The ceremony in the Ledger Chamber had ended, but Cain soon realized that his induction wasn't the only reason the Runners had gathered. As the Council dismissed, Sira placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him through a side corridor. Krassok lumbered behind, his heavy steps echoing off the metal floor, with other Runners and staff walking in the same direction as them.

"Where's everyone going," he asked

"The memorial service, every Runner who falls is honored here," Sira said,"your grandfather was a legend in the Guild. His passing deserves more than silence or few words of condolences, he deserves to be remembered."

They emerged into a vast circular chamber deeper within Port Epitaph. The room was dimly lit, its walls covered in banners stitched with insignias of ships long retired or destroyed. Dozens of Runners had gathered, Vehlari, Korthan, Ravik, humans, even Solarii units, all assembled in respectful quiet. The air carried the faint scent of burning incense and engine oil, a strange mix that somehow felt appropriate.

At the center of the chamber stood a raised platform, and on it, a simple pedestal draped in crimson cloth. Resting there was Elias' old Guild Seal, its surface freshly polished, glowing faintly under the low light. Next to it, a holo-projector flickered with images of Elias in his prime: standing proudly beside the Red Jackal, shaking hands with alien traders, laughing with crates stacked behind him.

Cain's throat tightened at this, he never expected to see all of this, by people he barely knew. He had seen Elias as a grandfather, a fisherman, a man with a mischievous grin and a stubborn streak. Seeing him here, remembered by aliens...Runners from across the galaxy, made him realize how little he'd truly known about his grandfather's second life.

An older Vehlari woman with scarlet skin and braided silver hair stepped onto the dais. Her voice carried, rich and resonant like a fair and noble lady.

"Brothers, Sisters, and fellow Runners," she started,"today we mark the passing of Elias Mercer. The first of humanity to swear the Cargo Code, a man who carried his weight not only in hauls, but in honor. When a Runner falls, we gather but not for mourning alone, but for memory of the first Human Runner. For every name deserves to be spoken once more before it joins the stars."

The crowd murmured in agreement, a ripple of voices in a dozen languages that Cain's Linguacore rendered into one harmonious sound. The Elder gestured toward the gathered Runners.

"As is tradition, those who flew with him, who knew him, or who carry his memory will speak," the Elder said,"so the Guild remembers not just the Runner, but the man they all knew."

One by one, Runners stepped forward. First, a Ravik scurried to the dais, whiskers twitching. He stood tall, for a Ravik that was around 4'11, and squeaked into the microphone.

"Mercer once out-bargained me," the Ravik said, making some chuckle,"me, a Ravik! He traded two crates of spoiled fruit for a working engine coil, and I didn't even realize until a week later. But he shared his winnings and bought drinks for me and my crew. He was fair, and fair is rare in this galaxy."

The chamber chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. Next came a towering Korthan, his chitin scarred with age, his skin scarred and covered in battle marks. He set down a massive cargo hook at the dais as if laying down a weapon.

"Mercer saved my life in the Valros Rift, raiders had us pinned," he said,"our hauler was crippled, engines were shot. He cut his own jump out to cover us, held them long enough for reinforcements to arrive. He lost cargo that day, but he did not care. He said..."

The Korthan's mandibles clicked, voice trembling as the memory made him happy.

"He said, 'The Haul is Sacred, but so are the hands that carry it'," the Korthan Runner said,"Elias was a great man, and worthy of being a Runner."

Cain's chest tightened, he could almost hear Elias' voice saying it. A Vehlari captain took the dais next, her silver eyes gleaming as she laid a pair of sliver like roses.

"He was stubborn, gods, so stubborn for a human," the Captain said,"once, he refused to leave port until a child's missing toy was found in his cargo hold. He delayed a shipment worth thousands. He told me, 'If I can't deliver a toy, I don't deserve to deliver the galaxy'. He never broke a promise, not once."

Finally, the Elders looked toward Cain.

