Chapter 12
"Well, how goes it?" Cali calls out from the hallway, not wanting to startle Adair if they are working on something too sensitive to being disturbed.
"Pretty good; I think I'm ready to test. Want to guinea pig?"
Cali thinks for a moment before answering, "Not particularly. But I guess since it was my idea..."
She sighs before continuing, "All right, tell me how this is going to work. I mean, it was my idea, so I know some of it, but you made it happen, so give me the rundown."
"Okay," Adair replies, "First off, I'm pretty sure I've got the wiring set up in a way that we can integrate into the access tunnels and out of the way, basically integrating it into the ship without actually tying it into the ship. So that's good. Basically, we'll have it running constantly. The MTR's fuel should last for several months, probably half a year. Assuming this goes well, we'll add the fuel as a purchase item for the ship, so we purchase it at regular intervals along with other essentials that we top-up."
"So, I'm going to turn it on from over here. Don't worry, I've already subjected myself to it, and my brain didn't explode." Adair grins and steps to the side. "You go back in the hall and, when I say, walk into the alcove. That's all. Got it?"
Cali nods and heads into the hallway. Adair calls out after a moment, "Come on in."
Cali turns the corner, and when she crosses the threshold into the alcove, many attackers immediately assault her. Each one is snarling and rushing her and she reacts before thinking. Cali yells out and swings at the first to attack her, her hand contacting with a thud that shudders up her arm. She marvels briefly at how hard his abs are before spinning around and kicking at another that comes at her. Unfortunately, he moves too fast, much too fast, and she misses and falls on the floor. She flails as there are just too many men kicking her, hitting her. She screams in pain and frustration, as she can't take them all.
And then, just like that, it is all gone, and she is lying on the floor of the alcove, her hand bloodied and very hurt. She thinks she broke it. She sits up, and her whole body hurt. "What in the underworld was that?!"
"I'm so sorry. I tried to turn it off right after you punched the wall, but I couldn't get to the switch fast enough." Adair walks over and gives Cali a once over, frowning in thought. "Wait, how did you get all these bruises? You only hit the bulkhead with your fist. I'm calling Doc." Adair activates their comm and sends it to the entire ship, since she doesn't know where Doc is. "Doc, you're needed in the tech alcove. Thanks."
It is only about two minutes before Doc is there, out of breath, holding a rather sizable first aid kit. "What are the immediate injuries?" He asks, assessing the situation and moving to Cali's side.
"I think she broke her hand hitting the bulkhead." At that moment, Brigit runs in and, hearing Adair's statement, asks, "And why did she hit the bulkhead?"
Cali starts to lift herself from the deck to answer, but just then the adrenaline wears off, causing her to groan in pain. Doc injects her with a painkiller, causing her eyes to droop as she hunches forward. Doc gently lays her back down on the deck and starts going over the rest of her body. "How did she get all these bruises?"
Adair sighs and points down the hall to the lounge. "Maybe we should have a seat in the lounge. It's kind of a long story. Let's get her to the med bay first."
#
Settling into the couches, Adair starts the story. "So Cali had this great idea of warding the entrances to the ship to keep out intruders. We put our heads together and figured out a way to use quantum fMRIs to read a subject's brain patterns and broadcast them back, creating a kind of feedback loop. In theory, it would provide visions of something that scared you. It had something to do with the amygdala, something or other. Biology was never my strong suit. So anyway," they start to continue when the captain interrupts.
"This is what she purchased before we pulled out?" Then, at Adair's nod, she goes on, "Okay, well, that puts together a few puzzle pieces for me. So it seems the experiment worked?"
Adair frowns and nods. "Yeah, it seems so. When I turned it on, she whipped around and punched the bulkhead. I immediately tried to turn it off, but I got flustered and fumbled with the switch. Cali spun around and kicked the air and fell. She cried out, 'There's too many!' before wordlessly screaming, her body jerking like she was having a seizure or something. I was so scared. I'm so sorry..." Adair hangs their head.
"Hmm... okay, I think I can fill in the rest from what you've told me," Doc elaborates. "So, the feedback loop did indeed seem to feed her fear to her. It seems that she is afraid of being overwhelmed by foes - probably one reason she wanted this device - I digress. So anyway, once it fed the fear to her, her mind literally attacked her. I examined all the contusions, or bruises, and they appear to have been inflicted with significant force. There is no way she did it to herself while on the ground or hitting something on the ground. And there is no way that Adair could have done it, either. No offense."
