by Sarah Noffke
“Be sure to wear your armor, Teach,” said Julianna, striding out of the Intelligence Center with the damn dog following her.
Loading Dock 03, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.
Hatch drummed one of his tentacles against his lip, thinking. He tilted his head to the side, like looking at the Q-Ship from a different angle would answer his question.
“Pip?”
No response, as usual. Hatch stared around the loading bay, as if he were looking for the E.I.
“Pip, are you there?” There was a hint of worry in Hatch’s voice.
The screen on the wall flickered to life and ArchAngel appeared, blinking back at Hatch. “I’m here. How may I assist you, Doctor A’Din Hatcherik?”
“I didn’t ask for your assistance,” said Hatch grumpily. “Where’s Pip?”
“Do you prefer Pip over me?” she asked.
“No.” Hatch answered too quickly. “That’s ridiculous. Preference plays no part in it. He’s an E.I. and I only needed his input.”
“I’m sure I can be of help to you. What is your question?” ArchAngel asked.
“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik, you requested me,” said Pip suddenly.
“There you are. Where were you?” Hatch paced back and forth, an anxious feeling in his gut.
“I was with Julianna. I apologize for the delay.”
Of course, Pip was with Julie. She was his first priority, since he was in her head. It was something Hatch envied about the commander. She was never alone and always had assistance.
“Am I no longer needed?” asked ArchAngel.
Hatch huffed. “You were never needed, you nosy body. Go on, then.”
“I do not believe either of those descriptions fit me very well. I am neither nosy, nor do I have a body. I am concerned by your avoidance. Should I call someone to watch over you, to make sure you don’t hurt yourself?” asked ArchAngel, and then the screen went blank before Hatch could answer.
“How may I help you, Doctor Hatcherik?” asked Pip, his voice light and welcoming.
Hatch waddled up to the Q-Ship. The front end was open and wires exposed. “Do you have the schematics for the first Q-Ship I built?”
“Yes, of course I do. I have access to all of those records, but so does ArchAngel.”
“That’s neither here nor there.” Hatch dismissed this with a wave of his tentacle. “Compare those plans to the ones the Federation used when they created this Q-Ship.”
“Do you spot an inconsistency? Is that why?” asked Pip.
“I don’t, but that’s the problem. I know there has to be a discrepancy. The gate technology isn’t quite right in this version. My instinct tells me they followed a different protocol when constructing the gate engine for this Q-Ship.”
“I’m running a full comparison of the two different schematics. All differences will be logged and sent to your pad,” said Pip.
“Thank you.” Hatch picked up the electronic pad sitting nearby, pulling it to him with his long tentacle.
“Can you tell me something?” asked Pip.
“I can tell you a thousand things? Can you be more specific?”
“Of course,” said, Pip, a bit of humor in his voice. “How does instinct work for you?”
Hatch brought his eyes up, away from the pad. “Oh, well, that’s a good question.” It was an intuitive question, one of many that Pip had been asking lately. “Instinct is when you know something without knowing it.”
“Like a gut feeling?” asked Pip.
“Yes, exactly. Sometimes we operate automatically with instinct, like how a baby Londril knows how to move, walk and swim from the beginning. It’s built into our DNA.”
Pip was silent for a moment. “There are species of turtle that once hatched, know to head straight for the ocean, away from predators. Is that a good example of instinct?”
Hatch nodded. “Yes, all species have something they do to survive that is a part of instinct.”
“However, when you mentioned instinct, it was more of a feeling. How do you know to trust a feeling?” asked Pip.
Hatch thought for a moment. As a scientist, it did seem strange to trust feelings, and yet many of Hatch’s most valuable technological achievements had been because he was led by instinct. An inkling, a little feeling.
“Our feelings are incredible biofeedback devices that can direct us if we allow them. However, one must not allow feelings to overwhelm them. Only listen and respond accordingly,” said Hatch, staring back down at the pad.
“Bingo! I knew it. The Federation followed my schematics for building the Q-Ship, but then used their own when constructing parts like the gate drive.” Hatch bustled over to the Q-Ship, finally feeling as though he’d made progress after being stalled for a long time.
“Why is that a problem?” asked Pip.
“Because my process for the gate was created specifically for the Q-Ship. The QBS ArchAngel has its own gate technology, but it doesn’t suit something like the Q-Ship. Good thing the captain hasn’t had a chance to jump in this Q-Ship. He might have ended up toast,” said Hatch, digging into the wires in the front of the Q-Ship, making sparks fly.
“That is a good thing,” said Pip.
The loading dock grew silent, punctuated only by the sounds of wires sparking and bolts falling to the ground.
“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik?” asked Pip after a long minute had passed.
Hatch pulled his head out of the front compartment. “Yes?”
“Will you tell me more about feelings?” asked Pip.
Flight Training Center, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.
New recruits halted and saluted Commander Fregin as she passed them. She nodded, stalking to the back of the long room lined with flight simulators. It wasn’t until she retrieved the pad with the flight training stats that she realized she was being followed.
Turning, she gave the mutt a sinister glare. Harley tilted his head to the side with a soft, talkative bark.
