Grathos Station

The Red Jackal emerged from Pluse Space, her crimson hull gleaming faintly against the looming bulk of Forge-Union Station Grathos. Cain sat forward in the pilot's chair, his eyes widening as the station filled the viewport.

The place was massive, a fortress of steel and stone orbiting a dying red star. Huge forges pulsed with orange light, belching streams of molten slag into containment fields before it was cooled and refined. Docking arms sprawled outward like claws, guiding ships into place. Sparks flickered constantly across its skin as workers welded and reinforced, their silhouettes tiny against the sprawling megastructure.

"Woah, and here I thought Stoneharbor was big," Cain said as he gave a low whistle,"this place makes it look like a gas station."

"Statement: Grathos is the Forge-Union's heart in this sector," T-Dog said his optics glowed,"probability of Korthan presence: overwhelming."

Cain guided the Jackal into Dock Twelve, the clamps snapping into place with the familiar thunk. As the engines cooled, he exhaled and grabbed the amber Cntract Chip.

"Alright, let's complete the haul," he said and got up

The docking bay was a cathedral of industry,with Korthans stomped across the decks, their voices guttural and booming as they barked orders. Sparks rained from overhead cranes moving the crates of alloy from Cain's cargo bay. The Foreman from Stoneharbor had been right, they strapped everything like planets, and unloading took a team of six just to unfasten the clamps.

Cain handed over the chip to the waiting dockmaster. The Korthan scanned it, mandibles clicking in approval.

"Cargo delivered, and the manifest has been verified," the dockmaster said,"good work, Runner."

He handed the chip back with a curt nod. Cain slipped it into his pocket.

"Thanks, so I'm free to go," Cain asked

"Not yet, the Overseer requests your presence," the dockmaster said,"his office is on upper tier, east quadrant. You will go there."

"The Overseer? Why, have I done something?"

"You will go."

Cain exhaled, glancing at T-Dog. The god stared at him as they both knew arguing against a Krothan would be to much work. So Cain internally sighed as he ran just get this over with ease then cause an incident.

"Guess we're going," Cain said

"Correction: you are going, I will follow regardless," T-Dog said

Cain smirked faintly, then walked off to a nearby elevator. He tapped the button to summon the elevator to their level, which was a massive platform with hand rails. They stepped on and Cain looked at the panel showing the levels and who was there, and when he found the Overseers name, he tapped it and they went up. And as they went up, Cain saw Grathos station in its glory

It was a massive station with hundreds of ships moving around, with hov-carts moving ore and minerals around, going to company's that buy from them or to their respective races. Cain smiled as he saw all this, seeing that there was more out in the galaxy than Earth...and it was hella fun. Soon they reached the level and walked off and into a hallway, lined with metal walls and brands he never seen before

Then finally they reached the Overseers door, Cain knocked and waited

"Enter," a heavy muffled voice said

Cain tapped the door open and he saw that the Overseer's office sat high above the forge decks, its massive windows overlooking the glowing furnaces below. The air smelled faintly of iron and heat. Behind a desk carved from solid alloy sat Overseer Grathok Marr, a Korthan of immense size, his carapace burnished with age and streaked with battle scars.

"Cain Mercer, grandson of Elias Mercer," Overseer Marr said, his mandibles clicked rhythmically as Cain entered,"please sit."

Cain hesitated a bit, but he nodded and sat across from the Overseer. T-Dog padded to his side, optics scanning silently as he checked for any traps or surprises waiting for them.

"Dockmaster said you wanted to see me," Cain said

"You delivered well, you completed the assigned task," Overseer Marr said,"but I have another task. A personal job."

"Personal," Cain asked, raising an eyebrow

"My niece, Dr. Karasha Marr is a scientist stationed on Vorrin-5, a Hatchling World. She requires supplies, refined nutrient packs, calibration tools, and alloy samples. The Guild does not handle small hauls like this. Too minor for their ledgers, but I am will pay you for this."

Cain leaned back, cautious as he never heard of a Runner taking personal missions or tasks.

"Okay so you're asking me to take a private job," Cain asked,"outside the local Guild channels?"

"Yes, from time to time, Runners are free to accept such contracts," Overseer Marr said,"it is tradition and a way to extra Lumens. The Guild governs the Code, not your independence."

Cain glanced at T-Dog, then back at Marr.

"Okay, but how does that work exactly," Cain asked,"from what I was taught, everything went through Contract Chips."

The Overseer reached into a drawer and pulled out a different kind of chip, smaller, silver rather than amber, and marked with a single Accord seal. He set it on the desk with a heavy clink.

"Guild-issued jobs come on Guild chips, independent contracts come on these," Overseer Marr said,"they're not tied to the Ledger, but they are yours alone. You accept, you deliver and you get paid. The Guild does not intervene unless you break the Code."

Cain studied the chip, frowning as it may open to problems he maybe wants to avoid.

"So basically, side jobs," Cain said,"meaning no oversight, no protection or support. Just me and my word."

T-Dog's optics pulsed faintly.

"Statement: Elias took many independent contracts," T-Dog said,"some of his greatest hauls were off the Ledger."

Cain looked down at the chip again, chewing the inside of his cheek.

"And you're sure this is legit," Cain asked,"no Syndicate stink, no smuggling, nothing shady?"

Overseer Marr's mandibles clicked sharply at the accusation...but smiled internally. He was glad Cain asked these questions, seeing he was thinking about it logically and not jumping got the extra hexes*. He was making sure he wasn't committing a crime, so he will continue, but not acknowledging it cause why not?

"I am Overseer Marr of Forge-Union Station, my word is iron," Overseer Marr said, his tone even,"these supplies for my niece, nothing more or nefarious. If you doubt me, walk away, I will not hold it against you."

Cain held his gaze for a long moment, then exhaled as he rubbed his face. He glanced at T-Dog, who nodded at Cain, as it means if T-Dog trusts the Overseer words, then it was clean. Cause T-Dog had a lie detector and if he heard a lie, T-Dog would turn his eyes red. So now they were green, so no lies have been detected.

No, I believe you," Cain said,"just had to ask to make sure it was on the up and up. My grandfather always said if a job sounds too easy, you ask twice, accepting it straight away makes you a dumbass."

A faint rumble left Marr's throat, it was the Krothan laughter, though guttural and harsh. To Cain it sounded like rocks being smashed and grinded on sandpaper.

"Elias was wise," Marr said,"you are not him, but perhaps you will ."

Cain picked up the silver chip, weighing it in his hand. It looked like the regular Contract chip, but it was sliver and lighter, with the Forge -Unions symbol on it. Cain nodded then slid the chip into his pocket and stood.

"Okay, deliver the supplies to Dr. Karasha Marr on Vorrin-5," Cain said,"I can do that."

"Good, you leave tomorrow while the supplies will be loaded overnight," Marr said,"payment on will be given on delivery."

"Then I'll see it done. The Haul is Sacred."

For the first time, Marr's mandibles clicked in what might have been respect.

Cain and T-Dog stepped back into the corridors of Grathos, the sound of forges echoing below. Cain exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck, as T-Dog padded beside him, tail swishing..

"Well, guess I just took my first independent job," Cain said,"feels...exciting and...scary somehow."

"Correction: independent jobs are a norm within the Guild," T-Dog said,"independent contracts mean independent consequences. Statement: Elias would approve of this."

Cain smirked faintly, patting the pocket where the silver chip rested.

"One haul at a time, right," Cain asked

"Affirmation: one haul at a time," T-Dog confirmed

They walked back toward the Jackal, the glow of the forges behind them and a new path opening ahead. Cain rented a room in an apartment near the hangar, where many pilots rest during jobs. He went in, washed his teeth, got some food near the market place and there he was meet with interesting foods and smells, luckily they didn't cause him to vomit

He bought a ThermoMeal Pack, labeled steak, roasted potatoes and steam vegetables. Cain was confused as it was a flat pouch, with a yellow strip on it, some weird goo. T-Dog said it was made of a an inner nutri-film, a thermal-reactive membrane, and a tear-proof poly-weave shell, containing pressure-molded lab proteins, starches, and nutrient blends

And when they return to their apartment, he will place it into a IgniteCook, then the pack's embedded thermal salts react to a micro-induction pulse, heating the food evenly from the inside out in seconds, making it a long-lasting, zero-mess meal ideal for Cargo Runners who need compact, durable food on the go. Cain nodded then bought some IonRush, a popular soda in the sector

"What about you," Cain asked,"do you require food or no?"

"Statement: Mechanical units such as the Tactical Dog series do not require substance," T-Dog said,"but I would like used R-17."

"R-17?"

"Ryzo-17 is basically the Earth equivalent of oil, it helps ships run easier and ensure PluseFold drives do not overheat."

"Okay then, and you drink it? So it's like lubricants to help you operate...or just like the taste?"

"The latter."

Cain chuckled as they made it back to the room, and Cain placed the Pack in the IgnitePlate and tapped the start button. Soon when it pinged, he now found a plate filled with a steak, potatoes and steamed vegetables. He ate and was shackled it was finished, and it tasted pretty damn good. He did a quick search on Vorrin-5 to find a quick route and went to sleep

Next Day

The Red Jackal's cargo bay echoed with the clatter of loaders securing crates. Cain stood with his arms folded, watching as the last of the Overseer's requested supplies, nutrition packs, calibration tools, and alloy samples were strapped down tight. T-Dog prowled nearby, optics glowing as he double-checked the seals with his scanners.

"Statement: clamps are tight," T-Dog said,"probability of shifting cargo: two percent. Statement: I am more reliable than organic dockworkers."

"Yeah, but don't rub it in while they're still in earshot," Cain said as he tapped the seals three times

As if on cue, the ramp hissed open and a tall figure stepped inside. The newcomer was a S'erlith, their scales a muted green, frill folded neatly behind his head. His movements were precise, almost ritualistic, as he approached Cain with a low nod.

"Excuse me, are you are Cain Mercer, pilot of the Red Jackal," the S'erlith asked

"That's me, can I help you," Cain asked

Weskra placed one clawed hand over his chest in greeting. Cain remembered from his studies S'erlith did that as a greeting of respect to others, as this has been a tradition since their time

"My name is Weskra, a scientist and colonist bound for Vorrin-5," Weskra said,"Overseer Marr arranged passage."

"Frist I'm hearing of it," Cain said with a sigh,"but if the Overseer vouches, guess we've got company this run."

T-Dog's optics dimmed slightly, his version of a sigh. Which made Cain try to not laugh, it sounded like a vacuum expelling regret on his face.

"Correction: company implies conversation," T-Dog said,"probability of extended dialogue: one hundred percent."

Cain ignored him and turned back to Weskra, extending a hand to the scientist.

"Welcome aboard," Cain said,"just don't touch anything shiny in the cockpit and we'll get along fine."

Weskra tilted his head, considering the gesture, then clasped Cain's hand carefully. His scales were cool and rough, his grip steady, more so for a scientist. Minutes later, the Jackal lifted from Dock Twelve and headed out.

Cain sat in the pilot's chair, guiding her smoothly away from Grathos' towering arms. The station receded into the black, its forges glowing like distant embers. Cain eased the throttle, the hum of the engines filling the cabin.

"Alright, Grathos behind us," Cains aid,"Vorrin-5 ahead, scans show a few hour with the PluseFold. All in all, should be a quiet ride."

Weskra settled into one of the passenger seats, his frill flicking faintly as he adjusted.

"Quiet is preferable," Weskra said,"Vorrin-5 is not without challenges. Hatchling Worlds rarely are, the least dangerous ares are far and few."

"Hatchling Worlds, still wrapping my head around that," Cain said,"they're basically training planets for colonists, right?"

"Correct, Hatchling Worlds are young colonies where terraforming and expansion begins. Their purpose is to test cooperation, adaptability, and survival on the planet. They are not yet self-sustaining yet, due to needing . Supply runs such as yours are essential to helping new colonies settle and continue."

"Makes sense, start small before building permanent roots on the planet. Quick question, are these colonies just one species? Like Vorrin-5 being all Korthan, or all Vehlari?"

Cain wanted to know cause so far he knows, there were central governments for the races, and a few off shoots to maintain control and efficiency around the galaxy. And since he had a scientist with him, he might as well use the small talk to learn more. Weskra's frill spread slightly, a gesture that might have been amusement.

"Not always, some are single-species," Weskra said,"others are what we call Concord Worlds."

"Concord Worlds," Cain asked with a raised eyebrow

Weskra folded his hands together, speaking with calm precision and skill of a scientist.

"Planets designated for multi-species settlement," Weskra said,"they are chosen carefully, worlds with enough resources, land, and safety for diverse peoples to coexist. The purpose is twofold: first, to foster peaceful relations between races and governments. Second, to ensure no single race monopolizes a valuable world for themselves."

"So basically intergalactic roommates," Cain said,"everyone gets a piece of the pie."

"A crude phrasing, but accurate nonetheless. On Concord Worlds, humans may farm beside Korthans who mine, while Vehlari govern trade and Ravik handle logistics. Each species contributes, each benefits. Concord ensures fairness and prevents war."

Cain let out a low whistle, staring at the streaks of light in jump space. If this was a sci-fi movie, human factions would be clawing at one another for the planet to fund their respective groups, and to hell with the other. But to hear something like this, he was glad that competent people were using brains instead of ego and pride

"That's actually pretty smart," Cain said,"back home, countries can't even share a river without throwing punches or bomb each other. And you're telling me entire species can share a planet?"

"As good as it sounds, it is not always peaceful," Weskra said,"there are disputes, clashes of custom and even violence, but no deaths as of now. But Concord Law binds them, overseen by the Stellar Accord Authority. Better small conflicts managed early than great wars consuming whole systems."

"Guess that's one way to keep the galaxy from burning."

Cain rubbed his jaw, thoughtful at the ideas of Concord Worlds and how they run. T-Dog's tail tapped against the floor with a metallic clink.

"Correction: galaxies always burn," T-Dog said,"Concord delays the fire."

"...You suck optimism, mutt," Cain said

For a while, silence filled the cabin as Cain focused on flying, while T-Dog did a systems check. Weskra's eyes lingered on the console, the glow of the instruments reflecting in his scales.

"You are new to this life, Runner Mercer, but you ask questions," Weskra said,"that is good. Too many young pilots chase only Lumens, reputation and social status. They forget the galaxy is larger than their cargo bay."

Cain chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair.

"Yeah, well, I've already had people tell me a dozen different ways I'll end up dead," Cain said,"so I figured I should at least try to understand what I'm flying into before I screw up."

Weskra's frill flicked faintly, a gesture of respect.

"Then you may endure, Vorrin-5 will test you," Vorrin said,"hatchling Worlds test everyone."

Cain nodded when suddenly his screen beeped and showed they were arriving at Vorrin-5. The Red Jackal emerged from jump space with a shudder, the stars snapping back into focus. Ahead loomed Vorrin-5, a pale, storm-wracked world streaked with swirling cloud bands. Its surface glimmered with rivers of molten rock and barren plains of dark stone.

From orbit, Cain could see the scars of meteors, jagged ridges of mountains, and in patches, faint domes of light: colonies clinging to survival. Cain leaned forward in his chair, whistling low as he took in the scene. He was actually at another planet, it wasn't Earth, Mars or anything in Sol, a true planet that was being terraformed for others to live on

"Looks cozy, even if it looked like a grill that got dropped on a planet," Cain said

T-Dog's optics scanned, pulsing faintly at the words.

"Correction: Vorrin-5 is classified as marginally habitable," Cain said,"atmosphere oxygen-rich but unstable, volcanic activity frequent. Terraforming in early stages. Probability of fiery death: sixty-two percent."

"Why do you always have to put numbers on it," Cain groaned out

"Statement; it's my job to study and learn if we have a chance of living or dying horrible deaths."

"...I hate that I know it's important...I just wish it wasn't."

Weskra sat calmly in the passenger seat, his frill shifting faintly as he gazed out the viewport.

"This is a Hatchling World, it's a young, volatile, dangerous but rich in resources," Weskra said,"to carve life from death is the purpose of colonists. You will see."

"Guess I'm about to," Cain muttered under his breath.

The Jackal pierced the upper atmosphere, turbulence rattling the hull. Cain gripped the yoke tight as winds buffeted the ship, lightning flashing through the clouds. The nav-console pinged a colony beacon, guiding him down. Through breaks in the storm, Cain saw sprawling domes, arrays of metal spires, and a faint shimmer of blue shielding around key sites.

"Alight got a lock on the colony beacon locked," Cain said,"taking us in now."

The ship descended past a line of towering structures, massive terraforming engines the size of skyscrapers. Each one pulsed with blue energy, releasing waves that rippled across the scorched ground. As they pulsed, the earth shifted, black stone breaking apart to reveal damp soil, plants struggling up from beneath. Other engines blasted chemical streams into the air, dissipating the sulfurous haze.

