She realised she was day dreaming. She reminded herself she was not hear as a tourist and searched up the line for Felis. She could see him, now about 50m from what looked like a dome structure with a wave shaped panel offset at an angle on the top.
Felis propped and they all followed suit. “Madge, you and I will enter and disarm whoever is inside. Judy you stay with Evie and cover us from out here.” Felis did not invite approval of his plan let lone discussion. Evie was content to let him run this part of the show.
Madge came forward, saw Felis pistol in hand and so did likewise.
“We don’t need to kill them” hailed Evie.
Felis nodded but otherwise remained focussed on the task at hand. He could see no animals about and that was a good sign. As he came to the edge of the crop field he could see a vehicle port some twenty metres from the building. There was a truck parked alongside an empty space where he expected to see a passenger vehicle. He entertained the thought that maybe the place is unoccupied but then reminded himself not to expect such luck.
He made his way to the truck. It looked like it had been used recently. That was a good sign. He skirted around the building till he could see the other side of it. It was in shadow but appeared all clear. He spied a rear door and beckoned Madge to come with him.
It was locked. The tell-tale red light over the hand pad told him not to bother trying to access it. The high window which wrapped around the building about a metre above the ground looked the obvious point of entry. He tried to peer in but realised its control was set to opaque.
“What are we waiting for?” whispered Madge.
“Locked” explained Felis.
Madge reached into the satchel she carried and pulled out a hand held device. She held it next to the access pad, hit two of the controls and the light went to blue and the door popped open.
Felis looked impressed because he was. But more than that he was grateful. He smiled and raised his pistol. Madge brought hers up to the ready. Felis moved in and saw no one in the open area that filled the centre of the building. He motioned to a corridor which Madge assumed would lead to the bedrooms.
They carefully approached and cleared each one. All empty. It wasn’t a big home and they soon confirmed that it was indeed unoccupied. Felis hailed Evie “It’s empty come on in.”
Chapter 15. Resolute in Qwantum 0640, 14 August
Dave had been up for a good forty minutes now. He had just finished a nice meditation. Still wearing his tee shirt and shorts he walked down the main corridor of the officers deck and entered the gym.
“Morning Sir” said Crystal who was working out on one of the walkers.
“Morning Crystal. Sleep well.”
She thought about it before replying “Yeah, not too bad.”
Dave cast an eye around and confirmed that they were indeed the only occupants of the gym. He hopped on the bike a few metres to the side of Crystal’s walker, placed his hand on the control pad which scanned his hand, recognised him and brought up his options. He selected the first profile and began peddling as the timer ticked over.
“Are we the only early birds?” asked Dave.
Crystal looked bemused as she framed her reply. “We don’t have an excuse to linger in bed.”
Dave laughed. “Alas too true.”
“Missing Rihan?”
“Yes very much so and it’s only been ten days.”
“I miss her too, and Aubrey” said Crystal with a hint of melancholy on her face. “We were pretty tight knit on the Hermes.”
Dave nodded as the bike ramped up the tension on the wheel and he had to exert more to maintain his speed.
“Do you remember last year’s Xmas party we had together at El Dorado’s?” she asked.
Dave laughed. “I don’t think any of us will forget that. Whatever happened to that chap you were with, what’s his name?”
Crystal smiled. She slowed down the pace of her walker and her inner eye was obviously far away. “Silvio, yeah he was nice.”
“Well?”
“Well the war happened didn’t it?” blurted out Crystal. There was a definite colour of annoyance as she added “You can’t have a relationship when the odds are against you surviving. It’s not fair on either party.”
“Mmm…” said Dave. He leant forward and selected the second profile. It was less demanding.
“Oh I’m sorry Sir. I don’t mean to be telling you what to do.”
“That’s OK” said Dave. A few seconds later he added. “I disagree with what you say. I’m so glad I’ve hooked up with Rihan. It’s made all the difference to me. I’m so much happier now.”
Crystal kept walking. She was listening but already part of her defensive armour was raised. A few seconds later she said “But all that can end in a flash. Death comes quickly in our game and then you have this bitter pain and grief to deal with if you happen to be the one who survives.”
“Maybe…but I’d rather have loved and lost than never have loved at all.”
“And what if you have kids and you die? Rihan is left to morn you and bring up a kid on her own without a father. That’s not right.”
“That’s a bit of a harsh call. First off, Rihan and I both feel the same on this issue. We’ve both lost dear ones in this war so far. We know all about the pain and grief. Yes it hurts but neither of us is going to let our fear of what might happen in the future rob us of the joy and happiness we can have together in the present.”
Dave looked across to Crystal. She was obviously taking it in. He then added “As to children, well life is precious no matter what. I would rather have a chance at it even if it came without one parent.”
“Did you grow up with both parents?”
“Yes.”
“Well I didn’t” blurted out Crystal “and let me tell you there was hardly a day go by that I didn’t feel hard done by because my dad had done a runner and left my mother to bring me up on her own.”
