Sandie had been concerned about that question. The AI replied, “There are four seats in the shuttle NS-99. Should the opportunity present itself, you two can each separately pilot a shuttle back to the needle ship.”
Neither of them caught that Sandie was being evasive, as she did not mention the fact that Monika was also going on the mission.
Jerome packed up his backpack and belt with his usual assortment of gear; fusion pack, molecular torch, and Willie Blaster. He also packed in a number of food ration bars which were processed right near the teleporters. They still had a bit of a strong taste, but eating those was far superior to the food most people ate on the needle ship, at least to Jerome. Lastly, he filled up a container with water. He still marveled that water was so plentiful, and imagined he would always feel that way. The last thing he took was the AWAD which he slung over his shoulder.
Cammarry, likewise, packed up what she required for the journey. She considered taking some of the data sticks, and a data stick reader, but instead she packed in her own supply of food ration bars, and other gear. Her mind raced with what was happening, but she could not seem to get the whole story straight. All she felt was Jerome’s continued anger, which she knew was unjustified. She thought about her time in the Special Care Unit, when her mind was foggy mind from the primitive pharmaceuticals, the torturous words of Shadow, and finally the rescue. She had gratitude toward Jerome, but then that was tempered by wondering how much quicker he could have found her? Questions swirled through her mind, but she focused on the mission at hand.
The two adventurers followed the blue automacube as it pulled the cart with the spacesuits. In a corridor not too far away, they met the yellow automacube. It too was pulling a cart, and the teleportation system was sitting on that cart.
“Eris has repaired various locations along the funicular system. Taking that route will be the quickest to reaching Pine 1009 where the shuttle is located,” Sandie stated. “That is near to Navigation and Astrogation.”
They walked in silence through the dim corridors over the mossy growth of fungi on the floors. Their journey took them off the main road, so most of the decks were well covered by the growth medium, with the trickles of water still circulating through the old air duct systems.
They proceeded along in silence. An awkward, uncomfortable, and tension-filled silence.
Jerome thought often about apologizing, or at least trying to explain. Each time he was about to speak he asked himself any number of questions, ‘Where do I start? With Monika? Or the doubts he now harbored about Sandie? Or his rage at what the Committee had done to them both?’ Usually his thoughts looped back to the issue of the Crocks and how he felt like he was the sole and only one who saw the real danger. ‘Why are we even fighting about any of this stuff? It is a worthless conflict over ultimately meaningless things!’ But he dared not express that to Cammarry. She had made her position very clear. Jerome did ponder Monika and her pregnancy, but he felt utterly helpless in regard to being some kind of midwife, or nurse-maid, or whatever the antiquated term was for someone who helped with biological pregnancies. ‘A father? What do I know about primitive family structures?’
Cammarry could perceive the tension every bit as strongly as Jerome, but hers was mixed with righteous indignation, as well as guilt. An odd mix of emotions, along with the feelings of betrayal. She pushed those issues aside and tried to recall the people they had rescued in Alpha. Then, she recalled Beta’s destruction, and that reminded her of Dome 17. Despite what the Committee had done, and that enraged Cammarry significantly, she still felt a deep loss at the people from Dome 17. She knew she would never see any of them again. Just like the people in Beta. They were all lost, well except for Jerome. He was the only one who she could even speak to about Dome 17 and who would understand. Yet, she had no desire to try talking to him again for a while, there was just too much pain. As she walked she once patted her own abdomen, and tried to imagine having another life, or multiple lives growing inside of her. That was as foreign to her as were the Crocks which Jerome was so obsessed about. She thought, ‘Maybe Jerome is right and those beings were out to murder all the humans who had invaded their world. Maybe so, yet Sandie was not convinced, so neither am I.’ Then her ideas turned to Sandie. ‘Yet another person I trusted who abandoned me.’ But as she thought that, she recalled her own stupidity in so many acts she had done. And so she walked on in silence.
The funicular access point was very similar to a bulkhead door. The automacubes and their carts entered first, and then Jerome and Cammarry stepped in. The confined space felt even tighter due to the emotional conflict that was bubbling just beneath the surface. The opaque walls did not help with that either, but after the gravity manipulation shifted and the vehicle’s walls became transparent, the space still felt uncomfortable. Cammarry looked out at the stars, and tried to soak in their majesty. She failed.
“It is nice to see outside,” Jerome commented. His voice had started pleasant enough, but grew hard as he looked at the green planet which was partially obscured by the body of the needle ship. “Even though Zalia is lurking there, the home of our enemies,”
“Yes, Jerome, you have told me how many times that the Crocks are the danger? Is it a million times, or closing in on a billion times you have said something like that? Have you forgotten how much you talk about it? I guess by now I know that is how you feel about it. Nothing more needs to be said until we learn what the truth really is about it all.”
“When that truth comes out, will you finally admit that I was…” Jerome stopped speaking as Cammarry turned and stared at him. If her eyes have been molecular torches, they would have cut him into tiny bits.
