Happy hour at The Aerodrome

Friday at 5pm in the CovaPlex administrative hub was not unlike large corporations or government offices elsewhere in the galaxy – empty.

  

Upper management had long shuttled off for the weekend.  And once the bosses flew the coop, middle managers suddenly found reasons to deliver documents or attend to clients outside the office.  By the time Tak and Audrey closed up, the concourse was barren except for maintenance engineers. 

“How long have you been on the station?”  Tak made small talk as they walked.

“About four years,” said Audrey. “I came to stay with Uncle Ros and Auntie Marge after their son Scott went missing.  At first, I helped her set up the Aerodrome.  I loved the sense of community here, so I stayed.  I took a job at the bank and when the Insurance office split off a couple of years ago, they offered me the position.  I like the idea of running my own shop, without having to leave.”

“Scott - that was his picture above the sofa in their quarters?” Tak asked. 

Audrey nodded.  

“Scott was a pilot, like his dad,” she said.  “But he wanted something more adventurous so he went to work for Path.  He was making a run to Elysium, when he was forced to stop to replace a burned out capacitor in his Freelancer.  The convoy leader wouldn't wait and they left him behind.  Scott’s ship was never seen again.” 

“Uncle Ros mounted a search when Path and the UEE refused to do so.  He spent weeks combing space around the Elysium system, but there was no hint of Scott.   I'm sure Aunt Margaret opened the Aerodrome in the hope some passing freighter crew had heard of a stray Freelancer in deep space with Pathf1nder markings.   It consumed them both for a long time,” she added.

That explains Ros stopping for me, thought Tak...and maybe a lot more.

“Well, here we are,” declared Audrey.

A glass roundel was mounted over the doors, surrounded by a red neon sign that read, ‘The Aerodrome’.   The happy sound of laughter and music beckoned inside.  Tak placed his hand on the small of Audrey’s back.  

“After you,” he said.

It took a moment to adjust from the bright promenade to the darker interior of the bar.  Tak looked around the room, taking in the groups of pilots and crewmen in flight suits scattered around the room.  Models of spacecraft – just like the ones in Scott’s room, but larger in scale, hung from the ceiling.  Men occupied themselves playing cards.  Others sat at com booths talking with loved ones.  A sound system poured out golden oldies with a definite country slant. 

One bunch sat in front of a monitor and cheered racers powering around a circuit.  Waitresses in short tight skirts and thigh-high boots bustled about, carrying trays of food and drinks.  Tak’s eyes followed the sway of Audrey’s perky frame as she made for the bar.  For a second, he pictured her in a waitress outfit, and quickly shook the image out of his head.  

Startled, he looked up and saw Ros sipping his drink at the bar, but the middle-aged woman behind the bar had seen the stray of Tak’s glance and smiled wistfully at him as they approached.  Tak blushed.

“Hello Audrey.  So this must be the wandering minstrel boy I’ve been hearing so much about!”

Tak smiled and held out his hand.  “You must be Mrs. Mittens.”  

Foam shot out Ros’ nostrils.  “Gee z - not so loud,” he said, looking quickly about in mock horror. “The others will find out I'm married.”

“You never mind Roswell,” she warned, swatting a towel at his arm.  The laughing eyes turned to the couple.  “Everyone calls me Mama; and you will too.  Sit down and we’ll get to know one another; but first, what can I get you two?”

“I’ll have a glass of Tevarin white please,” requested Audrey. 

“A cold hydrofroz will be very fine,” said Tak.  He pulled a stool out for Audrey and moved protectively to her exposed side.  Two young UEE militia pilots on his right had begun squirming to get closer.  But one measured look at Tak and they retreated back to their end of the bar, chiding each other jokingly for their lack of nerve.

  

Mama placed a long stemmed flute of wine on a napkin for Audrey.  Then she took a frosted glass from the freezer, held it under a copper nozzle and pulled on a joystick shaped handle.  “Young and dumb and full of cum,” Mama laughed, the draught of golden liquid filling the glass.

“It was only yesterday I was a shave-tail,” Tak smiled, jerking his head toward the pilots. “I can remember what it was like to be a kid on liberty.”  Audrey was talking to Ros and hadn't noticed anything.

