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Day 140
Standard Year 1118
Kinaveral

"SEELI GOBELYN?" The man's voice was hurried and high—not familiar, just like his face, when she turned her head and gave him a stare, the while continuing to move. She was running close to late for the regular inspection visit and she knew from experience that the yard-boss wouldn't wait for her one tick past the hour. Not good timing on the part of the spacer who was doggedly keeping pace beside her, though his face was red and damp with sweat.

"Can we talk?" he panted, as Seeli stretched her legs a little more.

"If you can talk and walk at the same time, we can," she said, not feeling any particular pity for him. "I'm late for an appointment and can't stop."

"Maybe we can meet after your appointment," he said. "I'm authorized to offer a trade for fractins."

Authorized to offer a trade on fractins? Like fractins was something rare and expensive, instead of the over-abundant nuisance they happened to be. Seeli sighed, wondering if the guy was a headcase or a joker. Not that it mattered.

"Sorry," she said, moving on at her top ground speed. "No fractins."

"We'll make it worth your while," he insisted. "I'm authorized to trade generous."

"Does you no good if we got none to sell." The gate was in sight; damn if she wasn't going to be right on time.

"Wait—"

"No time to wait!" she snapped, more than a little out of breath. "And we ain't got any fractins."

She was under the canopy, then, her body breaking the beam of the spy-eye.

"Maybe I can call on your trader!" The man called behind her and Seeli sighed. Headcase.

"Sure," she yelled over her shoulder as the gate swung open. "Talk to our trader."

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Framed