Sunrise Cantina

The crew of the Scarlet Gaze are figuring out what they want to do now that Lord Straik sa'Rin is no longer running a corsair ship. Some of the a'ani crew want to run a cantina on Risda III. Kazex just wants Ruthie. Ruthie just wants to have a nervous breakdown. Well, she wants Kazex, too. The delicious a'ani chief of security has been a steady, protective, delicious presence ever since she joined the crew. He's made it clear that he loves Ruthie as she is, nervous wreck and all. But Ruthie's afraid of what will happen to their easy friendship if she asks for more.

A'ani clone Aithar has had his heart broken a dozen times on Risda III. No one wants the love he is so very eager to give. But then he meets a human woman named Michaela who runs a dairy farm. She wants to rescue her sister, and to do so, she needs Aithar's help. He's willing to help . . . in exchange for a date. Michaela warns him that she's just using him. He's fine with being used, as long as it involves kissing. Lots and lots of kissing.

Simone loves a good opportunity. When she sees that there's a hole in the market on Risda III for a bakery, she steps in to fill the void. With a cart full of fresh baked goods, she rakes in the credits. Who cares if she doesn't know the difference between a biscuit and a babka? She's got hustle and a winning smile. Ruth-Ann cares. She cares a lot.