“And where would I find that?” Ivan asked, waving the menu.

“Well, not here. The working stiff bars don’t come with the fancy view…” Davies waved a hand at the large window a few tables over. The stars, visible in the low lighting, would take just over a minute to complete a rotation. “…or the nice comfy gravity.” He smiled at Ivan, the expression still lacking any trace of friendliness. “You might want to practice a little more with low-gee before you visit up-axis, noob.”

The waiter returned with the drinks—a tequila shot for each crew member. He set the glasses down, but no one reached for theirs. There was likely a tradition of some sort in play. Ivan watched Robinson, seated beside him, for cues.

Captain Andrew Jennings, at one end of the long table, stood up. Tall, grey-haired, and spare of build, he was every inch the lifetime spacer. A buzz cut and thick mustache gave him the aura of a movie cowboy, yet somehow he still managed to make the standard utility coveralls look like a uniform.

“Gentlemen and ladies.” He paused to scan the table, pointedly looking at each person, perhaps memorizing their faces. “We have lucked out and managed to get a relatively unexplored section of the belt in this tour’s Stakes Lottery. Things haven’t gone particularly shiny the last couple of trips, and we’ve had to say goodbye to some of our crew. I’d like to welcome our newest members, Ivan Pritchard and Arcadius Geiger.” The captain gestured toward Ivan and the other new member. “Arcadius is a veteran spacer, having crewed with the Forward Motion and the Serene Starlight on several occasions.”

Geiger nodded to the table in general, and muttered something noncommittal in a slight German accent.

Gesturing toward Ivan, the captain continued, “Ivan is a first-timer, but is also a top-rated computer specialist, so we’re looking forward to perhaps a little less drama with setting up the mining robot A.I.s this time around.”

Several of the crew whooped and clapped their hands. Ivan grinned and bobbed his head, embarrassed by the sudden attention.

“As you know, it takes only one good strike to set you up for life. It’s why we do this. Well, that and the luxurious lifestyle.” The captain flashed a tight smile to general laughter.

He raised his glass, and everyone at the table stood, shooters in hand. “To the Mad Astra and her crew. And may this tour be our big score.” The crew members raised their drinks and tossed them back in unison.

Hah-woof! Tequila shooter. Not used to those. Ivan’s eyes watered, and he put every ounce of will-power available into the task of not coughing as he sat down.

He turned to find Robinson watching him with an amused smile. “Not used to tequila, sprout?”

Ivan blew out a breath. “I’m more of a whiskey drinker.”