by S. W. Gunn
Once he stepped back into Rose’s quarters Mark spoke, "It’s good to see you talked Rosemary off the edge."
"Huh?"
"She was not handling the stress of the situation optimally, which one cannot blame her since she is under a lot of pressure."
Johnathan just nodded softly before he started to walk towards the room he and Mark were using for their work. Mark shifted his wheels and follows closely behind.
"So it is time to finally design the lasers and make a prototype?" Mark asked.
"Yes."
Johnathan sat down next to his small reprocessor before snatching up his datapad. He slowly began tweaking with the designs that he had merged into his custom laser. The idea was a mobile but strong weapon that would not drain the energy of the eco-ship midway through the possible upcoming battle. The last thing that they needed would be either the lasers of the new shield system draining all of the eco-ship’s power leaving them with neither. Johnathan continued working through the morning until his watch beeped to let him know that it was time for lunch. He had barely merged half of the hardware how he wanted. It was going to take most of his day to finish the schematics alone. Unlike his other projects he was working on something new with these lasers so he had to work slower in order to make sure he did not make any mistakes. After a nice pleasant lunch with Rose he got back to work.
A voice behind him said, “How is it going?”
Johnathan knew immediately it was Rose but he was surprised she was back so soon. He had literally just finished the schematics and was ready to begin processing the smaller parts.
“Well thanks.”
“Time to work out.” She informed him.
Johnathan was shocked so he looked at his watch. He really did use the whole work shift to finish his schematic. Setting aside his data pad he stood up. After their workout and dinner they parted ways. Rose still had more work. Johnathan started up the processor in his new work space before he played around with Mark’s podium, which after Johnathan was done Mark could use both of the arms on delicate tasks. It was late once Johnathan finished with the arms so he cleaned up and went to bed.
Chapter 11
Johnathan woke the next morning to the usual alarm and sat up. Rose popped off the bed quickly. He slid up and changed quickly. The workout seemed to be getting easier every time. He knew that he was getting quite fit, so much so that glancing into a mirror he could see definition to his chest and abdomen that had never been there. He would never admit it to Rose but he was quite happy with how good his body was starting to look. After a romantic goodbye they separated in the cafeteria. Johnathan headed back to his small work space in her quarters.
Once he entered the small room Mark’s voice spoke up, “I examined your design for the laser system. I believe you’ve got the best we could hope for on such short notice. What is the plan for today?”
“Testing. I need to test the prototype and if it works I will need to mass produce enough to cover the various locations you mapped out.”
“Sounds good. I believe that your microprocessor is ready.”
Johnathan nodded before slipping on his overalls. He knelt down and collected the parts before sitting and starting to assemble his prototype. He purposely designed this one to be smaller and weaker just to make sure it would all work. Once he was sure his model was sufficient he would then make the rest of the lasers full size. It took him a few minutes to get it assembled but since he designed it himself he was able to get the laser built quickly.
Standing up he announced, “Let’s go test it down in the lower docking bay.”
“Alright.”
They headed off, with Mark getting the usual odd looks as they went, and it was not long before they got to the docking bay. Johnathan sat up his prototype laser up along the back wall facing towards the docking bay door. He then took a plate of metal that was within the absorption range of his laser and set it up as a target. Never having shot a laser before Johnathan decided to stick with the lowest settings to make sure not to ruin anything. Once the plate was ready he strolled back to his laser and aimed it directly at the plate. He was about 20 meters away from it and was certain he could hit it easily.
Mark asked, “Ready?”
Nervously Johnathan nodded briefly before flipping the switch to activate the laser. It immediately kicked on with a bright light that Johnathan had to block his eyes from. He had not realized just how bright it would be. The laser hit the target and shimmered before it started to burn into the plate.
“Shut it off.” Mark called out.
Johnathan flipped the switch of the controller and the laser immediately shut off. The plate made a loud thump as it fell off the stand he put it on.
“Impressive results Johnathan. It appears you have it apparently much stronger than we estimated. How was the power drain?”
Glancing at the controls Johnathan replied, “Within estimated specs. It’s ready to mass replicate and install. I’m going to have to install them myself since all of the other engineers are working on replicating and installing our shields.”
Taking a peek at his watch Johnathan saw that he had plenty of time until he had to meet Rose before lunch so he collected up his prototype and said, “Let’s go get the reprocessors started.”
Mark followed behind closely as Johnathan exited the lower docking bay and headed towards the elevator.
A sudden moment of gloom struck Johnathan so he asked, “Do you think we’ll be able to beat these aliens if they attack us?”
After a long pause Mark replied, “Based on the scans I’ve been able to calculate the odds of our success.”
“And?”
“Honestly Johnathan it does not look good. They appear to be much more technologically advanced. The metals of their vessels are of an unknown substance and they are much more maneuverable. The ‘Skybound’ is a very slow cumbersome vessel not designed for any sort of combat. I am estimating a thirty eight point seven percent chance of being able to successfully defeat an attack, assuming there is an attack which I calculate at a ninety four point one percent chance of there being one based on their reactions from initial contact until now.”
