“I thought we were going to a Federacy ship. This looks civilian”
“It is,” Krag replied. Our project is very secret. You’ll find out everything in the morning.”
A slightly skeptical Sue answered, “Ok. But no promises.”
“I understand.”
Keiko just listened and thought about how they were going to win this woman over to their side.
Mack waited behind the bulkhead door and watched through the portal while the shuttle landed, the doors clam-shelled close and the bay re-pressurized. As Krag, Keiko and Sue exited the shuttle, Mack entered the bay and welcomed them back to the ship.
Sue saw a stocky, mid-thirties, red-headed man with a warm smile and casual gate. Mack saw a simple woman, hesitant, maybe fearful, yet curious. Neither saw the other’s high intelligence and highly creative nature.
“Welcome back, Cap.” This was said while Mack held out his hand. “Looking good, Keiko.”
Krag shook his hand and pointed to his passenger. “This is Sue Benton. One of the best software developers in the Federation.”
Mack again held out his hand. “Welcome aboard. I’m Mack.”
Sue placed her hand in his and said, “Pleased to meet you.”
When Sue took Mack’s hand, he covered hers with his other and looked directly into her eyes. “You’ll like it here. We do a lot of exciting stuff.”
“We’ll see,” was her reply.
Krag saw Sue’s wariness in her voice, posture and skeptical perusal. “Well, people, it’s been a long day. Let’s pack it in and get a fresh start in the morning. Keiko, would you take our guest to her cabin and make sure she is comfortable? Then take her to the galley.”
“Yes, Captain.” Turning to Sue, Keiko asked, “Would you like something from the galley? It’s very good.”
“Something light. Maybe some wine?” was Sue’s response.
“That sounds good. I’ll have one with you. I’m sure we can make up a snack to your liking.” With that, Keiko led Sue from the bay and to the galley.
After the two women left, Krag remarked, “Let’s give them some space. Let Keiko do her thing, woman to woman.”
“Well, Cap. Our new recruit didn’t sound too enthused. I don’t think we can get her.”
“You don’t know Keiko. She doesn’t let go. Sue Benton is as good as got.”
“That wee Lass is tenacious, I’ll give her that,” Mack commented as he nodded his head in the direction of the two women. “Watching her learn to fly the CERVE was like a dog rooting out a gopher. She just kept digging until she got it.”
“Where did you ever see a dog root out a gopher? You’re a space baby. I’ll bet you’ve never even petted a dog, let alone, watch one work a field.” The humor in Krag’s voice belied his accusation.
“I have too petted a dog. I met a fine lady on this here Olympia and she had a dog. But I can see where, you being raised a dirt-sider, you saw lots of mangy pups digging up your fields.”
“Keep it up, Mack. Just keep it up.” Krag said this as he headed for the hatch and beyond.
* * * * *
Next morning found the three conspirators and single invitee sitting at the community table in the gallery. All were eating large, well-constituted breakfasts with Sue Benton being pleasantly surprised at the quality of the formulated meal.
“You’re right, Keiko,” Sue commented. “This is one of the best synthesizers I’ve ever tried. It’s almost like a luxury restaurant.”
“Like I said, this little ship has a lot of high end upgrades and benefits,” Keiko answered.
Breakfast noises followed as Sue hid in her meal. Krag furiously thought about how to get this top-flight hacker to join the team. Mack sat, just watching the interplay. Keiko worked to make Sue feel as welcome as possible.
At the conclusion of the meal, Keiko rose and, as hostess, began clearing the table. When Sue began to rise to help, Keiko kindly placed a hand on her shoulder. “Please sit. Talk with Captain Marston. You’ll want to hear what he has to say.”
“First, Mz. Benton, I want to deeply apologize. I have been less than honest with you for the last five years.”
Sue focused on Krag’s face, staring, no expression.
“The job you did five years ago, that was for me. You never worked for the Federacy.”
“What about the payment for the job? What about the annual stipends?”
