“Ho the ship!” a man shouted from the Hawk’s boarding ramp two sols later. Mac turned off his torch and lifted his safety goggles. He looked at Michelangelo, who shrugged.

  “It’s not my ship,” the engineer said. “I’ll keep working over here. Have your bots finish that plate before they continue their other work.”

  “Alright,” Mac said. He sighed, wiped his face, and shouted, “I’m up here. Give me a moment.”

  “Alright,” the voice shouted back.

  Thankfully, whoever that is, is patient, Mac thought. He instructed his Decs to finish welding in the replacement hull armor he had been working on and to then finish stripping the section that had been marked for this sol’s work. I’m starting to think I paid too much for the Hawk. Most of the hull armor needs replacing. But at least, I can melt the old armor down and use it as the basis for new plates. That’ll save me some of my future credits at least. Plus, the Chief and Michelangelo confirmed her frame is good.

  Mckenzie walked to the edge of the Hawk and looked down. An older man with thinning hair was standing at the bottom of the ramp along with a younger woman. She’s pretty. I wonder if that’s his wife or assistant.

  “Can I help you?” Mac asked instead of voicing his thoughts.

  “Are you Mckenzie Edwards?” the man asked.

  “Yes sir.”

  “Excellent,” the man said. “I’m Casper Dean, Highpoint Manufacturing’s manager for the home system. This young lady is my niece, Janice Dean, she’s learning the ropes, and we’re here to measure your merlin for the habitat module.”

  “Fantastic! I’ll meet you inside, Mr Dean,” Mac said. “We’ve strung up some work lights.”

  *

  Mr Dean seems intrigued by the old girl with the way he keeps looking around. His niece, not so much.

  “Like what you see?” Mac asked. Mr Dean and his niece both jumped.

  “These old merlins are interesting ships,” Casper replied. “Though, yours looks stripped nearly bald.”

  “The Lady Hawk was used hard by her previous owners and then left to rust,” Mac said, offering his hand. Mr Dean took it and shook hands. Janice did the same as introductions were made again. “The only compartment or module that isn’t this stripped out is engineering. We got the new reactor installed yestersol.”

  “That’s progress, young man. Just keep at it,” Mr Dean replied. “Now, let’s get down to business, shall we?”

  “Absolutely,” Mac agreed. “You guys just need to take some measurements, right?”

  “We’ll get to that, but we have something we need to talk about first,” Casper replied. “I have a good news, bad news situation for you.”

  “Oh boy,” Mac muttered.

  “It’s not that bad,” Janice said with a laugh.

  “Well, it is, but it’s not,” Casper said.

  “Let me guess, Highpoint has gone up in price on the New River modules?” Mac said.

  “No,” Casper replied. “But that’s a good guess.”

  “Then what’s the bad news?” Mac asked.

  “I’ll be straight with you, Mckenzie,” Casper said. “The single cabin New River is not available and hasn’t been for over a sol year.”

  “What? But it’s on your GalNet site,” Mckenzie objected.

  “True, it was. That’s a mistake on the company’s part and one even our AI missed. It’s been rectified,” Mr Dean explained. “To put it bluntly, you’re the first person that has visited that page in over three-sol years.”

  “So, nobody including our AI thought to check the page when Highpoint decided to stop making those single cabin modules,” Janice added. “All the merlin sales we’ve made in the last two decades have been for the two cabin or larger modules.”

  “So, if I want the New River module, I’ll have to buy one with two or more cabins,” Mac clarified. Both Deans nodded. “So, what’s the price difference?”

  “That’s what we need to discuss,” Casper replied. “Janice, do you have those holo emitters?”

  “Yes, Uncle Casper,” she answered.

  “Good. Mckenzie, why don’t you take us up to where the hab is supposed to be,” Casper said.

  “Alright. Right this way,” Mac replied. He led them further into the ship.

  *

  “As you can see, the port support was damaged, so I plan on cutting it the rest of the way and installing one single large port instead of the two smaller ones,” Mac said as he finished showing the Deans the habitat module space and bridge. “Then, I’ll install the pilot’s console right in the middle of the bridge.”

  “What will you do with the copilot’s console? Store it?” Casper asked. Mac nodded. “Makes sense, but that’ll leave you quite a bit of space up here.”

