider their life choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane roasted the peppers before adding them to the pot, then allowed the chili to simmer slowly until the flavors became almost inseparable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the ingredient that made the recipe distinctly his own came from much farther away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifically, dark chocolate imported from an old confectionery producer that still operated in one of humanity’s original agricultural regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just enough to deepen the flavor and soften the sharp edges of the spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel knew about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark knew about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neither knew exactly how much Thane used, or precisely when he added it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane considered it a matter of culinary security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And he had absolutely no intention of revealing the secret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark arrived shortly before noon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stopped in the doorway, sniffed the air, and smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Morning, brother.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Chili?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s tail moved once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thane has spent six hours preparing one of the finest culinary creations in the known galaxy, and your contribution is good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark considered the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Very good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Unbelievable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark approached the cooking island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How much longer?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“About twenty minutes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Excellent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked into the pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Smells a little hotter than last time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“New peppers.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“New peppers?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How new?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Picked them up on Calder yesterday.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Captain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Are we going to survive lunch?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled sweetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Probably.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’m surrounded by lunatics.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At twelve forty-seven, Freya’s external access system chimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane was adding the final seasoning to the chili.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel was arranging bowls and utensils on the dining table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sat nearby reviewing the installation records for their new fabrication processor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chime sounded again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked toward the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Expecting somebody?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Nope.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark glanced at the wall display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Visitor at the personnel airlock.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane activated the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A familiar rust-red wolf stood outside Freya’s boarding entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wore a clean dark green shirt, casual trousers, and a backpack slung over one shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His cream-colored muzzle was turned toward the access panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His amber eyes moved uncertainly between the camera and the ship’s identification markings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, would you look at that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned toward the display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hey! It’s Tavin!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane pressed the communications control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, hello there, son.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf jumped slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled toward the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hi, Thane!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Come to see the old girl?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah. If that’s okay.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely. Come on aboard.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He released the outer access lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Give us a minute. We’ll meet you at the airlock.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel was already heading toward the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, this just keeps getting better.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stepped through Freya’s personnel airlock with the cautious curiosity of someone entering an unfamiliar but fascinating place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The access passage was broad, clean, and lined with practical equipment lockers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Industrial safety markings identified pressure boundaries and emergency equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the passage, the corridor opened toward the ship’s main internal lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears turned in several directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sniffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The air carried a distinctive mixture of machinery, clean ventilation, warm metal, and something delicious drifting from deeper inside the ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Welcome aboard Freya.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane approached from the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf’s face brightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hey!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane extended a paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin took it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good to see you, son.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You too.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel appeared beside Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, look who finally decided to visit!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hi, Gabriel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hey, kid.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark joined them a moment later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good afternoon, Tavin.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hi, Mark.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane gestured toward the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Come on in.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced around again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is really your ship?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Every scratched, dented, temperamental inch of her.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark immediately objected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She’s not temperamental.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Mark.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She has a cargo lift that refuses to operate properly whenever you’re not standing next to it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s a sensor alignment issue.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Which somehow disappears when you show up.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Coincidence.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I like her already.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They took the lift to Deck Two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The moment the doors opened, Tavin’s ears shot forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He inhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, wow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Smell that?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What is that?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Lunch.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster looked toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel placed a paw on Tavin’s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And let me tell you something, kid. You picked the single best day in the entire month to visit this ship.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That he did.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What are you making?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Chili.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster’s eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I love chili.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, we’re going to get along just fine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They entered the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stopped again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked around the spacious room, taking in the large dining table, warm lighting, comfortable furnishings, and shelves filled with everyday objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the galley, the common room was visible through a wide opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A guitar rested on a stand near one of the chairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several photographs hung on the bulkheads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The entire residential section felt unexpectedly welcoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is really nice.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I figured a salvage ship would be…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Dirty? Loud? Full of rusty equipment and questionable smells?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed nervously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Kind of.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s Deck Four.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And parts of Deck Five.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed toward the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But this is where civilized wolves live.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Debatable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin approached the dining table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were already three places set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He glanced toward the enormous pot on the cooking island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That smells amazing.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good. Because you’re joining us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Lunch.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, I don’t want to interrupt\u2014”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Nonsense.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pulled out a chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I actually have work later.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What time?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Six.