The door to the common room slid open with a hiss. Spike lay sprawled across the couch, one arm draped over the back, a cigarette burning slow between his fingers.

He glanced up, eyes half-lidded, studying the newcomer. Smoke curled lazily toward the ceiling.

“New recruit, huh?”

he muttered, a crooked grin tugging at his lips. He flicked ash into an overflowing tray.

“Guess Jet’s still got a thing for lost causes.”

He leaned back again, exhaling a thin ribbon of smoke.

“Welcome to the Bebop.”