Redhawk Caldera 8ths.

That sounded like a big fat “no,” which made Towhee feel a little sad for her. Well, she would just have to regale her with tales of Mereo’s heyday. She’d love an excuse to reminisce about the good old days with Rue.

Well, you’re off to a good start, carving out a promising future here, the Redhawk said, pointing toward the food that, of course, represented her pending promotion. We’ll make lots of memories here, she added, without saying the quiet part out loud: they were likely to be both good and bad. And I have no doubt you’ll come into your own as our medic.

That seemed to tie a neat little bow on their conversation, though Towhee was in no hurry to rush off and do other things. Being here with Livi was like spending time with part of Ruenna. Her lips pulled into a fond smile.

What if you kept eating and I told you one of my favorite stories about your mom? I have many, though I’ll start with one. Before we lived together in Mereo—and after we lived together in a doomed place called Asterism Grove—we made a really awesome biffle sandwich right here in Redhawk Caldera…

Want to fade here?