by Chris Hechtl
The engineer looked up at her. “That won't wash,” the engineer growled. She stared at him, trying to stare him down, knowing he could run to the owner. If even one of the others did, she knew she'd be in deep trouble.
“I want to go back to the resort. I saw a boy there; he's just dreamy,” the teen at the end of the table said, smiling beautifully as she looked up at the ceiling. Her younger brother rolled his eyes in disgust.
“I am a bit worried about what the owner will say. We are breaking contract after all, even if he doesn't know it yet. How are we going to pay the port fees? Or living expenses while we are there? Normally, when we go there we stay because of our year-end bonus. If Henry makes good on his threat, we are in deep trouble. Even if he doesn't…” she shook her head. “It might work out, but we just cost the owner a lot of money,” the girl's mother said starting to sound concerned. “Thousands.”
“Oh no. Millions actually,” the chief replied, idly stirring his cup of coffee.
“Millions? Did you say millions?” Pete her husband asked, suddenly aghast. The family looked at each other suddenly unsure their going along with playing hooky was such a good idea. They had backed the captain and bride, now they weren't sure if it was a bright idea.
“Oh yes. Port fees aren't cheap. It is triple what it was the last time we were there because it is in season now. Also, we have an entire cargo hold about to spoil, which will be costly. We can't collect on insurance since we didn't go to its intended destination. We'll have to dump it. And don't get me started on the penalties for not delivering it. Then, of course, we were supposed to go to the next stop beyond that, and that is now out, which means another round of penalties for the cargoes we were supposed to get there. I'd say the ship owner is pissed,” the chief said, sitting back and taking a sip of coffee. The room was now echoingly silent.
“That's right; owners have mortgages and stuff. Did we mess that up?” the boy finally asked in a small voice.
“Yeah, kid.”
“Oh, I'm um, sorry?” he said.
“A little late for that,” the navigator said, getting a sinking sensation. He was pale, now sure he was in for it. There were all sorts of nasty things owners could do to a crew. Technically, they were all in breach of contract. Theft. Criminal charges. “Damn, I forgot that,” he said, trembling in fear now. He was as pale as a ghost.
“No, ship is paid for,” the chief replied, waving his cup to wave that problem away.
“So? So what can he do? He can't fire all of us,” Lucy said. “Where is he going to find someone to replace us from where he is? Besides the guild will back us,” she said, shaking her head and standing strong to be a good example to the now waffling crew.
The chief put the cup down. “Wanna bet? Oh yeah, that's right, you already did,” he said in disgust. The chief shook his head.
The captain grimaced. He'd been silent for the entire conversation. Now he too was wondering how he was going to get out of this fix. “I am curious about how the purser will explain this to the owner,” he murmured, realizing Henry was the only one who could contact the owner.
“Why bother? We'll can him and do it ourselves, honey. A united front. Once the purser is gone, he can't defend it. It will be our word against his,” Lucy said, cooing to her husband. Her eyes cut to the chief in warning.
“You can't fire him,” the chief said simply, shaking his head. For some reason he was smiling.
“He's the captain; he can do what he wants,” she said, turning a glower onto the engineer.
“True enough. With most of the crew. But see, he's not crew,” the chief said.
“Oh? So why is he the purser? That means he can be fired with no contract violation!” she said triumphantly.
“He can't be fired because he's the owner of the ship,” the chief said knocking his drink back and then getting up at the stunned silence. The entire crew was now staring at him.
“And yeah, he's pissed. Really, really pissed,” the chief said softly. The crew looked at each other, now thoroughly sunk.
As one their accusing eyes turned to the captain and his bride. The man was pale as a ghost; his hands shook. He remembered that the purser had interviewed him for the post. He'd thought he'd been acting as the owner's representative. Now he knew better.
“So why didn't he…” Jim asked weakly.
The chief smiled bitterly. “He did. But the captain's word is law remember? He's not going to go against the captain once the ship is underway. That is against the law. I believe you pointed out insubordination and mutiny?” the chief asked, turning a polite but cold look towards Lucy.
