After Shephatiah stormed off, leaving both Huis and Emily standing in the wake of her fiery exit, Amberlee wandered over with an amused smirk. She glanced in the direction Shephatiah had gone, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, that was a former professional rival making a rather dramatic exit, don’t you think?" Amberlee said dryly.

Huis, ever the opportunist, turned to Emily and grinned. "Emily, meet Amberlee Olavi. Amberlee, this is Emily Smith."

Emily’s face brightened at the introduction, clearly recognizing Amberlee. "Oh, I know exactly who she is. I actually watched The Stars Are At Fault on a long-haul flight once. Tight as a drum, I had to jerry-rig a holographic curtain broadcast onto the lenses of my goggles to pass the time."

Amberlee’s expression softened, clearly amused by the thought. “Now that’s one way to catch a film. Bet the visuals were all upside-down and backwards.”

Emily grinned. “It was a bit rum, yeah, but entertaining enough when you’re stuck in a tin can hurtling through the cosmos at a ker-jillian miles per hour.”

For a brief moment, Amberlee looked delighted, but something shifted. She seemed to grow uneasy, as if uncomfortable with the light banter. With a polite smile, she asked, “And who exactly are you, then?”

Emily extended her hand with a friendly nod. “How do you do? Emily Smith. I’ve been waiting for the chance to finally meet you. You’re one of the most fascinating people I’ve read about.”

Amberlee hesitated for a second, then shook her hand. “Apologies if I’ve been a bit of a recluse. I take my preparation seriously. Can’t afford to slack off.”

"Preparation’s crucial," Emily admitted, "but there’s something to be said for being adaptable. No amount of groundwork can replace the need to think on your feet when things go pear-shaped."

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Amberlee’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Preparation prevents needing to improvise in the first place. You make fewer mistakes if you know what’s coming.”

Emily’s lips curled into a small smile, sensing the tension. "Maybe, but space isn’t exactly known for following the rules, is it? Trust me, when things get dodgy, being flexible is your best bet."

Huis was silently enjoying the budding clash between the two women, clearly anticipating some on-screen drama, but Amberlee and Emily both quickly caught on. Amberlee chuckled softly, breaking the rising tension.

"Well, Emily, you’ve got a point there. But speaking of impressive accomplishments, are you the same Emily Smith who completed the first single-flight circumnavigation of the Solar System?"

Emily nodded, somewhat modestly. "Guilty as charged."

Amberlee’s eyes widened in surprise, her usual composed demeanor slipping for just a moment. "Then I suppose it’s my turn to be starstruck."

Emily laughed, shaking her head. "Nah, don’t be. I’m just a body trying to weather one calamity at a time. Speaking of which, I reckon you’ve got the same idea—just with a bit more polish. I’m set on keeping everyone safe while you’re solving this mystery, and I’ll make sure to keep out of your hair."

Amberlee blinked, looking a bit taken aback by the compliment. “Thanks, but that’s a lot to live up to. Even though I intend to do exactly that.”

Emily shrugged. “It’s nothing. I did a bit of reading on you before coming aboard. I admire your work, and I just wanted to offer my condolences. Losing someone in space… it’s a one-in-a-million chance, but when it strikes, it hits like a bloody comet."

Amberlee’s face grew tight for a moment, the mention of her sister Molly Cat clearly touching a nerve. She offered a soft, appreciative smile, though. "Thank you. But... do you mind if we steer the conversation to something more positive?"

Emily nodded, understanding. "Of course."

They both glanced over at Huis, who was standing there with an almost predatory grin, clearly enjoying their interaction for the show.

Amberlee rolled her eyes. “You know what? Let’s ditch the voyeur.”

Emily chuckled in agreement. "Top idea, that."