"Ielfet In Freefall"


Characters

On board "Freefall"

Sam Starfall, Captain.
Helix. 
Florence Ambrosia, Engineer

On board "Ielfet"

Mitch Dae, Captain. Human. approx6' tall (m)
Peib D'borch, Executive Officer. Bear (white fur) 8' tall (m)
Brentford, Science Officer/Engineer. Possum (brown fur) 5'tall. (m)
Effie. AI with human hologram. Approx 6' tall. (n/a nominally f.)

===

"What are they doing?" wondered Mitch. 

"I wish I knew," said Peib. "They don't answer and they're not changing course."

"Are the comms still open, Effie?"

"Yes," said a woman's disembodied voice. "I don't know if they are listening."

"This is the Free Trader Ielfet to unidentified vessel," said Mitch. "We are
to your starboard. We rely on the solar wind for power and cannot maneuver.
Break to port!" They watched the monitor as the other vessel drew closer.
"Jeez! He just passed though our shields!"

"Well, that's it," sighed Peib. "We're going to hit." 

"Bring in the masts," said Mitch, his hands flying over his console. "I'll
fire up the docking engines. They might lift us enough."

"Brace for impact," said Effie.

The intercom immediately buzzed then opened. "Impact?" shouted Brentford.
"Are you insane?"

"Not now, Bren!" said Mitch.

"Do something!"

"I'm bracing for impact."

***

Debate raged on board the other ship.

"Left," said Sam.

"Right," said Helix.

"No, port is left!"

"Right!" insisted Helix.

The pair looked at each other, then shouted. "Florence!"

The wolf poked her head through the door onto the bridge. "Yes?"

"Which direction is port?" asked Sam.

"Left," said Florence, then disappeared into the body of the ship.

"I told you!" said Sam happily. 

The 'bot merely folded his arms. "Fine," he said. "Steer left!" 

Sam sat in his chair and operated the console. Helix watched the monitor for
a moment. "That's odd. Why would he want us to steer-"

The ship shuddered and an ear-wrenching SHANG! rang through the hull. The
lights went out. Everything loose was thrown forward. After a few seconds of
silence the lights flicked on again.

"-closer," finished Helix from under the console. 

Florence ran onto the bridge. Her fur was disheveled and wet with coffee.
"What happened? What did we hit?"

Against the forward bulkhead a pile of chairs, paper, dirty plates and
cutlery was pushed aside to reveal Sam. He blinked at her. "I think we hit
the other ship. It's your fault," he added as he struggled from the debris
and brushed himself down.

"WHAT?" shouted Florence.

"You said Port was left," shouted Sam, waving an arm and pointing. "So I
steered left!"

Florence watched the captain waving his arm. "That's your right arm," she
said quietly.

Sam stared at his hands in surprise. "It is? Are you sure?"

Helix climbed from under the console and stood with as much injured dignity
as he could muster. "So I was right. Technically."

The main screen flickered to show the face of a very angry human.

"YOU BLOODY IDIOT!" shouted Mitch. 

"I'll check the damage," said Florence quickly, and abandoned the bridge.
The galley was a mess. She had made sure they stocked up on unbreakable
plates and cups before they left, but that didn't stop them from being
thrown around the walls during the impact. She busied herself with cleaning
up her spilled lunch. After a moment she realized she wasn't alone. "Are
they discussing what happened, Helix?"

"Yes. Well, the other captain is arguing. Shouting, actually. I'm sure Sam
will shout back soon. When he stops hiding under his console," finished the
'bot. After a long pause he said "Florence? What does 'You F$#*%*^ STUPID
*&%#' mean?"

Florence gaped at him. "HELIX!" she gasped finally. "Where did you hear that?"

"The other captain. He's calling Sam that a lot."

***

"We're stuck," said Brentford. "When they passed through our shields they
built up a static charge. So when the ships touched the spark flash-welded
the hulls together. We didn't take any damage but the other ship is hit
right on their life support systems. If we tear their ship at that point
it's the end of them."

Mitch drummed his fingers on his console and glared at the now dark screen.
Shouting at the other captain hadn't helped him feel better. "Effie?"

"I agree with Brentford's assessment," said Effie.

"Peib?"

"I think we should have some ice cream," said the bear.

"Any other suggestions?'

"Chocolate topping."

Mitch glared at his friend. "I'm going to ignore anything you say from now
on. Any suggestions, Bren?"

"The sort that goes hard when you pour it on?" asked Brentford. Peib nodded.
"I vote for ice-cream, too."

Mitch turned his glare to the little scientist. "Right," he said suddenly as
he jumped to his feet, went to a vacant console, and began punching switches.

"The defensive grid is now active," said Effie. "What are your intentions,
Mitch?"

"I'm going to shoot us free," he growled.

