Station Day 60
Main Market Square
Everyone was invited to Catie’s Name Day, and everyone came.
Large screens had been set up around the market so that Ren Stryker, Disian, Bechimo, and Joyita might attend.
There had been music, provided by anyone in the least musical, including Val Con and Miri—he playing the omnichora, and she singing. Some had danced—including Theo and her crew, Tolly Jones and Hazenthull, Delia Bell and Traven.
There had above all been food, and formal declarations of good intent.
The Uncle had spoken in terms of the groundbreaking technology developed by Crystal Energy Systems, that had resulted in Catalinc Station’s awakening.
Val Con had spoken in terms of Clan Korval’s commitment to work with Catalinc Station to provide a stable and viable force in a long-neglected section of space.
Catalinc Station had herself spoken in terms of being happy in her work, and looking forward to the future and making many new friends.
Jen Sin had spoken, very briefly, thanking all and everyone who had come to the station’s aid, and assisted in achieving the present happy result.
There was more dancing after, and the Scouts, with help from Kara and Theo, had set up a bowli ball court in one of the less-fragile corners of the square. Jen Sin joined neither, choosing instead to sit on a bench next to a small patch of lavender.
The green bird alighted on his shoulder.
“Jen Sin, are you unhappy?” asked Catie.
“In fact,” he said, “I am content.”
“Good,” she said. “We’ll go forward, then?”
He smiled.
“Yes. We will go forward.”