Skybound

by S. W. Gunn

  She leaned into him and whispered, “This is my first time eating here. I usually go to the primary cafeteria.”

  “This is my favorite cafeteria.”

  “Not surprising.” She commented.

  They walked over to the empty line and he gestured for her to go first. Today they were serving sandwiches that have been toasted and stuffed with thinly sliced protein bars and then covered in a light sauce. It made the sandwich a mix of mushy and crunchy. It was not his favorite meal but it would more than work. Next to the sandwiches were an ordinary spinach salad and a bowl of mixed fruits. He chose an apple. Like all of the fruit and vegetables aboard the apples were genetically reproduced and grown in the hydroponics bay. All of the apples and other gas producing fruit had their own bay. Rose took a seat at an empty table and he sat down across from her.

  “You forgot to get a drink.” She told him.

  “Oh let me” He started to say but she interrupted him, “I’ll get it for you what do you want?”

  He paused for a half second but then remembered what she had said earlier before answering, “A glass of water please.”

  Giving him a wink she stood up and walked over to get a glass of water.

  As she set the glass down in front of him he said, “Thank you.”

  “Of course dear.”

  He was not entirely sure but he thought she was pleased on some level just getting him a glass of water.

  Cutting into his sandwich with a knife he slipped his fork under the bread and right as he was taking a bite she asked, “So how did you and Mark plan to upgrade the sensors?”

  “He hasn’t given me any of his ideas yet but I’ve already formulated a plan. Mark’s the idea man in a lot of ways but the actual execution and fabrication is where I come in. I’ve got a knack for hardware design. Really software is more of a side interest but I’m really good with hardware. Once he mentioned that he had an idea I’ve already drawn up some specs in my mind that I believe will really get the most out of the sensors.”

  “How?”

  “Well like with the computer processor we didn’t have the technology that allowed me to make advancements so I have to first design the technology and then fabricate it. With the processors I needed to ummm... invent new metals that could handle the heat that my processors would create.”

  She was clearly flabbergasted when she asked, “Invent?”

  “Yes, the metals aboard the vessel just could not meet my requirements. It just took playing around with a variety of elements to get what I needed but like I said I’ve already got the specs drawn out. It is just going to be a matter of seeing exactly what Mark had in mind and then executing it.”

  She nodded at him.

  After they finished eating she took his arm and said, “Let’s go to the arcade.”

  Like most of the entertainment on the eco-ship Johnathan had only gone into the arcade to rewire the computer systems. He had to admit that he was very curious about playing the games but at the time he really did not want to deal with the people in the arcade. They strolled into the arcade which he noted immediately that it was pretty empty. Normally during the main shift hours most of the population was working so the entertainment places would be barren. This was generally when he was sleeping.

  Once they entered Rose released his arm and almost ran to a large table as she said, “Let’s play some table hockey!”

  He walked up to take a look at the table. It was rectangular in shape with barriers all around the edges. Rose picked up one of the two paddles before flipping the start switch. Lights on the table lit up and Johnathan reached out and touched the surface. He could feel a light push coming from the table; his best guess that was some sort of gravitational modulation that allowed the small disc Rose set on the table to float. He grabbed the other paddle and set it down. He was able to push down on the paddle enough to use it to. Rose flicked her wrist to strike the paddle on the disc, which sent it shooting past his paddle and into a slot against the wall.

  “Ha! I scored a point.” She called out cheerfully.

  He picked up the disc and set it down before hitting it with his paddle. She easily blocked his shot before sending it careening back at him. He was able to block it and suddenly realized that the game was nothing but geometry. She was moving her paddle from side to side so Johnathan quickly calculated the angle and speed he would need to bounce the disc past her. With a flick of his wrist the disc bounced of the exact location he shot it and went right past her into the slot.

  “That was just luck!” She called out boldly.

  As she struck the disc he was able to quickly formulate the direction it was doing before blocking it and with another timed strike against the wall he scored again.

  “You’re good at this game.” She declared

  “It is pure geometry. I can just calculate the angle I need based on where your hand is when I strike the disc.”

  She let go of her paddle and frowned before stating, “Okay I just realized that I can’t win this game so let’s go try something else.”

  He set the paddle down and followed her as she went to another machine. It had a row of dark goggles and a rifle for each. The rifle was an exact replica of the firearms that the small security force of the ‘Skybound’ utilized. This game was just a virtual reality target practice for the rifle.

  She grinned wickedly before stating, “There is NO way you’re going to beat me on this one. I’ve got one of the highest scores on the training simulator.”

  Johnathan had no doubt that she was right. He had been able to completely avoid that training with a string of excuses and well-timed computer repairs. Rose gestured him to approach her so he walked up to her.

  She lifted up one of the pair of goggles and put it on his head before saying, “The simulator will come up and give you a three dimensional view of a range. We’ll do a training simulation first just so you can get used to it. Then we’ll do a battle simulation here on the ‘Skybound’. The opponents will be robotic simulacrum.”

  “Alright.”

