by E. P. Wyck
“I don’t really see the problem not fighting fair.”
“Why?”
“The point is to win. If it is my life or my honor, I am picking my life.”
“I see your point, but that’s in a life or death situation. Not a sparring match.”
“Fair enough. Go on.” Kali said.
“I mean really, he wouldn’t shut up, and I could tell all of the crew were getting tired of him. I don’t know what exactly happened, but I just snapped and the next thing I know he is in medical, and I am in the brig,” Nova explained.
“Oh. Well, that escalated quickly,” Kali said.
“Yeah. I don’t even remember most of it. It’s like rage just took over and I feel bad about it. He spent weeks in medical.”
“Really?”
“Really. Aleksandra wasn’t the commander then. It was some other guy. He told me I had to stay there as long as the other guy stayed in medical.”
“That is a bit, interesting. Can’t think of the right word. I mean I get that you were out of line and I get that it can’t go unpunished on a ship like this but it seems harsh, I guess.”
“Yeah. I am not saying I’d do it any differently, but I’d advise against you ending up there.”
“So you know how you said rage just took over you?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I get that like too. It happened after my father died. I didn’t think, I just attacked. I killed three Seraphim with my bare hands and a sword.”
“You have to watch that, though. It’ll get you in trouble. I know you’ve been working on it, but I can see that it isn’t quite under control,” Nova said.
“You’re right. I don’t know how to keep it under control.”
“I find working that communication station helps me. Generally, I am out of the fight, and it keeps me calm.”
“I can see that. I just don’t feel that is where I belong.”
“Where do you feel you belong then?”
“Honestly, I have no idea. I haven’t felt ‘at home’ in a long time. I think Ryn did a good job welcoming me and opening me up some, but still, I feel so distant from everyone.”
“You’re pretty open with me.”
“That’s cause you’re easy to talk to.”
“And Ryn isn’t?”
“He is. It is just like he’s trying too hard to play surrogate father.”
“I think he likes you.”
“Are you kidding me? No. No. No. He has the most adorable wife, and they love each other so much. I spent months living with them, and there is no way he’d ever betray her like that. I can tell.”
“How can you?”
“I just can. I don’t know why but I always read people well.”
“What do ‘read’ about me?” Nova asked.
“Well I can tell you enjoy the ship and the traveling, but you miss flying. You especially miss family. I can tell you’re over this place. It is why you wanted me to replace you so you could go into stasis and breeze through most of the trip.”
“I’d say that’s 87 percent correct.”
“What? That is spot on. What did I get wrong?”
“I do miss everything, and I am ready to move on, but I am glad I had the chance to get to know you. Especially after learning about the whole mess with the stasis pods. Speaking of, we should probably tell them what Aleksandra said.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Kali said. The pair managed to walk the rest of the way in silence, and when they entered the security office, Nova spoke first.
“Bruce, I have something to tell you from Aleksandra.”
“Not even a hi or hello, Nova? You wound me!” Bruce said.
“Hello,” Nova said with a glare, “Aleksandra said you need to get a team and get down to the main cargo hold. They’re entering the stasis holding area. They think something is wrong and it may be sabotage,” Nova explained.
“Oh, that’s pretty serious. I’ll get some people down there ASAP,” Bruce said.
“Yes and hurry, we think there may be failed pods,” Kali said.
“Compassion looks good on you, little bird,” Bruce said.
“Why must everybody call me that?” Kali said, rolling her eyes.
“Because you’re such a precious little Seraphim,” Nova said.
“I am not precious. I’ll have you know…” Kali said.
Nova cut in, “You are too. Just look at those little wings and your cute nose. You’re such a doll. I don’t know how you haven’t been snatched up by some charming suitor,” Nova said.
“First, I know Bruce can help you out with why I haven’t been snatched up, and second I am not a doll. I am fierce, and I know I can take you and Bruce and probably the whole crew,” Kali said.
“You’re so cute when you’re pretending to be angry,” Nova said.
_ _ _
Bruce and his team, the medical team, the electrical team, the stasis operator, Commander Aleksandra, Novalie, Kali and a few others gathered in the cargo hold.
“Ok, Bruce, you’re going to open the door and make sure the area is safe to enter. Everyone else stand back,” Aleksandra ordered. Everyone stepped back a little, and the security team moved into position.
Bruce scanned the door and approached to visually inspect it. “Looks clear, Commander,” Bruce said.
“Go ahead,” she responded.
Bruce ordered his team to fan out, and he went to open the door. The security team aimed their weapons at the door, preparing for anything that may come out. Bruce opened the door. It slid to the left, and he stood to the right, letting his team rush in.
One by one the team rushed in, and Bruce took up the position at the door. They scanned the room and looked to see if anything seemed out of the ordinary.
“Bruce, I think we have something here!” called one of the security team members.
“What is it? I am not sure, but it doesn’t look good. We’re going to need the electrical guy to check it out.”
“Electrical!” Bruce called.
