Last Flight For Craggy

by Gary Weston

  Cragg agreed. 'Like you said. It'll be interesting. Cheers.'

  Chapter 59

  Moon Commander Anton Forbes had gone out of his way to find Cragg. After a couple of beers too many the previous night, Cragg was wondering if he was in trouble again.

  'I'll just get us a syncoff.'

  Forbes made himself comfortable in Cragg's untidy quarters, moving a suit and helmet off the chair.

  'Sorry,' said Cragg. 'Maids day off.'

  'Don't worry about it. You've been busy. I'd like to thank you for taking the youngsters under your wing.'

  'It's been a real pleasure. To be honest, those new non-touch sensors are beyond me.'

  'That's one of the things I wanted to talk about. But first, I have a bit of a problem.'

  'Which is?'

  'Captain Dillow has requested she fly the ship and Ramshorn takes off with trainee Bouquet in her freighter. That concerns me, Craggy.'

  'I thought it might. Ramshorn and Dillow are up to the job.'

  Forbes said, 'I don't doubt it.'

  'But. Both are still not much more than rookies. That's what you're thinking, isn't it?'

  'Yes,' said Forbes. 'And they're both flying solo. No back up. There's nowhere to put a copilot. It would have taken too long to alter the big ship to comfortably accommodate two pilots. We have neither time nor personnel to spare right now.'

  'I'd offer to go with Dillow if there was room, but like you said, there's no room.'

  'Not with Dillow,' said Forbes. 'But there is on the freighter. We should at least have another qualified pilot with Rocky. The trouble is, we only have a few more rookies, no qualified pilots.'

  'I could go back with them if that helps?'

  Forbes looked uncomfortable. 'Before we come to that, how confident would you be to send off Ramshorn and Dillow, for want of a better word, without backup?'

  'This is unusual times, Anton. Forget the rulebook. Trust them.'

  'Easy for you to say.'

  'Like I said,' said Cragg. 'I can go with them if you wish.'

  Forbes shook his head. 'With respect, Craggy. I know you're a bit lost with the new controls. You wouldn't really be much use on the new freighter.'

  Cragg sighed and nodded. 'Sorry I can't be more useful to you.'

  'I didn't say you couldn't be useful. I have a freighter of your own for you.'

  'But you said I was lost on the new controls.'

  'You are. This freighter is old school. The deck is from your old ship. You can fly it with your eyes shut.'

  'I don't know what to say. And I appreciate the offer. But again, what about back up in my ship?'

  'We just haven't got the pilots we need. You said I have to throw out the rulebook. And I acknowledge that fact. I have a rookie for you. You can show him the ropes.'

  That sounded like something he could do. 'Okay. And Rocky can teach Amethyst. She's already trained on the theory and she understands those new fangled controls as well as he does. She'll soon pick it up.'

  'Suit up. Come and see your new old ship.'

  Chapter 60

  Forbes drove them to the hanger housing the old new freighter. They got off the buggy to admire the ship.

  'Latest twin engine plasma thruster technology. Faster than your old ship.'

  Cragg said, 'Hard to think that in the old days, it could take up to two years just to get there, depending on how close Mars was to Moon. Those old fuel rockets were so damn slow.'

  'You ever fly one of those?'

  'Hey. I'm not that bloody old. Plasma drives have been around for well over a hundred years, getting better all the time.'

  'They had a lot of issues to overcome,' said Forbes. 'Whilst Earth has been busy throwing rocks at each other, the real expertise in ship and engine technology has been right here, I'm very proud to say.'

  'Making something from practically nothing is a way of life here.' Cragg could see at least five separate projects going on. Ships from Earth in more settled times were being brought out of mothballs, being updated and rebuilt for future needs. Designers, craftspeople, engineers of many nationalities, worked together in ways alien to Earth.

  Forbes said, 'Your freighter has a larger passenger section. She can take thirty at a squeeze. We modified it after we agreed to move to Mars, to accommodate passengers. But for this trip, apart from the rookie you'll be on your own.'

  'Okay. What will we be hauling?'

  Forbes said, 'Building sections, mostly. Plus cables and pipework.'

