bring the Hurkz, but would also ensure that someone responded. Even they could be of some use here.
The array chirped with incoming and I thumbed the mic open. No video request with the incoming signal, which was nice, and I pushed up my goggles, relaxing back as I did.
“Signal received,” the message loop started, “please stand by for connection. Your request for assistance is important to us.” Well, good to know. I waited a while longer, probably less than five minutes, though it felt closer to fifty.
They came on the line and were all business. “Registered craft MA19-2, this is Emergency Response, how can we help?” I sighed in relief, quietly enough that they didn’t hear it. First hurdle leapt clear, they didn’t feel the need to bring up my status first thing.
“Emergency Response, this is MA19-2, I have a wreck out here. Location was in the ping.”
“MA19-2, what is the nature of the wreckage?” Did you cause it, son?
“Emergency Response, craft MA19-2 was not involved, repeat not involved. No damage here, guys, just passing through and found a wreck. No recorder, no crew, this is a strange one. Sending scan and hull camera data supplemental. Request investigation and retrieval of other craft.” I bundled up the extra data as promised and shot it to them. They would get it fast enough but take a few to sort through all of the information.
“MA19-2, supplemental data received. We will dispatch to your location. Can you hold for meet and brief? Records show MA19-2 as registered response-capable craft,” yeah guys, I know, I’m licensed to help you, “and, ahhh, further questioning may be needed.” The Hurkz.
“Negative Emergency Response, on another call,” I lied to them, “and cannot remain in area. Will deploy markers around current state of wreckage for ease, and you guys have my data, all right?” I gave up on the formal patter and hoped they would, too. “Just send someone out to have a look and deal with it, I’m out-system bound.”
“MA19-2 we may need to question you…regarding the wreckage.” Her slight pause told me everything I needed to know.
“Negative, E.R., repeat negative. Look, like I said, I’m out-system bound, and I’m already late.”
“Hey, MA19-2, we don’t write this stuff, we just do what they tell us. Response ship has already deployed and will be at your location within an hour. Still, you need to remain—”
“Thanks, E.R.,” I cut her off, “I’m sure they’ll be fine. If you have any questions that can’t be answered by the data I sent, leave me a message and I’ll get back to you quick, promise.”
“MA19-2! I am authorized to warn you that failure to remain on site will jeopardize your flight status.”
“So will staying, E.R., but thanks for the warning. MA19-2 out.”
And so much for staying off the radar. Still, something hit that ship, and whatever did it needed to be bundled up and found. Doing my duty, now don’t mind me while I leave town right quick.
I plotted a course fast and hard, not really paying too much attention to where I ended up so long as it really would be close to out-system holdings. I thumbed the engines to life and shot away from the problem in the opposite direction from the incoming Emergency Response crew.
Banking, already a fair distance away, my internal gravity hit a tiny lag and I glanced down at the odd clanging sound from near my feet. The two pieces of wreckage I’d brought on board with me. Whoops.
Chapter 9 – Jonah
HODGES STOOD with his scowl aimed directly at me. I met and held his gaze. Most people, when they meet my gaze when I’m stressed, angry, and working, can’t hold it. To his credit, Hodges could and did.
Wasn’t a time for pissing contests, though. I wouldn’t forget that Hodges was playing me. No, not at all. The flight group, showing up as tiny marked stars moving in a holographic field, needed my attention more. They were, even if they weren’t aware
The array chirped with incoming and I thumbed the mic open. No video request with the incoming signal, which was nice, and I pushed up my goggles, relaxing back as I did.
“Signal received,” the message loop started, “please stand by for connection. Your request for assistance is important to us.” Well, good to know. I waited a while longer, probably less than five minutes, though it felt closer to fifty.
They came on the line and were all business. “Registered craft MA19-2, this is Emergency Response, how can we help?” I sighed in relief, quietly enough that they didn’t hear it. First hurdle leapt clear, they didn’t feel the need to bring up my status first thing.
“Emergency Response, this is MA19-2, I have a wreck out here. Location was in the ping.”
“MA19-2, what is the nature of the wreckage?” Did you cause it, son?
“Emergency Response, craft MA19-2 was not involved, repeat not involved. No damage here, guys, just passing through and found a wreck. No recorder, no crew, this is a strange one. Sending scan and hull camera data supplemental. Request investigation and retrieval of other craft.” I bundled up the extra data as promised and shot it to them. They would get it fast enough but take a few to sort through all of the information.
“MA19-2, supplemental data received. We will dispatch to your location. Can you hold for meet and brief? Records show MA19-2 as registered response-capable craft,” yeah guys, I know, I’m licensed to help you, “and, ahhh, further questioning may be needed.” The Hurkz.
“Negative Emergency Response, on another call,” I lied to them, “and cannot remain in area. Will deploy markers around current state of wreckage for ease, and you guys have my data, all right?” I gave up on the formal patter and hoped they would, too. “Just send someone out to have a look and deal with it, I’m out-system bound.”
“MA19-2 we may need to question you…regarding the wreckage.” Her slight pause told me everything I needed to know.
“Negative, E.R., repeat negative. Look, like I said, I’m out-system bound, and I’m already late.”
“Hey, MA19-2, we don’t write this stuff, we just do what they tell us. Response ship has already deployed and will be at your location within an hour. Still, you need to remain—”
“Thanks, E.R.,” I cut her off, “I’m sure they’ll be fine. If you have any questions that can’t be answered by the data I sent, leave me a message and I’ll get back to you quick, promise.”
“MA19-2! I am authorized to warn you that failure to remain on site will jeopardize your flight status.”
“So will staying, E.R., but thanks for the warning. MA19-2 out.”
And so much for staying off the radar. Still, something hit that ship, and whatever did it needed to be bundled up and found. Doing my duty, now don’t mind me while I leave town right quick.
I plotted a course fast and hard, not really paying too much attention to where I ended up so long as it really would be close to out-system holdings. I thumbed the engines to life and shot away from the problem in the opposite direction from the incoming Emergency Response crew.
Banking, already a fair distance away, my internal gravity hit a tiny lag and I glanced down at the odd clanging sound from near my feet. The two pieces of wreckage I’d brought on board with me. Whoops.
Chapter 9 – Jonah
HODGES STOOD with his scowl aimed directly at me. I met and held his gaze. Most people, when they meet my gaze when I’m stressed, angry, and working, can’t hold it. To his credit, Hodges could and did.
Wasn’t a time for pissing contests, though. I wouldn’t forget that Hodges was playing me. No, not at all. The flight group, showing up as tiny marked stars moving in a holographic field, needed my attention more. They were, even if they weren’t aware
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