Shoshone Station: The Galactic Consortium season 2

Episode Five: Adam #25

Despite being an early riser, the others beat Lannister to it the next day. Kleppie had arrived back late last night, but was already drilling Adam. They had the low table and couch shoved out of the way and were doing drop squats, dropping in a deep squat and then jumping almost to the ceiling. Kleppie was in much better shape, but Adam was doing hir best to keep up, sweat pouring from zie's frame.

Peeta had his morning coffee and breakfast ready. "Heard you moving around."

"Of course, thanks," he said as he accepted the plate. As he ate, he pulled out his slate and his calendar. His next few days were filled with meetings. Diplomacy was rapidly becoming less and less about politics and more about mundane matters. Businessmen on both sides wanting to set up meetings or discuss some aspect of trade, mostly.

Adam and Kleppie headed out the door to run the edge of the station. Peeta came over and checked the calendar over his shoulder. He tapped a couple evening slots, mentioned who was coming for supper and why. He offered menu suggestions.

"Of course, I trust your taste in these matters," Lannister said. "More than my own, actually." He gave a laugh. Peeta looked at him. "It's just . . . normal. Now that the family is gone, things are getting back to normal."

"Yes, sir," Peeta said.

"I just can't believe this has already become normal. This time last year, I was just finishing up an Atlantic tour and pulling into port at Norfolk. We had no idea that the Consortium even existed. My quarters weren't much bigger than this table. Now I'm a space captain."

"I had just finished page school," Peeta reflected. "I was working on Saras for the Kulper's embassy. One of about fifty pages. Glorified errand boy, in reality. My quarters could have rivaled yours in size, I am sure. Perhaps we should enjoy this new normal while it lasts."

"A wise young man," Lannister commented. "I'll be in my office if you need me."