Chapter 272 - All Hands
Chapter 272 - All Hands
The breakout sessions wound down, and the teams pulled back to their seats. The noise dropped to a low working murmur, then everyone got quiet.
Luca took a breath and made eye contact with Emily. She gave him a slight nod.
Here we go.
He triggered his interface and pulled up the Triumph Initiative Adventuring Company menu.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Level 3 | Frontier Charter
Membership: 9 / 2,500
Contribution Points: 2,661,025 / 12,000,000
Credits: 2,626,105,000
Assets: 7,304,745,000
Authority: House Stevens (Patrician Karen Stevens)
Assets:
Triumph of Darron - Exploration Frigate (Mobile HQ) - 4,500,000,000
Vanguard Bundles - 2,000,000,000
[Select to expand complete list...]
Officers:
Master of Venture: Luca Rossi - Level 74 - Starship Commander
Chief of Staff: Emily Berrow - Level 74 - Operations Executive
Science Officer: Danny Donahue - Level 74 - United Theorist
Medical Officer: Joey Donahue - Level 74 - Clinical Strategist
Engineering Officer: Ryan Mitchell - Level 74 - Integrated Engineer
Navigation Officer: Zoe Woods - Level 74 - Spatial Analyst
Field Operations Officer: Chris Valtz - Level 74 - Tactical Systems Engineer
Chief Scientist: Eleanor Cadwell - Level 60 - Principal Investigator
Chief Engineer: Sabrina Moreno - Level 60 - Senior Systems Engineer
He navigated to the membership tab and opened the invitation screen. Seventy-nine people in front of him. Fourteen teams.
He started with Desert Sparks.
"Desert Sparks." He called out loudly. "On your feet."
Four of them got to their feet, Valeria at the aisle end. She had her arms at her sides and her chin level, the way people stood when they were trying not to look like they were standing at attention.
"Valeria." He looked at her directly. "Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri, and everything that comes with it?"
She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
The room started clapping. It spread fast, the way applause did when people had been waiting for something to cheer.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Valeria Guerrero - Level 60 - Combat Path: Deadeye | Professional Path: Machinist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Manufacturing Engineer
Natalia Flores - Level 60 - Combat Path: Roughneck | Professional Path: Power Systems Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Energy Systems Engineer
Gabriela Reyes - Level 60 - Combat Path: Bulwark | Professional Path: Structural Surveyor - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Hull and Structural Inspector
Jake Sullivan - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Expedition Coordinator - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Recreational Coordinator
He let the clapping run for a second, then moved on.
"Die Stürmer."
All six of them rose from their row.
"Klaus. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
"Ja," he said. "Yes."
Someone in the back laughed.
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
The room clapped harder than the first time.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Klaus Bauer - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Pilot - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Dock Master
Lena Hoffmann - Level 60 - Combat Path: Suppressor | Professional Path: Ballistics Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Manufacturing Engineer
Petra Zimmermann - Level 60 - Combat Path: Trauma Specialist | Professional Path: Damage Control Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Hull and Structural Inspector
Anke Huber - Level 60 - Combat Path: Sniper | Professional Path: Data Analyst - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Data Scientist
Sven Fischer - Level 60 - Combat Path: Bulwark | Professional Path: Materials Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Material Scientist
Steffi Müller - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Fabrication Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Manufacturing Engineer
Emily caught his eye from across the room and grinned.
"Frozen Fangs," Luca called next.
Five of them came to their feet in the same row. Ivan had his arms crossed, already smiling the way he had been smiling in that bar in St. Petersburg when he had ordered vodka for people he had just met and started asking operational questions like he was already planning the mission himself.
"Ivan. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
Ivan looked at him for a moment. "Da."
The room clapped before Luca could say anything.