The two electricians looked at the Commander.
“What are you waiting for, get in there!” Aleksandra ordered.
They slowly made their way into the room, cautiously checking as they proceeded. “What do you need us to check?” one of them said.
“This. It looks out of place,” the security team member said.
“Well, that’s because it is a bomb.” Before he could finish his sentence, the guards started backpedaling. “Wait! It’s rigged to go off when the pods go up. We aren’t in any danger right now.”
“How do you know?” asked Bruce.
“Because I am not just any electrician. I have spent over 50 years studying electrical designs for bombs and booby traps. Why? Because when something gets sabotaged, they send in electricians or engineers to fix it. If I am not sure what I am looking at, I end up dead.”
“I suppose that checks out,” Bruce said.
“Yeah, I have seen too many friends end up dead because they didn’t know what they were getting into and got blown up. So, trust me. You see that line running there?”
“Yes,” Bruce said.
“That goes up to the main stasis pod control. Chances are they wired it incorrectly, and that is why our operator couldn’t get the pods to come up. However, if he did, this would have blown.”
“I suppose that is good,” Bruce said.
“I think everybody should get out of here and we’ll disarm it.”
“You heard the man, everybody out!” Bruce ordered. The electrician and his assistant went to work disarming the explosive.
After several minutes Aleksandra walked into the stasis storage room and said, “How much longer?”
“No disrespect, Domina, but you shouldn’t be here. I don’t want the death of the ship’s Commander on my hands.”
“I thought you said you knew what you were doing?” Aleksandra said.
“Doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen, Domina.”
“You’re not going to like this, Domina. I can’t disable the explosive without some pods failing. I have determined that 23 have already failed. But more are at risk of failing by disarming the device.” He explained.
“What do you mean 23 have already failed?” Kali asked.
“I think I was pretty clear. They’re dead. I don’t know who they are, or if they belong to the Dawnbreaker or the research crew. I just know they’re dead.”
“That’s not good enough!” Kali shouted.
“I agree,” Novalie said.
“Me too,” Aleksandra said.
“Do you know how many will fail?” Kali asked.
“No,” said the electrician.
“Well, is there anything we can do?” Nova said.
“Stasis guy,” Kali said, “What’s your name again? Never mind. Is there anything you can do to get them out of stasis down here?"
“Maybe. I may be able to one by one disconnect them from power. If they lose power and can detect the ship is sealed, they’ll release their occupant,” he explained.
“That’s an idea. How do we do it?” Kali asked.
“Again, little bird, who is the Commander on this ship?” Aleksandra said.
“Sorry, you are,” Kali said.
Aleksandra addressed the electrician, “Do you know how to cut the power but not the data feed to the pods?”
“I’ll have to check some schematics, but I think it’s possible. I don’t want extraneous people in there if at all possible,” he said.
“I agree. So, will you go check on the schematics and let me know?” Aleksandra asked.
“Yes, Domina.”
_ _ _
The electrician walked back into the cargo hold and said, “I’ve had a chance to review the schematics, and I believe we can remove the power from the pods without compromising the data feed.”
Everyone in room exhaled a collective sigh of relief. “That’s good news, what do you need to make it happen?” Aleksandra said.
“I’ve brought everything I need. Including a copy of the schematics. I am going to try to get the first one open. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck,” Kali said. She looked around the room as everyone stood in silence, “Well say something, everyone!”
They wished him luck, and she sighed through a deep breath. The electrician walked into the stasis storage room leaving everyone else waiting, not knowing what would happen.
“I hate suspense,” Kali said.
“Me too,” Novalie said.
“I wish I could go in there any help. I can’t just stand idly by,” Kali said. She headed for the door.
Nova grabbed her arm, “Don’t do it. Remember, the brig is not a nice place.”
“Let go. I don’t want to wait out here helplessly,” Kali said.
“Let her go, Nova. Maybe he could use some help,” Aleksandra said.
“Thank you, Commander,” Kali said. She walked into the large room. Scanning across the vast mechanisms that maneuvered the pods to and from the stasis platform above. The sheer complexity of it made her dizzy.
She shook it off and focused on the electrician, “Excuse me,” Kali said.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” he said.
“I know, but I couldn’t wait out there. I don’t want to be helpless out there while my crew may be dying in here. I have to help,” Kali said.
“Well, I could use an extra said of hands,” he said.
“Ok, what do you need me to do?” Kali asked.
“Hold this light here and keep these wires out of my way while I work.”
“Ok,” Kali said taking the light from him. She pushed the wires aside with her other hand and watched him work.
After a few minutes, the light started to drift, and the electrician said, “Keep the light still this is very delicate work. I can’t mess this up.”
“Sorry,” she said moving the light back into place. “So, what exactly do you have to do?”
“If you must know, I am moving these wires that provide power and fusing them into these caps. This will take the power and essentially put it into an open circuit. If the wires crossed, someone would feel an awful jolt,” he said.
“So, don’t touch that, got it,” Kali said.