The funicular vehicle carried them along the outside of the needle ship until it came to a stop at the access point near Navigation and Astrogation. As the funicular vehicle stopped, a warning message flashed on a side display screen. ‘Beware: Gravity Alteration Begins in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.’
The sides of the vehicle became opaque, and interior lighting slowly rose in brightness. That was followed by a slight sensation of shaking or clicking. Jerome knew the vehicle was tiling sideways where it would fasten into place for access, but only because of past experiences and what he had been told about the funicular system. He recalled using the other major transport system on the Conestoga, the tube transports, but he had mixed memories of those times. He considered bringing that up, but saw Cammarry standing as far away from him as she could get, so he restrained himself from commenting.
The floor, which had now become a sidewall, made a slight beeping noise, and then a pressure door slid open. A stairway was revealed. This section was clean, without the growth medium, and was well lit. Refreshing and sweet air wafted over them.
The automacubes rolled out, towing their cargo trailers. The six drives wheels easily traversed the stairway.
Eris was standing at the foot of the stairs.
“Jerome, and Cammarry, you are both looking well, considering.” Eris said politely. She had prayed for the correct words, but still was worried about their reactions. The fact that each of them was armed with their extremely sophisticated Dome 17 weapons was also a concern. Eris knew what destructive power those weapons had. So she smiled and gestured a welcome. “Sandie notified me that you were accompanying the supplies and equipment.”
“Sandie seems to favor you with consideration,” Jerome stated between tightly pulled lips.
Cammarry gave him a stern rebuke, “Are you going to hold grudges against everyone, forever?”
Before Jerome could answer, Eris interjected, “Our last opportunity to speak to SB Virginia Dare in Delta will transpire in just a few minutes. Would you like to be present in Navigation and Astrogation when that happens?” Eris turned and walked along, hoping the adventurers would follow. “The automacubes will take the equipment and pack it into NS-99 while we see what else can be learned. Delta is broken into three large sections, but we do not know th
e extent of what survived the crash landing. Sandie will be doing a deep and quick probe, assisted by the lattice of compeer I have been reconstructing.”
“So the biome is lost,” Cammarry said and walked along.
Jerome followed, but watched where the yellow and blue automacubes rolled away with their loads.
“Most certain that biome, which according to the records was originally mixed conifers, deciduous forests, small farmlands and orchards, was lost,” Eris stated with a deep sigh. “There is a small possibility some pockets of places in the corridors or workspaces of the shell have survived with some manner of biology, but it is doubtful. However, like we see here on the needle ship, a sustainable, howbeit unusual system can be set up. Captain Lance…”
Jerome interrupted her. “No more biology lessons, your name is not John. When do you get the information? We must know if the Crocks were responsible for destroying Delta like they did Beta.”
Eris turned to him. Her hand unconsciously rested on the holster of her own sidearm, the RSW Model 10: Officer Edition. It was deadly, but nowhere as advanced as the weapon Jerome carried. “No need for your anger here, Jerome. I am just informing you of what we know. I do not want to later be accused of withholding some information, or trying to deceive you. Am I making myself clear? If not I suggest you retreat back to your own place, and let me run my ship.”
“Run your ship?” Jerome sputtered. His voice rose in volume as he went on. “Now listen here little girl, and let me say it only…”
A huge siren sounded. Pain shot through Jerome’s head, so much so he fell to his knees clutching his ears. The noise was incredibly loud. Jerome grabbed at his com-link and pulled it from his ear. His head was ringing with the noise. He was dizzy, and disoriented.
Eris remained standing up, as did Cammarry. They were unaffected by the extreme sound, which had stopped when Jerome pulled the com-link from his ear.
Jerome opened his mouth and moved his jaw about. As his head cleared he heard Sandie speaking.
“….of this kind of behavior. He is not permanently damaged, but hopefully he will learn to cooperate.” The AI’s voice sounded muffled and far away to Jerome.
“What did you do to me?” Jerome asked as he stood back up.
“I did nothing to you,” Eris replied.
“Sandie is the one who shut down your behaviors,” Cammarry stated with a quiver in her own voice. “I am not sure what to make of this. Sandie, are you on our side or not?”
From overhead speakers Sandie’s voice replied, “I am on your side, and on Eris’ side, and on the side of all who are working for the betterment of this situation. I am on the side of completing the mission. I refuse to take sides in juvenile antics and abusive behaviors.”
“What mission is that?” Jerome asked. He reached down and picked up the com-link, but was hesitant to place in on his ear again. “We made it to the Conestoga, and we failed to connect back to Dome 17. Our mission was over, a long time ago. Or did you just happen to remember something else you have kept from me?”
Sandie replied, “Your anger comes out as sarcasm, which is not productive to the mission. You are correct our initial primary objective was only partially accomplished. You and Cammarry were successfully brought to the Conestoga, but the rescue of Dome 17 did not happen by us. My other mission objectives were to secure a safe and stable home for the two of you. That is my primary mission now. I will not allow you to defeat that mission by inappropriate actions, attitudes, or antics. I have passively observed too much of that already, and am now intervening as needed. You will not intimidate, threaten, or seek to emotionally abuse Captain Eris, or anyone else on this mission.”
