Three days later the station felt calm again. Not that Jennifer could sleep well after all that excitement. She stood near the enormous picture window of the darkened observation deck, hands held loosely behind her back, and watched her ship come in.

Big and beautiful. It flew closer, a gigantic creature outlined in the station's outward lights against the endless night sky.

She became aware of the soft sound of another person's steps. Commander Solaris appeared at her side, her features dramatically lit by the light filtering in through the window.

"Isn't she a beauty?" Jennifer asked. "The First Breath of Spring."

"There is a certain elegance to its design."

"Capacity of at least 230, state of the art medical facilities, multiple conference rooms and recreation areas. It's a big job to take on. I'll need a strong second in command. Interested?"

"I have not been friendly to you. Why would you decide to work with me after that?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I need somebody who isn't too impressed with me. I need someone with enough experience to tell me when I'm going wrong."

"I am not entirely unimpressed."

"Coming from you, Mr Solaris, that is the highest flattery." Jennifer laughed and looked away, her eye caught again by her big beautiful boat, slowing down so it could be ready to dock.

"Yes," Solaris said. "I'll work under your command. That is what I choose."

And then they were quiet for some time, looking out the window at the gentle movements of their future home, slowly moving close.