Cris took a couple minutes to calm his breathing and racing heart. Despite his excitement from earlier, when he looked out at the crowd again, he felt like everyone in the port was staring at him suspiciously. I think I need a break.

The Exler seemed like the only safe place. He took a direct route back, thankful he had paid attention to the docking location. When he made it to the ship, he was about to go into his room when he saw that Thom was in the flight deck. He continued down the hall and poked his head in. "Hi Thom."

The captain looked up with surprise. "Back already? I figured you'd be partying all night."

Cris collapsed into his Navigator's chair. "It was a lot to take in at once. I think I'll just turn in early."

Thom raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just... acclimating." Probably best if he doesn't know how inexperienced I really am. There's no way I'm traveling alone any time soon.

Thom nodded. "Yes, it's quite different out here than around Tararia."

I'll say... Cris sighed inwardly.

"And even more so in the outer colonies where we're headed."

Where we're headed? Cris perked up. "Wait, you got the Makaris contract?"

Thom smiled. "I did—and a good one. Fifteen months, with scheduled stops on a service route. We'll have supply pickups every two weeks at stations, so you'll have plenty of time to get used to everything."

"Perfect." All this will start feeling normal eventually, right?

"I got us a little something to celebrate." Thom pulled out two small glasses and a bottle of a dark brown liquid from the cabinet by his chair. "I know you're not quite of age, but one drink won't hurt you." He filled the glasses and passed one to Cris.

Stars! It would be rude to turn him down. Cris took the glass. Besides, I could use a drink.

Thom downed the contents of his glass in one gulp.

Cris took a cautious whiff of the liquid. It seemed more like a cleaning supply than anything fit for a person to consume. Here it goes. He took the full glass into his mouth and swallowed. It burned all the way down and left his stomach feeling warm. He coughed a couple of times, feeling the burn up in his sinuses. "Wow, that's..."

"That's real liquor. Not like those 'liqueurs' and sparkling shite everyone drinks back in the central worlds."

Everyone drinks those because they actually taste good. "I appreciate the introduction to the real stuff." And now I know what to avoid as much as possible.

"It'll knock you on your ass if you're not careful." Thom poured himself another glass and offered Cris some more.

Cris hastily declined. "I'm sure it can." Without warning, he started to feel a little light-headed and tingly. This stuff acts fast. "I think it's bedtime for me."

Thom seemed disappointed. "All right. Sleep well."

Cris rose. "Thanks for the drink." And thank you for taking me in. 

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