"And now, his bloodline, Cain Mercer," she said,"the Guild would hear from the grandson of the first Human Runner."

Cain froze, every eye in the chamber fixed on him, he didn't expect to speak in front of people, he hated public speaking. His legs felt heavy, but he stepped forward anyway. He stood at the dais, staring down at the Seal and the flickering images of Elias smiling in grainy holo-footage. He looked around in his younger years, his skin a little cleaner and shining.

"I...I knew him differently than most of you," Cain said,"to me, he wasn't the first human Runner, wasn't a legend. He was my grandfather, taught me to fish and how to fix a truck. He told stories I thought were just...tall tales, stuff to get me to sleep or distract me."

His voice caught, but he forced himself to continue.

"But standing here, hearing all of you...I get it now," he said,"he wasn't just mine, he wasn't just my grandpa. He was yours too, and I'll be damned if I don't try to live up to that. One haul at a time, just like he did."

He rested a hand on the Seal, whispering to himself.

"The Haul is Sacred, he believed that and now I do too."

The chamber was silent for a moment, then a wave of approval swept through, Korthan striking their chests with their massive forearms, Ravik squeaking loudly and their tails wagging, Vehlari raising their hands, Solarii pulsing with light while clapping. As the applause settled down, the Elder raised her voice once more.

"Elias Mercer, his name is written in the Ledger and his stories are told among the stars," she said, placing his Seal in the wall under his name,"and now his Seal rests, let his memory fly with every ship that carries the Code."

The lights dimmed, and the holo shifted, Elias' image faded into a starfield, his name glowing bright before merging into the infinite wall of names. The Seal pulsed once, as if acknowledging its rest, then dimmed to silence. Cain stared at it, chest heavy but steady as he watched them honor Elias. Sira stepped up beside him, her voice quiet as to not disrupt the others.

"This is the Guild, Cain," she said,"we don't just bury our dead. We carry them with us, every haul and run. He's still with you, even when he isn't."

Krassok rumbled low, mandibles clicking like a hymn.

"The Haul is Sacred," Krassok said,"even beyond death."

Cain closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, staring at the wall of names.

"Alright, Grandpa," Cain said,"I'll carry you with me. Every run, crate and step."

As the crowd dispersed, Cain remained for a while, standing quietly before the Seal. For the first time since Elias' death, he didn't feel alone. He felt part of something vast, something bound by memory and honor. When he finally turned to leave, the Red Jackal was waiting in the dock.

And for the first time, it didn't feel like he was walking toward a burden. It felt like he was walking toward a future.

Next morning, elsewhere in Port Epitaph

The morning after Elias' farewell, Cain followed Sira through one of Port Epitaph's sprawling corridors. The air buzzed with the hum of voices, traders haggling for routes, Runners laughing and Ravik vendors screeching about discounts no one believed. The scent of fried food and hot coolant drifted through the air, mixing into the strange perfume of daily life at the Guild Hall.

Sira walked with brisk confidence, her silver eyes glancing back only once to make sure Cain was keeping up. He can see she had walked through here more than once, probably this was normal for her and other Runners. Though he probably hopes this is where he begins his first mission as a Runner.

"So where are we going," he asked her

"To the Exchange Hall, every Runner starts their day there," Sira said,"it's where the jobs are listed, contracts posted, and fortunes made or lost."

"So basically a cosmic job board?"

"Exactly, but one worth more than your life if you screw it up."

The hall they entered was vast, circular, and loud. Massive holographic boards stretched along the walls, lines of glowing text scrolling constantly in a dozen languages, listing available jobs. Runners milled about in groups, some eyeing the listings with interest, others arguing over completed hauls. Cain can't help but think this is like the stock market exchange at New York

At the center of the hall stood a long counter where Foremen waited, representatives of corporations and colonies, their insignias gleaming on polished uniforms or datapads. Each Foreman stood behind a glowing booth, offering contracts to those who had selected jobs. Cain froze for a moment, taking it all in as he sees Runners grabbing items and such.

