by Gun Brooke
“We should call the infirmary and check on Chassine,” Korrian said out loud, making sure she sounded matter-of-fact.
“Yes, I’ve been thinking of her the whole time today.” Meija looked questioningly at Korrian.
“I still wish you’d get them to check you for injuries as well, having kept her breathing under the rubble for so long.”
“Korrian, what are you up to?” Meija mumbled the words under her breath. “I’m fine.”
“Hey, I was there, remember, the whole time when you refused to leave a member of our team. The desk and shelf could’ve collapsed and crushed you at any second, and still you stayed.”
Meija glanced around Korrian and colored slightly. “Stop it,” she whispered hotly. “They’re staring.”
Good. “Anyway, that’s all I’m saying.” Korrian smiled broadly at the flustered Meija.
The elevator stopped at the deck ten and they stepped off together with five others. Just as they were about to walk toward their quarters, one of the young men spoke up.
“Ms. Solimar, ma’am?”
“Yes…sorry, I don’t know your name?” Meija squinted at his nametag. “Ensign Frolck?”
“Yes, ma’am. I apologize.” He looked so unhappy that Korrian nearly took pity on him.
“Whatever for?” Meija looked nonplussed.
“For jumping to conclusions. I know Chassine, and I visited her in the infirmary. She didn’t know who kept her safe while she was stuck under the rubble, but she said she owed this woman her life. I didn’t know it was you, Ms. Solimar. Sorry for being such an idiot. Should’ve known the LEOs would get it all wrong.”
Her tears spilling over now, Meija stepped closer to Korrian, who placed a hand at the small of her back. “Thank you for telling me she’s all right. She is, isn’t she?” Meija asked Ensign Frolck.
“Yes, she’s going to make a full recovery once her ribs and other fractures heal.”
“Good. Excellent.”
“I hope you discourage any other gossip you hear, Ensign,” Korrian said sternly.
“Aye, Commander. Count on it.” He saluted both of them. “Good night, Commander. Ms. Solimar.”
Meija wiped at her tears as they walked to their quarters. “That was…intense. How did you know?”
“I saw how they acted. I thought I’d better deal with the situation before the rumors got out of control.”
“Thanks.” Meija placed her hand on the sensor to open the inner door. “I have to admit I’m ready to use a painkiller dropper.”
“I have a medicine dispenser.” Korrian pointed toward the bedroom. “Right next to my bed. The right one.”
“Thanks.” Meija stopped on the threshold and walked back to Korrian. “There’s a secret sweetness to your nature that you keep hidden from most people.”
“Surely you’re mistaken.” Korrian couldn’t stop herself from smiling nervously, no matter how she tried. “That observation could ruin my whole reputation if it got out.”
“I won’t tell.” Standing on her toes, Meija kissed Korrian’s cheek. “Thank you.” She disappeared into the bedroom.
Korrian raised her hands and slid her fingertips across the skin on her cheek. Meija’s lips were incredibly soft. The chaste touch of them against her cheek was enough to make her tremble, which of course was ridiculous. Meija was being appreciative, that was all.
Chapter Five
Meija placed the dropper under her tongue and clicked twice on the sensor. It would only take a few minutes for the medication to take full effect, for which she was grateful after such a horrific day. She decided to change into sleepwear before she returned to the living area. The mere thought of wearing her uniform a minute longer nauseated her. She pulled on soft blue pajamas and then joined Korrian. “There. Much better.” Meija’s smile turned into a slight frown as Korrian merely stared at her. “What’s wrong?”
“You—look different.” Korrian sat at the dining table with her portable work sheet and a laser pen in her hand. “I’ve only seen you in uniform.”
“Likewise. I just wanted to be comfortable. I hope it’s all right?”
“Oh, sure. Absolutely.” Korrian colored at the tips of her ears and turned to the drawing on the table. “You up for doing some more work?”
“Yes. Painkiller’s kicking in.” Meija pulled up a chair and sat down on Korrian’s left side. “You have to fill me in on what I’m looking at here.”
