Three months had passed since the Raven's Wing incident. Jack had been focused on obtaining a transport license for his new ship. Memories of the first time his grandfather let him fly a vessel resurfaced—transporting soil from Earth to the family farm when he was sixteen. Now, he dedicated himself to studying the sector's trade routes and logistics. With the transport ship awarded as a reward, a new category of missions—space exploration—became available to him. It took him a month just to learn the ship's basic systems. It was harder than expected, but much of the technical knowledge he'd gained from station maintenance proved invaluable.
During these months, Jack undertook various missions, leveraging his skills and the Aetherion glove to solve complex problems:
Repair Mission: In Sector B-12, a vital communication satellite malfunctioned. Jack was sent to identify the issue and, using the glove, discovered a fissure caused by a micrometeorite. He repaired the breach and recalibrated the communication systems.
Exploration Mission: Argos detected an asteroid rich in rare minerals. Jack joined a team to evaluate its mining potential, using Aetherion for molecular scans and to extract samples without destabilizing the asteroid's structure.
Diplomatic Mission: Jack represented Argos Station in a meeting with the Mantara to exchange agricultural techniques. With Aelira's support, he negotiated a technology exchange that benefited both parties.
The Mining Station Mission
One of the most challenging missions took place on a mining station in the nearby Vesta-7 sector. Owned by another shell corporation tied to Orith Nexis, the station had suffered a total power failure, endangering the miners' lives. Argos dispatched a team including Jack, Kael, and Tsukiko to address the situation.
When they arrived at Vesta-7, the tension was palpable. Exhausted and furious miners had gathered in the central space, demanding answers. The power outage had crippled life-support systems, and the heat was unbearable.
"This place is a powder keg," Tsukiko remarked, analyzing the crowd. "If things escalate, we'll have to act quickly."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Jack replied, checking the glove's holographic interface. "Let's see what we can do with these systems."
Kael, his pale bluish skin glinting under the dim lights, was already focused on a damaged panel.
"The issue is here," he said, pointing to the burnt connections of the main generator. "Negligent maintenance and overloading have wrecked it. Orith Nexis always squeezes resources to the last drop."
Jack nodded, activating Aetherion to analyze the generator in detail.
"The glove identifies three major failures: the cooling system, primary cabling, and secondary power supply. We'll need to tackle them all simultaneously to restore power."
While Tsukiko monitored the miners, ready to intervene if tensions flared, Jack and Kael worked in tandem. Within an hour, the cooling system was repaired, and the main connections restored. Jack, his hands covered in oil and dust, closed the final control panel.
"Done," he said, tired but satisfied. "The power should come back… now."
Lights across the station stabilized, and life-support systems hummed back to life. The miners cheered, and the tension in the air eased. However, Tsukiko's sharp eyes caught something suspicious.
"Look at that guy," she said, nodding toward a man attempting to slip away toward a small ship in the hangar. He was an Orith Nexis representative in a worn-out work suit.
"Probably doesn't want to answer for this mess," Kael muttered. "What's the plan, Tsukiko?"
"We confront him," she replied tersely.
Together, the trio stopped the man before he could board the ship. Under pressure, he confessed that Orith Nexis had drastically cut maintenance budgets to maximize profits. This revelation sparked anger among the miners, but Tsukiko calmed the crowd with her firm authority.
"We'll report this to the Interstellar Council," she assured them. "Orith Nexis will be held accountable."
On the way back, Jack reflected on the situation.
"It's frustrating to see how much people are sacrificed for profit. But at least we made a difference here."
Kael nodded, and Tsukiko gave him a faint smile.
"We're running into each other more often. I have to admit, you wear oil and dust well," she said, her smile turning playful.
Jack stopped, surprised by the comment, then responded with a wide grin.
"You're right. You don't look too bad yourself with a gun in hand and beads of sweat on your forehead while catching your breath. How about a real coffee?"
Tsukiko raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"Real coffee? Not that disgusting Cofit the station pushes? Because honestly, I miss real coffee from a proper cafe."
Jack chuckled, nodding.
"Be patient, Tsukiko. Soon, you'll have the best coffee in the galaxy. I promise. For now, let's head back to Argos."
The Coffee Plantation
Meanwhile, Jack worked on developing the coffee plantation with the advanced techniques provided by Aelira. In the agricultural sector, rows of vibrant green plants grew under lights perfectly calibrated to mimic natural sunlight. The results were impressive, and the beans' distinct aroma promised to become a signature product of Argos Station.
Inspecting a mature plant carefully, Jack was interrupted by Aelira, his Mantara friend. The insectoid's translucent wings shimmered as she held a small holographic tablet displaying harvest data.
"Jack, the results are remarkable. The maturation rate has been reduced by 30%, and the quality is superior. You've done excellent work," her melodic voice said with satisfaction.
Jack smiled, placing the plant back gently.
"It's all thanks to you, Aelira. Without your expertise and Mantara techniques, I'd still be on my third attempt, cleaning up dying coffee saplings. Instead, I can start the next phase of my plan."
Aelira moved her antennae in approval.
"A cafe would be a logical solution. I understand humans value moments of relaxation, and natural coffee seems highly sought after on Argos. Do you have someone in mind to run this project?"
Jack thought for a moment, then grinned.
"Actually, yes. I have the perfect person for it."
The Proposal
A few hours later, Jack was in his apartment, speaking through a holographic channel with his brother, Kai. Kai's face was lit by his device screen, and the background buzzed with the sounds of a bakery.
"Jack!" Kai exclaimed with a wide smile. "What a surprise! It's been a while. How's interstellar life?"
Jack chuckled briefly.
"Hectic as always. But I have good news. I've developed a coffee plantation on Argos Station, and the results are incredible. I was thinking… would you be interested in joining me to open a cafe here? It's that time of year when Martian soil regenerates, so you've got three months to spare."
Kai leaned forward, intrigued.
"A cafe? On a space station? Sounds crazy, but you know I'm always up for a challenge. Is your coffee actually good?"
"Not just good," Jack replied proudly. "It's unlike anything else. Plus, I can't think of anyone better than you to run the place."
Kai leaned back, pondering.
"It's tempting. But starting a business on a space station… there are a lot of unknowns. Do you have a plan?"
"We have everything we need," Jack assured him. "A steady coffee supply, the perfect location in the central sector, and my team's support. Just come and share a cup of coffee with me. Then decide if you can say no."
Kai smiled, glancing at the bustling bakery behind him.
"Alright, Jack. I'll be there in two days. Let's talk it over with a cup of coffee. Just need to settle things at the farm and bakery first."
"Great!" Jack exclaimed. "I can't wait to see you here. This is going to be something special."
Jack wasted no time. On the first day, he reserved a cozy apartment in a quiet neighborhood of the industrial sector, close to his own residence, for Kai's stay. The apartment overlooked the agricultural sector, offering an ideal setting for rest and inspiration.
The next day, Jack secured a modest venue in the central zone, strategically located near the human embassy. The location promised a steady flow of customers, given the number of officials and tourists frequenting the area. While the space needed renovations, Jack quickly jotted down the necessary improvements, envisioning the cafe's final look.
In the evening, Jack began working on a personal project: a coffee bean roasting system, built from scratch with the help of his matter printer. Using the Aetherion glove, he designed and assembled a compact device capable of precisely controlling roasting temperature and time. This process was crucial for achieving the unique flavor profile he envisioned.
As sparks from the welding illuminated his workshop, Jack smiled, satisfied with the progress.
"Finally, I'll have good coffee and a place to enjoy it on this station. 'If you truly want something, you can make it yourself,' as Grandpa used to say."