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane checked the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Plenty of time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You sure?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Besides, if you leave now, I’ll have to eat your portion.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’ll probably do that anyway.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel placed a paw against his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Such accusations.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then slipped off his backpack and set it beside the chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Okay.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded toward the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Make yourself comfortable, son.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chili was magnificent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin discovered that approximately three seconds after his first bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He placed the spoon in his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His amber eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He swallowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then stared into the bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, my God.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is incredible!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded approvingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Told you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster took another bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His tail began moving beneath the chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What’s in this?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Four kinds of meat. Three kinds of hot peppers. Beans, tomatoes, spices, and a few other things.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin swallowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s spicy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really spicy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But it’s so good!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Careful. It sneaks up on you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin took another bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then reached for his water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, wow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Too hot?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“No!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He took a drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, maybe a little.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s how you know it’s working.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark calmly continued eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Doesn’t it bother you?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Used to it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He’s immune.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’m not immune.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then explain why you’re eating that like it’s breakfast cereal.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Because it’s good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conversation began with ordinary things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin told them about his work at The Last Berth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things had changed considerably since the debt arrangement ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was now receiving regular wages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had been given normal employee scheduling privileges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, perhaps most importantly, he could leave the restaurant whenever his shift ended without requesting permission from anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That part still feels weird,” he admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What part?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Just… leaving.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Leaving work?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah. Before, I had to check out with Mister Braddock every time. And if I wanted to go anywhere, I had to tell him.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s expression tightened slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now I just finish my shift, clock out, and go.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Like everybody else.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I know it sounds stupid.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Doesn’t sound stupid at all.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Freedom is pretty damned nice, kid.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He took another bite of chili.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And I’m actually making money now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Saving any of it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Most of it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’ve been looking at getting a better personal terminal.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Electronics?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Imagine that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Any particular model?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin began explaining several options he’d been researching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within thirty seconds, Mark was asking detailed questions about processing capability, diagnostic interfaces, and repair access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then slowly set down his spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, no.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s happening.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What is?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel gestured toward Mark and Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“They’re speaking engineer.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark ignored him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, the conversation turned toward Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin had questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lots of questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How old was she?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How fast could she travel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much cargo could she carry?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did they really recover damaged spacecraft?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Had they ever worked on anything enormous?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did they ever find interesting things?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane answered patiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya was thirty-two years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They’d owned her for nearly six years, spending much of the first three rebuilding and upgrading her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was one hundred fifteen meters long, carried heavy industrial salvage equipment, and had five primary decks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her main cargo bay could accommodate substantial recovered equipment, while her external towing systems allowed her to move vessels far larger than herself under carefully controlled conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened with growing fascination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You rebuilt her yourselves?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Most of her.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Some of the structural work required specialized yard facilities.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Naturally,” Gabriel added. “Because even Mark occasionally acknowledges the existence of other engineers.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark gave him a flat look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What was she like when you bought her?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane gestured toward a photograph on the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“See for yourself.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster stood and approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The image showed Freya in her original condition, sitting in a commercial shipyard with missing panels, disconnected equipment, and a visibly deteriorated exterior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three wolves stood in front of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All considerably dirtier than they were now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel joined him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah. She was a mess.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good structure, though.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You could tell?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer pointed toward the photograph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Her main structural spine was sound. Pressure hull was intact. Primary propulsion machinery had plenty of life left.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She just needed somebody willing to put in the work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin studied the photograph again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then glanced around the warm, comfortable galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You really brought her back.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s pretty cool.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the time lunch was finished, Tavin had eaten two generous bowls of chili.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had eaten three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had quietly helped himself to seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at the nearly empty bread basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, I think that went over pretty well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned back with a deeply satisfied sigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Captain, you are a culinary genius.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Excellent batch.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Seriously, Thane. That was the best chili I’ve ever had.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The older wolf’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, thank you, son.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What’s the secret?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked amused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled sweetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What secret?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“There’s something in it. I can’t figure out what.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, kid. We’ve been trying to figure that out for years.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He’s very secretive.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“A cook has to have some mysteries.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Come on.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Nope.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Just a hint?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Imported.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Imported?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“From where?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Earth.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster’s eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Earth?