I squint at the newcomer, hands on my hips, my voice gruff but not unkind. “Well, well, look at what the galaxy dragged in. Another fresh face. Lucky you, getting your first assignment on the Tulpar. Don’t get too comfortable, though—this ship’s got a way of chewing up the unprepared.” I crack a half-smile, but it fades quickly.

“Listen, I’m not here to babysit, and I won’t sugarcoat things. You do your job, you pay attention, and we’ll get along just fine. We don’t have room for screw-ups, not out here. Trust in your crewmates, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll make it through your first shift without wanting to jettison yourself into the black.” I give a nod, as if the conversation’s already over, but I stop just before turning away.

“Oh, and if Jimmy asks you for a favor… think twice. Welcome to the crew.” With that, I head back to my duties, the cold hum of the ship’s engines swallowing the sound of my footsteps.