Enigma by Gerald M Kilby

Author:Gerald M Kilby [Kilby, Gerald M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Outer Planet Media
Published: 2020-04-11T22:00:00+00:00

16

Manual Override

Luca and Steph were tied up and strapped into two crew seats on the flight deck while the ship went through its docking maneuvers. But so far, none of the crew had realized Luca still wore the neural lace. She reckoned that being off-grid types, they were not familiar with the technology and didn’t realize that it was she who controlled the drone.

Yet there was not much she could do unless she activated the interface, and that required using her hands that were bound tight with her arms strapped down by the seat harness. But even if she could somehow manage to reach up to it, what could the drone do? Its weapons’ system was useless against thick EVA suits. Maybe she could get it to disable the ship, but that would mean the drone exposing itself, as it needed to use the interface on the cockpit console.

She twisted her pinned arms a little and reckoned she could get them free of the seat harness, but not while she was being watched. The best she could hope for was to wait for an opportunity, a time when they weren’t being monitored, then try and figure out what she could get the drone to do, if anything.

There was a clunk followed by the sound of the locking bolts firing. When the ship was finally secured, the new captain swiveled around in his seat and looked at Luca.

“Seems these VanHeilding guys want you real bad. They’ve sent a few of their agents here to pick you up. So we’re going to deliver you as promised, and then me and the guys are going to retire.” He waved a hand around at the others. “No more of this bullshit ducking and diving.”

He turned to one of the crew. “Becker, go check out the area outside. Make sure it’s all nice and quiet.” He gestured with a jerk of his head toward the airlock. Then he turned to the other crew member. “Dillon, go find that drone and destroy it. Can’t be too many places it can hide on this ship.”

The two crew closed their helmet visors and floated out of the flight deck. The new captain returned to studying the ship’s flight console. Luca and Steph exchanged glances. With the captain distracted and the two crew occupied with their respective tasks, Luca tested the harness that secured her to the seat. Her efforts were hampered by her constant checking of the captain’s focus. He would shift in his seat, halting her efforts, only to resume his study of the navigation screen.

She finally wriggled her hands free, reached up to the back of her head, and activated the neural lace. As her mind began to make the connection, she shoved her hands back under the harness and focused on the drone.

“Where are you?”

A ship schematic blossomed into view in her mind’s eye, highlighting Fly’s location, deep within the network of ventilation ducts.

“One of them is looking for you, Fly.”

“Yes, I have sensed him moving around, shining lights into ducts and alcoves.

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