Chapter 24
A New Human
When John Luttrell finally did call on her private line, she was sitting in the bridge and didn’t know how to respond. Of course, he acted like there was no problem, and maybe for him, no problem existed.
“Why, Dr. Luttrell, I haven’t heard from you for ages.” She added a frosty tone to the words. Inside she steamed at his cavalier attitude toward her.
Both Tango’s and Jazz’s heads swiveled about. She could see their ears growing longer and longer as they strained to listen.
She glared at them and shooed them back to work. Problem was, there was little demanding their attention at the moment. Nothing but billions of miles of empty space ahead—boredom out there, curiosity her way.
“Elise,” his voice sounded stronger, yet still laced with fatigue. “Can you come to the Medlab? I have a development I want you to be aware of.”
“I’m on duty,” she said stiffly. What he would show her most likely wiggled around in a Petrie dish. He would be much more excited than she would be about his new discovery.
There was a pause. “Then, I can tell you over dinner. Can we eat at your place? Mine’s a dump.” Once again, he tried to take charge and control the meeting.
She teetered on the brink of saying no, but then realized that would be childish. She wanted to see him and now here was her chance. She was a better person than someone who indulged in petty power struggles. Or so she hoped. Besides, he had saved the ship more than once, so she recognized his brilliance. Better to cultivate him. “Okay. Six o'clock in my quarters.” A surge of excitement coursed through her body. She found herself quivering in anticipation.
He arrived, trailing streams of enthusiasm and carrying an electronic tablet.
With a sigh, she realized that meant it was a working dinner. She’d changed into a casual off-the-shoulder outfit in anticipation of a relaxing, maybe even romantic evening.
But no.
He peeled out of a lab coat, revealing a lightweight navy blue sweater and gray pants. Rubbing his hands together and down his slacks, he picked up a glass of freshly poured wine and raised a plastic wine glass. “A toast to success.” He gestured for her to raise hers.
“What success are we drinking to?” She reached for her wine.
“I’ve developed a carbide ceramic ossification catalyst that can be absorbed by the bones, which makes them ten times stronger. In addition, I have created a fibroid muscle protein complex that will boost muscle density and strength.” He paused to sip his drink and peered over the rim to gauge her expression at this momentous announcement.
“Which means?” She casually sipped.
“I can make anyone ten times stronger and faster.”
She creased her brows. “Why would that be important?”
He put the drink down. A puzzled expression crossed his face. Obviously, he’d expected a more enthusiastic response. “Think of how many jobs would go easier and faster. One example is fixing the sensor array that our buddy, Charles, bent as he top-swiped us. To get outside and manhandle that piece of equipment is a daunting task for the average man. But someone with enhanced strength could get it done easily. Also, you should have the entire outer hull checked for pitting and damage. Space debris has been pelting the ship for years and any cracks or holes could widen and become dangerous.”
“Who would want to risk doing that?”
“I already have a candidate.”
She blinked. “Who?”
He grinned, rubbing a finger around the rim of his glass. “Trajan.”
“No!”
“Elise, this is not your call.”
“No!”
“I talked to Brad Cameron and he agrees. In fact, he suggested Trajan. The man’s a warrior without a war. And do you know what happens to that kind of man?”
“What?”
“He gets fidgety.”
“What?”
“He wants something to do that provides an adrenaline rush. Augmenting him and putting him on outside maintenance is perfect.”
“It’s dangerous.”
“Yes, and he does danger well.”
She stiffened, not liking the answer, but admitted reluctantly that he was right. Trajan handled danger better than anyone she knew.
John leaned forward to rub her shoulder. “Elise, I know you feel I neglect you, but think of the possibilities these procedures offer for the expansion of human development. It could mean our survival on a difficult world. I need a human subject, and Trajan needs a job where he is challenged and paid well. Right now he’s at loose ends. If it works, we’ll have more time to be together. Please be patient.”