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative," he said, over the noise.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Ivan Kozlov - Level 60 - Combat Path: Bulwark | Professional Path: Security Assessor - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Security Anchor
Polina Belova - Level 60 - Combat Path: Trauma Specialist | Professional Path: Nanotechnology Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Nanotechnology Engineer
Irina Petrova - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Avionics Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Avionics Technician
Anya Sorokina - Level 60 - Combat Path: Rifleman | Professional Path: Field Geology Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Applied Geologist
Dmitri Novikov - Level 60 - Combat Path: Bogatyr | Professional Path: Endurance Coach - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Fitness and Wellness Staff
"Furia Andina."
Seven of them got up from their row. Plumitas stood up too.
Luca's eyes went to the condor. Seven feet of Andean apex predator, fully upright in the fourth row, head turning slowly as it surveyed the room. He had no idea how he had missed it. He had been in this hall for hours, and the giant bird still made him doubt the whole idea.
Luis was grinning. Nelsy was trying not to.
"Rodrigo. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
Rodrigo put a hand over his chest. "Con mucho gusto."
Plumitas squawked something, and whatever it was, the Furia Andina section found it very funny.
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative," Luca said.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Rodrigo Castillo - Level 60 - Combat Path: Llanero | Professional Path: Expedition Safety Officer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Internal Security Officer
Nelsy Suárez - Level 60 - Combat Path: Deadeye | Professional Path: Machine Interface Handler - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: AI Integration Specialist
Carla Hernández - Level 60 - Combat Path: Supply Specialist | Professional Path: Power Systems Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Life Support Engineer
Elena Vargas - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Maintenance Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Water Recycling Specialist
Encarna Jiménez - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Field Comms Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Avionics Technician
Luis Ramos - Level 60 - Combat Path: Supply Specialist | Professional Path: Quartermaster - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Administrative Assistant
Andrea Medina - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Thrust Systems Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Propulsion Engineer
Rodrigo Castillo has registered Plumitas as Companion - Level 60 Andean Condor
"Guerreiros do Sol."
Six of them got to their feet. Gabriel and the others next to him. Luca caught Joey shift slightly in his seat and then stop, very deliberately, looking straight ahead.
Maria was standing in the row.
"Gabriel. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
Gabriel held his gaze. "Sim. Yes."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
"Obrigado," he said as the room started clapping. From somewhere to Luca's left, Joey was clapping harder than he needed to.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Gabriel Santos - Level 60 - Combat Path: Enforcer | Professional Path: Urban Planning Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Outpost Director
Maria Souza - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Applied Medical Researcher - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Medical Support Staff
João Oliveira - Level 60 - Combat Path: Pathfinder | Professional Path: Ecological Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Environmental Systems Engineer
Paulo Costa - Level 60 - Combat Path: Bulwark | Professional Path: Materials Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Materials Engineer
Thiago Alves - Level 60 - Combat Path: Crusher | Professional Path: Structural Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Materials Engineer
Larissa Ferreira - Level 60 - Combat Path: Deadeye | Professional Path: Pilot - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Pilot
"Iron Timber Crew."
Five of them rose from their row.
To his left, Emily leaned half an inch toward Zoe. Zoe leaned back. Neither of them said anything.
"Lucy."
She was already pink before he said anything else.
"When's your birthday?"
"Two weeks ago, sir."
He nodded. That was close enough to count as dramatic. "Alex. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
Alex nodded once. "Yes, sir."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
Emily started clapping first, which was not like her. Zoe was right behind her, which was exactly like her.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Alex Mitchell - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Engineer | Professional Path: Field Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Facilities Manager
Jason Cooper - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Operations Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Communications Specialist
Lucy Harper - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Medic - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Medical Support Staff
Mark Barrett - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Logistics Controller - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Logistics Coordinator
Sarah Callahan - Level 60 - Combat Path: Rifleman | Professional Path: Community Warden - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Recreational Coordinator
"Israel Vanguard."
Six of them got to their feet. Noa was at the far end, small and upright, a silver ring on her index finger catching the light. She had her chin up and her hands loose at her sides.
"Noa. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
"Yes," she replied. "Yes, Captain!"
