Observation
13 Jun 2024Xochitl Khae
Observation
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Security chief and armorer Mahmoud Farouk observed as the androids navigated through the transport stasis pods, separating 21 of them from the 212 arranged in rows on the hangar floor. Among the imperial slaves recently liberated during Ryuko’s latest pirate raid, these 21 were the only ones not serving due to criminal acts.
Mahmoud glanced up from his tablet at Lianna, who was checking the readouts provided by the hangar’s automated systems on the Python-class ship in the center. In her current role supporting the engineering department, Lianna monitored the hangar’s systems while they restocked and replenished the Python. Seeing Mahmoud, she approached him while his watchful eyes followed the androids' progress, anticipating their completion so Lianna could direct the automated systems to reload the remaining 191 stasis pods into the Python’s cargo bay.
“The droids should be finished momentarily,” Mahmoud said in his thick accent, looking down at Lianna. “Don’t worry about restocking the limpet drones; he will purchase those once he sells these off to the neighboring market.”
“You are familiar with his business?”
Mahmoud nodded. “I’ve handled security for several ships and dignitaries. Some of those they courted were of his kind, but not his lesser.”
“His lesser?”
“His type is that of business. Their lesser are the wanton murderers and thieves everyone is familiar with. They are convenient for his type for their havoc and useful to the same as sacrifices.”
Mahmoud glanced over Lianna's shoulder, spotting the doctor and the obvious Pavonis ear grub burrowed into his forehead. He walked up to each of the separated 21 stasis pods, scanning each in turn.
“I’ve heard of those things but have never seen one in person until now,” Lianna commented.
Mahmoud made a second grunting sound, looking down at her. “He is lucky that was all he received for taking a bribe against his commander and crew.”
“Does it really control the person it is attached to?”
“Yes,” Mahmoud nodded, “but not in such a way as to impair their faculties, but enough that they are unable to break whatever command they have been given. If such a way is ever found, the results would be instant and painful, and sometimes fatal.”
Lianna recoiled a little, twisting up her face and sneering. “Eww.”
The androids began moving to the side of the hangar as Mahmoud extended an arm for Lianna to walk with him, following the androids. The automated systems, no longer detecting their presence, began to move into action. The 191 remaining pods were scooped up onto a series of carts that lined up in turn, each waiting to collect their share of pods. They then raced over to the automated loader positioned under the Python’s open cargo bay doors. The Python’s internal systems took over, positioning and securing each pod with rapid efficiency, measured in seconds.
“What of the 21 that remain?” Lianna asked while looking down at her data tablet, ensuring the efficiency of the automated systems.
“I am unsure,” Mahmoud said, glancing at the doctor and the androids that remained with him, as each was being loaded onto their own automated carts.
Ryuko was sure, as he watched the process from his data tablet inside the commander’s lavatory onboard his Python-class ship. These private, quiet moments allowed him time to think without the usual distractions.
The question he was focusing on now was whether he wanted a fixed location or to keep his operations mobile.