She stopped to consider his words. While she paused, his lips moved toward hers. She pulled back; he pulled her forward. A tug of war ensued that she quickly lost.
***
Elise leaned forward over the receptionist’s desk in Administration and glared. “I need to speak to Brad Cameron.”
An attractive blonde jumped to her feet and scrambled around to the front of the desk. She put out a hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Captain Fujeint. Trajan has told me so much about you. I’m Amanda Hall. Welcome to Administration. I’ll tell Mr. Cameron you’re here.”
“You know Trajan?”
Stunning sea-green eyes blinked at her. “I know Trajan well.”
The girl looked familiar, and then Elise remembered the manager that Brad had ogled on their first date. She worked for him. Also, this girl knew Trajan. “And you’re okay with Dr. Luttrell tinkering with his body like that?”
The hand dropped. “No, I opposed it. But Trajan insisted. Brad encouraged him, and neither listened to me.”
At that moment, Brad Cameron appeared. “Amanda, I … oh, Captain, I didn’t know you were here.”
Amanda blushed. “I was just going to announce her.”
Elise noticed Brad’s hand touch Amanda’s shoulder. “Okay, dear. I’ll see the Captain in my office. Don’t let anyone disturb us.”
Amanda stepped out from under the hand. “Yes, sir.” She returned to her seat.
They entered his office cubicle. Brad gestured Elise into a comfortable chair across from his desk. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
With a yank on the chair, she spat out, “I’m worried about Trajan. What are you and John up to?”
Holding up a hand, palm out, Brad protested, “Elise, the man’s all grown up and can make his own decisions. John Luttrell has developed an experimental process that we believe will greatly enhance a person’s abilities. Trajan is taking advantage of it. In point of fact, he’s quite excited by the upside potential.”
“Could it cripple him?”
“Experimental means it carries risks.”
“Use someone else for your guinea pig.”
“Elise, you should trust John. He’s brilliant and this could be important for the ship. Why, I can think of a dozen jobs that need the extra muscle and speed this would give Trajan. The man is at loose ends right now. This is perfect for him. Besides, it’s too late. The operation is already done. I can call the Medlab and arrange a visit for you. I’m sure he would appreciate the company. Then, you can see for yourself how the procedure turned out.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Please do.”
***
“Trajan.”
The chiseled cheeks looked even sharper than before. His normally tan face looked as pale as burnt cream. Dark eyes opened to gaze at her, cloudy with drugs.
“Captain?”
“How are you?”
He struggled to sit up and smiled weakly. “I’ve been better.”
She reached for the glass of water at his bedside and handed it to him, noticing that the always dependable hand shook.
The sight unnerved her.
“Why?” She controlled her tone to hide her agitation.
He shrugged. “I want to get married.”
Now that wasn’t the answer she’d expected.
“Married?” She seemed to have nothing but questions echoing out of her mouth.
“I’m past thirty. Time for a man to settle down and think about a family. I’m getting old.”
She snorted disbelief. “Who would you marry?”
He paused to sip water, or more likely, he used the process of sipping water to delay his answer. “I haven’t asked her yet.”
Finally, she had an answer rather than a question. “Amanda. You want to marry that girl at reception.”
“Please Captain, don’t go and say anything.”
She mocked indignation. “You’re dumping me for that young, gorgeous blonde? I’m devastated.”
He coughed in surprise. “Captain…” A hand flailed out toward her.
She’d got him. She’d finally penetrated that stoic exterior and shaken him. Grabbing the hand, she grinned. “Oh, it’s okay. I’ll just muddle on by myself… alone… at risk… facing great danger…”
“Now, Captain...” Concern etched his voice until he straightened and shook his finger at her. Then, she realized he knew that she teased him. “You should not agitate a sick man, you know.” He huffed, but he playacted now. “I could never marry you. The doc wouldn’t allow it.” He raised an eyebrow to check her reaction to his comment.
