"Captain?"
"Yes?" replied the Captain, still asleep.
"I found and downloaded what you asked for."
"Perfect, thank you Spirit."
Skylar Hogan, newly promoted Captain of the Krœnos, awoke from her well-deserved rest. She got up from her bunk and headed straight for the Command Post, still in her pajamas. She took a seat at the Communications console and looked at the huge screen in front of her. Spirit was a crew member in his own right, and for good reason: he was the ship's central Artificial Intelligence.
"Spirit, did you manage to find everything?"
"Almost everything: every series, film, and cartoon broadcast on planet Earth from the equivalent of a century on Earth to the present day. It's all stored in the ship's internal memory."
"Perfect. Broadcast the first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series on the Communication screen."
As soon as Skylar had given the order, Spirit complied, and the series began to play out on the screen in front of her. As an Artificial Intelligence, Spirit was much more than just an on-board computer. Now that the Krœnos had a new Captain, it was his duty to obey. It's true that he really liked this one.
Finding all the series, films, and cartoons requested by the Captain had been more complex than expected, but he had finally succeeded. Despite the astronomical distance separating them from Earth, radio waves had been propagating throughout the galaxy for generations, making Spirit's task a little easier.
While the Captain was busy, Spirit took care of computer tasks throughout the ship. He switched off the lights in unused rooms and repaired the codes on the doors and magnetic locks. Nowhere else in the ship was the sound of the series heard, and wherever Spirit went, silence reigned. At the moment, he was repairing the code for the outer airlock. In this part of the ship, no sound could be heard, plunging the place into an eerie silence. If he had been endowed with emotions, he would undoubtedly have felt this strange atmosphere.
Spirit was just an artificial intelligence, an AI, who wasn't supposed to be aware of what she was, but she seemed to enjoy, if that was the right word, observing the vastness of space through the airlock window. Spirit had caught the Captain doing it too, often, even before she'd achieved her current rank. When asked about this habit, her answer seemed even more enigmatic. This question also intrigued the rest of the crew. The arrival of a human being on board had taken more time for the crew to adapt than for the human itself.
Spirit and Captain Hogan were heading for the planet Taung III, a planet listed in the Glossary as "to be avoided". Spirit hadn't understood the reason for their journey, but so far, the new Captain had shown far more reliable judgment than her predecessor. Today, he would follow her to the farthest corners of the galaxy. Literally and figuratively.
The hours passed slowly. In the vacuum of space, it was sometimes easy to lose track of time.
Skylar had stopped her series after three episodes. She found it rather old-fashioned and sometimes cliché, but she enjoyed watching it. She'd called it classic, but Spirit didn't always understand what the human was saying or thinking. In fact, he'd had to modify some of his codes to better understand her commands. He wasn't designed to be led by a human Captain.
After her shower, Skylar had dressed in black pants with beige flowers, gray boots, a long-sleeved black T-shirt, and a red sleeveless hooded jacket, which she said was "very American" style, if that made any sense. Spirit had informed her that they would arrive at Taung III in just under 3 Earth hours, giving her time to do a tour of inspection in the Engine Room and Command Post.
It was rare for someone to become Captain of a starship without passing through the Academy on Siirus, the mother planet of the Galaxy, which Skylar naively referred to as the "Milky Way". But an unfortunate set of circumstances had propelled Skylar to this position. She had to learn many of the protocols governing the ship, all its engineering, communications, navigation and even piloting. Although she still had certain gaps in her knowledge, she was delighted to have Spirit at her side, as he helped her with most of her maneuvers.
Humans are fast learners and adapt extremely quickly. They could be a considerable asset to the Galaxy, but they and their little planet were still at a Type 1 stage of development, making their integration into the galactic world still impossible.
"Captain, Taung III is in sight. We're about to enter its gravitational field."
"Activate approach mode, Spirit. Let's wait wisely till they contact us," ordered Skylar, arriving quickly at the Command Post.
"Aye, sir."
The Captain didn't need to tell him what to do, because he'd already anticipated it before she'd even asked, but Skylar didn't need to know. He had noticed that she respected protocol better than his former Captain, and that was good enough for him.
Skylar settled into the pilot's seat, and in less than a minute, as the Krœnos began to enter the atmosphere, the green light indicating a request for communication lit up.
"Unknown vessel, please identify yourself," ordered a voice.
"Academic code 666-5 evata-7," replied Skylar, sending the code. "Starship The Krœnos."
"Code being verified. Cargo and destination?"
"Only me and the Great Capital."
"Code verified, you are cleared to land. Hangar 7. Directions will be sent directly to the on-board computer. Enjoy your stay," says the voice, cutting the connection.
"Spirit?"
"Setting course for Hangar 7. I can handle the descent myself, Captain."
"Thank you, Spirit."