“Oh shit,” the captain said, suddenly seeing his future crumbling around him. Everything he'd ever planned had just shriveled. All because he had gone with his balls over his brains. One fuck up was all it took…and this was one hell of a fuck up! He thought bitterly.
The chief walked out shaking his head. “You made your beds, now you get to lay in them. Have fun with that.”
Scrambling together, the captain and his wife exited the galley and rushed to his office. He brushed past her and used his access codes to check the records. When he found out the truth, he sat back ashen. He was ruined he realized. Ruined. He ran a hand through his hair, pulling at it. He'd screwed up. He laughed bitterly. His screwing had screwed him up. He'd finally made it, gotten all of what he'd wanted, ship, command, a wife… he laughed bitterly again.
The wife looked at him, shocked that he was laughing nearly hysterically. He turned, getting a bottle of whiskey out of the locked cabinet behind him. Upset she crossed her arms and turned away as he took a drink. She didn't like alcohol, and she knew he knew it. The second glass a moment later told her he was going to get rip roaring drunk. She turned and left in disgust, not wanting to watch or experience it. He stopped, set the glass down and held the neck of the bottle with one hand. He knew the trap of alcohol and drugs. He'd learned of it but now…Spirit of space it was all he had left. He stared off into space a soon to be broken man.
...*...*...*...*…
The crew morale plummeted as word ran through to the rest of crew. Their jolly prank was going to be costly, costing both the owner and them dearly. It was one thing to screw the man, to screw some faceless corporation or group of investors. Quite another when you've sat at the galley table, ate with the man, played cards, and socialized for years and never knew.
Lucy briefly considered setting up an accident for Henry but then gave up on that idea. Her strengths were not in killing someone. Well, she might be able to induce a heart attack in bed…She bit her lip and then took a shower and got herself ready for war.
She made a last minute and rather half-hearted attempt to seduce the owner but he firmly put her off. She arranged it the best she could, taking an erotic pose on his bed in her most provocative sheer negligee. He took one look and barked a laugh, shaking his head.
She scowled blackly. “What? What's so funny?” she demanded.
“You. This, oh this is rich,” Henry said. He grabbed her by the arm and threw her out of his room. “I…I'll say you assaulted me!” she said, wrapping her outfit around her.
“Right,” he drawled. “Now you are reduced to threats?” he asked. “Gee, I wonder what your husband must be thinking of you right now?” he asked. “I can ask. Or, you know, I could send him the entire incident, since it's being recorded as we speak,” he said, pointing to the cameras.
She looked up, frowned and then huffed, stomping her foot.
“Isn't it so much fun not to get your way?” he asked, smiling. She shook, growling. She turned on him, eyes glittering in rage. Incensed she screamed and tried to slap him but Jim the navigator intervened.
She didn't even look at Jim, just broke his grip and then stalked off fuming. The two men watched her go, she was quite a nice vision to see, despite the attitude. And it was a bit humorous to see her nearly trip over the knee knocker. She kicked it, then hobbled off, fists clenched and limping.
>
Jim shook his head. “What a bitch. Damn.”
“Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing,” Henry admitted.
“Sir, I am so sorry,” Jim the navigator apologized, eyes downcast. “Sorry for all of this. And my part in it. I…if I hadn't gone along I don't know if we'd be in the situation.”
“I don't know either,” the owner grunted. “But here we are. We have to make the most of it.”
“Yes sir. I suppose we do.”
“Carry on,” Henry said. Jim straightened, then about faced. Henry nodded and shut the door. Jim sighed and moved on.
...*...*...*...*…
When the ship entered the system, it was a madhouse. Liners filled to the brim with eager tourists were there. They were charged an enormous fee for the port fee. The captain winced when he heard the figures, darting a look to the purser who wasn't looking at him.