“Luttrell doesn’t own me.”
“Tell him that.”
Ignoring the comment, she asked, “When will you be well?”
At that moment, the door opened and John strode in. He put a arm around her shoulders. “I heard you were here.” He studied Trajan. “How’s my patient doing?”
Trajan put the glass back on the table, groaning with the effort. “Feels like a boulder rolled over me.”
Nodding, John said, “There’ll be some soreness for a week, but then you’ll feel a lot better.”
A tan hand smoothed down rumpled covers. “If this procedure works, Administrator Cameron guaranteed that I could work outside maintenance with hazard pay.”
She glanced at John.
John touched Trajan’s arm. “You need to recover first before you attempt anything like that. Doctor’s orders. Okay, let’s not wear the man out, Elise. He needs his rest.”
John hustled her out before she could say another word. In the corridor, he took her arm and brushed back a strand of her hair that curled over an eyebrow. “I need more time to finish my project, and then I’ll have something exciting to show you. You need to be patient with me for a little longer.”
She stared at him. “Do I have a choice?”
He tapped her nose and grinned. “No, but it will be worth the wait, I promise.”
Chapter 25
Robots
“What is that whirring noise?” Shifting around in her Captain’s chair to get more comfortable, Elise searched the bridge in order to find the source of the disturbing sound. Five shifts had passed and no news from John. Damn that man.
“Oh, that’s the new robotic cleaner.” Jazz put down her video game and pointed to a three-foot-high canister headed toward Elise’s chair.
Elise jerked her feet up as the machine bounced off the bottom of her chair and whirled its way back across the bridge.
“If you have any trash, just drop it in the tray at the top.” Jazz aimed a plastic bag and tossed it at the machine.
“Basket!” Jensen swiveled in the helm’s seat. “Another point for you, Jazz. Soon you’ll have enough points that I’ll have to buy you lunch.” He pursed his lips. “I bet you’ve been practicing.”
“No way! You’re observing pure raw talent.” She smirked at him and shot a pretend throw.
“When did it arrive?” Elise stared at the robot, now headed toward Jensen with a vigor.
Jensen smiled down at it. “Your buddy Carter brought it in last shift while you were asleep. He’s out delivering ten others to Brad Cameron to use in cleaning the ship.”
Jazz leaned forward. “He’s also developed a mechanical harvester that engineering is assembling. He and Andy Farnesworth have mapped out how to increase farm production. Andy has also defrosted some new cells and seeds from cryo that he wants to cultivate.”
Elise noticed the bridge did appear cleaner and brighter where the robot had worked. Now a gentle blowing noise indicated it was drying the washed area.
Jazz snagged a rag from a compartment in the machine and wiped down her console, then tossed the rag to Jensen who energetically rubbed his own station.
Elise noted the robot had inspired both to decrease the previously ever present clutter.
Jazz studied the busy bot. “What do we name it?”
“Robbie,” she answered spontaneously.
“Perfect,” they chortled.
Elise’s direct line to Commander Reardon flashed. She tapped the line in.
“Captain Fujeint?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Just wanted to commend you for putting me in touch with Carter Wright from your engineering unit. He’s quite a resourceful young fellow. He’s proven to be a morale booster across the whole fleet at a time when we sorely needed it. People now consider how they can make their lives better rather than dwelling on what went wrong.”
She laughed. “I’ll say my bridge is benefitting from his new gizmos as we speak. Also, he plans to add a harvester that will increase farm production. If that turns out anywhere near as effective as the one cleaning my bridge, I’ll kiss the man.”
“With my blessing. Engineering units are eager to get a robot to maintenance the antimatter containment module and other areas dangerous to humans. Storage bay wants robots to move around goods and supplies. They’ve got their computer guys organizing a whole new system.”
“I’ll put Chay T’Sang in touch with them. Maybe we can share ideas. The Newfound Hope needs to streamline its storage area too. I’ll tell Administrator Cameron about your suggestion.”
