Between the Lines

[Chirakis 1]

Between the Lines

 

Time moves quickly when threats close in, when one suddenly realizes the fleeting nature of life, and life’s final moments have come suddenly, and without permission. But time moves all too slowly when those around you, those with whom you have served for years, those whose children and families you know well—are about to blindly enter that realm. You know it, and you are powerless to interfere. They will soon make the ultimate sacrifice. They will unknowingly give their lives for the sake of others.

By the time Chirakis Kirel stepped into Command and Control from the conference room, the chosen three had already left. SubCommander Korjata, Lt Cdr Lawliet, and Lt Tarisa were presumably on their way to the shuttle bay and the Nei’rrh. Commander Kital, still at the operations console, looked justifiably concerned. That she would remain behind was some consolation; Annisha would not be orphaned again.

As Kirel moved on, she leaned on her mastered ability to bury her emotions, to push aside her private fears, and to maintain an unreadable expression. Years of war, practiced subterfuge, clandestine and covert operations, and the loss of too many friends had brought her to that. And yet, the others in the CnC bore expressions of suspicion, concern, and… for some… mind-numbing fear. She read it in their faces. She could feel it as she passed. The atmosphere in the CnC was emotionally charged, as though they knew this meeting weighed heavier than others ever had.

See to their safety, my friends. I trust your resources.

Ignoring several probing looks, Kirel stepped to the main security console, logged on, and sent a personal request to Captain Ramson. A cunning smile passed quickly as she read the reply a few minutes later. Not long after, she stood in the fighter pilot’s locker room, putting the final touches on her flight suit. Helmet tucked firmly beneath her left arm, she approached the duty officer with a standard flight plan to take Drakkor on a routine maneuverability test within the asteroid belt.

“At this time of night?” The duty officer eyed her skeptically. Young. Inexperienced. She could not recall having seen him before, and, judging by his impeccable haircut, spotless uniform, and sparkling insignia, she deduced he had just come aboard.

“There is no night or day on the station, Lieutenant,” she explained on a sigh. “The cycle is artificial. Station functions revolve around watches, not days and nights. One sleeps when one can. Personal quarters are regulated accordingly. And the asteroid belt is always dark.”

The lieutenant continued his stare for a moment, then nodded, obviously still not convinced. Behind him, Chief Rawlins bit his cheeks and plastered a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing aloud.

“Now,” Kirel continued evenly, “if you do not mind, Lieutenant, I must leave, and soon. Otherwise, I will miss my next watch.” She angled her stance, allowing the light to reflect off her insignia.

He finally woke up. His eyes darted to the insignia, then back to the flight plan. “You’re taking… Drakkor?”

“I am.” She nodded.

“Then you must be….” His eyes widened.

“Captain Chirakis Kirel, Lieutenant…?” She extended her hand in greeting.

“Lieutenant Schuster, ma’am. Aaron Schuster.” His hand thrust out to hers as he straightened up. She took it in a vice grip. He almost dropped the PADD.

“Welcome aboard Sky Harbor Aegis, Lieutenant Schuster. Chief Rawlins,” she said, looking over Schuster’s shoulder to the chief, now in stitches. “Is Drakkor ready?”

“Oh… she’s loaded for bear, ready and waitin’ for ya, Cap’n. Let’s get ya in ‘er. It’s been a while and she’s itchin’ to go. Take out an asteroid or two fer me, will ya?”

“Of course, Chief.” She nodded to Schuster and stepped past him. “I always do.”