Peib and Brentford leapt to their feet, shouting.

"Hey! Hang on!"

"You can't do that!"

Mitch spun to face them. "Oh? Why can't I do that?"

There was silence for long seconds. "Um. I think it might be illegal," said
Peib eventually. 

"I'm sure it's unethical, too," added Brentford. 

"Mitch, think about it," said Peib. "If you blast the ship we will have to
care for survivors."

"Survivors?" growled Mitch. "There won't be any."

The bridge filled with a soft hum and Mitch was pushed to the floor. "I will
hold you there until you develop a civilized attitude toward the other
ship," said Effie.

Mitch struggled against the invisible force holding him on the deck. "Jeez!
Effie! When I do them, you're NEXT!" he shouted. Brentford and Peib laughed.

"Send the shuttle for them," said Peib. "Then we can work on freeing the hulls."

"It is on the way," said Effie.

***

The shuttle left the Ielfet and drifted around to the far side of the other
vessel. The wings drooped and the little white craft moved to dock against
the external hatch. As the locks hissed and clanked, there was a green flare
and the brief image of a wire-frame model. It was replaced almost instantly
by the figure of a woman. The hatch hissed open and Effie greeted the strangers.

"Welcome aboard the shuttle 'Cygnet,'" she said. "My name is Effie."

"Captain Sam," said Sam. "This is Florence Ambrosia, our engineer, and Helix."

"You're not real!" said Florence.

"No," said Effie with a shake of her head. "I am a free AI. This is a
projected construct I use when interacting with the biosphere."

Sam and Helix stared at her, blankly. 

"She's a hologram," said Florence.

"Oh," said Helix. 

"I assume my lack of biological markers betrayed my lack of physical presence?'

"Yes," said Florence. She turned to Sam and Helix. "She doesn't have a smell."

"Oh," said Sam. "When's lunch?" He pushed past Effie and went to the
cockpit. Helix followed. 

Effie watched them leave. "Are you sure you're not the captain?" she asked
quietly.

"I'm sure," said Florence.

They walked slowly through the cargo area to the cockpit. "I take it you
inherited the sense of smell from your ancestors," said Effie.

"Yes."

"And their exceptional sense of hearing?"

"Yes."

Effie paused at the cockpit door. "And their sense of loyalty?"

Florence hung her head. "Yes," she said with a sigh. Effie reached out and
gave the furry shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. Florence frowned at the hand.
"How do-?"

"Force projection," said Effie. "It comes in handy."

As they entered the cockpit they heard Helix say "What's this button do?"

Effie strode forward, grabbed the 'bot and lifted him bodily from the
pilot's seat. "Please fasten your safety belts," she said as she sat down.

"Can I fly?" asked Sam as he bounced up and down to test the co-pilot's seat. 

"No. Please fasten your safety belts."

Helix leaned forward. "Well, can I fly?"

"No. Please sit down and fasten your safety belts."

"I can't sit! Look, I have four legs and-"

Sam scowled and crossed his arms. "I'm the captain here. I demand- ack!" The
cabin filled with a soft hum. Sam sank deep into the seat and struggled.
Helix gave a yelp as he was pushed back to the passenger chair. 

"I see what you meant about the force projection," said Florence from her
position behind Sam. Effie turned and gave her a quizzical look. "And I'm
really not the captain," she added.

"Every time I think I understand you," said Effie quietly as she steered the
shuttle away from the hatch, "you biologics throw something else up."

The Cygnet drifted to the bowsprit of the Ielfet and passed through the main
doors. It settled on its landing skids and the motors shut down. The
passengers looked out the windows and saw three figures waiting for them.
They did not look happy.

"The gangway is descending in the cargo area," said Effie. "I'll meet you
down there." The others blinked as Effie appeared beside the three
strangers. When they turned they found they were alone on the shuttle. Helix
approached a panel, but it went dead as he neared. He went to the pilot's
console and it, too, went dead. "I can still observe your actions," said Effie.

"How did she do that?" wondered Sam.

***

"How many are there?" asked Mitch.

"Three," said Effie. "The captain, a 'bot and an engineer. I think you'll be
surprised about who is in charge, and who isn't."

"Run a check for any outstanding warrants on this lot. Maybe they'll pay for
damages."

Effie paused for a moment. "The only warrant is for the captain," she said.
"It's for various offenses but there's no reward. There is also a notation
that anyone bringing him back will be locked up with him."

"What sort of incentive is that?" wondered Brentford.

"They don't want him back," said Mitch.

They watched the strangers exit the belly of the shuttle. "Nice environment
suit," grunted Peib. "Which one is that?"

"That's Captain Sam Starfall. The bot is named Helix."

They stared in silence at the third figure walking down the ramp. "Who is
that?" breathed Brentford.

