A crowd had gathered in front of the Taproom, forming a half-assed line that security was having trouble keeping in order. They checked CDIDs for entrance, which was a relief. Mine was nowhere to be found, and I wanted to avoid sneaking in and stealing drinks from my friend. I reached for my Vision Cast to call him, but someone tapped my shoulder. As I got for my Vision Cast, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hey, are you Carson?" I turned around to see the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Time seemed to slow down, and the edges of her silhouette became blurred as my heart raced with anticipation. But before I could respond, a sudden surge of nausea hit me like a ton of bricks, and I vomited everywhere.

As I leaned over to wipe the vomit from my mouth, the woman asked, "Are you okay? I saw you drop your CDID and have been trying to follow you to give it back."

I stammered through embarrassment, "Yeah, that's me."

She handed me my CDID and asked if I was sure. I nodded, unable to form any coherent sentences. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was her - Wind. Link wasn't going to believe this story. She seemed to not remember me from the other night, which was probably for the best. After handing me my ID, an awkward silence lingered between us as she waited for me to say something.

"Well, okay, see you around. I have to start my shift," she said hesitantly, beginning to turn away.

Desperate to keep her near me, I blurted out, "Wait! Can I buy you a drink?"

She looked at me quizzically, gesturing towards the entrance of the Taproom. "Here, at my work?"

Feeling embarrassed, I gave a nervous chuckle and replied, "Oh yeah, that's right."

To my relief, she smiled and said, "You should know that you're lucky I didn't kick you out the other Quasinight."

I felt my heart sink as I realized that she remembered me from before. Then, trying to break the awkward silence, I chuckled and said, "Yeah, I guess I am lucky."

"Do you need help getting in?" she asked, turning to address the line.

I was grateful for her kindness and replied, "That would be helpful. My buddy Link is already in there."

Her eyes lit up, and she grabbed my hand. "Okay, come on, follow me!"

She hugged the security guard as we approached the entrance and gestured to me. "This is my friend Carson. He's with me."

"Sounds good, Wind. Good luck there. Heads up, Prince Roman is sitting in the back corner near the stage," the guard said.

"Thanks, Fronk!" Wind said as she gestured for me to follow her inside.

I was greeted by a blast of noise and hot, humid air as the doors slid open. Off-duty security personnel was scattered throughout the pub, eyes scanning the crowd, their hands never far from their sidearms. They kept an eye on the patrons because Prince Roman was there, seemingly belligerent and surrounded by a group. He didn't seem worried about his missing sister, adding to my unease. Instead, he was standing on top of a table, his drunken gaze sweeping over the room until it locked onto Wind.

My heart pounded as he cut through the crowd, his eyes fixed on her like she was his prey. Oblivious to his approach, Wind hurried behind the bar, trying to keep a low profile. I felt a knot form in my stomach as the prince drew closer, his unwavering gaze making me uneasy.

Just as I thought Roman would pounce, Link appeared out of nowhere and bear-hugged me right in front of Wind. "There he is! What took you so damn long? These bootlickers won't stop kissing the prince's ass," Link slurred before a loud "Ahem!" interrupted us.

Roman gave Link a cocky glare. "I'm going to need you to repeat what you said. You...what are you? Were you born in a lab?"

Link's grip on my shoulders tightened in anger. "What can I get you, Sir Roman?" Wind interrupted, sliding two drinks over to us. I quickly steered Link away from the situation, not wanting to cause an inter-solar system war.

"That's one person you don't want to mess with," I warned him.

"Eh, you're right," he conceded, downing his drink. Then, he looked at me and grinned. "Did your girl just give us free drinks?" he asked.

"She's not my girl," I said, feeling a little embarrassed as I sipped my drink. I glanced back over at Wind and Roman, noticing them flirting.

"But she did get me in," I added, looking back at Link. "She knows my name and called me her friend."

"That's my boy!" Link exclaimed.

As Wind made her way to the stage, the Taproom cheered. Roman seemed utterly smitten with her, and she appeared both caught off guard and relieved as she said, "I gotta go. I'll be back!" to him.

I watched as she approached the stage and greeted each band member like they were old friends. They seemed excited as she suggested a song, and she closed her eyes as she approached the microphone.