This was news to Dave. He needed time to absorb it. It was obviously a sensitive issue for Crystal and he didn’t want to put his foot in it any more than he had already. So he nodded “fair enough. That must have been tough?”
The tension on Crystal’s face lessened. She was tired but more emotionally than physically. She hit the stop button. “Yes it was. But I don’t try and get sympathy because of it.”
Dave was searching for the right response when Crystal added “In fact you’re the only person on this ship that knows that.”
“What, you’ve never shared this with anyone else?”
Crystal pondered then shook her head. Her breathing was coming down now. She stepped off the walker and began doing her post exercise stretches using the end of the machine for balance.
“It can be good to share” said Dave as he stepped off the bike and started doing his stretches. “That’s one of the things I miss in not having Rihan here.”
Crystal nodded. As she pulled on her foot, which was tucked behind her back, she smiled and added “but it’s not the most important thing is it?”
Dave smiled. “Mmm…50/50!” As he changed feet for the next stretch he asked “Tell me. Would it have made a difference if the reason you didn’t have a dad was because he had been killed?”
Crystal stopped her stretch and stood erect. She scanned the ceiling as she thought. “Maybe…umh…yeah perhaps.”
Dave nodded.
The door opened and John walked in with a cheerful face. “Top of the morning to you Sir, Crystal.” He threw his towel onto the bar from which the tension weights were hung and took up the slack on the weight with both hands. He turned his head towards them as he pulled and crouched back and asked “What’s up?” with a big grin.
Dave smiled. “Ah the nature of John is irrepressible” he said.
“That it is” added Crystal.
As the spring brought John forward from his crouch he said “I take that as a good thing then?” Crystal laughed.
Chapter 16. Lewista 0700
, 14 August
Even though he was dead tired after their six kilometre hike, Felis had agreed to take the first watch. Evie crashed in the main bedroom. She slept on top of the covers, careful to avoid sullying the bedding. Judy crashed in the second bedroom. She just stripped all the bedding and with her boots on tried to get comfortable. The prosthetic around her head made it dam uncomfortable. But despite that she soon was fast asleep. Madge took the sofa in the main living space. Despite appearances she was not asleep.
Felis scrounged around in the kitchen and eventually had a brew going. He sat down at one of the chairs on the other side of the kitchen bench, with his back to Madge. From here he could look out through the window and see anyone coming up the track through the crop fields.
He took a few sips and found himself nodding with approval. It had been so long since he had tasted mila. ‘So much better that coffee’ he said to himself.
He pulled over the communicator hub that lay on the bench, picked up the communicator and was pleased to discover that it was still working. He got off the chair and went to his pack and pulled out his console from the side pocket. He sat back at the bench and interrogated the planning notes he had made. He then used the communicator’s search facility to find the number for the head office of the Mintoslum Corporation. He smiled as it came up on the small screen.
He thought about the risks involved in using this phone but dismissed them. They would incur even more risks just finding another. So he dialled. He shrugged his shoulders as he got the automated answering service telling him that their standard hours of operation were between 0830 and 1730. At least it was nice to hear his native tongue spoken even if it was artificial. Not one option appeared to take him where he wanted to go. He was still debating which option to choose when the synthetic voice stated that he was being transferred to a customer relations representative.
Madge lay still on the sofa with her eyes shut but her ears very much open for business.
“How may I help you” said the female voice at the other end.
“I would like to speak to Ciantus Melnar” said Felis.
“I’m afraid Mr Melnar is not in yet. Can I take a message?”
“When is he expected to be in?”
“I can’t say exactly. Can I please take a message?”
“Not to worry. I will call back later” said Felis and he hung up.
He thought about trying to contact the other lead Meelanda Orocash but thought better of it. He would wait till later.
Chapter 17. Resolute in Qwantum 0730, 14 August
Dave walked into the officers’ mess. He was surprised to see Crystal and John in earnest conversation at one of the tables. Up until now she had rarely given him the time of day.
Ivan arrived as Dave sat down. He came straight over, waving to Cranky Jack to bring some coffee over. “Our sleth friend from the pod is awake and talking” said Ivan. “Jelka’s with him now. He says you should come when you’ve finished breakfast.”
Dave downed his juice as Cranky placed a flat white in front of him. Ivan looked at Cranky with a disappointed look. “Coming up Sir. I’m working as fast as I can” said Cranky. He turned and left post haste.
“OK I’ll come and see him as soon as I finish here” said Dave. “Can you get Julian up to help Chase with the scientific analysis.” Ivan looked at Dave puzzled. Dave added “He’s the smartest cookie on this ship by more than a few lengths. If anyone can work out what is happening with that gravity well he can.”
“You don’t think Chase is up to it?” asked Ivan with a look that said I don’t think this is a good idea.
“OK hang fire on Julian but make sure Chase gets cracking on that first up.”
Ivan nodded to Dave as Cranky placed his double shot black in front of him. “Thanks Cranky. I do appreciate it” said Ivan with one of his winning smiles.
Cranky appreciated the words. “You’re welcome Sir!”