  “That could be a good thing,” Janice said. “We could extend the hab module up here and throw in one of those reclining captain’s chairs.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Casper said.

  “So, I cut out those bulkheads and the bridge hatch?” Mac asked, gesturing to the two bulkheads on either side of the bridge hatch.

  “Yep,” Casper answered. “From what I remember of the merlin class, those two bulkheads aren’t loadbearing.”

  “They’re not according to the specs,” Mac confirmed. “But I’m not sure.”

  “It’ll give your lounge more space and make it easier for you to reach the pilot’s station if anything goes wrong,” Janice said. “Plus, with your implant and ship AI, you won’t be flying from the console all the time regardless.”

  “Yeah,” Mckenzie agreed. “I was planning on it just being me and my Decs anyway with no passengers.”

  “That might be rough,” Mr Dean said. “But that’s also why you only wanted the single cabin.”

  “Yep. So, what did you guys have to show me?” Mac said.

  “For starters, since the company messed up, Highpoint wants to make things right,” Janice said. She placed two of the holo emitters on the deck and sketched out a design of the bridge with pilot’s station in the middle merged with a lounge.

  Those emitters are neat, Mac thought. And I like the way this rough design looks.

  “We truly value our customer service as a core component of the company,” Casper added. “So, we’re prepared to offer you a deal.”

  “What sort of deal?” Mac asked.

  “For the price you were quoted, we are prepared to sell you a two-cabin module,” Janice answered.

  “But if you’re willing to spend another four million credits, we’re prepared to customize the module and replace the second cabin with a small gym complete with hot tub or a tiny gym and med pod,” Casper added. “Plus, as Janice said earlier, we’ll even go the extra mile of merging your hab module with your bridge. You’ll still have to install your console though.”

  “What would this tiny gym have in it as far as exercise equipment goes?” Mac asked. This might really work out to my advantage.

  “Janice?” Casper prompted. “You’re more up to speed on that stuff than I am.”

  “A weight machine that will let you do the bench press, squats, and some other exercises as well as your choice of a rowing machine, exercise bike, or treadmill,” Janice answered.

  “I think I’d like the treadmill,” Mac said. “What about the med pod?”

  “It’s a standard GalMed small ship unit,” she answered. “I’m not sure of the exact model, but it’s used on 60% of small ships out there. Hermes Medical’s small ship unit makes up the other 40% of the market, but we don’t deal with Hermes. The large ship market has more competition and choice in it.”

  “Right,” Mac murmured.

  “So, what do you think?” Casper asked.

  “How quickly could I get the module?” Mckenzie asked.

  “Three months,” Casper answered. “And it’ll have all of our normal guarantees.”

  “I’ll accept your offer as long as I can get approval from Saagar and Victoria,” Mac said.

  “Are those the academy’s AI?” Janice asked.

  “My advisor and the AI that oversees financial,” Mac confirmed.

  “Send them this too,” Casper said, sending Mac an updated proposal.

  “Thanks. I’m forwarding it to them now,” Mac replied.

  27

  Mckenzie, Michelangelo, and Janice Dean watched as Cain, Highpoint’s lead installer droid, directed the corporation’s bots to carry the new habitat module’s component parts into the Lady Hawk ten weeks later.

  “Looks like you’ve made some good progress,” Janice remarked.

  “Some. We’ve finished the outer structural work, wiring, and plumbing,” Mac replied. “We’ve still got a way to go, but your guys will do a lot of it for us over the next few hours.”

  “It’s still progress and at least there’s no graffiti on your ship this time,” Janice said.

  “True,” Mac agreed. “It got bad there for a while once this semester started.”

  “Oh?” Janice prompted.

  “The other students went nuts with bird themed taunts and graffiti including crude artwork until Chief Alexandra had security cameras installed directly focused on the Lady Hawk,” Mac answered. “I still get taunted once in a while, but it’s not so bad, and I just ignore it.”

  “Which ticks off those that were trying to get a rise out of you,” Janice stated.

  “Yep,” Mckenzie agreed.

  “So, what’s left to do to get your merlin operational?” Janice inquired.

