A soft knock made Abel look up.
"Sir." Tabitha saluted him. "The team has gathered and are waiting your orders." She stepped into the office and stood at attention. "The only ones missing are Lieutenant Solomon, Lieutenant Barack, and Private Asran."
"I ordered Lieutenant Solomon to take the first two to arrive and start the patrol of the ship," Abel informed her as he locked his computer and stood.
Tabitha's lips twitched. Her eyes narrowed. "Lieutenant Solomon? Is that wise, sir?"
Abel frowned. There had to be a reason she didn't think it was wise. Perhaps it had to do with how frail the man seemed in the brief moments Abel had looked at him. But most normal people seemed frail when compared to his family. Then there was the way the man had reacted.
"He seemed willing enough," Abel stated. He slipped around narrow space between the desk and a shelf to stand before Tabitha.
"I will explain after the party what is going on with your third in command, sir." Tabitha turned and strode into the main security office.
"Party?" Abel shook his head. He would figure it out after the briefing. Abel followed his second.
What was left of the security who weren't on the bridge or already out on patrol were gathered in the space. They straightened and saluted Abel when he entered.
"At ease," Abel instructed.
"We will break you up into small groups to patrol the weak points of the ship," Tabitha started. She passed out all but one of the data cubes she held. The last one must have been for Barack but given he was out with Solomon…
Abel suppressed the urge to wince. He shouldn't have given the order for the first two to arrive.
"Given Lieutenant Solomon is all ready on the general ship sweep, the two remaining patrols will head for the engines and the bridge." Tabitha's gaze locked on the two leads. "Sargent Kudza, your team will remain here and monitor the ship."
"Sir." The Sargent saluted.
"The rest of you not assigned to patrols will head to the party," Tabitha continued. "Be certain not to overdo it there as many of you are coming straight back here to swap shifts. Understand?"
"Understood." The groups called.
The shouts pierced Abel's ears. He fought against a wince.
"Dismissed."
Why did Abel have to be there again? It seemed Tabitha had everything well in hand.
The security team started to break apart. Groups were formed for the two patrols and another for those remaining in the office. The rest strode to the exit. A buzz of conversation filled the air.
"Sir," Tabitha started.
Abel tore his gaze from the team.
"We should head out as well."
"I would rather not." Abel turned to return to work.
He stiffened as a hand caught his arm.
Don't attack.
Abel gritted his teeth. "What is it, Lieutenant?" He looked down at her.
Her eyes narrowed. "All command staff are required to go."
What? Since when?
Abel's lips twitched.
Tabitha turned.
There was a soft pull from her, but Abel didn't budge.
"Sir," her voice hardened.
A soft breath escaped Abel.
Fine.
It might help make up for his destroying the camera and the colony's reaction to it. A shiver raced through him. It had been so quiet. Then there was the haunting look in their eyes.
Yes. He would rather try to put this right even if the party wouldn't help too much with it. Perhaps just being seen would help. Otherwise, how the hell was he supposed to get people to like him?
Damn General Hall to hell.
Abel grunted and turned. "Fine," he grumbled. He fell in behind Tabitha.
The room she led him to, was the largest recreational room on the ship. There were others and he suspected all of them would be in use for this silly party.
"Really?" Tabitha muttered.
Abel followed her gaze. There were no signs of Cain or Seth. Or even – his heart flickered – Lilith.
Footsteps alerted Abel to more people arriving. His lips twitched, heart lightening at the familiar soft sound from one of the footsteps. He turned.
Lilith was walking beside Doctor Kayson Williams.
"Love," – Tabitha moved over to Kayson – "have you seen the Major and Captain?"
"Captain Nightlord was still in her office from what I gathered from a few sentients. I confess I didn't ask after the major."
"Do you have any idea what this is?" Lilith's breath was warm against Abel's ear.
"No," Abel whispered back.
Kayson rubbed his chin. "I'll see to Captain Nightlord."
"Very well, I'll track down the major." Tabitha's eyes flashed as she looked at Abel. "Stay," she instructed.
She and Kayson left the room together.
"I'm not a dog," Abel muttered under his breath.
Lilith shook her head.
Abel's stomach lurched as a soft trimmer raced through the floor.
The ship had launched.
x – Solomon – x
This was…
Solomon stared at the screen before him.
