Book 3: Chapter 82: Arrivals

Book 3: Chapter 82: Arrivals

USD: 55 days after the battle of Dedia IV

Location: 92 Pegasi, Ackman Orbit, A3123Y Orbital

Amy watched as the destroyer, SRS Cold Echo, detached from its mooring and carefully exited the stations perimeter. The ship was fully under control of Abbeys new additions to the team. The ship was scheduled to patrol between the station and Ackman.

Thinking about it gave Amy a sick feeling in her stomach.

Somehow, they had kept anyone from noticing the event, although for how long she could hide the missing Corpos remained to be seen. She had decided that the only thing to do was try to cover it up. It wasnt as if the Corpos were liked, so pushback would be low. At least from those on the station.

No one could blame them if the Corpos attempted escape and then ended up dead in the attempt. It would even be easy to set up something that looked like that had really been the case. That didnt make Amy feel better.

As the destroyer receded into the distance, an older freighter moved forward to take up its place. Amy walked further down the mooring arm until she reached the end, watching out the glass enclosure as the ship pulled alongside the station.

Robotic workers pulled feedlines and magnetic attachment arms to the ship in an excited frenzy, many times more efficient than old Ackman Station could ever have managed. A gantry arm slid down the stations arm and aligned with the freighters docking collar and main cargo bay.

The cargo bay sized docking collar was massive, and automatically shaped itself to the door on the side of the ship. It was large enough for tanks, APCs, and even aerial/space fighters to taxi across and into the massive section of the station that was the new receiving and transshipping hub on Hex Four.

Amy could read an old worn logo on the side of the freighter.

|MilTech Arms|

|IND Sarkis|

The Arms company was moving from Ackman to A31. Amy wasnt particularly interested in their equipment; Abbey could build whatever they needed. You didnt really need an arms dealer when you were an arms manufacturer that produced everything.

But an arms dealer certainly could use a new supplier, even if it was illegal, and Amy had use for something they had in abundance: personnel.

As the collar sealed successfully, the ships airlock cycled and several techs emerged along with their leader, Wyles Hammok.

Amy had reviewed everything she could about the man and his company, especially Starlight Revolutions files detailing the companys transactions with him. Everything was overall positive, so Amy was hopeful, although she knew shed have to keep tabs on the company.

She hadnt been prepared for just how big the man was, though. He was easily over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a large, muscled frame. Coming down the ramp, Amy couldnt help but admire the mans muscles. A huge sniper rifle was strapped to the mans back and Amy had to suppress a comic thought about how silly it looked.

The techs scattered to confer with the docking personnel while Wyles greeted her. Ms. Tanis, nice to meet you in person. You remind me of another young lady with big plans.

Amy gave him a slight smile. Mr. Hammok, Im pleased to welcome you on board A31. Ive been over your proposed personnel offers and have accepted all of them. Some of my assistants will go over their duties and assignments. I understand youll be returning to Ackman on the Sarkis?

Wyles nodded. Ive some things to wrap up on the station and finish the companys move to A31.

I hope you will find the new station conductive to your operations and business.

An arms company often skirts the line between mercenary and arms sales, but this contract is much more in the formers territory than I prefer.

Amy maintained her fake smile. I hope the benefits continue to outweigh the negatives for you, Mr. Wyles.

Hammok brow furrowed. Its a serious risk: working with a rogue NAI, illegal FedTech, a shooting war with the Corpos and possibly Solarians. I believe most of the population on Ackman are desperately searching for tickets to Theta Corvi or Nu Crateris, not that I think they will find much more safety in either place.

Then why?

Were already on the frontier, and there is just as much opportunity. Who wouldnt dream of having copious amounts of weaponry and firepower on demand direct from the factory? Besides, from what I can tell, you need us, which means we will be amply rewarded for our services.

A voice from behind Wyles startled both of them.

We dont need you as much as you think. Abbey said, slipping around Hammock and coming to stand beside Amy.

Amy frowned. Abbey, I was greeting Wyles and thanking him for coming.

Amy yawned and cracked her neck. Abbey followed beside her with her arms behind her head, leaning back slightly.

Amy, why do I have to stay with you now?

Because sleeping in the command center isnt proper, and I cant trust you to look after yourself properly. Plus, you need moral guidance and someone watching you.

Abbey blew up her cheeks, then blew the air at Amy. I dont see how staying anywhere else is different! And was making the Corpos useful so bad? They hurt us.

It is, and yes. Amy answered.

Amy opened the door to her apartment and let Abbey go in first. The young girl took a sudden interest in the furnishings.

Hey, it looks cozy! Now I know why you had me make all these things. Abbey giggled and hopped onto the sofa, turning around to look back at Amy over the back of it.

Its only normal. Can you have a robot bring your things here later?

Umm, what things?

Amy looked at her and raised an eyebrow. Your clothes? Possessions?

I only have what Im wearing.

Amys brow furrowed. What do you do when you need to wash or clean them?

I just clean it while Im wearing it.

Amy shook her head and rubbed her forehead. Tomorrow we are going shopping. You need more than one outfit.

Abbey tilted her head. But why shop when I can make whatever we want?

It will be fun, and you need to socialize more. Amy went to her room and opened her wardrobe. She found what she was looking for quickly and returned holding up a set of blue pajamas.

You can wear a set of my pajamas tonight. Itll be too big, but we can probably fix it somehow.

Abbey came over to look. What are pajamas?

Amy smiled and gave her some head pats. They are comfortable clothes that you wear to bed.

Abbeys eyes lit up, and she reached out to touch the blue fabric. Running her fingers over it, she smiled. Its soft!

Amy nodded. Trust me, youll love sleeping in these, and in an actual bed.

Abbey seemed convinced and emitted her regular enthusiasm. I should make everyone pajamas!

Lets get you settled in for the night. We can start fresh in the morning and go shopping for some more clothes for you.

As Amy helped prepare Abbey for bed, she felt a mix of maternal warmth toward the girl mixed with a bit of worry. Shed raised Logan pretty much, and having a younger sister was nice. But she couldnt help shake the knowledge that Abbey was much more than just a young NAI-Avatar-girl.

When Portmaster Whitely arrived, she was going to have the man give Abbey civics lessons.

Abbey peeked out from underneath the cover. Amy had hugged her tight as they went to bed and the big soft bed had been overwhelming to her senses. Shed never felt so warm before.

She had nuzzled in closer and received more head pats in return, but Amy had eventually fallen asleep.

Abbey didnt want to leave, but sleep eluded her. Normally, she would just turn off. She could hear A31s normal buzz in the back of her head, but she couldnt do her normal routine to direct operations and production.

It was slightly boring, and suddenly she yawned. She wanted to build a pajama factory. It would be good to prioritize it with the fishie house and cake-kebab factory.

Unable to shut herself off like normal, Abbey slowly drifted off to normal sleep for the first time, leaving A31 to manage production on its own.