Gabriel sat staring out the window as they traveled in FTL. Madeline had taken a minute or so to adjust to the flight and was now typing out simple sentences for Gabriel to read in Station standard. Space outside was weird, what looked like streaks of clouds or smoke in dark purples with hints of red and blue traveled past with clouds the size of planets in the distance. Or maybe they were much closer as the further he stared into the distance the slower everything up close moved and vice versa.

“It is just me or should the parallax between the clouds or whatever they are be switched?” Gabriel asked and turned to Madeline, “Is parallax even the correct term?”

“I think so, and yes I have heard FTL can be strange. Stop looking out the window if it bothers you...here.” She handed him the tablet. “I got your letters and Station standard paired up. Could you spell your name and while you’re at it mine?”

“Sure, but you know I’ve been pronouncing your name wrong,” Gabriel said and started on his name, the letters following each other and it showed him Station standard floating below his.

“Yeah, but I like the way you say it, I want to see how you would spell it,” She said and smiled.

“Alright,” Gabriel conceded and showed her both names.

Madeline squinted at it for a while, “Gabriel...” She said slowly, pronouncing every syllable. She got to her name, “Hmm, it is a simpler spelling” Her fur ridge rose as she tapped away and a moment later handed the tablet back.

Gabriel looked at it and read out loud, “Mhadeleaine, was that correct?”

Madeline nodded, “Yes, but don’t change how you say it, I always thought it sounded muddled.”

“Your name, your choice, but for the record, I think both variants are pretty,” Gabriel said and smiled.

“Noted,” Madeline said as her fur ridge rose and she smiled with her eyes. Gabriel was getting better at telling Zilgi emotions. “Now get back to practicing”

“Yes miss” Gabriel said and started with simple words, he wrote a word that translated to Station standard so he could learn pronunciation. Luckily his translator could be turned off with his pcu which made things easier. The next couple of hours were spent with Gabriel trying to pronounce words and Madeline correcting him and when he put down the tablet for the night he felt relatively certain he could introduce himself and ask about the weather, though not understand the answer.

Madeline was almost nodding off on the couch beside him. “Time for bed?” She asked when she noticed him putting down the tablet.

“Yeah, don’t think I can cram any more into my brain today.” He stretched and felt his shoulders pop. Madeline glanced suspiciously at his shoulders for a moment before shaking her head and standing up.

“Can you give me a minute to change?”

“Sure” Gabriel stood up and grabbed the tablet while he was at it, “Oh, just let me get my toothbrush”

“Humans still use those?” She asked and opened the door to their sleeping cube letting him in first.

“Yeah, you don’t then?”

“No, we use a mouthwash” She walked over to her bag and pulled out a bottle. “I’d give you some but I don’t know if it’s poisonous to humans.”

“Yeah, better not.” Gabriel said and grabbed his stuff, “Maybe we should have asked Morthri”

“You can call him once we are out of FTL,” Madeline said and pulled off her shirt.

“Really?” Gabriel said and paused at the door. “How does that work?”

“It uses the same tech as the FTL, just makes a really small tunnel that light pulses can pass through,” Madeline said and made shooing gestures at him.

“Alright, I’ll leave, back in two minutes?”

“Yeah, that’s fine,” She said and Gabriel closed the door and went off to brush his teeth and wash his face. He knocked on the door a few minutes later and heard a muffled noise from within like Madeline was trying to speak with her mouth closed.

“Uh, can I come in?” Gabriel asked, a bit confused. A few seconds later Madeline opened the door, the mouthwash in one hand and her mouth full of it. “Oh, got it,” Gabriel said and entered. Madeline was wearing a similar sleeping apron as back on the station, Gabriel assumed, and likewise short shorts. “I was wondering,” Gabriel said as he began pulling off his shirt and the suit underneath, “Do Zilgi have nicknames?”

Madeline held up a finger and swished the liquid around her mouth a few times before swallowing, her fur rippled unevenly and she shivered, “Why make it drinkable and not fix the taste? What was the question?” She asked and put away the mouthwash.

