Exploration

by Sarah Noffke

  “ArchAngel, can you turn that down so I can think?” asked Eddie, but he couldn’t hear his own voice. ArchAngel seemed to, though. The music lowered until it was just a hum.

  “Is that sufficient?” asked ArchAngel.

  “That will do.”

  Chester and Marilla spun around, both looking surprised to see Eddie.

  “Hey there, Captain. Welcome back,” said Chester, spinning around in his chair and casually crossing his ankle over his knee.

  “Hello, Captain. Did everything go alright?” asked Marilla.

  Eddie chuckled. “Depends on who you ask. There’s a Trid who probably had the worst day of his life. A man who is still laughing at us like we’re the butt of his joke. And, well, I’m just glad to carry on for another day.”

  “So, the communications worked?” asked Marilla.

  “They sure did. Pip downloaded many records while we were on Axiom 03. Commander Fregin is having those uploaded to your system as we speak. Review them and let us know if there is any usable data. It’s all in Trid, probably as a safe way to hide the information since it’s so damn hard to decipher,” said Eddie.

  “I’ll keep an eye out, sir.”

  Harley bounded out from under Marilla’s desk and over to Eddie. The sight of the dog warmed him immediately. He bent over, scratching the canine behind the ears. Something about dogs just made a man happy.

  “Chester, I have a job for you.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “That he is,” teased Marilla.

  “Oh, again with that joke.” Chester shook his head, but was smiling. “Captain, do I have big ears? Marilla says she doesn’t know how I hold my head up sometimes.”

  The kid absolutely had giant ears, like his head was still growing into them. However, Eddie wasn’t going to say a damn thing on that subject. “If I’m completely honest, I don’t like to comment on other men’s features. Well, with the exception of Lars. That guy is ugly, but I think he knows it. Anyway, I’m sure your mother loves your ears.”

  “Ha, you should have gone into politics the way you handled that question.” Chester shot Marilla a seething stare, but his eyes were bright behind his glasses. “Captain likes my ears, so there.”

  “I didn’t say that. And me and politics, that’s funny. Men like me were meant to fight. Leave the politics to men like Chief Renfro and General Reynolds. Actually, that’s why I’m here.” Eddie cleared his throat, his expression more serious. “General Reynolds identified our target as Felix Castile. I need you to dig up as much information on him as you can. I want everything you can find. There’s nothing too small. Hell, I want to know this guy’s fucking shoe size.”

  “Felix Castile,” said Chester as he wrote the name down on a pad beside his desk. There was a stack of stickie notes and a cup of silver pens. Now that Eddie was studying the desk, it seemed to be filled with Post-It notes.

  “Wait, you’re a computer hacker and you write down things on notes around your desk?” asked Eddie.

  “Yeah, I like having them for reminders.”

  “I told him it was weird,” said Marilla with a laugh.

  “It’s not weird. It’s a part of my system.”

  Eddie shrugged. “Just seems like you’d have a more advanced system.”

  “Sometimes, for complex minds, the simplest systems work the best,” said Chester.

  “I’m not sure what that says about me. Probably that my simple mind needs less system and more action.” Eddie gave the pair one last nod before leaving, Harley happily on his heels.

  Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

  Faces on the bridge broke into easy smiles when Harley trotted in, wagging his tail. Julianna pulled her eyes up from the report Jack had sent over, and then rolled them.

  “Thought I smelled something,” she said dully.

  Eddie, who was just behind the dog, lifted his arm and smelled his armpit. “Hey, I showered…I think. I blame it on the clean showers. Sometimes using sonic vibrations to eliminate dirt just doesn’t do the same job as regular old soap and water.”

  “I was referring to the dog, but you probably smell, too. And don’t blame the clean shower for your bad pheromones,” said Julianna.

  “My pheromones are intoxicating and you know it. I’m like a bottle of whiskey.” Eddie beat his fists on his chest, doing his best Tarzan impersonation.