“I wanted a safe place where these boys could have a little bit of fun and a little bit of home.  These waitresses are the daughters and wives of Covalex men, and they’re used to living in a masculine world.  But make no mistake; they can bite if the testosterone gets a little elevated.  Mainly, it gives the girls something to do, and some of them can earn as much in tips as a freighter captain,” Mama said proudly.

“You've put together the perfect mix of officer’s mess and saloon,” Tak said, looking around, “The weight of the past few days lifted off my shoulders the moment I stepped inside.”

“Thank you,” Mama said, taking it as a compliment.  The two touched glasses.

“Yes, just what we need, a toast!” commanded Ros, loudly.  The music was turned down and the room grew silent as he waited until everyone in the bar held a glass: 

"Here’s a toast to the future; A sigh for the past; We can love and remember, And hope to the last, And for all the base lies That the universe holds; While there’s love in the heart, We can never grow old.”

“To love,” the room roared. 

“And absent friends,” said Tak, his voice modulated.   

“To absent friends,” everyone repeated more quietly.  All drank deeply. 

“The next round’s on me!” Tak declared to a loud cheer.  Somebody turned the music back on. 

“Big spender,” Audrey teased,

“Make mine a double,” ordered Ros.

He felt Audrey settle against his chest and his hand moved to her left shoulder in response. Tak smiled as he thought about the absurdity of life; lost one moment and found the next.  The weight of the world had indeed lifted from him and his soul felt lighter than it had in years.  

The four talked for an hour before Mama disappeared into the back and returned with a platter full of food.  There were potato skins covered in melted cheese, synthetic bacon, and salsa; burritos with sides of stuffed mushrooms and deep-fried jalapeño poppers. 

Tak hadn't eaten prepared food for a week... and nothing like this for a long time.  They used their fingers to pick casually at the food while they talked; each of them sharing stories about their lives. 

Mama told how the Aerodrome had filled a big hole in their lives after Scott went missing. 

“This place has never closed since we opened,” she explained.  “I stopped asking about Scottie years ago, but I keep his picture on the wall behind the bar, in the off-chance somebody came across him or his ship somewhere out there.  I keep this place open so there is always a place for some lonely traveller looking for a drink and some company.” 

“Amen to that,” Ros intoned.

“I take it your insurance business was successful?” Mama enquired of Tak. 

“Yes, I was able to conclude everything this afternoon, thanks to Audrey,” he said.  “And tomorrow she has offered to take me shopping for some clean clothes.”

“You and Scott weren't so different in size.  Feel free to take what you need from among his things.  I take it you put Tak in his room?” She asked her husband, who nodded in the affirmative.  “Good.  You’ll feel much better after a good sleep, a shower, and a set of clean clothes.” 

“Speaking of sleep... I hate to be a party pooper, but I feel my bed calling me,” said Ros.

“Come on Mama, take me home, and we’ll leave these youngsters alone.” 

“I'm fading fast, too,” Tak said to the group.  “If it’s okay, I’ll walk Audrey home then meet you at your place. 

“Hey, who says I'm going home?” said Audrey, looking past him to the two officers still trying to catch her eye.

 

“Audrey Walker, stop your teasing,” scolded Mama. 

This one doesn't miss a thing, thought Tak, I better not take her lightly.

Ros helped clear and clean the bar while Mama turned over management to one of the staff.   They walked out of the bar together.   The PTV was parked next door and Ros went to get it.  When he returned they all said their goodnights. 

“Hmm, wonder if we should wait up,” Ros said the words as soon as they drove out of earshot. 

“I was thinking the same thing,” laughed Mama.  “That boy could barely keep his hands still.  But there’s a lot of depth to him so I expect he will be along shortly.”

“He’s an uncommon fine young man,” agreed Ros, “I wish someone like Tak had been with Scott on the day.  He might have made it back.  At least he would have faced whatever happened, with a dependable friend.”

Mama put her hand on her husband’s knee.  “Aye Rosie, Aye.”

As for Tak, Mama wasn't far off the mark.  She had just finished changing the sheets and turning down the bed when the com announced that “Lieutenant Takwira is home.”  She turned to find him standing in the doorway. 

“There are fresh towels and clean clothes on the bed.  The shower is right next door.  Sleep well.”

“Thanks for everything Ma,” he murmured.

She kissed his cheek.  “Good night.”  

