Starfree Port by Randolph Lalonde

Author:Randolph Lalonde [Lalonde, Randolph]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781441401151
Goodreads: 10448528
Publisher: Randolph LaLonde
Published: 2009-01-07T00:00:00+00:00

Pathia City

“I'm never taking on refugees again,” Alice said as they walked down the main gangway from the Clever Dream. “Well, unless they really don't have anywhere else go to.”

Frost laughed and nodded. “That's why they call 'em refugees, I'm thinkin'.”

She was walking between him and Stephanie, who had been quiet the entire way down, even while guiding the sixty seven refugees off the ship onto the orbital station.

After they had guided the sixty or so refugees off the ship onto the orbital station they moved on to land in Pathia, a dusty city centred around a large domed colony ship that hadn't moved since it landed. The surrounding buildings were made out of scrap metal, concrete made from the fine white sands and other improvised materials. The streets looked like a maze of squares from above, all random sizes and placements.

There were no docking fees due and as soon as the Clever Dream landed a crew attached refuelling hoses. Sadly, Aucharia wasn't willing to pay Alice's fuel bill, but Jake had loaned her the credits for a full refill. She'd pay him back even though he insisted it was only fair. He expected she'd be using the Clever Dream for the Triton's purposes fairly often.

“Do you think you'll stay on?” Asked Stephanie, speaking for the first time since the refugees had been offloaded..

Alice looked at the white stone archway marking the edge of Hubert Burough. The homes were nearly piled atop each other, alleys were covered by walkways and hanging laundry. “I like Jacob. I wouldn't admit to myself before but I wasn't sure I would. I like the Triton and everyone from the Samson too,” she smiled at Stephanie, who smirked back.

“Sounds like a yes to me,” Frost concluded, elbowing her gently.

“Well, I come with my own share of trouble. I'll have to see what Jake says about it when he knows my whole story.”

“You haven't seen trouble. Captain may be well respected in this sector, but he's given some people a lot of reasons to gun for him,” Stephanie reassured. “I'm sure he'll understand, and hope he doesn't return the favour and give you his whole story.”

“Aye, that could take a bit,” Frost agreed. “I heard you're looking to serve on the bridge.”

“So have I. Word is spreading around the ship,” Stephanie added.

“Jacob actually asked after I said something about the Triton not having a first officer. I didn't think about it before then, but the more I picture it, the more I want the post.”

“You don't find it intimidating?”

“No, the systems are pretty easy to operate and I like the Chiefs he's chosen. I think everyone will know what they're doing before long if they don't already. It should be relatively easy.”

“'Easy' she says as she talks about takin' command of a combat carrier for twelve hours at a time,” Frost said with a chuckle. “You're more of your father than you look.”

Alice didn't say anything, just looked at the crowded streets as she tried to let the awkward moment pass.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.