Page 173 of Stars At Dusk

Mirage provided the anticipated update onscreen, her face now wreathed with a smile. ‘I’ve pushed the craft to approximately 300 times the speed of light and I can report that all systems are optimal. Data from the main sublight fusion engine shows the elentium and xentium hyperdrive easily generating the reaction mass to achieve faster-than-light travel and can fold space better than we anticipated.’

Instantly, the atmosphere in the control room shifted to one of relief and celebration as Harlow and her team congratulated each other.

Sondra and Dan embraced Harlow while Bassam surprised them with a loud whoop.

Kage wrapped his woman in his arms, pulling her against the front of his beautifully starched suit.

‘Well done,kara,’ Kage whispered into her ear. ‘So proud of you, my love.’

She gave him a wide smile, followed by a long hug. ‘Santebaby, wouldn’t have done this without you.’

She was soon surrounded by the other Riders and Skylab staff, sharing their elation at the successful launch.

Holo screens around them captured their excitement which soon spilled into the observation lounge where dignities and media were gathered.

Against the stark beauty of space, a broadcast drone and AI presenter shared the moment with Edenites around the rock, inviting them to witness the breakthrough moment.

An AI presenter smiled into the camera. ‘The successful test of the hybrid rocket engine comes ahead of the Sable Heavy Industries’ commercial launch of its new engine next year. The Meridien engine will be powered by five of its new fusion energy drives when it takes off in about twelve months from now. The hybrid rocket engine uses both a liquid oxidiser and a proprietary solid fuel and is a game changer, according to the group. They believe this new tech will provide a more cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional drives.’

The presenter turned to introduce the two people standing before the second camera unit.

‘With us is Kage Sable, chief executive of Sable Heavy Industries and Harlow Meridien, the engineer behind this new drive, that’s named after her. And we also have Mirage Sable, the corvette’s pilot, patched in - and all three are here to tell us more about his marvellous new technology following what seems to have been a successful test. Starting with Kage Sable.’

The Rider spoke levelly into the camera. ‘What you’ve all witnessed is the launch of our new hybrid drive, which will power our Meridien engine’s first and second stages that will soon be standard on all our corvette and capital ships builds.’

Harlow took over smoothly. ‘Nothing failed us today. Our engine today generated over 5000 kilonewtons of stable and efficient combustion, far surpassing expectations.’

Mirage nodded in agreement from behind the nav controls. ‘The qualification test showcases the extreme power of this new engine, achieving its goals and going on to fire past the test duration. Any findings will help improve the performance of future engines.’

The camera panned away from the happy trio as the presenter stepped back into the frame. ‘With this launch, Sable Heavy Industries plans to position itself as one of the System’s premier and fastest launch providers and shipbuilders. So we’ll be watching with bated breath as they continue their expansion and growth - and reveal more awe-inspiring technology to help Pegasi’s residents move faster and more seamlessly within the System.’

Meanwhile, in the control room, Kage handed Harlow a glass of champagne and pulled her to a quiet corner of the plex floor-to-ceiling walled room, where they stood together watching the beauty of space unfurl before them and the starlit lavender dusk of Eden II glowing in the distance.

‘I’ve been thinking,kara,’ he said.

She narrowed her lilac eyes at him over her glass. ‘Sable, are you about to throw me for a loop?’

He curled his lips. ‘I think it’s time for me to retire.’

‘Excuse me?’ she spluttered, almost spitting out her drink.

He reached a hand to steady her. ‘Been pondering about this for a while, love. I’ve found someone to take over as head of Sable Heavy Industries. Someone sharp, incredibly smart and driven. With their guidance, SHI could really take on the System.’

Harlow looked stricken. She leaned in and stabbed Kage’s chest with a finger. ‘You can’t abandon me to a new boss - not when I’ve got an entire fleet of corvettes and capital ships to fit out with our new fusion drive.’

‘What,kara, you don’t believe in yourself?’

‘You know I do. That’s not the point. Besides, who would the new lead be?’

‘What if I told you my replacement is right here, right now?’’

‘Harlow whipped her head around the room at the people milling beyond their quiet nook. ‘Where? Who are they?’ she whispered conspiratorially.

‘I’m looking at them,’ Kage said softly.

She whipped her head back towards him, her eyes blinking in confusion. Then the realisation hit and her face froze. ‘Me?’

‘You. No one is better for the job.’

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