Leaning in, Deuce whispered, “Another innovation you should know about is that Carter fellow has set up a facial recognition system at admittance. You probably didn’t notice, but we verified your identity when you arrived and matched it against an in-depth profile.”
Concerned, Richard said, “Not too in-depth, I hope.”
“Nothing you wouldn’t want public.” Deuce glanced over at Angel. “Now that one was a problem. We don’t have anything on him to verify his identity. No birth certificate, voting record, or employment papers. We need to obtain more data on him.”
“Don’t worry,” Richard assured him. “I’ll clear him personally.”
“I’ll still need something,” insisted Deuce. “I can’t make exceptions, whether you vouch for him or not.”
The car began to slow as it approached an open central area where a large number of people bustled about. Around the perimeter, tiered walkways one level up displayed more storefronts and offices. People jumped out of the way as the car approached with sparks flying and brakes squealing. At last, they stopped in front of a small café.
“We hope to have background profiles on every Terran in the near future,” Deuce said excitedly. “Someone named Chay T’Sang is in charge of the new station computer system. Each ship will be downloading data to our main frame so we can sort out the best positions and jobs for everyone or suggest what position they might want to pursue based on their aptitude and talent.”
“Okay, we’re here.” Elise pointed to a panel decorated with a giant steaming coffee cup with the words scripted, “Stop and Sip.”
In front of the cafe, people sat on chairs at white tables chatting and imbibing various drinks while nibbling food artistically arrayed on brightly colored plates. A happy hum of conversations filled the area.
Once the car stopped, Elise hopped out with Deuce. “Amanda has set up a private room for us. Follow me.”
Angel motioned Richard forward and followed him.
Glad to be outside the car, Richard stretched aching muscles, brought on by too much sitting and abrupt changes of gravity. Travel rarely agreed with him. His body always protested the unfamiliar accommodations. Turning forty-two left him feeling ancient. Life was passing by too quickly. But he perked up as they approached the eatery, the delicious aromas wafting out the opened panel set his stomach grumbling and his mouth watering. It had been a while since he’d eaten anything. He’d lost interested in food while traveling with an unsettled stomach. Now, he felt ravenous.
When Elise walked past diners, the conversation paused and nods of acknowledgement greeted her. He heard a few, “Hello Commander.” She smiled and waved at people, calling out a name here and there.
Inside, a stunning blonde greeted him, putting out a hand and saying, “Welcome to the Stop and Sip. I’m Amanda Merek, one of the proprietors.”
A second young woman stepped around and joined her. “And I’m Brenda Halston, the other owner.” The two could have been sisters.
“Merek. That’s,” he glanced at Elise, “your guard’s name.”
“Ah,” Amanda hesitated and turned to Elise who quickly intervened. “Amanda and Merek were both raised by Trajan Merek. Trajan Merek is my guard’s true name, but he went by Merek so people wouldn’t confuse him with his guardian,” Elise explained.
Richard felt puzzled. “Is he going to join us? I would think Merek would want to patronize his sister’s place.”
Her forehead crinkled and his question appeared to upset Elise. Her response came instantly, almost without thinking, and louder than usual. “First, I have Angel to protect me and, secondly, saying that they were raised by Trajan doesn’t mean they are genetically brother and sister.”
Before he could get any further clarification, a young girl who he recognized as the almost kidnapped Jennie Monroe, skidded up to the group, waving rectangles of a red woven cloth and clutching a bag of bright tumblers.
“I have the placemats and cups hot off the press,” she gasped, out of breath. Eyes blinking, she added, “Oh, your guests are here already.”
“I remember you,” Richard told her. “You did a great job rounding up that gebbit and handling the kids who caught him.”
“Why, thank you.” Jennie handed over the mats and tumblers, her cheeks blushing at the praise.
Elise faced Angel. “I want you all to meet Angel. He’ll be living on the station for awhile, helping me.”