Was he really charged with such a large section of the ship? It had to be true. The moment the next person arrived. They would have to start the patrol especially given how slow Solomon might be forced to move.
No.
He would manage a normal pace even as the ship launched. There was no way he would let down the Lieutenant Colonel's show of trust in him.
"Is the Lieutenant Colonel here?"
"In his office, according to the Rich Boy," Arthur stated in reply.
There was the second arrival.
Odd.
It was Lieutenant Barack. The man would be assigned his own patrol route, but the Lieutenant Colonel had ordered Solomon to take the first two to arrive. It had to be regardless of rank.
Whatever his reasoning, Barack was the second to arrive which meant he was now part of the patrol as well.
"Good," – Solomon stood and walked over to Barack and Arthur – "another is here. The three of us are to basic patrol of the ship."
Barack blinked and frowned. "Before the ship has launched?"
Solomon looked at the taller man. "Those are the Lieutenant Colonel's orders." Solomon moved passed them and into the hall.
"Guess we get to make certain no one is trying to blow up the engines and all." Arthur fell into step behind Solomon. "It'll be better than that good luck party they'll no doubt throw."
Heavy steps rang off the metal flooring as Barack no doubt raced to catch up. The sound of him slowing was enough to know he had fallen into step beside Arthur.
"Party?" Barack asked.
"Yeah, it's something Sonya told me about. It's sort of this good luck charm thing to celebrate the successful launch of a ship."
"Really? Does Lunar Base do something similar?" Barack asked.
"For launching ships? Nah, they just toss a bottle of good wine at the haul. What a waste."
"Isn't that an odd tradition?"
"Meh? Don't really care. Expensive wine should be for drinking not tossing at a ship."
Silence greeted Arthur's words. The private seemed to be missing the point of tradition. Granted, not all traditions were good ones. Such as the UN representatives having heirs and basically running their countries. That made it more a dictatorship. One which Isaac seemed to have an iron grip over it.
It didn't matter.
Solomon would be dead in a year. There was nothing he could do about the UN in a year. Ha, it was a laughable really. There was nothing he could do about it no matter the time he had left. Just because of his rank didn't mean he could in act change within the UN. The only way to do this would have been take his father's place as Isaac's right-hand man.
Yet, this wouldn't have guaranteed change.
"So, kids, are you fresh out of bootcamp?" Arthur's question shattered Solomon's thoughts. "Both of you can't be older than twenty."
"What? No," Barack shot down the question. "I've been in the military for a year now."
Arthur whistled. "A year and already a lieutenant. What about you, Rich Boy? I get you're a Lieutenant as well, but did your father buy your rank or something."
Heat shot through Solomon. He forced back the emotion. "No," he stated, voice even.
People moved passed their group as they headed to their stations aboard the ship.
Arthur let out a bark of laughter. "You'd have better luck if you used your bulk to ram the crowd, newbie."
"I'm not a newbie!" his voice grew a little higher, but not with anger.
Well, like with the "rich boy" nickname was for Solomon, this would most likely become Barack's new nickname.
Arthur chuckled. "Well, you're a newbie compared to me, kid."
Barack grunted.
"Stick with me and I'll show you the ropes."
"As in ignoring your commander," Solomon stated more to try and move the subject off teasing Barack than anything else. It was fine if Arthur called Solomon "Rich Boy" not for him to call Barack "newbie."
"What?" Arthur gasped. "I would never."
Right, thus his calling Barack a nickname Barack didn't like. Then there was the reputation the man had and the reason he had never reason above being a private.
Solomon's gut lurched with the feeling of movement his eyes couldn't preserve. He staggered, biting back a gasp. He managed to catch his step to make it appear he'd tripped. His muscles tightened to keep him going despite the sheer agony of his body.
"You all right, Rich Boy?" Arthur asked. His tone had changed from lighthearted. It was a tone Solomon hadn't heard since he was about seven.
Warmth spread through him.
This tone, it was a tone his father had once used with him.
What was it?
"I'm fine," Solomon stated.
It didn't matter what the tone was or why it made him feel as if he belonged.
The halls started to clear as they continued their patrol. "We should check the medical bay," Barack stated.
Solomon glanced at the man.