"Holy shit, this is a lot bigger than I thought," Cain said,"also it is always this pack?"

"It always is, but today, you'll choose your first job," Sira said,"beginner contracts only, no Syndicate-ridden runs or deep-space expeditions yet. Just the simple work to prove you can fly the Jackal and deliver cargo intact."

"Makes sense, start small, walk before I run," Cain said as he exhales,"alright, let's see what's on the menu."

Sira guided him toward a glowing board marked Initiate Contracts. The listings were shorter here, jobs meant for rookies:

Dust Ore Transfer - Local Belt Mining Co. → Port Epitaph
Medical Supplies - Solarii Lab to Moon Outpost
Nutripaste Tubes - Helix Nutritional Exports → Colony Arcadia-7
Liquor Shipment - Ravik Breweries → Port Station Two

Cain scrolled through them, frowning as these didn't sound as fun as he expected. But he did remember this was a guild that transports items people needed, so it wasn't all about fun or action

"Ore's boring, medical supplies sound important but also like a lot of pressure," he muttered,"hmm liquor? Yeah, probably not wise to get drunk colonists pissed at me if I screw up."

His eyes lingered on the Nutripaste shipment.

"This one, Nutripaste Tubes made from Helix Nutritional Exports," Cain said,"and it needed to be delivered to Arcadia-7."

Sira raised an eyebrow with a smile on her face.

"Ahh good choice," Sira said,"thats a good start, hell many Greenhorns run Nutripaste as their first job. Now claim it."

Cain tapped the glowing listing with his finger. The job blinked, then slid into a smaller panel marked with his name and Seal authorization. A notification beeped saying the job has been accepted and to report to the HNE Foreman.

"So thats step one," Cain asked

"Indeed, now comes the Foreman," Sira said,"follow me."

She led him to a booth at the far end of the Exchange Hall, where a man in a sharp gray suit stood behind a counter marked with the Helix Nutritional Exports insignia: a stylized spiral wrapped around a grain stalk. The HNE Foreman was a male human was in his forties, clean-shaven, with corporate efficiency practically stamped onto his posture.

"Helix Nutritional Exports, Nutripaste Tubes to Colony Arcadia-7,' the man said,"Runner?"

Cain nodded, sliding his ID onto the glowing panel.

"Cain Mercer, Red Jackal," Cain said,"this is my first haul."

"Ah a Greenie, well good choice for your first job. This is an easy job, in fact many Runners do these as their first job.

The Foreman then gave him a quick once-over, then retrieved a small Data Chip from his console. It was hexagonal, glowing faintly blue, etched with the Helix insignia. Cain took the chip carefully, its weight heavier than it looked.

"This is a Contract chip, it contains your contract, cargo manifest, and verification codes," the Foreman said,"you will present it upon arrival at the HNE station, then Arcadia-7. Delivery confirmation must be logged, or your payment will be withheld."

"Got it," he said,"so deliver the tubes, hand over the chip, wait for confirmation?"

Sira gave a faint nod of approval.

"Exactly, now, once you leave here, you head to the loading dock," Sira said,"present the chip, and the cargo handlers will load the Jackal. Also don't interfere or try to help. You mean well, but it's their job. Yours is to make sure it leaves and arrives in one piece."

The Foreman added, his tone clipped.

"Helix expects punctuality," he said,"Nutripaste is sustenance, not luxury like Uppers buy. The colony is rationing until this shipment arrives. If you're late, you won't just lose payment, you'll starve families."

Cain's jaw tightened, the weight of the words settling on him.

"Then I won't be late," he said,"also whats an Upper?"

"Rich folks, people with more Lumens than anyone else on the Rims of the sectors," Sira said,"basically they're the 1% on Earth."

"Oh joy, here I thought everyone was middle class in the galaxy."