Three females peered curiously at the extraordinarily handsome male. Three pairs of eyes widened as he gave a brief bow.
“A pleasure to meet you, ladies.”
Richard grinned at their reaction.
Elise glanced bemusedly at him. “Of course, you already know Richard Steele, our Alysian liaison.”
“Hello Director Steele,” they chorused.
“Please, call me Richard,” he said.
Elise added, “And Deuce Card from Alysian security.”
“Is that really your name?” Jennie laughed.
“Jennie!” the two other girls gasped.
Deuce held up a conciliatory hand. “Not the first time I’ve been asked. It’s a pleasure to meet three such beautiful ladies.”
Amanda made a sweeping bow. “Well, come stop and sip. Dr. Luttrell called and said that he’s on his way.”
Elise snorted. “That man couldn’t be on time if his life depended on it.”
Richard pulled out a chair for Elise while Angel and Deuce arranged themselves across the table.
Richard studied the menu and picked an intriguing drink—a Long Island iced tea. Tea sounded safe.
Let’s stay sober and coherent, at least.
After the others ordered, the girls left to fetch their drinks.
Through an open panel, the babble of busy voices drifted in. The central area hummed with new shops and service centers. In the distance, a rail car squealed and coughed to stops unknown.
“You’ve made some astonishing improvements,” Richard noted as the women returned with their drinks.
“Oh yes,” Jennie enthused, setting down a drink in front of him. “And new businesses. We’ve started a sewing circle that plans to design exciting new fashions for the station.”
“And sell them for a profit,” Brenda added as she set down Elise’s glass of wine. “In fact, I’ve been eyeing your shirt, Deuce. It’s iridescent. What kind of material is that?”
Deuce ran a hand over the sleeve and stuck it out for her to feel. “It’s made from the hair of an ark. Ark’s are four footed, long necked, hoofed animals that have amazing fur. Lightweight and waterproof, it also keeps you warm.”
“We’ll have to talk,” said Brenda, raising her eyebrows.
“It’s gorgeous. I want a top made from it.” Jennie caressed the material.
Deuce smiled at all the female attention he was getting.
Rubbing her hands on an apron and turning to face the young woman, Amanda said, “Jennie has also started a school for kids here on station.”
“Keeps them out of the conduits,” muttered Deuce, pulling back his arm and grabbing a drink.
Jennie laughed. “That it does. Wait here. I'll be back with more drinks.”
Amanda placed menus in front of them as John Luttrell came charging in. “Sorry I’m late.” He motioned to Amanda as she asked, “The usual?”
He nodded and turned to them. “Elise hinted that you have a package for me.”
Richard passed over two heavy packages. “Yes, they’re from Elija. He said that you’d know what they’re for. He wants Elise to call and let him know that you got them.”
“Great. Thanks.”
Richard waited to hear what more the man might say as he’d been curious about the packages the whole trip.
Elise leaned forward. “Wonderful, John. You can finish your project now.”
John stuffed the packages under his chair and grabbed a menu. “What’s the special?”
Not wanting to let it go, Richard said, “They were quite h
eavy.”
John looked up from the menu. “Oh, he just sent bits and pieces of rocks for my collection. Nothing exciting, unless you’ve spent your whole life on board a spaceship, never touching the ground. What are you having?” He reached up and took a hot cup of coffee from Amanda, saying, “I feel adventuresome. I’m going to try the stew.”
She scrunched up her nose. “You always have the stew.”
“I keep hoping it will be a gebbit stew, but I’m forever disappointed. Those gebbits are driving me crazy over at Jay’s lab. I’d send a few over your way to make a tasty meal if he’d let me.”
At that moment, Jennie returned with a stern expression. “I heard that! You know we have a no-gebbit stew policy at this place.” She shook a finger at him.
He grinned at her. “I keep hoping you’ll change it.”
“Never!”
Rolling her eyes, Elise said, “Stop teasing the girl, John.”
