A Party of Discord

The following morning the little Mariner under the command of Captain Moshapa disconnected from its mooring pulled out around the docking arm and entered the open bay of The Explorer. Anna sat beside Justice feeling a bit like a third wheel. It was a very difficult to be a Commodore

without a fleet. As senior officer on deck, she could have sat in the captain's seat but it wasn't her style. Justice had worked his way up the ranks and won a field commission. This was his first command and he deserved to enjoy it as much as possible.

“Reverse thrusters, helm.”

“Aye, aye, Sir,” stated Crewman Sur.

“Lateral thrusters, brace for touch down.”

The Mariner settled on the deck of the bay with a gentle bump.

“Engineers off.”

“Aye, aye, Sir.”

“Patch me through to The Explorer, Eveen.

“Go ahead, Captain Moshapa.”

“Explore, The Mariner is aboard.”

“Roger that. Stand by for bay door closure and pressurizing. Welcome aboard, Mariner.”

“Thank you, Explorer.”

Anna looked at Justice. “So here we go again.”

Justice smiled. “Let's hope this mission is as successful as our last.”

They watched the exterior sensor screens as the pressure and artificial gravity levels rose to optimum. Then sat patiently while the docking crew covered the propulsion jets and locked the landing gear in place.

Justice stood. “Shore leave until eight hundred hours. The Explorer is hosting a gathering at ten hundred hours in their mess. Dress uniforms. Be there. That is all.”

The crew went it's various ways. Anna caught a glimpse of Jill disappearing up the conning tower. Since the issue over the ISMs, Jill had been keeping a low profile hiding out in engineering. Last night, she'd come to their quarters very late and when Anna had tried to talk, Jill had told her quietly that everything had been said that needed to be said and that she didn't want to talk about it. She'd changed for bed in their head and had quickly got into her bunk and turned off the light. Jill was gone when Anna woke after a bad night's sleep.

Anna soon found herself alone aboard The Mariner. She wandered forward and sat on the bridge, dark now except for the systems lights. She had no where to go. Unlike the others, she hadn't made a lot of friends aboard The Explorer or anywhere else for that matter. There was Carlos, of course, but The Explorer was getting underway and he'd be needed on the command deck. Justice, she knew, was meeting to have a drink with an old friend from Botswana and Jill was avoiding her. Justice was right, a chief is always alone and when that chief is a cloned human-cyborg there was the added isolation of a social stigma. She felt depressed. It wasn't a good start to a mission.

“Commodore?”

Anna looked up startled. Toda stood hesitantly near her command chair. How could anyone so big move so lightly and quietly?

“Sorry, Com. I didn't mean to startle you. I forget that humans are not always aware of their surroundings. I should have made more noise.”

“That's okay. I was deep in thought. What can I do for you, Toda?”

The Gigantean shuffled a bit as he struggled to approach a difficult issue. “It's about the ISMs, Sir. Crewman Fairfax and I realize that we were way out of line and we have learned our lesson but they are aboard The Explorer. What should we do about them?”

Anna looked out into the darkness of the command deck to focus her mind on the issue at hand doing her best to shake off her mood. Then she stood and looked at Toda.

“We'd better have a look at them and see what can be done. The Mariner needs every advantage it can get.”

“Thank you, Com.” Toda looked relieved and happier. Anna felt neither.

They headed out onto the Cargo Bay floor and Toda led the way over the back side of a rectangle metal unit sitting by the far side of the wall.

“Jill and I designed the stable unit ourselves,” Toda stated proudly. “It mounts directly into the hull of a vessel. You can get into the ISMs from inside the ship by slipping through the bulkhead hatch and the ISM hatch. Once the hatches are sealed, the chamber can be depressurized and the front gates opened to release one or more of the ISMs.”

Toda showed Anna how the double hatch system worked. Anna slipped inside one going feet first and using a hand bar to push herself forward through the two aligned hatchways and down into the ISM. She found herself sitting upright in a small cockpit. The joystick was easily assessable and the control panel visible and logically arranged. Exterior visibility was good through several portholes. Anna nodded her approval and leaning back pulled herself out.

“Looks good,” she stated and Toda smiled. They walked around the front of the metal stable and Toda released the hull gates to show her the three ISMs sitting in their stables.

Anna looked, blinked and looked again. “They look like seahorses.”