Funny she thought, making her way to the sleeping quarters, that’s what Scott used to call me.

Welcome home Captain...

Ros led Tak through the dispatch office to a room full of storage bays.  They walked to one and Ros waved his hand at the stencilled plate with ‘Mittens’ on it. 

“Stow your helmet and flying rig here.”  Then the two men walked to back to the hanger deck entrance.  Just inside the entry doors was another line of portals.  Ros went to one with a green light that opened as he got closer.  Once inside, he said, “Home level.”

Tak felt a five second vibration and the door slid open to reveal a bright wide hallway.  There were hatchways staggered on either side.  Some were marked with numbers and in other cases nameplates gave the family name.   “I'm at the end,” said Ros, “the one with the sign that reads: ‘Beware of Dog’.”

At the last door Ros lifted the MobiGlas on his wrist to the sensor.  It slid open to reveal a surprisingly tidy warm apartment.  Artefacts from all over the galaxy had places of prominence on side tables, shelves, or corners.   There was the picture of a young man hanging behind the sofa.    

“Welcome home Captain Mittens.” The Com came to life.

“Thank you; where’s Mama?” 

“When the message came that you were going to be late, she said she may as well go to work.  She’s at The Aerodrome now.”

“This here is Tak,” Ros stated.  “He will be staying with us for a bit.  He is to have access to all house services.” 

“I have linked with his MobiGlas.  Welcome Lieutenant Takwira.”

Tak made a mental note to change the title setting on his bio stamp. “Thank you.” Tak said in the direction of the voice.  “Really Ros, I can grab a bed at the spaceman’s hostel, or the Hotel, if I can get the insurance straightened away. 

“I’ll tell you what, you make that suggestion to Mama, because she would surely tear me a new one if I let a guest get away,” said Ros.  “The Insurance office is on the way to The Aerodrome.  Here’s our extra berth, try out your MobiGlas to make sure it works.”

Tak didn’t have a wrist model that could be synced with a home or work unit.  His was the larger, handheld unit issued to naval officers.  Aside from the bio-stamp, timeline record, and banking utility found in every MobiGlas; the Glas model he carried contained his service credentials and records, blueprints for every ship currently flying, a universal translator, and holographic map of the galaxy. 

The personal and civilian information was available to authorized scanners.  The military and strategic files were encrypted and could only be accessed by two people other than him.  He carried it in the forearm band preferred by most pilots needing access to visual information without having to reposition hands on controls in a fight.    

He held his palm up and said, “Open.”  The door slid open revealing what had obviously been a young man’s room.  Ship models swung gently from the ceiling, and a myriad of star maps and posters covered the walls.   

“Nice,” was all Tak said and put his bag on the foot of the bed.  The two men left the apartment and took the vertical transport to the main concourse.  Ros and Tak got into the closest in a line of PTVs.  The CovaPlex owned dozens of them scattered around the platform.   Some were dedicated to senior and essential staff, but most were available to any Covalex employee needing to get from place to place. 

The landscape changed from utility to commercial the further they moved from the company node.  Many of the larger carriers kept small offices there, as did foodstuff suppliers, ship manufacturers and a branch of the UEE Bank.  The UEE Insurance office was inside the bank.    

The attractive woman behind the desk got up to greet the two visitors.

“Uncle Ros, what a surprise.  You don’t usually drop by the office.”  The girl got up on her tip toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek.  Tak couldn't help but admire the compact body beneath the shoulder length red hair.  He was immediately conscious of the soiled flight suit he had been wearing for the past three days.  But the smiling girl looking up at him didn't seem to notice.  She looked between the two men and waited.

“This is Tak, Audrey,” said Ros, “He needs your help.”

Tak couldn't tell whether the serious eyes looking up at him were grey or green; in any case they showcased perfect alabaster skin and full red lips.  

“My ship blew up halfway between here and Mars,” he explained.  “Lucky for me the Captain was in the neighbourhood and gave me a lift.  Fortunately she was outfitted with a lifetime UEE policy more than a dozen years ago and I was hoping you could help me register a claim.”

“Gosh, you were very fortunate.”  She indicated the chair opposite her desk, “please take a seat, umm a Tak?”

“It’s short for Takwira, my family name.”

