Sira says refueling stops are the worst parts of space travel. You're in orbit around some random planet, waiting for hours for others to do their jobs. Without the ion thrusters running, the illusion of gravity disappears, and you start floating around helplessly. It gets old fast, he tells me.

It hasn't for me yet. Maybe because this is my first time in space. I can stare at the star-scape for hours, even if its just a projection. I don't know how anyone could get sick of it. And I like zero-g. I can easily get around with my wings. It feels just like flying in a dream.

Right now, we're stuck in a holding pattern around Rigel, ⅔ of the way to Kesparel. The navigators tell us there's a traffic delay, as if that's surprising. Sira has let go of the railing in our quarters, and is floating around with his eyes closed. He's surrendered to the orbit, hoping it can lull him to sleep. Somehow he never hits anything. I wade over to him.

"Hey" I rub his ear. He stirs, and looks up at me and sighs. "How are you holding up?"
"How much longer?" He closes his eyes again and nestles his head on my chest.
"They said 6 more hours."
"We're on a Guild ship, they're supposed to give us priority."
"Yeah, tell the navs that."
"Ugh, I'm sorry."
"Why sorry?"
"Sorry I'm making you go through this. I know you always wanted to visit my home-world, but it's been real boring for you so far."
"I'm not bored."
"You don't need to lie. We got no Earth media, no internet, and you've already finished all the books we've packed."
"I don't care about any of that. Have you seen the stars outside?"
"Yeah, thousands of times."
"Well, look again!" I lift Sira up into an embrace. "The Nebula is shining bright tonight. And it's so relaxing, floating in it's glow free from gravity."
"Yeah? Well, if you're happy then I'm happy."
"Besides, I think I know a good way to pass the time."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Close your eyes and I'll show you..."

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