Toda smiled proudly. “I wanted to keep with the marine theme. The Mariner has a shark look to her. You sit up right inside and use joystick controls to move them about. Life support and the fuel cell are located in the tail to create ballast. They can move quickly but are not really designed for distance. They have wonderful movability and have enough power for twenty four hours of work at top speed and life support for twenty-four hours.”

“They look like seahorses.” Anna repeated in disbelief.

Toda failed to see Anna's bewilderment. “That's why the ancient horse names. The gold one is Trigger, the black one Toronado and the silver one Silver. Silver is bigger so I can fit in it.”

Anna took a step back. “We'll test them on route. If they live up to your claim then we'll have the unit fitted into The Mariner.”

“Oh thank you, Com! You won't be disappointed. They are fine craft.”

“Where is Jill?”

Toda actually blushed. “She was going to visit a friend. She said she doesn't want anything to do with the ISMs anymore.”

“Well, if they test out satisfactory, she'll have to whether she wants to or not.” Anna voice came out sharper than she intended.

For a split second anger clouded Toda's face making him look more animal than hominid. Anna remembered belatedly the caution in Toda's file that it was unwise to anger a Gigantean. Toda seemed to calm himself with effort.

“I'm sure you'll be pleased, Commodore.”

Anna nodded trying to think of something to say to defuse the situation. Giganteans were very loyal friends and Toda was close to Jill.

“You and Jill worked hard to get this unit ready. I hope you both will work on installing and testing it so you can have the satisfaction of seeing the job through. Procedure must be followed in future but that does not take away from the fact that the two of you have again come up with what appears to be an excellent design.”

Toda seemed to relax. “Thank you, Com.”

Anna looked at her watch. “There are one or two things I need to check before getting ready for tonight's gathering. I'll see you later, Toda.”

“Yes, Com.”

Anna headed back to the ship. If Jill wanted to keep her distance, fine. She'd wash and change and be off The Mariner before Jill returned to change.

Once in her dress uniform, Anna had filled in time on the observation deck of The Explorer. There wasn't much to see really just endless dark space. The smear of a star they passed at light speed flashed and disappeared like a shooting star. Deep space travel was a voyage of darkness without any sensation of speed or motion. As the great Janette Gayla had described it, Space was an endless waste land filled with an infinite array of possibilities.

The party was well under way when Anna finally made her way down to the mess hall. She wasn't a party person at the best of times and her present state of mind was not conducive to having a good time. She got herself a drink and started the necessary round of meet and greets that were expected of her in her position. Ten minutes of this brought her to Lieutenant Adam Wiseman, her science officer, who was standing off in a corner nursing a drink and looking particularly annoyed.

“Hi Adam. I haven't had a chance to talk to you. How was your leave?”

Adam shook his head and stared off as if reliving his experience. “It was a dream. Some of the best minds in astro physics were waiting for me. I was treated like an equal. I could have had my pick of positions on some of the best research teams in the world. Now I'm standing here wondering why I thought staying aboard The Mariner was going to be better. I threw away my chance at everything I've ever wanted.”

Anna's heart sank. Another disgruntled crew member was not what she needed. “I'm sorry you find us less than satisfactory as colleagues. I could recommend a transfer for you on our return.”

Adam looked at her in surprise. “The Mariner crew is the best there is. I'm proud to wear the DMC uniform. I just think I might have acted hastily in staying aboard instead of following my original dream. I made the decision based on the excitement of the moment. Now I'm having second thoughts.”

“Let me know at the end of the mission if you want to transfer to ISC headquarters. I'll do what I can for you.”

“Thanks Com. If there is a happy ending to this mission.”

Adam gave an embarrassed laugh. “I was talking to Aja. He bunks in with Captain Moshapa. Aja says that the Captain is having nightmares. Seems some Shaman back home in Botswana gave him a warning that there was death ahead. Scared the shit out of him. You know how these cultural things are. It scared Aja too. He believes in signs. He gets his palm read regularly.”

Anna stiffened. “There are always dangers when you work in deep space. We know the risks. The crews of The Mariner and Explorer are well up to dealing with anything that comes along.”

Again her words had sounded sharper than she intended. Adam straightened.

“Yes, Commodore.”