The purser negotiated over the net and managed to sell the nearly spoiled cargo. He got a good price since there were more people than expected and Mandela fruit was a luxury item.
After that he has the crew assemble. It was time to clean house Henry thought grimly.
...*...*...*...*…
Henry looked at the assembled crew with cold stern eyes. “I bet you’re all waiting with baited breath. Here’s the thing. Yes, I am the ship owner. Jack spilled the beans about that; I'm not happy about it but oh well. A lot of that has been going around now, hasn't it?” he asked, coldly glaring at them. “As the owner, you’re fired.” He looked around then pointed to the captain, bride, and their supporters.
“You are gone,” he said. They flinched, expecting that. “This is a freighter not your personal crew ship to do with as you please. My freighter. Her reputation is built on trust and in fulfilling a contract. I've invested my life and lively hood into that. Now that trust is gone. Our reputation is tarnished. My reputation is tarnished. It takes one screw up to destroy a ship's ability to work. I hope you enjoyed your little joy ride, and I hope you enjoy your stay on this planet. It is likely to be a long one. Now get your gear and get off my ship. You've got thirty minutes. Gather your shit and go,” he snarled, hands on his hips. He moved slightly to unblock the hatch.
Before the others looked up, Lucy glared defiantly and stood up. “You can't do that. You need us. The ship needs a captain,” Lucy protested.
Henry smiled grimly. “Oh yes I can. For your information I was the last captain of this ship. I hired your husband after our last major overhaul because I wanted to spend more time arranging contracts and working in engineering. But as a trained spacer I have qualifications in every slot. I'm a little rusty for some, but I imagine I'll get by just fine. I've sailed shorthanded before, so I know it can be done. Go. You've now got twenty nine minutes to pack your shit and get off my ship,” he said firmly.
The crew filed out, heads down. He looked around to the remaining people. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's a brand new day people, he said coldly. “I am resuming the captain's rank and all the crap that goes with it until I can find someone reliable to do the job. I'll check the guild, but I doubt I will find anyone to fill the empty slots right now. “You've got 24 hours of liberty. It'll take that long to arrange fuel and get the cargo out the lock. No bonuses so have fun on your own dime. You've got until the end of that 24 to decide if you want to remain behind or not,” he said meeting each of their eyes. “Figure it out.”
...*...*...*...*…
The doctor remained behind. He took care of the pregnant woman who after the stress of finding out Henry was the owner on top of the momentous stress-filled meeting immediately went into labor and gave birth. Her husband had been a reluctant supporter of the captain. He apologized to the owner. The owner wanted to put him off, but the chief talked him out of it.
...*...*...*...*…
Henry took the time and informed the guild about what happened. When the former captain and crew went looking for jobs and housing, they were immediately turned away. Lucy was shocked and furious. “That bastard! I can't believe this! He's that vindictive,” she snarled. The guild rep laughed at her, shocking her.
“Lady, you just screwed a ship's owner, destroyed his reputation. You cost him millions. Yeah, I'd say he would be. Hell, I would in his place. The guild needs people who are reliable, who are going to do a job and not go gallivanting off on a whim,” he said, looking at the captain.
The captain winced. “So what do you have?” he asked in a small voice. He was a broken man and knew it.
The rep turned cold eyes on him. “You'd be lucky to get a garbage scow. You are so screwed,” he said shaking his head. He looked at Lucy. “But I think that's what got you into this mess in the first place, right? Thinking with the wrong head.”
Lucy stormed out of the office in a tantrum. She ranted later about the reps conduct, threatening to have him on report. The former captain sighed, realizing just what a mess he was now in. His dream of being a captain, a beautiful wife…family…all gone. Now he was left with a spiteful shrew. He couldn't blame Henry; he had been right all along.
The captain checked his finances to find out what he could afford. He found no bonuses, and the port fees were docked from his account bankrupting him. When he protested he found out that the owner was in his right since this was an unauthorized trip. They found they couldn't get a job and ended up on the street.
