Xombies: Apocalypticon by Walter Greatshell

Author:Walter Greatshell
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science-Fiction
ISBN: 9780441018451
Publisher: ACE Charter
Published: 2010-02-23T06:25:33.636929+00:00

“Here are your new quarters,” Kranuski said, opening the door to the executive-officer suite. “Don’t ever say I never did anything for you.”

Alton Webb went inside, nodding appreciatively. It was nothing he hadn’t seen before, but it was finally his. Quite a leap for a guy who never expected to be promoted above senior chief, much less become a commissioned officer, lieutenant grade—and now the ship’s XO, no less. It would have been a dream come true if it all wasn’t just more proof that everything had gone to shit. That devalued the achievement somewhat.

Webb looked around the little cabin, cozy as a first-class train compartment with its fake wood paneling, personal desk, bunk, and cleverly stowable sink. His whole body was tense with anticipation.

“Ah, my old room.” Kranuski sighed jokingly. He had been in there less than three months. “So many memories . . .” He tapped the bulkhead as though petting a loyal old horse, then ran his hand down to the handle of an adjoining door. It opened onto a tiny shower compartment that connected the XO quarters with his new command stateroom on the opposite side.

Looking at the floor, Kranuski jerked back with a start.

“That head’s been in here.”

“What head?” asked Webb.

“What head? The head! That fucking head! Fred Cowper’s head!”

“I thought it went down the TDU.”

“That’s what Langhorne originally said she did with it. Now I’m not so sure.” Kranuski fidgeted for a moment, scanning the nooks of his quarters. He could barely look at Webb; suddenly he felt dangerously vulnerable, as though he had made a critical error in chess. Gathering his composure, he asked, “How are the preparations coming along for getting under way?”

Webb was studying him closely. “Everything looks ship-shape. We ran a test on the A induction valve but couldn’t trace the glitch—probably a bad sensor. The tube itself seems to be working all right. Other than that, all critical systems are in the green. The tide’s just hitting peak. If we pull anchor now, we can run right out on the current.”

“Good. No word on those shore parties?”

Alton Webb’s broad face remained blank. “No, sir.”

“All right.” Kranuski sighed. “Prepare the bridge for surface maneuvers. Get everyone on station. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

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