Wrapping Up

[Toaster]

Ames Research Station, Kepler
October 28, 827 A.S.

Olivia sighed as the outer mist of the dark matter storm receded around her ship and Ames Research Station came into view.

Another visit to Kepler, she thought. Except this time she wasn't even afforded the convenience of functioning jump gates, instead having to brave the pitch black of a cosmic, irradiated hurricane. She couldn't wait for the Zoners to charge her an outrageous repair bill. Not that she could really blame them, of course. Ageira abandoning the system effectively cut off all legal traffic, leaving the freeport's inhabitants with far fewer options to make a living.

Permission to dock at the station was promptly granted upon request. Any memory of her first visit to the installation had clearly faded away over the months. One less thing for Olivia to worry about.

Stepping out onto the hangar bay's deck, the Sutinga's engine still whining as it spun down, she was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Glad to see you're finally joining us."

Olivia turned to face the source of the jest and spotted Blue approaching her, a kind smile parting his scruffy beard. She returned it, playfully punching him in the arm when they caught up to each other.

"And I'm glad to see you didn't get lost on your way here," Olivia retorted.

"Well, he almost did. Hah! Good thing he had me to guide him through the storm!" Beige stepped up from behind the grizzled mercenary, his usual grin plastered all over his stubbly beard. Olivia rolled her eyes. Up until a week or two ago, she would have been less than ecstatic to run into the joker, but she knew that without his help, her most recent adventure might not have turned out as successful as it had. She owed him and decided to repay him with patience for his humor.

"Yeah, I bet you were like a navbouy in the dark," Olivia chuckled. Beige guffawed.

"So," Blue interjected, raising a hand to shush the younger man, "who exactly are we here to meet?"

Olivia hesitated. She wasn't sure whether she was meant to reveal their host's identity to her comrades or whether he preferred to introduce himself personally, if at all. She decided to err on the side of caution.

"You'll find out soon. I think."

---

Olivia Sable