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Spinward Arcade and Dorms


“Flowers? I’m not against ’em, though I don’t know if I got anybody with the way of ’em.”

“The flowers—or trees—would be considered part of the habitat,” Jen Sin said, “and cared for by the station.”

“Then I’d say the only way to find out is to try,” Vinsint Carresens said practically. “I don’t see any offense in there anywhere.”

She turned back to Ren Zel.

“You’re the pilot who Jumped in close.”

“I am, yes,” Ren Zel agreed calmly.

“Damn fine flyin’,” she said with a grin. “Sorry ’bout the hollerin’. Like I said at the time—high spirits.”

“I understand,” Ren Zel said. “Is there anything I may do for you immediately?”

“Immediately? My immediately’s getting the crew in, quartered, and sorted into teams. Then, I’ll see about redirectin’ them high spirits into something useful for all of us.”

“If it comes about that you need me…”

“I’ll ask Station to find you for me, never you fear,” she said, and stood up from the stone wall where they had all been sitting together.

She produced a bow notable for its cheerfulness, murmured, “Light Keepers,” and strolled away toward a cluster of persons just emerging from the dockside entry hall, pulling cases and looking, wide-eyed, about themselves.

Jen Sin came to his feet.

“If you still claim a hand in this mad game, Cousin, I will make you acquainted with the section administrator’s suite.”

“I will have my cards, thank you,” Ren Zel said, standing, and moving his fingers briskly in the pilot’s sign for double-quick.

“Pray lead on.”


The living area inspected and pronounced very well, they came at last to the administration office.

Jen Sin waved Ren Zel in ahead of him, and leaned against the counter. The birds, all three, zipped through the door as it was closing, and ranged themselves on the edge of the highest shelf.

“Pray seat yourself, Administrator dea’Judan,” Jen Sin murmured. “We will now make you known to the station, which in this section runs on a system separate from that administered by our cousin Tocohl.”

Ren Zel sat as he was bade, in the command chair, his posture alert, and his eyes serious. Perhaps he suspected something.

Jen Sin gave him a faint smile and said, gently, “Catalinc Station, I present to you Section Administrator dea’Judan of the Light Keeper’s Staff. He is the face and the voice of the light keeper in this section.”

“Welcome, Administrator dea’Judan.” Catie’s voice was marvelously clear and clean. “I look forward to working with you.”

“Thank you, Station,” Ren Zel said carefully. “I trust that we will deal well together.”

“You ought also to know, Station, that the section administrator is my cousin Ren Zel. Tell me, was the yellow bird meant for him?”

“The yellow was meant for you, Light Keeper. I can craft another, if Administrator dea’Judan also misses birds.”

“That is a kindness,” Ren Zel said gravely. “However, I do not at this time find myself in want. Please understand that I value your care, and mean no offense.”

“I take no offense,” Catie said, with an intonation that Jen Sin recognized as his own. “If you should feel the need, later, only tell me and I will be happy to assist.”

“Thank you,” Ren Zel murmured, and moved his chair closer to the console. “I think, with Light Keeper yos’Phelium’s permission, that we ought to sign me in to systems. I would appreciate a summary of what has gone forth to this point, please, Station.”

“Certainly, Administrator.”

The screens lit, and Jen Sin straightened away from the counter.

“I to my various duties,” he said. “If you require anything from me, Cousin—”

Ren Zel glanced up with a smile.

“I know how to find you, yes. I hope that you will rest between your duties. Station and I will do very well, here.”

“I make no doubt.”

Jen Sin bowed gently, as to kin, and left, the birds sweeping over his head and out the door.


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Framed