"Unfortunately you're not so lucky," the Foreman said,"but they reside on the Inner Cores, and before you ask, those are worlds where major cities and governments reside. Rims is a nickname to the worlds on the outside of the Inner Cores."

"Okay, so if I'm thinking this is Star Wars, Inner Cores are the Inner Rims, and the Rims are the Outer Rims. Huh very simple."

"You were expecting fancy names for it huh," Sira asked

"Kinda."

"Well come on, let's get you ready for your first job."

As they walked away from the booth, Cain turned the chip over in his hands. It gleamed faintly in the neon light of the Exchange Hall, tiny but holding an entire mission inside.

"So that's it, huh," he asked,"my first haul, Nutripaste tubes."

"Every Runner remembers their first, doesn't matter what it is," Sira said,"ore, food, even liquor. What matters is how you carry it."

Krassok finally spoke, his mandibles clicking from where he loomed nearby. Cain jumped a few feet as he didn't see or hear the big alien walk up behind them.

"Cargo is life, do not forget," he said,"first haul or last haul, the weight is the same."

Cain nodded slowly, pocketing the chip as he made sure it was safe.

"The Haul is Sacred, yeah I remember," he said,"also Jesus, need to put a bell on you."

Sira placed a hand briefly on his shoulder, not warm exactly, but grounding enough to keep him calm.

"Good, now let's get your ship loaded," she said,"time to see if you can deliver more than words."

They left the Exchange Hall together, Cain glancing back once at the massive scrolling boards. His name now glowed faintly in the Active Contracts list, tied to Helix Nutritional Exports. For the first time, it wasn't a simulation, it wasn't training or study. It was real, his first real job.

"Alright, Grandpa, time to see if I can actually pull this off," he muttered, then followed the two

Back in the docking bay, the Red Jackal hummed quietly as guild workers swarmed around her. Cain stood at the foot of the ramp, turning the small Helix Data Chip over in his fingers, its blue glow faint in the neon light. Sira and Krassok flanked him, watching as crates of supplies were shuffled from one cart to another.

"Before you head out, the Jackal needs restocking," Sira said,"standard procedure for Greenhorns. Fuel reserves, medkits, emergency rations, basic ammo. You don't pay with Lumens on your first run. The Guild covers rookies until their first haul is complete."

Krassok leaned down, mandibles clacking in rhythm.

"But nothing is free," he said,"if you cannot pay in Lumens later, you pay in favors. Fetching runs, extra hauls or assisting other Runners. Debt is weight heavier than cargo."

"So, cosmic IOUs," Cain said as he arched an eyebrow,"good to know."

One of the quartermasters, a wiry Ravik with a datapad bigger than his head, skittered up to Cain. He held the pad out with twitching paws.

"List of resupply," the Quartermaster said,"you sign, we stock. All nice and neat, yes-yes."

Cain took the stylus and scrolled the list: plasma charge packs, oxygen canisters, med-injektors, Cryoflux filters. All the basics Sira and Krassok had drilled into him. He signed his name with a firm stroke, digital writing glowing.The Ravik squeaked approvingly and darted off, barking orders at loaders. Within minutes, crates were being carried aboard the Jackal.

The clang of metal on deck plates echoed like music. Cain crossed his arms, watching as the loaders moved around with creates and such. For the first time, it didn't feel like he was standing in Elias' shadow. It felt like he was preparing his own ship.

When the last crate was strapped down, Sira handed Cain the datapad with his cleared checklist.

"The Jackal is yours now, Cain,' Sira said,"this no simulation, no training wheels attached. Take us to the Helix port, it's time to load your first cargo."

Cain swallowed hard, pocketed the Helix chip, and climbed the ramp. The bridge lights glowed warm as he slid into the pilot's chair. Sira strapped into co-pilot. Krassok loomed behind, arms crossed, mandibles clicking as if he were already counting Cain's mistakes. Cain rested his hands on the controls, steadying his breath.

