The Calm

James served them a simple meal then ate his own, simpler meal on his knees outside the kitchen door.

He heard a cross section of the soldiers gossip. As always on the same topic.

"Jer's grandfather says he remembers seeing docks for these Cityships, so big you couldn't see from one side to the other"

"not even sure if it has engines, or just drifts"

"steered from the Cruiser"

"called it 'Peytra' or something"

Not for the first time, James idly wondered if the Cityship was just an illusion, a riddle to keep the people's minds off the real problems.