Makarov powered down and lifted his hands from the controls; it was the kind of move a master concert pianist would have made as he finished at the keyboard.

Kalico took a moment to adapt to the angular acceleration seeking to pull her slightly sideways after all these months in standard Donovanian gravity. Then she unbuckled and climbed carefully to her feet.

“Need me at my station?” Makarov asked.

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. Can’t think of any reason we’d have to dust off in a hurry. We’re only here so I can make a call and have a social visit with Torgussen and his officers.”

Makarov gave her a saucy wink. “Good. I’ve got a duffel in the back filled with special orders. A couple of bottles from Inga’s, fresh peppers and veggies, dried crest meat, some clothing that needed shipping up from the Dushkus.”

Kalico led the way to the lock, double-checked that it was green on the other side, and then cycled the hatch. Atmosphere balanced with a hiss, and she swung the outer door open.

On the other side stood Tayrell Torgussen, resplendent in his dress uniform with the braid and piping. He pulled himself to full attention, saluting, as he announced, “Board Supervisor Aguila, Vixen bids you welcome.”

“My pleasure, Captain.” She stepped through the pressure doors and into the corridor. Vixen was always immaculate, everything gleaming, polished, and fit. But then, Tayrell Torgussen originally had been chosen for the Donovan mission because he was one of the best.

“Photonic com is ready,” Torgussen told her as he took the lead and started up the companionway to Crew Deck. “Captain Abibi is expecting your communication.”

“Excellent.” Kalico gave the man a measuring glance. “How are things going with Vixen? It’s been a while since we’ve talked.”

“Ship’s fit. Crew’s doing well. We keep busy, Supervisor. And as long as we’re busy discovering new things, being the first to record phenomena no human has ever seen, morale is good. But even then, having made the trip back to Donovan, we’re ready for some R & R. Captain Abibi assures me that Turalon’s engineers could give our reactors a refit and refresh while they’re here.”

“Take whatever time you need.” She lifted an eyebrow. “With Turalon, your people have some decisions to make. Think they’ll stay or go back?”