by J G Cressey
Cal paused to take another couple of deep, steadying breaths. The deathly silence was beginning to get to him. Not that he was hoping for one, but he couldn’t deny that a face-to-face fight was far easier on the nerves. He continued on, Melinda by his side and the others still close behind. The eighth door finally revealed something different: a much larger space, possibly a canteen. There were numerous white tables with matching chairs, but still, the room was eerily quiet with no signs of life. A damned ghost ship. Deciding that the canteen was unlikely to lead anywhere, he continued on.
Only one door remained before the corridor came to an abrupt end. The door in question was on the opposite side of the corridor, and Cal approached it with his usual caution. Peering around its edge, he saw a room radically different to the others. It too had pure white walls, floor, and ceiling, but it was much larger than even the canteen, and it was far from empty and featureless. Consoles and workstations filled the large space, and in its center, Cal could see a series of large, block-like tables on which sat coils of glass equipment holding liquids of varying colors and consistencies. Some of the liquids gave off gasses that either rose towards the high ceiling or poured over the edges of the tables to settle, fog-like, on the floor.
Other than the gasses, Cal could sense no other movement. “Looks clear, but stay alert,” he whispered.
As he moved into the room, he saw huge screens set high on the wall to his left. Some displayed complex charts and equations. Others showed images of numerous alien species and what he took to be microscopic views of blood and perhaps tissues. Below those screens, sitting on white platforms that protruded from the walls, were glass specimen tubes. Some of the tubes were fist-sized, and some towered higher than a human adult. Each tube contained at least one life-form either submerged in preservation liquid or suspended and rotating in a frozen state. Below these specimens, he could make out rows of dissection blades and laser cutters, all lying on desks with built-in, snake-arm microscopes.
“What the hell is this place?” Toker whispered.
“It’s a laboratory, idiot,” Eddy said in remarkably hushed tones. “What’s goin’ on, Cal? Where is everyone?”
“Yeah, it’s not as populated as I thought it’d be,” Toker said. “Kinda feels like the whole place has been abandoned.”
“I don’t think they’d have left all of this equipment on before leaving,” Cal replied as he moved further into the room. He couldn’t see any obvious doors other than the one they’d entered. “Let’s make a quick search. See if you can spot any exits or a lift.”
Eddy and Toker continued on into the center of the room while Viktor and Melinda moved over to what appeared to be a control console.
“Strange place,” Jumper said quietly.
Wiping his brow and his eyes, Cal continued to scan the room. “Somehow, strange doesn’t seem to cut it.”
Jumper nodded. “Is it me, or does this place seem distinctly…”
“Human?” Cal offered.
“Yeah, human.”
Not keen on standing still, Cal stiffly pointed to his left. “Looks like there might be a concealed door or viewing panel over there. Fancy joining me whilst Viktor does his thing?” More than anything, he wanted to distract himself from his failing body.
Jumper nodded and indicated for him to lead the way. As they wound their way between consoles and equipment, Cal spotted a pile of fairly hefty metal clamps strewn on the surface of a workstation. Grimacing as his back strongly disagreed with the move, and picked up one of the clamps. He weighed it in his hand and, feeling satisfied with its weapon-like quality, offered it to Jumper, who accepted it gratefully. Painfully picking up another one for himself, he moved on, the crude weapon doing little to boost his confidence.
“You wanna press it, or shall I?” he said to Jumper as they arrived at the concealed panel and stared at the touch pad on the wall.
“You spotted it, Cal,” Jumper said with a half grin, “I think it only fair that you get to open it.”
Cal paused. Now that they were closer, he could see that the panel was a heavily armored barricade of sorts. He took a moment to check on the others; Viktor was still working at the control panel while Toker and Eddy were continuing their search on the far side of the laboratory. Turning back to the armored panel, he opted for a mental shrug rather than a physical one and reached for the touch pad. The result was instantaneous. The barrier retracted so fast it was almost as if it had magically disappeared. Suddenly, he and Jumper were staring at two dark, alien figures, both baring bright white fangs and glaring at them with menacing, ice-gray eyes.