  She handed him the rifle before putting on the pair of goggles in the booth next to him. Picking up her rifle she tapped the controls on the computer that ran the simulator. Almost instantly he was transported to an open field with several circular targets about fifty meters away. Glancing over at Rose he saw her standing next to him in the field. She winked at him before turning to the target and lifting up her rifle. She aimed and fired it several times. The computer beeped in confirmation of success after each shot she fired. He raised his rifle up and aimed it at his target. He squeezed the trigger and fired the weapon. The computer did not beep, which let him know that he missed. He tried again and missed.

  Rose’s voice came from his right as she said, “Let me show you how to use it.”

  Turning to look at her she smiled as she shifted his rifle and helped him move his grip.

  As he turned back to the target she said, “When you fire squeeze the trigger with just the fleshy part of the tip of your index finger. Inhale deeply and exhale. Take a few breaths to get the rhythm and right as you finish your exhale, pull the trigger slowly and evenly.”

  He followed her advice and as he pulled the trigger the computer beeped indicating a successful hit.

  “Excellent.” She told him.

  She stepped away and continued firing. The practice run took about twenty minutes but he caught on quick enough. When the targets were brought forward he knew immediately that he was not going to be able to compete with her in the game. She hit the center with all of the shots but two. He just hit the target in its outer rings.

  “Alright get ready.” She instructed him as she brought up her rifle.

  He copied her and looked away. The field shifted to an empty hallway on the ‘Skybound’. The ground underneath him began to move and as he glanced at Rose he saw her crouch some as she began walking forward. He turned forward again and imitated her movement. Out of a side door a robotic lookin
g creature came out. Before he could even respond to it Rose shifted and fired three times at it. The creature crumpled to the ground. She moved forward so he paced her. They continued to move along with random creatures popping out from different locations. Sometimes they came in pairs, others alone or with a group. He took a bit to adjust to it but he finally caught on to the technique. Rose cut down every single one with him hitting ones either just before her or not at all. They continued along for a good thirty minutes before the game ended. He removed his goggles and saw that the scoreboard showed what he had suspected. Rose won quite handily. He did not mind since he not shot at anything since he was in the education center.

  As Rose removed her goggles she saw the score and stated, “I think someone has been doing an excellent job of avoiding required marksmanship training.”

  Trying to play it off he replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  With a hearty laugh she said to him, “Your ability to lie is the only thing I’ve seen worse than your ability to shoot.”

  Johnathan could do nothing but laugh.

  Setting down her rifle she walked over and patted him on the shoulder before saying, “Don’t worry I’ll keep your secret safe.”

  She then pointed over to the small bowling alley as she stated, “I’ve not done that one before.”

  They bowled three games, with her winning the first one but once he figured out the geometry of the game he was able to easily beat her. This time he was wise enough not to mention how he was able to beat her. He suspected that if he wanted to he could knock down all of the pins every time, especially if he could measure the surface variables such as the friction generated between the ball and the metal lane. After a few hours of bouncing from game to game they headed off to get dinner. This time they went into the primary cafeteria to eat. The cafeteria was serving soft tortillas that had beans, shredded protein bars, tomatoes, and lettuce. It was spiced enough to give a little burn to the tongue but not overwhelming.

  As they sat down Rose said, “I love spicy food. I wish they’d turn up the spice on these.”

  “Any hotter and it’ll burn the tongue.” He commented.

  Giving him a very wicked grin she stated, “I like the pain.”

  The look on her face let him know that she was talking about much more than food. He could only chuckle in response.

  “Technician Fischer!” A voice that Johnathan immediately recognized as the First Officer came from his right.

  Turning to look at him Johnathan was mildly surprised to see the First Officer with the young lady who made his clothing. They both appeared to be quite happy. Once she saw Johnathan her face immediately lit up in recognition.

  “It’s you!” She said excitedly before continuing, “You’re the reason I’ve met Roddy.”

  He grinned at her. He knew that based on how she was talking about her admiration of the First Officer that they would be a perfect match.

  She then spotted Rose and stated, “And you didn’t tell me that your date was the Commander herself.”

  Johnathan flushed lightly in response to her poking his shoulder.

  The First Officer said, “She is. And because of him I’ve met Sandra here. Thank you so much Technician Fischer. You were right.”

  He extended his hand, which Johnathan shook, and then nodded at Rose while saying, “Commander.”

  Rose nodded at him as she replied, “First Officer.”

  Johnathan was not entirely sure but he swore that her voice almost sounded like it was laced with relief.

  The young woman, who the First Officer called Sandra, gave a light curtsy to Rose before saying, “Commander.”

  As they turned and walked away the First Officer said to Sandra, “I’d love to see the tunic you mentioned would show off my arms.”

  Johnathan was not sure if Sandra meant for him to hear her but he heard her say quietly to the First Officer, “That’s not all I’ll be showing you.”

  The First Officer laughed at her before pulling her closer to him as she wrapped her arms around his midsection. As Johnathan chuckled and as he turned back to Rose he saw her laughing. She must have heard their exchange as well.

