Adrestia

Sabinus knows something happened to his pet during his absence. He didn't get this far as a space pirate without developing a well-honed sense for trouble. But as usual, she's not talking, and until she does, there's not a thing he can do about it.

Maybe it's not his place to do anything about it.

Still, he has his ways. And maybe now he can finally settle the matter of what exactly she means to him.

And what he means to her.

WARNING: This short story is a direct followup to "Degen." Although it's not necessary to have read "Degen" to enjoy this story, "Adrestia" features vicious vigilante justice and pirates doing piratey things, and so the same warning about darker themes applies.