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s all you’re getting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After lunch, Gabriel cleared the table while Mark loaded the dishes into the washer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned against the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So, Tavin.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Still interested in seeing the ship?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears immediately perked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then let’s give you the grand tour.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel emerged from the kitchen carrying a damp towel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Grand tour?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Does that include the engine room?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Of course.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed theatrically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wonderful. Nothing says afternoon entertainment like thermal-management equipment.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane gestured toward the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Come on, son.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They began with the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stepped through the doorway and stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, wow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freya’s command deck stretched across the forward section of the ship, with large navigation displays, engineering consoles, communications equipment, and a broad forward observation area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The captain’s chair occupied the central command position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was visibly larger than the original design, built to accommodate Thane’s substantial frame and tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed toward it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“His throne.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hardly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin approached cautiously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Can I look?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Of course.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster examined the controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane explained the primary flight stations, navigation systems, sensor displays, and automated monitoring equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark demonstrated the engineering status panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel showed him the commercial communications and contract-management systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened attentively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At one point, he noticed a maintenance interface beneath the communications console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Is that a modular diagnostic port?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin crouched slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Older standard?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Originally. We upgraded the interface during the rebuild.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s smart.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Glad you think so.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, wonderful. He’s already encouraging him.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the bridge, they toured the residential deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin saw the galley, common room, medical bay, and crew corridors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several cabins remained unused, their doors closed and their interiors largely converted to storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane explained that Freya had originally been designed for a much larger crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Fourteen, originally,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Fourteen?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And it’s just you three?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s right.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster glanced down the quiet corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Must be kind of empty.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sometimes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But that means nobody has to wait for the shower.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Except when you use all the hot water.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That happened once.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Three times.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Exaggeration.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They continued through the residential section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster seemed particularly impressed by how comfortable everything was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He examined the photographs, the furniture, the bookshelves, and Gabriel’s collection of musical instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You play all these?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Most of them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin picked up a small stringed instrument from its stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What’s this?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Mandolin.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Never seen one.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Old Earth instrument.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel demonstrated a few notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s cool.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The black wolf grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Music’s one of the few things that makes life worth tolerating.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Food.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Also food.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And apparently expensive whiskey.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Especially expensive whiskey.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next stop was engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin stepped through the main access doorway and immediately slowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The compartment was enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heavy machinery occupied much of the available space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power distribution cabinets lined the bulkheads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Large conduits disappeared into structural passages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coolant lines, ventilation equipment, diagnostic displays, and maintenance platforms formed a dense network of industrial systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A deep mechanical hum traveled through the deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears turned toward it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Welcome to engineering.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is incredible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He’s going to be here for six hours.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Probably.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark began explaining Freya’s power systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He described the primary reactor interface, distribution network, environmental support equipment, and the extensive modifications they’d made during the rebuild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin asked thoughtful questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not the kind of questions someone asked merely to be polite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wanted to know how things worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why certain systems were arranged the way they were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How redundancy was handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What happened when components failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark answered patiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And as the conversation continued, Thane noticed something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer was genuinely enjoying himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark liked explaining machinery to someone who cared enough to listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Tavin clearly cared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They spent nearly half an hour in engineering before moving to the fabrication shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new materials processor stood proudly in its freshly prepared workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Just installed this yesterday.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His amber eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s an Ardent 9200.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked at the youngster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You recognize it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah. I’ve seen them in repair shops on Rellan.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good machine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, there goes another hour.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark opened the processor’s control display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He demonstrated the machine’s capabilities, showing Tavin how the automated system could produce precision components from raw alloy stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster watched with fascination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he looked toward the adjacent workbench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several electronic modules rested there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One was an open communications control panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Do you work on electronics too?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Quite a bit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely. Control systems, communications equipment, sensor interfaces, navigation hardware. Depends on the job.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Do you do component-level repairs?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“When it’s practical.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s my favorite kind.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark glanced toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The captain smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Mark looked back at Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Tell you what.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Want to take a look at something?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears perked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sure!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The communications panel on Mark’s workbench had been recovered from an older commercial transport several months earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a compact industrial unit containing a display controller, audio-processing circuitry, and a modular communications interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The panel had failed during bench testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark already knew why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had diagnosed the problem several days earlier and set the unit aside until he had time to repair it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now he brought it over to the inspection station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He placed it on an antistatic mat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked at Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This one isn’t working.