Quinn received an ecstatic shriek in reply, devolving into another giggling fit “[color=f26522]See the cockpit? Really? I’ve literally [i]dreamed[/i] of it![/color]” Tillie said, near breathlessly. “[color=f26522]Yes, yes! Uhm! [i]Please[/i] yes![/color]”

She stepped out of the way and followed along behind, practically hopping. She deposited the equipment on a table near the Savior’s ankle braces, and the two of them proceeded through [i]Ablaze[/i]’s legs, to the lift situated along its spine. The ride up gave them a scenic view of the mottled back, and not much else, but Tillie looked very nearly as fascinated as Quinn had on her ride down to Mona’s. 

“[color=f26522]They tell you about how big they are, and, you know, you see them on TV all the time, but this…wow. Uhm! I never got to go to any of the singularities growing up. Dad never liked them, didn’t trust it. Duels too. Couple years ago I thought I’d never get to see one up close like this, let alone [i]work[/i] on them. It must be so cool, huh?[/color]”

Eventually they reached the top, where the neck-brace was extended into a wide, flat platform that spanned [i]Ablaze[/i]’s shoulders. There were more tables up here, tool cabinets and tables cluttered with equipment that looked like it might be meant for reading as much as mining. Tillie scurried over to a little console and swiped her nametag over its sensor. 

“[color=f26522]I-I saw your fight in Casoban![/color]” she said over her shoulder. “[color=f26522]You really surprised everyone, even me! Uhm! I mean, not that I didn’t think you wouldn’t—well, maybe I didn’t, a little. But I was rooting for you! Ever since they first started talking about you. Actually, it’s kinda why I signed up.[/color]”

As Quinn approached the back of [i]Ablaze[/i]’s skull, she felt that chill again. It had been coming to her more often, and unfailingly each time she’d come to check on the Savior. The cockpit would be frigid, she’d know, but it was almost as if that cold darkness was reaching out to meet her.

Tillie sidled up beside her again, hands clasped together. “[color=f26522]Are you sure this is okay? I mean—I don’t want to assume or anything. I know some pilots are really particular about this stuff. Should I close my eyes? Turn around?[/color]”