Red was grounded …
… when we left her last. Grieving a loss, appreciating kind words but finding hope only through stubborn determination.
Red had barely slept last night and woke to only two days left before docking. Sneaking out before anyone else awoke was ‘easy peasy’; explaining her absence later … well, she would deal with that later.
Ti Tayme’s Advanced Observation Deck, the AOD, offered a staggering view of infinity—one reserved for VIPs and scientists. It was one of the few off-limits-to-kids spaces yet challenged by the young adventurer.
Far as she knew, the AOD was off-limits only because of SAS—Space Adaptation Syndrome. Red figured she was ‘adapted’ better than most. Besides, there was no better place to push the limits of the AR goggles. So, game on.
Tick-tock.
Stealth had to be part of the plan. No bright pink jumper. Nothing a ‘child’ would wear. Instead, a sleek silver-toned flextex suit and her fancy iridescent boots. She imagined she looked like a spacewalker—which is exactly what she wanted to look like today. An age-appropriate spacewalker. The prismatic flecks of the AR goggles sparkling around her neck finished off the vibe perfectly, and off she went.
She rode the hovolator to the tenth deck and found the AOD straightaway. She thought. The arrow and the minimal signage suggested she was standing right in front of it. But where was the door? Looked more like a solid wall. She rambled further down the hall, standing a little straighter as someone approached. Obviously an Origin, and the badge said they were ‘official’. Her skin flushed. She rubbed at her throat. Almost short of breath.
“Can I help you?” boomed the voice.
She hoped he wouldn’t ask her name—she wasn’t even sure she could remember it.
“Oh, I was told to meet my father here, I mean at the Advanced Observatory.”
“You mean the Advanced Observation Deck?”
“Yes, this is it, isn’t it? Somewhere here?”
“It is.” His voice dropped and lips flattened. “And who might your father be?”
Red’s stomach lurched. Her throat felt too dry. Should she lie? Poppy had never told her to do that. But this—this was different. This was for Echo. For the green flash. For the voice.
She scrambled for an answer, but before she could—
As if the walls were listening, a secreted entrance opened and out stepped a figure, filling the threshold, broad-shouldered, draped in shadows, and haloed by the distant glow of the stars beyond.
Red’s mouth gaped in fascination. But fear first. Was this it? Was she now to be marched back home?
The crewman saluted. “Master Beathan.”
Red’s breath stilled. She braced for the worst.
“Thank you, Henley. I believe you have found Magnus Finn’s guest.”
Issik Beathan was not a man easily ignored. His presence projected the echo of starlit lochs and wind-battered cliffs. His tartan cloak a living tribute to his Highland ancestry. A silver brooch fastened the cloak at his shoulder, but was no ordinary relic.
The crest of an ancient clan, etched with swirling Celtic knots. A belt, wide and etched with runes, carried a sporran-like pouch, not for coin or keepsakes, but for something more precious. His heirloom kilt fell above trews that tucked into gleaming ghillie boots.
Issik bowed and swept his arm toward the entrance, inviting her into his domain—the Advanced Observation Deck.
Inside, the air thinned. Red stood at the brink of a massively mind-boggling chamber. So deafeningly quiet that it seemed to have swallowed sound itself. Cool light surrounded her and rippled across monumental transparent aluminum walls. Shadows stretched into eternity—surreal and sinuous—as if the void itself were alive.
What would Echo think? The thought surprised her, but not the shiver of passing guilt.
Red drew in a deep breath and submissively approached the center of the universe until she remembered her escort. She turned toward him. A face adorned with deep, complex wrinkles hinting at endless tales of an extraordinary life.
A giant hand reached out.
“Miss Jayla Finn, I presume.” His voice was gigantic.
Red shook his hand but fumbled with her words. “I’m Red,” she said, lifting her chin. “I mean—just Red, sir.”
He chuckled. “I am most humbly, Issik Beathan. Master Curator of our AOD. Welcome.” He fanned large fingers through a soft, friendly beard. “And you shall call me Issi. Just Issi.”
Issi was as warm in his spirit as in his welcome, and Red found great comfort in his agreeableness. “Your father told me you might be dropping by.”
“Poppy?”
“Aye. Finney, I mean Magnus Finn. We go back a wee bit—your pop and me.”
At last, Red dropped her guard.
“So tell me, lass, do you presume to know about space sickness?”
“Oh, yes I do,” she proudly replied. She was liking this ‘Issi’ more and more.
Issi’s gaze swept toward the void. “Some say space talks to those who listen hard enough …”
He let the words settle.
Red blinked up at him. “You’ve heard it too?”
He studied her for a beat longer than expected, then grinned. “To be sure, lass, I have. I’ve heard a great many things.”
Something in his tone made her shiver.
Then Issi winked and let go a glorious chortle.
“Here,” he handed her a piece of GingySAS. “This spicy little sweet will help you with space sickness. If you start to feeling a little tummy-rumbled or dizzy, you chew on a piece, and it’ll set you right.”
Then he cast his unending curiosity back toward the universe.
Red smiled. “I will.” She stuffed the candy into her pocket.
“May I look around?” Not that she initially intended to ask.
Issi’s expression shifted into something more official as he replied, “I’m guessing you know the rules, Miss.”
Red’s face dropped.
Then Issi smiled. “If ye promise to not get wobbly, I think we can have you here for a wee bit. And mind ye, space is bigger than you think. Mind how close you get.” He ended with another wink and bow, then ventured toward his duty station, while humming a rather catchy little tune.
“Thank you, Issi!” she called behind her as she charged toward space.
The only thing keeping Red from stepping into the universe that very second was the unseen barrier of crystal-clear aluminum glass. She slowed and inched her spiffy magneto boots cautiously toward what truly felt like the edge of everything—an infinitely breathtaking forever.
No wonder Echo struggled. That was a big universe out there.
But she would find a way.
The air felt colder near the glass, as if something pressed back from the other side. And an interesting scent lingered, a familiar perfume. No way. Red whiffled away the distraction and trained her focus beyond the window.
The stars weren’t just twinkling—they were watching. Tiny eyes blinking in rhythms she didn’t understand … but somehow felt.
There was no way someone else wasn’t out there.
Next: Episode 6— When the Stars Reached Back
Bonus Content: The Issi Smash
Issi is one of my favorite people—but then again, I seem to say that about all my characters, don’t I? Still, he’s earned it. If you find yourself growing fond of him too, well … welcome to the club.
He’s granted permission (with a flourish, of course) to share one of his signature recipes with you—as long as you’re of appropriate drinking age and promise to sip it under the stars.
You’ll find The Issi Smash in the Starwoven Section Index, along with other companion content—character cards, lore notes, and a few extras for curious minds.
I’ll have another, please.