Anna nodded and walked away. Not knowing what else to say, she retreated before she made the situation worse. Crewman Aja Sur was an East Indian and her chief pilot and navigator. She didn't need him and her Deck Captain jumping at shadows. She'd need to figure out away to address this issue without offending anyone's cultural beliefs.

“Commodore?”

Anna turned to see her Chief Petty Officer, Sue Lai, standing beside her.

“Hi Sue. How was you course?” Sue was The Mariner's paramedic and a seasoned veteran of several campaigns. She had been up grading her qualification during her shore leave.

“It went well, Com, and I had time to spend a few days with my sister. Did you enjoy your leave on Earth?”

“It was a unique experience for me. I hadn't experienced planet life before. I stayed with Captain Garcia's family in New Mexico and learned to ride a horse.”

“Sounds like you really had some fun. Good for you, Sir. I need to talk to you about scheduling an appointment for a physical.”

Anna stiffened. “It's not going to happen, Chief.”

“Commodore, it's a requirement. I should have done it on our last mission but there were so many other things going on that there just wasn't time.”

“You'll be too busy on this mission too,” Anna stated.

“Commodore, this needs to be done. Your physiology is really unique. At the moment, I don't even know what parts of you are human and what parts are cybernetic. Your medical file is stored in your private data bases so I can't access them and Toda refuses to discuss your history. He tell me he has been ordered not to or to ever touch any of your cybernetic parts.”

“That's right.”

“If anything happens to you, neither Toda or I will be prepared to treat you.”

“I'll take that chance.”

Anger showed on Sue's face but she simply nodded. “Very well, Commodore. I really could have been trusted with that information. You'll excuse me.”

Anna went to say that she did trust her but Sue had already walked off. Great, another member of the crew angry at her. Maybe, Justice's shaman was right.

Anna got another drink from the refreshment table and stood with her back against the wall watching the crews mingle like old friends. That at least was good. The Explorer crew were now all wearing black badges on their upper sleeve designating that they were part of the Dark Matter Corps. There was no way that the badges could have been made that quickly and certainly not aboard The Explorer. Jane Hamilton must have had them made after their last trip knowing that Anna would agree that the crew of The Explorer should be part of the DMC. Anna wasn't sure how she felt about that. On the one hand it was flattering. On the other, it was another example of someone doing things behind her back.

From where she stood, she could see Jill on the other side of the room talking to a tall good looking female crewman. They were laughing and standing close together. Anna wondered if it was Crewman Barb Lucier, Jill's friend from basic training. They looked close. Too close. Anna was surprised by the flood of jealousy that washed through her.

“You don't look like you are enjoying the gathering, Anna.”

Anne looked up to see Carlos Garcia smiling at her.

“Crew problems. Everyone seems to have packed an issue on this mission.”

Carlos chuckled. “Yeah, that's to be expected. The excitement of the first mission is over and people are starting to focus on other things. I had to discipline two crewmen who thought it would be easiest to settle their differences by throwing a few punches. I heard about Eveen. ”

“Eveen?”

“She's down with love sickness. Sue Lai had sent her over to see our doctor because she didn't know what was wrong with her. Doc Barr recognized it right a way as Vultarian Love sickness and confined her to quarters until the spots go away.”

“Why wasn't I told?”

“Have you read, you day reports? I got a copy so I'm sure you got one too.”

Anna frowned. “No, I haven't opened the report file. Shit, just what I need. How bad is this Vultarian love sickness?”

“I had to look it up to sort out fact from fiction. There are, of course, all sorts of jokes and myths about it. Seems when they are attracted to someone they get high fevers, spots and short tempered. It only lasts 24 hours but it is reoccurring unless the attraction is, well, acted on, if you know what I mean.”

“Sex?”

“Yeah.”

“Who does she want to have sex with?”

“She wouldn't say. She just said the other person wouldn't be interested.”

“Great, so I'm stuck with a love sick Vutarian.”

“Afraid so.”

Anna shook her head. “I think I'll call it a night. Busy day tomorrow. If your flight schedule isn't too tight, I'd like The Explore to have a few hours at stand still so we can test the new ISMs that Jill and Toda developed.”

“We can arrange that. I heard the smuggled them on board.”

Anna snorted and tried to change the subject. “The damn things look like sea horses. Toda tells me he was keeping with the marine theme because The Mariner looks like a shark.”

Carlos chuckled. “You DMCs are a weird bunch. Is it true you put them on report and Jill hasn't spoken to you since.”