Cal grunted and stumbled back in alarm. He tried to raise his heavy clamp in defense—or attack, he hadn’t entirely decided which—but searing pain flashed through his spine and froze him on the spot.
“Hell,” Jumper cried. He too had recoiled back in shock, almost swinging his clamp into a nearby container in the process.
After a moment, Cal dropped his weapon, breathing hard. “Don’t worry. We’re safe,” he said and walked forward to press his hand against a thick smart-glass panel. Even the toughest of aliens would never penetrate it.
“Carcarrions?” Jumper asked, slowly lowering his clamp and peering at the two tall figures behind the glass.
“In the flesh,” Cal replied. There were smart-straps binding the two Carcarrions to horizontal supports. “It seems they’re as much prisoners as we are.”
Jumper tentatively moved forward to get a closer look. “You really weren’t exaggerating when you said they were fearsome,” he said with a soft chuckle of relief. “There’s not many things able to give me a fright, but the unexpected sight of these guys just made the list. What the hell is this place, Cal?”
Bloody good question. Cal could feel theories and suspicions turning in the back of his mind, but with the state he was in, none of them were making it to the forefront intact. Even though he knew the two aliens posed no threat, he felt compelled to once again tap the touch pad, bringing the heavy metal barrier back into place. “I’ve no idea, Jumper, but I think it’s best we leave that closed, yes?” He blinked as sweat ran into his eyes a set them stinging.
Looking at him with growing concern, Jumper nodded in agreement. “Don’t worry. We’ll be out of here soon enough.”
Cal did his best to grin. Judging by Jumper’s expression, it had come out more as a grimace.
“How’s about we find out if Viktor’s having any success?” Jumper suggested.
Cal looked back across the laboratory. Apparently, none of the others had noticed the unveiling of the two dark aliens. “Sure.”
The boy was still tapping away at the console when they approached. Cal felt the need to lean against it for support and almost fell as his clammy hand slipped on its edge. Fortunately, Melinda shot a cybernetic hand under his arm and set him straight. God bless her.
“You okay, Cal?”
“Fine, Viktor, just a little under the weather. Any, um…luck?”
After shooting a worried glance at Jumper, the boy returned his gaze to the console. “I’m almost into the system. This is weird though, guys. This system, this whole ship, it’s human…definitely human. Even the—”
Viktor’s words were cut short as a figure briskly entered the room via the very same door that they’d crept though just a few minutes earlier. Cal froze, as did the others. Eddy and Toker, who had been making their way back across the laboratory, were now standing motionless near its center. Cal watched, his heart pounding, as the figure walked keenly toward the central tables. A human. A female. She had her head turned towards the huge screens as she walked and seemed completely unaware of their presence. She was even softly humming to herself, an act that sent a strange wave of relief through Cal. Bad people don’t hum, do they?
Still not taking her eyes from the screens, the woman arrived at the central tables just metres away from the statue still forms of Eddy and Toker. Distractedly, she set a drink canister and a small box
down on a table.
How the hell has she not noticed them? Cal looked at Toker, who was staring at him with wide, questioning eyes. Eddy, on the other hand, had her eyes firmly fixed on the oblivious woman and looked ready to pounce. Fortunately, she glanced towards him first. Cal slowly shook his head and raised a finger to his lips.
With her back to them and her eyes still studying the big screens, the woman remained unaware. Cal couldn’t see her face, but he guessed she was young. She had a slim build, was of average height, and had long, almost white-blonde hair that was tightly pulled back into a ponytail. Her attire was strange: a pale blue, close-fitting suit perhaps designed for physical activity.
Turning to Melinda, Cal pointed towards the exit. She immediately moved stealthily towards it. Hoping to come close to matching that stealth, he began moving towards the center of the room, his eyes remaining fixed on the woman.