"It's okay," Adair responds weakly.
"So what I surmise happened is mind over matter. Cali's brain created the images, and her body made the images real. It's a good thing you got it shut down when you did, as it is; she also has two cracked ribs and bone bruises on her forearms where her arms protected her head. And good thing she did that."
"So. She'll be fine, but she'll be in the pod for a while. The bots have a lot of work to do. I can jump into the shifts. We'll just have a bit of pre-made meals for a while. If that's okay, captain?"
Adair, leaning forward in the comfy chair they were in, watches Brigit sitting back on the couch, one leg resting on the other as her fingers work her temples as she thinks for a few minutes. Adair looks over at Doc as well and he is laying back against the couch, letting the couch hold him up, worry creasing his brow as he waits for Brigit.
"Okay." She addresses them all, turning first to Doc. "Good thinking about joining the rotation. We'll eat worse, but it will help all of our sleep schedules. Thanks." She turns to Adair. "You did well. You took Cali's idea and made it a reality, and you got it turned off before Cali could do any substantial damage. So please don't beat yourself up about it. And while you're not beating yourself up about it, have Rory here help you install it into the locks."
At the surprised looks she gets from everyone, she shrugs, "What? It clearly works, and we should be safer. That being said, once it's installed, no one, and I mean no one, is to enter a lock without clearing it with me first, got it?!"
She gets a nod from Doc and Adair, who states quietly, "I'll fill in Cali when she wakes up."
Brigit nods. "Sounds good. Okay, everyone. If you can sleep, sleep. Doc, you check on Cali again and give me a status update on an ETA when the bots will finish their work. You two," she points to Rory and Adair, "When you're next awake at the same time and on duty, I want you installing those Wards, got it?"
They nod.
"Okay, everyone, dismissed."
#
A few days later, Doc helps Cali sit up. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been asleep for a month. How long has it been?"
"Two days, as the bots had a lot to repair. Your mind really did a number on you. The bots are pretty good at their job though, so they've completely fixed everything but the hand. And they'll keep working on that for another day or so, and then they too will finish. So, I would say, 'Yay, technology,' but technology is why you're in this state." He offers her a soft smile.
"So, did Brigit scrap everything?" She asks quietly. He nods to himself and hands her a glass of water.
"Nope. In fact, Rory and Adair installed them in the airlocks. Oh yeah, there is a new rule; don't go in the airlock without notifying the captain." He says with a smile, "Turns out someone got hurt."
Cali laughs and winces a bit.
"Oh yeah, your cracked ribs. They've mostly mended those as well, but not fully, so try not to laugh too much." He says with a smile of apology.
"Wait." She thinks for a moment and turns to him quizzically. "She had them installed? Even after what happened?"
Doc shrugs, "Why not? They work, and they'll definitely keep out intruders. It was a rather brilliant idea. Whoever had it is quite smart."
Cali says with a smile, "Thanks. Wow, that's a lot of faith in us. I appreciate it, and I'll sleep sounder knowing I've protected my crew."
Doc stands and helps Cali up. "Let me help you to your bed. You should be fine, but I want to make sure I've settled you in before I also head to bed for a nap."
#
Later that day, Doc is in the kitchen preparing for the evening meal. Luckily, in the two days since Cali was out, he hadn't fallen out of the habit of cooking for nine. There are the meals for the five crew members, two extra meals for the heavy-worlders, and two spares for leftovers. The crew sometimes got hungry at night.
He is mixing a batch of bread dough when Brigit comes in, her hair down, eyes tired, not her usual intense self. He asks, "Are you okay?"
"Oh, yeah, I just worry a lot about my crew members. I've been trying to figure out what we could have done differently, but I keep coming back to it. We did nothing wrong. It just kinda happened." She answers.
"Yeah, not really anyone's fault. But hey, this might perk you up. I was going to find you after I finished getting these in the oven, but since you're here, I'll inform you. Cali is in her own bed, sleeping. The pod let her out this morning. I took her there, and I expect she'll join us for dinner tonight. The only things the bots have left to heal are her ribs and her hand. They should finish with her ribs overnight tonight. The hand needs another couple of days. And as long as she only needs one hand, she could return to duty unless you'd rather have her rest for a few more days."
