The spindle was whizzing away rapidly, a set of drones autonomously threading the news strands onto the airer, and prying cooled strands off to go to the loom. Dr Elune was passing the time on the computer, idling away in some game or another, as Alex focused on monitoring the drones work for any inconsistencies.

Eyes narrowed and shoulders tensed up, Dr Elune was juuust about to clear a stage when a ringing came from the speakers, a call coming in over the system comms. The doctor simply ignored this for a bit, as Alex paused the drones and answered the call, "Hello Norman, I'm afraid the doctor is busy right now. Yes. Yes... Almost done. That should be fine."

Finishing the stage off before pausing, Dr Elune slumped back with a groan, stretching out as they glanced at Alex's projection flickering on, "Tell him I was in a game?"

"Yes. Well, confirmed, really."

"He knows me too well. Like everyone else on the board... This better be important." Flicking on the camera, the doctor sighed, "What is it, Norman."

"Nice to see you too, Sam. Maybe I just wanted to come say hi?"

"That won't happen until next week, and you know it. Spit it out."

"Hey, the next edition might have been released early. I still think Laura will figure out how you do it, one day."

"Not a chance."

"Heh. Anyway, another ship is coming next week, complete with the cargo you ordered. The latest request too, but we needed to pay a bit more for express delivery."

"Oh, great! Alex will get onto the new OHPS systems right away. These will still be deluxe models, though... Once we get them right."

"So that is what that stuff was for! Anyway, not much else besides that. They will be picking up some current OHPS units as well, because your savings account is, contrary to popular belief, not infinite."

"A rumor John would be happy to crush... But hey, I haven't heard him complain."

"No... You keep the wheels well oiled on this place. Anyway, the only other thing I can think of is Laura has been asking after the Spindle, and if you need any help."

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"No... But we will need help with the Loom. We might be able to put the spindle to rest for a bit. Want it back?"

"Nah... You will want it back soon enough anyway. You burn through materials like you burn money. Which thankfully, is not fast enough to bankrupt the station."

"Not until I hit a block, anyway." Dr Elune grinned at Norman's grimace, "Hypothetically, anyway. Well, might see you at the docks next week then. You or Francis, since this is a fairly hefty load."

"... Francis might be more willing. See you."

"Bye." As the screen flickered back, Alex leaned on the desk, face troubled. "... What is is, Alex?"

"Well... I already have good schematics on how to use the loom. And it isn't an antique like the spindle, so..."

"Yes?"

"... Do we need to have Laura over again?"

"Come now, whenever station operations aren't involved, she isn't that bad."

The Alex-projection fidgeted slightly, thinking carefully. This was incredibly amusing to the doctor, for some reason, "What, are you starting to dislike her?"

"No! I... I am just trying to keep things... Smooth. And to keep your days entertaining, rather than frustrating."

Yes, there are some arguments here and there... But laughs are surprisingly more common. And there was no objection last week... Hmm. "If you say so. Now, I have an idea... I will need scented candles."

"... Pardon?"

"Scented candles. Quiet music too."

The doctor had to try incredibly hard not to laugh at Alex as they froze, face briefly stuck on a look of horror before turning blank, "Yes, doctor."

This was going to be more entertaining than it should be... For everyone except Alex.

... Barring worst case scenario, of course.