Fugitive Star Voyage by C.G. Harris

Author:C.G. Harris [Harris, C.G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hot Chocolate Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Five

The spherical network of circuits and lights were big enough to be classified as a ship in its own right. Huge cables spiraled the main attachment arm, and I could smell the ozone as it controlled its analogs and operated the ship. A circular webwork of scaffolding provided access all the way around, allowing analogues to perform repairs or upgrades. I cared about none of that. I only needed one thing.

I jogged around the computer, searching through the webwork of circuits, wiring and flashing lights. I began to wonder if their system required an access port at all. Perhaps the central node gathered all its information wirelessly through its analogues.

Searching through such a labyrinth of circuity for the small data access I required felt like searching a junkyard for a single screw. I could be here forever looking for a port compatible with my data cube, but forever was not a luxury I could afford. Jax needed me now. The Scavid were on their way. If I didn’t find the port in the next few seconds, my whole mission could end in disaster.

I slowed my search, hoping a more thorough scan might turn something up. Then I spotted a small plated disc within a jumble of wires. It contained a square insert exactly the size I was looking for. I tore off my backpack as fast as I could and opened the catch. The data cube was so slick, I almost dropped it, but I managed to fumble it back into my fingers. There was no way for me to access the cube, so I had to hope the Scavid mainframe would see the fragmented programming and initiate an automatic repair protocol.

As I stared at the cube, I realized how foolish my plan might have been. I had no idea if this would work. I didn’t even know if the programming would be compatible. There was only one way to find out.

I set the cube into the inset and a familiar amber light began to glow inside. With no screen, keyboard or voice-activated inputs, I had no way of knowing if the computer was working. I stared at the cube, hoping for some sort of signal.

I waited … and waited some more. The amber light pulsed and glowed, but it never sped up, slowed down or flashed me a green light for go. Sweat trickled down the back of my neck as I imagined a swarm of Scavid pouring into the ship to surround me. I took off my two thigh holsters and strapped them on either side of the cube where I could reach them. If I had to make a stand, this was as good a place as any.

I kept my ears and eyes sharp, waiting for the cube, then I heard the faintest of clicks from the input plate. I looked over at the cube, but it gave no indication that anything had changed. I bounded on the balls on my feet, frantic with anticipation. I had waited as long as I dared.

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