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Spinward Arcade and Dorms


“Will it do? It’ll more than do, Light Keeper.”

Vinsint Carresens turned slowly, face angled toward the ceiling, the yellow light brightening her grey hair.

“Little bit more open space than some of us is used to, but that don’t say we won’t find ways to stretch out, and be glad of it, too.”

She finished her turn, and looked boldly into Jen Sin’s eyes.

“I’d been expecting rough and not really ready, to tell you true, given the ship-eye view.”

“I understand,” Jen Sin assured her. “The design is startling of itself, even before one accounts the breach. However, the station was complete and ready for occupation before circumstances overtook it, and necessitated that most sections be sealed. Now that we are firmly established, we are planning our way forward, and will expand as needed.”

“Which getting that breach fixed’ll help, too.”

“Indeed. We are in negotiations with a possible tenant, who proposes to build anew.”

“Well, there. Tree-and-Dragon’s way ahead of me, which shouldn’t be a surprise. Here’s my thinking. I’ll be getting the crews who come in with me organized and moved in. We oughta be ready to take on serious work in four shifts—maybe sooner, there being so little for us to do, here. What I’ll be looking for from you is a list of what needs done, in order of urgency. If you got something that won’t wait, you tell me now, and we’ll cover it.”

She paused, meaningfully.

Jen Sin inclined slightly from the waist.

“Indeed, all of our most urgent repairs have been made.”

“Good. If something comes up, now we’re here, you don’t wait to get us on it. We’re here to help. I’ll be your interface with the teams, and we’ll be working under your authority. That sound reasonable to you?”

“Yes, perfectly. On another topic—I was told that the caf would be somewhat behind you,” Jen Sin said. “Station supply is basic, but we are able to provide necessary calories.”

Vinsint Carresens tipped her head. He was not precisely certain what her expression portended, but he did not think he had offended.

“Now, that’s neighborly, and I appreciate it. We packed in supplies to cover us ’til the caf gets here—prolly before you and me get to talking about that work schedule. I’ll make it a point to invite you and the rest of your crew down here after we get set up. Meet each other, share a meal, get a little rest before the next big push. Okay?”

“That sounds pleasant,” Jen Sin said, somewhat startled to find that it was the truth. He had never liked receptions or formal parties, previously. Perhaps he had mellowed.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

“Excellent. I will leave you to your tasks, as I take up my next. If you should have questions or require—anything—merely speak aloud to Station, and your request will be routed appropriately.”

He turned, catching the movement of wings above him.

“What’re they?” asked Vinsint Carresens, her voice…careful where it had been cordial.

That would not do.

Hoping that he wasn’t about to make a mistake, Jen Sin lifted his arm to shoulder height, bent at the elbow—and waited.

It was the green bird who took the perch he offered, its weight scarcely noticeable, and tipped its head to one side.

“A bot,” Jen Sin said, gently, motioning Vinsint Carresens closer. “I am world-born, you see, and was regretting the lack of such things as I had been accustomed to—gardens, and weather, and birds. A kind friend, who has a talent for creating such things, thought perhaps some birds would cheer me.”

“Cunning little thing. Not much to it, is there?”

“Indeed, a trifle.”

“But warming. Funny how just a little thing can lift the spirits.”

She smiled at him. “You got a good friend there, Light Keeper.”

“Yes,” he agreed, and raised his arm slightly higher. The green bird flew off.

He bowed to Vinsint Carresens.

“I will leave you now. Until soon.”


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