  'You'll be filling the empty accommodation areas with other stuff, won't you?'

  'Of course. Stuff being packed up as we speak. Stella? are you still in there?'

  'Yes, Commander. Do you wish to enter?'

  'Yes. Two to come aboard.'

  Stella Wayward opened the outer airlock door to let the two men in. They passed through into the flight deck.

  'Hi, Stella,' said Cragg. 'Performing miracles again, I see?'

  'Just the computer side of things.'

  Stella was a hugely popular young woman, and known as a genius when it came to making computers that actually did what they were supposed to. She was a pretty, twenty five year old blonde, with mesmerising deep blue eyes that had the boys eager to date her.

  'Craggy,' said Stella. 'What do you think of your new ship?'

  'Something missing. It needs a pair of fluffy dice hanging somewhere. Can't possibly take off without fluffy dice.'

  Stella had no idea what he was talking about and looked to Forbes for an explanation.

  'He's really, really old,' whispered Forbes, loudly.

  'Honest. I'm only really old.'

  'You spend some time with Stella getting used to the controls. I'll see if I can get you a fluffy dice.'

  With Forbes gone, Cragg settled down into serious mode. The differences in the controls from what he was used to were subtle, and he worked those until he didn't have to think about it.

  Stella said, 'She's longer than you're used to, because of the extra accommodation. Rule of thumb, just double the length.'

  'Right. I can do that.'

  'Also, the pod locking is to the new design and ten new pods are being packed. You are are already familiar with that.'

  'I am.' He sat back in the new seat, letting it mould to his body. He was where he was always meant to be. 'I'll get to know her between here and Mars. She'll tell me when she's happy or sad.'

  'I can see you'll get on really well,' said Stella, smiling at the wistful expression on Cragg's happy face.

  Chapter 61

  Although it was supposed to be a break between trips, it didn't seem much like one. Dillow was also learning about her ship. It was huge, compared to regular freighters, dubbed Big Bird by everyone. But for its size, the human space was insignificant compared to the rest of the ship. This was all about carrying monster payloads at the fastest possible speed. Any considerations for the pilot were limited to what could be squeezed into the existing space without any potentially risky rewiring of the computers and the controls.

  There was a seat at the pointy end, a toilet, which doubled as a shower. A cot pretending to be a proper bed and failing badly. Any cat swinging was out of the question.

  A phenomenal top speed could more than halve the journey between Moon and Mars. As long as she could take a few days off between trips so she didn't go tin can crazy, she could do this. This Big Bird was now her baby. She did a Craggy.

  She took off her gloves and put the palms of her hands on the walls, connecting with the ship. She closed her eyes and concentrated. She thought she could feel the slight vibrations of the generator.

  Dillow made a pact. 'I need you, you need me. Let's take care of one another, okay?'

  She put her gloves back on, shut everything down and went down the ramp. She walked along the catwalk admiring the clean lines, the beauty of the ship, her ship. Ahead was the fairground ride of the ramp from which Big Bird would be launched. The ship was right; she was ready. She patted
the side of the hull.

  'Sleep tight, my beauty. Goodnight.'

  None of them could keep away from their ships. Cragg was more concerned with the soul of the freighter. That was something he understood more than anything physical. She was a new ship so she would have her own idiosyncrasies. They would learn from each other. He stood on the deck, eyes closed, taking in the essence of the freighter. It was one of those intangibles; something most would either dismiss completely, or like Cragg, believe in unconditionally. Cragg believed.

  Rocky and Amethyst were also coming to terms with the way their lives had changed in such a short time. They had found love; worthwhile and challenging work to do, and an exciting future to build. The positions of the planets made it the shortest possible journey but they still had the place to themselves.

  Amethyst thought about the tiny Nonpreg in her thigh. One day, she thought, she would have it removed so she could have a baby. She remembered what Craggy had said about life-long love. He had said loving the same partner for perhaps one hundred and thirty years was a big ask. She looked at Rocky, lost in the ambiance of the freighter. Still only nineteen and a freighter Captain first class with his own ship. He had already checked the records. He was the youngest to be where he was that moment.

