The Secret of Tanencha sy Tyrin

Nearly home and then we can all have a well earned rest. I stamp my foot on the floor, the buckles of my boots clanking against the railing, to wake the dozing members of my bridge crew.
"Stay alert, Aprolla's on the horizon." They shuffle in their seats, sitting up a little taller as my words settle in their minds. Home means a lot to us. A place to rest, to spend our earnings and feel the connection of solid, albeit artificial, ground. I give the signal to light up our logo lest we risk getting shot down as we make our approach.
"You're in charge now, Davix. Take us home."
"No worries, Captain." I sit back in my chair. If they want their own command one day they will need to learn this most basic skill, delegation. "This is Davix of the Rising Arc requesting permission to land at Heart of Aprolla, AGC Dock." Tension grips the bridge, crushing us under its weighted undertones. Static crackles quietly over the open channel and yet still we wait. Davix looks at me over their shoulder, the slight raise of their pierced eyebrow enough to let me know what they're thinking. I say nothing.
"Rising Arc, you are cleared for landing. Welcome home."
"You heard the Controller, take her in." They let their shoulders relax again; their pink braid sways slightly with the motion. Davix has a long way to go but they're learning quickly.

Our departure from the Rising Arc must've been made in record time. We haven't been back for two months. Long trips take their toll on all of us and we don't know how long it'll be before the next job comes along. Better they start their downtime early. For me, it's off to the office to organise their share of the payment and put the Rising Arc back in rotation first. At least, that's what I told the crew. There had been a definite delay in giving us permission to land and although I didn't show it, it has me curious. At the exit to the docks the AGC Dockside Office can be found. Not the most attractive looking building with dark green walls, faded signage and warped metal plating around the door frame. A bell chimes as I open the door and from behind a screen at the front desk a face of metal peers at me. The mechanical eyes widen as recognition set in.
"Captain Alestra Vens, it's you! Welcome back. I have your crew's payments here waiting on your signature."
"Thanks, Talus. Anything else?" The squeaky jointed receptionist stretched over the top of the screen to hand me a messenger chip.
"You also received this message whilst you were away. Looks to be from the Regent Herald of Vichi. In trouble are we?" I give Talus a worried look. For an AI they sure did love gossip, the more drama involved the better.
"I don't think so. What did he say?" Talus shrugs.
"No one here took the message, the chip was delivered by courier."
"Best not keep the Regent Herald waiting for a response then. Let me sign for the crew's pay so I can deal with this."

Ah, my favourite mug and my favourite chair by the window with my favourite view. I miss this. The pattern on my mug is slowly revealing knotted nettles as the ice water freezes the mug. In this moment all is well and I don't have to face whatever it is that's on that chip. The holographic play button keeps flashing, daring me to put aside my curiosity and leave it as it is. Perhaps I should. I could remove the chip, destroy it and move on with my life and forget all about it. Of course that would lead to an investigation, a bounty and living in fear for the rest of my life. Could I do that over something that could be as simple as a report from Vichi; from home? Nope, not worth the risk. I take another sip and settle in.
Property of the Government of Vichi Prime. The message flickers slightly as the image switches from text to the slightly hunched over figure of the Regent Herald wearing the familiar green and white mask of The Messenger.
"Alestra Vens, you are called back into service. Information pertaining to a classified mission has been located at the coordinates included with this message. The Vichi Prime Government has organised your cover through your current employment and you are to leave as soon as you receive your travel request. Once this mission has been completed you can return to your retirement, uninterrupted." Ominous, vague and not at all specific; I'm definitely back on the clock.