Finally looking away from the screens, the young woman turned and picked up her drink. After taking a few sips, she placed it back on the table then leaned forward and began tapping on one of the glass contraptions that held a bubbling green liquid. She then picked up the small box, opened it, and jabbed two small sticks inside. Food, Cal realized. She must have been in the canteen kitchens as they’d crept by. It had seemed so deserted, but a silent, single person…
Suddenly, whether by sound, peripheral vision, or a tardy sixth sense, the woman detected that she wasn’t alone. Spitting out a mouthful of noodles, she spun around, her eyes growing large with fright as she saw Toker and Eddy. Toker immediately raised his open palms in a gesture of peace. Eddy, on the other hand, exploded forward in a vicious attack.
“Eddy, wait,” Cal shouted, but he doubted she could even hear him over her battle cry.
Jumping back and throwing the remainder of her noodles in Eddy’s snarling face, the woman dashed around to the opposite side of the tables. Cal tried to hurry towards her but immediately regretted it as his back exploded in pain. All he managed was a wordless grunt as his legs collapsed beneath him, and he crashed to the floor. Colored dots filled his vision as he clutched at his back.
Unlike the pain, the dots soon dissipated, and Cal looked up to see Eddy and Toker circling the tables in an attempt to herd the woman. Extremely efficient in her movements, the retreating woman thrust her right hand into her hip pocket, pulled out a device not much bigger than a pen, then pushed it against the side of her neck. Seconds later, she was throwing the device down and looking defiantly at Toker and Eddy as they closed in.
“You okay, Cal?” Jumper was suddenly kneeling by his side.
“Make sure she doesn’t get out of the room.”
Jumper leaped up to begin circling the woman.
Seeming to decide that Toker was less of a threat than the tall Jumper or the snarling Eddy, the woman made a dash directly in the young blond man’s direction.
“I got her,” Toker cried, his arms wide to intercept the woman.
Cal attempted to push himself upright. The attempt failed, and his face hit the cold, hard floor. Trying a different tack, he rolled himself over, grunting loudly in pain as he did so. He then looked up just in time to see Toker literally flying backwards through the air, arms wheeling before landing with an almighty crash into a tower of sample racks.
As the lightweight racks skittered loudly across the smooth floor, the woman bolted passed Cal at an incredible speed. She was heading straight for Melinda and what was perhaps the one and only exit. Even with her unnatural speed, Cal very much doubted that she’d succeed in dodging past the cybernetic woman. But as it turned out, no dodging was intended and Cal turned just in time to see her barrel directly into the tall blonde. To his amazement, Melinda was jolted by the hit and was even forced back a little way. Coming to a halt, the two seemed locked in a stalemate. Face to face, their arms braced. Melinda’s face was a blank mask, giving nothing away. Cal couldn’t see the woman’s face, but her posture gave the impression of incredible strain. This seemed to be confirmed as Melinda quickly and easily gained the upper hand. Forcing the smaller woman’s arms down, the cybernetic woman turned her around into an immobilizing embrace.
Gritting his teeth against the pain, Cal finally made it to his feet. “Don’t hurt her, Melinda,” he said as he shuffled towards them like a man three times his age.
As if somehow annoyed by the implication that she’d been defeated, the woman began to struggle in Melinda’s embrace, kicking her feet in the air and back at her captor’s legs. Melinda seemed unbothered by the desperate attacks.
“Calm down,” Cal snapped as he hobbled nearer. “We don’t want to hurt you.”
The woman paused in her struggles for a moment, dropping her head forward as if realizing the futility of her struggles. Then she brought her head up, slamming it hard into Melinda’s face. Cal winced at the sound of the contact.
The move was seemingly one too many for Melinda, whose long blonde hair quickly snaked around the woman’s slender neck.
“Melinda, don’t—”
Viktor intercepted Cal with his hand raised. “Don’t worry; she won’t hurt her. She’s just gonna put her to sleep for a bit.”
Cal watched as the woman’s struggles slowed then eventually stopped. Her head flopped forward as Melinda retracted her hair and lowered her to the floor, leaving her limp form at her feet much like a gentle dog might a soft toy.