“This is a schematic of one of the residential decks. As you can tell, I’ve opened up several areas where we can plan for just about anything. Playgrounds, stores, restaurants, schools…”
“Library, theater, game rooms…”
“Yes. Here’s another sketch where I’ve implemented the biologists’ and physicists’ calculations when it comes to how big the hydroponic bays need to be in order to provide the oxygen as well as food.”
“That’s pretty brilliant.” Meija leaned over the blueprints. “What do those lines represent?”
“Steam piping for watering. As you know, we have to recycle absolutely everything on the Exodus ships. Nothing can leave the ships as we would lose too much energy if we needed to start up again. Once we reach our ultimate speed, we can steer and navigate, but we can’t stop until we reach our destination.”
“What if we run out of essentials? Water? Food?”
“We can’t. That’s why everything needs to be recycled. I assume our leaders will write new laws that everyone aboard the ships will need to abide by or face severe punishment. It’s for everybody’s survival, so I assume they’ll enforce this particular law rather harshly.”
“Hmm. What else is new? They seem pretty harsh already.” Meija made a face. “Sorry. Go on.”
Korrian surprised her by patting her leg and then yanking her hand back as if she’d burned it. “Um. So, here’s the irrigation system. Any condensation, spill, or superfluous water will be recycled through the filter system that we put in place on every deck throughout the whole fleet.” Pulling up yet another sheet, she then slid it over to Meija. “This is where we need to brainstorm. You say we need to have stores. What will we sell and where will the merchandise in question come from?”
“I’ve thought of that. As you say, recycling is key, so that makes for a thriving secondhand market. Bartering, or performing services, as payment. This will keep people at a balance with each other.”
“What do you mean?”
“A society like ours is now, hierarchal in nature and with rather large gaps between the richest and the poorest, the powerful and the powerless, is dangerous on a confined place like a generational ship. You see?”
“Yes, I think so.” Korrian leaned her chin into her hand, her eyes entirely focused on Meija.
“So, we need to at least start out evenly. No doubt the shrewder and more enterprising individuals will find ways to get ahead. That’s the nature of the beast, so to speak. The fact that nobody lives in luxury and some in deplorable houses, like they do now, will sort of push the reset button. I imagine there will be restrictions regarding how much luggage people will be allowed to bring, so even if what they bring will differ, it’s what they do with it once they’re aboard that matters. A suitcase full of designer-label outfits is all fine, but once those clothes are worn out, or recycled, you’re going to need something else. Perhaps your favorite designer is aboard one of the ships and setting up shop. The designer will use the reproduce computers to make new fabrics and other design elements and in turn will barter their designs for things they want or need.”
“I see what you mean, and I can buy into this concept. But you also talk about restaurants. Why? Everyone will have a dispenser available in their quarters.”
“Yes, of course. But just as some will most often choose to eat at home with their family, some will prefer to eat out, with others, either because they enjoy it or because they’re alone or even lonely.” Meija tried to not inject too much feeling into what she was saying, since she didn�
��t want Korrian to think she was talking about herself.
She forced herself to not allow her voice to tremble as she continued. “Life will go on, in some ways just like it always has done, but in other ways, along completely new tracks. Some will be able to remain in their chosen profession, but some will have to adjust and work with something entirely different. Not everyone reacts the same way to change. Some thrive, and some go under. It’s up to us, as the originators, as the think tank, if you will, to foresee this and come up with strategies and alternatives.”
“What about the age rule the politicians are bickering about? I see that as potentially disastrous.”
Korrian was referring to the debate currently raging among the Oconodian rulers. Some argued it was no use to take anyone over the age of sixty since the journey to find a new world would take from fifteen to thirty years. Others spoke of the callousness of such reasoning and argued that people were worth saving regardless of age.
“I have no answer,” Meija said. “People who have to leave someone behind will carry with them an immense sense of loss and guilt, two destructive emotions that can potentially derail a person. To be honest, I think it’s not comparable with any practical issues about resources.”
