So, when Momma announces we’re having a family meeting, it doesn’t fill my stomach with dread. Maybe this time I won’t get yelled at about something or other. Maybe she’s not mad about my mistakes on Gaia anymore. Maybe she’s finally going to tell us what this job we’re running for Leonis is about, or what the plan is once we meet up with Corvus. Titan is less than a week out now, after all, and she still hasn’t given us any details.

We all gather in the cargo bay after dinner. Lyre waits patiently with her hands clasped behind her back, while Pol leans against the wall and Drom sits at his feet with her injured leg stretched out. We managed to get the alien spear out of it and patch up the worst of the damage, but she’ll have to wait until Titan for proper medical care.

I come to a stop between Lyre and the twins and shove both hands in my pockets. A couple minutes later, Momma arrives and stands near the ramp, gazing around at us. She still looks tired, but more composed than when the Red Baron’s attack caught us off guard.

“First of all,” she says, “I know these last few weeks have been pretty rough on everybody. I’ve had a lot to think about, and those pirate bastards always pick the worst time to show up.” She shakes her head. “But, as usual, we proved to them that we’re not such easy pickings. We all did well in that fight.”

Momma meets my eyes, and inclines her head in a small nod. For a moment I’m too shocked to react, but as her gaze moves away, a flush of pride and a broad grin break out across my face. I glance around to see if anyone else noticed. The twins seem oblivious, but Lyre catches my eye and smiles.

“That said, I think it’s about time I told you all something,” Momma says, drawing my attention back to her. “As you all know, as wrong as things went on Gaia, I was able to secure another job for us on Titan. And, well…” She pauses, and I’m shocked to catch a glimpse of something close to emotion on her face. I can’t remember the last time Momma showed any feelings other than anger. I shift uncomfortably, my joy over her praise dimming with uncertainty. “This is a big one, kiddos,” she says, and smiles. Actually smiles. “It’s the biggest job of my life. Big enough that… well…”

As she pauses again, I realize where this is going. My breath catches in my throat, and I bring my hands out of my pockets and stand straight up.

“This run to Titan is going to be my last job,” Momma says. “It’s time for me to settle down somewhere. Retire.”