“There’s nothing for you to do here Uncle Ros.   Aunt Margaret is at work.  Why not go on ahead.  This will probably take us through to closing and I can show him the way afterwards.”

“I don’t know if I should leave you two alone,” Ros said cautiously.

“He looks safe enough to me,’ Audrey said smiling.

It wasn't you I was worried about,” Ros said, a serious look on his face.

They both laughed at Tak’s embarrassment.   

The relatives hugged and the big man walked over to the Greycat.  He waved as the PTV shot off.

“I'm going to need some things from you,” Audrey said, switching on her terminal.

“Something about the way she said it made Tak smile.  “Anything you want, Ms...?

“Walker - Audrey Walker, but please call me Audrey.”

Audrey proved to be as competent as she was pretty.  Tak produced the policy from his Glas, along with registration and fitness certificates for the Liberty.  Audrey said, “Wow,” when Tak produced the Investigator’s letter.  This happened today and you got this today?” she asked incredulously.  “That’s unusual.”   

“Well whomever, paid for this policy was certainly thinking down the road.   They don’t make those ships any more of course, which makes replacing it somewhat problematic,” she said, tapping a holographic keyboard projected on the table.     

“I have authorization to settle claims of up to 50,000 UEC.  If you choose to go before a settlement tribunal you might get more, but it would be months before you get a hearing.”

Tak didn’t hesitate.  “I’ll take the 50,000, if you don’t mind.  I don’t want to put my life on hold for what may or may not happen months down the road.  My luck has held today and I think it best to not tempt fate.”

“Good, then flash your account details to me so I can transfer the funds,” A couple of minutes later Audrey asked Tak to confirm the deposit. 

He checked the Glas.  It showed he had a balance of 53,000 United Earth Credits in his account.   It was more money than he ever had in his life. 

“I don’t know how I can thank you Audrey,” Tak said.

“Well, how about dinner?  I’ll even let you buy.”

“Not tonight, please,” Tak said indicating his attire. “I’d like to shower and get some more presentable clothes.”

Audrey turned off the terminal and walked around the desk. “Where are you staying?  Tomorrow is Saturday, so I can pick you up and take you shopping.  We can eat afterwards.”

“Sounds great,” he said, stepping aside to let her out first.

A well lighted place...

Ros circled the hub once; pointing out the fuel and repair depot… and the logistics centre where freight was transferred from small ships onto larger ones.  He pointed out the commercial mall next to the passenger terminal, where Covalex leased hotels, bars, restaurants, and duty-free shops. Tak was aware of much of this; having been here once with his dad, but Ros was obviously proud of his world, so Tak kept quiet and enjoyed the tour.

Covalex wasn’t the largest transportation hauler, thought Tak, but they were possibly the smartest.  They built and managed a series of orbital transport platforms like this one on major space-lanes throughout the galaxy.  Known as a ‘CovaPlex’, these hubs had evolved into strategically important places for anyone or anything moving through space. 

“That’s the company compound,” Ros said, “Dispatch and corporate are on the top floor and each of the next 3 levels are hangar bays.  The bottom two floors house personnel.  The subterranean level is a climate controlled causeway that connects the different zones of the platform.” 

Just then the com barked to life.

“Covalex dispatch to Astraea.”

“Astraea here.”

“Proceed to main hangar, level 1”

“Roger, main hangar, level 1,” Ros affirmed, “Establishing navlink.”

“Navlink confirmed.”

At once a big door began rolling up directly in front of the ship and Ros got up from the pilot seat.  “They’ve got it now, son.  By the time we get our stuff they’ll be knockin at the door.”

The two men gathered up their gear and made their way to the hatch.  Minutes later it slid open.  Two techs in white coveralls waited for the two to disembark.   The lead man nodded to Ros as he took charge of servicing the Aegis. 

Ros put his gear into the back of a company Greycat and got behind the wheel.  Tak stowed his too, taking care not to crush the container of donuts on top, and got into the passenger seat.   Mittens had explained the reporting and claim procedure to Tak earlier, but he went over some of it again on their way to the office elevators.   

“I radioed ahead; a UEE Accident Investigator has already spoken to dispatch and checked the logs.  Don’t say more than you have to,” advised Ros. 

“Okay Ros,” said Tak.

Sure enough, the Investigator was waiting in the CovaPlex General Manager’s office.  Ros introduced Tak to the two men.  The Investigator asked if he could use the office to interview Tak.  The GM said sure.  “Come on Ros let’s see if there’s anything to drink in the dispatch galley.”   

The investigator listened as Tak recounted picking up the shipment on Mars and the trouble he began having with his engine.  Up until that time, the ship had operated flawlessly, he explained. Efforts to repair the ship had failed and he had been adrift for 36 hours before the Astraea had picked him up.  When fire started in his ship he wanted to try and fight it, but Captain Mittens thought it too dangerous.  His voice caught as he described watching the Liberty explode.

“She was all I had left,” he said.

The investigator took some notes and then asked to be excused.  He came back less than an hour later and handed Tak an unsealed envelope.  Tak pulled out the letter and read it to himself:

‘Overwhelming evidence supports the testimony of Pilot Isaac D. Takwira that an unknown failure disabled the MISC Fiera class freighter, ‘Liberty’ on its return from Mars district.  Captain Roswell Mittens, Senior Test Pilot for COVALEX Corporation, gave testimony that he came across the drifting vessel during a routine cruise.  Captain Mittens extracted the pilot and secured the broken vessel for tow and repair.  The Liberty caught fire during transport and was abandoned, later exploding.
Conclusion:  We can find no fault with the actions of Pilot Takwira and deem Total Loss of the Liberty and Cargo to be ‘Casus Fortuitus.’ The incident is considered closed.

He had thought the inquiry might drag on for days, if not weeks.  He thanked the UEE agent for the fast-track report and held out his hand. 

“There is nothing to thank me for.  A lengthy inquiry was unnecessary given the facts.  In the end it would only have compounded your misfortune.” the investigator said, kindly.  He wished him luck and left.  Ros came into the room and Tak went to hand him the letter, but the old pilot deferred. 

“I know what it says,” Ros said, “I helped to dictate it.” He saw the surprise on Tak’s face. 

“Ours is a very small community, a family, in fact,” explained Ros.  “So when jobs open up around here, especially government openings, family are often successful applicants.”   

“You knew the inspector?”

“Not terribly well, but the GM and me have been friends since we started at Covalex together.  The inspector is his nephew.”

“I suggested the least we could do was expedite matters so a returned veteran could catch a break.  My friend suggested we use one of the office terminals and file the report immediately.”

“You knew how this would turn out,” stated Tak.

“Well, I had a fair idea how it might go,” Ros smiled.

“What now?”

“Why don’t we drop that letter off to the Insurance Adjudicator’s office over at the Terminal and then grab a bite to eat afterwards?  I know a terrific place.”

“I suppose the Adjudicator is related to someone too,” quipped Tak.

“Yup,” said Ros with a big grin, “She’s my neice.”

  

the death of Liberty

Ros tapped Tak's shoulder and indicated he should leave his helmet on.

Tak nodded.

Then he mimed a gathering motion with his arms and pointed to Tak.  He held up the tools and pointed to himself.

Tak nodded in understanding.

Tak went to the little storage locker in the floor behind the pilot's seat and pulled out his travel bag by the handle.  It was an old government courier bag his dad had seen in the window of a Bond Street shop in London.  "These are great," his dad had said, "The perfect carry on for a young officer coming home on holidays." The military style bag had taken Tak through VMI, officer training, and countless postings. He checked inside and found his neatly folded towel and a pair of soiled underwear.  He pulled the old boxers out and left them in the locker.

He thought that was about all he really wanted until he remembered the coin.  His father had bought the $20 Liberty gold piece shortly after the money started rolling in from the contract.  The whimsical purchase caused a rare fight between his parents. Dad insisted on having the coin mounted on the front panel of the MISC, with the famous lady liberty figure created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, facing outwards.  This was only a reproduction – and still quite valuable, but Tak had no intention of ever selling it.  After the ship, it was one of the few physical reminders of happier times.  

He reached into the side pocket of the pilot's chair and took out the multi-tool he kept for emergencies. Unfolding a flat tool, he wedged the point under the coin and levered until it popped free.  He gathered it in with his free hand and stuffed both the coin and the tool into the zipped pocket on the cover flap.

He could see Ros waiting by the hatch and raised a thumb.  Ros flashed his hand once; 'five minutes'.  Tak held up one finger.  Ros nodded and stepped out, leaving Tak time to say goodbye.

Tak took one last look around.  Each dent and scratch told of a story.  Tak didn't cry for his mother or father, but he felt tears begin to well up in his eyes.  It crossed his mind that he was betraying the ship that had been his first, a ship that had cradled his mother in her grief, when he should have been there.  But he knew Ros had been right.  It was as if the old craft had guided him to this point in his life and was saying goodbye.  "Thanks old girl."  Tak patted the side of the hull and stepped out, shutting the hatch behind him.

He stepped back aboard the big freighter and repeated the motions of stripping off, and stowing his gear. When he got to the galley he could see Ros was at the controls.  There was an almost imperceptible shudder when the tractor beam disengaged and another when the docking ring released.  Tak moved to the bridge and slid quietly into the co-pilot's chair.  Ros made a couple of changes and the big ship turned 180 degrees to face Liberty, the reverse thrusters pulled them away quickly.  The ship grew smaller, finally fading into the distance.  Five minutes later there was a large flash of light.

Five seconds later the com came to life.

"Astraea, Covalex dispatch calling Astraea.  You there Ros?"

"Yes dispatch, Astraea here."

"We picked up an explosion out your way.  Gave us a hell of a fright.  We thought it was you."

"Naw, I came across a MISC a couple of hours ago with complete thrusters failure.  I tethered and removed the pilot.  I engaged the tractor beam to bring the other ship back. On our way my ship's sensors picked up a fire in her engine room.  The pilot wanted to go back and fight the fire but I overruled him and cut the ship loose."

"Good thing you did too.  Astraea is the newest ship in the fleet.  It would have been a poor trade."

"And here I thought you were worried about me.  (loud chuckling could be heard on the other end)  ETA in 2 hours. Tell Mama to set another place at the table. I'm bringin a guest for dinner. Astraea out."

"Roger Astraea.  See you in two.  Dispatch out."

Ros turned off the com and glanced at Tak as he turned the ship back. "You okay?"

The head bobbed up and down slowly.

"It was the right thing to do.  You know that don't you?"

"Yeah, I know," said Tak.

"Well, the course is set now son.  We can drink a toast or two to that Liberty of yours on a stomach full of Mama's cooking.  She's gonna love stuffing a youngster again.

No turning back...

“Look, this is the situation as I see it.” Ros moved down the corridor stopping to grab a small bag of tools.  He talked as he walked.  “You got nothing waitin’ for you on earth ‘cept more grief.  But a young fella like you?  Your destiny lays out there somewhere.”

“So what’s your plan?”

“That MISC is 25 years old and the engine is likely shot.  It may have sentimental value, but that is about all it’s worth.  It seems to me your father gave it to you in case things didn't work out.  Well, in case you hadn't noticed - things haven’t!”  Ros saw the confused look on Tak’s face and went on.  “The UEE underwrites all Lifetime policies; they had to after The Massacre of Garron II.”

Tak shrugged his shoulders. “What does Garron II have to do with any of this?  That was more than a hundred years ago. “

“150.  Didn't you say you studied history? The corporation responsible for Garron II was owned by the Imperator’s family - covered by a Lifetime policy, but the private underwriters refused to pay out a single credit.”

“On the surface, The Fair Chances Act, passed 3 years after, was to calm the public outcry by making terraforming illegal on inhabited planets, but it was really passed to silence the army of lawyers poised to shut down terraforming forever.  Well, there was a little known subsection of the Act that guarantees UEE payment for all Lifetime policy holders.  Public money was the only way to backstop the losses facing the Imperator and his cronies.  SynthWorld would never have happened without that little clause protecting the same corporate interests that killed your parents.

“Seems to me blowin up your ship starts to tip the balance back your way.  In one fell swoop you get back at SynthWorld Corporation and the UEE.  It may be your last chance to set things back into some kind of balance.” 

Tak struggled with the concept of blowing up his own ship and committing fraud.  But if Ros was right then the UEE were the only ones that would suffer. Tak had dedicated his skills to serving the people back home.  But he was starting to understand that the enemy was within, too.  He made up his mind.  “Can I get some stuff out?”

“Anything you can carry in one trip.”

“Why get involved?”  Tak saw the Captain’s face grow cold.

“There was a time when I should have got involved and didn’t.  This puts things in balance for me too.” 