Cain's eyes widened at the scene, he never seen anything like this, expect in movies or anime. He expected them to be simple towers with bases at the bottom, but what he saw were massive towers with vents firing some sort of gas into the atmosphere. It looked white with traces of blue specks of something in it.

'Must be the chemicals used to terraform planet,' Cain summarized

"Damn, looks like they're pumping the planet filled with the stuff," Cain said

"Terraforming requires patience and persistence," Weskra said,"these machines will run for centuries before Vorrin-5 is fully habitable. But each pulse is progress towards forming the planet to make it habitable for us, so each time those vents open is a step towards victory for us."

"Statement: Terraforming engines cost more than most human nations' defense budgets on Earth," T-Dog said,"reminder: do not crash into them."

"Wasn't planning to," Cain said with a tickmark on his head

"Unidentified vessel, please identify yourself or we will unfortunately have to fire on you," a female voice spoke over the comms

"Ah shit," Cain said as he tapped the comms,"Vorrin-5 this is Cain Mercer, I'm a Cargo Runner from the Guild, I am running a personal mission for Overseer Marr from the Grathos Station of the Krothan Forge-Union."

"Oh Karashas unc send ya huh? We'll transmit the data will ya, to make sure it's legit."

"Copy that, transmitting Contract Chip data now."

Cain then slit the chip into the transmitter to the colony HQ, soon he got confirmation to land. The Jackal touched down in a reinforced landing pad on the colony's edge. The bay was rough but functional, metal scaffolding, cranes, and half-finished walls lined the perimeter. Colonists in patchwork gear hurried about, some Korthan, some S'erlith, and even a few humans.

"So it's not just Korthans here," Cain said, nodding his head,"neat, if this was all human, they be fighting for each inch."

"Correct, as stated Vorrin-5 is Concord-designated," Weskra said, his frills flicking faintly,"shared between Korthan, S'erlith, and a small human delegation. They build together or fail together, and let me say, failing is the worst possible outcome."

"Let me guess, you all die?"

"Oh yes, very painful ones."

Cain chuckled as he stepped down the ramp, the air warm and heavy, faintly metallic. He pulled his collar up instinctively, he was both very excited and downright nervous as he was now on another world. T-Dog padded down beside him, scanners whirring like this was normal...okay maybe it was since he was probably older than even Elias.

Colonists glanced at them, some curious, others indifferent, as loaders began removing Cain's cargo. Near the edge of the landing bay, a Korthan approached him, a bit smaller than most Cain had seen, her carapace a burnished copper with streaks of green. She carried a datapad in one hand, stylus clutched delicately in her claw. Her mandibles clicked softly in greeting as she stopped before him.

"Cain Mercer, captain of the Red Jackal," the female Krothan said,"I am Dr. Karasha Marr. My uncle sent word of your arrival."

"That's me, brought your supplies, right on schedule," Cain said as he extended his hand

Karasha clasped his hand briefly, her grip was firm, but not crushing like other Korthans.

"And we honor Mercer, thank you," Karasha said,"these supplies are critical to my work and colony. Without them, we lose months of progress."

She gestured, and loaders began carefully moving crates toward a nearby dome. Cain fell into step beside her, curiosity sparking.

"So what exactly are you working on out here," Cain asked,"besides not getting burned alive, crushed or boiled, I mean."

Karasha's mandibles clicked faintly in amusement.

"Terraforming biology, my team studies how native organisms interact with imported life," Karasha said,"if we can stabilize growth cycles, Vorrin-5 will sustain food production within a decade instead of a century."

"Not bad, back at home movies or shows terraforming would take 2 centuries or more" Cain said,"really shortens the line between 'hell world' and 'picnic spot'."

"Correction: probability of picnic on Vorrin-5 within ten years: zero percent," T-Dog stated

"...He ruins every metaphor. Don't mind him."

"Well he isn't entirely wrong," Karasha said

"Don't encourage him" Cain deadpanned her

Karasha led him into one of the main domes in the colony. Inside, Cain's jaw dropped as he saw rows of crops stretched under artificial lights, grains, leafy greens, even small fruiting plants. Colonists tended them carefully, adjusting dials, testing soil, and feeding data into consoles. The air was humid, earthy, alive in a way the outside atmosphere wasn't.

"This is why we are here, to make this barren world fertile for people to live," Karasha said,"so every harvest, every seed that takes root, proves Vorrin-5 has a future."

"This feels like you guys making your own Eden," Cain said, his eyes roaming the dome.

"That is the essence of Hatchling Worlds," Weskra said,"they test not only the planet, but those who claim it. Can they build life where none existed? Can they build it together?"

"Yeah, also shows me that I ain't just a glorified truck driver," Cain said

Cain nodded slowly, the weight of it settling in as he knew just how important this job was. Karasha studied him for a moment, her golden eyes narrowing in thought.

"Your grandfather understood that," Karasha said,"and maybe perhaps you will too."

"You knew my grandpa," Cain asked

"Yes, he was the one who discovered Vorrin-5," Karasha said as she walked off

Cain just started, a lump in his throat as he took that information in. He looked around as he as he chuckled a little, as he knew Elias was something else entirely. He looked at T-Dog, who simply stared and then nodded his head, confirming Karashas words.

"Gramps your officially the coolest grandfather ever," Cain said as he walked out

When Cain did, he saw loaders have secured the last crates and colonists checked them against Karasha's lists, Cain stood back with T-Dog. Outside the dome's transparent shell, the terraforming engines pulsed again, sending another wave across the scorched ground. For a moment, the barren stone shimmered, and green shoots broke through the cracks, reaching toward the filtered sky.

Cain didn't leave right away once the job was done, he didn't feel in a rush. The Overseer's niece insisted he stay the night until the cargo has been fully integrated. Which, judging by how carefully the Korthans and S'erlith handled each crate, meant tomorrow at the earliest.

Cain agreed, part of him didn't mind as he wasn't in a rush, plus he wanted to look around. The Red Jackal was safe under dome shielding, T-Dog's systems were running diagnostics, and he wanted to see how these people lived. The central dome was the heart of the colony, the first building that was put on the planet to beginning construction of the other buildings and the terraformers

It buzzed with activity: humans checking sensors, S'erlith running climate tests, Korthans carrying raw alloy plates like they were feathers. Children darted between them, some S'erlith, some human, one tiny Ravik who chirped happily as it climbed scaffolding. Cain leaned on a railing, watching with a faint smile. He felt a tug on his jacket and looked down to see a human boy staring at him with wide eyes.

"You're from Earth, aren't you," the kid asked excitedly

"Yeah, I'm from Montana," Cain asked, which made the boy's face light up.

"What's Earth like? Is it true there's blue skies every day? And oceans so big you can't see across?!"

Cain hesitated, not use to questions like that cause, well he was use to Earth. He thought about lakes in Montana, long summers fishing with Elias, sunsets that seemed to last forever. He smiled faintly at the memories of his grandfather.

"Yeah, so real, sky, oceans, trees everywhere," Cain said,"whole lot of noise too. Cities so bright at night it looks like daytime."

Another colonist, an older human woman, overheard and came closer. She rubbed the kids head, must be her son or grandson.

"I was born on Proxima Outpost, my parents too," she said,"I've never seen Earth, never had reason to. It's strange to hear someone talk about it like it's home."

"Wait, you've never even visited," Cain asked

Cain couldn't hold it against them, they were born on different planets and grew up in the galaxy where they knew aliens existed. All the while Earth is oblivious to the fact to aliens were real and space travel was real.

"Most of us here haven't," the old woman said,"Earth is far and expensive to reach. Some of us are fourth-generation colonists. We don't need Earth anymore, we have our own homes."

Cain blinked, almost at a loss.

"So you're human, but you've never been to where humans came from," Cain asked,"no offense ma'am, just hearing and experiencing this is a first me."

"It's okay sweety," the old woman said with a sweet smile,"but also why would we? Our children will be born here. Vorrin-5 will be their Earth. Plus how do you think they would react to us asking them questions about stuff they don't even know yet?"

"...Touché."

Before Cain could ask another question, a younger colonist, maybe his age, piped up from the next table.

"Hey Blueblood, what's rock music," the man asked

Cain froze, then whipped his head around like he was just insulted.

"...What did you just say," Cain asked

"Rock music, heard someone mention it once," the young colonist asked,"is it like banging rocks together?"