  “Install the rest of the systems, including sensors, weapons, and thrusters. Those last three I can’t do,” Mac answered.

  “Why not? Certifications?” Janice asked.

  “Correct,” Michelangelo replied. “Mckenzie lacks the proper certifications as those systems are usually installed at a shipyard. But a repair facility such as this one is certified for the installation of such systems as well. I will be leading a team that will perform that work while Mckenzie and the other students take their summer vacation.”

  “Mckenzie, are you going home for that?” Janice asked.

  “Only for two or three weeks,” Mac answered. “I’m then returning here so I can complete a work contract.”

  “Working on your break?” she asked. “I recall my university sols fondly. All work and no play is not a way to live.”

  “Yeah, but I got a contract with a local hauler over on Ganymede to do some maintenance work on their bots and shuttles over the summer. It doesn’t pay much, but every little bit helps,” Mac replied. “Part of the contract is for them to provide my transport home and back.”

  “Smart,” Janice said. Mac grinned and nodded his head, accepting the compliment.

  “Plus, it is work experience that will replace one of the required engineering work study courses,” Michelangelo added. “All in all, the experience will benefit Mckenzie greatly and even allow him to get more work done on his Lady Hawk on his sols off, if he chooses to.”

  “Which I will,” Mac said. “I’ve been repairing bots and shuttles for a few years now, so it’s not anything I haven’t done before.”

  “Well, it sounds like you have a plan and are executing it,” Janice said, giving Mac a smile. He returned the smile. “I’m not needed for the installation, so I’m going to the facility breakroom and get some work done. Cain will notify me when they’re done, and I’ll come back to make sure you’re satisfied.”

  “Sounds good,” Mac said. She walked away. “So, EM, is there anything we can do while the installers do their thing?”

  “Best not Mac,” Michelangelo replied. “Besides, it will not take the installers long to do their job and you might find the process fascinating.

  “Sounds good to me. I could use the break anyway,” Mac said as they walked up the Hawk’s ramp. I do find it a little odd how EM goes from being personable and friendly when we’re not around higher up sorts and then defaults to a generic professional style whenever anyone that might be considered an official is present. But maybe it’s part of his programming.

  *

  This looks nice, Mac thought as he took in the finished lounge and galley. The lounge bulkheads and deck had been covered with a light natural wood colored synthetic wood. The overhead was painted a bright white, as was the galley’s overhead. The galley’s bulkheads were not covered with the synthetic wood, instead they were painted a sky blue. The cabinets were made from the same synthetic wood as the deck’s covering was. The countertops, prep table, chairs, and kitchen table were made from some other type of synthetic dark wood. I think the whole thing looks nice, but I’m no interior designer.

  On the left side bulkhead a large view screen was embedded in the synthetic wood. Mac walked around in the galley and lounge. I can clearly see that screen from anywhere in the lounge and galley. I wonder if I can see it from the pilot’s station.

  Mckenzie walked into the bridge section. The bulkheads here had been painted the same blue as the galley instead of being covered with the wood. The overhead was the same white. The deck had been covered with the synthetic wood too. Mac walked behind the captain’s chair and glanced toward the screen.

  Yep. I can see the screen just as clearly from here too. That’ll be nice. The screen’s specs even say it can display multiple live feeds at once. That’ll be quite nice to pair with my implant and keep track of multiple feeds and ship statuses at the same time. I wonder how the cabin and gym look.

  Mckenzie visited the tiny gym. It was the same as the lounge. There was even a view screen in the center bulkhead. He pushed on the wood to see if it moved. It didn’t. I like it.

  He then went into his cabin and the head. Both had the same color and synthetic wood scheme. The exception was the deck in the head and bulkheads in the bathing area. There, the wood had been replaced with white tile. Mac checked the bulkheads here as well.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  I may get tired of the color scheme eventually, but I like it, Mac thought as he rejoined EM and Cain in the lounge. He smiled and nodded to the droids. “Great work, Mr Cain. My compliments to you and your team.”

  “Thank you, Mr Edwards. We strive to do our best,” Cain replied. “Our work passed the pressurization test we did while you stepped out for your lunch, but if you have any issues with our work, contact me or Miss Dean and we’ll return to resolve the problems.”

  “Sounds good,” Mac said.

