rdm
@rdm@aus.social
#Perth born and resident. #Linux #Sysadmin, SoT kayaker with a Hobie Outback, 3-wheel HPV user , #photographer, #boardgamer, #RPG player, and #SFF fan. I am a #mermaid (well mer-dude). Just an all-round geek. I am proud to live on Whadjuk #Noongar boodja. I play #GURPS, #DnD5e, and #TravellerRPG . I like to take photos of #birds (esp. #raptors), and other merfolk. I also shoot #pinhole and #solargraph images. I play with in-camera #cyanotype imaging. I have accidentally become a writer, too.
aus.social
Shaman Space Part 5
14 months after leaving Mother of All. In final jump to Mother of All.
Sparks and Alaine were in the engine room checking over the engines before exiting jump. It had been a much busier jump than usual, as the Captain and Suri, the navigator, were bringing in the captured raider ship. At least, the crew hoped they were. Once they entered jump, there was no way of communicating or even locating the other ship.
"How are you and Seeker holding up?" Sparks asked, without looking up from the diagnostics display.
"One point five seven - what?"
"How are you and Seeker holding up? It was a pretty intense thing with that raider ship."
"We're" Alaine paused and started again "I'm still having some rough nights. I'm looking forward to meeting with a counsellor at Mother of All. Seeker says they are very good at dealing with trauma."
"And Seeker?"
"She's not as shaken up as the first time. Partly because of the first time, and partly because those people were her ancestral nemesis. But I think she's looking forward to some counselling as well."
"Good. How's that coil looking?"
"Uh, one point five seven above spec. Within acceptable limits."
"One point five seven? That's about as close to perfect as you could hope for."
The intercom chimed "Bridge to Engineering. Are we clear?" the voice of Engel the First Mate came from the grill next to the diagnostic station. Alaine glanced at Sparks who nodded.
"All clear bridge" he replied.
"All hands, all hands, stand by for re-entry into normal space."
Alaine watched as the jump engines collapsed their private universe around them, and dropped them back into normal space.
Engel's voice came over the intercom again "We are now in normal space. Resume duties."
"Reaction drives active" Alaine reported after checking his instruments.
"Confirmed. All systems online" Sparks responded as she did her own checks.
"Confirmed" Alaine replied.
"OK, off to the bridge with you, Alaine. I've got things here."
He nodded, and started to head forward. He paused at the hatch "Sparks?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for asking."
"No problem. We're as good as family on this ship. We look after each other."
"I know, but still, thanks."
Alaine continued forward to the bridge. Engel, Dyani, and Seeker were there.
"Any word from Bright Sky?" he asked as he entered.
Seeker looked up from the comms panel "Not yet, but they could be a few minutes away."
"I'm not picking up any other ships in the immediate area" Dyani added.
Seeker frowned "Hold on" she tweaked the gain control, and listened. There was a pause. "I have Bright Sky. She's about fifteen light minutes away. She came out just before us. Sending our position."
Engel looked back at Seeker "Are they OK?"
"Yes, yes, all systems nominal."
"OK, Alaine, calculate a rendezvous that we can make into an approach to Divesen Station. Dyani, stay on the scope for any trouble."
"On it" they both replied.
Seeker looked towards the distant sun. She was almost home. She had news.
#SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace
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