“Those were all from me.”
“I thought that you were a Federacy Major.”
“I was. For the first three years. But what I had you do was completely off the books. No one but you and I know about the work you performed.”
“So, it was all a lie. There was never a chance of me getting back into anyone’s good graces.”
Krag stared down at his hands. “No, Sue. Your blacklisting is permanent. I checked. The Federacy is very unforgiving. I’m Sorry. I’m sorry I mislead you.”
“So, what are you? A criminal?”
“According to the Federacy, I have broken some laws. But I don’t think of myself as a criminal. I think that the Federacy is going down the wrong path. And I don’t want to live the way that the government wants me to live. That’s true about Mack and Keiko, also.”
“So, what, you guys are Free-Spacers?”
Keiko had finished clearing the breakfast oddments and had returned to her chair. Mack quietly followed the conversation.
Mack spoke up. “No, we’re not Free-Spacers or any political movement. We’re just people that don’t like having other people run our lives.”
“We sometimes do illegal things,” Keiko added. “But we don’t intentionally hurt people or destroy people’s livelihood.”
“Well I’m not a criminal. That’s not me. I need to get back to my job. It’s obvious I can’t lose it. It’s the only thing I’ve got.” The dejection hung over her like a shroud.
“Sue, let’s just talk a bit,” Keiko offered. “Your son. How is he doing? Krag told me he is living with his dad, now.”
“Yeah. Dean moved out the summer he turned sixteen. He seems happy there.”
“Let me ask you this,” Keiko continued. “I know he loves you. All children love their mothers. But, if you could get a better home, in a better neighborhood, with more things to do, would he stay with you more?”
“I don’t know. Probably. Yes, he would. Usually, when he comes to visit, he says he gets bored. So, yeah, he’d probably stay longer.”
Krag saw where Keiko was going. “Sue, one of my employers is very successful. Almost all of his interests are legitimate. A few are a little shady. What would you say if I got you a job with his company? On the legitimate side. With more money? And more cutting edge work?”
“I don’t know. I’d have to think about it. But it couldn’t be anything illegal. Maybe. It depends on the work, if I could know I wasn’t hurting people.”
“Ok. I accept that. But now we have a job. We need you to work on what we bring back. We need you. Let me ask you something else. Your boy is what? Seventeen? What does he plan on doing?”
Sue was a little nonplussed by the quick switch in topics. “Yes, seventeen. He’s like me. He’s really good with computers. That’s where he will probably go.”
“Add this to your thinking. If you do go to work for my employer, maybe I can get Dean his schooling and a job close to you. It’s either that or he goes to work for the military. And, with your red flag, I doubt if he would have very much upward mobility.”
The three conspirators watched as Sue chewed on her lip, wrinkling her brow and sifting through the offers.
“I’m not stupid,” Sue began.
“No, you’re not,” Krag interjected.
“Now that you told me about the job I did for you, I know that it was illegal, probably treasonous.”
“You don’t need to be afraid of that. That was the past. I would never hold that over you.”
“I noticed that. But, you do want me to do more illegal stuff.�
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“I wouldn’t say illegal as in active criminality. More supportive, more like central planning and support. Not destructive. We wouldn’t break into Federacy computers or destroy any companies. Or get anyone killed.”
“You can promise that?”
“How about, you have the right to refuse any job. Does that work?”
“I don’t know.”
Krag sat up, and came to a conclusion,” Ok, here’s the offer. You immediately go to work for me, alongside Mack and Keiko. Full time. I match your salary and benefits plus the annual stipend. Mack’s father runs a repair yard that could use a software developer. He hires your boy when Dean gets out of trade school.”
Krag turned to Mack. “Does that work?”
“We’ve been looking for more software engineers. Let’s change the offer. You say Sue is really good. I take your word on that. Sue goes to work for me Pa. The station gets a high-powered code head,” Mack said that with a gleam and a wink at Sue. “We get a trainee. It all be good. I know my dad would go for that,” Mack answered.