  “Do you have any questions or concerns at this time?” Cain asked. Mac shook his head. “Then, I will contact Miss Dean, and you can sign off on what we’ve done.”

  “That works for me. Then, EM and I can get started on wiring up the pilot’s console,” Mac replied.

  “Have fun with that,” Cain quipped. “I hate doing electrical work.”

  28

  Marion Hooks stretched against him and then kissed Mckenzie on the lips. Mac returned the kiss and ran his hands along her curves.

  “Stop that! I’m ticklish,” Marion said, smacking his hands.

  “That’s not what you were saying a few hours ago,” Mac countered. The two had started flirting halfway through their second semester and one thing had led to another. The little bit of playfulness between the two when they met had indeed been a spark of something. Did I start flirting first or did Marion? Eh, it’s not like it really matters.

  “That’s because I had other things on my mind,” Marion replied. She sat up, giving Mckenzie an interesting view. “Speaking of other things, you know Carmen has expressed some interest in joining us…”

  And there’s what kills any notion of taking this further than a fling for me, Mac thought bitterly. Marion is amazing and I could see taking her home to meet my folks, but this has got to stop. It’s like all she’s doing here with me is a recruiting pitch. Is she even interested in me beyond what I can do for her boss?

  I wish I knew one way or the other. Plus, would Marion sleep with anyone else if Carmen told her to? Sweet merciful darkness! At least it’s the end of the semester and everyone is going home for a while, so I won’t have to ignore her for a few sols like I’ve done off and on all semester.

  “You’re being quiet again,” Marion observed after a couple of minutes of silence. “What’s on your mind?”

  “I’ve told you before, I’m not interested in any offers Carmen Perez or any of the other wealthy students have to offer,” Mac said, sitting up and then swinging his legs over the side of her bunk. He stood and started getting dressed.

  “What are you doing? Where are you going? Running away again?”

  “I’m hungry,” Mac replied. Plus, I need to get out of here and do some thinking. He turned to face Marion after putting on his shirt. “Why did you take Carmen’s offer?”

  “Like I told you before, it’s a good offer and her family will make me a captain of one of their ships in time if I don’t want to take the academy’s Yellowjacket and go independent after my term of service with Carmen is up. Plus, the Perez family is paying off my debt for me,” Marion answered, pulling the sheet up to cover her body. “Why are you asking about this again?”

  “Just wondering. You know I feel that an indenture is no different than the academy debt at best and just a form of slavery at worst.”

  “And you know I don’t feel that my indenture is any different than any other employment contract.”

  “Yeah. So, why do you always bring up Carmen after we’ve had sex?” Mac replied, giving voice to the thought that had just come to him. I’m afraid I’m not going to like the answer if she’s honest with me. If she decides not to be honest, she’ll deny my accusation and pretend to get angry.

  “I don’t,” Marion objected after a long silence and not looking him in the eyes.

  So, it’s denial again, Mckenzie thought shaking his head. “You do, and you do it every single time. It’s almost like you think I’ll be more open to the suggestion to come work for Carmen because of postcoital bliss or something.”

  Marion scowled at him.

  And here comes the fake anger. At least I think it’s fake.

  “What are you trying to say, that I’m just a cheap offering from Carmen or something? You think I’m her whore or something?

  We’ve had this argument before too, Mac thought as he pulled on his boots. “I don’t know, Marion. But you always bring up one of her offers or Carmen in some way even though I’ve repeatedly said I’m not interested in her or her offers.”

  “I…”

  “Don’t?” He finished for her. She snapped her mouth shut. “We’ve had this argument a few times before too.”

  Now she does look truly angry, Mac thought ruefully.

  “Get out!” Marion exclaimed.

  “Fine,” Mac replied, giving her a sad smile. “Enjoy your life.”

  “What do you mean?” Marion asked.

  “That this is goodbye. If I see you again, it’ll only be in passing or in classes we’re forced to share,” Mckenzie answered. He sighed. “I can’t keep doing this, whatever this is.”

  I’m not sure what her expression is trying to convey. It looks partly mad, partly upset, and partly relieved, Mac thought as he turned and stepped towards the door. It slid open and he started to step through.