  Both their parents had been killed in one of the many skirmishes on Earth. They had spent the last few years being taken care of in the orphanage, Rocky noticing the young Amethyst, who seemed to relish teasing him into a confused wreck by ignoring him most of the time. His dreams had never been wild enough to include one about sharing a ship with a beautiful girlfriend, but here was a dream turned reality.

  'Back to my place,' Rocky said. 'I am desperate to kiss you.'

  Chapter 62

  Twenty year old Max Morgan was a strange one. He had a very Welsh accent, even though born on Moon. His mother had been determined the Welsh accent and language would not be lost. Max had become proud of his heritage as embellished by his mother, in fantastic stories of dragons and castles. In his heart, he was a Welshman.

  Morgan was a medium in every way. Height and build with regular features. His close cropped hair made his sharp nose and grey eyes give a studious appearance to his face. Thin lips and shallow cheeks made smiling a challenge for him.

  Cragg wondered what it was about these young people that made smiling such a chore for them. He hoped he could get used to the accent. He also sensed a bit of an attitude.

  'Never?' Cragg asked.

  Max shook his head. 'I've been trained on the new sensors. I heard these sorts of controls were museum pieces.'

  'Is that right?' said Cragg, bristling a little. 'I'll have you know, these instruments and controls were specially selected for an experienced pilot like me.'

  'Yeah? You look nothing like your pictures.'

  'I don't?'

  'I didn't realise you are really, really old.'

  'Again. Only really old. I could fly circles around you. And I expect a reasonable amount of respect. Just remember. Being a freighter captain means not just being a top pilot, but somebody who can interact with others, and treating everyone as an equal. Not only that, if you want your tickets I have to sign them off. Get the picture?'

  'Yes, Sir.'

  'Okay. Just relax. Just chill out a little, we'll get along just fine. Off you go, Morgan.'

  'Goodnight, Sir.'

  'Goodnight, Morgan.' He waited for the airlock hiss. Counted ten for the air to come right, and removed his helmet. Getting a cold beer, he sat at the controls. He looked at the switches, knobs and slides made by craftsmen who took pride in their work. As much art as engineering marvels.

  'Museum pieces. Hmm. Kids today.'

  He just hoped he could get along with the young man. Time would tell.

  Chapter 63

  It was in Moon Commander Forbes' boardroom. Forbes had the floor to wind up the final meeting. He had insisted, 'Time is not of the essence on these trips. Getting there safely and intact, is the priority with fairly inexperienced pilots. Not you, Craggy, before you say anything. The freighters have a lower top speed of the ships. So, Captain Dillow, you take the lead, but keep to the freighters speed until you feel confident in your ship, then use Big Bird's speed. It won't be a picnic for you cooped up alone. You'll know that if you run into trouble, you already have help on its way with two freighters on your tail. Look out for and be there for each other at all times.

  Captain Cragg. Your ship is on her maiden flight. I want you second in case there are teething problems. Captain Ramshorn. Take up the rear position, and keep Captain Cragg's freighter in visual range. We feel this is an auspicious and pivotal time in the history of the human race. The first stage of us truly colonising Mars. Everyone on Moon will be there to send you off. I'm proud of all of you. Get some sleep. You have a very big day ahead of you. Goodnight.'

  * * *

  It actually looked bizarre and a little surreal. Close to two thousand suited people, helmets shining in the sun. Cragg's freighter had been loaded with pods first, and they would be away because Rocky's freighter would only be the time it took to be loaded up with pods behind Cragg. Dillow was on the ramp, ready to be hurled into space. She would be away first.

  Forbes took to the stage. 'Citizens of Moon. This is an exciting time for all of us. The colonisation of Mars. It is time, no matter how painful it is, to cut ourselves free from Earth. Today, we are sending the very first loads to Mars that will be the beginning of new lives for all of us. The brave pilots charged with taking this first load epitomise all that is good about this epic adventure. I have Max Morgan's proud parents right here by my side. Pilots. We all wish you a safe journey. Good luck. Take her away, Captain Dillow.'