“I don’t know.” sue slowly shook her head. “I’ve got my job.”
Krag looked back as Sue. “We have an immediate job, like I said. It should take about two weeks, counting travel time. Once we get the item, you do a quick checkout. That gives you two weeks to work with us and think about it. Then you decide. Can you get two weeks off from your job?”
“Yes,” Sue acknowledged after a thoughtful pause. “I’m owed vacation time. I just need to update my backup on my projects.”
“Ok, then. Let’s do this. No more long term discussion. We get you home today. You spend the rest of the weekend packing and preparing for two weeks onboard Griffin. Next week you do what you need to do and we pick you up Friday after work. Does that sound good to you?
”Well. Maybe. Ok. Yes. But no promises. Just this job. Then we talk.”
“Perfect. That’s all I ask.”
“I want to go home now.”
Krag thought for a moment. “Ok. Mack, I want you to take Sue back home. Keiko, you go along to pick up those supplies you said you needed.”
Keiko caught on immediately. “Yes, Captain.” Turning to Sue, she asked, “Shall we get your things and meet Mack at the shuttle?”
“Oh, and take a mag-grav liner for Sue’s return trip.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Mack gave Krag an affirmative nod.
* * * * *
Other than the restocking, general maintenance and minor repairs, the following week was fairly unproductive. Keiko did keep in touch with Sue, talking by com or periodically dropping in, building a personal relationship and establishing female camaraderie. Sue kept assuaging her own worries, damping the fear of trying something new, constantly reinforcing her commitment to join the crew of Griffin after the last day of the work week.
Friday finally arrived. Mack and Keiko flew down to pick up Sue. After the shuttle settled into Griffin’s docking bay and everyone disembarked, it became obvious that Sue Benton, the black-flagged, top-flight software engineer was imbued with a new, if wary, enthusiasm, a new energy. She, for the next two weeks, was free of the stifling, brain-numbing job. She had a two week escape from the knowledge that her professional life was over. For two weeks, Sue Benton was getting to do what she was born to do-explore something new. For the next two weeks, she was going on an adventure.
Krag saw this new-found energy in Sue’s eyes and manner as his three charges chattered their way into the galley. When they saw their captain mixing a coffee at the counter, they immediately quieted down and waited for Krag’s leadership.
“Mz. Benton, welcome aboard.”
“Please, call me ‘Sue’, if that’s ok.”
“Fine by me. And you can call me ‘Krag’. Keiko, would you get Sue settled into her quarters?”
“Yes, Captain.”
“Then bring her back to the mess. I’d like to read her in as soon as possible.”
Keiko nodded and led Sue back to her quarters.
Thirty minutes later saw the entire group in the mess, milling around and waiting for some guidance. Scanning his team, Krag began, “Grab something to drink. Let’s fill Sue in on our project.”
Everyone bustled around, ordered refreshments and snacks, found their seats at the table and settled in. Krag noted that Keiko sat to his right and next to Sue. Sue, for her part, sat closer to Keiko than Mack. Krag approved of the closeness that was developing between the two women.
After a swallow of his coffee, Krag began. “We are going to steal an alien artifact. And we want you and Mack to give it a good once over.”
“Why?” Sue asked?
“Because it is still running. So far, no one knows what it does, but it is generating energy signatures.”
“Why me?”
“Because I’ve seen your work. While I was in the Sedition Division I saw what you created while working in the Federacy. I saw your hack into the secure servers. And I saw the work you did for me. It was way over my head, but what I could understand, it was elegant and creative. And, once we get the artifact, that is what we need. We need someone who thinks outside the box, someone who creates elegant, creative solutions. We need you.
“Ok. You guys are going to steal this artifact. Whom are you stealing it for?”
“Remember, I told you about my employer? The one with a large empire? It’s for him. He thinks that, if the Federacy succeeds in unraveling the secrets of this device, then it will only get worse for everyone. He is afraid that this artifact could lead to technical breakthroughs that will increase the Federacy’s power and control over the planets under their dominion.”
