The Slipway

The relief crew member put the spare line where Arden would never have put it, and Veda had to stop herself correcting a preference as though it were a danger.

They were alongside before the first trial trip. He was experienced, his training and paperwork checked, his day rate agreed. She had worked with him before, though not recently. Today she went through Morrow’s arrangements again, including the things six years with Arden had taught her to leave unsaid.

“That position keeps it clear,” he said when he caught her looking.

“It does.”

“Do you want it moved?”

“No.”

A small victory over herself, before breakfast. She hoped it counted towards the day.

Arden was taking agreed leave while Veda tested the smaller pattern. There were still two weeks of her notice to run; nobody had vanished overnight. Veda had rearranged a reduced amount of gear on lawful grounds outside…