  “Not like any whiskey that I drink. And I think you’ve mixed up your definition for intoxicating.” Julianna tucked the report she’d been studying under her arm and strode away, Harley following her.

  “Tell me, how do you do it? How do you make the ladies so enamored by you?” Lars laughed at Eddie’s back.

  He turned, wearing a wide grin. “It’s a gift. I couldn’t teach it to you even if I wanted to. You either got it or you don’t.”

  “I guess I’ll just be glad I can fly.”

  “Speaking of that,” Eddie clapped a hand on Lars’ shoulder. “Now that you’ve passed flight training, you’re a valuable asset to us. However, if you ever want to return to Kezza, then you can. You have no obligation to the Federation.”

  “That’s true. I don’t have an obligation to the Federation, but I do have one to you and the commander.”

  Eddie was more endeared to this Kezzin than he ever thought possible. There was something innately trustworthy about Lars Malseen. “How about when we’re close to Kezza, then you take leave for a bit to go home. It will be good for you.”

  Lars’ face turned suddenly serious. “I’m not sure what I’d tell my family. They may not understand why I’ve left the Brotherhood. They may think I’m a traitor.”

  “Lars, anyone who knows you would know that you’re loyal and honorable. I’m sure they’ll understand.” Eddie had sensed this about the Kezzin since the beginning. He wanted to return home and then worried that things had changed too much for that. Lars had changed and maybe he didn’t want the same things as when he’d been on Kezza with his family. This often happened to soldiers of the Federation, making it impossible for them to return to their old lives. Eddie had once thought he could go back, but he was wrong and, therefore, grateful Julianna and General Lance had tracked him down.

  “You’re probably right, but I’m not ready to return. I really thought we might bring Commander Lytes in this time. When I’d returned and he’d fled with the Brotherhood, well, tracking him down and freeing so many of my fellow Kezzin has been all I could think about lately.”

  “For many of us, this fight is personal, but maybe more so for you,” said Eddie.

  “Yeah, I think you might be right. If I can just stop Commander Lytes from taking over the lives of so many Kezzin, making them join the Brotherhood, then maybe I’ll find peace.”

  Eddie’s eyes shifted to the side, a constriction in his throat. “Maybe. Although, usually, there’s always a new mission, something that keeps us tied to the cause.”

  “So you’re saying that once you start serving, you rarely ever stop, aren’t you?”

  Eddie nodded. “If it’s in your blood, a part of your soul, then there’s no way you can stop.”

  Lars’ looked almost relieved by this. “I think that makes me feel better. It explains so much.”

  Cargo Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

  The glow of the winking stars seemed to stare back at Julianna. The cargo bay was where she came to think.

  Apparently, though, she wasn’t the only one who liked to gaze out at the darkness as the QBS ArchAngel traversed the universe. She stared down at Harley, who took a seat beside her. “You weren’t invited,” she told the animal.

  He let out a soft whimpering sound in reply.

  Julianna dismissed the dog and turned her attention back to the yawning light as Onyx station came into view. She’d been all over the universe, and yet she never grew tired of staring at the marvels that humans and aliens had built throughout the stars. It was incredible, the things that could be achieved when people no longer mad
e war against one another.

  Yet, war also inspired, she supposed. After all, war was what brought humanity to the stars in the first place.

  She peered around at the QBS ArchAngel, a ship that she thought had been destroyed long ago. Even after two-hundred years, there were still surprises in life. Julianna had never really liked surprises, but seeing the ArchAngel was a welcomed one. For a woman who had never known a home, or at least not for quite some time, she felt that this ship could offer her that comfort.

  In a small way, of course.

  When General Reynolds had recruited her for Ghost Squadron, she’d been reluctant. Wasn’t her place with the Federation, handling issues outright rather than secretly on the edge of known space?

  However, he’d been right. It was time for a change, both for her and Eddie alike. It was time to push herself with a new challenge, step out of the comfort zone she’d grown into over the course of a few centuries. Comfort zone. She’d definitely stepped far outside of that, especially recently. Julianna sensed Pip in her head listening to her thoughts, and again the old guilt came back. The guilt she always felt when she thought about Ricky Bobby, somewhere out there in the galaxy.

