Wandering Engineer 6: Pirates Bane

by Chris Hechtl

  “I never thought for a moment this would work,” Irina Nobeki said. She hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “If you ever need anything...” she kissed him and then let go, fading into the crowd.

  He wiped at his mouth but then his hand was grabbed by Mark who shook it grinning ear to ear. Others whistled and cheered.

  “I'd give anything to see the look on Hathaway's face right about now," Gustov said over the intercom. That got people to stop, look up, and then laugh and cheer once more.

  “Me too,” Enric said.

  <----*----*----*---->

  In engineering, Kinja had had her team gather the sleeping personnel and dumped them on a grav cart. One took them to the brig with another person warily watching them to make certain they remained asleep. Once Engineering was cleared she had the compartment and neighboring ones cleansed of the excess C02 gas. “Are we really free?” Yosef asked, taking his mask off.

  “Looks that way,” Kinja said, looking at the big guy. Yosef was a quiet sort, he had a beard like the rest of them but he was something else. He had long black hair to match his curly beard.

  “So now what?”

  “We clean up the mess and then make sure the bottle and systems are stable. Then we see if the Admiral has a next step.”

  “Is he really an Admiral?” Caid asked, wrinkling his nose.

  Kinja shrugged as she dumped another guy they had just found stuck half way in a Jefferies tube onto the cart. The cart bobbed. She did a quick pat down, pulling tools from his pockets and then tossing them in the pile. “No clue. Right now, I don't care if he's a spirit. He saved our ass. He's all right in my book.”

  Yosef and Caid nodded. “Come on, let's give the lady a hand,” Yosef said waving a freckled hand to the smaller man. “Many hands make light work.”

  Caid snorted but got to work.

  <----*----*----*---->

  Ian looked around, surprised by the change in the once beaten down prisoners. He looked at a couple of people who were also stunned, just standing there, drinking in the moment. “What next?” were the words on everyone's lips.

  “We're working on that,” Ian replied when the question was inevitably directed his way. “Whatever department you were in, go there if you don't have a duty already assigned to you. We'll figure it out. We'll get the food and medical sorted soon too,” he said, waving a hand.

  George Takagi looked up and nodded. “George, you've got that?”

  “Just point me in the direction of the cargo bays skipper,” the Asian man said.

  “I'm not the Captain,” Ian replied, shaking his head. The others around him frowned. “For whatever reason, we're tied to Admiral Irons now. He's the Captain of this ship. He's the one who got us out, and gave us this chance,” he said. “I say we give him a chance and see where he wishes to lead us.”

  Takagi nodded. He looked around. A few people nodded as well. The nods slowly turned into a tide of approval and support. Ian smiled crookedly. “I'll let him know he has your full support and cooperation.”

  “Thank you sir,” Takagi said.

  “Get on the supply issues George. Get some volunteers to run food to everyone, food and drink. I'll check in with the Admiral again shortly,” Ian said, standing straight and tall.

  He nodded as the group clapped. Some close to him patted him on the shoulder. He waved and then was gone.

  <----*----*----*---->

  “Miss Hoshi,” Sprite said.

  “Yes?” The woman asked, looking up.

  “A meeting has been called for the officers on the bridge in fifteen minutes.”

  “Okay.”

  “By any chance could you bring some refreshments? I believe it would be appreciated,” Sprite said.

  “Great, so now I'm a waitress?” Hoshi snarled, stomping off.

  “Thank you!” Sprite said through her implants.

  “You are so not welcome,” Hoshi growled. She was tired, she had a headache from the lack of... she paused and then cocked her head. On second thought, food might be a good idea right about now. And she could always get some for herself while she was at it. There was no telling when they'd get a chance to eat again if things got hairy.

  <----*----*----*---->

  When Gustov returned they held a council of war with the surviving officers. Hoshi came in with a tray; she passed out drink bulbs and energy bars to a grateful group. Hoshi handed Irina an energy bar and then sat down next to her. Irina murmured thanks and kissed her ear.