“But it’s so much fun,” he murmured.
Richard rubbed his forehead and tried to change the subject. “Am I ordering breakfast, lunch, or dinner? I’m time-lagged and confused over which meal I should order.”
Elise leaned forward. “You can order whatever you want, but this is considered last shift. We cycle eight-hour shifts. Three shifts make a complete day. However, with the station in constant light, everyone can pick their desired cycles. That way the station works around the clock. Alysia’s sun and moon often influence what cycles people select, but the station never sleeps,” Elise informed him.
The girls left with the orders. Jennie could be heard in a loud argument with a laughing Amanda. Richard heard her say, “It isn’t funny, Amanda. I will not include gebbits in a stew.”
Richard peered contentedly across the table at a smiling Elise and gave a deep sigh.
My life is back on track, at last. I’ll stop the people behind the attacks and make this work. She will learn to love me.
Soon, he would be eating a delicious stew, gebbit notwithstanding. He could almost taste it. He was starving.
A loud boom split the air. His chair danced under him, causing him to fall to the floor. Next to him, Angel jerked, and a transparent dome appeared over their table. Nearby, heavy panels wobbled and fell, hitting the plascrete floor with a muffled crash. All around them, the café collapsed in slow motion, the panels falling like dominoes. Filtered screams penetrated the shield over them. Outside, people fell to their hands and knees, some stunned, others bloody. A transit car fell onto its side, wheels spinning madly. Beams creaked and groaned overhead. A few upper level walkways collapsed, crushing people and shattering as pieces hit the floor below. Lights flickered and popped.
Terrified, Richard felt the station sway beneath him.
Elise spoke rapidly into her comm. Deuce shouted into his. John crouched with an arm over Elise and then straightened after noticing the shield. He accessed his caller and relayed orders to his staff at the Medlab.
Deuce swiveled around to address Richard. “Merek is saying a shuttle malfunctioned and crashed into the station.”
“What!”
A siren went off, sending out a whooping noise as red lights started flashing. A loud speaker announced, “There has been a station breach. All personnel don protective gear or seek your lifepod until further notice. This is not a drill.” The message repeated in a loop, mixing in its loud instructions against a background of shouts and hysteria.
Tapping Angel on the shoulder, Deuce pointed to the protective dome over them. “We have to get out of here.”
Angel nodded, and the dome vanished.
Concerned, Richard said to Elise, “If the station has been hit, that could dislodge it from orbit. The station could fall inward and, if we fall too far inward, gravity will pull us into the exosphere, causing us to burn up or crash into Alysia.”
“Yes, I know.” Elise tapped her comm. “I’m talking to the ships already. They need to adjust their orbit around the station and get shuttles in to take off stationers.”
John tapped her arm. “I need to go. My team is meeting me here where we’ll set up a triage for any casualties. Let me know if you find anyone in need of medical attention, and we’ll try to send someone.” He grabbed his packages. Before Richard could say another word, he was gone.
Outside, through a viewport, Richard saw giant ships arrive and circle the station. He grabbed Deuce’s arm. “We need to get to the Operations Center.”
The station groaned and creaked, causing everyone to scream in fright.
Merek appeared. “Commander! Are you all right?”
Minutes later, Jay Luttrell staggered in carrying a medical bag. “You move fast,” he huffed, staring at Merek.
“Take Merek to the Operations Center instead of me,” Deuce suggested to Richard. “I can be more help lifting beams and panels off people and moving debris. I’ll clear the bay so the ships’ shuttles can get in. Merek is strong and can move faster than me. Get to operations before anything else happens. Take Elise so she can talk to her ships.”
“The cars are down, so we’ll have to walk.” Elise stepped over fallen debris as she headed out.
Richard caught up to her. “That will slow us down.”
“I need to make sure Amanda’s all right.” Merek put out an arm, stopping them and scanned the area. “Where is she?”
