[Verse 1] Peter pushed his hair back over his ear Before he thumbed the control to the cabin door. He wasn’t worried about his appearance; From what he’d seen of their potential new crewmember He had no intention of trying to impress anyone. Long hair had never appealed to him, Too difficult to maintain, always in the way. He made a mental note to get a trim Before the ship departed the area, And wondered if he could scare the ragabash Into returning to Dante before they went. [Chorus] Welcome to the Seven Wishes Drifting under distant stars; Every choice is weighed in silence, Every scar a guiding chart. Not a pirate, not a prison, Just a fragile, flying home— Family aboard the Seven Wishes, Choosing whether they will roam. [Verse 2] The door slid aside to reveal Mr. Stingray Sitting at the desk unit, typing something— Shanghai charges, no doubt, Peter thought. This was not the same man they’d carried from the bar. The man in the room was well groomed and clean‑shaven, And turned to the door in a reasonably relaxed manner. “Mr. Stingray?” Peter asked as he stepped through. “You must be the Captain,” Stingray said, Standing to offer his hand. “I was told you’d be coming around. I’m not exactly pleased about being uprooted like this.” [Verse 3] “Well,” Peter said, noticing that Stingray Did not look quite as angry as he sounded, “A position is available aboard the Seven Wishes, But it’s strictly voluntary duty.” “And if I decide not to join your crew,” Stingray asked, “where can I go in deep space? I can’t just hop off ship anywhere.” “Oh, we’re not underway. If you want to stay on Dante I can arrange a shuttle, run you right back to the bar.” Peter watched Stingray’s shoulders drop a little, Then straighten again. “You didn’t look on the fast track back there. Take some time to think it over. We’ll be here for about a day and a half, Dante time. Let me, or anyone else aboard, know what you decide.” [Chorus] Welcome aboard the Seven Wishes Drifting under distant stars; Every choice is weighed in silence, Every scar a guiding chart. Not a pirate, not a prison, Just a fragile, flying home— Family aboard the Seven Wishes, Choosing whether they will roam. [Verse 4] Peter shook Stingray’s hand once more Before he turned to leave. If Stingray stayed, he might be a good hand to have aboard, Or he might yet become a liability. According to Hunter, Stingray was, At least a few years ago, A man who took full advantage of any situation. “By the way, Mr. Stingray,” Peter said at the door, “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. This ship isn’t a pirate vessel, Though it has a reputation as one, And we don’t shanghai people into servitude. You’ve probably already noticed You have free run of the ship, So feel free to get familiar with her. We don’t really have any ‘off‑limits’ areas on board. Your terminal there can access deck diagrams And guide your tour. The layout’s straightforward. Most of the creature comforts are on this deck, And nearly everything is automated.” “What is the crew complement?” Peter turned to leave. “Seven, Unless you decide not to stay.” As the door closed behind him, Peter wished he could see the look on Stingray’s face. He remembered his own reaction When he learned how impossibly small The crew really was.