Johnathan felt a nervous pit drop into his stomach. Those were not very good chances.
“Based on your frown I believe that you realize the seriousness of our situation.”
“Yes.” Johnathan replied solemnly.
There was a long pause between the two of them as they entered the elevator. Johnathan felt very grim about what Mark had told him. With those slim odds he wondered what else he could do to change their chances. He could only guess that what he was working on probably was why the odds where what they were. Knowing there was nothing he could do other than what he was doing he shrugged it off and pushed the controller for the elevator to head towards the reprocessor. He was quite pleased to see that he was pushed to the front of the line for reprocessing and his requests were rushed. As soon as the first laser was finished he hauled it off to the upper docking bay. He was going to have to find one of the space walking suits and go outside the eco-ship to set up the laser. He had not been outside the eco-ship since his training that was so long ago but unlike most people who did the space walk in training, it did not bother him. Something about being alone in space seemed to bug others on the eco-ship whereas being by himself was comforting to him. Johnathan made his way to the upper docking bay where he set the laser down. He then collected a space suit which he set aside. He would have to install the laser after lunch, which was quickly approaching. He made his way to the nearest public restroom to wash his hands before going to the primary cafeteria.
Rose had beat him there and as he sat down she asked, “How’s it going?”
“Good. My tests are done and I’m ready to install the first laser. Mark mapped out a plan to allow maximum coverage of the eco-ship.”
“Thank you for the update.”
After eating lunch Johnathan gave Rose a quick kiss befo
re heading back up to the upper docking bay. Mark was waiting for him.
“Are you ready for this?” Mark asked.
“Of course. I need to install these as fast as I can to make sure we cover the plan.”
Johnathan picked up the primary core of the space suit and began to put it on. In order to make it airtight he would have to put on the primary suit and then the various attachments such as an air supply and tracking computer. Once he had everything ready he set up the primary harness and attached it to his suit. He set up a pair of thrusters on the laser so he could bring it out of the bay and push it into place. Johnathan then slipped on the helmet of his suit and sealed the locks to keep it in place and have everything seals.
Activating his speaker Johnathan said, “Mark please seal all of the doors to the docking bay and depressurize it so I can head out.”
“Affirmative.” Mark said and then paused before continuing, “The doors are sealed and the bay is depressurizing. It will be ready in fifteen seconds.”
Johnathan waited for a few moments before the gravity of the bay cut out. The docking bay doors began to open so he activated the thrusters on his suit and the laser which responded by beginning the slow rise up to the exterior of the eco-ship. Once he made it out of the eco-ship’s hangar bay he targeted the thrusters to bring him along the side of the eco-ship where Mark’s planning called for one to be placed. As he got the laser aligned with the position he slowly thrusted the laser down, gently settling it into place. Next Johnathan moved closely next to the eco-ship and began installing the wiring and controls to allow the eco-ship to power the laser and Mark to target it. It was slow and tedious work but Johnathan was able to get everything installed.
He activated the laser and almost instantly Mark’s voice shot through the communication device, “It appears that everything is working perfectly.”
“Alright. Test the laser’s rotary functions and then fire one shot to ensure it works.”
The laser rotated away from Johnathan and away from the eco-ship.
“Testing firing mechanism” Mark announced through the speaker.
The laser paused for a moment and suddenly a light blue flash of light erupted from the laser. From what Johnathan could see it worked perfectly. He moved closer to the laser to examine the exterior controls. Everything appeared perfect. Suddenly the laser moved from its rested position and struck Johnathan. He was knocked off the side of the eco-ship and slowly began drifting away from it. A sense of panic struck him as the onboard computer of his suit beeped a warming. Somehow the laser striking his suit had caused an oxygen leak and he was losing oxygen fast.
“Mark pull me in!” Johnathan called out in a panic.
“The pulley appears to be damaged. I cannot pull you in. I’ve notified Rosemary.”
Johnathan’s panic became even more concrete. There was no way someone from the eco-ship would be able to make it in time before his suit would run out of oxygen. He realized that he would have to somehow pull himself in so reaching out he grabbed a hold of the cable keeping him attached to the ship and began pulling. His muscles strained out in pain as he began pulling himself towards the hangar bay. Slowly but surely he began making his way back. The computer in his suit beeped even louder warning that he had a few minutes at most left before he would run out of oxygen. Johnathan could feel the air in his suit getting lighter as he pulled himself closer and closer. He was now at the cusp of the inside of the bay and as soon as he got past the doors they automatically began closing. He felt himself starting to pass out as the gravity returned in the hangar bay. Pain struck his shoulder where he impacted the surface of the hangar bay. The main door into the bay opened up and Johnathan saw two technicians running in towards him before he passed out.
* * * * *
“John.” A soft voice in the darkness called out.
