Violent Graduation: Jack Foster Space Opera Series by John Hindmarsh

Author:John Hindmarsh [Hindmarsh, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-09-29T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-six

Ten days later Jack was fully focused on monitoring Queen Bess’s progress as the bridge crew, assisted by a handful of tugs, moved her closer and closer to the OneMyle waystation. The stern clunked into place with no discernible impact. A massive gantry reached out along one side of the star liner in preparation of providing an atmosphere-filled extension of the waystation for disembarking passengers, and later, boarding passengers, while a similar gantry extended on the other side of the vessel. The latter would allow transfer of freight, passenger luggage, supplies, and provide access for crew and workmen.

After the excitement with the attempted raid on Queen Bess by the tug thugs and its aftermath, the remainder of the voyage had been entirely peaceful and relaxing. Jack spent most of his days on the bridge, understudying different roles and absorbing everything he could about starship operations. Nights, in addition to attending VIP dinners with Captain Burton, included time with Jenny, at least when she was off-shift.

He stood at the top of the gangway leading off the starship and gave Jenny a hug. “I’m looking forward to my next voyage on Queen Bess.”

Jenny hugged him back. “Me, too.” She yawned. “Assuming I’m rostered on for the trip.”

“I’ll be disappointed if you’re not.”

“Let me know your reservation details. If necessary, I’ll swap rosters.”

Alpha and his team were patiently standing by, on guard, while Jack and Jenny said their farewells. The wounded would-be pirate from the tug, when he exited the DocBox, had confirmed the putative raid had been authorized and financed by the Fat Man. As a result, the bots maintained continuing awareness of further risks to Jack. They continued to take their role as his protectors very seriously. In addition, Dice guarded Skye in her carry case while Duh carried the AI’s temporary power supply.

Almost reluctantly, Jack disembarked with the flow of passengers off Queen Bess and once inside the waystation signaled an ecab which transported him and his escort to security for identity checks. He had no luggage to retrieve; he’d checked in two heavy cases mainly containing reference materials and other items he’d gathered while at the academy, which were consigned to his home address on FourMyle. He’d left his new uniforms and most of his personal clothing in storage at the Bester II waystation, to reclaim when he returned. He’d moved his computer installation and Isa, the new AI, to Tug’s apartment, first requiring both Alan and Tug to promise to guard it with their lives.

The egress of thousands of passengers plus the unloading and recovery of their luggage was surprisingly efficient although he was relieved he didn’t have to join the relatively long lines. The wait for customs clearance was enough delay especially when the officer began to question the designation of the bots. Jack had arranged clearance in advance with Leonard Ross, the customs officer who he’d met on the outward journey. After Jack had explained his quandary, Ross persuaded a more senior level officer to

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