Desperate Circumstances (book2)

“I hope that you have hazard pay for this one!” Princeton Comac’s loud voice called to the rest of the crew as he came into the galley area. There were six people sitting at the table here. Four men and two women who gave a smile. A crew that had been working together for some time now.

“Why, what did they load this time Captain, oh my Captain.” There was a laugh from those at the table. Princeton sat down grabbing a roll. This was said by a large man with black hair and a thick beard.

“We would be carrying the worst kind, we are heading to Tera six. Then Tera four.” A little bit of a groan went up.

“How’d we get so lucky?” Came the soft voice of one the women. Sky had blonde hair with darker streaks. She was young and in shape having served in the army for a while. She knew what both of these places were. They ran a transport ship, normally just goods to different planets. This time they were transporting people and the worst sort. They were known for their safety and strict routine, so far they always made it and on time. If not early.

“Tera six, isn’t that where they just dump them in the desert to die? You had to have done something seriously bad.” Anton stated, a burly man with a dark beard.

“Yeah and four is for the mentally insane.” Sky added, taking a bite of her food. “So we got stuck with a prisoner transport.”

“Please tell me we have extra protections. As much as I would love for one to get loose on the ship. I mean I know that those moving cells are supposed to be state of the art. We installed the hook up but there are a lot down there.” This from Ken their cook. He was in his mid-forties, along with being part time mechanic. No one had just one job on their ship.

“We do, and we carry five bound for Tera six, and eight for the loony bin.” There was a laugh.

“I’m assuming you are telling us this because we will be having extra rounds?” This from Vince the younger man with brown hair. He was second in command if something were to happen to Princeton.

“Why it’s like we’ve done this before.” Princeton answered him and Vince just raised an eyebrow. “The few doctors that we have on board and the four military personnel will be staying in the lower cabins. I don’t want them roaming around getting into things that they shouldn’t. So keep them in their part of the ship. Also with these high class criminals I want to be sure that everything is in place.” He looked around the table at his crew. “We do still have standard cargo to deliver too.” Nods were given.

“Sky I want triple checks everyday on the power levels of our stasis cells. We lose power, we are in serious trouble. Also I want you to personally see to the locking system. Make sure that they are all functioning properly. Seeing as you served you could always help with guard duty too.” He gave a slight smile and wink. They liked to harass her on this a bit. Why? Because of her stature. She blinked at him, did she really have to kick his ass again to prove a point?

“Guard, ha ha.” This from Anton. “She weighs what one twenty five if that? A strong wind would blow that woman over.”

“Bite me Anton.” Sky said. “I could still take your sorry ass down any day. Who needs power when a well placed blade will do.” He laughed and they listened while Princeton dished out orders specific to each of their skill sets. The banter was good natured however.

“Meg, navigation details provided on the hour. Make sure that our flight is smooth and no hindrance. I want to be done and paid in the shortest time possible.” Meg had dark hair and eyes. She gave a nod and patted a hand on her portable device that she kept with her at all times.

“Easy as pie. We should be reaching our first gate in twenty minutes. Already have clearance to jump.” Princeton gave a smile. He chewed a bit more food. They had taken off several hours ago. They were debriefed on cargo prior, but now they were getting more detailed routine. They liked to have daily meetings for this kind of transport.

“Keep up the good food Ken.” Ken saluted with bread in hand and there was a bit of a laugh once more. The last in their group was Ralph. He booked their flights and made sure all the T’s were crossed and I’s dotted. He was also their resident medical expert. A very smart man, and they were happy to have him. As he was really two people in one.

“As soon as we are finished. Get moving on what needs to be checked.” Princeton said.

“Yes master.” Ken said and they gave another laugh before starting some friendly banter. Smiles all around. Oblivious to those that were down below for the moment. That their laughter was going to be short lived. There hopes for a short smooth transport were going to be crushed.