chuckled.
We’re doing well enough. Generator three has magically developed a glitch which has reduced “your” ability to handle heavy traffic.
Oh, Afra! Thank you!
Across the light-years, Afra felt the gentle caress of a grateful friend. He thanked Reidinger’s God for deliverance from a less appealing role.
* * *
In another few days, Afra heard from Reidinger, the contact announced by a deep chuckle echoing in his mind.
I singed her ears off, Afra! But she gave as good as she got and begged me to send you a couple of T-2’s.
Reidinger’s “voice” took on a different tone.
Who do you want?
Afra shrugged.
If it’s all the same with you, we’re doing well enough just now. Just keep our loads like this and we’ll manage.
Reidinger snorted.
I just finished telling her I wouldn’t have her burnt out catching cargo unaided; do you think I’m fool enough to burn out her best man?
Afra was not aware that Reidinger was broadcasting untilBrian Ackerman turned to him with a grin of agreement.
Sadly, Reidinger added,
I myself am too busy to handle the increased load of Callisto, so I’m sending you a pair of T-2’s. I’m sure you’ll treat them well.
How’s the Rowan, Reidinger?
Brian asked, boosting himself off of Afra.
Don’t you
ever
tell her
, Reidinger returned with that incredible tenderness that so surprised the two stationers,
but I think she’s doing just fine!
He paused.
Oh, and by the way, do you want to switch brands of whisky this year?
Brian Ackerman’s eyes widened in amazement; it was well known that when he used to threaten to resign from Callisto Station on a yearly basis, he was bribed to remain with a case of his favorite tipple, but it never once occurred to him that Earth Prime knew that!
Uh, no, I’ve gotten rather used to the Paddy’s now
, Brian managed to respond. Beside him, Afra doubled over in a laughing fit.
Torshan and Saggoner duly arrived and the Tower staff, worked just slightly ragged in keeping with a cunning plan laid down by Brian and carried through by Afra, were more than pleased to have their aid. Although there were several teething troubles, the calm togetherness of the loving pair of T-2’s and Afra’s demanding performance standards soon had the Station operating at nearly peak efficiency within the week.
The routine was set in the next week and by the third week the station personnel had nearly forgotten life under their Rowan. It was shattered when a personal capsule arrived unheralded in a cradle.
Belay that!
Afra called to a cargo handler who nearly crushed it with the capsule scheduled for that cradle. Afra was hot with anger at the near catastrophe.
Who the hell put that capsule
. . . he began, and then touched the mind inside it.
ROWAN!
Pandemonium broke out as the rest of the Station heard his mental shout. Suddenly everyone ’ported in around her, patting her, talking to her, hugging her. The Rowanturned bright red in the face of such open affection. Afra sent a personal message on a tight beam to Torshan and Saggoner to explain the sudden disruption of his usually ordered Station. They accepted his explanation calmly, saying that they would work around the celebration.
The next day’s work, with the Rowan back, progressed with an incredible ease. Afra had forgotten how effortlessly she handled even the heaviest loads. Once the work was finished, Afra was contacted by the Rowan.
I need to talk to Reidinger
, she told him, almost daring him to challenge her.
Is that wise?
Afra replied, fretting that, somehow, she had discovered Reidinger’s duplicity.
He can’t be that bad!
she responded, adding that Reidinger had no call to be angry over her absence. Afra responded diplomatically but somewhat defensively on behalf of Reidinger.
He gained a lot more than I risked
, she told him.
Afra examined her carefully, noting the faint augmentation to her aura. His eyes narrowed. Was she putting on weight? No, at least not without
We’re doing well enough. Generator three has magically developed a glitch which has reduced “your” ability to handle heavy traffic.
Oh, Afra! Thank you!
Across the light-years, Afra felt the gentle caress of a grateful friend. He thanked Reidinger’s God for deliverance from a less appealing role.
* * *
In another few days, Afra heard from Reidinger, the contact announced by a deep chuckle echoing in his mind.
I singed her ears off, Afra! But she gave as good as she got and begged me to send you a couple of T-2’s.
Reidinger’s “voice” took on a different tone.
Who do you want?
Afra shrugged.
If it’s all the same with you, we’re doing well enough just now. Just keep our loads like this and we’ll manage.
Reidinger snorted.
I just finished telling her I wouldn’t have her burnt out catching cargo unaided; do you think I’m fool enough to burn out her best man?
Afra was not aware that Reidinger was broadcasting untilBrian Ackerman turned to him with a grin of agreement.
Sadly, Reidinger added,
I myself am too busy to handle the increased load of Callisto, so I’m sending you a pair of T-2’s. I’m sure you’ll treat them well.
How’s the Rowan, Reidinger?
Brian asked, boosting himself off of Afra.
Don’t you
ever
tell her
, Reidinger returned with that incredible tenderness that so surprised the two stationers,
but I think she’s doing just fine!
He paused.
Oh, and by the way, do you want to switch brands of whisky this year?
Brian Ackerman’s eyes widened in amazement; it was well known that when he used to threaten to resign from Callisto Station on a yearly basis, he was bribed to remain with a case of his favorite tipple, but it never once occurred to him that Earth Prime knew that!
Uh, no, I’ve gotten rather used to the Paddy’s now
, Brian managed to respond. Beside him, Afra doubled over in a laughing fit.
Torshan and Saggoner duly arrived and the Tower staff, worked just slightly ragged in keeping with a cunning plan laid down by Brian and carried through by Afra, were more than pleased to have their aid. Although there were several teething troubles, the calm togetherness of the loving pair of T-2’s and Afra’s demanding performance standards soon had the Station operating at nearly peak efficiency within the week.
The routine was set in the next week and by the third week the station personnel had nearly forgotten life under their Rowan. It was shattered when a personal capsule arrived unheralded in a cradle.
Belay that!
Afra called to a cargo handler who nearly crushed it with the capsule scheduled for that cradle. Afra was hot with anger at the near catastrophe.
Who the hell put that capsule
. . . he began, and then touched the mind inside it.
ROWAN!
Pandemonium broke out as the rest of the Station heard his mental shout. Suddenly everyone ’ported in around her, patting her, talking to her, hugging her. The Rowanturned bright red in the face of such open affection. Afra sent a personal message on a tight beam to Torshan and Saggoner to explain the sudden disruption of his usually ordered Station. They accepted his explanation calmly, saying that they would work around the celebration.
The next day’s work, with the Rowan back, progressed with an incredible ease. Afra had forgotten how effortlessly she handled even the heaviest loads. Once the work was finished, Afra was contacted by the Rowan.
I need to talk to Reidinger
, she told him, almost daring him to challenge her.
Is that wise?
Afra replied, fretting that, somehow, she had discovered Reidinger’s duplicity.
He can’t be that bad!
she responded, adding that Reidinger had no call to be angry over her absence. Afra responded diplomatically but somewhat defensively on behalf of Reidinger.
He gained a lot more than I risked
, she told him.
Afra examined her carefully, noting the faint augmentation to her aura. His eyes narrowed. Was she putting on weight? No, at least not without
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