"If they're consistent in one regard, it's underestimating us," says Merry, a smirk on the corner of her lips. "We have a target. Get the crew ready for intercept."

"Could be a contractor," says Duke. "They know we've been lookin' for the lab they send those kids to. Why would we suspect a civilian ship?"

"He's not wearing a uniform."

"Remarkable powers of observation, dear Merry" says Glitch in a mock-posh accent. Merry flicks her ear as she cackles.

"What do we know about him?"

"Zzzzzzilch."

A few taps later, a grainy face appears, his dark scruffy hair framed by the stars of the orbital dock. A seperate video feed displays a group of dock workers loading a large, covered crate onto a waiting ship. The man hardly looks villainous . . . but then, villains rarely do.

It's not like I don't have two big couches on the porch they could tuck a package behind to keep it somewhat hidden. Nope, gotta dump it in front of the door.

Yeah, they never bother knocking anymore. The posties have been replaced with cheap contractors who have huge daily quotas, so it's a choice between knocking or having the time to deliver everything in the truck.

As someone who has to deal regularly with Australia Post (I run a lil' Etsy store) I lament the state of our once-fairly-reliable postal service. They're currently in the habit of leaving everything I order on my doorstep, in a kinda dodgy suburb, in plain view of a BUS STOP. 😭

It's darkest before the dawn, friend. Focus on the light you can bring to others - let that be your purpose and your guide through these times. Where there is no light, we must create it within ourselves. It's all we can do.

But she would have to betray him for such a world to be woven. And so her dream dissolved, like spun sugar in the rain, leaving only pain and impossible choices.

This one is my favourite. 🤣

I feel you. Mine have been horrible since my teens as well, and they flare up in the cold if I sit still for too long. It huuuuuurts.

...opening onto endless stars. A shen'navyre perched above her, white feathers iridescent with soft pastels, carolling into the sky.