There's no denying that an AI capable of piloting the ship was a great help. Piloting was the one area she hadn't yet mastered sufficiently. Skylar gazed at the planet through the Command post window, enjoying an impeccable view. Taung III was a telluric planet composed mainly of mountains and deep swamps. The atmosphere was breathable for humans, although there was little sunshine due to the constant black clouds. The climate was not too tormented, but the planet was not very recommendable. Two sister species populated Taung III, the Teosians and the Sretras, Type 3 civilizations, but classified as "do not associate" according to the Glossary.
Skylar took a deep breath as the ship approached the Great Capital. She had no desire to be there, but she had no choice. As Spirit began the descent, Skylar stood up and headed for the armory section, a part of the ship she particularly disliked. Killing was not why she was there, nor, despite appearances, was it her species' vocation. However, she knew she had to adapt. Knowing the anatomy of most of the species listed in the Glossary, a well-delivered blow could save her life, especially on this planet.
She took a holster and strapped it to her thigh, placing what they called a blaster on it. She then took a small retractable knife from her quarters, which she stowed in her pocket, and also took along a good quantity of Galactic Credits.
"Descent completed," informed Spirit.
"Perfect. I'm going to step out for a moment, said Skylar.
"Are you equipped with a blaster, Captain? this planet has been classified as "do not associate". It could be dangerous to venture there."
"I'm not here for a walk, Spirit, I'm here on business. I do have my blaster. Activate White Knight protocol. If anyone other than me tries to enter the ship, wound them, and if that's not enough, kill them."
"Protocol activated. Aye, sir."
Skylar returned to the Command post, took an earpiece from the Communications station to keep in touch with the ship, and by extension, Spirit. She then left the Krœnos. Hangar 7, as the voice had indicated, was just another platform. Everywhere she looked, she saw ships, some awaiting orders to land, others already on their respective platforms. A long bridge stretched out in front of her. Skylar walked up to a door, which activated when it detected her presence. Crossing it, she found herself directly in a crowded street. There were not only Teosians and Sretras but all sorts of creatures that the Glossary also classified as "do not associate".
No one paid any attention to her, some stared at her with disdain or spite, but most simply ignored her. It was perfect. She looked up at the sky, which was gray, almost greenish, and the smell was pestilential. Fortunately, she wouldn't be here for long. Her mission was clear: to find the Ucceandu Tavern. As she walked, she activated her earpiece.
"Spirit, I need a map of the city. I need to find the tavern."
"I've found a map and directions to the Tavern. It's downloaded onto your Bracelet."
The Bracelet Spirit was talking about was the Captain's Bracelet. Hers was green and black. It looked more like a mitten than a bracelet, but it had many features, the extent of which Skylar was not yet fully aware. Wearing it proved to everyone that she was a Captain who had graduated from the Academy. However, Skylar knew there was no need for her to point out that she had never set foot in this Academy.
She thanked Spirit and examined the palm of her right hand. An orange light flashed, and when she pressed it, a map of the city materialized in front of her. Spirit had even traced the route from her position to the Tavern in red. He was beginning to understand humans better. She followed the path and eventually arrived at the Ucceandu Tavern. After two and a half years, she was surprised to still remember the name he'd given her.
The Tavern was very much like the inns described in the fantasy books she liked to read on Earth: quaint and ill-famed. She switched off her bracelet and entered the tavern. All conversation fell silent instantly. She looked around at the same creatures as outside. At this moment, she felt uneasy. She put her hand on her blaster and headed straight for the counter. Customers resumed their conversations.
She sat down on one of the chairs, close to a Teosian who was watching her out of the corner of his eye. The waiter approached her.
"What's a human doing so far from home?" he said, moistening his lips.
"I'm surprised you know what a human is," replied Skylar dryly. "I want to talk to Epson. I need you to get him for me."
"I don't know any Epson."
"I'm sure you do," she said, taking a few credits out of her pocket.
The waiter took the Credits, smiled, or at least what Skylar took to be a smile, and put them away in his pocket.
"This may take a while."
"Hmm. No, I don't think so," she affirmed, handing him more credits.
The waiter put the credits away with the others and disappeared into his back room. Skylar waited a few minutes until the waiter returned with a Sretra, probably Epson. The waiter resumed his activities.
"Nero seemed more perturbed by the fact that a human wanted to talk to me than by the fact that a human was on Taung III."
"Are you Epson?"
"Yes, I'm Epson. What's your business?"
"I need you to find Cavah for me."
"Cavah? why would I do that?" he answers, grimacing.
"I met him some time ago, and I saved his life. He told me he owed me. I don't know much about the culture of your species, but he told me that a debt to pay was above all else. And he owes me one. He told me that the day would come when I would have to come here and ask for Epson and that you would take care of finding him for me," Skylar explained. "Can you do that?"
