Bit of Hospitality (Day 6, Morning)

“Esteban!” Serena said excitedly to the impeccably dressed man who stepped aboard the Lunar Veil. “Wait until you see it, I made sure everything was cleaned up special, you need help with any bags?”

“Ah’m just fine darlin’, traveling light this go-round.,” he replied with a smile. Serena was doubly happy, one because he had a way of talking that made everything seem bright and two because she didn’t have any heavy bags to lug, and even with that? He still gave her a small white bag filled with cookies as a ‘tip.”

“I didn’t even hardly do nothing!” She said, helping herself to one as Esteban chuckled to himself.

“Tell ya what, there’s plenty more where that came from.” He promised.

Serena’s eyes positively lit up with that. “Oh, OH! Wait, sorry, near forgot, we gotta get you checked in on the manifest, the crew chief, he takes care of that and the whole crew… I think he was in the galley, if you want, I’m pretty sure we got tea for anyone who wants it too.”

“Lead on!” Esteban said with a knowing glance. “Lead on.”

True to her word Vas was in the galley talking to passengers and getting them onboarded where it was more comfortable. It also meant the cargo bay could start warming up. Either way luggage was being neatly organized to the side to be moved to the passenger’s rooms.

“Oh hey Serena -” Vas started and paused for a long moment as he looked over the man she was escorting. He blinked his train of though derailed.

Serena finished the bit of cookie she’d shoved into her mouth. “Crew Chief, got a passenger to be checked in, Single Stateroom number three, this here is “Esteban Cortez, and his destination is Pelorum only got one bag with ‘em and one small trunk on account of he wants to travel light.”

Esteban couldn’t help the smile that formed over his lips, his eyes crinkling in the corners as he eyeballed Vas Jat. He never thought he’d see the punk again… alive, that is. “Pleasuah.” He said, holding out a hand to shake. “Your Deckhand was showing me your wonderful *Hospitality.*”

Vas visibly twitched, jaw clenched he extended his hand shaking Estaban’s. “She’s good like that.” Vas said in a tight crisp voice.

“An’...” Serena added excitedly. “He gave me a whole bag of almond cookies just for helpin’ him get settled into his stateroom. Oh, an’ I promise I’ll make you tea later, bring it right to your room.” She said, crossing her heart. “Want one Crew Chief?” She held the small bag out for the Crew Chief, should he choose to ‘indulge’ as well.

“Don’t sha worry, I bake ‘em mah self.” Estaban said with a warm smile.

Vas tried not to simultaneously reel ban and turn green. “Uuuuuuhhhhhh m-maybe later. It’s kind of crazy right now.” He said clearing his throat. “Why not show him where he’ll be staying … lots to do Ki- er … Serena.” Vas said eyed Estaban before going back to his paperwork.

“He wasn’t about to call ya ‘killah’ now was he darlin?” he asked, putting a hand on the small of the girl’s back. Serena covered her mouth with her hand to giggle. “No, huh?” He eyed the mowhawked punk one more time. “Pity. Say, ya wouldn’t mind if ah had a word with ya in private, would ya, ‘Crew Chief?”

Vas gave a sharp exhale. “A short word. Go and get his luggage stowed Serena.” Vas said ticking his head for the girl to scatter.

Serena glanced at the crew chief who was suddenly being weird, but quickly did as told,

The well-dressed man stepped in closer to Vas. “Yah look mighty good for ah deadman, kid.” He began.

“Never said I was dead. You all just assumed it.” Vas said stiffly. “I never bothered to correct it.”

“Real nice set up ya have, heard all about it. Dentist and everything, fix your teeth while you’re out in the black. Crew just like family. Be a shame, any harm came to any of them.”

“Only harm that might come would be from you and as far as I figure … both our hands are tied in the matter. Least until Pelorum.” Vas said crossing his arms, he didn’t look it but his heart ready to pound its way out of his chest.

“Uh huh. In that case, then it’s up to you what happens, ‘crew chief.’ Look forward tah seeinn’ yah around. “

“Just remember you are a guest in my home.” Vas said eyes cold. Why was the room suddenly so hot? “So play nice.” He warned his chest feeling tight with anxiety.

Esteban had just turned to leave, but Vas’s comment snapped him back fast. “You just remember who you’re talking to, boy.” He warned.

Vas tried not to flinch at the tone but the punk was wound up pretty tight at the moment. He had to remind himself he wasn’t a kid anymore … so why did he still feel like one at the moment?

“Mind your tone. Like you said, I’m a guest. Is that how I taught you to treat guests?”

“Kyōshuku.” Vas replied stiffly.

“Accepted.” Esteban replied, the smile creeping back on his face. “Oh, it is good to see you again. Just like a lost dog, you got used to shitting and pissing wherever you wanted, looks like you might need to be re-housebroken. Good thing we have a nice long trip in front of us to make that happen.” Esteban’s harsh demeanor changed as he turned away from the boy, whistling a light-hearted tune as he retreated to his room.

Vas waiting till he was gone before scowling and sitting down in the chair to breathe again. “Fucking Damnit.” He muttered wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.