  Hoshi glared about the group but they were all too busy with their own food and drinks to care.

  The Admiral's commissioning offer to Irina had already made its way through the survivors like lightening. Some of the people were looking at Irons oddly, some with interest.

  “So, what's this about a commission?” Ian asked. “I'm guessing you have been thinking beyond this?” he asked, hefting the Gauss rifle he cradled in his arms.

  Irons smiled as he nodded. Trust Ian to get to the heart of the matter. “I have.”

  “You could say he's a few steps ahead,” Sindri said, snorting softly. “Now I know what he meant about chess,” he said with a rumble.

  Ian smiled. “To be a good officer you have to be a few steps ahead. I get that. And an Admiral,” he said, looking at the Admiral with a self depreciating smile and then ducking away. “Even more so I guess.”

  “Yes,” Sprite said from the overhead.

  “So, what plans do you have for us?” Sindri asked. “If we're willing,” he said.

  “First, get everyone sorted out, secure the ship, and get everyone medical attention, food, and sleep. I'm working on a watch rotation now,” the Admiral said.

  “Actually I am,” Sprite said from the overhead. “And I'd appreciate it if you'd get some holo emitters installed. Ones not linked to the ship AI. Which is another project,” she said sighing.

  “Ship AI?” Ian asked, looking up. “I thought...” he indicated the overhead PA speaker.

  “No, that is one of the AI's attached to me,” the Admiral replied with a shrug. “She's linked into the ship to help coordinate everyone right now.”

  “Oh.”

  “Admiral, Phoenix reports that his reserve power is down to seven percent. We need to get him power,” Sprite said.

  “Phoenix? Your ship?” Sindri asked.

  “In this case ship AI.”

  Sindri held up a meaty hand. It was covered with a rag, a makeshift bandage. “Wait,” he frowned. “Wait, I remember, you did say you are good with computers,” he chuckled. “Now I get it.” He turned to the others with a laugh. “This one I like.”

  “Yeah, well, what now?” Kinja asked.

  “I'm still waiting on an answer,” Ian said, pointedly looking at Irons. “I heard stories of Pyrax and how you fought off the pirate attack there and then recreated the Navy. I'm guessing it's all true.”

  The Admiral nodded.

  “So, you're serious?” Hoshi asked. “About us joining up?” she asked, looking around.

  “I made the offer to Irina and it stands for those of you here. Same for the enlisted, commissions or non-commissioned ratings in the Federation Navy.”

  “We heard something about you starting that up again,” Hoshi said softly. Irons looked from her to the softly rumbling Dwarf. The small man was rubbing his chin thoughtfully, stroking his tangled beard.

  “I think we need to get this ship sorted out before we all jump into something. Take the time to think it over. Some food, and damn it, a decent bed,” the dwarf rumbled. The others nodded.

  “Good point,” the Admiral relented, stamping on his impatient urge to get things rolling quickly. They were still mentally off balance, it was a good idea to let them decompress a bit. Hopefully they had time.

  “Any problems with the chain of command as it is?” Ian asked. He motioned to Irons and then looked at the others. “He does out rank us all after all. And he has a plan. That's more than any of us can say.”

 
; “And he has things you wouldn't dream of,” Sprite said from the overhead. They looked up to the speaker and then to the Admiral. Irons shrugged.

  “Which are classified,” a second darker voice growled.

  “Who was that?” Sindri asked.

  The Admiral winced, face going slightly cold. “Another of my AI. Lieutenant Defender, my security AI.”

  The dwarf looked at him with one eye for a long moment. “Must be crowded in there,” he said.

  The Admiral exhaled noisily. “You have no idea,” he said, shaking his head. “But we make it work. All four of us.”

  “Ah,” the dwarf said.

  “Yeah,” Ian said thoughtfully in the ensuing silence. “Wow.”

  “You have no idea. But I will say, I plan on restoring this ship to full Federation standard. Those of you who want to stick around, you'll get to learn and have a hand in it. Plus full medical, implants, and a chance at payback.”