"Her name is Florence Ambrosia," said Effie. Brentford sighed deeply. "Your
glasses are misting up."

"Babe alert," muttered Peib.

"And I'm still the captain," whispered Mitch. "Don't forget that."

Sam stepped off the end of the ramp and smiled. "Hello there!" he said
happily. "My name is Sam and- uh-" The others pushed past him and surrounded
Florence, all talking at once.

"Captain Mitch Dae. Welcome aboard."

"Executive Officer Peib D'borch, at your service madam."

"Brentford. I'm the Chief Engineer."

"You're an engineer?" asked Florence. "So am I!"

Mitch and Peib scowled at Brentford, who smiled up at them.

Effie, Sam and Helix stood to one side, ignored. "Hello?" called Sam,
waving. "I'm the captain! Captain over here!"

"When do your self-preservation instincts kick in?" asked Effie. 

Florence broke free of the others and walked over. "They're discussing who
will go out to cut the ships free."

They watched the other crew get into a huddle.

Brentford held out a fist. Mitch and Peib held out their hands, palm up.
"Paper beats rock," whispered Peib. "You lose."

"You're in charge of cutting us free of that pile of junk," said Mitch. 

"I know you cheated!" whispered Brentford angrily. "I'll find out how, too!"
He turned and stomped off to the far side of the hangar.

Mitch and Peib joined the others. "Right," said Mitch, smiling. "Let's grab
something to eat." He motioned them through a hatch into a long corridor. As
they filed though he paused and turned to Effie. "Bren will need some
service 'bots. Can you organize them for him?" Effie nodded and vanished.

The group walked down the long hallway. Sam stayed at the rear, reading the
room signs as they passed the doors. 

"What sort of food do you have?" asked Florence.

"All sorts," said Peib. "We carry alot of different passengers so we have to
cater for various protein requirements. How do you like your meat cooked?"

"Meat?" yelped Helix. "You're not going to kill anything, are you?"

"Not today," said Peib. He smiled at the 'bot, showing all his teeth. "Wait
a minute! Where's your captain?"

"Oh, he went into one of the rooms," said Helix. They stopped walking.

"Which one?"

"It had the word 'armoury'-" But he was alone in the hallway. The sound of
running feet receded behind him. "-on the door."

"Can Effie-?" began Florence.

"No," panted Mitch. "The armoury is shielded. We don't want anyone knowing
what we have." They skidded to a halt at the hatch. Mitch punched the panel
and the door started to open.

BANG! The report was ear-shattering. Florence and Peib fluffed out in
fright, while Mitch went white. The door opened fully and they saw Sam
standing innocently in the middle of the room with his hands behind his
back. On the wall beside him was a black scorch mark.

He blinked at them. "What?"

"Give me the pistol," demanded Mitch. 

"Which pistol?" Oh! This pistol?" Sam waved it in the air. Mitch ducked.

"Put the safety on," said Peib. He tensed, ready to wrestle Sam to the ground.

"It's on, but I think it might be faulty. All I did was-"

BANG!

Mitch sank to the ground clutching his left arm, a look of surprise on his
face. Peib launched himself at Sam and pinned him to the ground. 

"Mitch!" cried Florence, horrified.

"Aargh!" groaned Mitch. "AAGH! Hurt him a LOT!" 

Florence almost cried with relief. Peib stood, dragging Sam off the ground
by one hand. He hung in the air wincing with pain. "Ow! Ow!"

"How about I show you and Helix to your room?" Peib growled through clenched
teeth. He left the armoury before Sam could answer.

Florence turned back to Mitch and was surprised to see him sitting quietly,
apparently no longer in pain. She looked at the wound. It smelt wrong. "Give
me a look."

"I'll be okay. Ow!" Florence pushed his hand away and looked at the hole.
She saw metal and wires, and smelt the burnt plastic. He sighed and nodded.
"I'm a cyborg," he whispered.

"In that case I can help you," said Florence. She examined his arm for a
moment. "The elbow is frozen and some of the linkages are gone." She
searched the room until she found a tool kit. "Hold still."

***

"I can understand them being angry," said Helix as he examined the door.

"It wasn't my fault," said Sam. He sat on the edge of the bunk bed with his
head in his hands.

"You run into their ship-"

"Not deliberately."

"-then you shoot him-"

"That was an ACCIDENT!"

"-and they still give us this nice room."

"Helix?"

"Yes?"

"Can you see a way of opening the door from this side?"

"No," said the 'bot. "It's very strange. How do they expect us to get out?"

***

Florence pressed the edge of a screwdriver against the frozen joint and
lifted a hammer. "Will this hurt?"

"I expect so," said Mitch . He looked away.

Peib appeared at the door, "They're in the brig," he said, then winced when
he saw what Florence was about to do. "I'll- uh-  see how Bren's doing," he
said quickly, then disappeared.