Anna sighed. “There is no privacy in the ISC.

“None.” You okay?”

“Yeah. We are talking but just formally at the moment.”

“Don't let it get to you. These spats blow over. I'm sure Jill understands that you have to be a commanding officer first and a partner second when you are on a mission.”

“She said she did.”

“Then I'm sure that's the case. There's Jane. I'll go arrange a time for the ISM test and get back to you.”

“Thanks.”

“Hang tough, Commodore.”

Anna smiled and nodded as she made her way out of the mess hall. Out the corner of her eye she could see Jill still in an animated conversation with Crewman Lucier. The image ate at her gut. She made her way back to The Mariner. It looked such a little ship sitting in the cargo bay of The Explorer but The Mariner had made a name for herself on her first mission. Carlos was right, now the excitement of that first mission was over, her crew needed to find something to hold them together and keep the energy levels high. But what, she had no idea.

She went passed the hatch of her own cabin and knocked on the quarters occupied by Sue and Eveen. After a few minutes, Eveen opened the hatch.

“What!”

Anna took a step back in surprise. Eveen was not only angry and aggressive her normally pink skin was now covered in purple spots.

“Oh. Commodore, sorry. I'm...I'm not well.”

“I heard. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you?”

“No. I'll be okay again by tomorrow. It's just so embarrassing. This is my first bout of love sickness. Vultarians are slow to mature sexually. The first time is hard enough on my own planet but its really awkward among outsiders who don't understand. I mean, there are so many myths and rumours.”

Anna smiled. “Yeah, I know what that can be like. I was once asked if I could fly. The crew understands. Don't worry about it. Just try and give me a heads up when the next bout is coming on so I can relieve you from duty for a day.”

“Thanks, Com.”

Anna nodded. “Get some rest. We have a busy day tomorrow. The Explore is going to cut engines so we can test the new ISMs.”

“Aye, aye, Com.”

Anna made her way back to her quarters, stripped out of her uniform and went to have a shower. When she came out wearing her jumpsuit, Jill was sitting on her bunk waiting for her.

“Can we talk?”

Anna felt fear flutter in her tummy. Was Jill going to end their relationship?

“Sure. I'd like that.”

Anna sat on her own bunk across from Jill and waited while Jill struggled to find the right words.

Finally, she looked up at Anna with tears welling in her eyes.

“You were right. Toda and I shouldn't have gone ahead with the ISMs without clearing it through you first. We deserved to be put on report. Please don't feel that I don't respect you as an officer or that I question your authority.

“It's just that I have made a lot of bad decisions in life and the ISC was my chance to get it right. I wanted my record to be perfect and now it isn't. I failed again. I'm really having trouble with that.”

Anna slipped from her bunk and came and sat beside Jill. She reached out and took her hand.

“I'm sorry. I understand now why you are upset. All I can say is that we all make mistakes. We're human. It wasn't a bad mistake. It was a rookie mistake and it was made with the best of intentions. We've all made them. No one is going to hold it against you. Hell, you've been serving for less than a year and you have two commendation on your file for helping seal the hull breach and developing the probe. That's pretty amazing and if the ISMs test out tomorrow, you'll probably get another one. Jill, you are a fine crew member. Don't get discouraged because of one mistake. Okay.”

Jill nodded, letting the tears roll down her face. Anna held her and let her cry. After a while, Jill sat up and pushed Anna gently away.

“I just need some space, okay Anna? I need time to learn to do my job right. I thought I could handle a career and a relationship together but I've messed up already. Can you give me some time? Can you wait for me?”

Anna felt her guts solidify into a ball of ice. Emotion boiled inside her but she managed to nod and then force some words out.

“It's not Crewman Lucier, is it?” The words were out before Anna had even had time to consider them.

Jill looked up in surprise. “No, Anna. That was over a long time ago. We're just friends. I just need some time to get used to being a crewman aboard a space ship before I can handle having a relationship with my commanding officer.”

“Sure. Take the time you need. We'll talk again when you are ready. I have a few things I need to see to.”

Anna gave Jill a quick hug and stood up. She hoped that she managed a smile that was reassuring to Jill before she left their quarters. Shit! I hate this! What did she mean that was over a long time ago? We're just friends. Hell! That was the oldest line in the book. Anna pulled herself together and headed up onto the bridge to do some research. At least data she understood.