  Julianna loosened her shoulders, allowing her arms to hang by her side. Soon, she’d need to sleep. Her body didn’t require the typical eight hours like most people, but the reprieve of unconsciousness was something she often overlooked and, after a long mission, looked forward to. And something told her that she’d need the break soon, given the building momentum of Ghost Squadron’s mission. Julianna smiled inside. She lived for momentum.

  This was good for her. Working with Teach was good for her. Having the chance to build their own squadron, too. It was all so very good for the both of them. More importantly, what they were doing was going to save the Federation—not today, but one day. Wars weren’t won by battles, not from her experience, but rather through a collection of acts across a variety of paths. If the last two hundred years had taught Julianna anything, it was that the universe needed good acts…and sacrifice. While others slept in their beds and played with their children, Julianna and Eddie would continue to do good work. No one would know, of course, but that was fine. She didn’t need recognition. She didn’t need praise.

  All Julianna needed was to live up to the dream set down by Bethany Anne all those years ago.

  Pivoting with a quick grace, Julianna stalked off for her private quarters. She paused after a few minutes, glancing back at the spot she had been standing. Harley was still gazing out the window of the cargo bay like he had been lost in thought, as well.

  “Hey,” she said to the dog.

  He turned and looked at her, his brown eyes bright with curiosity.

  “Are you coming?” She slapped the side of her leg.

  Harley leapt forward, joining her at once, his shaggy tail wagging. Julianna smiled at him and turned and strode away, the dog trotting by her side.

  Loading Dock 03, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

  Eddie received a call from Hatch and reported immediately to Loading Dock 03, not knowing what to expect. Hatch had promised something good, which excited Eddie.

  He whistled as he strode through the hall. When the door to the dock opened, he entered and spotted Julianna.

  Much to his surprise, she was standing next to Harley.

  “You and that dog are seeing a lot of each other,” observed Eddie as he approached.

  She peered down, a neutral expression on her face. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  He put his arm on her shoulder, using her as a support, and leaned. This time, she didn’t step away like before. “So, what does the good doctor have for us?”

  Julianna tried to shrug, but was unable due to Eddie’s body weight sinking on her shoulder. “Maybe it has to do with the tri-rifle. That thing overheated pretty badly last time. We can’t have that happen again.”

  Eddie nodded. “Yeah, or he’s going to berate me for the jump I did. Tell me that I broke his ship. He’s been pretty sore ever since we lost the first Q-Ship.”

  “Wouldn’t you be, too? That’s his work, but it’s more than just that. He put himself into the construction of it,” said Julianna. “Remember when you lost your position in the Federation, ten years back? Afterwards, you felt like a piece of you was missing. Wasn’t that the case?”

  “Besides my ship? Yeah, I guess you’re right,” said Eddie, remembering how he felt back then. “Maybe the old squid needs a break. Shouldn’t he be paying one of his wives a visit or something?”

  “I can assure you that I’m much happier not seeing one of the wives for a bit,” said Hatch, scuttling into the loading dock. He had grease streaked across his cheeks and looked more tired than Eddie had seen him before.

  “We can all use a break,” said Eddie. “Maybe we can convince you to join us on Onyx Station after we dock. Julianna is going to do karaoke.” Eddie pulled his arm off her shoulder and elbowed her in the side. “I bet you’ll do a great rendition of “Black Velvet.””

  “I’ll definitely leave the ship to see that.” Hatch wiped a white handkerchief across his face, turning it black.

  “”Black Velvet?” Really? I thought you were going to sing that song,” teased Julianna.

  “Or we could do a duet? How about “Summer Nights?”” asked Eddie.

  “How is it that you don’t know about Alice and Wonderland, but you can reference songs from Grease?” asked Julianna.

  “I dunno. I just like that musical,” said Eddie, unashamed.