"Alright, let's make this bird dance," Cain said

Engines rumbled as they came to life, the clamps released from the Jackal. The Jackal shuddered as the grav-thrusters hummed alive, lifting her from the deck. Cain eased the yoke, and the docking bay doors parted, spilling stars across the viewport.

The Jackal drifted into the void, sluggish but steady. Cain adjusted power, the lessons from training running through his head: don't fight the ship, feel her weight, flow with her. He cleared Port Epitaph's traffic lanes, then keyed in the jump to the nearest Helix Nutritional Export depot. The nav console beeped green, meaning he was given the clear to jump.

"Here goes nothing," Cain said,"activating PluseFold drive. And judging from the data, should be an instant jump."

"Yes, some stations stay close to others in case of emergencies," Sira said

"Better to instant jump then way longer then needed," Krassok said

He nodded and then pushed the lever, and soon stars stretched into streaks. The Jackal trembled, but Cain held steady, remembering Krassok's words: flow like river. Within moments, they dropped out into the orbit of a smaller Guild-linked station, its insignia glowing: HNE; Sustenance for the Stars. He chuckled as he still couldn't believe something made FLT flight so fast

Cain guided the Jackal toward the docking lights, taking it nice and slow as he learned hot to. The station was smaller than Epitaph, more functional than grand, with docking spines jutting outward like the legs of an insect. Signs in both human and Vehlari script advertised: Helix Nutritional Exports; Purity, Reliability, Life. Cain rolled his eyes at that, cheesy marketing, even in the galaxy

He tapped the comms and soon he was connected to the station.

"Helix Control, this is the Red Jackal," he said, his throat dry,"Cain Mercer, Runner, here on contract delivery pick-up. Broadcasting data authorization now."

He slotted the chip into the console, the screen showing it was transmitting the data. After a few seconds, the reply crackled back:

"Red Jackal, authorization confirmed," Helix Control,"please proceed to Dock Four. Cargo team is ready to load."

"Understood, making my way to Dock Four," Cain said

He guided the Jackal into position, slower than necessary but careful as to make sure nothing happened. The docking clamps snapped shut with a thunk, then the console chimed green. Sira's lips curved faintly, glad to see Cain was .

"Docking complete," Sira said,"better than most rookies."

"Not terrible," Krassok grunted.

"High praise, I'll take it," Cain said with a faint smirk.

When the clamps were sealed, they disembarked, with Cain carrying the Data Chip. At the dock, a group of loaders waited: two humans, a Vehlari, and a Korthan foreman in a Helix vest. The foreman, a sliver skinned Vehlari, stepped forward, scanning Cain from head to toe with indigo eyes.

"Runner," the Foreman asked, Cain nodded and held out the chip.

"Cain Mercer, Red Jackal," he said,"here for Nutripaste Tubes, contract code: ID 47-Kappa."

The foreman inserted the chip into his scanner. The display lit up with the Guild insignia, Cain's Seal, and the contract manifest. After a moment, the foreman returned the chip, his deep voice rumbling.

"Verified, cargo will be loaded shortly," he said,"please stand clear."

Cain stepped back, watching as loaders rolled massive pallets of sealed Nutripaste Tubes toward the Jackal. Each crate was long, cylindrical, marked with Helix's spiral insignia and glowing hazard tags, not dangerous, but sensitive. As the cargo ramp lowered, Cain followed Sira's example, watching the loaders clamp each pallet into place.

"Your job here is not to help, your job is to observe," she said quietly,"just watch the seals and listen for the clamps. Then triple-check the manifest."

Cain nodded, repeating the process in his head, learning everything from basic training. Krassok's mandibles clicked as he loomed nearby, hovering like a giant bug.

"Remember three taps, always," Krassok said,"cargo knows when you respect it."