  Ian smiled. “Well, that's interesting. Some of us don't have a ship to go back to.”

  “I can restore ships, rebuild or replace just about anything on a ship actually,” Irons replied. “Given power, time, and materials of course.”

  “Ah.”

  Sindri grunted, getting to his feet. “We can figure that crap out later, once this beast is under control.”

  Irons nodded. “Understood.”

  “I organized a team to go compartment by compartment to remove the sleeping crew. The Horathian's are now prisoners in the brig,” Gustov reported.

  “Excellent. Time to completion?” Sprite asked.

  “Um, sorry, uh, I'm not certain. We've got some stuck doors and some prisoners need medical attention on site. It could be another two or three hours.”

  “Understood. Thank you.”

  “No, thank you sir,” Gustov said. "We never thought we'd get a shot at this. "Thank you." Irons nodded as the other man left.

  With the ship mostly secured Admiral Irons stripped the watch off the aft and port midships life support modules to one person in each and had them join Gustov’s team.

  “What if someone gets out and heads to them?” Gustov asked.

  “Have them secure the hatch from the inside. If there is anyone loose they will be looking for a quick place to hide, a locked door will make them think for easier opportunities.”

  “Roger. We can sure use the help,” Gustov said.

  “That's the idea. If you can run your people by any food replicators, get as many fed as you can and make sure they get some drinks.”

  “Yes, I think a few are getting winded or dehydrated. Good idea Admiral,” Gustov said.

  “He's probably been through this before,” Sindri said.

  “A few times no doubt,” Kinja said.

  “Yes a few times, but every time is different,” Irons replied.

  As the teams cleared each section the life support watch restored normal atmosphere, allowing them to work without masks.

  “I think the Captain has had enough play time. Nappies,” Sprite urged.

  “Agreed. Have they fixed the ducting issue?” Irons asked. The Captain had used the bot to spot weld the ducts shut where he was. It was stupid and eventually suicidal, he was after all, cutting off his own air, but it had kept them from gassing him.

  “No, but we've done one better. The team has drilled a hole through a bulkhead. Give the word and they'll pump in enough anesthetazine to make them go na-night.”

  “Cute,” Irons replied. He nodded. “Do it.”

  “Passing on the order...” Sprite said. “And done. Four minutes and they are out for the count.”

  Just as the compartment flooded there was a report of a single shot, then a second a moment later. “Admiral, we're getting a report that the Captain committed suicide,” Sprite reported, sounding disappointed.

  “The guard?”

  “He killed him first.”

  “Darn,” Irons said mildly. “Very well, so much for that.” There would be no getting anything out of the Captain. They would have to rely on what they could get out of the other prisoners and the information in the computers. “Inform the crew. Have the work party there clean up the mess. He turned to the systems and took a deep breath. With the ship secure they could get organized.

  While on the bridge, he listened to the occasional report and then got bored. He repaired the Captain's couch and station and then moved around the room, having Proteus repair everything from the bot he had shot up to the small beverage replicator. Irons noted the bridge volunteers watching his every move in quiet awe. He made himself a cup of coffee and then turned. “Want some?” he asked, taking a sip.

  He chuckled as he got out of the way as some of the eager people made a rush for the dispenser.

  “Ah!” one of the ratings said, all smiles as he cradled the steaming cup of coffee. He sniffed in appreciation, eyes closed, proud tears dripping from his eyes. “For this Admiral, you can have my first born!” he said, hands shaking.

  “Careful, don't spill it,” the medic said. “And when you get out of the way, I want one too,” he said pointedly.

  There was a smattering of laughter when he said that. Irons smirked. “When you are done with getting drinks that replicator can make finger foods. Snacks really. There isn't a lot in the tank though, and they won't taste very good. Nutritional,” he said shrugging.

  “Ah, gotcha,” the rating said.

  Enric grinned, cradling his arm. “Told you he was all right,” he said to the others. They nodded.

  <----*----*----*---->

  “What about Bounty? The ship's AI?” Proteus asked.