"This is a song a friend taught me when I was just a little girl. I hope you like it," she said before launching into the lyrics:

I'll be your baby

There's nothing better I'd instead do

I'm lost completely

I might as well be over the moon

I'd like it if you tried

Before you change my mind

Are you gonna be here with me

I know you better

I recognized the song Wind was singing as "Over the Moon" by The Marias, a hit from Earth in the 21st century. So I started singing along without thinking, getting lost in the music.

Stolen novel; please report.

When Wind caught sight of me singing, her expression changed. She seemed genuinely touched and began to pour her heart into the performance. Her voice became even more potent as she sang:

Be your baby

There's nothing better I'd rather do

I'm lost completely

I might as well be over the moon

I might as well be over the moon!

Wind's captivating performance entranced the crowd and caught Prince Roman's eye. I couldn't help but wonder if he thought the song was about him.

As Wind made her way off the stage, the crowd cheered and began banging their mugs on the tables. Fans swarmed around her, but she managed to approach where Link and I stood.

"This is my chance," I whispered to Link. "I'm going to ask her out."

"What? Don't get nervous," he encouraged me.

As Wind approached us, she smacked me playfully. "What the hell? You know The Marias?" she exclaimed with excitement. "That's such an obscure old song."

"Yeah, I do. I have my Maven put on old Earth music all the time. That's my favorite stuff," I explained, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

"That is such a crazy coincidence," Wind said, voicing my exact thought.

"You're amazing, by the way," I blurted out, unable to contain my admiration.

"Thank you," she replied, but she felt shy.

"Do you want to grab a meal?" I asked quickly and awkwardly, feeling like I was running out of breath.

"What did you say?" Wind asked, laughing.

Suddenly, Prince Roman cut in. "Ahem! I can honestly say you took my breath away, Wind," he said, interrupting us again. Link seemed more pissed than me.

Wind tried to avoid Prince Roman's advances, but he persisted. "Would you like to join me for a drink in my quarters?" he asked, making his intentions clear.

Wind turned to me, and I saw a look in her eyes. "I would, but Carson and I already have plans to hang out tonight. Sorry about that," she said, putting her arm around me while I tried to maintain a not-so-stunned expression.

"You would rather spend your time with this nobody over... me?" Prince Roman asked with a slight laugh.

Suddenly, one of his security personnel whispered something in his ear, and his expression turned serious. "I must go. My apologies, Wind, but I won't be able to spend any more time with you. Something urgent has come up," he said, kissing Wind's hand before departing.

Wind let out a sigh of relief. "That was a close one. So where are we going?" she asked, turning to me.

I tried to play it cool. "Well, we could go antiquing at Sub Level Seven Trinkets," I suggested.

"I love Bowie's place! That's where I got this pin," Wind said, pointing to a pin on her jacket featuring a woman in a white cloak holding a laser gun with buns on either side of her head. It looked familiar.

Link was still hesitant to leave the Taproom. "Bowie doesn't sell drinks. I need at least one more before I duck into the basement," he said, reminding us of his height.

I tried to think of a way to persuade him to abandon his favorite spot. But then, I remembered something peculiar about my old friend. Link had a strange obsession with cats and small pets, rare in a space station where pets were a luxury.

"Link, I think Bowie mentioned a cat calendar or something," I said, trying to entice him.

"What? Why would I like anything like that?" he asked, pretending to be confused.

"We should still go check out this place because it means a lot to you." Link finished his drink quickly, pretending to come around to the plan.

Wind hugged us both tightly. "Let me check out! I'll meet you out front," she said before disappearing into the crowd.

Navigating the bustling corridors of the station, we followed in Link's wake as people instinctively cleared a path for him. Wind and I trailed along, savoring the ease of movement granted by his presence—especially after we'd indulged in a few drinks.

Upon reaching Sub-level Seven Trinkets, I was the first to step inside. The door chimed softly as it opened, and Bowie, the shop owner, greeted us with a friendly, "Yes, hello?" Bathed in the soft glow of neon lights emanating from the displays, the dimly lit shop showcased shelves lined with various gadgets and trinkets, some seemingly plucked straight from storybooks or movies.