It had been listed on Barack's patrol route. At least, according to the file the Lieutenant Colonel had passed Solomon.
"Well, that signals the start of the party," Arthur mused.
Given everything the man had said, it only followed the party had started. Yet, despite Arthur's instance over not wanting to go to the party it seemed there was a hint of regret in his voice.
Solomon's heart fluttered.
Whatever was going on with Arthur, they were away. There was no going back to Lunar Base. No way for Solomon's fate to change now. He would be useful and help where he could for the colony for as long as he could. He would die on Mars, away from his family.
He would be free from the shackles his father had forced Solomon to live with since he'd been eight. Free. Just free.
Yet, there had been one hitch.
Solomon glanced back to the two still following him.
Both had seen him stagger. Arthur had even reached out to aid Solomon. Perhaps they were suspicious and perhaps not. Given the conversation the two were having, it leaned more towards the not.
"I thought you didn't want to go to the party," Barack commented, frowning.
"Oh, I don't." Arthur shrugged. "But it does mean I can't dance with my wife and that would have made the party worth attending." Arthur smirked as he punched his hand. "If another man so much as looks at my wife…"
"Um, what?" Barack backed away from Arthur.
"Don't judge me," Arthur huffed. "You'll understand when you get a woman or man of your own."
"This is a patrol, not a social gathering." Solomon returned his attention ahead of him. The older man sure enjoyed hearing himself talk. Solomon focused ahead, his breathing even and pace normal. This should help convince the two of them everything was fine.
"Whatever you say, Rich Boy."
"Is this the right way to the medical bay?" Barack asked. "I confuses I didn't have the time to study the ship."
Arthur chuckled.
"It is," Solomon confirmed.
"Let's just hurry so we can snag some of the left-over food from the party." Arthur picked up the pace until he walked alongside Solomon.
Solomon's stomach churned. It wasn't from Arthur standing so close to him or even the thought of food. It was the sight which greeted him as the patrol rounded the bend.
Body was slumped against the wall. Blood stained the white of his uniform. The source appeared to have been his neck.
"Ugh," Arthur groaned as he covered his mouth. "Forget food."
"If you're going to be sick, do so elsewhere." Solomon moved towards the corpse. This was either a crime scene, a suicide, or a really good hoax.
"Nope, I'm good." Arthur's voice was strained as he followed Solomon over to the corpse. "It's not the first body I've seen, but hopefully the last."
Solomon froze.
This man was the one Solomon had passed his identification to before boarding.
"Private, Lieutenant," – Solomon turned to the two of them – "were they two guards when you boarded the ship?"
Barack frowned. "No. There was just the one."
Arthur frowned and his head cocked to one side. His eyes narrowed in thought. "Nope, just the one."
Odd. So, sometime between when Solomon had boarded and when Arthur had the security officer had gone missing.
"Didn't the Lieutenant Colonel board before me?" Arthur asked.
"He did," Solomon confirmed.
"Perhaps he had something to do with it."
Solomon looked at him. What?
"It could happen." Arthur shrugged. "The guy does have a rather nasty temper."
This was true. It had been on the lieutenant colonel's records, but murder? No. The man wasn't the type.
Barack shifted. "Destroying a camera and killing aren't the same thing."
"Well, true, but still…" Arthur coughed. "What is that?" He pointed towards the corpse.
Solomon turned.
Above the body, written in blood were the words:
"Death to the UN suppressers! Freedom for Earth!"
"UN suppressers? So, a rebellion?" Arthur edged forward.
"I do not know." Yet, the message could mean only one thing. The enhanced humans were tired of playing slaves to normal humans like Solomon. Still, why target the Red Mars Project? The project had to be seen as a ray of hope of them.
No.
This might just be Solomon imposing his own beliefs onto the matter. He knew nothing of the life an enhanced human had led. Yet, to be trapped, with no say or away out from under the thumb of your oppressors – Solomon closed his eyes. An image of his father swam before him.
Solomon shoved back the thought.
No matter how bad the situation, it didn't justify murder.
This was a matter they needed to bring to Lieutenant Colonel Nightlord's attention.
Solomon touched his radio.
His finger stopped before the button.
