Mary Francis adjusted the little bonnet on Corren’s head. Lilac was hot and she didn’t want her son to get sunburn. She was nervous, unsure whether her mother and step-father would take her back, especially with a baby in tow. Her time on the Rosalyn had been nothing but warmth and friendliness and she would be sorry to say goodbye to them all.

“If you ever find yourself on Haven, Mary, you must come an’ visit,” said Sarah. During the three day journey to Lilac, they had talked a lot. Mary was interested in Sarah’s skills as a midwife, having gone through childbirth in the way she had, she wanted to know all about it, to help others when their time came. Mary flushed with pleasure at Sarah’s words, but didn’t really imagine that she would be going anywhere. It cost money to go off-world and she would hardly earn enough to support her son and herself, let alone make any trips. But all these thoughts she kept to herself, as it was the gesture of friendship more than the confirmation that counted.

“I will. But until I do, I’ll write.” The noise around them grew louder as the pots and pans of cooking were set up to start the Eatings. Tony, ever resourceful, had roped David and his family into helping and they had five counters producing food. Now if he could just keep David Junior out of Abe’s engine room then everything would be shiny. The fourteen year old had already received a clip around the ear from the old man, who now threatened worse. Tony wanted Ross to come and work on the Rosalyn, but things were still touchy with his mother, though less so since the funeral. It was a shame Binan Chu was too young, as she had a genuine gift. But there was nothing stopping him from recruiting her in a couple of years’ time – if he got Ross first. Tony pressed the button for the ramp to go down, signalling the start of the Eatings. Mary Francis hugged them all warmly and left to find her family, with the promise to return before they lifted off again in a week’s time.

David Pye put his arm around his