Echogenesis by Gary Gibson

Author:Gary Gibson [Gibson, Gary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brain in a Jar Books
Published: 2021-08-08T22:00:00+00:00

17

THE MANIFEST

‘Just keep in mind,’ said Ethan, feeding Sam another sip, ‘that this is the last of our water.’

Sam coughed violently, then leaned forward to let Ethan probe the gauze wrapped in a thick wad around his left shoulder. They were still in the cargo bay, where Sam had slept most of the night. The ramp had been lowered, and outside it was a warm and sunny day. The fact the creatures only seemed to come at night did little to reassure him.

‘Where did you even find bandages?’

‘Yeah, well, you can thank Irish and Kim,’ Ethan muttered. ‘They found a few bits and pieces digging through the fire-damaged bays including, you’ll be delighted to know, a couple of rolls of gauze and a box of painkillers.’

Sam leaned back against a wall once Ethan had finished his investigation. The dried-in bug blood in his jumpsuit had started to stink. ‘They find anything else?’

‘I have no idea.’ Ethan sat back and studied him with a concerned expression. ‘You’ve been through the wringer, haven’t you?’

Sam regarded him grimly. ‘Haven’t we all. How much blood did I lose?’

‘You’re still walking,’ said Ethan. ‘I count that as a win. But if you want to stay in one piece, try to take it easy for once. There’s only so much abuse your body can take, whether it’s ninety years old or nineteen.’

Sam glanced to the side, hearing voices from inside the access shaft. Kevin appeared at the inner bay door, then stepped forward to let Amit exit into the bay. Kim soon followed, and lastly, Karl.

‘How are you feeling?’ asked Kevin, looking down at Sam’s bandaged shoulder.

‘I’ve felt worse. A little sore, maybe.’ Sam motioned with his head at Ethan. ‘I’m under orders to get some rest.’

‘Not a bad idea.’ Kevin gave him a long, contemplative look. ‘I’m sorry about Sun.’

Sun was the last thing Sam wanted to talk about. ‘Thanks,’ he nodded.

It was obvious Kevin had something on his mind. ‘Listen,’ he said, ‘I’ve asked everyone to gather outside by the campfire. I’ve got an announcement to make. Think you’re well enough to join us?’

‘I’m not an invalid,’ Sam replied testily before levering himself upright. ‘What kind of announcement?’

‘You’ll see. But I think everyone needs to hear it at the same time.’

Sam made his way cautiously over to the ramp, blinking at the bright sunlight touching the not-grass past the shadow cast by the lander. ‘Good news,’ he asked, looking over his shoulder at Kevin, ‘or bad news?’

Kevin gave him a heartfelt smile. ‘Sam, it might be the first genuinely good news we’ve had since we woke up here.’

* * *

They made their way over to where everyone else was sitting in their usual places all around the campfire. ‘All right,’ said Sam, carefully settling down onto the grass and wincing at the pain in his shoulder, ‘let’s hear it.’

‘Before anything else,’ said Ethan, ‘you need to eat.’

Sam noticed Wardell had set the roasting stick back over the flames. A blackened, potato-like object had been speared on it.

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