c. 2024 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(8-24)
On her way to the space dock concourse, above Mars, Lt. Kelly Strafe paused to look through one of the observation portals. There in all of its glistening, metallic glory, was the Morningstar III. Her destination, and transport for another trip to the inner regions of their solar system. She had heard some visitors observe that its stubby fins and silver sheen made the sleek vessel look like a flying sardine. Yet such remarks did not dim her affection for the ship. She had been proud to serve with other recruits, as the chief assistant. It was a mobile platform where she truly felt at home.
A quick check of her com-link indicated that it was six o’clock in the morning, according to universal Mars time. By now, other members of the crew should have already arrived for duty. She was eager to assemble everyone, and offer a quick briefing before her commander arrived. Every step she took invigorated her body. Her pulse raced with excitement. Her blonde ponytail bounced and swung from side to side.
At the dispersal hub, she counted hatch doors until finding the proper access point. Then, lugged her nylon tote over one shoulder, and punched in an authorization code.
When she entered the craft, it seemed oddly quiet and empty. Her nose began to twitch, sensing that something had gone amiss. She rode an elevator up two decks, to the control center, and waited for a facial scan to recognize her identity. There, she expected to see her navigator and ensign ready for duty. But upon passing through a short corridor that linked the nexus to other sections onboard, she encountered only silence. The primal chamber was vacant. None of the work stations were occupied.
Suddenly, a voice intoned from behind. One that filled her heart with dread, and caused her lower lip to tremble.
“Lieutenant! Assume the position for discipline! Hands behind your back!”
Admiral Corel Nauga stood tall, in the doorway. His rank was signified by vertical stripes of gold, over one shoulder of his uniform tunic. He had an expression of anger and regret.
“Kneel on the floor! You are being taken into custody!”
Strafe felt her eyes growing wet and blurry. Somehow, she had been betrayed.
“I don’t get this sir, what charge do you have? I was only reporting for my assignment...”
The longtime veteran huffed and pointed his index finger. His gray brows tightened with serious disdain.
“Kelly, I’ve watched you advance as a career officer. I was proud of your courage. And your determination to outperform men who had similar goals in the force. But now, you’ve manifested something ugly. Something dark and counterproductive. You have a rebel streak in your personality. Do you understand why that isn’t embraced here on Mars? It’s the seed that sowed calamities for mankind, across the centuries. It caused wars and famine and the collapse of empires. It humbled the mighty. It drove the human race out of its own cradle of civilization. That’s why we all live in the artificial atmosphere of canisters on the Red Planet, and elsewhere!”
His prisoner bowed her head, and wiped away tears.
“Admiral, my intentions were pure. All I wanted to do was take the Morningstar back to Planet Earth. There’s unfinished business to address. We abandoned a prime asset for political convenience. I’ve been ashamed ever since...”
Commander Hornell Block appeared, from the corridor hatch. For the first time in months, he was back in his military garb. He had returned to the disciplined appearance of a professional voyager.
“I’m sorry, Kells. I’m not given to breaking trust, or surrendering secrets. But your plan was out of line. What I would call dangerously impulsive. We all survive by following the chain of command here, without it, everything would collapse.”
The female lieutenant glared at her friend and confidante.
“YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU GAWDAMM TRAITOROUS SON OF A BITCH!”
Admiral Nauga cringed at her bold tone of speaking. He tightened his muscles, reflexively.
“Enough! I won’t suffer that kind of behavior on a vessel under my authority! You’ll show respect to a superior officer. And I would suggest some contrition might be in order, since your next stop will be in the brig! Do you understand? You are now under arrest, Ms. Strafe! I am stripping you of your rank and privileges, immediately!”
Block felt an obstruction in his chest. He had trouble breathing.
“As I said, Kelly, I’m sorry...”
She refused to look him in the eyes.
“Baines will have run out of protein squares by now. He’s a nerd, great with the schoolbooks, but not one to go hunting for his next meal. Congratulations, sir, you’ve just given him a death sentence. How does that feel? We could’ve at least gotten out of orbit before anyone noticed. I had the jamming software programmed. Everything depended on you!”
The admiral coughed at hearing her confession.
“Careful Ms. Strafe, be careful! Whatever you say will only enhance your shame! There will be a trial at the court in New Cleveland. A tribunal will be convened. The sensor logs will show that this mutiny was your idea. You were the instigator. The kingpin of a rebellion like we haven’t seen in a hundred years!”
The commander was nauseous. His belly gurgled and twisted with guilt.
“Keeping order matters, Kelly. It really does. I hope you’ll understand someday. It’s the foundation of everything our race of sentient beings has built, on planets and moons across the solar system. We’re trying to atone for the sins that ruined our ancestral homeworld. You can’t sacrifice that for anything. Not for friendships or loyalties, or philosophies...”
Strafe refused to sob openly. Yet a trickle of moisture rolled down her left cheek.
“You pulled the trigger, Big H. You put a laser beam through that university geek’s forehead. As a matter of fact, it would’ve been more human to kill him on the spot, before we left! But you don’t have the spine for that kind of honesty. You couldn’t stand there and watch him die!”
Commander Block was rattled by her wild accusation. His legs shook until both knees knocked together. For a moment, he wished to have retired altogether, after the disciplinary incident that interrupted his service.
Admiral Nauga laughed out loud. He was tired of listening to the protests.
“I’d say we have a hero in our midst! A genuine hero! Congratulations, Hornell, I am reinstating your commission as the head of this crew. The ship is yours! Pilot it well! May the stars bless you on your next adventure!”
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