Gabriel chuckled, “Nicknames?”

“That didn’t translate so I suppose we don’t have them,” Madeline said and took a seat on the bed.

“It’s often a shorter version of someone's name or a...substitute?” He glanced at Madeline.

“How should I know?”

“Good point, either way, Gabe is one of my nicknames although not many used it,” He said and finished undressing.

“Hm, I think there is a race or two in the union that uses something similar.” Madeline said scratching her head, “They don’t call it...whatever you do. What would my name be?”

Gabriel turned off the lights, which prompted soft lights lining the ceiling and floor to turn on, Gabriel paused looking at them, “Huh, nightlights” he said and laid down on the mattress. “Well...” he continued and interlaced his fingers behind his head, “Maddie, I suppose would be one. But it’s really down to how creative you’re feeling.”

“How so?” Madeline asked as she rolled herself into a ball of linens, her head poking out.

“Nicknames are not always based on actual names, and not only first names. I was called Ranger because I lived several years in a place called Texas and my last name is Walker.” Gabriel said and shrugged.

“...I don’t get it”

“Oh, of course, sorry I’m tired. There was, or a guess is, an old tv show called Walker texas ranger back on earth.”

“Well yeah, where else?” Madeline said, her tone both amused and a bit sassy.

“Touche” Gabriel grinned, “So I got that one from filling in the gap in the title, and nicknames can change. Or rather people get new ones I guess.”

“So, do you have any creative names for me?” She looked at him expectantly and yawned.

“Well, I haven't really thought about it, just came to mind earlier when we talked about your name.” Gabriel yawned as well, “I’ll let you know though.”

“Mhm, you do that” Madeline said sleepily, “Goodnight Gabe”

“Goodnight Maddie”

The next few days transpired without anything special happening. Gabriel continued to practice Station standard and he got Madeline to join him working out and they practiced some self-defense just in case. Gabriel har argued that they were going to a black market ship in the best of cases. While Madeline did not have his reactions she was still quick and accurate with both her claws and kicks. However, Zilgi and most other races Gabriel discovered were not built for punching.

Ronieans were the only ones apart from humans that had martial arts and taught hand to hand in their military. Most other races had at most basic self-defense. However, both Zilgi and Yavichans had claws and could easily take out an eye so Gabriel adjusted the training accordingly. They had just finished a training session on the last day of this stretch of FTL flight when Scarrask entered the cargo bay.

“We are dropping out of FTL in an hour, you will need to be seated for that. And Gabriel I would like you to escort Micia while she gets supplies.”

“Sure thing Captain,” Gabriel said to Scarrask back as the captain left the room. Gabriel had quickly learned Scarrask was a man of few words and rarely bothered with any small talk. “Alright, shower time” Gabriel wiped his face with a small towel and grabbed his bag.

“You go ahead, I’ll stretch then join you,” Madeline said and sat down, bending with a level of flexibility that would impress any yoga instructor.

“You’ll join me?” Gabriel grinned over his shoulder, “Does that mean we are sharing a stall?”

Madeline glanced at him and winked, “Guess you’ll find out in a few minutes.”

“I’m trembling with anticipation,” Gabriel said, leaving Madeline behind and entered one of the shower stalls. Well, technically it was more like two connected stalls. A small changing room with a sink and bench and the shower beyond a curtain. He stripped and entered the shower part, enjoying the cool water until it quickly heated up, though not to Gabriel's preferred temperature.

He was just about to leave the shower when the door opened. He heard Madeline shuffle about with her bag and then the stall next to his opened, “Darn, wrong one” She said with exaggerated disappointment. “Oh well, there is always next time.”

Gabriel chuckled and turned off the shower, “That’s too bad” He walked over to his bad and looked at his pcu, “Forty minutes left, take your time”

“Will do, let me know if I’m cutting it close,” Madeline said and Gabriel heard the shower turn on.

