Owner's Share

Owner's Share

"Ish, how would you like to own your own ship." Mr Maloney asked over dinner, a delightful affair at the top of the orbital. Kurt had a table with other bodyguards, and Mr Maloney and I had a secluded table. All the tables were secluded. I had just bit into the amuse-bouche, and silently cursed my boss for distracting me.

"Sir?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"Once the Chernyakova clears, you'll be a wealthy man. We're not sure how wealthy, as it'll depend on the auction. DST is bidding, of course. I'll trade your share for a ship, on two conditions."

"A ship?" I stared into the soup, wafting the aroma, not sure what my boss was talking about. I needed a moment, and processed by savoring the first bite of the popcorn butter soup. It really was delicious. I wondered if I could serve something like it aboard ship.

After a moment when my head had calmed down, I asked, "My shares in exchange for a ship and two conditions, sir. Let's start with the ship."

"With the crewers we're about to lose, I can finally consolidate the fleet. I've got a 9,500t ship to sell. At that size, she can run with just a Captain and an Engineer, so long as there are no passengers. The ship is in rough shape, but I'll let you take Gerheart."

I felt my face turn red at the mention of my Chief Engineer. I paused, as if considering but really because I couldn't talk. "And the conditions?"

He needed. "Good, I have your attention. Number one, I'll own 10%. Not DST, but me personally. The rest is yours, and this lets me provide advice without a conflict."

I nodded. That made sense, and having someone who could help me learn the ropes would make the transition easier. "And the other condition?"

"Hire my daughter. Train her as a spacer. Get her up to full share."