The other families received similar treatment. They didn't know what to do or who to turn to. Word got around to the others.
...*...*...*...*…
The family with the two kids ran into chief engineer Percy in port. They were broken, both financially and spiritually; he could see it in their sunken eyes and desperate looks. He waved them to a lounge nearby. They sat on stools and talked small talk.
“So, I'm guessing this isn't just a social visit. Not going well I take it?” Percy asked, sipping his beer.
“You could say that,” Pete said with a shaky laugh. He had a water. So did his wife and the kids. “That bad?”
“You have no idea,” Pete sighed, shaking his head. Pete just looked down, both hands on his beer. He didn't know what to say.
“It's impossible to get a job. We've been black listed with the other freighter and transport lines,” Pete said quietly.
“Yeah,” Percy drawled. “That sucks. You need a referral letter? I don't know if you can get in on one of the stations or space habitats. Maybe one of the space colonies?” he asked.
They shook their heads no.
“Look, we screwed up. We admit that. We…we want to try to make it right, if he'll let us.”
“He being the captain.”
“Damn it this is so hard,” Pete said, shaking his head.
“Yeah, it's no picnic from my side of the table,” Percy said. He looked over to the kids. The teenage girl was tucked up in a fetal ball in the booth, arms wrapped around her knees. Her chin rested on her knees. He could tell she was listening but trying to be polite. Her little brother was looking out the window, watching the people pass by.
“Percy, we're…we've pretty much given up on pride.”
“I'm getting that feeling,” Percy said, taking another pull of his beer. He didn't like where this was going, but he didn't see any way out but through. He had to face it.
“Don't take this out on our kids I am begging you. Talk to him. I'll…I'll get on my knees and beg for a second chance if I have to,” Pete said, eyes searching Percy for some hint of sympathy. “We'll do anything to make this right. Take a hit in pay, work scut jobs if our old positions have been filled.”
Percy sighed. He couldn't blame them for going with the flow, but they should have known better. They were hard workers though…But Pete was right, it wasn't fair to take it out on the kids. “I'll…try to talk to the captain. He's still pissed, so I can't make any promises,” he told them.
That news made them flare briefly with hope, then come down as his qualifier registered. Pete winced as his wife took his hand and squeezed
it hard. “Don't stick your neck out, Percy, we know. We're all in shit up to our necks as it is,” Pete said, fighting to sound fair and not disgusted.
“No, that's not it. I don't know how he'll jump. I've known him for decades, and this is the first time I've seen him this pissed.”
“Oh.”
...*...*...*...*…
On the ship Percy tracked down and talked with the captain. “Look, Henry…Skipper, we've known each other for over fifty years and you and I both know people make mistakes. Their mistake was following the captain. Yeah, they got stupid about it. But it's not right to take it out on those kids. They were foolish. Let them work it off.”
Henry stared at the bulkhead, jaw set. Percy sat back. “But I've said my peace so let's hear it. I know you aren't happy. Hell, I ain't. But we also know we can't sail without a minimum crew; the regs are clear on that. You and I are just too plum old to be doing back to back double shifts for who knows how long,” he said throwing his hands up in the air.
He studied Henry. The old man was drumming his fingers on the arm rest, a sure sign he was thinking black thoughts. “Skipper, we're shorthanded. You can always put them off on the next stop. Put them on probation or something,” Percy suggested.
Henry's eyes glittered. “They don't deserve…”
“What?” the chief asked. “A second chance? Remember what that was like?” he demanded. Henry sat back, puffing his cheeks. He rubbed his brow. He didn't need this crap from Percy. Not now. Not when he knew…Hell, Percy was right about the crap about the regs and the damn guild. He was skating on thin ice as it was.
“Okay, that was a little overboard,” the chief sighed. “Seriously boss, stop being a prick. They backed the captain. So did you. You could have stopped this whole mess right from the get-go with a simple word of warning. What could they have done? Mutiny? Let them back in your good graces.”