“No dogs in the training room.” She shooed him away with a wave of her hand. He fled for the other side of the room, staring back at her.
You don’t like him, said Pip in her head.
Is it that obvious? Dogs belong in parks and with old ladies who live alone. Not on a ship. When did this place turn into a fucking zoo?
I didn’t find anything about dogs in the rules and regulations for the QBS ArchAngel.
Don’t you sass me on this.
Does that mean you’re allowing for me to sass you on other things going forward?
I’m about to show you sass.
What is it about the dog that you don’t like?
Besides the fact that it sheds, takes up resources, and serves no purpose?
Yes, besides all that.
Julianna swiped through several of the reports, scanning the averages. The new recruits were performing well. They’d be ready once the new Q-Ships were built, whenever that was.
You didn’t answer the question completely, observed Pip.
Didn’t I? I’m fairly busy and preoccupied.
You’ve already reviewed those reports twice today.
Julianna let out an audible sigh. They change hourly.
From my observation, the dog increases the mood and morale of those on the ship. I also have research that suggests pets increase serotonin levels in the brain.
What do annoying E.I.s do? Decrease serotonin?
Ouch. Now you’ve taken off the gloves.
Did you just say ouch?
I think I did. That statement was meant to hurt, am I right?
I guess so. Did it hurt?
I’m still processing. I believe you meant it in jest, but I could still observe where it could hurt based on the impression that you didn’t like me.
Pip? Julianna leaned against a workstation, her legs stretched out in front of her.
Yes, Julianna?
You’re saying the strangest things lately.
Am I? I hadn’t noticed.
Julianna studied Lars’ report. He, of all the new fliers, was doing the best. Teach would be happy to hear this.
Do you need anything else from me?
No, why?
Doctor A’Din Hatcherik has requested my assistance.
Go on then. Julianna set the pad to the side to find the dog standing next to her legs, looking up at her.
“I thought I told you to get out of here.”
Harley whimpered softly in reply. He lifted his chin in the air and eyed her.
“What do you want?”
The dog laid his head softly on Julianna’s legs. She narrowed her eyes at the gesture but didn’t shove him off.
“I don’t see what everyone likes about you.”
Harley rubbed his head back and forth against Julianna’s leg, begging for attention.
“Does that shit work on everyone else? You’re such an attention whore.”
He pulled his head off her leg and lifted his foot and pawed at her.
She almost smiled. This one was persistent. “You know we have work to do here? I can’t have the crew getting distracted because you need your head scratched. I already have to keep an eye on Teach. Don’t you make more work for me.”
Harley backed up, his eyes sparkling. He barked playfully.
“Oh, you’re so fucking ridiculous.” Julianna stretched to a standing position and stalked for the exit, Harley trotting after her, tail wagging.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Q-Ship, en route to Dillon Planet, Lorialis System
The Q-Ship maneuvered around an asteroid belt, slipping easily between two giant meteors.
“Ever notice that the crappy systems always have more asteroids?” asked Eddie, pulling back on the controls.
“Pip, what’s your insights on that? What do your records show?” asked Julianna.
“What classifies as a crappy system?” inquired Pip.
“Stale beer and the ugliest aliens,” said Eddie.
“I’ve taken an analysis of all the systems in my database and ranked them based on economy and educational standards—”
“There he goes with his computer-talk again,” interrupted Eddie, talking in a whisper.
“Those highest on the list do not in fact have less asteroid belts than those ranking lower,” informed Pip.
“Man, you kind of take the fun out of things sometimes. I was just saying—”
“However,” continued Pip, cutting Eddie off, “the systems I’ve superficially judged as crappy based on Julianna’s experiences definitely have more asteroid belts.”
Julianna and Eddie exchanged curious looks. “Did he just say crappy?”
“He’s been saying all sorts of strange things lately, ever since Hatch upgraded him.” Julianna pointed at a planet ahead of them. “There’s Dillon.”
“I have not been saying strange things,” argued Pip.
“Pipe down, Pip. We’ve got a big gun to steal from a fish,” said Eddie.
“Pip, lock the Q-Ship on the coordinates for the Bawah Tanah system. We need to park the Q-Ship close to one of the main entrances into this underground network.” Julianna eyed the screen, waiting for the navigational route to update with Pip’s coordinates.
“What’s taking so long, Pip?” asked Julianna after a moment.
“You forgot to say the magic word,” said Pip.
“Now?” asked Julianna.
The screen remained unchanged as the Q-Ship slipped into Dillon’s atmosphere.
“I don’t think that’s the word he’s looking for.” Eddie laughed.
Julianna’s eyes darted away, looking distant for a brief moment, and then she smiled, staring down at the screen. “There we go,” she said when the navigation updated.
“Did you just threaten Pip?” Eddie asked, flying the ship further to the surface of the planet, which was dry and barren.
“Maybe,” chirped Julianna.
“Man, this is one ugly planet,” said Eddie. “Seriously, the next meeting with the Trid we interrupt needs to be at a five-star resort. Some place with paper umbrellas in the drinks.”
Julianna lifted one eyebrow, staring at Eddie. “For some reason, I have a hard time picturing you with an umbrella in your drink.”
