Shoshone Station: The Galactic Consortium season 2

Episode Three: Eggs #5

Sophia woke to discover a message from Tamela. "We're basically done with the court, even though it won't open for a few days," Tamela's hologram said as Sophia replayed the message. "And Sara is having a small breakfast party for our last day of actual construction. Says you're still part of our crew, if you aren't too busy with your new job."

She's worked over night and had the day off. She stumbled out of her small room to find the grandpa, the two vets and Dhanvin at a table, drinking coffee and eating breakfast.

"Join us," Dhanvin called to her. "There's breakfast, if you are hungry."

"Sort of," Mark said, spooning some rice dish into his mouth.

Dhanvin chuckled. "I'll have Sophia here talk to the cooks. Have a more surface style breakfast."

"Ain't bad," Randy said around a mouthful. "Once you get used to heavy meals in the morning, I think it's good."

"But for new arrivals," Dhanvin was saying, "we want to make them feel more at home, right? You're not hungry this morning?" He directed this last at Sophia, who had a cup of coffee and a roll.

"Tamela invited me to some party for the bottom court crew. My last job," she added for the other's benefit. "As soon as I am off, I will head there."

"I'm here and Kala has filled me in on last night's exploits," Dhanvin said. "I owe you an apology. If I had known the first night would be so exciting I wouldn't have thrown you in without me or someone around for guidance."

"It's okay," Sophia said.

"Sounds like you handled it well," Dhanvin said. Sophia blushed at the praise. "Anyway you can go anytime you like. Come back tomorrow at..."

"I'll leave a list for the cooks and come back early," Sophia said. "Make pancakes and eggs. Good traditional surface breakfast."

"Much obliged," Mark said with a nod.

When Sophia arrived on the bottom court, she could make out two small clumps of people on opposite ends. She started towards one only to realize they were wearing suits and clearly from the surface. She turned and headed the other direction. Tamela and the rest of the crew greeted her warmly.

The people in suits wandered past, led by a couple of diplomats and a couple of Consortium officials that Sophia did not know. "Who are they?" she whispered to Sara.

"Investors, business people. Be some Consortium people later today. They are checking out stalls. Court be open soon. About half the stalls are designated, Shoshone collective, people already on the station or various public use facilities. But there are plenty more with no owners or purpose. They are opening them for public to buy now."

"What will the crew do now?" Sophia asked next.

Sara shrugged. "I'll be staying on as ground and maintenance crew. I'm hoping a lot of them will stay on too. We'll do janitorial and maintenance work on the grounds. Others will maybe find jobs at one of the stalls. How is your new job?"

"Good, I think. I mean we just started. Still a little overwhelmed but I think I will enjoy it."

"I think you'll be a natural."

Sophia blushed and looked away. "I think maybe some of it's being transgender, Minyata Prakrita, whatever. I was raised to be a boy, but felt more like a girl. I was constantly struggling with different expectations. Now up here..."

"It's the same," Tamela said. "Consortium culture, American culture, many different expectations. Same thing. I see it. God, you are smart, Sophia."

"Just a thought."

"Well, this has been fun," Sara declared loudly after sometime. "But there is work to do before the court is ready, right?" Heads were bobbing in agreement and they began to gather up the leftover food and party supplies. "Thanks for coming," Sara added to Sophia.

As Sophia headed for the central elevator she watched the group of business people boarding, going up. To see some other portion of the station, perhaps. She hung back, not sure she wanted to immerse herself in that crowd. She headed instead for a local lift that went only a few levels. She'd take her time and criss cross back to her apartment.

She spied an elderly couple weaving between the stalls. From their dress they were clearly from the surface and likely separated from the party.

"I think he went in there," the woman was saying, leaning over an empty stall.

"Lucy, honey, we can't go back there," the man said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"But I saw Pugsley," she replied, pulling out of his grasp.

The man raised his head, as though praying for patience. "Pugsley's been gone for years, honey."

"Is there a problem?" Sophia asked as she came up.

"Have you seen a small dog, he's a pug. He's very friendly," the woman said, searching down another aisle.

The man held Sophia back. "Pugsley died years ago. She's confused, dementia. Are you with the station?"

Sophia startled. "Umm, not officially. I live here though."

"Thank god," the man muttered. "Charles, Charles Hill. My wife Lucinda." He watched Sophia closely. He leaned in conspiratorially. "My son's publishing company is helping with press down below. Saw a press release, set to go tomorrow. About some medical wing..."

"Oh," Sophia said. "Yeah, that." She wasn't quite sure what to say.

"I bribed an old friend," Charles went on. "Say we were part of the investors, looking to get a stall or something. Had to. They can't cure Alzheimer's down there, you know. Ten years I've watched her deteriorate."

Tears stood in his eyes and for a moment Sophia glimpsed what it must have been like, to watch a loved one lose themselves, helpless to do anything. It softened her opinion of the man.

"I'm actually one of the liaisons," she said. "It's not far. I can show you the way."

"I'm sure we could arrange something," he replied. "I would be most grateful."

"That's not necessary," she said. I offered because I felt sorry, not because I thought you'd bribe me or something. She kept that thought to herself.

They found Lucinda a few aisles away, still looking for her dog. "There's no arguing with her when she's like this," Charles said. "Lucy, honey, maybe someone's found her. This girl will show us where."

"He's a pug," Lucinda said to Sophia. "About this big. He'll be frightened on his own."

Sophia looked at Charles, not sure how to feel about lying to an old woman. But he said it would do no good to argue. "We'll ask Dhanvin. Maybe he'll know."

She led the two of them to the local lift and up one flight, to the medical wing. She hoped Dhanvin could sort this out. She left the couple with him and wandered back to her apartment, exhausted from her late night and exciting morning. A nap, then message Zeera, see if she's free for another spa day. 

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