The next day, Anna stood stone faced by the observation window of The Explorer. Justice, Carlos and Jane stood beside her. Behind them a large crowd of crew members had gathered to watch the test. Anna was a little surprised that there was so much interest in the new crafts.

Out in the blackness the three ISMs bopped about placing small, red space buoys in a circle. Anna swallowed and tried not to look concerned. Jill was out there in Trigger and space was incredibly harsh and unforgiving. The little ISM shells were not much protection against the forces of the universe. Toda was manning Silver and Aja was in Toronado. The plan was that the three craft would deploy the buoys and turn them on to demonstrate the agility of the robotic arms. Then the crafts would move through the course to show the movability of the ISMs. So far everything was going according to plan. The three ISMs had got the buoys in place and had lined up about a nautical mile away.

“They look like sea horses,” Jane chuckled.

Carlos laughed. “It's the DMC's marine theme. I hear they sleep in net hammocks too.”

“Funny,” Anna scowled. “I have a Gigantean as a chief engineer. What can I say, they are interior decorators at heart.”

The officers' laughter was cut off by a voice over the loud speakers. It was Adam Wiseman. “They are at the post and waiting for the starter to give the signal. They're off! It's a clean start with Crewman Aja Sur on Toronado taking the lead on a quick start. Crewman Jill Fairfax on Trigger is on his tail and Lieutenant Toda riding Silver is bringing up the rear. At the first post, its Toronado by a nose, Trigger is close behind and Sliver is keeping his position. They are rounding the turn, whoa! that was nearly a pile up! Trigger has taken the lead by a nose, Toronado second and Silver close behind. We've got ourselves a horse race here folks! They are around the last bend and coming down the home stretch. Its Trigger out front, Toronado second and Silver in third. Wait! Silver is making a move. It's Silver on the outside passing Tornado and gaining on Trigger. They are coming down to the wire. Its Trigger and Silver side by side with Toronado coming on the inside. It's Silver by a nose! Trigger second and Toronado third! The winnings from this race will go to the charity of Lieutenant Toda's choice. What a race, here on a beautiful day in space!

“Your crew is totally out of control, Commodore.” Carlos observed trying to maintain a deadpan expression.

Anna gritted her teeth. “Justice, do you know anything about this?”

Justice blushed. “Ahh, well, they did ask permission to set up a race course. I thought it was a good a way as any to show off the ISMs abilities.”

“It's great for moral, Anna.” Jane justified.

“Gambling is against all ISC policies.”

“It was a charity run. Charity work is okay,” Justice argued.

Anna closed her eyes and counted to ten. Then she laughed. “Is it possible to toss my whole crew in the brig?”

Justice smiled. “I don't think so, Anna. We don't have a brig aboard The Mariner.”

“Fortunately, this is a crew issue and not an administration issue so you will have to handle it, Justice.”

“Typical administrator, passing the buck,” Justice teased.

Anna deliberately stayed away from The Mariner to give Justice time to deal with her renegade crew. She worried about how Jill was going to deal with yet another reprimand. She and Toda seemed to be magnets for trouble. When she thought she had left ample time, Anna headed back to her ship and climbed down into a quiet and deserted common room. Shit. Justice must have really read them the riot act. Frowning Anna made her way to her quarters. She found Jill on her hands and knees scrubbing the head out.

“Hi.”

Jill sat back on her haunches and wiped her brow with the back of her arm. “Hi.”

“How did it go?”

“Could have been worse. Toda and I didn't know about the betting or the announcing that was Adam's idea. He's on report and the three of us have been ordered to scrub every inch of the ship starting with the crew quarters.”

Anna pulled Jill to her feet and gave her a hug. “You got off light because the ISMs are a marvel. You and Toda are a power team. I'll be putting commendations in your files.”

“Thanks, Anna. You're doing that because I earned it aren't you and not to help me out because I'm your girlfriend.?”

“You earned it. You know that.”

“I messed up again.”

“Yeah. You're a magnet for trouble. I doubt very much if you will get to the end of your career without being court marshalled,” Anna teased.

“I'll get better.”

“Sure you will. Now get on with your scrubbing, Crewman.”

“Aye, aye, Com.”

Anna left Jill to her duties and sought out Justice. He was alone on the bridge doing a station check.

