The shuttle lurched as it docked. There was a loud metallic clank as the docking clamps engaged. Sera stood up and straightened her clothes, then stood at the exit hatch as it opened.

A woman stood at the other end of the door, her dress was identical to her except for the differences in colour. Her skirt was olive and her dress shirt was orange; the traditional tones of the Taurean Sovereign Empire. Her hair was chestnut and held up in the same formal bun as hers, and her skin was dark. She was flanked by two guards in polished dress armour, also in olive and orange. The guards carried short power staves at their sides; projectile weapons on a closed space station or ship were typically restricted.

“Sales Executive Storme,” she said with a short bow, “welcome.”

“Senior...

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