If news got out now, only moments after launch, a murder had occurred, it would insight panic. Then there was all the information about this ship. The further they moved from Lunar base, the less likely they could receive information or hope to get help. This was the fastest and largest ship the UN had ever made. Even less than an hour out from the Lunar Base was several for the shuttles and other ships still in use. Then there was the fact to stop would throw them adrift and set back their arrival.
Something Isaac would most likely be against.
Solomon's hand lowered.
"We need to alert the Lieutenant Colonel." Solomon turned to the other two. "Private Asran—"
"No way in hell!" Arthur shot down the order before Solomon could give it. "You're in charge of this patrol, that makes informing our foul tempered leader your joy to deal with."
Again, with the foul tempered. There had been no sign of anger when Solomon had met Abel. No matter what his record said, no matter what Arthur said, Solomon would judge his commander by his actions. Actions which thus far were favorable in the mere fact Solomon was standing here as a leader of a patrol. That he of all people had been allowed to do something other than desk work.
It was a matter for later. Right then what mattered the most was informing their superior a murderer was on the loose.
"I'll go." Barack stepped forward. His gaze rested on Solomon.
"Uh, didn't you just say you don't know the ship's layout?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, but…" Barack's gaze lingered on Solomon.
Solomon looked straight back into his.
Barack dropped his gaze.
Could he know? Perhaps Barack had seen the lie before him when Solomon had staggered. Perhaps he knew Solomon hadn't tripped.
Solomon's heart raced.
No.
It was a thought for another time. He needed to focus on the matter at hand.
"Very well," Solomon conceded. "The two of you will remain here. Make certain the crime scene isn't disturbed until I return with the Lieutenant Colonel."
Solomon turned.
"I'll go with you." Barack stepped to his side. "Private Asran should be enough to guard the body. And I do need to learn the ship."
Solomon bowed his head. It was for the best. Besides if he collapsed he could give Barack the directions he needed to get this information to Lieutenant Colonel Nightlord.
Here went everything.
Solomon started forward. With each step he forced himself to go faster.
Faster.
He had to get to a run.
Faster.
Fire raced through him. His lungs seared his lungs.
He had to keep going.
There was no time to waste. No time to pause. Heck, he shouldn't even be thinking. He had to focus.
Breathe.
Run.
Faster.
Solomon stopped before the entrance into the largest recreational room on the ship. This had to be it.
He entered the room and looked around.
"Are you all right, Sir?" Barack asked, his voice just audible over the beating music.
"Fine," Solomon painted. Each breath strained. His body shook.
The Lieutenant Colonel was stood out in space as the only one with hair stained the color of whatever light flashed over him at the time. He was dancing with Captain Sahl.
Solomon stepped forward until he stood on the edge of the dancefloor.
When Abel turned, Solomon gestured to him.
Fire coursed through Solomon's body, pricking at his skin.
x – Abel – x
Pain pulsed through Abel's skull in time to the pounding music.
This was ridiculous. There was so much to do and little time to do it. Though, perhaps this torture would be a great way to gain his team's trust.
Abel's lips twitched.
As if.
None of the few there even seemed interested in approaching him.
A soft tapping could just be heard over the blaring music. People twisted, dancing under the flashing lights in time to the beat. Soft laughter added to the resounding noise, chatter hummed over the music.
It was utter hell.
The only bright side was Cain had been dragged from his office as well. He was luckier in the fact he had grabbed his laptop.
Abel scowled. Just great. He was stuck listening to the deafening sound while Cain got work down. Tabitha hadn't given Abel a moment to breath let alone go back into his office after he had sent out the first few groups to patrol the ship.
"Come on, you have to be there. It's bad luck if you're not." His second had grinned and started to drag him from the security office.
Sure, Abel could have gotten out of her grip, but it would have harmed her. Which would have cemented him as a bad guy far more so than destroying the camera had.
"It is good to see all of you here," a voice cut through the music.
Abel blinked. Sonya stood before the table, a soft smile on her face. "Hello, Doctor Asran," Abel greeted her with a nod.
"Are willing to continue our conversation?" Sonya asked.
"Abel!" Seth's shout came just over the music and buzz of conversation. "Abel. Abel, Abel!" His sister raced into view. She carried a plate in each hand. "They have Indian food! Oh, yeah, and cake." She slid one of the plates onto the table.
Abel stared at the slice of cake she's slid to him. It was biggest slice he'd ever seen. At least twice as big as the small slice he'd had of Seth's birthday cake.