A few tables away Crystal asked “So what happened?”
John’s face normally carried a grin but not so now. He had certainly been surprised when Crystal sat down next to him for breakfast. That was a first and a delighted development from John’s perspective. She had already asked him about his previous relationships and now she was probing a little deeper. He was definitely uncomfortable with this latest question. But he was prepared to go the extra yard for Crystal.
“She dumped me for another guy” he responded.
“Why?”
“Why does anyone dump someone?” responded John. Crystal tilted her forehead down but maintained her eye contact. He could see she was not impressed with that answer. “He was better looking…better in the sack…I don’t know. She just never answered my calls and when I finally fronted her just told me it was never going to work. End of story.”
“And the second one?”
“Ah it started off great but we ended up fighting all the time” responded John. Crystal kept looking at him expectantly. He knew he would have to provide more. “Little mundane things mostly. She was pretty fussy.” He paused but could see she still wanted more. “OK maybe I was fussy too but only about the big things.”
“Like what?”
“It all came to a head when I got my posting. She was NOT OK with me being assigned to a ship. She said I had to choose – her or the Fleet.”
“And you obviously chose the Fleet.”
“Come on Crystal what would you have done?”
“Same probably” she confessed. “And what, you’ve found no one since?”
“No, I’ve found someone all right.”
Crystal’s expression changed to one of intrigue. “Pray tell who?”
“Oh she’s not interested in me.”
“What you’ve got the hots for her but she doesn’t even notice you?”
“That’s about it.”
“Poor John” she said with feigned concern. “Come on who is she?”
“I’m looking at her right now” he said with as much sincerity as he could muster. He was tempted to reach out and hold her hand but part of him told him not to.
She leant back in the chair. Part of her knew that he had been trying it on. “Gee John. You know I’ve not encouraged you, quite the opposite.”
“Yeah I know. You have your ‘policy’.”
Crystal nodded slowly.
At that stage Ivan rose from his table and announced “Five minutes everyone.”
“Not to worry” said John in a quiet tone to Crystal. “I have to go.”
Crystal sat back in her chair deep in thought as the throng of bodies moved out of the mess.
Chapter 18. Phantom over Cheklin 0800, 14 August
Aubrey entered the command centre dead on 0800. She had not intended to front up this early having stayed up with most of the staff into the wee hours till Whiskey 7 reached its objective and Evie’s team began its trek into Lewista. But she had woken after less than five hours sleep, her mind racing.
She had taken in some deep breaths and then she tried to go back to sleep. But it was no use. One moment it was the mission and the next it was longing to be in Brennon’s arms. She was missing his touch so much now. She recalled that first encounter at Dave Warner’s wedding. What were the odds, she had said to herself, that she would fall for his brother.
‘Aubrey Warner’ she had said to herself. ‘Ugh’ she recoiled at the thought. ‘No I’ll definitely stay a Bellard.’ It was at that moment that she realised she was already thinking about it as a permanent relationship. ‘Hmm…who’d have thought.’
She knew it would be hopeless trying to get back to sleep. Two powerful forces ‘duty’ and ‘love’ had her in their grip. So she had risen and gone to the gym for twenty minutes of fencing.
She always felt better after a workout with the foil. The fencing bot she had bought with her own money was proving to be an inspired purchase. Its AI had already learnt her style and twice on this trip she had to use the safety word to avoid serious injury.
This morning she had deliberately changed her style, reverting back to the style used by her old instructor on Polaris. She knew it would only be good for so long before she would have to change again. But she liked that. ‘It would keep me flexible and agile.’
“Any news?” she asked Alice in the command centre.
Alice looked particularly tired having scored the dog watch. “We got a relay from Whiskey 7 that the team is holed up in a farm a few klicks from the edge of Lewista. They’re resting up now. Other than that we have our neighbourly enemy ships still on station. No change. There’s a shit load of shuttle traffic already. They’re busy beavers down there Maam.”
Aubrey responded with a smile. “I can take it till your relief arrives, Alice. Why don’t you get some rest.”
“Thank you Maam. That’s kind of you. I am bushed.”
Aubrey sat in her chair, alone in the command centre, and wondered what the day would bring.
Chapter 19. Resolute in Qwantum 0820, 14 August
After meeting with Retna in the sick bay, Dave arrived back in the command centre convinced of the need to signal Aubrey and the Admiral. He sat down in his chair.
The command centre was full to the brim with various hangers-on standing in the background. Ivan had asked Li, Jim, Sue, Art and Julian all to be in attendance in anticipation of a commitment to conduct the ground op on Q2. They were all looking to Dave.
“Chase what have you got for me on that gravity anomaly?” asked Dave.
Chase looked across to his captain brimming with a confidence that surprised most people in the room. “Well sir with only one day’s data collected I would recommend caution but the figures do indicate an increase in the gravity well of Q4.” Without pausing to take breath Chase continued. “I’ve extrapolated the data readings provided from the Phantom and it appears to be increasing exponentially.”
Audacity (Warner's World Book 5) Page 13