When the last crate was secured, Cain walked forward, knelt, and tapped the clamp three times with his knuckles. The loaders gave him curious glances, but Krassok grunted approvingly. He then grabbed the scanner and scanned each single crate, watching the screen glowing green. He smiled as he knew no dangerous or hazardous materials were there

"Alright, cargo scanned and secured," Cain said,"no dangerous or hazardous materials, ready for transportation."

The foreman approached once more, handing Cain a small datapad with the manifest.

"Cargo is logged," he said,"delivery is ready to Arcadia-7. Sign here to confirm responsibility of transporting the goods."

Cain pressed his thumb to the pad. His name appeared, glowing faintly.

"Confirmed," he said

As the loaders cleared, Cain walked back onto the Jackal, the weight of the crates echoing in his mind. This wasn't a simulation, this wasn't theoretical, these were real people on Arcadia-7 were waiting for these tubes. Families, kids and much more, he can not fuck this up.

Sira strapped into her seat, her expression calm but approving.

"This is it, Cain," she said,"your first real haul. Treat it like it's gold. Deliver it intact, on time, and you'll have your first mark in the Guild Ledger."

"Remember, the Haul is Sacred," Krassok rumbled low,"speak it now."

Cain looked at the manifest, then at the crates secured in the bay. His chest tightened, but his voice was firm and filled with determination.

"The Haul is Sacred," he said

He slid back into the pilot's chair, hands on the controls, the Red Jackal humming beneath him. The clamps released, the docking lights flashed, and the Jackal eased back into the void. Ahead, Arcadia-7 waited for the food. The Red Jackal eased out of the Helix depot's traffic lanes, her engines humming steady as Cain adjusted her course.

The waypoint for Arcadia-7 blinked green on the nav-screen. Cain pushed the throttle, watching the stars ripple as the Jackal surged into jump space. For a moment, the ship groaned under the stress, but Cain's hands stayed steady. He remembered Krassok's lesson: don't fight, flow with it. The vibration smoothed out, the ship gliding like a boulder carried by a river.

Sira checked her datapad, glancing at him.

"Good, Your course is true," she said,"estimated time to Arcadia-7: twenty-one minutes."

Cain leaned back in his chair, exhaling as he lets the Jackal drift in the PulseFold.

"So this is it," he said,"my first run. With real cargo and a destination. No holograms, no trainers breathing down my neck....no offense."

Krassok rumbled from where he stood behind them.

"Trainers still here," he said with that unique chuckle,"but this time, mistakes are yours alone."

"...Comforting, as always."

The silence stretched for a while, the hum of the engines filling the bridge. Cain stared at the stars streaking past, his thoughts turning over as he had some time to kill. But something was on his mind, so he finally spoke to the Runners.

"Can I ask you something," he asked,"about humans I mean. Earth governments keep this whole thing a secret. Yet here we are, the Guild knows, DELT knows and now me along with a few others. So...how do we fit in? Are we the only ones? Or are there more humans out here?"

Sira set her datapad aside, folding her arms as she hummed. She knew this question was coming, many Human Runners asked it all the time when they learned about the truth of extraterrestrial life out in space.

"It's a fair question," she said,"in the early years, after Roswell, the Guild made contact with your governments. Quietly and carefully, as they feared panic among the masses. But even then, the Guild knew humanity had potential, Elias was proof of that."

"DELT was formed not only to monitor, but to learn," Krassok said,"scientists, engineers, explorers, they were allowed into space under Guild supervision. Not many. Enough to study and understand the wider galaxy. To see how they can use the data to help fund Earth in the future."

"Some of them returned and their reports built the foundation of DELT's knowledge," Sira said,"others stayed, joined colonies and some married into alien families. Slowly, humanity spread, not as conquerors, but as quiet observers. The galaxy knows of you, even if Earth doesn't know it."

"Wait, you're telling me there are humans already living out here," Cain asked,"just scattered across the stars and never seeing Earth?"

"Yes. Farmers, traders, researchers. Most under assumed roles, some openly. They've built small lives, away from Earth's politics. Not enough to claim new worlds, not yet. But enough that humanity's shadow stretches further than you think."

