“Likewise, son. Zagreus was well named; that is one crappy little loser of an exoplanet. But we didn’t let that stop us, no, not this time. We went into that goddamned useless star system hard and built us another wave of starships. That’s what our society is these days. We’ve got the balls to look outward and dream like JFK again. Fuck, that makes me proud to be human. One of those new starships will find us somewhere worth terraforming, and if it doesn’t, then the following wave will, or the twentieth wave. It doesn’t matter. We are going to build new worlds out there, son, and Connexion is going to take you out to the stars—you and a billion others desperate for a fresh start on a new planet. Twenty years’ time, you’ll be standing on this very same spot, and you’ll be able to walk into our interstellar hub and step onto one of a dozen planets that we’ve tamed. Connexion is going to be huge. It’s going to span the whole fucking galaxy one day.”

“It’s pretty big now, sir.”

“Sure. But this one solar system is just the start. And if the company is going to grow the way I know it can, I’m going to need me some real smart, tough bastards to wrestle it into shape for me. What do you say to that?”

It was probably the hangover damping his emotions down, but Callum was pleased with himself for not overreacting. He just kept his cool and said: “You offering me a job, Mr. Zangari?”

Ainsley chortled. “Oh, I like you, son, sure enough. But no. No fancy job offer. Not today. What I’m saying is enjoy your macho time in ED these next few years, and watch out for the next generation who’ll rise up like fucking crocodiles to snap at your heels. Then when the time comes you’re tired of the sound of those teeth getting closer and you apply to go on senior management courses or maybe do an MBA, you’ll find Connexion is supportive. You’re what I’m looking for, son. Don’t get head swell, now; I talk to a hundred like you a week. But you got yourself noticed and approved yesterday. No small thing in an organization this size.”

“Duly noted, sir, and thank you.”

Ainsley put his hand out again. “Okay. Now I need people to say yes to me again.”

Callum’s smile stayed in place as he walked back through all four portal doors to the ED office where the crew was waiting.

“Ainsley fucking Zangari?” Alana yelled. “Himself?”

“Yeah.”

“What did you say? Wait! What did he say?” Moshi demanded.

“He said: well done. Said to thank you guys, too. Christ knows why.”

“What’s he like?” Raina asked.

“Same as on the news streams. Loud.”

“Holy shit. Did he know our names, too?”

“I don’t know. Probably. You’ll be in the report file—under mine.”

“Fuck off!”