The room cheered. Luca let it go for a second, then squinted at her.
"Noa?"
She looked up. "Yes, captain?"
"How old are you?"
She smiled. "Eighteen," she said. "Today's my birthday."
The room exploded again, louder than the first time. Someone in the back whistled.
Luca looked at Emily. She raised an eyebrow at him and grinned.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Noa Shapira - Level 60 - Combat Path: Maccabee | Professional Path: Logistics Coordinator - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Crew Support Services
Tamar Mizrahi - Level 60 - Combat Path: Pathfinder | Professional Path: Pilot - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Pilot
Yael Katz - Level 60 - Combat Path: Trauma Specialist | Professional Path: Applied Nanotech Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Nanotechnology Engineer
Avi Ben-David - Level 60 - Combat Path: Operative | Professional Path: Field Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Vessel Maintenance Technician
Erez Cohen - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Power Systems Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Energy Systems Engineer
Shai Levi - Level 60 - Combat Path: Bulwark | Professional Path: Starship Systems Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Vessel Maintenance Technician
"Soñadores."
The Puerto Rican team got to their feet, already smiling.
"Rosa. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
Rosa smiled. "Yes, Captain. We will."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Rosa Vega - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Aircraft Maintenance Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Avionics Technician
Camila Rivera - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Maintenance Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Fabrication Specialist
Diego Cruz - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Propulsion Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Propulsion Engineer
Sofia Molina - Level 60 - Combat Path: Supply Specialist | Professional Path: Power Systems Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Life Support Engineer
Isabel Colón - Level 60 - Combat Path: Deadeye | Professional Path: Point-Defense Operator - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Applied Geologist
Miguel Reyes - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Engineer | Professional Path: Power Systems Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Automation and AI Specialist
Alejandro Cardona - Level 60 - Combat Path: Sniper | Professional Path: Sensors Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Data Scientist
"Sunwalkers."
Six of them got to their feet.
"Paco. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
"Hombre, Capitán, claro." He spread his hands. "Cuenta con nosotros."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Paco Herrera - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Medical Ecologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Medical Ecologist
Lucia Navarro - Level 60 - Combat Path: Trauma Specialist | Professional Path: Medical Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Bioengineer
Dolores Domínguez - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Maintenance Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Water Recycling Specialist
Carmen Torres - Level 60 - Combat Path: Pathfinder | Professional Path: Systems Ecologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Systems Ecologist
Alvaro Castillo - Level 60 - Combat Path: Piquero | Professional Path: Shield Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Material Scientist
Carlos Ruiz - Level 60 - Combat Path: Rifleman | Professional Path: Sensors Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Exoplanetary Ecologist
"The Argonauts... Gli Argonauti."
Five of them got to their feet. Marco was already grinning before Luca said his name.
"Marco. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
"Certo che sì!" He looked back at the others, arms wide, like Luca had just said something they'd all been waiting to hear. "We go, no?"
The others clapped enthusiastically while the room hollered.
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Marco Ferrara - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Propulsion Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Vessel Maintenance Technician
Giulia Romano - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Medical Ecologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Medical Support Staff
Riccardo Mancini - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Engineer | Professional Path: Environmental Systems Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Environmental Systems Expansion Engineer
Serena De Luca - Level 60 - Combat Path: Triage Specialist | Professional Path: Overflow Medic - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Medical Ecologist
Franco Esposito - Level 60 - Combat Path: Rifleman | Professional Path: Exobiologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Exobiologist
"Rifters."
Five of them got to their feet. Nyah was their lead with her shaved head. Ekong was up beside her, the scar from his encounter with that lion of his, just visible at his collar.
"Nyah. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
"Yes, Captain."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Nyah Odhiambo - Level 60 - Combat Path: Enforcer | Professional Path: Resource Extraction Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Resource Extraction Engineer
Adeya Wanjiru - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Energy Systems Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Energy Systems Engineer
Sade Muthoni - Level 60 - Combat Path: Bulwark | Professional Path: Infrastructure Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Planetary Infrastructure Specialist
Zayaan Kariuki - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Culinary Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Catering and Food Services
Ekong Kamau - Level 60 - Combat Path: Suppressor | Professional Path: Manufacturing Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Manufacturing Engineer
"The Rising Sun."