  “You’ve been busy it seems.” She stated.

  “He approached me yesterday and I asked him if his attraction was to you or your position. He realized it was your position and I just told him that he should worry about finding a woman who would treat him how he wants to be treated instead of a position. He was unsure because I think he had been so obsessed over you for so long but when I mentioned my tailor Sandra he had a change of heart. I’m glad it worked out.”

  “Obsessed is an understatement. He was downright overbearing but I’m glad he found happiness.”

  “Especially since it means he won’t be after you.”

  She laughed heartily before declaring, “Definitely.”

  They finished eating and placed their trays in the tray return. It was all automated and would clean each dish before returning them to storage for reuse. Rose took his arm and they started walking down the hall.

  “I’m certain that all of your things are in our quarters by now. Let’s go check up on them.”

  Johnathan nodded at her before moving his arm that she was holding and placing it over her shoulders to pull her closer next to him. She wrapped her arms around his midsection and leaned her head into his shoulder. Her hair smelled quite lovely so he gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head before they began walking. They made their way to her quarters and as he opened the door she released her grip around him to walk in. Following behind her he noticed nothing different.

  “Take your shoes off.” She said to him.

  Slipping each shoe off, which he set aside, he saw his boots were now sitting there. It let him know that his possessions were there, somewhere. Rose took off towards the opposite door she went in last time. He slowly walked into the living room and she came back out, pushing Mark.

  Mark then said, “Hello Johnathan. It appears that we have new accommodations.”

  He chuckled before saying, “Yes we do. Rose has invited us to live with her.”

  “I believe you will need to change the wheels on my podium. These ones are insufficient to move across the carpet.”

  Rose disappeared back through the same door she brought Mark from.

  Examining his wheels Johnathan said, “I’ll upgrade that tomorrow and then we’ll start with the sensors.”

  “Alright.”

  Rose came back out carrying his violin and bow. She had a grin on her face which let him know there would be no way that he was going to avoid playing for her. She handed them to him before sitting down on the couch.

  “I need my datapad with my sheet music.” Johnathan stated.

  Mark’s projector flickered on and he displayed the sheet music from the song Johnathan practiced last night.

  Rose snapped her finger before saying, “No more excuses mister.”

  Johnathan nodded at her and brought the violin up to his chin. He slowly started playing, trying hard to just concentrate on the music instead of looking at her reaction. Mark slowly scrolled through the second movement, which he played as best he could. As he finished playing the song he lowered his violin and looked at Rose. She was heavily crying. Johnathan frowned because he had no idea why she was upset.

  Setting down his violin he knelt next to her and asked, “Are you okay?”

  Reaching out with her hands she grabbed his neck to pull him closer to her before giving him a kiss. After breaking their kiss she still held him by the neck.

  With her lips still lightly touching his she said, “It was beautiful. I’ve never heard live music before.”

  As she moved to rest her forehead against his he told her, “Thank you.”

  Remembering what she had said earlier about being treated like a woman Johnathan sat down next to her and pulled her into his lap. He first kissed her on the lips but then moved to kiss her in the spot wh
ere her shoulder met her neck.

  “Johnathan.”

  “Yes?”

  “Could you move Mark back into his room. I really don’t want to do this in front of him.”

  “Oh ya.”

  As Johnathan moved to roll Mark away Rose said, “Sorry Mark this is kind of a personal thing.”

  “I completely understand Rosemary. Perhaps tomorrow at some point we can continue our earlier conversation?”

  “I’d love that.”

  Johnathan wheeled Mark through the same door she brought him from. The hallway there had four other doors and what he believed was a series of cabinets.

  “It is the first door on the right.” Mark stated.

  Johnathan pushed Mark through the door and saw that all of his equipment, tools, and supplies that he had was now neatly stacked. Taking a quick glance at everything it all seemed to be in order.

  As he turned to leave Mark said, “Go slow and that should help with stamina.”

  “Oh hush Mark.”

  Mark laughed at Johnathan’s reply. Johnathan exited the room and headed back out into the living room. Rose was not there. As he began to move towards the other door she reappeared. She had changed from her green dress to a transparent white nightgown that ended at her thighs. She walked back over to the couch and sat down. Slipping off his tunic he walked up to the couch and sat down next to her. She was sitting upright with her hands resting on her knees. Johnathan realized immediately that she wanted him to make the first move. He tenderly reached out and moved her hair off her shoulder before leaning into her and softly kissing the same spot on her neck that he was kissing before.

  Chapter 6

  A loud buzzing alarm went off. Johnathan groaned. He and Rose were up very late and he really wanted to get some more sleep but she popped up immediately.

  “Get up. It’s time to go work out.” She announced.

  Grumbling he slowly sat up and looked at the alarm. It said 0500. They had only slept for about three hours. The whole night they moved all over the couch, the floors, and finally in her room. He found her having him slap her rear midway through a bit odd but she seemed to like it. He had no doubt that she ended up with a bruise but she did not complain. His suspicion was confirmed when she stood up and he could see the already healing bruise on her.