Tak nodded and slipped on his helmet.  The hatch opened and both men made their way to Liberty.  There was no turning back.

Dragging the broken MISC

When Ros first came across Tak’s ship he radioed the Covalex Shipping Hub Dispatcher to say he was stopping to help a distressed ship.  “No.  He had no idea how long it would take.  Yes, he would radio when he was back under way.  And would someone please let Mama know he’d be late.”

Dragging the broken MISC Fiera slowed the AEGIS to a crawl.  Tak hung his head over the empty cup and shook his head.  He looked up to see the grizzled pilot studying him as he leaned back on his chair. 

“You need to let anybody know where you are?” Ros inquired. 

“No.  There’s nobody waiting except the customer for this back-haul load.”

“Parents?”

“No.  My dad passed away a year ago... my mom died last January.”

“That’s tough, one after the other. What happened?” Ros saw Tak’s shoulders stiffen and watched the man’s knuckles turn white around the cup.  “Never mind a nosey old bugger.  It’s none of my business anyhoo.”

“No Captain, it’s a straight enough question.” Tak looked into the wizened eyes, took a deep breath and started talking.

“Dad and Mom had a small transport business - started with ‘Liberty’,” he jerked his thumb to indicate the MISC Fiera being pulled outside. “I learned how to fly her when I was 14, and soloed when I turned 16.  Anyway, dad won a contract to run supplies to SynthWorld.  The UEE contract provided the collateral for three new Freelancers and they built a small Terminal in Jersey.” 

“My dad’s dream was to build a business empire.  My dream was a naval career,” he added wistfully.  “I worked hard at school and was accepted to the Virginia Military Institute where I studied History.  When I graduated, dad gave me Liberty, and even paid for lifetime insurance in the hope I would forgo the military and join the family business.”

“But I was stubborn.  I joined the Navy for a life of adventure and guess what?  After training they assigned me to a damn transport! How’s that for irony?”

Ros chuckled in a low rumble then grew quiet while Tak gathered his thoughts. 

"Eventually I moved from freighters to warships and was on assignment to MacArthur when mom hinted at trouble.  She said that SynthWorld was bleeding financially, forcing contractors like them to take it on the chin.  Dad made light of it all and assured me that he had plenty of options.  Nothing more was said, so I figured everything had worked out, like it always had.”

“But it hadn't.” Ros suggested gently.

“UEE lawyers and Militia showed up with writs to seize the company and all assets.  My folks were arguing with the lawyers when dad spied two men enter one of the Freelancers.  He took off after them.”  Tak looked the other man in the eye.  “The Militia pilot didn't know anyone was out there when he fired up the thrusters. Dad got sucked into the intake...there was nothing left to bury”

“By the time I got leave and found a way back home, the Terminal and everything in it had been sold to PATH at auction.  The only thing they couldn't take was the MISC, because it was in my name.  An associate of dad’s moved Liberty to a spot behind his hangar and that’s where I found my mom; living on board; half-starved and half-mad.  She kept telling me dad would be home soon.”

“Most of my earnings were spent getting mom into a private residential clinic in Atlantic City.  When that ran out I put on a flight suit and hired out with Liberty as an independent.  Every time I saw mom she was a little worse, often just sitting by the window and staring outside.  Six months ago the duty nurse found the bed empty; they searched the grounds and followed a set of tracks through the snow.  She was found dead of exposure.”

“Why didn't you go back to the Navy?” asked Ros, breaking the lengthy silence.

“The thought of keeping the shipping lanes safe for UEE lawyers and rich merchants like PATH made me sick.  I resigned my commission after mother’s funeral.  I didn't know what else to do so I kept at the hired work. 

“So if you can’t fix that ship you got nothing,’’ Ros Mittens came right to the point.  

“Couldn't even pay to get her fixed,” Tak said.

“But you got the insurance?” Ros broke in.

“Like I said, lifetime.” Tak replied.

“I got a plan then,” said Ros.

Damn it all to hell.

"Damn it all to hell," Tak swore.  This overnighter to Mars was fast turning into a nightmare.  Halfway back the power plant began tripping on and off; seemed to right itself, and then quit altogether.  I tried every trick I knew to get back underway, but after drifting off the shipping lane for a day and a half, I was beginning to loose hope of being found.  I breathed a sigh of relief when a big Covalex transport stopped to help. Truckers could always be counted on to stop when others zipped on past; later claiming they had never seen you.