“Sure thing,” He left the showers and decided to practice some Station standard while he waited. He had learned to read and mostly pronounce the letters and words but his vocabulary was lacking, to say the least. Of course, he had about a week’s practice so it’s not like he expected to be fluent. Luckily Station standard was a relatively simple language, though Gabriel supposed it had to be accepted by so many different races. Or maybe human languages were needlessly complicated.

Madeline came out of the bathroom while Gabriel practiced how to ask for directions, “How much time left?” She asked and sat down next to him, she was wearing shorts and a Zilgi shirt, the actual name didn’t translate so that’s what Gabriel decided to call it.

“About...fifteen minutes,” Gabriel said, “If I’m reading it correctly”

“Yep,” Madeline confirmed and handed him a brush.

“What’s this?” He asked.

“A brush,” Madeline said.

“Well yeah, but is my hair that unkempt?” He ran a hand through his short hair.

“No, it’s for me, I might not have time to brush all my fur and I don’t want to slip around on a wet floor when we leave FTL,” Madeline said.

“So that’s why your showers take so long.” Gabriel ran a finger over the brush, its bristles were soft plastic and quite sparse.

“Yes, that and I’m still not dry, just mostly,” She said and turned her back to him, “So please start on my back, I’ll handle the rest” She waved another brush.

Gabriel shrugged and started to brush, getting some flashbacks to his old family dog from when he was a kid. He shook the nostalgia away and continued. Madeline’s fur was quite long close to her spine and traveled down to her tail but got shorter to the sides. The feathery like structure liked to get tangled and form clumps.

When he reached her tail Madeline flinched, “That’s far enough thank you”

“Oh, sensitive right?” Gabriel asked.

Madeline nodded turning and smiled at him, “Yeah, I’ll handle the rest myself” Gabriel was a bit disappointed he didn’t get to brush her tail, it did look soft, but he put the brush down and picked up the tablet again.

“Are you two ready?” Micia asked walking into the room.

“As ready as I will be,” Madeline said brushing away.

“Yeah,” Gabriel said and looked out the window.

“I would recommend you sit with your backs to the front of the ship,” Micia said gesturing to the far side of the couch. “The effects from the down jump will be reversed from when we entered.”

“So we might fall forward sitting here?” Madeline asked and moved to the other side.

“I don’t think so, you are both quite sturdy but there is a change if you are not prepared.” Micia waved her head side to side. “I would though” She chuckled, which sounded mixed with a clicking noise. “Five minutes,” She said and headed back to the cockpit.

Gabriel decided to move sides as well, and he spent the last few minutes trying to memorize some more words. Madeline was still brushing her tail but was getting a little nervous and grabbed his arm when the countdown started.

Gabriel tried to relax and decided to try and close his eyes during the down jump. The visual of the ship stretching had been the most disorienting thing for him. The accelerating and floating sensation, less so. At the moment of down jump, Gabriel felt the same as before, a force pressing on him and weightless and he experimented by leaning away from the seat and noticed he could easily do it. But were he not prepared the shift could make him stumble. A second or so later he felt everything snap back to normal and opened his eyes. He looked at Madeline who took a deep breath and shook her head.

“You good?” He asked.

“Yeah, I knew what to expect this time,” She said and blinked a few times, “Still it felt like falling out of a tree only to find myself standing on a branch a second later.”

“Yeah, that sounds accurate,” Gabriel said smiling. He moved to the other side and looked out the window, “I see a space station in the distance.” The station was made out of a central cylinder with three rings around it, two smaller over and under a larger one with ships leaving and docking to the center ring.

Madeline moved over and looked over his shoulder, “It would be nice to stretch my legs a bit.”

Gabriel nodded, and while he had jogged up and down the cargo clip-on that was not ideal. “Agreed, maybe you could come shopping with me and Micia?”

“Hmm, maybe, I think your shopping will involve spare parts and food refills and I fancy something else. Some more clothes for example, and Zilgi ingredients if possible, which I guess is food.” Madeline said and shrugged, “If they have them”

“Oh, pick up movies if you can find them!” Gabriel added.