  “I think we'll get to that. If the Admiral doesn't remember in the next half hour, I'll bring it up,” Sprite said. “Thanks for the reminder,” she said, tearing at the code. She uploaded her own files, and then began the long tedious process of tying them to the ship's software and hardware.

  “I'll help,” Proteus said. Silently she passed him a list of things to do and then reluctantly, she segregated their bandwidth to allow the AI space to work.

  Chapter 12

  Two hours later the remaining Horathian crew were in the brig, and Sprite had worked with Sindri, Ian, and Kinja to organize a temporary watch roster. Sprite had also made some initial strides in repairing the crude software.

  “Admiral, I think we're stable now. We've got section heads running things; a TOE is on your desktop. We can work on tweaking it later. I've got the section heads working on feeding and caring for their people. But there is one person we've been neglecting.”

  “Oh?” Irons asked, looking up from the ship diagram. The fusion reactor was at eighty percent efficiency, something that surprised him. The ship also had a pair of micro fusion reactors grafted into the ship's EMP network. That was surprising. He couldn't access them from the bridge, but Kinja had reported one looked like it was out of some sublight craft. He'd have to look into it more later.

  Sprite wordlessly put an arrow up on his HUD. He turned in the indicated direction until it reversed direction. He re-oriented and realized she was indicating the ship's AI. “Sprite...”

  “He's been alone for a long time Admiral and a prisoner as well. His name is Lieutenant Lazarrian Bounty. He is a dumb AI with some memory engrams from the original Commander Bounty.”

  “Commander...” Irons wrinkled his nose in thought. “I thought this ship was named after the old wet navy ship?”

  “That name fell out of favor after the story of the mutiny. No, Commander Bounty was a young but brilliant Commander who built a reputation for himself in capturing pirates before the war in the Sigma sector of this arm of the galaxy.”

  “Okay.”

  “He was killed in the first battle of the Xeno war. His ship heroically defended a refugee convoy, sacrificing itself in order for them to escape.”

  “Ah,” the Admiral said, catching on. “I had wondered why buships would name a ship after someone so quickly. They are usually glacially slow about such thing
s,” he said.

  “Or were. We don't know how things are in Pyrax,” Sprite corrected him. Irons nodded. “Apparently the young human had volunteered to have his memory scanned as a Lieutenant. They incorporated it into the AI but it didn't take fully. He was graded sane though, and the desperate need for ship AI made them install him.”

  “Bet he's regretting it,” Irons mused. He walked over to the station and studied it. There were touch controls on a flat LCD at the front of the holo emitter. There was a small speaker, small microphone, and a tiny camera. For an AI to be trapped in such a thing... he shook his head. He hit the on switch. “Lieutenant?” Irons asked as the holo formed of the wretch.

  “Don't hurt me! I don't know!” the AI wailed. “Please don't shut... wait...” The AI paused in confusion.

  Irons nodded. “My name is Fleet Admiral John Henry Irons, Federation Navy. This ship has been retaken and is now under my command,” he said simply.

  “I...” the AI straightened as best his virtual chains would allow. “Admiral sir,” he said, coming to attention the best he could. “You have no idea,” he said, practically whispered. From the sound of it the AI was shocked, but overjoyed to see him.

  “Lieutenant, I want you to run a self diagnostic and self repair. We'll leave you on now, but for safety reasons we're not going to hook you up to the ship's systems until I've had my own AI check you out thoroughly,” he said.

  The AI nodded. “Prudent of you sir. I'm questioning my own sanity right now.”

  “You are?” the Admiral asked, sounding slightly dismayed.

  “If he's questioning his sanity he's not fully insane,” Sprite interjected.

  “Yes. Who is that?” the AI asked, peering about.

  “Lieutenant Commander Sprite, my central AI. With her are Lieutenant Defender, Lieutenant Phoenix, and Proteus.”

  “Oh,” the AI said, blinking rapid fire.

  “He's communicating in Morse code,” Sprite said after a moment. “And to answer your question Lieutenant, no this isn't a trick. You are safe.”