The prefab office near the edge of the beach still smelled like industrial solvents and new plastic, but Amara had managed to make it look professional with strategically placed furniture and holographic displays showing impressive corporate projections. Tanya suspected her business manager could make a shipping container look like a boardroom if necessary.
"I've been thinking about Davidson's partnership offer," Tanya said, settling into one of the new chairs. "About ways to prove I'm committed to helping rather than causing problems."
Amara looked up from her tablet, instantly alert. "I'm listening."
"What if I offered to help with the Eden-Three situation? With my navigation capabilities, I could potentially design a ship that could reach them through those artificial storms. Maybe even establish communication or—"
"Now that's an interesting proposal," Amara said, leaning forward with obvious interest. "A ship capable of navigating artificial vortex storms would be incredibly valuable. The applications alone..." She paused, studying Tanya's expression. "But I'm sensing there's more to this idea."
"Well, the navigation requirements would be complex. The dimensional mapping capabilities I'd need to implement would require—"
"You're planning to pilot it yourself," Amara said, her enthusiasm cooling noticeably.
"The technology is... personal. I don't think I could teach someone else to use it effectively."
Amara set down her tablet and gave Tanya a measured look. "Ms. Furrow, I think designing such a vessel would be an excellent demonstration of your capabilities and commitment. But personally piloting an experimental ship into what amounts to hostile territory? That seems unnecessarily risky."
"It's not hostile territory, it's just—"
"A planet cut off by someone wielding technology similar to yours who's declared rebellion against the Imperial government and has eliminated the government agents already on the planet," Amara said calmly. "I'm not saying it's impossible, but we should carefully consider the risks versus the benefits."
Tanya could see the wheels turning in Amara's mind, weighing options and possibilities.
"I'll run it by Davidson," Amara said finally. "Get his assessment of the situation and what they might need. But before you commit to anything this complex, there are things you should know. Information that might change your perspective on what you're dealing with."
"What kind of information?"
Amara's expression grew serious. "Part of my arrangement with Davidson involves keeping you informed about certain... background details. Things that might help you understand your situation better." She activated a privacy screen around their conversation area, which seemed like overkill since they were the only ones in the office. "Your helper, they're known to us as Gardeners. Or rather, that's what they call themselves."
Tanya wondered about and would hopefully get more from Sage letter. "What else do you know about these gardeners?"
"We know about the phenomenon. Gardeners have appeared multiple times throughout human history, always found on dead planets, always offering advanced technology to their chosen recipients, whom they refer to as their bonded." Amara's tone was matter-of-fact, but her eyes were watchful. "We don't understand their selection criteria, but the pattern is consistent."
"How many times?"
"Documented cases? Seven over the past six centuries. Undoubtedly been more but some are difficult to track. Some have been beneficial to humanity, the vortex drive technology came from a Gardener bonded pair. Others..." She paused. "Others have led to civil wars, planetary devastations, and entire systems wiped out."
Tanya's mouth went dry. "And you think Tsu Williams has one too."
"We're certain of it. The technology he's demonstrating, the artificial storms, the way he appeared with capabilities that shouldn't exist, and he was a victim of the same storm as you. It all fits the pattern." Amara leaned forward. "That's why every government in known space is always watching for them. They represent both the greatest opportunity and the greatest threat we've ever encountered."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you need to understand what you're part of," Amara said quietly. "And because if you're seriously considering going to Eden-Three, you need to know that you wouldn't just be facing Tsu Williams. You'd be facing another Gardener, one that's chosen a very different path than yours."
//Assessment: information provided is largely accurate but incomplete,// Sage's voice whispered in her mind. //Additional context exists regarding Gardener operations and selection protocols. However, your current development level remains insufficient for full disclosure access.//
Tanya tried to keep her expression neutral while processing both Amara's revelation and Sage's cryptic addition. There were layers to this situation that she still didn't understand, but at least now she had some framework for what she was dealing with.