Madeline chirped and her fur ridge stood, “Will do”

After a few hours they were all dressed and ready to dock, the cargo clip-on had been left, like before, with a storage company that looked it over and kept it charged.

They had also picked up a news dump from the FTL gate and Gabriel was a big part of the news for the past few days.“It might be very late to ask this now” Gabriel started as they were pulled into the dock, “But won’t I stand out?” He asked the crew, all gathered at the cargo door.

“Yes, you might” Scarrask confirmed, “But there is not much we can do about it now, maybe your reputation will discourage any troublemakers. I still need you to be security for Micia, this station has a reputation.” Scarrask said. The news had also mentioned the Igris attack on Captain Kanthuas ship.

“How bad?” Madeline asked.

“For you? I wouldn’t worry, but for Aziks” Scarrask glanced at Micia, “It might be a bit more troublesome.”

“Same group as on the last Station?” Gabriel asked. “Did that one have a name by the way?”

“US 535,” Scarrask said and nodded.

“Union Station?” Gabriel guessed.

“535” Scarrask added, “Now we are on a time limit, I would like you all back here in two hours.” The ship shook and Gabriel automatically held out his arms to the sides to stop Micia and Madeline from stumbling, not that any of them needed it. Still, he got an appreciative look from Madeline.

“So, what’s this station's number?” Gabriel asked.

“421” Scarrask answered and pushed the button to open the door and extend the ramp. “Two hours.”

“Yes, Captain” Gabriel and Madeline followed Micia down the ramp and into the station. They all headed down towards the lower ring in an elevator, no music though but a nice view out to space through several layers of glass.

“I’m heading this way,” Madeline said and pointed to the right while looking at the signs.

“We need to go the other way,” Micia said, also reading. Gabriel did his best and could read the words but had no idea what they meant, he thought he recognized a word close to food pointing to the right.

“Let’s meet back here in an hour and a half,” He said.

“That should be plenty of time,” Madeline said and waved, “See you soon”

“See ya,” Gabriel and Micia headed to the left and Gabriel did get several strange looks, but after US 535 he was getting used to it. “So, what are we shopping for?” He asked Micia.

“Replacement parts for the air filters, and some for the garden first. Then we need to ” The garden was what Micia called the plants providing some oxygen in the environmental room. It also helped the air smell fresher. Micia veered off and walked into a store with a holographic sign of a fan blowing air over long blue colored grass.

Gabriel walked around looking at various fans and beds for plants while Micia talked with the shopkeep, an elderly Cecaiampal. Not that Gabriel could tell but she called Micia hatchling and complained about her old body more than once. Just for a test, Gabriel turned off his translator. The shopkeep spoke in a flowing language that favored the letter S while Micia’s language contained sounds from her clicking her...beak? fruit piercing chitin? together...Gabriel had to ask later.

When he turned the translator on they were done bartering. “Gabriel, could you carry this?” Micia asked and pointed to a box with a shoulder strap.

“Of course,” Gabriel threw the strap over his shoulder, “Where to next?”

They walked around for the better part of an hour buying small parts here and there. Though most of the time was spent walking as Micia was not very fast. Not only did she just about reach Gabriel’s waist, but her legs were also not that long. But it gave Gabriel plenty of time to look around and take in the sights.

The station was not in as good shape as 535, many panels were discolored and darker, and several lights were out in the streets. It was not falling apart but definitely felt lived in. There were a lot of eyes on Gabriel and whispering but none that he caught.

Micia ordered some supplies to be delivered to the ship and turned to Gabriel, “We should get back, I’m getting a little worried about the attention we are receiving.”

“Yeah, we should.” He picked up his pcu and found Madeleine's number.

“Hello?” She answered.

“Hi, we are heading back now, might be about ten minutes, how’s it going? any unwanted attention?”

“Some, but most seem to think I am an emissary and don't want to bother me.” She said quietly. “I have not corrected them.”

“Probably wise,” Gabriel said, “will you be at the elevator in time?”