The Persian team got to their feet. Arash had with Davar on his arm, the saker falcon sitting perfectly still, hooded, her leather chest armor in geometric patterns.
"Arash. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
Arash looked at him. "Yes, Captain."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Arash Tehrani - Level 60 - Combat Path: Qizilbash | Professional Path: Security Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Security Specialist
Leila Avraham - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Persian Chef - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Catering and Food Services
Shirin Rostami - Level 60 - Combat Path: Pathfinder | Professional Path: Pilot - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Pilot
Reza Shirazi - Level 60 - Combat Path: Deadeye | Professional Path: Pilot - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Pilot
Farid Moradi - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Engineer | Professional Path: Field Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Vessel Maintenance Technician
Arash Tehrani has registered Davar as Companion - Level 54 Saker Falcon
"Windward Collective."
They stood up, all six around Jonas.
"Jonas. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
"Yes."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative."
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Jonas van der Berg - Level 60 - Combat Path: Geuzen | Professional Path: Propulsion Engineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Propulsion Engineer
Freya Bakker - Level 60 - Combat Path: Trauma Specialist | Professional Path: Bioengineer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Bioengineer
Samuel Hoekstra - Level 60 - Combat Path: Rifleman | Professional Path: Systems Ecologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Systems Ecologist
Anika Vermeer - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tracker | Professional Path: Exobiologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Exobiologist
Lars de Jong - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Medic | Professional Path: Medical Ecologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Medical Ecologist
Karin de Vries - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Exoplanetary Ecologist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Exoplanetary Ecologist
He called the last team by the name he had on file.
"Aiko."
Aiko stood. The rest of her team looked at her, then pivoted to look at Luca, then looked back at her.
She had a red dragon tattooed up both arms and cherry blossoms inked down her forearms, and she stood like she had been waiting for her name to be called since before this meeting started.
Luca looked at her. Then at the five people still sitting.
"Aiko. We don't have your team name."
"Ah." She smiled. It was a very dangerous-looking smile. "Mochi."
Someone in the room laughed. Then more people. Aiko's expression did not change at all.
Emily leaned toward him and whispered. "Like the rice cakes?"
Luca shrugged.
"Aiko. Will your team join us on the mission to Alpha Centauri?"
"Yes, Captain."
"Welcome to the Triumph Initiative, Mochi," Luca said.
[Triumph Initiative - House Rossi]
Aiko Tanaka - Level 60 - Combat Path: Tactician | Professional Path: Strategist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Interstellar Navigator
Sato Inoue - Level 60 - Combat Path: Operative | Professional Path: Logistics Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Armory Specialist
Takashi Yoshida - Level 60 - Combat Path: Suppressor | Professional Path: Crew Support Specialist - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Crew Support Services
Kenta Fujiwara - Level 60 - Combat Path: Combat Engineer | Professional Path: Weapons Technician - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Armory Technician
Aya Shimizu - Level 60 - Combat Path: Ashigaru | Professional Path: Japanese Chef - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Catering and Food Services
Rina Hayashi - Level 60 - Combat Path: Striker | Professional Path: Fitness Trainer - has joined the Triumph Initiative
Role Assigned: Fitness and Wellness Staff
Luca walked out of the briefing hall with eighty-seven people behind him and turned left.
The column behind him took a beat to adjust. He heard the shuffle and the questions getting louder as they realized they were not going back to habitation. He kept walking. The answer arrived pretty quickly when they hit the departure terminal corridor and saw the Genesis Platform guards cordoning off the junction.
Four Hyeon Logistics dropships sat at the airlocks ahead, boarding ramps lowered, cabin lights on. Emily fell in beside him as he reached the first airlock. She pulled up the boarding assignments on her tablet.
