by JE Gurley
“We have to get everyone out of suspension. Then we’ll have options to deal with this,” argued Karic.
“We need a lot more data before we can make a call like that.” The commander’s voice was tense, his usually cultured tones clipped.
“By the time we do that, it could be too late. Lives are at risk,” said Karic. He did not understand why Janzen had rejected his precautions. When it came to technical decisions, Janzen usually deferred to him.
Janzen ignored the comment, and reached up to fractionally adjust the fit of his odin. “I see no reason for the crew to be revived at this juncture. I have cancelled the revival sequence.”
“You’ve what?”
Janzen gave Karic a disarming smile. “I can understand your concern on the radiation, but perhaps you are overreacting? We have limited resources out here. Bringing all thirty crew out of suspension at once would have a serious impact on food consumption. I’m sure you appreciate that.”
“The crew has minimal shielding. Based on the trend—”
“As I understand it … the Shipcom did not issue any alert,” said Janzen, his voice smooth. “We are on track for Tau Ceti, with all systems functional.”
Had he really misjudged the situation so badly? No. The risk was real. “Janzen, you need to see the data.”
“The only data we need to assess is on the new system. I thought you of all people wanted to reach planetfall as soon as possible. Reviving us has wasted time and manpower, and taken us that much further from our goal.”
Karic paused. The safety of the crew, the safety of the ship — their only home for hundreds of years in space — was more important than reaching Tau Ceti.
“What about the revival sequence for the officers?” he asked.
“I have left that running. We need all our heads on this one. As for shutting down the fusion drive — that was ill advised.”
It was also impossible to stop. Once begun, Ryal would have to complete the turndown procedure. At least there would be no chance of a runaway reaction if the radiation peaked and destroyed the drive’s control systems.
“When you finish in the biodome, make your way to the control deck. Janzen out.”
Janzen had been an excellent commander so far, dealing with the crew well and displaying a good grasp of logistics. Both of them shared the same passion for success, yet at heart, his friend was an executive. Karic had noticed before that Janzen lacked the instinct of a good scientist or engineer.
The commander’s confidence in the face of this threat should have reassured him, but instead it filled Karic with a deep disquiet.
The Tau Ceti Diversion is available from Amazon here.