Bowie emerged from behind the counter, his steps steady and confident. Donning a plain white long-sleeve shirt and black pants, he exuded a simple yet professional air. He shook my hand, only to realize I wasn't alone.

"Ah, Carson! And Wind! I see you've found the excellent company," Bowie remarked, gesturing toward Link and me. "I'm glad you've settled in," he added approvingly. "I've just been sorting through some newly acquired items. Maybe you two could help me price a few of these. I've placed them on the back shelf next to the stuff I picked up after our mishap on the Main level. My shoulder still aches..." he trailed off, rambling.

My excitement swelled, and I gradually tuned him out. "I'll help if you give me a discount," I replied teasingly as I began sifting through the unfamiliar items. Grinning, I continued to browse the shelves.

Link, ever-cautious, refrained from venturing too far into the shop to avoid accidentally breaking anything. In a lighthearted tone, Bowie drew attention to a cat calendar. "Here you go, big fellow. Cute kittens, just for you."

Link snatched the calendar from Bowie's hand, entranced in his inebriated state. Flipping through the pages, he muttered to himself, a single tear escaping his eye as he fought to suppress a grin.

Meanwhile, Wind admired the displays near the front of the store. One exhibit featured an old box with a screen playing a movie where a colossal beast snatched a blonde woman and scaled a building. Mesmerizing.

"King Kong is the beast. An amazing gadget," Bowie commented, gesturing toward the machine.

Wind nodded, her eyes filled with wonder as she continued to watch. I meandered down an aisle towards the back of the store when something on a lower shelf caught my eye—a necklace with a white stone, smooth surface. I recognized the black velvet bag it protruded from; I'd helped Bowie gather this and other items after our encounter with the stranger. The pattern on the necklace was unlike anything I'd ever seen. I couldn't tear my gaze away.

Holding the necklace, I peered through its loop before instinctively placing it around my neck. As the clasp clicked shut, a surge of electricity shot through my spine, eliciting a piercing shriek from me.

Bowie peeked around the corner, concern in his voice. "You find something you like, buddy?"

"Are you okay?" Wind asked.

While everyone was preoccupied with my reaction, another person slipped into the shop, their entrance so quiet it was almost invisible. The soft chime of the door and Bowie's customary "Yes, hello?" were the only indications of their arrival.

Link, mistaking the newcomer for me, turned and said, "Hey, check this one out! It's a… You're not Carson!" ZAAAP! Suddenly, Link collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.

A shadowy figure stood before Bowie and me, their features veiled in darkness. "The stone necklace! Give it to me now!" they demanded, urgency lacing their voice.

Bowie and I exchanged puzzled looks, realizing that this was the person we'd bumped into earlier on the main level. Bowie gestured toward the figure and the necklace, giving me a nod. "Go on," he said.

I attempted to remove the necklace, but it stubbornly clung to my neck, refusing to budge. I glanced up nervously at the dark figure, whose piercing blue eyes—now visibly frightened—bore into mine as they realized I couldn't remove the necklace. Then, without another word, they turned and bolted from the shop.

I immediately crouched down to help Link, who remained unconscious. Bowie stared at me, trying to process the chaos that had unfolded in mere minutes.

"Who was that?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.

"No idea," I replied, my thoughts still reeling from the violent encounter.

"Wait, could that be the ruffian who collided with us earlier?" Bowie suggested.

Suddenly, Link sat up as though merely tripping and immediately shouted, "NO! MY CATS!" The calendar was severely bent, and it was apparent Link had no recollection of the cloaked stranger who had floored him moments ago. Bowie and I recounted the events, but Link seemed preoccupied, concerned only for the calendar.

My thought drifted back to the necklace. "How much did you want for this...?"

"You can keep it," Bowie interrupted, his voice tinged with urgency.

Wind and I helped Link to his feet, and we quickly left the shop to head back to our quarters.

A message arrived via Mave, our communicator: "All hands on deck, Delta Three. Be ready for a full day's work at 0500 hours. Repeat. All hands-on deck at 0500 hours. That's you guys, Link and Carson."

"Shit," Link muttered before he threw up the contents of his stomach.