Benjamin's jaw dropped at the luxurious apartment that stood in stark contrast to the gritty underbelly of Whisper's Edge. He followed in behind Captain Ironbelly, flanked by Nash and the twins, who immediately set to the task of clearing the small apartment.
“Be sure to check under my bed and in the shower!” Vaeris called after them. “By all means, make yourselves at home!”
Nash walked back into the living room, apparently satisfied that there were no other occupants. The twins posted themselves on either side of the door, weapons at the ready, their expressions taut with vigilance. It was the first time Ben had seen the disciplined side of the coin to their usual jokes and rough housing.
Vaeris awaited them, behind the bar, amid enchanted glasses and softly glowing alcohol. It complemented the vases and plants and crates of crystals decorating strategic places around the sleek, modern space. Ironbelly knew if he stuck a paw into a planter, he'd find a weapon or potion. A knowing smile crossed her lips as she greeted them.
"I was expecting you. My contacts in Space Traffic Control always lets me know when interesting individuals arrive.”
Captain Ironbelly returned the smile with a wry grin.
"Glad to know your network is as sharp as ever. I have a new job offer for you. “
“No.”
“No? Not even gonna hear me out" the captain whined.
Vaeris raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how did our last job together work out? My entire wardrobe was destroyed!”
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Ironbelly scoffed, "No one could have accounted for that many dinosaurs."
"Get to the point," Vaeris said as she emptied her glass and poured another.
Ironbelly glanced at Benjamin, then back to Vaeris. "It’s about him."
Vaeris’s eyes narrowed in his direction, scanning. Ben felt an invisible poke in his chest.
"No shit. I assumed as much. One of these is not like the others, eh? He feels brand new, but that's impossible. Isn’t it?” Her voice was dripping with condescension. “Because brand new rebirths don't attract that much mana following him around. It's just waiting around to be cultivated. That is not how mana is supposed to behave.”
Ironbelly scratched under his chin. "You’re right. He’s different. But it's hard to say what it is. We can't stick around, sadly, so if you wanna figure it out, come work for me. Teach Ben here how to at least handle a wand properly so he doesn't blow a hole in my ship while we're in slipspace.”
Vaeris cursed under her breath, thought for a moment, then leaned in closer. "Alright, I’ll teach him. But you have to make me a full Ship's Mage. Salary, benefits, the works. That position’s been vacant for decades, for reasons no one talks about. So I know for a fact that you don't have one."
Ironbelly’s eyes narrowed, irritation bristling. "Fine. But you get the full responsibility a real Ship's Mage. Refresh and maintain the wards and gate matrices on the ship. Inspect and approve all things magical coming onto or being installed. And here's the kicker, you're going to teach him more than just wand safety, you're making him your full apprentice. The years don't have to be consecutive, but you will train him how to become a force to be reckoned with.”
Vaeris actually snarled. "I haven’t had an apprentice in a century. I can still hear his stupid, loud breathing."
They stared at each other for a full minute. The mage spoke first, “Give me first refusal to purchase any enchanted artifacts your team brings in.”
“You can have third refusal; after the one who looted it, and myself. I still have salaries to pay.”
“Deal,” Vaeris agreed and they shook.
They shared a tense laugh as Vaeris set down her second empty glass. "One last thing. Not a big thing really. There’s just the small issue of getting me to your ship. I may have a teensy little bounty on my head. Right here on Whisper's Edge."
