{Author's Note: I do hate leaving my characters hanging. By fortunate chance I checked my email account and found I had acquired a couple fans. This led to a search through old note books and a reconsidering of the plot. The crew of ISS Artemis 24 is no longer left hanging but moves forward to their fate. Please enjoy and let me know your thoughts...}
ISS Artemis 24 docked to Elli's Chance system 612-744
Date 1184-265 Imperial Standard
Time Consecutive
Valarii watched the lift doors close, taking Vrain and Melany down to deck one. He was doing his best to project confidence in front of the captain.
"Val."
Valarii jumped at Daryl's voice, "Yes sir." He did manage to keep his voice from cracking.
"This ship started life as a Type R, Mod 3, Block 4 or 5 merchant. Yonder bulkhead has two hatches; knowing what we know, what is likely to be behind them."
Val focused on the captain's question, forgetting to be nervous about their situation. "This series attempted to address the security issues of the original design, which gave passengers direct access to the bridge hatches."
Daryl nodded for the pilot to continue. "We are in the crew lounge and galley area which provides a buffer between the passenger area and the bridge. The port hatch leads to the passenger quarters and lounges. The starboard hatch is for a crew only passage. It has maintenance access to local comfort zone machinery and gives access to the low berths without the crew having to traverse the passenger area. What passes for med bay is also located in the stern."
Ishyn smiled broadly, "Excellent Val, you have been studying your specs. Now for a commander's view; which route is best for our purposes?"
Val answered quickly, "The port route through the passenger section would give us the best odds of finding survivors." He paused at the commander's raised eyebrow. After a moment's though he continued, "However anyone in that area would likely have heard our probe or us talking and attempted to signal us already."
Ishyn gave a tight smile, "My thinking as well. Also their is apparently something loose on board we would prefer to not meet. The passenger areas would have many areas said critter could be resting or waiting for a couple of scouts to come bumbling along. The maintenance passage limits our exposure to shadowy corners."
"The comfort zone machinery is too cramped for anything really dangerous to hide as well," Val added.
Ishyn gave a chuckle, "When we are back on Artemis remind me to show you a holo of a brown wriggler found on Leander. You may reconsider your views on what size creature can be really dangerous. In general though I agree with your reasoning. Lets move smartly to the low berths then get an update from Vrain and Mel. I want to get back to our ship as soon as we can."
"One hundred percent with you commander."
Ishyn watched as Val set up the bypass to power open the hatch. "I can guarantee you one thing Val, the most dangerous beast in the Imperium is not waiting for us behind this hatch."
Val looked over his shoulder, "Not that I doubt you sir, but how can you be positive?"
Ishyn looked back utterly serious, "I know because the payments to my ex-wife go to Lunion."