Eddie scoffed. “I’m in touch with my frilly side.”
“No, you’re not,” she said, laughing.
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m not. But at least I can surf!” Eddie set the cloaked Q-Ship down on a stretch of sandy land next to a manhole that led straight to the Bawah Tanah system. “Tell me, Jules, where would you like to vacation when we get our next break?”
She seemed to think for a moment. “The Libra system has a planet that’s covered in geothermal pools of water. They’re supposed to be incredibly refreshing and restorative.”
“You’re enhanced with nanotechnology. Why do you care about swimming in healing water?” asked Eddie.
“I don’t, but they’re a really cool blue color and the planet is cold, but the waters are warm. I hate being hot when I’m sitting on a beach,” said Julianna.
“Yeah, I could get behind that. Personally, I want to sit in the woods for a few days. There’s something about trees and nature that’s relaxing.”
“That will have to wait. Instead, we’re trekking through underground tunnels.” Julianna jumped out of the ship.
Eddie did the same, activating his cloaking belt at once and disappearing from view. “Alright, you remember the plan?”
“Sneak up on a Trid and steal his gun, right?” she asked.
“Yep, keep it simple.” Eddie lifted the metal lid, peering down into the dark tunnel. The smell of dirty water hit his nose. “At least it’s not a sewer, like before. Hopefully that trek through the Kezzin sewers with Lars was the first and last time.”
Julianna lowered herself into the tunnel using the ladder, then she activated her cloaking belt and disappeared. “Try having an enhanced sense of smell.”
“No thanks.” Eddie followed behind her, ensuring that the area outside of the tunnel was still clear.
Their way ahead was mostly dark, lit by lamps every fifteen feet that hung from the ceiling. Julianna and Eddie set off slowly, their boots making noise as they trudged through the shallow water on the ground.
“Hard to sneak up on a gang of Trid when we make so much racket,” said Eddie.
“Ray De’ft is expecting Doka. He will just think he’s approaching. We’ll have him cornered before he knows what hit him.”
“I hope it’s me who gets to hit him.”
“You don’t even know the guy. Why would you want to punch him?”
Eddie shrugged. “A guy who sells a dangerous weapon in a dark tunnel just seems like he needs to be punched.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” admitted Julianna.
The pair fell silent as they neared a split in the tunnels. Several metal doors lined the walls.
“Pip has access to the electronic communications in the area,” said Julianna.
“Picking up anything juicy?” asked Eddie in a whisper.
Julianna didn’t answer for a long moment. “Apparently, Trids are sort of boring.”
“Boring? Is that what the E.I. said?”
“Yes, he says it’s mostly boring communications. However, he thinks he’s located Ray De’ft. He should be up here in roughly fifty yards. Follow my footsteps.”
“Copy,” said Eddie, watching the splash of water in front of him. At the split, the displaced water on the tunnel ground led to the right. Without warning, the splashing stopped. Eddie halted.
“Trid up ahead. Stationed outside the second door. You want him or shall I?” whispered Julianna.
“Ladies first,” replied Eddie.
“Stay here.”
Eddie didn’t answer but, instead, squinted in the darkened tunnel. His eyes had adjusted now. Julianna probably saw clearly and could make out the guard stationed up ahead. She’d be faster approaching, too, not alerting him.
There was no splashing of water. Just a thud, and then Julianna said. “All clear.”
Eddie sped forward. On the ground, in front of a door, was a large Trid slumped over.
“How’d you run without creating any splashing?” asked Eddie, staring around, but not seeing Julianna.
“I ran on the side of the tunnel wall.”
“Oh, of course you did,” said Eddie sarcastically.
“And I knocked out this guy before he even knew I was there. He’ll have an awful headache later, but he’s still alive.”
“Okay, well, the next one is mine.” Eddie kicked the gun next to the passed out Trid away, making it slide farther down the tunnel.
Julianna must have grabbed the wheel on the door and cracked it to the left. It turned, and then the seal on the door broke and it pulled back.
“Bobby, you got Doka there?” a voice called from the other side. “That guy is late.”
Eddie, still cloaked, slipped through the opening of the door, Julianna after him. On the other side was a round room, a bit brighter than the tunnels due to a grate where sunlight filtered through. A Trid, wearing a suit and an angry expression, stood at the back of the small room. Beside him was a large case.
Eddie caught the guards standing on either side of the door way before they ran into him. The first guard was about to duck through the door to find out who had opened it. Eddie shot his fist forward, straight between the Trid’s eyes. The alien fell back toward the wall, but recovered quickly. Julianna, by the sound of it, was handling the other guard.
“What the hell is going on?” asked Ray confused by the sight of his guards getting the shit beat out of them by nothing he could see.
Eddie swept the legs out from under the Trid, throwing his elbow straight into his gut. He yelled as the wind was knocked out of him. The guards head fell back hard into the metal floor, knocking him out.
Ray was unfastening the case. Eddie spun around just as he pulled out a giant gun, which looked heavy as hell and fucking menacing.
“Show yourself or I’ll shoot and ask questions later. This thing has a wide span and won’t miss,” said Ray, his tone hot with anger.