The uneven standoff continued quietly.
The soldiers didn't move and neither did Carter, Toll, or Rusty.
After 30 seconds the elevator beeped a calming chime and closed it's
door. Carter put his hands down. Rusty looked like he was going to
throw up. Toll was totally confused.
“What just happened?” He asked.
Carter pressed the button for the elevator again.
“A successful hostile take over has
to control engineering, the bridge and the shipboard weapon systems.
This is a civilian quarters deck, so there is no tactical advantage
to getting into a fight on this level.” Carter explained. The
elevator doors opened to reveal an empty elevator. The trio got on
and Carter selected the docking bay deck.
“I don't think I've ever been happier
about being too pathetic to be a threat.” Rusty commented. Toll and
Cater laughed.
The elevator let them out into the
complete chaos of the docking bay deck. A group of four Decency crew
ran past the elevator.
“Lieutenant, what's the status of
this deck?” Carter called after them. The foursome stopped.
The Lieutenant answered “Several
boarding craft breached the docking bay on this deck. The emergency
containment fields are engaged so there is breathable air and we've
got them bottled up pretty tight. We just need to hold them there
until they can secure engineering."
Carter looked troubled “We're going to have to do more than
hold them to the bay, lieutenant. Unless you know the status of the
starboard docking bay?” The Lieutenant shook his head. “I figured as much.” Carter nodded.
“Ok. We're going to have to advance into the docking bay so I and
my companions can take a shuttle.” Carter stated.
The lieutenant looked concerned. “Sir
I understand where you're coming from but -”
“I know the guild imposes a twenty
thousand credit fine for every death in a hostile takeover, the PFZ
has an account set aside for paying those fines.” The soldiers were
shocked, Cater continued. “but gentlemen, aim to subdue. I'd rather
not have my yearly bonus spent on a bunch of dead nobodies.” The
soldiers nodded and turned to the docking bay door. Rusty grabbed
Carter by the shoulder.
“What kind of society has fines for
murder?” he asked. Carter smiled.
“Kind of a deep question before a
fight isn't it?” He asked. Rusty held up his gun.
“Well since I'm no good with this
thing I think an intelligent conversation might be a better use of my
time!” He was on the edge of a melt down. Carter tried to calm him
down.
“It's ok Rusty, you don't have to do
anything you don't want to do. As soon as the bay is clear we'll come
get you.” At his assurance Rusty relaxed a little.
“I've never killed anybody before.”
He said with defeat.
Carter smiled sadly “And there's no
reason you should start now.” Rusty slumped against the wall.
Carter nodded at Toll to let him know he was going to check with the
soldiers, turned and left. Toll slid down next to Rusty. There was
silence between them. Toll looked at the ceiling.
“Hey, wanna check Earth out? I'll bet
it's way cooler than the history books say it is.” He said with
sadness in his voice. Rusty smiled.
“Stop apologizing, I knew what I was
getting into.” He said.
“If I didn't how could you?” Toll
asked.
“I'm a lot smarter than you.” Rusty
responded.
“Modest too.” Toll smiled.
