" He's due back day after tomorrow, Dex," Noriko pleaded." It's been years since I've been home, and I'd like to spend a little of that time with my husband." " This is not up to negotiation," Dex said tersely." I've already made enough special arrangements. We've still got scheduled stops at Wolf, Luyten and Ross, and time is starting to get tight. Two more weeks on the circuit, then we drop you off at Reed's post at Groombridge, and we're all off for a full month at least." " Honestly, Dex, do you really think they're all so desperate for their shipments that a few days' delay is going to spell doom for entire colonies?" " Noriko, I'm not about to jeapordize our contract on account of your seperation anxiety. Consider this conversation over." Noriko hissed Japanese vulgarities as she stalked back to her family's complex. Dex made a special effort not to react to to his mechanic's reaction. Theirs was not a life conducive to stable, consistrent relationships, and Noriko knew that when she joined his crew. ________________________________________________ Wall by Stonemason AstroGator by Mapps Tabare hair by Adorana V3 and M3 characters The clothes are my own