The next two days settled into a rhythm that felt almost dreamlike. During the day, David followed Jack through the labyrinthine mechanical parts market, listening to the old mechanic"s insights on hydraulic valves, servo motors, and weapon hardpoint interfaces. It made his own mech maintenance knowledge feel decidedly rudimentary. At night, he showed up punctually at Sophia"s apartment. Jupiter"s cold light filtered through the viewport, illuminating their entangled bodies. Their panting breaths and sweat seemed to compress all their lost time into each frantic, desperate night. On the third morning, Perry and Jack were set to return to the mine. By the Pilgrim"s slightly cluttered airlock, Perry pulled David aside, his voice low and uncharacteristically grave. "Look, kid. I see the way t
