The screen flickered as the computer transmitted the command
to the ship itself. Lights flicked on everywhere, and the humming of the
engines increased. The drifting beads of water that had escaped climate control
so far fell to the ground in a pitter-patter, and she felt the weight of gravity
settle about her neck and shoulders once again.
“Acknowledged. Subjects will be awake within four hours,
with a five percent margin of error.”
“Right.” Irina leaned down, switched off her boots, and stepped
out of her pod’s alcove into the cramped hallway. “Now, remind me how to get to
the bridge.”
Soundless Screaming
Nadr al-Sahir leaned against the elevator wall, his eyes
closed, thinking, remembering. He turned his head and glanced once more at his
tablet’s display, where the message from the Head of Security still burned.
“All primary
colonists, report to the main briefing room at once. Do not discuss anything
with anyone else. I will explain what’s going on when you arrive.
-Irina Dovenka, CDR
His first instinct had been to query the computer for
information, for data, but everything was locked out by Dovenka, and none of
his passcodes would get through.
“Don’t discuss with anyone else?” Nadr shook his head. He
had passed a few others on the way out, in various states of dress and
preparation, but had held to the order, giving a cursory nod as he moved on.
“That doesn’t make any sense. Something must have happened.”
Maybe we’re adrift in
space. It’s not like you’d be able to feel it. He wiped away the sweat
beading on his brow. Or we got lost. Navigation
malfunctioned. Maybe…
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