“I think that’s a good plan,” the electrician said.
“So, what’s your name?”
“Royce, but my friends call me Roy.”
“I am Kali, nice to meet you.”
“I know who you are.”
“Oh.”
“I think everybody does, though.”
“Really, I guess my mother is pretty famous as a Triumvir.”
“You have your own reputation, Kali. Don’t forget that.”
“What do people say about me?”
“I’d rather not talk. I need to focus on my work.”
“Right. Sorry.” Kali watched Roy work, and she tried to keep quiet however the suspense continued driving her mad. She couldn’t stand the silence anymore and said, “So how long have you been aboard the Dawnbreaker?”
“This is my maiden voyage on this ship.”
“Really? Why is that?”
“I heard the other guy died. I don’t ask too many questions. Seems sensitive still.”
“I see,” Kali wondered if Roy’s predecessor may have been a gendercide victim. ‘That’s ridiculous, he probably just touched those wires I am not supposed to touch. I doubt he was murdered,’ she thought to herself.
“I can say he was murdered.”
“How do you know?”
“Cause when I came aboard they were still investigating.”
“I’d say that gives it away, huh?”
“Yeah, turns out one of those gendercide people killed him. Can you believe it?”
“Yes, actually I can.”
“I mean, they even let her off with a warning.”
“What! That’s outrageous! Why did they do that?”
“They said if they locked every one of them up they’d be out of prison space by the end of the day. I mean every time you check the news all you hear about is the rising death toll of the gendercide. I am getting pretty worried myself.”
“But you’re not Seraphim or Cherubim.”
“Doesn’t matter, they’re after males, regardless of class.”
“Yeah, I have heard about attacks on the lower classes. I guess I’d be worried, too.”
“Well, you’re on our side, right?”
“Yes. I am definitely anti-gendercide.”
“That’s good to hear. I hope while we’re gone it finally gets sorted. I can’t look over my shoulder forever, you know?”
“Yes, I completely understand that.”
“That should do it. I believe the unit no longer has power from the ship.” Roy studied the pod. His eyes lit up, “See that light? It means it’s running on backup power. We just need that to deplete before it’ll release the occupant from stasis.”
“So we wait?”
“Unfortunately, we have to. We should tell the others.”
“Good idea.” Kali and Royce made their way out of the storage room and back to the cargo hold.
“I’ve been able to disconnect the main power to one of the pods. The backup power has activated and once it depletes the pod should automatically release the occupant,” Royce explained.
“How long will that take?” Aleksandra asked.
“Around eight hours. That is what these pods are rated for,” Royce said.
“Rated for?” Aleksandra asked.
“In the event of an emergency, stasis pods are rated to provide safe haven for their occupant for a given period of time. These are rated for eight hours. Meaning the ship’s crew would have that long to save their friends in stasis in the event of a power failure.” Royce explained.
“I see. Thank you. Before w
e disconnect anymore I want to wait and see what happens with this one. If it works, you’ll be very busy. I suggest you go get some rest,” Aleksandra said.
“Yes, commander,” Royce said, leaving the cargo hold.
“Everyone else return to normal duties. Bruce, I want two guards on that door at all times until further notice. No one in, no one out. Is that understood?” Aleksandra said.
“Yes, Commander. I’ll set up a roster,” Bruce said.
“Commander?” Kali said.
“Little bird, how did I know you’d have something to add?” Aleksandra said.
Kali sighed deeply trying to hide her frustration with the little bird nickname, “I request permission to stay in the storage room and monitor the pod.”
“Denied,” Aleksandra said.
“You didn’t even consider it,” Kali said.
“Ok, I’ve considered it. Denied!” Aleksandra said walking away.
“Commander!” Kali called. Aleksandra didn’t stop. While watching her continue to walk away, Kali decided she would try a different approach. “Hi, Bruce.”
“Oh no, you didn’t just ‘hi Bruce’ me,” Bruce said.
“But, Bruce, you know it makes sense to have a set of eyes inside,” Kali said, looking up at him with her cobalt eyes. Her golden-brown hair flowing past her shoulders and falling onto her chest, she tossed it over her shoulder.
“I can tell what you’re doing and no,” Bruce said.
“Oh, but you know you want to Bruce,” Kali said. She rustled her wings a little, catching Bruce’s eye. She winked at him.
“Oh, for crying out loud, Bruce. Give the most beautiful and powerful Seraphim on this ship what she wants!” said one of the guards.
“You and I both know the most powerful Seraphim on the ship is Commander Aleksandra,” Bruce said.
“If that were true Kali wouldn’t be walking all over the Commander and telling us what to do, would she?”
“What do you mean?” Bruce asked.
“She totally stood up to her earlier. If anyone else pulled that they’d be off the ship at the next port and spend the mean time in the brig. You know that.”
“I suppose you’re right. But I don’t need any trouble from the Commander,” Bruce said.
“I promise I won’t tell if you don’t,” Kali said.