A long-awaited trip

[Savs]

25.11.834

"I ain't so sure. I mean, it's a miracle we got through Cortez without drawing any attention. And even more we made it here."

The older man looked about the dimly lit bar on the Barrier Gate Station.

"And they haven't even got proper ale."

The younger man across the table had been staring out the window at the large asteroids nearby the station. He turned now and, at last, said, "Look, you said you wanted to go on a trip, so we're going on a trip. You've been going on about the wonders of the universe since I was yae tall." He gestured at around table height.

"Aye, but not at the cost of my life, and especially not at the cost of yours, Gerry."

Gerry shrugged. "Nothing's gone wrong so far. Besides, I've been flying almost as long as I've been walking. And this Jackdaw you got us is a cut above what I'm used to."

The older man threw up his hands, chuckling. "I knew I wouldn't be able to convince you. You've always been a right stubborn one."

"Just relax, Uncle, we're going to go see some things and we'll be back in Bretonia before you know it."

Uncle Keegan apparently decided he had tired of his mediocre drink and pushed it away. "Well," he started as he pushed himself up from the table, "I'd better go find that friend of a friend if we're going to figure out how to get to Inverness."

"Do you want me to come with?"

"No no, I'm old, not an invalid. I'll see you back in the room later."

"All right, good luck."

Uncle Keegan stalked away stiffly and Gerry picked up his mug and took another sip as he turned to look out the windows at the murky views of the asteroids.

He said quietly to himself, "Finally, my life is about to get interesting."