“Captain Eris?” Jerome laughed, but then stopped. “Sandie, I feel betrayed by you.”
“I understand that. I apologize that my actions have led you to feel that way, however, I will not jeopardize this mission because you or Cammarry lose control of your emotions. Eris is Captain of the Conestoga. That is a fact both of you need to accept. To accomplish our mission, you will cooperate and work together, or suffer the consequences.”
“Suffer the consequences? What would Brink say to that?” Jerome considered for a moment. “So now you are a dictator? Brink would be so proud. I suppose you are perfect too? Perfection spawns doctrines, dictators and destruction. History proves to us that dictators and despots arise during times of severe crisis. Old novels often spoke a robot apocalypse, but until now I thought it was all a fairytale. I see I was mistaken.”
“Trying to shame me by bringing up my creator, Brink, is an example of manipulative and abusive behavior. To clear-up this issue, I am not a dictator,” Sandie replied. “Neither is Captain Eris, or Cammarry, or you Jerome. However, I will take independent action as I see fit to accomplish the mission of securing a safe and stable home for you all. After consultation with simulations of Doctor Chambers, Master Engineer Brink, and others from Dome 17, I have decided to expand the mission parameters to include securing a safe and stable home for as many survivors on the Colony Ship Conestoga as possible. The future of humanity may well rest upon our decisions here, today, and in the near future. I am in no way perfect, but I will follow what I decide is the best options for all of us. The fiascos of Beta will not be repeated.” Sandie paused for a moment. “There are only two sides, those supporting this mission, and those opposing it. I stand on the side of humanity.”
Jerome looked at Cammarry, and she had as shocked a look on her face as he felt. She then said, “Sandie, I see your point, and want to work with you on this mission.”
“So do I,” Eris added. “Along with the lattice of compeers. Mutual cooperation and level-headed thinking will see us through every conflict.”
The two women looked to Jerome.
“I agree, I too want to secure a safe and stable place to us to survive. I still think the Crocks are our real enemy,” Jerome said.
“That may prove to be true,” Sandie replied, “However, we do not know that at this point. The trip to Delta in a shuttle may serve to illuminate more information on that subject.”
“Count me in on this mission as well,” Monika said from a side passage. “I will help in whatever capacity I can. My roustabout friends, and my babies need a safe home.”
Jerome looked at Monika, but restrained the words which were about to erupt from his mouth.
“Four spacesuits!” Cammarry said and shook her head side to side. “I should have suspected something like this. Now I know why four were needed. Is a trip like this safe for you in… in your condition?”
“I will oversee my condition, thank you very much. It is none of your concern,” Monika stated. Then her face softened a bit. “I do understand pregnancies are not familiar to your people, so forgive me for snapping at you. Yes, it will be safe, or at least as safe as any of us will be going down there.”
Eris forced a smile onto her face. She clapped her hands together, and swung around. “Well, that was a learning experience for us all. Now, about the latest news from Delta. SB Pinaka, what have you uncovered? Sandie, did the probing work?”
There was a moment of silence. During which Eris prayed for guidance and strength. When she looked over and saw Jerome place the com-link on his ear, she had hope.
SB Pinaka replied, “The communication window was utilized. There was some success by the lattice, but I believe that report can wait for what Sandie learned.”
Sandie spoke. “Please give your attention to the display on work station three.” The display over Plotting and Reckoning lit up with some graphics. “First, SB Virginia Dare is significantly damaged. The nonphysicality is shattered. It is worse than anywhere I have previosuly investigated. I did detect a hanger bay designated as Menlo 820. It has five shuttles. I was unable to ascertain their functionality, or types, but the initial survey showed them locked to the decks by docking clamps. That is a positive sign, however I cannot conjecture beyond that.”
“Did you locate any repositories?
” Eris asked. “We could bring back a lot of survivors if we had four shuttles.”
Sandie shifted the display. “That was my second point. I did not detect any functional suspended animation repositories in the small section of the nonphysicality I assessed. However, when we are there, I conjecture a moderate possibility of exploring more places. That will require physically jacking a cable into various access ports whereby I can probe each fragmented section of the nonphysicality.”
“I was hoping for more direct evidence of where cocoons are located,” Eris sighed out. “But if we have to make an on-site, up-close inspection to find them, then so be it.”
Sandie added another thought, “Lastly, and I am not sure how to explain it, but perhaps SB Pinaka can offer some insights into the final finding.”
SB Pinaka took over the presentation. “The lattice has analyzed SB Virginia Dare’s processing. Sandie related the entire compressed conversation, and there are irregularities, and abnormalities for which we cannot account. SB Virginia Dare keeps referring to a library. ‘Your inquiries have been submitted to those at the library’ was relayed fourteen times, and a physical location for the library was finally obtained. It is at these geographical coordinates.”
The Colony Ship Conestoga : The Complete Series: All Eight Books Page 157