"Here, Cain!" Seth beamed as she slid a dish over to Cain.
He looked up. His glasses flashed in the flashing lights of the room. A small frown pulled at his lips. "What?"
"It's Chinese food!" Seth clapped. "They have dishes from all over the world. This is the best day ever!"
Cain glanced at the plate. "Thank you, Seth, but I really should—"
"He'll eat it," Abel interrupted as he shot a glare at Cain. That jerk! Was he trying to break Seth's heart? Here their sister was going out of her way to get each of them their favorite food and Cain was about to toss it back at her.
Cain frowned. He pulled the plate over and placed it near to the laptop he'd brought with him.
Good.
"Great!" Seth gave them their "v" salute over her eye. "I'm going to help Lilith get the rest." Seth skipped off before Abel had a chance to return the salute.
It was amazing. This would only be the third time he had sweets in his life. To believe it was so soon after Seth's birthday cake. It couldn't real. This was more a dream than anything else.
"The captain seems happy." Sonya smiled.
Abel tore his gaze from the cake.
The smile didn't reach Sonya's eyes. The light glittered off them, making her smile appear almost sad.
Of course, Seth was happy. They could eat what they wanted right then. All their favorite food spread out on the tables. It was unreal. The best day, as Seth had called it.
The doctor returned her gaze to Abel. "I plan on marking the spots we know there is water after the party," Sonya started. "I'll send you it when it's done."
"That would be helpful. We should also look in to getting a schedule in place for the teams going out to gather water." It would make it easier to assign a security detail to Sonya's teams.
"It will have to be planned around the storms," Sonya stated.
Abel nodded in agreement. This was very true. Martian sandstorms were very dangerous. There would be no reason to risk lives over the water. Even if the colony was very low on it, they could wait for the storm to pass before heading out to retrieve more. The only storms which would prove an issue were the dust storms which lasted weeks.
This was why most of the water would be coming in large amounts and stored in massive basins. The water be purified for human and plant consumption.
"Your team is taking the weather readings, correct?" Abel asked as he cut off a small piece of the tantalizing cake.
"We're going to start looking through data coming in from the Mars satellite today." Sonya frowned. "It will be old information but should help establish a base for the weather over the past sixty-three years."
Abel took a small bite of the cake. It was enough to stop his nose from wrinkling.
What fun that would be. Seth was certain to have one of her team's hands full with just over sixty years of weather data.
Abel blinked as the sweet flavor of the cake washed over his tongue. The cake was fluffy and seemed to melt in his mouth.
"I could send you the complied data, if you would like, Lieutenant Colonel."
"Hmm." Abel's fork tapped against the plate. "I'm not certain what security could do with old weather reports." The most use he could get out of it was by seeing the patterns throughout the year for what time of year the storms hit the worst. "Go ahead and send them, just in case."
"I can't believe you two!"
Abel blinked.
Seth had reappeared with Lilith. She held a plate filled with what smelled to be Indian food. Her checks puffed out. "You and Cain are working at a party. Come on, it's meant to be fun, not work."
A soft laugh escaped Sonya. She bowed to Seth. "Forgive me, Captain Nightlord. It is my fault the Lieutenant Colonel is working. I wished to continue our discussion from earlier."
Seth huffed as she set down her plate.
Lilith smiled. She took the seat beside Cain.
Abel's heart sank.
What the hell? It didn't bloody matter where she sat. Besides, his dear sister was going to be sitting by him.
"I know!" Seth snapped her fingers, grinning. "You can dance with me!"
Eh, what?
"Why?" Abel asked, keeping his voice gentle. This was his sister he was talking to. He didn't want to upset her again as he had when he had mentioned Thomas.
"It's your punishment for working at a party." Seth placed her hands on her hips and nodded.
"Um, no, thank you, dear sister."
Seth pouted. "You're just refusing because you can't dance."
"I can," Abel stated.
"Prove it by dancing with me."
"No," Abel tried again to refuse.
A smirk appeared on her face. Seth's eyes glittered as she leaned forward. "Then I'll go ask one of the guys to dance with me. Perhaps I'll even get my first date out of it."
Date?
The air chilled until a shiver raced through Abel.