"Why howdy," said the voice on the open channel.  The friendly face grinned through the portal.
"Er they bitin' out here?"
"Not even a nibble," I said, smiling back.  "Not for 37 hours."
The other man raised an eyebrow appreciatively.

"Name's Ros Mittens...any idear what's wrong?" he asked, looking over the dead ship.
"Not really," I answered uncertainly. "This engine should have been retired 10,000 hours ago, but other things kept coming up and the short hauls don't pay like they used to.  I think she's just about had enough." His  hand couldn't help but give the dash a wistful rub, and then he turned back to the Samaritan.

"Forgive the whining Mr. Mittens - I'm I Dig Takwira from Jersey."
"Forget the 'Mr.' bullshit.  'Ros' will do just fine.  I work for a livin'."
"Okay Ros... those who know me call me 'Tak'"

"Well, you can't do nothin' from there," surmised the pilot.  "Let's tether up these two gals and you come on over.  I got some Horton's coffee in a Therman and a box of Timbits that Mama best not ketch me eatin'. Our outfit's got a platform off-planet.  You'll be able to see to your freight and get one of the techs to have a look at that engine."
"Sounds good," I said.

My docking collar was port side, just behind the cockpit.  The one on the Covalex was amidships, just above the big thrusters on the ship's keel. Tak saw the collar telescoping out.  He used the last of his air thrusters to roll over and coax his ship alongside.  In less than 10 minutes he had linked with the bigger vessel.  Ros sealed the deal by activating the tractor beam, instantly locking the two together.

Tak put on his helmet and opened the hatch.  He stepped into the extension and heard the the hatch close behind him. The transport airlock was open at the other end.  He entered, shut the door and waited for the indicator to flash green.  It did almost immediately.  Tak undid the snap lever, lifted the helmet off the collar of his suit and tucked it under his left arm. Then he took off his right glove and reached for the other hatch button.  It opened to reveal Ros waiting on the other side.

"Permission to come aboard, Captain," Tak requested, standing with his feet together.
"Permission granted."
Tak held out his hand.  The older man met the grip and tested it with an ever increasing pressure, watching Tak's eyes all the while.  Tak put everything he had into the grip and kept his gaze and smile steady.
Ros grunted and stepped back.
"You got a flight suit on under that gear," he asked?
"Yes sir."
"Good.  The last time I picked up a feller he was wearing nothin' but a slingshot sack under his suit.  Gave me the willies. Made him put it back on.  Just stow that gear by the door and make yourself at home."
Covalex spent a lot of money on their rigs and attracted the best pilots as a result.  This was a late model Aegis.  Once used as Retaliator bombers, the company only produced civilian haulers and transporters these days.  It was a solid deep space transport and Tak looked appreciably at the mod cons.  The galley was lush and close enough to the cockpit for the pilot to keep an eye on things while he ate or relaxed.  Tak saw seating and berths for four and looked around for any other crew members.

"We just took delivery on this baby and I'm shakin' her out for the day, before she starts long haul service," explained Ros, unscrewing the lid of the insulated flask.  "This transport has the latest AI - that's why I'm alone, but I thought you light-haul fellas travelled in pairs?"  In truth, Mittens knew commercial ships always had at least one other crew member on board.
Tak took the steaming hot coffee offered to him and nodded in the affirmative.
"Most do.  I'm just trying to keep costs down."
Ros felt there might be more to the explanation, but the other man sipped on his coffee quietly.  Tak noticed the awkwardness and quickly changed the subject.
"Good coffee... and did I hear something about Timbits?"

"Right." Ros took a shoebox sized container from behind the glass galley cupboard, peeled open the lid, and set it down in front Tak.  Inside were four dozen mixed donuts; bite-sized and fresh. Tak popped one into his mouth and washed it down with the coffee.  He ate half a dozen more, sucked the sugar off his fingers and peeled off a One Wipe Charlie from the packet stuck in the middle of the table to wipe his hands. Usually found in the head. Tak held one up to his host.
"Aren't these for wiping your ass?" Tak ventured.
"Works good on sugar, too," Ros retorted.  The two men laughed.