“Hi.”

“Hi Anna.”

“It sure is quiet around here.”

“I suggested to the crew that spending sometime in their quarters doing some work for a change might be a good idea. Adam is on report and he, Jill and Toda will be scrubbing this ship down until it sparkles.”

Anna smiled. “You went easy on them.”

“Yeah, but I got my message across. To be fair, the trouble maker this time was Adam. He was the one that got the betting ring up and suggested that they could race to make it more exciting for the observers. Looks like Jill and Toda were just suckered this time.”

Anna shook her head. “I don't think their cut out for the ISC life. They can't play by the rules.”

“That's why their in the DMC. We make our own rules,” Justice smiled.

“It appears so.”

“I'm glad you are here, Anna. I need a word with you. Sit down.”

“Hey isn't that my roll?”

“Usually but, I'm Captain of this ship and seeing at the moment you are a Commodore without a fleet, while aboard, I do have certain authorities.”

Anna frowned and sat. “Okay. What's up?”

“Chief Lai came to have a word with me.”

Anna was on her feet again. “Damn it! No!”

“Yes, Commodore and that's final.”

“Justice, you don't understand.”

“Yes, I do. You went through hell. You body wasn't your own and your rights as a human were violated over and over. You endured physical and emotional pain and you never want to put yourself in that position again. But, that is not what this is about. Toda and Sue need to know how to treat you if there is a medical emergency. I need to know that every member of this crew is in top form before we commit to a dangerous mission. I've had my check up and you need to have yours.”

Anna gritted her teeth and forced herself to remain calm. “Okay, I'll get around to it.”

“Now, Commodore. Sue is working in the infirmary.”

“Damn it, Justice!”

“Now.”

Anna sighed. “I just want to go on record as saying I wouldn't do this for anyone else but you and this crew.”

“Jill has my permission to go with you.”

“I'm not afraid.”

“Of course you are and that's okay considering your past. We all have our fears. My mother still takes me to the dentist when I go home because she knows I won't go otherwise. Sue's waiting.”

Anna got up and headed to the infirmary as if she was walking the plank. Justice suggestion that she take Jill was silly but she found herself heading for her quarters anyway.

“Crewman, I need you assistance.”

“Sir, I'm under orders to scrub floors.”

“Captain Moshapa has given you leave to come with me.”

Jill was on her feet in a second. “What's up?”

Anna blushed. “I have to have my medical and talk about my implants. You might as well be there and hear about it too.”

Jill nodded allowing Anna the lie. Anna appreciated that. She knew her nervousness must show. Jill quietly walked beside her and when they got to the hatch of the infirmary she reached out and robbed Anna back. “It will be okay. I'm here watching your back.”

Anna nodded and stepped in.

Chief Lai got to her feet.

“As you were, Chief. I'm here for my medical review.”

“Thank you, Sir. Could you sit there. Oh, Jill.”

“I'm hear representing engineering.”

“Oh good.”

Anna looked at Jill. A soft smile let her know that she appreciated Jill covering for her.

“First, Com. I need you to sign this form and type in your access code so I can review your medical history.”

Anna took the form, swallowed hard and signed her name and added her access code.

“Now since I haven't read your file yet could you tell me what cybernetic implants you have.”

“I have an artificial heart and liver, digital imaging eyes, and brain implants that allow me to process the optical data and to store a wide range of information. I have a double spinal cord, one cybernetic and one natural. I have capped teeth and my appendices and tonsils have been removed.”

“Were they infected?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

“Okay, now I'm going to check your blood pressure and temperature and then I'm going to put a machine on you to get a reading of your heart beat for reference. Okay?”

Anna nodded. She felt Jill's hand squeeze her shoulder when Sue turned away to get her equipment set up.

An hour later, Anna was allowed to leave and was told she was in excellent health. Jill led the way back to their quarters and then wrapped a shaken Anna in her arms.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I guess.”

“It's all over now. You know that this crew is completely loyal to you. No one aboard this vessel will violate your trust. Just the opposite. We'd all give our lives to protect you.”

“Don't ever do that, okay.”

“Make sure you never put me in that position then,” Jill teased. “I have to get back to work. Captain Moshapa has threatened to keelhaul me if I don't have all the floors sparkling by the end of my shift.”

Anna took a final hug and headed back to the bridge.