The flight took a few minutes.
He spent most of it watching through the small oval of reinforced glass as Genesis Platform's superstructure slid past. Gantries and umbilical towers receded behind them, and the asteroid belt around them stayed pale grey and endless.
Then the Triumph of Darron came into view.
The Triumph sat clean against the blackness, three hundred and twenty meters of fully loaded ship. The hull was silver with a high-polish finish, running lights cycling slowly along the spine. The hangar bay at Deck 5 was open, the interior glow spilling out into the vacuum.
Behind him in the cabin, someone let out a breath. Then two more people said something he could not hear over the dropship's hum.
He kept his eyes on the hull until the docking approach angled them toward the open hangar.
Deck 5 was forty meters high and a hundred and eighty meters long, and even with the freight pallets cleared and the crew arriving in batches through four boarding ramps, it had room to spare.
Pixel hit Zoe from the left.
She had been beside Matteo until Zoe came down the ramp, which apparently ended Pixel's commitment to dignity. She cleared the distance from thirty feet in three strides, all two hundred pounds of her at full sprint. Zoe caught her the way she always did, both arms up, absorbing the impact without going down. The bioluminescent markings along Pixel's flanks cycled in fast pulses, that pale purple pattern she ran when she was happy. Level 48 armor clinked against Zoe's jacket as the two of them collided.
Alessio was fifteen feet away, grinning wide enough to look personally offended by restraint. His dark hair was messy, and his hands were tucked in his jacket pockets.
Luca crossed to him and pulled him into a hug, and Alessio hugged back the way he always did, with actual weight behind it. "Good to see you."
"You too." Alessio pulled back and looked at him with those bright brown eyes. "This is really happening."
"Yeah."
Matteo was standing to the left with his arms crossed and Luca walked over.
For a second, neither of them said anything.
"How's the team?" Luca asked.
"Good," Matteo said. "Ready. We've got three more slots in Europa coming up. Karen's going to open up Callisto soon and we'll be there for that."
"Good," Luca said. "That's good."
There was a longer pause. Luca put a hand on his shoulder and Matteo looked at the deck for half a second before looking back up.
"Don't be stupid out there," Matteo said.
"That's rich, coming from you."
Matteo almost smiled. He shook Luca's hand, which was the most Matteo thing possible, and Luca gripped it hard before letting go.
"I'll be back," Luca said.
He let go of Matteo's hand and turned back toward the hangar.
Luca turned to look at the rest of the hangar and immediately understood what the noise was about.
The jaguars were lounging along the port wall, both of them. That was still two more jaguars than he wanted on his ship. They had arranged themselves across the deck plating with complete disregard for the surrounding humans or the logistical implications of their presence. One was asleep against a cargo container. The other watched him with amber eyes, chin resting on its forepaws.
Izumi Tomiko appeared from behind a loading cradle, tablet in hand.
"Before you ask," she said, "the jaguars came with Pixel. The mustangs came once Pixel was on board. We tried."
"I wasn't going to ask."
"You were going to ask."
"Did you bring any hay?" Luca asked.
"Deck 6. All stocked." She tapped her tablet twice without looking at it. "Forty-eight bales, plus the feed supplements and water dispensers. The enclosure is already built out. It's fine. They're actually pretty calm as long as nobody startles them."
He looked at the jaguar watching him from the port wall.
"Okay," he said. "Just let Zoe know, and Ryan. They need a full briefing."
"That works," Izumi replied. "Hey, good luck out there. I'll be on the first ship over to you guys."
"Thanks, Izumi." He meant it. Between the supply chain, horses, the enclosure, and apparently the jaguars, she and her team had kept the whole operation from collapsing under its own weight. "I hope you and Matteo can figure something out. For real."
She gave him a small smile and turned back to her tablet. The jaguar on the wall blinked once, then yawned, exposing its massive canines.