Disambiguity

[Cmdr JFarrington 0]

Disambiguity

 

It is logical to conclude that our distress call was received by the Manticore and they are at this time en-route to the scout ship. To worry about the present situation is neither rational nor helpful, when probabilities suggest we will be rescued.

~T’Prise, Vulcan Science Officer, USS Manticore

 

Probability suggests we will be rescued? It is logical to conclude that our distress call was received? Jami Farrington wished she could have the same faith in logic that the Vulcan science officer exhibited, but she was human and subject to human irrationality and emotions. She did realize, however, that T’Prise was right about one thing: it was not rational nor was it helpful to worry. At this point, however, Jami was beyond worry, beyond thinking. She had sunk into semi-slumber, as had the rest of the crew. Running on minimal life support, their primary objective was basic: survive.

 

It had been nine hours since they masked a message in a sensor burst. They would know within the hour if Manticore had received it. Lights in the cabin had flicked off long ago and those who had not strapped in were now floating in zero-G. An occasional cough or sound of movement floated through the darkness. Slow, rhythmic breathing had replaced the familiar clicks and bleeps of consoles.

 

T’Prise clung to her logic. In the last few minutes before she lost consciousness Jami’s mind wandered in a semi-dreamlike fog, to what she clung to, to what she loved most.

 

Atragon.

 

Two cords, intertwined, neither one strong in itself, yet bonded, formed an enduring structure around her finger. VAdm DeJariov had given her Atragon’s wedding band before they left Starbase 9. The two rings fit together seamlessly and would remain so unless separated by the wearer or separated by death. The bond remained firm. There was still hope.