“I’m here. I’m here. I’m all right.” Amanda appeared and ran into Merek’s arms, sobbing. “Thank God, so are you. But I don’t know where Jennie and Brenda are. They left for the kitchens to get the food.”
Merek brushed her hair from her eyes and kissed her brow. “I have to leave, but go find them, Mandy.”
She nodded, viewing the destruction. “My poor café.”
“Is everyone all right?” Jay asked, surveying the group.
“All the diners survived, but out in the concourse people are hurt. See to them.” Richard pointed to people throughout the larger central area who appeared injured.
Observing that Elise was unhurt, Jay left to attend the wounded stationers and soon moved out to the main concourse where a cluster of nurses and aides joined him.
Elise watched as Jay left, then turned to Richard.
He stared out at the overturned car. “It’s going to be a difficult walk to the Operations Center.”
Elise smiled and spoke into her comm. After a minute or two, he heard her say, “Great, Jimbo. Send them immediately.”
Not long after, four large cleaning bots rolled up.
“They’re not classy, but they’ll get us there the quickest. I see kids riding them all the time.”
Eyeing the bot, Richard scrambled into a basket on the top. A front piece unhinged to allow him to sit with three sides of a basket that he could brace against. He found two handles to grip onto just as the bot jerked forward and took off.
“Aiyaii.” Terrified, he held on for dear life. Trailing him, he could hear Elise’s, Angel’s, and Merek’s bots whirring noisily as they cleared out debris right and left, leaving a clean swath behind them.
Elise yelled over at him, “Jimbo has programmed them to go directly to the Operations Center so hold on.”
The walls blurred past. Outside ships circled closer and closer. The station drifted out of orbit and fell toward the planet at a disturbing rate.
Richard stared ahead. It looked like he wasn’t going to get dinner.
Chapter 18
Explosions
Along one side, a loud clang shook the wall.
“What was that?” Richard craned his neck to the left.
Next to him, Elise gripped her cleaner bot and shouted, “If there’s a breach, the doors come down automatically to seal off any decompressed areas.”
“What happens to those inside the breach?”
“Let’s hope they put on suits or made it into lifepods.”
Glancing sideways, Richard noticed that Angel was very quiet with closed eyes and a white-knuckled grip. He was sure this experience was new
for the now corporeal Enjelise.
Then Richard felt the gravity lift.
“Oh no, we’re losing gravity,” Elise yelled, her hair floating upward. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Immediately, she contacted Jimbo on her comm.
His bot lost traction and rose. Its wheels spun in the air.
Swinging around, Elise said, “Backup power should be coming on before long. Watch out for dropping objects when it happens.”
The bot stopped, and Richard worried that the transmitter had also gone out but then realized they’d reached the ladder leading to the Operations Center.
Already, Elise and Merek were dismounting. He slid off and grabbed a rung to begin climbing. With less gravity, Merek’s body began to float, and he used his hands to paddle up the ladder, allowing them to pull his body along.
Light–headed, Richard drew a breath and, likewise, picked up the pace, copying Merek’s method of ascent.
Then a generator kicked in and gravity returned. Screams echoed in the distance as weight returned and, all around them, objects fell like thunder.
At the top, Merek stopped and glowered at the entrance panel. “It’s locked.”
“I have an override.” Elise slapped her palm on the security pad, which opened to reveal three men scrambling to gather spacesuits.
The tallest one was saying, “It’s set. We have twenty minutes to get out.” They paused when they saw Merek.
Before any of the three could pull weapons, Merek had a phaser leveled at them.
Richard was amazed at the guard’s speed.
Unzipping his suit to step into it, one man growled, “You wouldn’t dare fire a gun in here. You’d decompress the place.”
Richard pointed to a blinking machine on a counter. “And that bomb won’t?”
The man’s expression tightened. “We have twenty minutes to get out.” He circled his hand for the others to hurry.
Somewhat Alien: The Station (Terran Trilogy Book 2) Page 13
