The repaired route records rest in two separate local cases as Nahuli and Lahani enter the waystation’s departure-control gallery. Reinforced glass overlooks service craft threading between docking frames.
A public board scrolls shifting Rim traffic windows, fuel advisories, and berth closures. Amber Wing’s departure slot remains provisional, pending route verification.
Ranuko
Verification logs are complete. The recovered package is consistent across both cases, and every missing sector is marked rather than reconstructed.
Ranuko arrives aboard a rattling maintenance tram, carrying the sealed logs and a compact reader. He steps onto the gallery platform as Lahani studies the traffic board.
Lahani
The next Rim window opens in forty minutes, but the outbound lane overlaps a freight transfer. We can wait for a cleaner slot.
Ranuko
The extension remains untested. Amber Wing can attempt it only after we review the uncertainty boundaries and confirm the return geometry.
Beyond the glass, docking lights shift from green to amber along the departure frames. Kiryati remains on Avalon, Saven is absent in his return capsule, and the decision rests with those present.
✓ Quest Accepted
Resolve the crew's departure-window conflict
“Some extra time isn't a bad thing. It has been a while from when we have had a moment to ourselves love. I lightly touch Lahani's ears”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
The traffic board continues its slow cycle behind the glass, but Nahuli turns from it toward Lahani in the quiet of the departure gallery.
Nahuli
Some extra time is not a bad thing. It has been a while since we had a moment to ourselves, love.
Nahuli lightly touches Lahani’s ears. She stills beneath his hand, then leans into the familiar contact as the tram’s vibration fades through the platform.
Lahani
You are right. Forty minutes can be a gift, especially when nobody is asking us to burn fuel or solve a crisis.
Lahani
For once, the route can wait while I simply have him close.
Lahani folds one wing lightly around Nahuli’s side, keeping the sealed route cases and the shifting departure board in view without giving either her attention.
Ranuko
I will reserve the review alcove and keep the cases secured. The cleaner slot is still available when you are ready.
“We can wait for a clean slot, even if it takes a few hours. Any place in particular you may want to go while we wait Lahani?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Nahuli
We can wait for a clean slot, even if it takes a few hours. Is there anywhere particular you would like to go while we wait, Lahani?
Lahani
There is a quiet observation gallery above the old spin habitat. We can watch the traffic lanes without discussing route margins for a while.
Lahani keeps one wing around Nahuli as they leave the departure-control gallery. Ranuko secures the route cases and releases their provisional slot, accepting the waystation’s additional berth fee for the later clean window.
Ranuko
I will pay the extension from the docking allowance and keep the review alcove reserved. No case leaves my custody.
The lift carries Nahuli and Lahani upward through the waystation’s rotating spine. Below, freight craft slide between docking frames, their running lights reflected in the reinforced glass.
Lahani
There. A few hours with a view, no alarms, and no decisions forced before we are ready.
They reach the observation gallery overlooking the clean outbound lanes. Amber Wing’s delayed departure remains secure, while the station turns quietly beneath the stars.
Quest Complete
Resolve the crew's departure-window conflict
Skill Upgrade: Stealth Fair→Good