  “Fuc…” he heard Marion yell as the door shut behind him. Mckenzie took a deep breath and was glad nobody else was in the hall.

  Guess she’s not hurt, just pissed off with me, Mac thought. He walked down to his room and packed his bag. Mac slung it over his shoulder and walked towards the cafeteria.

  I’ll get a sandwich or something to go and eat in the repair facility. That way I can think in piece.

  *

  “You’re brooding again,” Chief Alexandra said as she came to a stop beside Mckenzie as he gazed up at the Hawk’s bridge an hour later.

  “I know,” Mac replied with a sigh. “I just ended a relationship or friendship, probably both. I don’t know.”

  “Whatever. That’s human drama and I don’t want any part of it. If you need anyone to talk with, see Dr Alina Russell or Svetlana, her assistant,” the Chief said. “On the bright side, EM and his team will start work on your sensors and the other systems tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, he told me a little while ago. He also said you had him working on inspecting shuttles tosol,” Mac said. And if I need to talk to anyone, I’ll talk to my folks instead of a shrink.

  “It has to be done,” the Chief replied. “Anyway, your Lady Hawk is ahead of schedule and should be ready for a test flight in six weeks or so. If everything goes well, I might be able to get you an exemption so you can move aboard her next semester if you like.”

  “Really?” Mac asked. She nodded. “I’d love that. Thanks Chief!”

  “You’re welcome,” the Chief replied. She gestured to the merlin. “Are you going to change her name?”

  “I haven’t decided yet. Lady Hawk has grown on me, but part of me still wants to give her a completely fresh start, which means changing her name.”

  “True. Still, you’ll have all summer break to think about that and make up your mind.”

  “Yeah,” Mac agreed. He checked the message he had just received. “Looks like my ride home is here.”

  “Then I’ll let you go. Tell Roberta and Jimmy I said hi for me,” the Chief said. “You’ll enjoy working for the Bonhams over your break if previous students’ reports are anything to go by.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Mac said, getting to his feet. “See you later Chief.”

  29

  Mac smiled and waved at his parents, William and Samatha, as they watched him disembark from the Bonham Transport & Shipping sloop. He turned to the man that followed him down and offered his hand.

  “Thanks for the ride, Jimmy.”

  “You’re welcome, Mac,” Jimmy Bonham replied as he shook Mckenzie’s hand. “Odds are Roberta will be the one to pick you up. I’m taking a few sols off about the time we scheduled your ride back out.”

  “That’s fine. Your sister didn’t seem as crazy as you,” Mac said with a grin on his face. “And I doubt she’s as bad as a pilot as you are.”

  “Ha! That’s just a trick both of us play. Anyway, looks like you have people waiting on you and I have places to be,” Jimmy replied.

  “The nearest bar isn’t places to be,” Mckenzie countered.

  “Sure, it is. You’ll find out in time that bars are a spacer’s best friend,” Jimmy retorted as he sealed and locked the hatch. He saluted Mac and walked away.

  Mac shook his head and smiled. Jimmy and Roberta are some characters, that’s for sure. He shifted his bag and walked over to his parents.

  “Hi mom. Hi dad,” Mac said.

  “Welcome home son,” his parents said at the same time. Then his mom hugged him. His dad was only seconds behind her.

  It’s good to be home, even if it’s just for a little while, Mac thought as he returned the hug.

  “Come on, and you can tell us all about this fancy academy of yours on the ride back to the farm,” William said as they started walking toward their transport.

  “And you can tell us about any special girls you met,” Samatha added. William laughed as Mac groaned. “Well?”

  “There was one,” Mckenzie answered.

  “Are we going to get to meet her sometime in the future?” his mom asked.

  “No,” Mckenzie answered. “Things ended badly before I left TCA.”

  “What to tell us about her and what happened?” his mom asked.

  “Yeah. I think I need to tell someone,” Mac replied.

  *

  “So, was I wrong?” Mac asked after he finished telling his parents about what happened between him and Marion and his suspicions.

  “I don’t think so, son,” William replied.

  “Nor do I,” Samatha added. “It sounds like she’s a real piece of work.”

  “Yep. This Marion girl made her choice and it’s a bad one,” his dad said, agreeing with his mom.

