by D. M. Pruden
Then it happens again. A gentle nudge of an invisible hand pushes her to the left.
Looking out the window reveals no clue as to the cause. The endless vista of stars sprayed across her field of vision remains constant, unchanged since their departure from Terra. She considers herself well-travelled enough to be accustomed to the push and pull of acceleration during flight. In her limited interplanetary travel experience, changes of course mid-journey rarely happen.
Perhaps the captain avoided a dust cloud or some other obstacle cluttering the passenger lanes. Or, more likely, her customary seating in luxury class insulated her from noticing the bumps of normal space transit.
Just as she deems it an annoying mystery not worth further consideration, it occurs again. This time, the bolts securing the seats to the deck groan as they resist the force.
A few of the other passengers awaken, their urgent buzz of hushed conversation filling the surrounding air. The overhead amber warning sign lights up. Shortly after, the steward makes his way down the aisle, subtly ensuring everyone remains strapped in as instructed.
Just the idea of being restricted to her pod prompts her bladder to fill. She wants to rise and stretch her legs, relieve herself and find some coffee or snack from the lounge, but she knows from previous experience that the grumpy steward will disapprove.
She longs to be in the topside section where the servants obey her, rather than in this upside-down world of bossy staff.
Nan rubs the sleep from her eyes and stretches. “What’s going on?”
Chloe smiles reassuringly. “Nothing. Just a couple of bumps. Certainly nothing to be concerned about.” Her suspicious gaze follows the steward’s back as he passes.
Her companion twists around to peer down the rows of passengers. She settles back in her seat and affectionately grasps Chloe’s hand. “We’ll be there in another day. Don’t worry, nobody knows you’re here.”
Her frown melts, and she grasps Nan’s hand in return. “I wouldn’t be brave enough to do this without you.”
“You would do the same for me.”
Chloe’s smile fades. “Your father is kinder than mine. I doubt I would need to rescue you from much of anything.”
She draws Nan into a tight hug. Eyes shut, she drinks in the warmth of her body and the scent of her hair. Neither of them is in a hurry to break off the embrace, so she savours the reassurance of her friend’s arms.
Opening her eyes, she catches sight of something across the aisle. She disengages herself and peers out her window.
“What’s the matter?”
“I saw someone out there.”
Nan frowns and raises an eyebrow. Then, just as quickly, her features soften, and she leans over to peer outside.
“He’s gone now,” says Chloe, “but I swear I saw a man out there.”
After a pause, Nan nods. “I believe you. We should tell someone what you saw.”
She reaches up to press the call button and freezes.
Chloe turns to see what captured Nan’s attention.
She screams and quickly covers her mouth.
Other passengers now cry out as they see them. The cabin is abuzz as people release their restraints and stand to catch a glimpse outside.
“Who are they?”
“They’re carrying guns!”
“They’re coming from that ship.”
A tide of panic ripples through the compartment. The steward rushes down the aisle, roughly pushing people back into their seats to clear a path for the pair of armed security guards behind him. Chloe’s gaze follows them to the airlock at the back of the section.
An explosion vibrates her seat. Through hands covering her ears, she hears shouts.
Shots boom.
All falls quiet.
A woman screams. Chloe turns with everyone else to see three men in mismatched spacesuits. Each cradles a heavy weapon.
One of them lifts his helmet visor to reveal a weathered, unshaven face. He grins. “If you all stay calm and cooperate, I just might let some of you live.”
Armstrong Station is available at Amazon, Kobo, Apple, Google Play or Barnes & Noble
Other books by D.M. Pruden
The Shattered Empire Series:
Kaine’s Sanction
Kaine’s Retribution
Kaine’s Reparation
The Mars Ascendant Series:
The Ares Weapon
Mother of Mars
Child of Mars
Legacy of Mars
Requiem’s Run Series:
Requiem
Armstrong Station
Phobos Station
Rhea’s Vault
Ganymede Station
Europa Colony
Dark Run
Callisto’s Song
The Jovian Collective
About the Author
D.M.(Doug) Pruden worked for 35 years in the petroleum industry as a geophysicist. For most of his life he has been plagued with stories banging around inside his head that demanded to be let out into the world. He currently spends his time as an empty nester in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his long suffering wife of many years. When he isn’t writing science fiction stories, he likes to spend his time playing with his grandchildren and working on improving his golf handicap.
You can find Doug at these social media links:
