“We’ve got a lot more than one world now, and out here the laws of the Trans-Neptunian Authority hold sway. The rules of salvage are pretty straightforward. If you find something abandoned in space, you can take it. If someone with a valid ownership claim comes forward, they can recover their property if they pay the expenses incurred by the salvagers, plus ten percent of the property’s value, as determined by an impartial appraisal AI. As the only verified member of the Anjou’s crew, you’ve got such a claim.”

“So the Anjou is mine… but only if I pay you a percentage?”

“Well, in theory, but in light of everything you went through, I’m willing to waive the fee.”

Elena leaned back in her chair, some tension draining out of her. “That’s good of you, captain. I mean that. You could have easily taken advantage of me. I wouldn’t have known.”

“Nah, I’m a sworn officer of the Trans-Neptunian Authority. I have to follow the law.”

“I’m in good hands, then. But what value does the Anjou have? As an antique? A historical curiosity?”

Callie moved away from the counter and sat down in the modular chair beside Elena. “Honestly? Yes. There are probably museums that would buy it, or collectors. We took a lot of things of value off the ship already – the intact biological specimens, and some of the more portable components.” Plus the weird thing Ashok had found in the engine room, but that was a subject for later. “You can sell that stuff, too, and keep the proceeds.” Callie almost automatically said “minus our expenses for transporting you,” but didn’t. The White Raven’s accounts weren’t in bad shape lately, after all those speed runs to the Imperative. She could afford an uncharacteristic act of generosity.

Elena reached out and touched the back of Callie’s hand. “I don’t know why you’re being so good to me, but I appreciate it.”

“What can I say? Kalea Machedo, scourge of the spaceways. Don’t tell anyone I have a heart.”

The ship’s computer spoke up. “Approaching Meditreme Station. Please prepare for deceleration.”

“Are you ready to see the future?” Callie said.

“Ready or not, here I am,” Elena replied.

Chapter Five

Callie took Elena to the observation deck and helped strap her into a seat where she could watch through the viewport. “See that thing that looks like a crystal chandelier crossed with a wedding cake? That’s Meditreme Station.” They were already decelerating, thrust gravity easing off into weightlessness, and the ship’s reaction wheels were spinning to orient them for their approach to the docks.