"Yes, of course, I can," replied Epson, suddenly more friendly.
"Tell him the day has come for him to settle his debt."
"I'll see to it. Any way I can contact you?"
Skylar raised her right arm to show him the Captain's Bracelet, which he had not yet seen. Epson looked almost frightened.
"You're Captain of an Academy Ship?"
"Yes, is that a problem?"
"No, of course not.
The Sretra noted the code on her bracelet and they greeted each other. As she left the Tavern to return to her ship, Epson returned to the back room to try to contact Cavah. Owing a debt to a human, what had he gotten himself into? But what was a human doing so far from home? These beings were only Type 1, none of them should be able to leave their planet, let alone become Captain. Epson had more questions than answers, but he swore he wouldn't try to answer them. Cavah finally answered after a few minutes of trying, and appeared in front of his screen, presumably drowsy.
"Cavah."
"Epson. To what do I owe this call?"
"You've had a visitor, a human who claims to have saved your life some time ago. She said the day had come for you to settle your debt."
"I'll be there in one rotation," said Cavah, suddenly more awake.
"What's the rush?"
"A debt is a debt, Epson!"
"I'm sure there are exceptions for Type 1 creatures! this is one of them."
"A debt is a debt, would you be against the rule? Should I perhaps warn the Council of what you've just said?" he threatened.
"Of course not," frowned Epson.
"Right, then. Contact her, tell her I'll be there in a rotation."
"Cavah ... Do you really owe her your life?"
"Yes. And today I'll be able to settle my debt," said Cavah, ending the call.
For her part, Skylar was still on her way to her ship. She had even stopped to buy a few provisions that would not go amiss. As she came out of a shop, her bracelet flashed green. She pressed it and Epson's face materialized in front of her, just as it had done with the map.
"Cavah will be here in one rotation."
"Okay, thanks again, Epson."
Skylar felt a slight surge of adrenalin, everything was slowly falling into place and she was beginning to feel fear. She took a deep breath to calm herself and resumed her walk. Cavah, it had been two and a half terrestrial years since she'd seen him, two and a half since she'd remembered his words. Saving a Sretra's life could prove beneficial, especially as debts had a special place in their culture. But that wasn't why she'd done it that day; humans don't think of a reward when they save someone's life, and Cavah found that hard to understand.
She was the only one of her species to travel in space. When Skylar thought about it, she sometimes felt nauseous. She missed her planet, but she knew the rule, she could never go back, even now that she was alone, she would follow protocol. When she arrived at the Krœnos, she put down her provisions in the kitchen and set about stowing her weapons where she'd picked them up, then returned to the Command post.
"Spirit? How many Earth hours is a rotation on Taung III?"
"33 hours, Captain."
In 33 hours, Cavah will be at her door, in 33 hours, she'll have to explain to him what happened, in 33 hours, they'll be out for revenge. And she wasn't sure she was ready for that. She had followed the protocols to the letter, far better than Sarek would have, now she had one last protocol to follow and she knew she couldn't deviate from it.
She sat down in front of the Communications console and continued to watch Star Trek: TOS. 33 hours seemed both long and short, so she was going to have to be patient now.
After two hours of watching the series, she decided to go and eat, then followed the ship's routine checks with Spirit. After a few hours, she went back for a shower, hoping that the dirt accumulated in the engine room and on this planet would go away. She slipped on a pair of pajama shorts with a large grey and blue plaid shirt and long grey socks. When she left Earth, she took with her her culture, her books, and her way of being. She'd been in space for three Earth years and hadn't managed to take on any culture other than her own. On Earth, she had studied people in all their aspects and knew that some carried their culture with them. Today, she enjoyed knowing that she was one of them.
Without knowing how, she found herself in front of the ship's only mirror, in her quarters. She quickly discovered that humans valued their appearance. Sarek had understood this even before recruiting her and had given her a mirror, one that would become the only one on the ship. Skylar looked down at herself, her gray eyes reddened, hot tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. She wiped them away with the back of her hand and tied her curly black hair into a ponytail. She forced herself to think of nothing as she settled down to sleep. Spirit had been instructed to wake her in 8 hours, or sooner in case of emergency. The White Knight protocol was still active, as were the rest of the security protocols.
The first night she'd spent alone on board had been an ordeal. She still seemed to hear the footsteps of crew members turning and wandering throughout the ship. When she asked Spirit if anyone else was in the Krœnos, he assured her again and again that she was alone. Then she got used to it. Her brain had adapted to this terrifying new situation, just as Spirit had managed to adapt and so had doubled the safety protocols. A captain needed sleep to lead the troops, and if the only way she could sleep was to feel safe, Spirit had made sure she felt that way.
This ship was now hers.
Comments