She smiles, and her entire demeanor brightens as he explains Cali's situation. Then, thinking about his question for a moment, she answers, "While I know it isn't great for you, I'm leaning towards letting her body fully work on healing for the meantime. So what do you think? Could you be on for a few more days?"
He nods as he pulls the dough out of the bowl and slaps it on the counter, kneading it. "Yeah, I can do a few more days, no problem, and I agree; Cali will heal faster with rest. However, I do like the idea of her coming to meals. Helps to rehab."
Brigit nods as she turns to go, stopping for a mug of coffee on the way out. "I'll let her know to come to dinner. I'm gonna go visit her now. She's had a good long sleep, and I'm sure she would want to see a friendly face."
#
"Knock knock," Brigit says as she opens the door to Cali's room. "Are you awake in here?"
A weary Cali responds, "Yeah, I just woke up. Was gonna make my way to the dining hall and get a sandwich. I'm starving. These bots need fuel. You can up the lights if you'd like."
"Thanks. Computer, lights 40%, warm." Brigit looks around the room and makes a note to get some chairs for company before she walks in and sits on Cali's bed as the lights come up, careful not to sit on her. "So, how are you?"
"Well, I'm tired, hungry, and in pain. I think when I get to the dining room, Doc can fix the latter two. Just need time for the first one. Speaking of which, when am I next on duty?"
Cali sits up, and as she stands a little unsteadily, Brigit helps her to her feet. "You gonna make it?" she asks.
Cali says, "I think so, with your help." She looks down at her ship tee and shorts, blushing a little, realizing someone, probably Doc, undressed her. "I think I can stand in place. Will you fetch my robe?"
Brigit turns and takes a moment to take in the room. "Wow, I like what you've done with the place!" The walls are an almost salmon color of peach. There are party lights around the perimeter of the room. Looking around, she realizes the ship's light control applied to the string of lights, not the built-in lights. She makes a note to remember that trick for herself. The bed has a bright orange duvet, and the floor and a band of wall near the deck are a rich navy. A plain - compared to everything else - black and white rug covers a large section of the navy colored floor.
She steps across the rug, and seeing a red and black plaid robe that looks very comfy, Brigit brings it back to Cali. After Cali puts on the robe, Brigit asks, "Ready?"
"Yup. Lead me, my captain." Cali smiles and takes Brigit's arm as she holds it out. They walk down the corridor like a couple, arm in arm. Brigit supports Cali the whole way, and Cali enjoys it way more than she probably should have.
#
Doc watches them come in as he makes sandwiches; a simple affair of bread, spread, lettuce, meat, and cheese. By now, Doc knew everyone's preferences for meat and cheese and has at least one of each kind around for everyone while they're working.
He smiles as he can see how Cali leans on Brigit has less to do with being weary or lacking food and all about an attraction. And why not? The captain is quite attractive. What especially makes him smile is the way Brigit is holding Cali both up and close. The attraction seems very mutual. He wonders how long before they let themselves realize it. It is clear to anyone outside of the pair.
"How are you feeling, Cali?" He asks.
"Well, I'm up, and I'm about. Though with help." She turns to Brigit. "Thanks again. I think I'll go to the lounge if that's okay?"
"Sure, sure," Brigit says in reply as she helps Cali to the lounge, gently assisting her into a couch. "What would you like to eat?"
"Lots." Cali says with a smile up to Brigit.
"Okay, I'll bring back lots."
As Brigit approaches the counter, Doc says quietly, "She seems in good spirits."
"Oh yeah, definitely. I'm not going to talk to Cali about what she faced for a while yet, though." She changes the subject. "So when I asked what she wanted, she said, 'lots.' So I'm thinking a sandwich, a salad, and ... something else. What have you got?"
As she is speaking, Doc collects items, first a sandwich, as he already has one made right in front of him. He adds that to a plate and the plate to a tray. The trays were all colors of the rainbow, and this tray was purple. He adds another plate to the tray and dumps out a pre-made salad, adding the dressing in a small container on the side the way Cali likes it. He adds silverware and a napkin and goes to the fridge for the last bit. Reaching out, he pulls out a cake.
"I got a little carried away and wanted to celebrate Cali being back up and around, so I made a cake. What do you think?"
