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Spiral Dance
Dock A


Jen Sin was first down the ramp, Chernak and Stost behind. They had said their good-shifts, and he turned right, toward the lift, while they went left, toward Bechimo.

His birds arose from their perch on the light bar, the green one settling to his shoulder, as had become its habit.

“You would have enjoyed that, I think,” Jen Sin said companionably.

“I would have liked to tour,” the green bird said in Catie’s voice. “Only I wasn’t invited.”

Jen Sin blinked.

“That was rude of me. Forgive me, Catie. Next time, if I fail of offering an invitation, ask.”

“I will.”

“Yes, but know that some meetings on private ships will remain private.”

“Of course.”

Jen Sin laughed, softly, and turned into the long hall leading to the lift that would take him back to the tower. He would make certain that there was nothing pressing, and then take an off-shift. Tomorrow, he promised himself, he would make a proper schedule for himself, and—

“Light Keeper yos’Phelium,” Catie said.

Jen Sin’s blood ran cold.

Bechimo reports a situation. Unusual energies emanating from Ahab-Esais, at the repair dock. Bechimo believes the Struven unit is about to fail catastrophically.”

Ahab-Esais, at the repair dock. There were crews at work in that section. If the ship blew at dock—

“Alarm!” he snapped, leaping into a run. There was an admin station just the end of the hall and to the left. “Clear the repair docks, now!”

“Clearing docks,” Catalinc Station confirmed. “Contacting pilot of record.”

Pilot of record? he thought, but that would be—

“Pilot Tocohl reports herself remotely in charge of ship systems and prepared to cast off, as soon as the docks are clear,” Catalinc Station said. “Bechimo reports emissions increasing to dangerous levels. Thirty-second warning sounded.”

Ahead, the corner. He sensed, rather than saw, the birds, keeping pace.

“Jen Sin, there are people in the cross-hall!” Catie said sharply.

Ahab-Esais away!” Tocohl said over the general station band.

Jen Sin turned the corner.

A figure stood at the admin station, crossbow leveled.


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Framed