Live from Planet Frystar

9. The Worst Repair Job Ever

Torgg gave the wreck of his ship one last critical look, then nodded. "One week."

Galek forced a smile. "Yep. One week."

"No longer."

"Absolutely."

"Or else."

"Haha. Right. Got it."

Torgg grunted, clearly satisfied with this extremely one-sided arrangement, and stomped toward the exit. The moment the doors slid shut behind him, Galek let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"And so, the walking mountain of intimidation departs, leaving behind only the promise of certain doom should Galek fail."

Grint patted him on the back. "Well. That went well."

Galek shot him a look. "How, exactly, did that go well?"

"He didn't punch you?"

"...Yet."

Before Galek could even begin to process the monumental task ahead of him, a voice cleared its throat.

He and Grint both turned.

The other customer-the sketchy-looking alien from before-was still standing there, awkwardly waiting.

Galek squinted. "Oh. Right. You."

"Still need repairs," the alien said.

Galek considered telling him to leave again. But then, he glanced at Grint, who was doing that thing where he was clearly thinking about rent credits again.

"And here we see Galek doing mental calculations. Not about materials or labor costs, but about how much he currently owes in rent, and how-purely by coincidence-the amount this customer is offering just happens to match it almost perfectly."

Galek chose not to acknowledge this fact directly.

Instead, he clapped his hands together. "Alright. We can do it. Ship'll be ready by tomorrow."

The alien nodded. "Good."

Grint nudged Galek. "Wow. Look at you, being all efficient."

Galek muttered, "If I have to suffer, I might as well pay my rent while I'm at it."

"A rare moment of financial responsibility, driven entirely by desperation."

Galek ignored that.

The customer transferred the credits, nodded once, and left without another word.

Now alone in the shop with Grint, Galek rubbed his face. "Okay. So. Now we have two impossible repair jobs."

Grint shrugged. "Could be worse."

Galek pointed at the pile of what used to be a spaceship. "How?"

Grint considered this. "I mean... at least the smoaklin didn't come back?"

Galek winced. "Don't jinx it."

"Oh, but he already has."

Galek groaned loudly.

Grint grinned. "Alright. Let's get to work."

Galek sighed. It was going to be a very long week.