"Now, let's talk about your current financial situation," Amara said, pulling up a detailed spreadsheet on her tablet. "After the cost of raw resources for your recent projects, this prefab building, my retainer, and various operational expenses, you have approximately 300,000 credits remaining in your business accounts."
Tanya blinked in shock. "Three hundred thousand? But I was paid over three million for Jimul's ship alone."
"Let me show you the breakdown," Amara said, turning the tablet so Tanya could see the itemised expenses. Tanya studied the numbers, her heart sinking. "I... I agreed to all of those expenses, didn't I?"
"Every single one," Amara confirmed. "This is exactly why you need a business manager. Engineers tend to focus on making things work without considering the cumulative cost. You built an exceptional ship, but luxury comes with a price tag."
"I still need to reach a million credits soon," Tanya said, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice. "How can I make that happen?"
"We could arrange a business loan," Amara suggested. "With your demonstrated capabilities and my connections, I could secure favourable terms—"
"No loans," Tanya said quickly, remembering Sage's requirements. "I need to earn it properly through actual business activities."
Amara raised an eyebrow at the specific phrasing but didn't comment. "In that case, we need to monetise your innovations more aggressively. What about selling licensing rights to your adaptive material synthesis process? That could generate significant upfront revenue."
"You think there's a market for that?"
"Ms. Furrow, your material outperforms anything currently available by a significant margin. Every aerospace company, military contractor, and luxury manufacturer in the sector would pay substantial fees for access to that technology." Amara made notes on her tablet. "Leave it with me. I'll work out a licensing deal that could net you the million you need."
"How quickly?"
"Two weeks, maybe three if we're negotiating with particularly difficult clients." Amara looked up from her notes. "Though I have to ask if something is driving this specific timeline? A million credits is significant money, but given your potential earning capacity, it's not urgent wealth."
Tanya couldn't exactly explain that her gardener had set advancement requirements that might unlock crucial information about her situation.
"Personal goal," she said lamely.
"Right." Amara's tone suggested she knew there was more to it but wouldn't push. "I'll have preliminary offers ready by next week. In the meantime, try not to spend any more money on experimental materials without consulting me first."
Tanya felt both relieved and slightly embarrassed as the meeting concluded. Amara's financial breakdown had been a sobering reminder of why she needed professional help, even if it meant accepting closer scrutiny of her activities.
Later that afternoon, Tanya found herself at the Riverside Café, fidgeting with her napkin and wondering how her parents had managed to organise a social ambush while she was dealing with government conspiracies and alien technology.
"You must be Tanya," said a voice behind her. She turned to see a young man about her age with calloused hands and an easy smile. "I'm Ian. Your parents said you might need a break from your work."
"They did, did they?" Tanya stood to shake his hand, noting the firm grip of someone who worked with tools. "And you're the mechanic who's supposed to remind me that life exists outside of my work?"
Ian laughed. "Guilty as charged. Though I have to say, they undersold your achievements. Most people I know can barely change their hover-car's power cells, and you're designing custom starships. Your brothers showed me your latest design. It was rather impressive"
They ordered coffee and light meals, falling into the awkward rhythm of strangers trying to find common ground. Ian asked about her time at Barth University; Tanya inquired about his work at the regional transport depot.
"I love working with my hands," Ian said when she asked what drew him to mechanical work. "There's something honest about fixing things, you know? When a machine breaks, it's broken for a reason. Find the problem, fix it properly, and it works again. No politics, no hidden agendas, just cause and effect."
The passion in his voice was genuine, and Tanya found herself relaxing and enjoying herself. Here was someone who understood the satisfaction of solving practical problems, even if his scale was different from hers.
"I can understand that," she said. "Though I have to admit, my projects lately have involved more politics than I'd like."
"The hazards of success," Ian said with a grin. "I bet when you started out, you just wanted to build cool ships. Now you probably spend half your time in meetings with people in expensive suits."
"More than half or so it feels," Tanya admitted ruefully.