Cal felt lost for words. Bewildered didn’t even come close, and he obviously wasn’t alone. For a time, they all looked at each other in stunned silence. Everything had happened so fast.
“You okay, Toker?” he asked as his young friend limped over to join them.
“Sure, Cal,” he replied even though he didn’t sound it or indeed look it.
His adrenalin dissipating, Cal began feeling increasingly dizzy. With great effort, he crouched down over the woman’s prone form, and thankfully, the dizziness eased. Satisfied that he wasn’t about to pass out, he moved the woman’s white-blonde hair aside and laid a couple of fingers upon her neck. “Pulse is a little fast but strong,” he said, looking up at the others.
Toker slowly wheeled his right shoulder around, wincing as he did so. “So she’s not a synthetic like Melinda?”
Cal could understand his thinking. “No, most definitely flesh and blood.”
“But she was so fast,” Toker insisted.
“And strong,” Eddy confirmed. “She certainly sent you flyin’.”
“Too bloody right she did,” Toker conceded. “Felt like I got hit by a damn hover train.”
“Maybe we should be checking if there’s any others around?” Jumper suggested.
Cal nodded. “Viktor, do you think you can find out what and who the hell we’re dealing with here?”
“Sure, Cal.” The boy tore his nervous eyes away from the unconscious woman and scuttled back to the console he’d been working on.
Instinctively, Cal leaned forward to pick the unconscious woman up. Damn it. What the hell was he thinking? He could barely pick himself up. He needed to rest his body and his brain. He gave Melinda a look. Without hesitating or making a sound, the cybernetic woman seemed to read his thoughts. Crouching down, she scooped the unconscious woman into her arms and looked at him for further instructions.
“Thanks, Melinda. I owe you one.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
CAUTION…AND PAIN
Cal was regretting having sat down. His entire lower torso felt as though it were filled with molten lead, which was burning through his skin and fusing him to the chair. He had a talent for pushing pain aside, but those talents were fast failing him. He had searched the huge laboratory for pain patches, but it had been like looking for a fusion coil in a military junkyard. He was hot, too damn hot, to the point that his t-shirt had become soaked with sweat. Where the hell were the others? They were supposed to be bringing a med kit from the Star Splinter, and if they didn’t arrive back soon, Cal had a nasty feeling that he’d never stand up again. Ever.<
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He stared at the unconscious figure on the bunk. The woman with the white-blonde hair had been out cold for a good thirty minutes now. He’d been right about her age: She was young, maybe late twenties or early thirties. Her skin was pale. Flawless. Cal wondered when she would wake so he could get some answers and some merciful distraction. He took a few, grating breaths and allowed himself a little experimental stretch. All he achieved was an agonized groan. Aborting the stretch, he stiffly glanced to the doorway of the living quarters, where Melinda stood. The synthetic woman remained still, silent, and apparently untroubled by his obvious pain. If he was honest, he felt like crying. If he wasn’t so afraid of how much it would hurt, he just might have done. Every ten minutes that passed felt like a new lesson in the nature of true agony. He was glad that no one else was in the room to witness him in such a state unless, of course, that someone possessed a dozen pain patches.
He did his best to bring his attention back to the unconscious woman. How the hell had she launched Toker through the air like that? And how could she possibly have challenged the cybernetic strength of Melinda? He’d seen her inject herself. Possibly a muscle stim of sorts to give her a huge physical boost. But he’d personally experienced muscle stims as part of his military training, and even the very best fell far short of the strength increase this woman had displayed. Besides, muscle stims left you drained, looking and feeling like an addict at their worst. This woman looked nothing short of radiant.
He closed his eyes tight and had an overwhelming urge to shake his head. Where the hell were the others? He was sure they’d be back by now. Earlier in the lab, Viktor had partially managed to access the strange ship’s systems. The boy had been animated about it too. So much so that he spent a full two minutes gushing its praises before revealing that—bar a collection of suitably contained live alien specimens—they were the only living souls on board. A one-person crew seemed extremely unlikely considering the ship’s complexity, size, and living quarters, but Viktor had been adamant.