We're in Space ... So What?

Chapter 13: Reality Check and an Outer Systemary Love Story

As they left the club, the city stretched out before them, bathed in bright moonlight. The streets were quieter now, the hum of nightlife simmering down. Neon signs flickered across buildings, casting a colorful glow onto the worn pathways. Jamie, always on edge, took the lead, walking ahead with purpose, his pace brisk as they moved toward the shipyard. He wanted to get there fast, eager to make sure their deal with Angelia would stick.

Judah and Angelia trailed behind, their steps more measured. The silence between them felt almost comfortable, the noise of the city their only companion. Judah, glancing sideways at her, finally broke the quiet. "What's it like living out in the outer rings?" he asked, his voice curious but not probing.

Angelia seemed a little taken aback by the question at first. She shifted her gaze to the path ahead before softening slightly. "It's... tough. A lot of people out there are just trying to get by. You learn to live with less, and trust fewer people. But there's a kind of freedom too, being that far from everything."

Judah nodded, relating to her words more than she might have expected. "I get that," he said quietly. "I grew up in a small city. Don't remember much about it though. Been away from home for a long time." There was a tinge of sadness in his voice, a fleeting vulnerability that surprised even him.

Angelia's expression softened. For a moment, the walls she'd kept up seemed to come down. "Yeah," she murmured, glancing at him. "Being away changes you."

They walked in silence for a few more moments, a quiet understanding hanging between them. When they finally reached the shipyard, the moment faded, and Jamie immediately took control, as always.

He turned to Angelia with a sharp look. "All right, let's cut to the chase. What are we dealing with here?"

Angelia, leaning against one of the ship's worn panels, hesitated at first, her tone almost casual. "It's not too bad. Some internal issues, a couple of things with the systems-"

"Try again," Jamie interrupted, narrowing his eyes. "Tell me what's really wrong with it."

Angelia sighed and stepped closer to the ship, running her fingers along the battered exterior. "Fine. Your engine's in terrible shape, the flight controls are outdated, and your life support system? Barely holding on. This thing's a rust bucket. If you want it space-worthy, you're looking at a full overhaul."

Jamie balked. "How much?"

Angelia named a figure, and Jamie's face tightened. It was an absurdly large amount, enough to make him take a step back in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," he said, half laughing at the sheer size of the number.

She shrugged. "That's the reality. Repairs cost. Especially out here where parts aren't easy to come by."

Judah leaned against the ship, watching the exchange quietly. Jamie, though frustrated, knew they didn't have much of a choice. "How long will it take?"

"A couple of days. Maybe more if things go sideways," Angelia said, folding her arms.

Jamie sighed, accepting the inevitable. By then, Ryan would be done with his bartending stint, and they could finally leave this planet behind. "Fine," he said. "Get started tomorrow morning. The sooner, the better."

Angelia nodded, agreement settled between them. As they parted ways to head for the night, Judah couldn't help but linger. He looked at her, a rare smile playing on his lips. "Thanks for helping us out," he said, his voice unusually warm.

Angelia, caught off guard by his sudden appreciation, felt a twinge of shyness as she met his gaze. She smiled back, her guard momentarily lowered. "No problem," she said softly.

As Judah turned to follow Jamie, Angelia watched them go, a faint smile still on her face. There was something unexpectedly sincere about Judah's admiration-something she hadn't anticipated. And despite everything, it left her feeling a little more connected than she would have liked.