Brigit looks at the cake. She had heard the term 'mouth watering', but now it is literal; she could feel her mouth preparing for this cake that appeared to be delicious. Whatever kind of cake it is, it has a very dark mirror glaze on it. The glaze then had chocolate ganache drizzled over half of the cake and down that half's sides. And then, in a light chocolate frosting on the mirror side, he had piped a small group of fancy-looking flowers. "I didn't know you made cakes! Can I have some?"
"Well, Cali gets the first piece." He responds as he takes a large knife out, cuts a large slice, puts it on another plate, that plate on the tray, and pushes the tray to Brigit. "Take that to Cali, and there might be a slice waiting for you." He said with a smile and then made a slight sound of realization. Turning quickly, he takes a seltzer water out and places that on the tray, too. "Okay, now you may go."
Brigit takes the tray over to Cali, whose head had drooped. "Are you sleeping?" Brigit asked.
Cali raises her head and looks up. "Nope, not yet anyway." She said with a small smile and looks at the tray, her eyes opening wide. "This is all for me?"
"Well, you said 'lots.' Is it too much?" Brigit asks.
"Oh no, give, give." Cali motions for Brigit to set the tray down. As soon as she did, Cali starts in on the salad, pouring some dressing on and eating with gusto.
Brigit says with a laugh as she gets up to walk back to the counter, "make sure you remember to breathe."
"So, you promised me a sweet confection of some sort..." she asks as she approaches the counter separating the dining room from the kitchen.
"Here ya go. Milk?" He asks as he slides a piece of cake across to her.
"Hmm... Yes, please." Brigit says.
After getting her cake and milk, she heads back to Cali. She didn't think long about where to sit and sits down next to Cali. "I gotta make sure you don't fall over. Also, I'm available to save you if you choke on food." She says and grins at Cali. Cali did not immediately look over, but feeling Brigit's gaze, looks over to see Brigit smiling and melted a little and she blushes just slightly.
Brigit doesn't see the blush because just at that point, she has turned to her cake and sunk the fork into the moist flesh of the cake; she marvels at how soft it looked. Then, lifting the piece to her mouth, she chews and moans, causing Cali to make a little sound. Brigit looks over. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just need to slow down. Got a little carried away." She calls out to Doc between mouthfuls, "Yummy sandwich, so good!"
"Thanks, I'm glad you like it," Doc responds from just outside the lounge as he walks in and sits on the other couch. "Well, captain, patient appears to be healing well. Appetite is not a problem which helps with the positive prognosis." He grins and holds his tea in his hands.
"Hey captain, think we could raise the temperature a few degrees? I don't think it will affect our range or fuel consumption." Doc asks as he warms his hands on his tea mug. "Also, it would be nice not actually to need our blankets..."
"Rory would be the one to ask about that, but I don't see an immediate problem. To be honest, it is probably still set to the default," Brigit says.
"Rory would be the best to ask about what?" Rory asks, as she rounds the corner. "Oh, look, it's almost everyone!" She is about to plop herself down next to the captain when she sees the cake. "There's cake?! What's the occasion?"
Brigit raises her fork and points at Cali next to her before going back to savor every bite with sounds of pleasure.
"Yay! Cali's back," Rory says as she goes to the kitchen, "But more importantly, I need some cake."
After getting some cake, she hollers back to Doc. "Well done. Not only does it look delicious, but it is pretty as well!"
It isn't long before she is back, and when she sits across from Brigit, she watches Brigit chasing little crumbs around her plate, trying to get them all. Brigit looks over at Rory's cake with intent. Rory pulls it aside. "No! Bad Captain! Get your own." She waves her fork to fend her off.
Doc watches with an amused smile. "You know, there's an entire cake in the kitchen. There is literally more where that came from."
Brigit looks over with a mean look; well, she tries for mean, but ruins with a smile "But if I take hers, I don't have to get up and get more."
Cali laughs and then winces. "Just go get some more cake already." She says, ordering Brigit before digging into the cake in front of her. "Mmm, this is delicious."
"We were talking about turning up the heat. Would that be possible?" Doc asks Rory.
"Oh yeah, I was going to talk about that at our next crew meeting. It's the default. It makes blankets cozy, but other than that, yeah, it could be warmer. Should I turn it up, captain?" Rory responds.
"Yes, please, a few degrees. We'll see how that works," Brigit said.