"Humans adapt, always," Krassok rumbled low, arms crossed,"fragile yes, but unyielding. Like weeds that grow between stone."

"So Earth's not alone," he said, letting the information sink in,"we just didn't know it."

"Not officially," Sira said,"not until your populations are ready. But out here? Humanity has already taken its first steps."

Cain was gonna ask more, but then the ship's console beeped, pulling Cain from his thoughts. The stars collapsed back into pinpricks, revealing Arcadia-7 ahead. A small colony world, dry plains dotted with sprawling settlements, their domes glowing faintly under a pale sun. A functional place, not beautiful, but alive to become a home to many.

"Hail the colony," Sira said as she gestured to the comms,"standard Guild procedure."

Cain nodded and keyed the mic, clearing his throat to sound clear and understanding.

"Arcadia-7 Control, this is the Red Jackal, Cain Mercer," he said"I've got a Nutripaste shipment, Helix Nutritional contract code: ID 47-Kappa. Broadcasting authorization now."

He slotted the chip, with the same visual as always. The screen blinked, transmitting to the colony. A moment later, a tired but relieved voice replied back, they were male.

"Red Jackal, you're cleared to Dock Two," Arcadia-7 Control said,"about time, we've been waiting. Families will eat well tonight. Thanks Runner."

Cain blinked at the words, a lump forming in his throat. He glanced at Sira, who gave him a nod to continue.

"Copy that, Arcadia-7, docking now," Cain said

Cain eased the Jackal into the docking lane above the planet. The colony's port was smaller than Port Epitaph, but functional enough to do its job. Cargo spires jutted from the ground, and loaders waited in yellow vests, craning their heads as the Jackal descended.

The docking clamps locked, securing the Jackal. Cain exhaled and shut down the engines, then unbuckled him.

"Good work," Sira said,"now, go finish it Greenhorn."

Cain grabbed the Data Chip and disembarked the Jackal. The colony's loading bay smelled of dust and metal, faintly of cooking fires in the distance. Workers bustled about, their faces lined with exhaustion but brightened by the sight of the Helix insignia. A foreman approached, a male human with short brown hair and green eyes, his clothes dusty with a datapad in hand.

"Red Jackal right," he asked,"you've got our Nutripaste?"

Cain nodded, handing him the chip over to him.

"Cain Mercer, Runner," he said,"here to deliver."

The foreman slotted the chip, scanned the manifest, then handed it back with a firm nod.

"Confirmed, offload begins now," he said

Workers hurried to unload the crates, their voices carrying excitement at the prospect of food. Cain watched as pallets of Nutripaste Tubes rolled onto colony carts. Nearby, a group of children peeked around a corner, whispering and pointing at the ship. One of them grinned wide, already chewing on an empty ration pack as if it were candy.

Cain felt something tighten in his chest. Cain knew this isn't just cargo, this is dinner for a hundred families. He smiled and waved back, then a S'erlith child smiled and waved back, making Cain smile more. Then the kids were shushed away by the adults, who went to work on their daily tasks.

When the last crate was offloaded, the foreman returned. He tapped the datapad and handed Cain a small glowing chit, confirmation of delivery.

"On time, intact, as promised," he said,"Arcadia-7 thanks you, Runner."

"Just doing the job," Cain said as pocketed the chit, nodding.

Sira's voice echoed softly behind him.

"No, doing the job well," she said,"there's a difference."

Krassok's mandibles clicked in agreement.

"Cargo delivered," Krassok said,"Sky-Kin grows."

Cain smirked faintly, brushing a hand over the Jackal's hull.

"Well lets hope for many more," he said

As the Jackal rose from Arcadia-7's port, Cain sat in the pilot's chair, watching the colony shrink below. The confirmation chit rested on the console beside him, glowing faintly. His first completed haul. No fireworks, no applause. Just work done, people fed, lives continued.