(… continuing)

The rest of the day was far less eventful. The traverse the next morning had gone ahead on time. As had the one in the evening. Dukk and Luna had largely spent their time recuperating. They had also spent time together in the crew mess sharing stories. The events during the EVA had created a bond between them. Annee and Mentor went about their routine as normal. Bazzer finished the repairs. And, Marr had spent lots of her time practicing various rig maneuvers using the simulations.
On arrival into Maple 12, the last system before the traverse to the hub stop, it was decided to have an evening meal together again. It would be their first daily meal since the first time, post launch. The events during the intermediary stop had got in the way. And the day before, Marr and Luna hadn’t been up to eating much as they got used to the traverses.
With the passengers settled, they gathered at the crew mess table.
“Who wants to give thanks? Luna, perhaps you would like to give it a go?” Dukk said before they started eating.
“Why not, perhaps we can start our own tradition, or revive an old one?” Luna answered. She then activated her bracelet, lifted her head and pulled her shoulders back. The others did so also.
“I express gratitude for all that was, is and yet to be. I express gratitude for the skills and quick thinking of Dukk and Mentor. I give thanks for being welcomed so openly to this new adventure,” Luna said warmly. She paused briefly, then continued. “Focus on that which is real in the heart. Create the space so that the process can emerge. Honour that which serves you well. Engage in the journey as it unfolds. Thanks, I give.”
“Thanks, I give,” they all replied.
Smiles were on every face. And the odd tear had to be caught in every eye. They all felt the shift. They felt that something had changed.
“Let’s eat before these go cold,” Bazzer announced to break the silence and perhaps hide his own emotion.

“So, what is the plan tomorrow?” Luna asked between mouthfuls.
“The docking process or what happens after we dock?” Annee answered.
“Let’s start with the docking?”
“Dukk?” Annee directed.
“Marr, do you want to take this. After all, you’ve been doing little else but practice for it?” Dukk answered. The was a hint of yearning in his tone.
Marr looked over at Dukk with a provocative expression. “Sure, Dukk, but please correct me if I get something wrong.”
Dukk laughed awkwardly. The others looked on with amusement.
“So, Luna, after the traverse tomorrow we will reach the Maple Tower system. We will arrive at an orbit lower than that of the hub. We will then request docking clearance. With clearance we will slow down to match orbit with the hub and then proceed with docking. During the wait and adjustment we will keep the DMD running to keep things more comfortable. However, to dock, we’ll have to hibernate the DMD as the hub’s own near zero-gravity system will come into play as we approach. The Maple Tower hub is relatively small, so docking pads are external. As we match orbit, we will then maneuver around the hub and then land on top. Access to the station will be a airbridge attached to the port door. This whole process could take several hours, depending on how much traffic is about. How’s that Dukk? Was my dedication to practicing used wisely?”
“Yep, that’s pretty much how I would have answered,” Dukk replied smiling.
“So, that puts docking around midday? What happens after that?” Luna asked, indicating her interest wasn’t really in the docking process.
“It depends on how long we intend staying. Dukk?” Annee replied.
“I’d suggest we aim to undock between six p.m. and seven p.m. the day after tomorrow. Let’s give ourselves the full twenty four hours downtime, plus change,” Dukk answered.
“So, after docking we will off load any departing passengers, manage any unloading and loading, do repairs and refuel. We also have to monitor the cleaning crews with their automatics,” Annee offered.
“Where does the downtime come in?” Luna asked in shock.
They all laughed.
“Ok, don’t worry, Luna,” Annee said. “Jobs like those are done during the time you are on watch. While when docked, we won’t have systems to monitor, we still need to have someone on the rig at all times. We need to ensure it is kept secure. The watch roster will continue unchanged, but there is a little more flexibility. You don’t even really need to be awake if you are on board. Just as long as you lock the door and keep your comms active.”
“Oh, cool,” Luna said in a relieved tone.
“This timing works well, Luna. We can do the heat shield repairs tomorrow afternoon. Then we can have the rig refuelled during the afternoon watch, the day after. That will leave the rest of our time pretty much open for fun and frivolity, and a few drinks too,” Bazzer added.
“I like the sound of that,” Luna replied.
“Yep, stick with me babe. I know all the best haunts!”
“Bazzer, I am pretty sure there is only one bar in this hub,” Annee offered laughing.
“Details, details, Ann!” Bazzer replied cheekily.
“Well looks like tomorrow is going to need all my energy. I’m off to get some rest before the next watch!” Luna said as she rose from her seat.
“Hear, hear to that!” Bazzer replied.
And, with that, the second crew meal was done.

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 16 - Docking (Passage 3 of 5)]

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