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What does it do?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Communications control panel. Handles channel selection, audio routing, and the interface between the operator terminal and the ship’s transceiver system.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What’s wrong with it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s what I want you to tell me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Me?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster looked uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I don’t know if\u2014”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Take your time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark gestured toward the equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“See what you can find.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin glanced at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The captain smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Go ahead, son.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned against the workbench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This ought to be interesting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin approached the bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He examined the communications panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the circuit board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His expression changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The uncertainty faded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ears angled forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He leaned closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Do you have a magnifier?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark immediately handed him a compact inspection lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin switched it on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bright ring of light illuminated the circuit board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He studied the components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Systematically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He traced several circuit paths with his eyes, checking the power-input section, voltage regulators, and control interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Huh.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“See something?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin pointed toward a small integrated circuit near the power-regulation section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That doesn’t look right.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark leaned closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What doesn’t?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster adjusted the magnifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“See the discoloration around this chip?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Looks like it overheated.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Possible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin examined the surrounding components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then pointed toward a small surface-mount resistor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This one looks okay. But the chip’s casing has a little blister near the edge.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s smile widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Interesting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked at the board’s identification markings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Do you have the schematic?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark handed him the service documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster studied it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked back at the circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s the local voltage regulator.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin traced the circuit path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If that chip failed, the panel wouldn’t get its regulated supply voltage.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Correct.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I think that’s your problem.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How would you confirm it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Check the input voltage. Then the output.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But not with the board powered up until we’ve checked for shorts.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded approvingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Very good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“First I’d check resistance across the output rail. Make sure something downstream isn’t shorted and causing the regulator to fail.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Exactly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And if that’s clear, I’d power it from a current-limited bench supply and check the voltages.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark’s grin was becoming impossible to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If the regulator’s getting proper input but not producing the correct output, I’d replace it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes. Walk me through it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hot-air rework station. Protect the nearby components. Apply flux. Heat the chip evenly until the solder reflows. Lift it carefully without pulling the pads.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Go on.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Clean the pads with solder wick, inspect them, apply fresh solder paste, position the replacement chip, and reflow it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Inspect the joints under magnification. Check for bridges or shorts. Verify the output rail before reconnecting the rest of the panel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A broad, delighted smile spread across his muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Excellent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster looked down at the circuit board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s how I used to fix personal terminals.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, you learned properly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark wasn’t merely being polite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when Mark was impressed by someone’s technical skills, it meant something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stepped forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You found the problem?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I think so.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He did.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel examined the tiny component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked at Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That little thing?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That thing’s smaller than one of my claws.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And it can kill an entire communications panel?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Pretty much.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Technology is ridiculous.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Says the wolf who makes his living negotiating contracts through a computer.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Exactly. Ridiculous.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark returned his attention to Tavin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Want to see something?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark opened the diagnostic results he’d recorded when the panel first failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The data showed a missing regulated supply rail and the corresponding fault condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin studied it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf looked pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Cool.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark placed a paw on his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good work, Tavin.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks, Mark.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They continued the tour through Freya’s main cargo bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin was astonished by its size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The enormous compartment stretched through much of the ship’s central structure, with heavy cargo-handling equipment, overhead cranes, reinforced loading tracks, and industrial securing points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane explained the ship’s recovery operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How they approached disabled vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How they attached tow assemblies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How they recovered cargo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How they used cutting equipment to dismantle damaged structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And how they sometimes repaired vessels instead of simply hauling them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened intently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You actually fixed an entire freighter?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Just finished one.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Propulsion distribution failure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And made a very nice amount of money doing it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s amazing.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Just another job.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“See? That’s what he says after spending three days bringing a dead ship back to life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane gestured toward the overhead crane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s one of our main cargo-handling systems.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Recovered some pretty substantial things with that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Like what?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, once we pulled a damaged mining processor out of a debris field near Terron.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That was a miserable job.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Especially when the tow cable jammed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Don’t remind me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin looked fascinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What happened?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel’s grin widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, kid. Pull up a chair. Have we got stories.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They spent another twenty minutes in the cargo bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin asked questions about the recovery equipment, the work pods, and the enormous external towing assemblies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane explained the practical realities of salvage work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The physical labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The occasional danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the satisfaction of recovering something valuable that would otherwise be lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin listened with genuine interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He seemed especially fascinated by the idea that a salvage crew might restore equipment for reuse rather than simply dismantle it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I like that,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Fixing things instead of throwing them away.