In there, he couldn’t be found by any sort of scanners going through the ship’s technology, but he also couldn’t act as the ship’s AI. He couldn’t even see what was going on. They had an actual AI that he overrode when he was out of his core, and that would take over while he was hiding.
Though, it wouldn’t get much use. Once they were docked on Hir-Fallow station, Uver Prime would take over. The engine, life support, everything would get switched off. All their power and life support functions would come from the station itself while repairs and upgrades were done.
Uver Prime was one of the biggest companies in the universe. They were starship builders, colony founders, planetterraformers. They could, quite literally, move worlds. Hir-Fallow Station was created by them specifically for the purpose of being a place where starships that could not come down to a planet due to their size could undergo repairs.
Because Hir-Fallow had the might of the wealthiest, most powerful, most well-known company in the universe behind it, the process of landing and connecting was well honed, practiced, and simple. Honestly, after putting the docking command into the ship’s navigation, there wasn’t much more for him to do.
Sway still monitored the process as Tanin came down from the upper bridge. He and Garnet spoke for a moment of their plans once on the station before leaving the bridge together. They were going down to meet with the others.
It was already too quiet. Alred had probably gone into his core by now, leaving Sway alone as he maneuvered the ship backwards towards the docking bay. Usually, when docking, they’d connect to the secondary rear stowage door. One that was smaller and off to the side.
However, this time, they were connecting the larger main stowage bay doors. They rarely had opportunity, or reason, to use them. But the larger opening would make things easier for the workers to do their job, and Hir-Fallow certainly had the capability and space to make use of those massive doors.
As Sway was taking the ship through the procedure of locking the main stowage doors onto the dock, an incoming alert caught his ear. The signature identified them as being with the Uver Prime administrative staff.
He connected the comm, greeting them calmly, “This is Sway, navigator of the Humility.”
“Greetings, Sway,” came a beautiful, melodious, female voice.
The sweetest sound he’d ever heard.
Pure music that stole his breath.
That voice, that clear, bell tone voice, made a shiver go down his spine. His crest started to rise, his tail feathers tried to spread despite sitting in a chair, his heart skipped a beat as something dark clawed at his lower belly.
Sway couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t even think. The sound of that voice, sweet and soft and feminine, was blasting through his brain like an explosion. It left him too stunned to form anything like a coherent thought, much less respond.
What wasthat?
Chapter 2
Grace
“Dock Three, you are clear for takeoff. Thank you for choosing Hir-Fallow for your starship and everything it needs, please comm us again for anything you might require in the future. Uver Prime is always available to assist you.” Switch. “Dock Eleven, your ship is en route. ETA: quarter mark. Prepare for docking. Latch point will be on the main stowage bay, standard size seven. Standby for further instructions after docking.” Switch. “Dock Twenty-four, your ship is cleared, you can start cleaning procedures. Your next appointment is two days out.”
“Thanks, Grace,” the dock leader replied. “It’s a pretty big mess down here. I don’t think their engine had ever been cleaned before. Can we get an ancillary team to help with the grease and muck?”
“You got it.” She switched channels again. “Ancillary team two, you’re needed for grease duty in Dock Twenty-four.”
A long, drawn out groan met her words making her smile.
“Thanks so much! You have two days.”
“Just tell me you hate me already. I can take it.”
“Hm. Can you though?”
“No, I crave your approval like sunlight.”
Grace laughed. “Get to work, lazy bones. Let me know if you need anything.” She switched off all comm channels, still chuckling.
Pausing, Grace grabbed the stim shot at her elbow and took a sip. She let out a hum of appreciation, the sweet, energy replenishing beverage sparking on her tongue like lightning. It was warm, but not hot, nice and fresh.
And not there a moment ago.
Grace frowned at the cup, more than a little confused. She’d grabbed it and taken a drink reflexively, but she hadn’t gotten a stim shot yet this morning. So where did this…?
“You are on the zone today,” Reetak said, leaning a hip against Grace’s workstation as she suddenly appeared at her side, grinning down at her.
