Restocking Station

393 AC - The AES Kurush enters its approach vector. Over the railing, I see the restocking station floating in stationary position, patiently waiting for us to dock with it. The Faction had placed them at regular intervals so that all the ships in the fleet could fill up on Kelon. And our reserves were indeed quite low after several days escorting the Pantagruel. I squint and count the energy tanks, as Pebble scratches the top of his polished head. At least 15, maybe 20. Should be plenty. Three will be enough to reach the rest of the flotilla, or five if the captain decides to make a side trip to the factory that the Bravos scouts have identified in Sector 7. I turn to the Chimaera. My Chimaera.

It's strange to think that he belongs to me now, just as I belong to him. The other Exalts had told me that it would take time to get used to him being around, but I don't really get the feeling that we're all that connected. Is he holding back? Or maybe I'm the one unconsciously keeping him out? He turns sheepishly to face me, his big blank eyes staring at me with a bemused look. "We're going to have to get to know each other," I think inside my head, with no idea whether he hears or understands anything at all. No reaction… just more discouragement. I think back to our first meeting and to the innocent way he followed me out of the chamber. Even surrounded by pistoleers, he didn't complain…

ISAREE