  “True. And you can do much better,” his mom said. “Put her out of your mind.”

  “Thanks,” Mac replied. That’s my folks. Always sticking up for family. But I’m glad they support me like they do.

  “So, what are your plans for this vacation from school?” his dad asked.

  Thanks for changing the subject, dad, Mac thought. He smiled. “I’d thought I’d hang out around the farm and help you two as much as I can. I thought I’d also hang out with my old friends if any of them are still around and free to hang out.”

  “Good plan,” his mom commented. “Most of your old school friends are still around. “That Johanson girl you dated is engaged to the Branson boy though.”

  Although I feel it’s way too early in life for that kind of commitment, good for them, Mac thought. He said as much and then laughed. His parents looked at him questioningly. “I just realized I think I’m too young for marriage but am making an even bigger commitment to TCA and my ship.”

  “Yep. You signed up for a big commitment,” William agreed.

  “We’re not just hoping it works out, but praying it does,” Samatha said.

  “We still have a good way to go before we get home, so tell us about this academy,” his dad instructed.

  “And this ship of yours,” his mom added.

  “Sure,” Mac agreed. “I’ll start with the academy.”

  *

  “Hey Teddy, how much is this dog bot?” Mac asked the owner of Dixon’s Salvage a week later. He did a query for the bot’s model number. Holy poo! This is a PetCorp K9-D4 Shepard, which is a companion droid, not a bot. How did something like this end up so mangled and here?

  The older man walked over and glanced at what Mckenzie had found as Mac did his best to school his features to not show his excitement. The Dixons had always charged more if they knew someone wanted something. Teddy scratched his head.

  “I had forgotten that thing was even in that junk pile,” Teddy replied. “If memory serves, it came in with a load of refuse from Old Man Bragg’s estate when he passed away four or five years ago.”

  “Interesting,” Mckenzie replied.

  “You want it?” Teddy asked. Mac nodded his head. “How long have you been coming here and buying parts and junk?”

  “Six or seven years at least,” Mac answered fondly. I have some good memories of climbing through all this scrap metal and junk and finding treasures like this droid. But this Shepard is the best thing I’ve ever found here. “I think I was 11 or 12 when dad started letting me come on my own.”

  “What are you going to do, refurbish it?” Teddy asked.

  “Yes sir,” Mac answered. “I think it’ll be a good gift for my folks.”

  “What makes you say that? It’s just an old busted and rusted bot with some kind of fungus growing on it.”

  “No sir,” Mckenzie replied. Here comes my honesty to ruin a possible deal. “This is a companion droid, and that ‘fungus’ is synthetic fur that according to the droid’s specs will regrow if I can get the unit fully operational.”

  “Is that a fact?” Teddy asked. Mac nodded. “How do you know that just by looking at it?”

  “I don’t. I looked up the model number,” Mckenzie answered. Seeing the old man’s questioning look, he explained while tapping his temple. “I have an implant.”

  “Bah! I don’t trust that shit. Give me a tablet any sol to the week and keep that crap out of my head,” Teddy said. Mac laughed. “Anyway, you do you and I’ll do me as the old saying goes. As for the dog, give me 250 credits.”

  “Are you sure? These D4 models are still at least five times that new.”

  “And that one has been sitting here in my scrapyard for years taking up space. I’m sure.”

  “Thanks Teddy. Here’s the credits,” Mac replied, sending payment.

  *

  It cost me most of my savings because that replacement synthetic fur wasn’t cheap, and all my free time the last two weeks, but I’m finally finished and the Shepard should be fully functional, Mac thought as he closed the AI core’s hatch. He quickly put up his tools and took a breath. Here we go.

  Mckenzie sent the activation command to the droid. The K9 started up. Its eyes blinked and he watched the startup sequence through his implant. Everything showed green across the board.

  The Shepard opened its eyes and started watching him. The droid cocked its head to the side and barked.

  I’m glad the AI doesn’t talk. This is more realistic, Mac thought. But I know it wants to know if I’m its new owner.

  “No, I’m not your owner,” Mac said. The Shepard whined and sunk to its belly. Mckenzie laughed. That’s adorable. Mom will love it. “Are you male, female, or does it matter?”

  The droid lifted its head from its paws and barked twice.