“I hear you. So far, the ones in charge of making that decision haven’t altered the number of passengers. Perhaps if I show them the new and improved specs, we can help them not be too practical and not swerve toward thinking heartlessly.” Korrian regarded her table filled with work sheets. “I can’t believe how I managed to work on this, merely thinking about irrigation and square meters rather than what this is.”
“And what is that?” Meija scooted close and touched Korrian’s shoulder gently. Something about the sadness on Korrian’s face made it possible to enter her personal space.
“It’s the future. It’s us. Us, as in Oconodians. Whether the perceived threat of the Change is as devastating as they claim or not, the decision is made. We’re leaving Oconodos. Forever.” Her voice low, Korrian looked like she had a problem breathing.
“So I take it you’re going? I mean, for sure?”
“If the ships depart in my lifetime, yes. How could I not? I’ve lived and breathed these vessels for years on end. I have no close family.”
“Nor do I, anymore.” Meija didn’t know where she found the courage, but the desolate tone in Korrian’s voice made her run the back of her curled fingers down her cheek. “I do want to go, though. I think I can be useful, and apart from that, I’m curious about what’s out there.”
“You afraid of the Changed ones?” Korrian didn’t flinch or jerk her head back. Instead, she took Meija’s hand and held it gently against her skin.
“Not as a rule. I’ve met a few of the incarcerated ones. One of them was responsible for the collapse of the sports-arena ceiling. I was there when it happened, so when given the chance, I opted to meet this particular man. Did you know he’s just fourteen?”
“No.” Korrian looked shocked. “Fourteen? Hardly a man.”
“Exactly. I met a frightened boy who kept asking about his parents and little sister. Neither of them had Changed at the time, but later his little sister did. She’s kept in one of the camps with her parents. They volunteered to go with her there.”
“Camps, huh? That’s one inventive way of labeling yet another form of prison.”
“So you don’t agree that we need to keep the Oconodians safe?” Meija turned her hand within Korrian’s grip and laced their fingers together.
“Yes, I have no problem that our law enforcers lock up whoever’s committing crimes—but mainly those who do it to harm or cause damage. A fourteen-year-old kid, an even younger little girl, both transforming into something unknown, something they can’t stop or help. Yes, I have a problem with that.”
“I agree. I’m torn about what’s going on and the way it’s escalated the last decade. It used to be a random thing, but something is making people change, and since our best minds and our leaders claim the only way is to leave our planet…I feel I have to believe they do know what’s best.”
“I’m not so sure they do, but I’ve been assigned a task, and since I have sworn an oath of allegiance to my people and leaders, that’s what motivates me.”
“Yes. Still, the Changed ones are Oconodians too.”
“That they are.” Korrian gripped Meija’s hand harder. “Today’s been strange in more ways than one.”
“Talk about an understatement.” Meija had to chuckle. “We argue and fight as usual. Then the attack with all that drama. Suddenly I’m a suspect of said attack. And now…here we are.”
“Yes.” Korrian’s eyes darkened and she ran the thumb of her free hand along Meija’s lower lip. “Are you sure you’re all right? It’s been such a turbulent day for you.”
“I can’t say I’m not shaken. I am. Right now, here with you, I’m actually fine.”
“I promise I won’t let anyone pin this on you.” Korrian suddenly stood and pulled Meija into her arms.
Meija inhaled deeply the by now so-familiar fruity scent that she associated with this enigmatic woman. She had never even dared to entertain the idea of approaching Korrian this way, mainly because until today, she’d found her extremely intimidating. Now, this close to Korrian, she felt the warmth of her body, so reassuring. “I believe you,” Meija said, whispering. “And even if you can’t persuade anyone to see the truth, I’ll have known that you tried. That you believed I could never hurt anyone.”