Cain dropped his face into his hands.

"...You poor, poor child," Cain said

The youth laughed awkwardly, and soon others crowded around, asking questions about Earth, about animals, rivers, the smell of rain. Cain found himself telling stories of fishing trips, of thunderstorms in Montana, of blasting music loud enough to annoy his neighbors. And for the first time, he realized he was carrying something unique: memory.

The kind of memory no one here had. Sure they had experiences of their own from their own home worlds or station, but to them Earth seemed like a whole experience they never imagined. Some even asked what TikTok was, took Cain an hour to explain all that.

Later, Cain found Weskra outside one of the domes, perched on a ridge near a humming spire. The S'erlith was calibrating instruments, his frill pulsing faintly with concentration. Cain approached, curious as he wondered what the guy was doing, since he did bring him here for a reason.

"So can I ask something," Cain asked, getting a nod from the scientist,"what is it exactly do you do here?"

Weskra glanced over, gesturing to the equipment before him.

"I do atmospheric study, Vorrin-5's air is unstable at the moment, too much sulfur, too many particulates," Weser's said,"if left unchecked, colonists would suffocate within days. My work ensures the air remains breathable."

Cain crouched beside him, eyeing the instruments.

"So you basically keep everyone from choking to death," Cain said,"yeah, no pressure."

Weskra's frill flicked in what Cain guessed was amusement.

"It is necessary work," Weskra said,"the air is invisible and easy to forget it can kill you faster than it can keep you alive."

"Guess that's true for a lot of things," Cain said,"you only notice when it's gone."

"Exactly, this is why Concord requires balance. One cannot breathe without another ensuring the air. One cannot eat without another growing the food. Alone, we perish, but together, we endure for longer."

Cain leaned back, looking out over the jagged landscape. In the distance, a terraforming engine pulsed again, rippling waves of green across the black rock. For a moment, he imagined this place covered in forests, rivers, maybe even towns.

"You really think this place will make it," Cain asked,"that people'll will be able to live here a hundred years from now?"

"Maybe, and if there's a single chance we can live here," Weskra said,"that is enough for me."

That night, Cain sat in the communal mess dome, eating something that tasted vaguely like stew. Around him, voices rose in heated debate, a Korthan growling low, a S'erlith frill flashing angrily, and a human colonist trying to mediate.

"We built the landing bays. We haul the ore. Without us, there is no colony!"

"Without our climate work, you would choke on your own fumes. Do not speak as though your labor is greater!"

"Stop it. We all need each other. That's the whole point of Concord-"

Cain glanced at T-Dog, who sat beside him sipping power from a port.

"Do dick measuring contests like this happen all the time," Cain asked

"Affirmation: Concord colonies are fragile," T-Dog said,"cooperation is ideal, but ego persists. Statement: Elias once said Concord is like a family dinner - someone always fights over the last roll."

Cain smirked faintly, then leaned back, listening. He didn't intervene, not his problem but he saw it: the struggle of Concord. Equal in theory, messy in practice. He walked to the Jackal and sent to his private quarters. It was a cozy little spot, with a nice bed with a desk, closet and a HoloPane, basically a very high tech tv everyone uses.

After eating and showering, Cain crawled on top the ship, popping an IonRush to enjoy the scenery. The night sky above Vorrin-5 was thick with storm clouds, but faintly, he could see stars breaking through. The terraforming engines pulsed in the distance, their glow painting the horizon blue. And below workers moved around, moving items and going to the local bar

Cain laid on his back and rested his arms behind his head, the desert wind carrying the tang of sulfur. T-Dog padded up beside him, sitting in the dust, optics glowing as he curled beside Cain. He thought about the boy who'd never seen Earth, about the humans calling other planets their home, about Weskra keeping the air alive.

"Grandpa, I think I get it now," Cain said

"Correction: you are beginning to understand," T-Dog said,"statement: Elias would be moderately proud."

"Moderately, huh," Cain asked with an amused smirk

"Affirmative. He would save true pride for later. When you've earned it."

"Then I'll keep working on it. One haul at a time."

T-Dog stared at Cain with almost pride, seeing this greenhorn slowly becoming something close to a professional Runner. Cain hummed as he sighed and got up, then walked to his quarters and went to bed, slowly drifting to sleep.