  All eyes were on the huge ramp. There were two thousand gasps as the thrusters started, the locks were released and the monster ship hurtled down the ramp, up the off-ramp and blasted into orbit. This was followed by Cragg's freighter, taking off with ten pods. It was soon tracking Dillow. The two thousand waited the hour for Rocky's freighter to be loaded.

  'Good luck, you two,' said Forbes.

  The freighter took off to join the convoy. A strange hush descended. They could see Earth looking battered, alone and unloved. As they watched, somewhere in the West they thought, a mushroom suddenly appeared. Forbes had seen it. He felt a solitary tear trickle down his cheek. That would be the last tear he would shed for that planet.

  'I don't know about you guys, but I have things to do.' Forbes looked away from the sight of Earth and walked away.

  Chapter 64

  'These new freighters are a third faster than my old bus used to be,' said Cragg.

  'What's a bus?' Max Morgan asked, innocently.

  'Didn't they teach you much about history?'

  Morgan shrugged. 'Boring. Mom taught me all about Wales. How it was in the old days. Even before she was born. They had dragons.'

  'They did?'

  'Big, like monsters. Totally fizzing. I saw pictures. In a children's book.'

  Cragg smiled. 'Can't argue with pictures. What do you plan to do on Mars?'

  'Be a pilot, of course.'

  Cragg said, 'We're flavour of the month at the moment. Once we got all of Moon to Mars, we might not be needed quite so much.'

  'We have a couple of years to think about it. What about you?'

  'I'm settling down with a lovely lady. So, I have to get you trained up to be flying one of these to finish off the big move. I need you to take this seriously and become the best pilot you can be. Right. Fancy a beer?'

  'We have beer?'

  'Never had beer?'

  'Never. Isn't it illegal?'

  Cragg laughed, got a beer each and passed one to Max who sniffed it cautiously. 'You are in for a big surprise on Mars. Right. Did I ever tell you about the time I was taking Captain Dillow for her tickets and we had a jolt from somewhere? Turned out to be a misaligned pod about to come loose. Well. Only one thing to do. Get in my suit and get out there. Anyway, I ha
d a welding gun and a hammer. The trouble was...'

  Max Morgan was a little in awe. Here was a man who had been a captain for ever. He was not only a captain, he was the one who trained other captains. He listened to Craggy's spirited rendition of the misaligned pods, but had a little doubt about Cragg accidentally drifting off into space, then making a lasso with his line and had managed to hook a pod to haul himself to safety. The old man spoke with such passion, the infectious storytelling reeling him in. He could see the action in his minds eye, this ordinary looking old man who had achieved so much. It would be an honour to learn from the best.

  Cragg was finishing off his story. 'And when Dillow landed the final pods, I made her a captain, first class.'

  'Fizzing,' said Morgan. He had no idea where it had gone, but an hour had vanished as fast as a Martian storm.

  Chapter 65

  Dillow was beginning to question the wisdom in volunteering to fly Big Bird. Words were haunting her. “This is the future of space travel.”

  'Yeah, funny ain't it? Forbes wouldn't let you go to Mars all on your lonesome, Big Bird. You can do the boring bits. I'll find us a parking slot.'

  She had a vast selection of music hooked up to the ship's computer, but it didn't stop her having conversations with the ship, becoming longer and stranger. The ship wasn't listening. It was busy flying the ship in the boring bits. But suddenly the ship wobbled. There came a peculiar, long shudder, and a bump. Then nothing.

  'Shit. Full systems check.'

  'Running Full Systems Check,' said the computer. It had a voice that grated and it took seventy three seconds to run a full systems check. 'All Systems Within Normal And Acceptable Parameters.'

  'Yeah? And what was all that racket back there?'

  The ship didn't do rhetorical. Dillow got up, holding onto the back of the seat in case the ship wobbled again. Everything seemed calm. She did a Craggy with her hands and face pressed up against the rear wall. She closed her eyes, waiting for the ship to talk to her. This was an exercise she'd repeated every hour or so. Bonding. Becoming one with the ship. She was familiar with the happy ship vibrations. What she was experiencing was not a happy ship.