Seth, dating. Oh, hell no. The guy would just hurt her. There was no way there would ever be a guy good enough for her. Not ever!
"Have fun," Cain stated as he lifted is tablet. He looked over the top of it and his glasses at Seth. His gaze dropped back to the screen a heartbeat later. "Tell whatever boy who dates you he has to deal with me if he messes with you."
Abel shot a glare at Cain.
What the hell?
Abel leapt to his feet. His chair clattered to the floor. "No one's dating you, ever!" Abel growled. His hand balled into a fist until his nails started to dig into the soft flesh of his palm.
"Then, dance with me." Seth's smirk shifted into a wide grin. "That way you can make certain no one tries to ask me out."
Sonya chuckled. She nodded to Abel and Seth. "We can continue this discussion later, Lieutenant Colonel."
Abel nodded, but didn't take his eyes off his sister. Damn it all, he'd fallen into Seth's trap. Still, it was better than risking her heart being shattered by a guy who only sought to use her.
"All right," Abel conceded, "I'll dance with you."
"Come!" Seth grabbed his hand and started to pull him towards the dance floor.
Abel stumbled after his sister.
The music beat deeper into his skull.
Abel narrowed his eyes against the pulsing ache.
Ugh, at this rate he was more likely to go deaf than be able to dance right.
His heart flickered.
Crap, he didn't know the first thing about dancing.
"Wing it!" Seth grinned as she released Abel's hand. She moved in time to the blinding beat of the music. She spun around, eyes glittering.
Abel glanced around.
Everyone else was moving.
"You look stupid just standing there," Seth giggled as she kept dancing.
Abel took a deep breath. He started move in time to his sweet sister.
The song ended.
Finally.
Abel made to move off the dance floor.
"Another!"
Abel gasped when Seth yanked him back.
All right. It was for Seth.
This repeated for two more songs.
Perhaps now the third song was winding down, Abel could retreat. His head was killing him.
"Mind if I cut in?"
Abel jumped. Gah, head aches and pulsing music both sucked. It was messing with his ability to hear people approaching.
It was Lilith.
Seth blinked and frowned as she looked between them. "Sure, I'll go sit with Cain for a bit. I needed a break."
And he did?
Oh well.
Abel turned to her as the first notes of the next song rang through the room.
Crap! It was a slow song.
"Perhaps we should sit this one out," Abel suggested. He glanced around the dance floor. They were mainly couples, and a few kids who were continuing a rather wild looking dance at the edge of the dance floor, remained.
Given it was only couples… Shit, people might think they were together.
His heart fluttered.
What the hell?
Lilith took his head. She wove her fingers through his. "Don't worry, just follow my lead." Her hand was warm on his arm.
Abel swallowed. She was so close he could smell her warm scent.
The room warmed.
"Your hand goes to my waist."
"Right," Abel muttered, looking away from her even his hand went to her waist.
She started the waltz. Abel forced to follow by her touch.
Lilith leaned closer.
Abel could barely breath. What was doing? His heart raced. She was so very close.
Someone who shouldn't have been there, caught Abel's eye as he turned with Lilith.
Solomon.
The first lieutenant gestured to Abel.
"Excuse me, Lilith," Abel whispered. His heart sank as he released her.
Lilith followed his gaze. Her hand slipped from his arm. "All right," she sighed.
Abel slipped through the dancers and around the children without getting hit by any of them. He gestured to Solomon and Barack to follow him. They left the rec room.
"What's wrong?" Abel asked the moment they were out in the hall.
"There's been a murder, sir," Solomon informed, features straight.
A murder? Someone had to be sending a message through this action back to Earth. Even if this wasn't the case, a murder was too important to ignore. They had also been right not to go over the radio with this. A panic was the last thing they needed with most of the security team bogged down at a party.
"Lead the way."
(Author's note: So in Dreams of a Generation Arthur talks about how he's been on a ship before (something I seem to have spaced while writing chapter 4). He's never been on a ship in this write thus he talks about how Sonya has been on a ship before…
Another mistake I will be going back and editing. Solomon isn't tied for third in command, he's tied for second with Tabitha. Both of them are First Lieutenants.
Also, I got a new job which is letting me work from home right now. It's why last month's update didn't happen and this one was late. I am still trying to a schedule back for writing.)