They talked for another hour, covering everything from engineering philosophy to childhood memories of watching ships launch from the spaceport. Ian was intelligent, funny, and clearly interested in her as more than just the local celebrity engineer. But by the time they finished their meal, Tanya knew there wouldn't be a second date.
It wasn't that Ian wasn't wonderful because he was, exactly the kind of stable, grounded person her parents wanted her to meet. But there was no spark, no connection that would make her want to navigate the complexities of a relationship on top of everything else she was dealing with.
"This was lovely," she said as they prepared to leave. "Thank you for humouring my parents' matchmaking attempts."
"They're worried about you," Ian said perceptively. "They see you working all the time and think you're missing out on life."
"Maybe I am," Tanya admitted. "But life has gotten complicated lately."
"Well," Ian said, extending his hand again, "if you ever need someone to remind you that life is not all about engineering challenges, give me a call. I'm very good at fixing broken things."
Even Ian realised that line was corny and made a face, which made Tanya giggle.
Flying back to her workshop afterwards, Tanya reflected on her parents' wisdom. They were right that she needed balance, needed reminders that there was a world beyond engineering challenges and government conspiracies. Even if romance wasn't in the cards right now, taking time to connect with normal people doing normal work was important for maintaining her sanity.
But as she approached her workshop, she felt the familiar pull of unfinished designs and impossible problems waiting to be solved.
Balance was important. But some problems needed alien technology to solve, and she was the only one available to solve them.
Davidson's response to her Eden-Three proposal came faster than expected, transmitted through secure channels that required Amara's authentication codes to access. Tanya read through it twice, her mood shifting as she absorbed the details.
"Tentative approval granted for Eden-Three reconnaissance mission," the message began. "Your proposal demonstrates exactly the kind of innovative thinking we need for this situation. However, mission parameters require modification."
The ship would need to accommodate a squad of five military personnel, plus herself as navigator, and include a secure holding cell. Tanya didn't need to guess who the cell was intended for. The thought of potentially capturing Tsu Williams and bringing him back alive added another layer of complexity to what she'd envisioned as a diplomatic contact mission.
Davidson's briefing outlined potential threats they might encounter: automated mine fields surrounding Eden-Three, orbital defence platforms of unknown capability, and the possibility of hostile vessels equipped with technology beyond current Imperial understanding. Each scenario made it increasingly clear that this wasn't the peaceful reconnaissance she'd had in mind.
"Really making me want to reconsider this whole idea," she muttered, scrolling through the threat assessments.
The most frustrating part came near the end: "Priority development objective: automated navigation system capable of operating without your direct presence aboard the vessel. While your personal involvement may be initially necessary for testing and calibration, the long-term goal must be technology transfer that allows properly trained Imperial pilots to operate independently."
The component list was more encouraging, though frustratingly limited. Military-grade equipment was available, such as high-output fusion reactors, shield generators, and next-generation thrusters that could push acceleration tolerances to their limits. But the budget restrictions made it clear that the Empire considered this an experimental venture, not worth their most expensive equipment.
The weapons restriction was particularly puzzling. No offensive armaments would be authorised for the vessel, despite the acknowledged dangers. Tanya guessed she wasn't trusted enough yet to handle military-grade weaponry. She didn't mind that, she wasn't a fan of military spaceship. She was more interested in the possible navigation breakthroughs she could make.
//Budget constraints often inspire superior engineering solutions. Resource limitations encourage innovation over brute force approaches,// Sage observed.
"Easy for you to say," Tanya replied. "You're not the one who'll be flying into potentially hostile territory in an unarmed ship."
//Defensive capabilities and superior navigation may prove more valuable than offensive weapons in this scenario. The mission's success depends on reaching Eden-Three undetected, not engaging in combat.//
Tanya leaned back in her chair, staring at the mission parameters. She'd proposed this as a way to prove herself, but Davidson had turned it into something much more complex and dangerous than she'd intended.