Owner's Share (Trader's Tales from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper) by Nathan Lowell Page A

really can’t afford this ship.” I looked out the aft ports at the cold darkness beyond. “Or any other.”
    Kirsten frowned. “What are you saying, Captain?”
    I shrugged helplessly. “According to everything I’ve been able to learn, I just don’t have enough capital to go indie. Even after the most optimistic estimate on the Chernyakova , I can’t afford any of the smaller vessels currently listed here. My share isn’t even enough for a down payment.” I spread my hands to take in the Jezebel . “This is an interesting vessel, and I think it would be a good ship, but the bottom line is that I just can’t swing the bottom line.”
    I could see the wheels turning in Kirsten’s mind, and we waited in uncomfortable silence until she spoke again. “I see,” she said at last. “Thank you, both. This has been enlightening.” She looked at me, then at Greta. “Don’t forget to send me that bill, Greta.”
    Greta laughed .“I was just kidding.”
    Kirsten arched an eyebrow. “I’m not. Bill me. Inspection services rendered. Two kilocreds.” Her severe expression relaxed. “It’s the least I can do, under the circumstances.”
    Greta shrugged. “Okay, then. In that case, I’ll offer another bit of advice.”
    Kirsten focused on her. “You’ve not steered me wrong yet. What is it?”
    “Get a caretaker to live aboard.” Greta nodded her head in the direction of the stern. “That got so bad because there was nobody here to notice. You’re lucky it wasn’t something more serious, like a fire.” She shrugged. “Get somebody to live here, and keep the lights on, keep an eye on the ship. Automated sensors can do only so much.”
    Kirsten nodded and made another note on her tablet. “Good thinking. I keep thinking this is only temporary but...” she shrugged and her voice trailed off. She looked back at me. “Captain, I’m going to do some research today and get back to you. Would you meet with another financial advisor if I send one to you?”
    I shrugged. “Of course. I’ve got nothing to lose by talking about it.”
    “Good,” she said, “Because something isn’t adding up and I’m going to try to get to the bottom of it.”
    The chief and I traded glances again as Kirsten led the way down off the bridge.
    “Is there anything else you want to see? Either of you?” She called over her shoulder as she started down.
    Chief Gerheart shook her head at me and I answered, “I think we’re good for now, Kirsten. Thank you for the tour.”
    On the deck below she turned her face up to us with an amused grin painted on it. “No, thank you. I’ve learned a lot from giving you two the tour.”
    We secured the lock on the way off the ship and in the clean, cold air of the docks, the smell of our clothes wafted up and reminded us that we should avoid polite company until we could address the problem. At the entrance to the maintenance dock, Kirsten asked, “Are you available for dinner tonight, Captain? I’ve some people you should meet. Over dinner would be the right way to do it.”
    I shook my head. “Sorry. I’ve got the overnight duty tonight.”
    She nodded. “Tomorrow night?”
    I shrugged. “That should work.”
    “Excellent,” she beamed. “That’ll give me a chance to make sure I bring all the right people to the table. I’ll let you know when and where when I get it nailed down.”
    She held out a hand to Chief Gerheart. “Thank you, Greta. If there’s anything you need from DST, call me.”
    Greta took the offered hand and gave it a firm shake. “Thanks, Kirsten. We’ll be getting underway in a couple of days, but I’ll definitely send you a bill.”
    Kirsten grinned. “Good, now I better go change before I head back to the office.” With a jaunty wave she headed back down the docks.
    The chief and I headed back toward the ship. I could see the chief mentally chewing on something.
    I kept glancing at her out of the corner of my eye but she was staring at the deck in