“You said that you weren’t Free-Spacers. Is your boss?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so. But he does seem to care deeply for his people.”
“And you are giving me your word that this job is to stymie the Federacy, not just so this mysterious boss can make some credits.”
“I can promise you that the first motivation is to stop the Federacy from figuring out how this device works. And, I can also state that my boss is looking at the possibility of making a profit. He is a realist.”
“So, who is this boss?”
Krag paused and looked at everyone at the table. “We can’t tell you. If you go back to your life in a couple of weeks, we can’t put him or his organization at risk. I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you.”
Everyone waited as Sue thought and chewed on her lip. “Fair enough. So, what’s the plan?”
“Tomorrow morning we get underway. Then we meet here and fill you in on our plans.” Krag scanned his team. “Does that sound good?
“Sounds like a plan to me, Cap,” Mack answered for the group as everyone rose to place their meal vestiges in the appropriate places. They all shuffled out, with Keiko accompanying Sue to her cabin.
The next morning began with the crew performing their individual rituals and preparing for the coming artificial day. All quickly consumed their breakfasts, everyone anxious to get under way. By midmorning, Krag was in the Command chair with Keiko occupying the co-pilot/navigator pod and Mack in the sensor/weapons seat. Sue stood just inside the bridge hatch, leaning against the bulkhead and watching the three friends work as a cohesive unit.
Krag radioed for and received permission to exit orbit and take the spoiled daughter of a political higher-up to the Americana solar system and vacation on the pleasure planet of Pacifica. At less than one gee, he brought Griffin to an exit heading, eased the thrusters forward and left the planet that controlled the Federacy.
To get to the hyper-space gate that led to Americana, Krag needed to partially loop around Cencore’s sun. He slowly accelerated to three-tenths the speed of light and had Duke set a course that passed through the outer edge of the sun’s corona.
Two hours later, Krag had his team prepare Griffin for its clandestine task.
“Mack,” Krag spoke over the internal intercom. “Set all energy sign
atures, sensors and emitters to stealth mode.”
“Aye, Cap.”
“Keiko please take Sue to her cabin and get her settled into her anti-gravity compression bag.”
With a nod, she led Sue through the bulkhead and down the stairs to the living quarters.
When the Asian woman returned Krag had both Keiko and Mack close up their pods and activate their own anti-gravity compression padding, as he did his own. Once everyone was safely ensconced in their protective cocoons and Griffin became hidden in the corona, Krag had Duke set a direct course to Calius, one of the three moons that circled Titus. Then he had Duke violently accelerate at eight gees until the fast little ship achieved six-tenths SOL. Once Griffin reached its target speed, Krag shut everything down, putting the ship into a ballistic course towards their destination.
“Keiko, I need you sharp. You too, Mack. This solar system is so junked up, we have to see anything in advance and not get holed.”
“Yes, Sir,” Keiko responded.
“Two on at all times, one hour shifts. I’ll break first, then Keiko, then Mack. Stay strapped in. If we need to get radical I want everyone ready. Any questions?”
“The CERVEs?” Keiko asked.
“Good point. When we hit the end of three hours, try to activate the beacon. A single ping only. That should give us a heading for pickup. Any other questions?”
When neither of the two responded, Krag exited his command pod and headed towards Sue’s cabin. Reaching her cabin he was gratified to see her still helmeted and securely swaddled in the pressure bag. Knocking on the portal, he waited until Sue turned her head and nodded. Entering, he helped her remove her helmet, opened the pressure valve and waited for the bag to release her.
“So, how was your first experience with high gee’s?” Krag asked.
“Stressful. Painful. Not fun.” By the time Sue had finished her answer, she had wiggled herself out of the bag and sat normally.
“Hopefully, we won’t need to do that again while you’re on board. You’re probably thirsty. Let’s get something from the galley.”
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