"Squirrely SRV's and Wonkey Waveforms." Deliverance. Part 2
13 Jul 2016Stryker Aune
<<Deliverance. Part 1Li Chong, Ostrander Works
I was right. He made good on that promise. Though it wasn’t physical abuse. He rarely resorted to that. Man, I must have gotten under his skin. Good. What he did do however, was send me off to perform some of the more unpleasant tasks around the landing pads. One of which was cleaning out the “pit.” Nasty dirty work, but at least they will leave me alone. It wasn’t hard, just messy, stinky, and required extra soap.
I had finished and cleaned myself up when I decided that I would go to an observation lounge with the intention of getting smashed. Though, I was lying to myself. I really went to gaze out at the stars.
I payed for a strong drink and sat next to a window watching Bernard’s Loop slowly creep over the expanse of rocky horizon. This little planet was devoid of life. It had relatively the same gravity as Earth, wherever that legend was, and virtually no atmosphere to speak of. What it did offer, however, was breath taking view. I wish I could be out there….
“Alvadar.”
I saw a reflection in the window. It was Markus. I nodded to him.
“What happened, man?” He obviously was indicating the split lip and the welting bruise my face was sporting.
“Took a hit. Corner of oxygenator I was working on. I need to pay closer attention.” I lied, and I hated myself for it.
Markus nodded his head. “It must be hard working for the brother of the Governor.”
He saw through my lame lie. I snorted.
“Especially one that has been in his position for the last 10 years.” Markus continued.
I snorted again.
He took a seat across from me and folded his hands on the tabletop. “Why don’t you leave?”
I remained silent.
“So what your just a victim of your circumstances?” He shrugged and continued “Your attitude stinks, and really, you’ve driven away most of your friends.”
I continued to remain silent, turning the glass in my hand.
“I’m going to poignant with you. Grow a pair, and leave this place. You really could just, disappear. It’s a large galaxy.”
“He owns me.” I finally said.
Markus looked thoughtfully at me. “He exploited you and your sister’s circumstance and created a condition in which, you owe him and makes it -seem- like he owns you. You will never make enough, or do enough to repay that man.”
“I know. Something has to give. I’m on the verge of committing murder. I have had fantasies of breaking his neck…”
“I don’t doubt it. I think a lot of people here would, given the chance.”
I continued to turn the glass in my hand and took a deep breath. “Your right. I need to stop and take control of my life. The next freighter that comes in I’ll barter for passage.”
“That could be awhile.”
“The real question is, what pilot would be willing to take on a person with a record.”
“Alvadar. You were fifteen. I think most people would absolve you of that. Kids do stupid stuff. Don’t listen to Robard’s lies. That grievance can’t follow you around forever. Well... maybe here, but not out there.” He nodded towards the window.
Markus rapped on the table a few times with his knuckles. “Get some rest big guy.” He stood up gave one last thoughtful look and left the lounge; and me to my thoughts.
“The next freighter….”
My sleep was punctuated with uneasiness. Reliving the day my parents died when a compression lock failed in that habitation complex. 400 people lost their lives to the harsh conditions on this planet that day. My sister and I were attending the colony’s school during the incident. It was in a different hab. Life would never be the same….
Morning drew. Coffee brewed, and Grunt’s “dulcet” tones were speaking at me again.
“I want ya to go over to mineral extraction site 221, and work on the extractors. They’ve given off some errors. And while yer out there, do some prospectin’.”
A simple enough task, but not without its hazards.
I smiled sweetly, trying to adopt a more positive attitude.... Though it probably just came off as being snarky. Site 221 was well over 30 kilometers away, and as such, had a small habitation shelter enough to accommodate two men for a short duration. I took time to take stock of what was going to be needed: parts for repairs, extra provisions, oxygen for a few days and fuel. After I made my list I headed to the SRV hangers. I hitched a skiff to the back of the SRV, and loaded it by hand. Grunt wasn’t going to offer help. He was still punishing me. Good thing the skiff had a small crane.
I finished loading it, and then suited up, pulled the helmet over my head, and turned the metal collar until I heard it clicked. I climbed into the SRV and started going thought the checks. It all seemed operational and ready to go. I drove it over to the airlock. Stupid squirrely thing. The sound of the large door closing behind me could be heard. There was the blue flashing warning lights of controlled decompression, then sound of wooshing air, and then nothing. The lights turned from flashing blue to green, and the outer door slowly opened. The empty expanse of the desolated planet filled my vision as I drove slowly out onto the rocky plain.
I adjusted my course to the extraction site. It was going to be a long trek. Well over 3 hours. Sure I could go full balls on it, but I had a loaded skiff in tow. It gave me time to think. Consider my attitude, and behavior. I really have been a pacifistic baby. Taking the victim role. Leaving everything up to Grunt. Not taking charge of my life. It was easier to blame him. I came to the realization that I was really only hurting myself. I do have it in my power to leave... My sister did. And for some strange reason, I resented her for that. If I want to be out in the stars, it’s high time that put aside the fear of that unknown and go for it. He really has no power over me…. I turned on some tunes, and listened to them as I drove the little mobile cocoon of air to its destination.
“That’s odd.” The site was approaching. I could make out the small hab and the extractors. The SRV wave scanner was clicking, both showing a waveform for the site, but another one just to the right. It was faint. I adjusted my course, and made way to the new contact, keeping it slow and easy. Don’t want to run into any illicit activity on accident. I passed the extraction site. I noticed that one of the extractors had burnt out. That’s going to be a fix. But I kept on going to that other contact. It was another 10 minutes of driving. Whatever it was, it would be over the next ridge. I flipped a switch, killed the lights and adjusted the velocity to a crawl and crept over the apex of the ridge.
“Holy….” I felt the expletive slip from my lips.
Deliverance. Part 3 >>
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