“Yeah, I’ll get there before you,” She said, “See you there”

“Yeah, see you soon” Gabriel hung up and turned to Micia, “Shall we?”

“Yes, let’s go” She nodded.

They headed out and down the street. Gabriel saw many staring at them, some wearing what he thought was similar clothing to the gang back on 535 but he hoped he was mistaken. He made a point to stare at whoever stared at him and wave to those who just looked curious. After about ten minutes they turned a corner and saw the elevator and Madeline standing in front of a group of about eight Phigos and Yavichians talking loudly at her. She stood arms crossed and scowled at them.

“Crap...” Gabriel said and hurried along, Micia running behind. He reached the group just as one Phigos grabbed Madeline’s left arm, “Twist and kick!” Gabriel shouted to her.

Madeline grabbed the Phigos hand with her right, dug her claws in, and twisted her body. The Phigos arm twisted around and he lost his grip just before Madeline kicked him in the ribs, careful not to use her claws. The Phigos stumbled back and fell on his ass wheezing. Madeline looked just as surprised as the rest of the group that it worked. Gabriel waited for Micia then pushed between the group and put Micia and Madeline behind him.

“Let’s end this here,” He told the group and dropped the shopping bags behind him.

“Not as long as you keep that as company!” One shouted and pointed to Micia.

Gabriel clenched his fists “More racists huh, I wonder, why is it that you don’t bully Zilgi or Ronieans?” They looked at each other but no one answered. “Maybe you’re all cowards? bullying the weak to feel strong.” Gabriel guessed. It looked like he was correct as anger showed on all their faces. “Madeline, would you take Micia back to the ship?”

“You are not going anywhere!” One shouted.

“And if anyone tries to stop you go for the eyes or cut their stomachs open,” Gabriel said and snarled to the group, displaying his teeth.

Madeline pulled a claw along the metal floorboards with a loud noise, “I will, do try not to kill all of them” She grabbed her and Gabriel's bags and backed into the elevator with Micia and no one else moved luckily. Gabriel hoped Madeline’s bluff about him killing them all worked.

“Now then, who’s first,” Gabriel asked and cracked his knuckles.

A large Phigos a little taller than Gabriel stepped up, “I am” He said and punched Gabriel in the face. Gabriel twisted just enough to not catch the punch on his nose and smiled when the Phigos pulled his hand back flexing his fingers clearly in pain. The punch had been about as strong as a gentle jab but without the speed.

“You have to do better than that” Gabriel laughed. The phigos hit him again, and once again Gabriel just kept the punch from his nose, “Again!” Gabriel shouted and took a step forward. Another punch, “Again, with feeling this time!” Another full force punch that cut his lip slightly. “That’s better!” Gabriel shouted and hooked the Phigos in the jaw. He managed to keep from breaking anything but the Phigos tumbled to the ground barely conscious. “Anyone else?” He looked around the group.

One Yavichan reached into his coat and pulled out a stun rod. “Take this!”

He advanced and swung it at Gabriel who swiped it away with his forearm, just receiving a small shock from it. “See, when you find someone stronger you use weapons or run.” Another swing and Gabriel stepped forward and caught the Yavichians wrist. He pulled the stun bat from him and pressed it into the Yacichans stomach pressing the on button. He twitched and fell to the floor groaning. “I wish we had the time to talk this over, I would like to know what you have against Azik and Cecaiampals. But I have a ship to catch,” Gabriel said and shrugged. “So I will send the next one to the hospital.” He said and bounced the stun bat on his shoulder, hoping he wouldn’t need to.

They all backed off a little and pulled their comrades away. Everything was tense and Gabriel saw some twitch towards pockets but luckily security picked that moment to arrive. The group scattered and Gabriel dropped the stun bat and held his hands up. One officer approached him, “You are not under arrest.”

“Oh, I’m not?” Gabriel said surprised.

“No” He pointed to a camera watching the elevator. “We saw everything from your Zilgi companion being harassed to the fight. We were unfortunately not close by.”

