**Jakob’s Mate (5): Rub ‘Til It’s Done**
***Jakobs Mate is made up of mostly independent stories, but if you’d like to read more…check my profile for previous entries (can’t link here).***
The clanging of automated air-hammers across the hull of my ship had gotten old after the first hour. Getting a new cover for the Leiaan was awful. I loved the look of my ship. I hated plastering some company logo across it and having to act like I was a lowly unstable ore hauler, in this case.
I worked out with my headphones in, but as I went to grab a snack, the banging got to me again. I groaned in frustration. A shower would clear my head. I cracked my neck and did a louder than normal thumping on the armory door. Sadie and I were—something, but neither of us were quite sure what that something was. In the two days that had passed since we left Outer’s Gate, JIL had been busy trying to think up a communication interface for our new pea-sized friend. Johnny T was ready and willing to help us hide out while things died down. He gave us a really good rate on the ship reskin. I ran my hand down the door frame and the panels hissed and slid apart. I stripped off my smelly workout gear and tossed it into the laundry chute. Automated washing was a feature that I always viewed as a must in a space-faring vessel. I did *not* wash clothes. I was willing to pay three month’s pay for that privilege.