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“Acting-Commander, we can’t raise the Monitoring Station,” he was told.
Justin Bascet was not sure what to do. He glanced back to Iago Caraval, who looked to be asleep – or at least deep in thought.
He’d been strapped down into his chair, hours ago, on Bascet’s command.
His commanding officer, a man he’d served under for years, who he respected deeply . . . and the man had cracked.
“Keep trying,” Bascet ordered. “Scan for Krahteon emissions – carefully – and bring us close. If you find anything else amiss, let me know.”
“It seems like their power is out, sir. It’s possible they ran into some kind of issue doing maintenance.”
That was the most plausible scenario, but given this being Terris, he doubted it.
“Keep systems on full alert, I want to be ready for a burn away from the place if something turns out to be wrong.”
The navigator nodded and swallowed. “Yes, sir.”
Unlike the Craton, this ship had no fancy ways of moving in violation of Newton’s laws. They had a limited amount of reaction mass, and they’d already used a lot of it. If they had to stop their momentum towards the station and move away, that would be it. They’d have no ability to change course, and they had already used their one-time dashdrive.
Bascet just hoped he was making the right call.
“Everyone, limber up,” he ordered, speaking louder. “I want to be ready.”
The fact that the team had not already collapsed in the morale sense was heartening. They were all experienced veterans, ready to die in the line of duty if need be. And even though their respected commander had been lost, even though their normal second in command was not present, even though their sergeant had had to take over, they kept it together.
He could see why Iago was proud of his team.
Moving closer to the man, he gently shook him awake. “Lt. Commander Caraval?” he asked.
The man’s eyes opened, and for a moment he looked shocked and terrified, struggling in his bonds – but a moment later he calmed.
“Sergeant Bascet,” he said. “You . . . you ordered me tied up, didn’t you?”
“Yes, sir. You weren’t acting right.”
Caraval nodded. “I barely remember it . . . But I remember enough. You did the right thing.”
Bascet felt oddly glad to hear Iago agree. “We’re nearly back to the Monitoring Station.”
“Are they all right?” Iago asked.
“Why would you think they weren’t?” Bascet asked. A bad feeling was snaking through his gut.
“With what happened, I’m worried,” Iago replied. “But I see your worry, Bascet. I’m not going to ask for command back. I feel like I’m better, but . . .” He shook his head. “I saw something I shouldn’t. I can barely remember it, but . . .” He let out a frustrated growl. “I made a mistake. It’s better if you’re in charge, until you can find Lt. Pirra.”
Bascet said nothing for a long moment, weighing the pros and cons of telling his commander what they’d just found out about the station.
Perhaps . . . perhaps it was better not to tell him for now.
“You can keep resting, sir. We’ll be reaching the station soon.”
Iago looked more miserable suddenly. “All right. Thank you, Sergeant. I’m sorry I let you all down.”
“You didn’t let us down, sir. You’re just human.”
Iago nodded slowly, but his eyes were unfocused, staring off into nothing.
Other Terrestrial 