“So, can I go? My ship is scheduled to leave soon.”

“Yes, I assume the Azik you travel with was the problem?” the officer asked.

“I would say their opinions were the problem, but sure.”

“Of course, my mistake,” The officer said. “We have all heard the news from US 535 and I think it might be best to avoid that group for the time being.”

“No arguments here, If it were up to me I would,” Gabriel said and shrugged.

The officer gestured to the elevator, “I think leaving sounds like a good idea then, and if you can help it, choose stations with less gang presence”

“I’m just security,” Gabriel said, “...and ambassador for the humans but who’s keeping check,” he added and moved to the elevator.

“New races are big news,” The officer said, “take care ambassador”

Gabriel stepped confused into the elevator and found the correct button. It almost felt too easy, no questioning, or anything. Maybe he should ask someone what ambassador status meant.

He stepped out of the elevator and was almost immediately tackled by Micia, “I’m so glad you are safe Gabriel” She said, hugging his leg.

“Me too,” He said smiling and patted her on the back.

Madeline walked over smiling, “Same here,” She walked over and hugged him as well, “Thank you for that.”

Gabriel waved a hand dismissively, “You could have handled it, you did great, especially your acting.”

“Thanks,” Madeline said smiling softly, “I was stalling for you to arrive.”

“I was referring for when you left, but either way” Gabriel smiled, “Good job...now I need my leg to get back to the ship” Gabriel patted Micia on the head.

“Oh, of course,” She let go of him. Gabriel picked up the shopping bags and they all headed back to the ship, the food was being loaded as they arrived.

“Right on time,” Scarrask said, then he notices the small amount of blood on Gabriel’s lip. “Got into a fight did you?”

“Yep, same as on 535,” Gabriel said and headed up the ramp.

Scarrask looked them over, “Good job” He simply stated before going back to his tablet. Gabriel shrugged and headed into the ship. He quickly cleaned up the tiny cut and joined the crew for dinner, which was a little more extravagant than stew. Scarrask had ordered takeout in the form of some kind of burritos. But like most foods, it needed some fire-root.

The rest of the day was just spent picking up the cargo clip-on and they entered FTL late at night. Gabriel and Madeline entered the sleeping cube after preparing for bed. Gabriel pulled off his shirt and suddenly Madeline hugged his back. “Uh, Maddie?” Gabriel asked, surprised.

Madeline said nothing for a moment before squeezing him hard and letting go, “While I appreciate you getting me and Micia out of that situation, please don’t scare me like that. What if they had weapons?”

“...Other than a stun bat?” Gabriel asked carefully. Madeline sighed and scowled but her fur ridge twitched, she turned her back on him and began undressing. “Though if I receive this kind of treatment I can’t make any promises,” Gabriel said.

He saw Madeline’s fur rise but she drew a hand over her head to force it down, “I’m still mad.”

“I’m sorry,” Gabriel said, “How can I make it up to you?”

“First, turn around so I can get changed.”

“Oh, sure,” Gabriel said and turned around and waited. He stood there surprisingly nervous for some reason for a few minutes.

“Alright, done,” Madeline said. Gabriel turned around and she held her arms out, “First a hug,” she said. Gabriel smiled and hugged her tight, She rubbed her cheek against his. They stood there for a long while before she pulled away. Then she jabbed him in the stomach, not hard but enough to make Gabriel flinch. “And that’s for joking when we were having a serious discussion,” she said, folding her arms, but Gabriel heard from her voice she was not mad. Gabriel straightened up and she grabbed his face, “Just try and be careful, please.”

Gabriel nodded, “I promise to try.”

“I know you will rush headfirst into danger for any number of baffling reasons, but I have grown quite fond of you.” She let go and headed to her bed.

“The feeling is mutual” Gabriel smiled and started undressing again.

Madeline smiled warmly and wrapped herself in the covers, “Goodnight Gabe.”

“Goodnight Maddie...Crap, I forgot to call Morthri.”