Page 39 of Stars At Dusk

The three other passengers followed, and they all disembarked. Then, after quick nods and raised hands in greeting to Kage, their fellow travellers fanned off in different directions to their work spaces.

The shuttle had set down on a pad inside a cargo-like hold of a large orbital facility that was a sophisticated station set to zero-G with no atmosphere and in a controlled environment. The terminal here mirrored the 517’s, but it stood out in its modernity and shining glass facade against the plainer-styled modules surrounding it.

Kage drew next to her, loping with his long, easy stride. Shortly, they walked through the terminal and into the cool, temperature-controlled reception area of Sable EII Heavy Industries and Skylab.

Harlow looked around at what would be her new workplace. The self-contained habitable module commenced with corridors snaking off to parts unknown within the shipyard.

One of the lobby facades was dedicated to a lush garden. The reception desk was next to a bar cafe and several small shops. She also spied an open-air events space with a multimedia display area, a VIP waiting room and casual seating inside the glazed walls.

‘Welcome to the Sable Skylab, also the offices of our Sable EII Heavy Industries,’ Kage announced. ‘We’re in our core module that houses our shipbuilding and components division, offices and labs. Outside and to the right is our build shop. All supplies required for the construction are tethered externally, and the actual spacecraft we’re working on are docked directly to it. We assemble them in orbit from multiple sections designed to clamp tightly. They’re reinforced with structural supports. The entire Skylab is also very secure. We’ve cameras everywhere, wrist comm secure doors, and even blast doors to insulate certain parts of the module from the rest in case of a raid, break-in or industrial accident.’

Through the expansive plex windows, Harlow noted the teleoperated arms and a host of AI bot tugs for manoeuvring the structural components and starship modules. In the distance were large cryogenic containers to store liquid fuel long term.

‘Straight ahead is the general mess, a lounge bar, sleeping pods and live-in crash pads. Behind that is a module for orbital training for our security and military program, which Xion and Riv run.’

This was no dark, maze-like work environment. Instead, the transparent roofed starlit building hummed with life and vibrancy, from the plaza-like space filled with tables and chairs to amphitheatre auditoriums and elevated terraces overflowing with plant life. It was a spacious, open environment with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating.

People bustled through the spaces, working alone or chatting in groups. The atmosphere was one of productivity, collaboration, and innovation - a focused, humming facility with low background noise and distractions.

Kage continued the introduction to Harlow’s new workplace. ‘At Skylab, our staff work independently and collaboratively, and we’ve designed plenty of shared spaces to facilitate this. In addition, we’ve two restaurants, a gym, and a daycare, to provide employees with a comfortable and enjoyable work environment. It’s a flexible and dynamic layout, with the ability to adapt to changing needs and requirements.’

Harlow could see that Skylab ran efficiently and efficiently, focusing on employee well-being and freedom of expression. She instinctively felt it would be a space to flourish and unleash her creativity.

Kage prowled onward, still speaking. ‘To the left is our retooling workshop, where our mechanics and tech support work alongside the construction crews until the ships are ready to inhabit. The shop also machine-tools most of our components.’

Kage moved towards the right side of the building, and Harlow followed. ‘We’re now in the lab wing. Where you’ll also find our library, conference and meeting rooms.’

She wandered into a bright, open interior of three circular segments. The structure was also covered in plex glass, infused with tech to reduce light and glare, giving an unfettered view of the bright stars and dark sky beyond. The temperature in the building was cool and climate controlled, and redolent, with fresh plants and even mature trees that dotted the lab’s well-thought-through design.

Her tall Edenite companion led her down wide, well-lit corridors lined with open railings and screed floors.

‘My office,’ he indicated with a gesture as they passed a closed door walled by darkened glass.

‘And finally, your new play space.’

He swung open a door two down from his. The internal lights flickered on to reveal an expansive space. A sizeable multi-functional workbench sat at the centre of the contemporary setting. A dozen work spaces flanked the adjacent walls. To the far end was a beautiful work desk in sculpted chrome and glass, with 3D screens and touch pads. Elsewhere, curated furniture and plants dotted the space, just like they did throughout the rest of the Skylab. She also saw four large lab cubicles facing inward into the centre of the office, and she itched to explore it all.

Kage swung around to face Harlow. ‘We have a small garden at reception, and if you want to adopt more trees for soft privacy, you’re welcome to. Pick whatever you want - we’ve got over 100 different species.’

Harlow was lost for words. ‘This is all amazing. I don’t know what to say.’

‘You’ll repay us by doing amazing work,’ Kage said quietly.

He then walked her through Skylab’s induction process, showed her where to plug in her comm tab, access her files and servers, and work the extensive security system.

‘Also, you’ll get a bot droid and a human assistant. You’ll share your human assistant with me. His name is Aran. He’s my intern, a good kid. He’s currently taking a series of exams, so he won’t catch up with you for a few days. Meanwhile, your bot droid is at your service.’

A faceless two-legged silver machine rolled up.

Harlow couldn’t quite believe it. ‘A droid, all for me?’

‘All yours,’ Kage confirmed. ‘He’s top of the line and can work independently. Or if you get stuck, you can request Mirage to path into our private network, and she can act as your eyes and ears. She’s a nano-engineered AI, which can take various forms and work as a split consciousness with various remote capabilities across all of Eden II on all our ships and holdings, regardless of how far she is from home base.’

Harlow’s eyes widened as Kage shared this intel. ‘This shit is top of the line, Kage. How do you guys make all of this tech?’

‘You’re asking for our Group’s trade secrets?’

‘I’ve signed an NDA,’ she teased. ‘As part of my contract, remember?’

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