He could feel his shoulder screaming out in pain, no doubt from a massive bruising or possibly something broke somewhere. He forced his eyes open to a very blurry image of several people around him. The closest person was a white and orange blur. He knew right away it was Rose.
“He’s awake!” She called out excitedly.
Johnathan could hear the panic in her voice. His vision started to clear up and he was able to identify Rose in her white uniform, the First Officer, and two other people who he recognized as medics from their maroon tunics.
“His shoulder has some fracturing and he has heavy bruising but otherwise he appears fine Commander” One of the men in the maroon tunics said.
“Take him to the clinic and give him whatever care he needs” Rose responded.
Her voice seemed much calmer.
“Yes Commander.”
Johnathan tried to move in order to stand but one of the medics held him down and said, “Sit still technician. You shouldn’t move until we stabilize you fully.”
Nodding at the man Johnathan rested his head back on the floor of the hangar bay.
Rose stood up and stated, “We’ll talk about this later this evening when the medics release you.”
He croaked out in a hoarse voice, “Yes ma’am.”
She spun on her heel before firmly walking away. The First Officer followed behind her.
“Let’s get you patched up.” The same medic who spoke earlier said.
Johnathan took a good look at him. He was about the same age as Johnathan was with neatly trimmed black hair, brown eyes, and soft brown skin. Johnathan guessed he was Hispanic but he was unsure. He felt the men shifting him before sliding him onto a carrying device that elevated into the air slightly. A handlebar popped up at his feet which one of the men grabbed and began moving. They went through the eco-ship and before long they were loading him onto a bed. Opening up several scanners the medics went to work by inserting long needled healing stimulators into Johnathan’s shoulder. It hurt quite a bit and Johnathan grunted loudly in response. Eventually the pain dissipated and his shoulder was starting to feel better. The long needle hurt in place but he knew that it was there to bond the fracture in his shoulder. After a few minutes the medics pulled the needle from his shoulder. Johnathan again grunted in response but the pain went away almost immediately.
“Your shoulder is set. Try not to cause any impact on it for a day. That will give you plenty of time to heal. You also have a mild concussion so no physical activity for a day as well. You are released to go home.”
Johnathan sat up. His head swam from the sudden movement.
One of the medics must have saw Johnathan’s reaction because he reached out and steadied Johnathan’s shoulder and said, “Go easy Technician.”
He helped Johnathan stand up and released him. Taking a first tentative step he realized that he was fine other than his shoulder. His head cleared pretty quickly and he briskly began walking towards the exit. He knew the medics wanted him to take it easy but after Mark’s talk about their odds of defeating these aliens he knew that they did not have time for him to be resting. The second he stepped out of the exit of the medical clinic he was met by Mark’s podium.
“Johnathan I am so sorry for what happened. If I had known you were so close to the laser I would not have moved the targeting system.”
“It’s okay Mark. I’m just glad I was able to get back in.”
Mark began following along as Johnathan started to walk. He took a glance at his watch and saw it was almost time for the dinner so he shifted directions and headed towards the nearest restroom. After using the facilities and washing his hands he started off to the primary cafeteria where he knew Rose would be.
Once he got close to the entrance Mark said, “I’m going to head back to Rosemary’s quarters. Johnathan I am so happy that you are well. I was quite worried about you and I was impressed with the physical strength it took to pull yourself through the docking bay doors.”
Johnathan stopped walking as he gave a slight chuckle and replied, “I guess Rose’s fitness program really paid off.”
“So it would see
m. I will see you back in Rosemary’s quarters.”
“Alright.”
Johnathan strolled through the entrance of the primary cafeteria and searched for Rose. She was not there. He guessed that she was probably busy with planning the eco-ship’s defenses. Dinner was some stew and a tough bread that had a sour taste. He did like it, especially after dipping it into the stew. Halfway through eating his dinner Rose and the command staff entered. She gave him a slight smile when they caught eyes. After she got some stew she sat down next to him.
“How are you feeling?” She asked.
“My shoulder really hurts but otherwise I’m doing much better.”
Rose gave a slight chuckle before saying, “You’ll do anything to avoid our fitness sessions won’t you.”
He laughed in response. They ate their dinner and headed back to her quarters. Rose helped him take off his boots, which he struggled to do by himself because of his shoulder. She helped him into the bathtub and used her sponge to massage his wounds.
As she gently rubbed the sponge on his shoulder she softly whispered, “I freaked out when Mark messaged me telling me to hurry to that docking bay and showed me what happened. I just don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He glanced up and looked into her eyes. She looked quite sincere so he reached out with his right hand to softly cup the side of her face. She gave him a smile.
“I was pretty happy to wake up.”
She laughed lightly in response before saying, “I bet you were. What the heck happened?”
“I had just finished installing the first of our laser defense system in place and Mark was testing its capabilities. I moved closer to examine the controls without telling him so when he moved the laser for more testing it hit me and knocked me off the eco-ship. Somehow when it hit me, my harness got damaged so Mark was unable to pull me back into the hangar bay.”