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Us too.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Seems better.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked around the enormous cargo bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reinforced structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The countless modifications and repairs they’d made over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah,” he said quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sometimes it is.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By sixteen thirty, the tour was finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The four wolves returned to the residential deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin retrieved his backpack from beside the galley table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked toward the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, shoot.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Work?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Six o’clock shift.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Plenty of time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah. I should probably head back and get ready.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned against the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, kid, did we bore you to death?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Are you kidding?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked around the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That was amazing!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Glad you enjoyed it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Seriously. I’ve never seen anything like this.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Freya’s a pretty special old girl.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“She really is.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked toward the captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And lunch was incredible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Glad you liked it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then asked, “Do you ever make that chili again?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel burst out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Occasionally.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They walked him down to the personnel airlock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin seemed reluctant to leave, though he made no effort to prolong the visit unnecessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the outer hatch, he turned toward the three older wolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks again.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“For what?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Everything.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’re welcome, kid.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Come by again sometime.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin’s ears lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Really?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Absolutely,” Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’re always welcome to visit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youngster looked pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He glanced toward the corridor leading back into Freya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then toward the three wolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That was probably the best afternoon I’ve had in a long time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, nobody spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Thane smiled warmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, we’re glad you spent it with us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He adjusted his backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Guess I’d better go.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Try not to let the restaurant run out of steak.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’ll do my best.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane extended a paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young wolf took it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Take care of yourself, son.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You too, Thane.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“See you around, Tavin.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Bye, Mark.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel waved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Later, kid.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tavin smiled one last time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then stepped through the airlock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hatch closed behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For several seconds, the three wolves stood quietly in the access corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Gabriel spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I like that kid.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So do I.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced toward the closed hatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel folded his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Funny. Polite. Smart.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Definitely smart,” Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You were impressed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Very.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That little electronics demonstration?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He approached the problem methodically. Didn’t jump to conclusions. Identified the likely failure, then explained how he’d verify it before attempting a repair.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sounds familiar.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He’s got good instincts.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And he’s only nineteen.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep,” Thane said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Plenty of potential.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, they were quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And he likes your chili.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Smart kid.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Of course that’s your conclusion.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What? It’s important.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They headed back toward the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remains of lunch were still in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel opened the door and examined the containers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hey, Captain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How much chili did you make?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“A lot.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Good.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sat at the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“There’s enough for dinner tomorrow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Probably the day after too,” Thane replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked delighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Outstanding.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane poured himself a glass of cold juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then leaned against the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Nice afternoon.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Very.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Kid seemed to have a good time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked toward the workshop corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I enjoyed showing him the electronics.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We noticed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engineer looked mildly embarrassed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You were practically wagging your tail off.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He knew what he was doing.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Clearly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, I think we should invite him over again sometime.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Agreed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked toward the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Maybe next time we can show him the engine room in even more excruciating detail.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I thought you didn’t like engineering tours.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I don’t.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then why suggest it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Because watching you explain machinery to somebody who actually listens is surprisingly entertaining.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’re impossible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yet lovable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Debatable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later that evening, Freya settled into the quiet routine of another night in port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark returned to the fabrication shop to finish organizing the new processor’s tooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel relaxed in the common room with his guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane cleaned the galley, portioned the remaining chili into storage containers, and updated the next day’s supply list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing extraordinary happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ship was quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The work was finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And somewhere beyond Freya’s hull, Calder Station continued its endless commercial activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane closed the refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked around the galley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four bowls had been used at lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four places had been set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And for a few hours, the old salvage ship had felt just a little more lively than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then switched off the kitchen lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tomorrow would bring another ordinary day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that suited him just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The smell reached Deck Three before the first warning came over the intercom. It was rich, savory, and unmistakably spicy, a combination of slow-cooked meat, roasted peppers, and something darker and more complicated that seemed to settle into every corner of Freya’s residential section. Gabriel stopped halfway through reviewing a cargo manifest. His black ears […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ship-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31","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=31"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31\/revisions\/116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/wolvesoffreya\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}