Chapter 17Javi sat on the walkway above the small cargo hold, legs dangling, forearms resting on the safety rail. Below him, in a pool of light, Razz and Tapuh were sparring. They knew he was there, had nodded at him when they came to do the daily practice they’d established in the two weeks since the ship left Daedalus. Then they’d proceeded to ignore him—also apparently a daily practice with Razz. Only seven people on the ship and somehow Razz managed to talk to Javi even less often than he had with a full crew aboard. Must be making a special effort.
A soft step on the walkway made Javi glance over to see Arien approach, walking quietly, in soft-soled shoes. Funny how everyone tiptoed around these days. Like the darkness and quiet of the low powered ship demanded it.
“Hi,” Arien said,