Flinching, Korrian pulled back, her eyes suddenly narrow, a more familiar look. “No. Not an option. If they end up charging you with any ridiculous accusation, I’ll prove to them—” Korrian clasped her forehead. “Which is something I should’ve thought of right away. We can’t wait to see if they charge you with anything. We need to find out who did this and prove your innocence way before it gets that far. While you still can move around the space-dock.”
Meija clung to Korrian’s upper arms. “Korrian. I don’t want you to get dragged into this. You’re far too important to this project. If they slow you down, they’ll slow the Exodus project down and that way—”
“It’s not up for debate. I don’t know why you can’t see this, but you’re just as important for this project.” She drew a deep, unsteady breath. “And for me.”
“For you?” So sure she’d misheard, or misunderstood, Meija tried to read the truth in Korrian’s eyes.
“Yes. I know it seems sudden, but it really isn’t. We’ve worked together for a while now, and despite the fact that we’ve bickered worse than our esteemed politicians, sometimes I’ve quieted down my ego and just looked at you. Those are the times when I’ve acknowledged very briefly that I’m attracted to you. I’m not being conceited, but there have been times when I’ve noticed you looking at me as well.”
Was it possible to blush until you fainted from lack of oxygen to your brain? Meija was pretty sure she was a candidate for such an event, if the heat in her cheeks was anything to judge by. Still, here Korrian stood and exposed the way she felt, not knowing how she would be received. “I have. I mean, I do. Look.” Meija smiled nervously. “Can’t help it.”
“I’m rather relieved. I hoped I hadn’t imagined it.”
Meija knew she had to be honest. “I always found you even more sexy than infuriating, but never thought you’d ever see me like that. Or even like me in any capacity.”
“If the brass hadn’t shoved you down my throat, using you as their pawn, I wouldn’t have been as rude, but that’s no excuse. I should’ve listened more from the start. Perhaps…I can’t help but feel that has something to do with how you were treated today.”
“No. No, I can’t believe that.” It was crushing to see the recrimination on Korrian’s face. “I don’t know who whispered in their ears, or what they whispered, but it has nothing to do with you. Us.” Meija stepped back into Korrian’s embrace. “I rather like this, though.”
Korrian chuckled, if a bit shakily. “Yes?
”
“Absolutely.” Tipping her head back, Meija smiled. “So, Commander, should I be concerned about any ulterior motives on your part for asking me to live together?”
“What? No! Live together?” Korrian looked entirely shocked for a few moments, then she scowled and laughed at the same time. “You’re teasing me.” It looked like Korrian actually didn’t mind the banter.
“Good. Because my next line is ‘I’m on my way to bed now, because I’m bushed,’ which could be misconstrued.” Meija winked.
“Good suggestion. I’ll just make a few notes of what we talked about so we can start from there tomorrow.”
“All right. If I’m already asleep when you go to bed, I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Yes.” Korrian let go but then pulled Meija back into her arms. “Sleep well.” She kissed her cheek softly.
Meija couldn’t keep from taking it one step further. Having stared her own mortality in the face while under the rubble with Chassine, she suddenly had the courage to turn her head and capture Korrian’s lips with her own. She didn’t deepen the kiss, but the mere sensation of the silky soft mouth against hers made her tremble. Finally she let go and took a step back, her breathing uneven. “Sleep well too,” Meija said.
“You kiss me like that and ask me to sleep well?” Korrian pushed her hands into her pockets. “Cruel woman.”
Meija laughed and walked toward the bedroom. She didn’t know how well she’d sleep, but the idea that she was going to be resting in Korrian’s quarters, less than a meter away, was reassuring.
Chapter Six
Korrian sat up in bed, her heart hammering painfully. Cold sweat ran between her breasts and down her spine as she whipped her head to the side, searching for Meija. As her eyes fell upon the still form of the woman who was stubbornly sneaking her way into her heart, she slumped back against her pillows. So relieved she could hardly breathe, Korrian watched the slow, steady movements of Meija’s chest. She was asleep and nothing bad had happened to her.