Arrival: A Space Opera Adventure by T.S. Valmond

Author:T.S. Valmond [Valmond, T.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781990684067
Published: 2023-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 39

Wade walked a slippery line when it came to his relationship with Barnes. Though Barnes had revealed himself, he’d been careful not to be seen publicly with Wade, and did his best to oppose any ideas that Wade put forth. Their public opposition, however, was in direct contrast to their new camaraderie. Barnes hadn’t divulged how he’d got into his quarters, but he never entered again without permission.

Wade was already in his cabin drafting a message when the door chimed. He let Barnes inside and the two sat down to discuss the progress of their now mutual plan to take over the ship.

“Nice job in the Kitchen. It didn’t take you very long to get them riled up,” Wade said, tossing Barnes a tube to drink.

“Once we plant the seeds of doubt, it’s only a matter of time before the weeds choke out the harvest.” Barnes chugged his tube.

“There are more and more every day. It’s hard to believe.”

“Really? When you rule with an iron fist, as soon as you go on holiday, there’s a revolt. It’s the way of things.” Barnes picked up Wade’s discarded tube and put them both in the incinerator. “How are things with the Love Doctor?”

“You mean Amanda?”

“She’s so into you,” Barnes chided. “I don’t think she’s as pretty as your ex, but she’ll keep you warm at night while you’re away from pretty Pinet.”

“Someday you’re going to really care about someone, and you’re going to understand how dumb you sound right now.”

Barnes shrugged and flopped back down in his seat. “What’s next on the agenda, Commander?”

“I wish you’d stop calling me that.” Wade shook his head. Barnes had a way of being a helpful annoyance most days. “Where are we on the engineering crew?”

“Besides your two people, we don’t have anyone willing to stand up to Chief Cutthroat.”

“There’s more to the woman than we know,” Wade said, watching Barnes’ face for any change.

Barnes just shrugged. “Well, if you’re willing to peel through the layers on that smelly onion, she’s all yours. I’ll keep working on the bridge crew. I think I’ve got at least two. That might be all we need for now, as the rest are with Tack in the race. By the time they get back, the ship will be ours.”

No, Barnes knew nothing about their chief engineer being Sarah MacLaren, the ship’s designer. If he had, he’d have mentioned it by now, and he’d be trying to figure out a way to work that angle rather than dismissing her. Though Wade was sure of Maggie’s new intel, he wasn’t ready to share it with Barnes.

“What about the other two crew members who’ve gone missing?” Wade asked.

“Everyone thinks they’ve run to the Hope. Though I don’t imagine Captain Pinet turning them away, I doubt it.”

“Yeah, it doesn’t fit. They were supposed to be out getting supplies and never came through. I’ve heard there are others from neighboring ships missing, too. There’s something going on. We need to be careful out there. This planet may have the beasts I was telling you about.

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