"Can we listen to their coms?" asked Florence, then smacked the hammer
against the handle of the screwdriver.

"Aaagh!" said Mitch. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.
"Effie?" he said weakly.

"Patching the suit coms," said Effie.

"Will Brentford need more help?" asked Florence and she dug into the arm
with a pair of wire cutters.

"He'll be fine," whispered Mitch.

***

"I must not throw up. I must not throw up," muttered Brentford as he walked
along the outside of the ship. Five service bots trailed after him. "Look at
your feet. You are standing on the ground, not hanging from the ceiling."

"Yes sir," said the nearest bot. Brentford turned and saw the bots looking
at their feet.

"Stupid bots." He stepped onto the scorched patch where the flash had burned
the two hulls, and climbed into the crevasse. The black soot smudged his
silver pressure suit. "Boy what a mess. What the-?" He shone his light on
the weld and climbed in deeper. "Hand me the half kilogram manually operated
kinetic energy transfer tool." The bot handed over the hammer. He struck the
joint and a spray of black particles hit his face-shield. A shadow darkened
the gap.

"How does it look?" asked Peib.

"That's not a weld! It's just heavy carbon scoring," said Brentford. "I'll
bash it a few times and the join will break."

"Stand back," said Peib. He took a crow-bar from a bot and pushed it at the
join. It drifted straight into the crack and stuck. Then he stood with one
foot on each hull and hefted a heavy sledgehammer.

Brentford lay on his belly and peered into the blackness.  "This won't take
long."

It took three hits. 

"That's it!" called Brentford. "Effie, do a quarter second burn on the
docking motors." 

The two vessels parted slowly. Brentford watched as his ship moved away.
Soon there was a sizable gap between them. 

"Come on, Bren," called Peib from the Ielfet.

"Uh. Can you send a shuttle?"

"Just jump."

"No thanks. I'll wait for the shuttle."

"It's easy. You just step out like this." Peib demonstrated by stepping into
the open space between the ships and drifting over. 

"No way!"

"Why? Are you afraid of heights?"

"No, I'm afraid of falling," said Brentford. "I'm afraid of missing and
drifting off into interstellar space."

"I know an easy way for you to get over," said Peib.

"Good! Can you show me?"

Peib grabbed the little engineer and stepped over the edge.

***

Florence jumped as Brentford's scream rang from the intercom. "Will he be
all right?" she asked as she tied off the bandage on Mitch's arm. 

"Yeah, sure! He'll even be talking to us in a few days." He flexed his elbow
a couple of times and nodded with approval. 

"That wasn't funny!" shouted Brentford.

"I'm not laughing," said Peib. "The ships are clear, Mitch."

"Okay!" said Mitch. "We'll meet you in the hanger." He looked at Florence.
"I suppose you have to go now?" he said with a sigh.

"I'm afraid so," said Florence. 

"Effie? Can you escort our guests to the hangar?"

***

Brentford was waiting, helmet in one hand, glaring at Peib's back. The bear
removed his own helmet and grimaced. "Ugh! That smell! It smells like-" He
paused, then ducked. Brentford's helmet passed through the space over his head. 

The engineer stamped off to the hatch leading from the hangar. As he passed
Florence and Mitch they clamped a hand over their noses. "I'm going to have
a shower," he muttered.

Mitch waited until Brentford closed the door, then said "Effie! Shut down
the water recycling system!"

"Way ahead of you," said Effie. 

At that moment Sam and Helix entered, with Effie close behind. Helix was
holding his right arm which had been pulled from his shoulder. 

"Wow! That little guy sure is strong!" said the 'bot.

"Yes," said Sam with a nod. "I wonder what brought that on?" He saw the
others waiting for them. "Can we go now?"

***

Back on the familiar bridge, Sam, Helix and Florence watched the other
vessel streak off into hyperspace. "They didn't give me anything to eat,"
grumbled Sam with a frown. 

"They were very rude," agreed Helix.

Florence said nothing. 

"What's that thing they gave you?" asked the 'bot, pointing at the item in
her hands.

"Just some tools," said Florence. "I'll be in my room." She turned and left
the bridge.

Once in her room she locked her door, sat on her bed and stared at the
object. It looked like a flattened black ball. On the top was printed neatly
the text 'Emergency homing beacon.' And in much smaller letters was printed
'Property of F.T. Ielfet.' She opened the case and was surprised to see a
piece of paper taped to the top of the unit. On the paper were two
hand-written words.

"Good Luck."


the end
===========================================

Story (c) 1999 Den Whitton. 
Sam, Florence, Helix and "Freefall" (c) Mark Stanley
Mitch, Peib, Brentford, Effie and "Ielfet" (c) Den Whitton
E-mail denbat@ozemail.com.au