I Dream of Power
Zander approached a pair of large steel doors. Smoothly and silently, they slid apart to reveal a large darkened room, the limits of which seemed blurry to him. The silhouettes of unknown persons passed in front of him from one side of the room to the other, with apparent urgency. Panicked conversations reached Zander's ears, but he could make out none of their words. Directly ahead of him was a figure that seemed more pronounced than the others. It stood with its hands clasped behind its back, facing away from him. Seemingly of their own accord, Zander's legs carried him towards the central figure. It did not move as he approached, seeming to be totally focused on whatever was further ahead. Zander stopped within a distance that could be taken to be respectful and assumed as vertical a standing posture as possible. Then, words left Zander's mouth.
"Sir, you wished to see me". Zander felt startled that the voice was not his own. It was deeper, and held little emotion, though it was shaky and seemed like it would break any second. The figure in front of Zander still did not move. After a painfully long time, it addressed him.
"Chief engineer. I thank you for your punctuality" he stated, for the voice was unmistakably male. It had a quieter tone than the one Zander now used, but somehow commanded unyielding attention. Appearing to consider his words, the faceless figure paused. "I have need of your expertise and advice". Zander swallowed, though he was sure he did not do so consciously.
"My knowledge is, as always, at your disposal sir" Zander followed. The figure appeared to hesitate again.
"This may seem an odd question to ask, engineer, but what proportion of our power are we currently able to direct to the shields? That includes the emergency supply".
"Around ninety percent, sir". Something, Zander decided, was very familiar about this figure of authority, but at the same time he somehow knew that he had certainly not met this individual before, virtually or in person
"You needn't keep addressing me with titles, you know. I am as mortal as you are". The voice was not unfriendly, but neither was it very 'chum-like'. It continued. "What would it take to dedicate one hundred percent to the shields?"
"In theory it would take a complete re-wiring of the power core, but you don't seriously intend to do that, do you sir? We'll be without our propulsion, weaponry, sensor arrays, interior lighting, not to mention damage control and life support". Zander half-expected the shadowy figure to instantly turn around and slap him, but they remained completely still.
"Whether I do intend to do that depends on my next question. How long would it take for you and whomever else may assist to re-route the power?"
"An hour, at least"
"Have it done in forty-five minutes". Zander's voice, for he was clearly not in control of it, took a long time to respond. He felt his muscles clench, and a bead of sweat run down his neck.
"Yes, sir". Zander turned around and marched back towards the door he had come through, and then the scene faded.
Zander forced his eyes open groggily. A dozen thoughts raced through his head at once. Foggy memories, mysterious dreams and the will to simply fall back to sleep battled each other in his consciousness. As he slowly regained the capacity to think, one thought slowly entered his mind. It concerned why he was here, in a bed by a wall. Suddenly he remembered. The last thing Zander had heard.
Engaging Cryosleep, Clank had said. Zander worked out this must mean he was at his destination.
Jasindu, Zander thought. He swiftly jumped out of bed, but instantly regretted it. In his after-hibernation tiredness, he had forgotten one crucial fact. His bed was raised four meters off the floor. He failed to save himself, and consequently landed with a loud thud. Ouch, he said to himself. He was certainly awake now.
"So tell me why I have to wear this again?" Zander demanded, looking down at his pudgy yellow disguise. He, Ratchet and Clank were in Aphelion's cockpit, flying away from the Phoenix towards the enormous green marble that was Jasindu. Ratchet was in the pilot's seat wearing a similar holographic appearance.
"The Kerchu shoot any outsiders on sight, so to avoid getting toasted, we've got to not look like outsiders". Zander already knew the explanation, but he could not bring himself to accept his new, appearance.
"But why did it have to involve disguising myself as a giant jelly bean?" Zander demanded again, only getting more agitated. "Fur, I can handle, but this?"
"Calm Down, Zander" Clank interjected, ever the voice of reason. "It is only until we have left Kerchu City". Zander simply grumbled in response.
"Well when will we leave the city?" Zander spat impatiently.
"After we have found what we are looking for", Clank informed.
"And what exactly is it we're looking for?" Zander continued, raising his voice.
"I do not know"
"That's real reassuring, Clank".
Apologies for another short chapter, folks. It just seemed to be the best place to end this one and begin the next. Honestly, I'd rather do several shorter chapters than one that makes me use the 'search' function every time I want to edit a particular bit. Ah well, I feel this chap is a bit more interesting than the last, so everybody wins. Please do keep reviewing guys. Just the incentive reviews provide to keep going is great. Telling me how to improve is a bonus on top of that.
P.S. Sorry about the lame pun for a chapter title. I normally avoid such jokes like the plague.