  Hatch nodded appreciatively. “There’s some nice hot-rods in that movie. I’m having a few of my cars brought over from my garage on Ronin. Jack approved the request. One of them is a 1948 Ford Deluxe Convertible. The one they used during the racing scene.”

  “Sweet!” exclaimed Eddie. “Let me know when it arrives. I’d love to see it.”

  “Seeing them is fine, kid. Just don’t touch. Can’t have you scratching them up like you do my Q-Ship,” warned Hatch.

  Eddie held up his hands. “Okay! You’re the boss.”

  “Hatch, you wanted to see us,” said Julianna, that edge in her voice like she was growing impatient. Harley was curled up by her, chewing on his back and cleaning himself.

  Hatch puffed his cheeks. “I did. As you know, I’ve been working on a new Q-Ship. I’ve been referencing the construction of the only other existing Q-Ship to update the blueprints. It’s helped me to find the bugs, which were a result of incompetence.”

  “Can’t expect humans in the Federation to make ships like you do,” said Eddie with a wink.

  “That I can’t. My point is that I’ve been able to spot most of the errors and make a note of them.”

  “So, does that mean you’ll be able to fix and enhance the Q-Ship so it flies like the first one did?” asked Eddie.

  “That’s exactly what I mean,” said Hatch, turning his attention to a long curtain that was stretched along the length of the loading dock. “I haven’t had a chance to complete those fixes yet, though.”

  “Understandable. You’ve had to repair the damage from the jump. I’m really sorry—”

  “I haven’t made those repairs yet either,” said Hatch, cutting Eddie off.

  Eddie paused. “Oh, well, you’ve got a lot on your plate.”

  “That I do, but things just got a whole lot easier. I decided if I could take everything I learned while constructing the first Q-Ship, and then also review the existing one as a reference, that might make my job a lot faster,” said Hatch. His tentacle had found the edge of the curtain.

  “Does that mean you’re working on the second Q-Ship?” asked Julianna.

  A small smile quirked up the edges of Hatch’s mouth. “No, kid, it means I’m done with it.” Hatch’s tentacle pulled back the curtain to reveal a brand new, shiny Q-Ship. This one looked different though. Better. Sleeker.

  Tougher.

  It was smoother than the first one, which had taken Hatch many years to construct. It
was also distinct from the one that the Federation had constructed. Eddie tilted his head to the side, trying to examine the entirety of the vessel.

  “Wow! How did you do this so fast? That’s incredible,” gushed Julianna.

  Hatch’s cheeks turned pink. “Well, I’d already built the Q-Ship the first time. The second time around was easier. I was able to innovate much of the functionality when creating this one. I didn’t have to do it for the first time or fix the problems the Federation created with the Q-Ship they made, so doing it from scratch again took significantly less time.”

  “Holy hell! Are you saying this one is like the first Q-Ship?” asked Eddie, a new excitement in his voice.

  “No, that’s not what I said at all.” Hatch regarded Eddie with a slight scowl for a moment. “This ship isn’t like the first Q-Ship. Thanks to experience and intuition, and Pip’s assistance, it’s better than that.”

  “No way! Even better than the first? I didn’t think it was possible.” Eddie rubbed his hands together, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

  “I’m taking what I learned while constructing this one and working on fixing the other Q-ship. However, it’s almost easier to start from scratch and create a new ship than fix all the damn bugs the Federation put into the Alpha-line.”

  “So that means, going forward, the ships will all be better, right?” asked Julianna.

  “Improvement through experience, yes,” said Hatch, regarding her with a fond expression.

  “This is simply incredible, Hatch,” complimented Julianna. “I can’t believe you built a space ship in such a short period of time, and one better than the first.” Julianna stepped forward, running her hand over the ship’s surface, admiring it. The ship was covered in sleek chrome, which Eddie knew made it look boxier than it was. In a pinch, the ship could lose this extra armor and gain speed and agility, along with access to hidden weaponry. It was a stealth ship by design, hiding its heavy guns and firepower until it was absolutely needed.