  “Female?”

  The Shepard barked once.

  “Alright girl,” Mac replied. Time to let Saagar know I was successful. He sent the AI a message. His advisor had become involved after being warned that Mac’s account had been nearly emptied and claimed part of his job was making sure his students weren’t scammed. Mac didn’t object even though he didn’t like that much scrutiny.

  A moment later, he received a response. Really? This might qualify me for another certification, and he’ll let me know once I return to school. That’s cool. He dismissed the message app after thanking Saagar.

  “Come on girl. Let’s go introduce you to your new owners so they can name you,” Mac said. The German Shepard looking android barked once and followed Mac out of the shop and towards his parents’ house.

  30

  “What do you think?” Roberta asked. She and Jimmy had taken Mckenzie to a local range for some target practice. “It’s better than that crappy TC Echelon 50 flechette pistol the academy provides you guys.”

  “Trust us. We’re all grads of TCA,” Jimmy added as he gestured to some of the other people that had been using the range as well. The others laughed and agreed. “We all know what TCA saddles you with.”

  “I’m not sure,” Mac replied. “This Kiger MK-336 shoots straighter and feels smoother, but something is off. I don’t know. It just feels off in my hands, but I do like the old earth style design over the Echelon’s modern rounded look.”

  “Hmmm,” Roberta murmured. “Pat! Get over here.”

  “What do you want, Robbie?” the guy behind the counter said.

  “Your sweet buns!” Roberta answered to laughter from the others, including Mac.

  “Get a room, you two,” Jimmy said. “None of us wants to see my sister and Pat go at it.”

  “Speak for yourself. It might be kind of hot,” Silvia, one of the other shooters replied.

  “You guys are all nuts,” Mckenzie said.

  “Pretty much,” Tanner, one of the other shooters said. “But you need to be to want to be stuck in a tin can most of your life.”

  “Maybe,” Mac replied. He does have a good point.

  “Anyway, our newest servant, er intern, here needs some assistance,” Jimmy told Pat with a wink. Mckenzie just shook his head.

  “Mac, Pat’s not just the owner of this fine establishment and my boyfriend,” Roberta said. “But he’s also a qualified shooting instructor.”

  “Good to know,” Mac replied. He turned toward Pat. “Nice to meet you, Pat. I’m Mckenzie Edwards, but you can call me Mac.”

  “Alright Mac,” Pat said. “Let’s see you shoot, newbie.”

  He’s a bit gruff, but whatever, Mac thought as he picked up the MK-336 and took his shooting stance. He fired off a few shots.

  “How’s the weight?” Pat asked once Mac was done.

  “A bit heavy. I’m used to the TC Echelon 50,” Mckenzie answered.

  “That’s your problem. The Echelon weighs roughly 870 grams give or take while the 336 weights a touch over 1400 grams,” Pat explained. “It might not seem like it, but that’s a huge difference when it comes to shooting.”

  “Blast it!” Silvia exclaimed. “Here’s your five credits, Tanner.”

  “Thank you,” Tanner smugly replied.

  “Wait. You guys bet on if Pat could diagnose my problem that fast or something?” Mckenzie asked. The others, including Pat, burst out laughing. “I take that to mean yes.”

  “Ignore them,” Pat said. “Do you want to try something lighter, heavier, or about the same as the Echelon?”

  Silvia and Tanner went back to their shooting while Pat saw to Mac. Everyone has an older style gun. Does that mean they’re better than the newer designs?

  “I don’t know. Isn’t a heavier gun supposed to be better? I mean more accurate and stable?” Mckenzie asked. “That said, I think I’d prefer something lighter.”

  “Generally,” Pat answered. “A match gun is one made from lighter and better materials for competition shooting. They’re also one of the best options if you’re willing to spend the credits.”

  “TCA will allow you to buy and carry whatever you want,” Jimmy advised Mckenzie. “In fact, they’re going to insist on it starting your second year, which you are getting ready to start.”

  “And of course they prefer you buy an Echelon or one of TC’s other firearms,” Pat said. “And honestly, there’s much better out there.”