“We really needed this, Elise. He says it’s all due to your support.”
“Well, I owe Jimbo big time for letting me steal him away, or so he says. I’m sure that man is dreaming up ways to collect.”
She heard him laugh. “Keep in touch, Captain. Job well done. Over.”
“Will do. Captain Fujeint out.”
Buoyed by Reardon’s words, she eyed Jensen and thought she might sneak out early. At that moment, Tango swept onto the bridge, fresh from his R&R shift. “Captain, you’ll never guess who’s on board.”
She lifted an eyebrow and acted all calm and unaffected while inside she giggled like a schoolgirl.
“Carter Wright?”
“Aw, you already know. Hey, I’m back early if you want to leave now. No problem.” He grinned.
“Excellent. The Commander just called and asked me to report on those new robots. So, I’m turning the bridge over to you while I go investigate.”
Tango glanced at Jazz and winked. “Sure. Important ship work. I understand.”
She unhooked and unplugged herself with excited fingers. Casually, she slid out of her seat as Tango slid in. “Keep an eye on the bridge, Tango. Comm me if you have any problems.”
“Take your time. You have R&R next shift anyway. Might want to extend the work into relaxation. You’re due, you know.”
“First officer has the bridge.”
“I have the bridge.”
A grin on her face, she danced to the exit. As it opened she ran right into a surprised Carter’s arms.
“Ah, er, Captain.” He held her out and studied her. “I was just coming to tell you about my robots.” He kissed her forehead and scanned the bridge to see if anyone was watching. Grinning faces greeted his gaze. Flush with embarrassment and excitement, he stuck out his arm for her to take.
As she grabbed an arm, she responded, “Why don’t you just show me instead?”
He nodded. “Come on, then.”
Their first stop was Admin. Amanda was out, but Brad was in and very excited. “Elise, this storage robot idea is heaven sent. If it can do what Carter says, then it will get o
ur storage fiasco straightened out at last. Somehow, I’ll need to find a system programmer to handle the software side.”
“The best systems programmer would be Chay T’Sang. Tell him what you want, and he can work with Carter to program a storage system for you.”
Brad nodded and tapped in the name on his tablet. Lifting his head, he looked at Carter. “Andy Farnesworth is fired up about the harvester, too. He’s needed help to get farm production up. And that seeding contraption is a godsend.”
A sudden thought occurred to her. She leaned forward. “If he doesn’t mind them young, Jacob Monroe is an eager lad and already knows a bit of farming. He’s fifteen and willing to work. Contact him. Trajan knows how to get a hold of him.”
With enthusiasm, Brad tapped in a second name.
Eyes sparkling, Carter said, “I’ve got an overwhelming number of orders from other ships, but think of what I could build that you might want. I’ll try and work something up.”
Brad laughed. “What I would want is a beautiful wife who can cook, clean, and give me great sex.” He cast a furtive glance at Elise who made a great effort to ignore the comment.
Noticing Brad eye Elise, a frown crossed Carter’s face. He grew serious. “I haven’t figured out how yet…but maybe someday we’ll have robots that look and act just like humans. It’s pretty far off, but I’m already working on a prototype.”
Brad clapped him on the shoulder. “Just teasing you, guy. Just teasing.”
“No, really…maybe someday.”
Elise sniffed. “Right now what you got, Brad, is the real thing with real feelings and a human brain. I guarantee we’re more interesting than a robot that follows a computer program. Worry about managing this ship more efficiently, rather than having a mechanical wife. Come on, Carter, let’s go see what Jimbo needs in engineering. Brad, you coming?”
He grinned at her. “Don’t worry, I’ve got my eye on a few live candidates.” He lifted an eyebrow at her. “You’re at the top of my list; I’m warning you, Elise. I know you’re better than any robot any day, but you require high maintenance.”
A World Too Far (Terran Trilogy Book 1) Page 13