  “Jimmy and I know you don’t plan on privateering or getting involved in fighting in general, but personal protection is a must, and we want what’s best for you,” Roberta chimed in. “You’ve been a joy to have working for us the last five weeks and we’d hate to see you end up dead because when you needed it, your firearm let you down.”

  “Is that why you brought me here?” Mac asked. Roberta and Jimmy nodded. “Even with the pay from you guys, my funds are a little low. I splurged on a gift for my parents before you picked me up.”

  “That Shepard?” Roberta asked.

  “Yep. Found Robin in a scrapyard and spent what it took to get her back into shape,” Mac answered.

  “Damn kid. That’s not bad,” Pat said. “Jimmy and Robbie only bring those students that they like here, so I’ll give you a 20% discount.”

  “And Robbie and I will help you out. We were going to give you a bonus anyway, so we’ll just put that in on whatever you decide to buy,” Jimmy said.

  “Pat, you can do better than that measly 20% discount,” Roberta said, reaching up to unbutton her top button.

  “Robbie don’t start!” Jimmy and Pat yelled. Mac laughed as did the others. Roberta ignored them and started to reach for the next button.

  “Alright, alright!” Pat exclaimed. “I’ll sell whatever to the kid at 10% over cost. I got to make a little profit after all.”

  “That’s better,” Roberta said as she walked over to her boyfriend and kissed him. “I’ll reward you tonight.”

  Jimmy groaned. “I so didn’t want to hear that.”

  “I don’t know what to say other than thank you,” Mckenzie said, doing his best to ignore their antics. “So, thank you all.”

  “Alright, now that the mushy stuff is over, let’s find you a proper gun,” Pat said. He led Mckenzie over to the counter. “I think I know just the gun for you, so give me a second.”

  “Sure,” Mac replied. A couple of minutes later, Pat returned carrying a pair of gun cases. He put them on the counter and opened both.

  “These puppies are made by KM Arms from over in the Rigil Kentaurus system,” Pat said, turning the cases so Mckenzie could see inside them. “They’re both FP9s. The one on the left is a FP9-T or tactical model while the one on the right is a FP9-M or the match model.”

  “Alright. What’s the difference between them?” Mac replied.

  “Basically 85 grams and two thousand credits,” Pat quipped. “Joking aside, the tactical does weigh roughly 85 grams more and is made of composite materials. The trigger pull is also a bit more.”

  He picked the pistol up, made sure it was unloaded, and handed it to Mac. Mac took a stance and aimed it away from everyone.

  It’s much lighter and better feeling than the 336 and Echelon, Mac thought. He handed the gun back. Both also have that old earth gun look.

  “That one is more comfortable to me than the others I’ve shot,” Mckenzie said. “The weight felt better.”

  “Good. Now try the FP9-M,” Pat said. Mac did.

  Wow! That feels smooth as can be, he thought. Mckenzie even practiced drawing it.

  “I think he likes it,” Roberta joked.

  “Mckenzie has good taste,” Jimmy added.

  “And expensive taste too,” Pat said. “I wasn’t really joking about the two thousand credit difference.”

  “So, what’s the rest of the differences between the two models?” Mac asked.

  “The FP9-M is made from lighter, stronger metals such as titanium instead of composites like most modern guns. It has a lighter trigger pull and is vented as well as having higher quality sights,” Pat said. “The M can also sync with your implant’s targeting system for even better accuracy and has an ammo tracker as well. Both have biometric and implant code locks.”

  “Can I shoot them both?” Mac asked.

  “Sure,” Pat answered.

  *

  “You want the M, don’t you?” Pat asked.

  “I do. How much is it?” Mac replied.

  “3500 credits and I’ll even through in a couple tranquilizer and regular flechette mags,” Pat answered.

  “Pay a grand Mckenzie, and we’ll cover the rest as your bonus,” Roberta said.

  “Thanks Roberta. Thanks Jimmy,” Mac said. “I appreciate it.”

  “Thanks for your hard work,” Jimmy replied. “You earned the bonus.”

  “Huh?”

  “You did more work than the last three students we had in combined, and we wouldn’t mind having you back next summer,” Roberta explained. “But TCA will most likely have you doing something else like a summer cruise.”

  “Why doesn’t that sound appealing?” Mac asked.

  “Because it’s not fun,” Jimmy answered. “At all.”