Chapter 13

It was peak operating hours for the commissary situated on the first floor of Station Varza, with roughly three quarters of its long-laminated tables already at capacity. Its patrons a combination of station and field personnel sat shoulder to shoulder as they consumed their ready-to-eat meals. Conversation flowed freely here, mixing with the sounds of cutlery and glassware to form a cacophony capable of breaching the confines of the large dining space through the various sets of double doors set along the station walls.

Amongst the bustle of this lunch rush a brunette communications officer could be found standing beside the service counter, waiting patiently as the dining staff plated her serving, a grilled cheese set that included a tomato basil soup and small cucumber salad. Her reason for settling on this particular menu item being that she simply hadn’t tried it yet. And while Esma had seen the item on the menu during previous such occasions she’d opted for alternative options that were more in line with her personal preferences. That’s not to say every station had the same menu items as it was actually the opposite. With each station’s menu taking great care to account for the given region’s local produce and delicacies. But for the sake of accommodating some of the less adventurous palettes, each station also rotated through several fixed menu items. This happened to be one such item.

Collecting the red tray offered to her, Esma mouthed her appreciation to the kitchen staff and wading through the lunch crowd towards a table in the far corner. Sat at said table were her comrades in arms; Lux, Cade, and a friend of the former’s named Faust. The rookie CO only being introduced to the man upon arrival to Varza the day prior. But he seemed amicable enough. At the very least he’d held off beginning his meal until she’d joined them. Not unlike Cade who sat across from him browsing some pamphlet in lieu of eating. And while it was considerate of them to wait for her, it also wasn’t even remotely necessary.

“Never thought I’d say this, but take a lesson from Lux and drop the decorum. Can’t imagine the food tastes better cold.”

She slid onto the bench next to said blonde, settling beside the well-traveled security officer who’d already polished half her meal. Meanwhile their table counterpart made a face at whatever it was he’d been reading and tossed it aside in favor of grabbing a spoon.

“Stews taste better cold.”

The three proceeded to dig in while Lux directed her attention at the new arrival. Gesturing with her fork as she inquired about Esma’s first two weeks in field service. In the span of which Esma had served on five different convoys including her inaugural trip to New Kantler. A tad below the median number as personnel typically averaged three to four convoys in a given week. Unfortunately political backlash following the convoy to Belveer had all three of them stuck in the Commonwealth for longer than anticipated, lowering everyone’s service time.

“I’m happy to report that my first convoy has, by far, remained the most eventful. And that includes the convoy to Station Ellorizo sans your company.”

As for the other three, Esma had been fortunate enough to serve alongside the pair, even if they hadn’t been assigned the same Crusader each time. Just knowing there were familiar faces she could rely on nearby did wonders to ease her anxieties.

“Well, give it some time and you’ll familiarize yourself with plenty of other crewman besides us. More so if you stick to this region of the Expanse.”

Esma dipped one half of her grilled cheese in the tomato soup as she processed Lux’s words. Honestly never considering whether she’d move around or not. Though part of her knew experiencing the other regions of the Expanse at some point would be necessary if she wanted to see her long-term objective through. And yet after reflecting on her first two weeks on the job the prospect sounded quite daunting.

“Have you two—”

She glanced at the reticent security officer in her peripheral.

“Er—three been in the west for long?”

Lux crossed both arms and sat up straight in a show of regional pride.

“Born and raised!”

Cade raised a brow in response to his friend’s declaration but didn’t comment on it, swallowing his current mouthful before responding.

“Spent my first year operating out of the north. Switched gears to the western region around a year ago. That’s when I ran into this one.”

He gestured over at Lux with his spoon.

“In general, I’d say I prefer it here. More agreeable weather, sensible city layouts, heaps of other stuff that’d probably bore you if I got into it.”

“Because city planning is so thrilling—”

Cade ignored the comment and motioned over to his neighbor.

“Warren, you’ve been in the west awhile, right?”

[Faust Warren, 23, Security Division]

“Three years and counting.”

“Bullshit, toss it over!”

Esma didn’t immediately understand Lux’s request but pieced it together after Faust slipped one hand under the table. Watching as he wordlessly undid his belt and tossed it over to the insistent blonde, who proceeded to scrutinize its contents. The action itself spoke volumes of the man’s trust in Lux, to the extent Esma nearly chastised her for making such a porous effort at covering the belt from passersby. The CO even unconsciously placing a hand on her own belt to ensure the sanctity of a non-existent service record.

“...well fuck me, and to think you’re so unassuming. Nice of you to whip it out for me though.”

“Hey...”

Cade chastised his friend from across the table.

“Some of us are still eating here.”

Lux shrugged and tossed the belt back over to Faust. In the same motion she plucked a cucumber off Esma’s salad and bit into it with a satisfying crunch. But rather than lament the loss of her botanic fruit, the brunette found her emerald gaze wandering over to the pamphlet Cade had discarded. It was face down so she couldn’t be sure but based on the language on the back it concerned something travel related.

Swallowing a bite of her sandwich, Esma made to ask the engineer about it but became distracted by another attempt at her salad. As if to help her thwart this second effort a loud female voice suddenly came over the station’s PA system. It was monotone, indicative of an emergency alert, and did the impossible of making the entire dining area settle down instantaneously.

“THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SUMMONS; ALL AVAILABLE PERSONNEL ARE ASKED TO REPORT TO THE ASSEMBLY AREA IMMEDIATELY FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SUMMONS; ALL AVAILABLE—”

The message continued to play on repeat as chatter began to pick back up around them. Meanwhile Esma had gone from startled to discerning whether sharing a meal qualified her and the others as ‘available personnel.’ That question was answered in the form of Lux, Cade and Faust shooting up from their respective seats.

“Galen Run. Whose game?”

“I’m due.”

“Think I’m going to let you run off on your own.”

The three gathered up their trays and began shuffling away from the table. Feeling terribly uninformed and alone, Esma scrambled to collect her own things so she could hurry after them. The PA’s continued assault from above only adding to her nervous energy. They proceeded to deposit their trays on the designated conveyor belt before bursting out one of the dining hall’s set of double doors.

As they entered the hallways leading into the rest of the station Esma could make out a select few similarly rushing in the direction of the assembly area. Although there was also a staggering number of personnel going about their business as usual, granted they still made way for those passing through. Given the chance Esma would have loved to inquire more about these so-called “Galen Runs” and asked why they didn’t seem to be of interest to the rest of the station. But at their current pace coupled with the cramp forming in her side, she felt it likely her questions would have to wait until they reached their destination.

Turning a corner the group nearly collided with a pair of officers coming from the other direction. Fortunately, Lux, who’d been leading the charge, redirected the momentum of the closer individual. Spinning them into the lap of the person behind them. As Esma was at the tail end of their bunch she took it upon herself to raise a hand in apology as they passed by the toppled duo. Much to her surprise the taller of the two sprang back to his feet rather quickly and had no sooner passed her.

The man proceeded to match his stride to Cade’s for a moment, offering a goofy smile to the engineer before catching up to Lux just as she reached the entrance leading of the assembly area. The two entered the space almost simultaneously, with the man extending his upper body forward and flailing his arms back like one would at the end of a one-hundred-meter dash. The blonde on the other hand stood off to the side nonchalantly as the rest of the group filed in after him, Esma bringing up the rear.

“Can always count on you to get in the way, Wash.”

The man peered of the doubled over forms of Esma and the officer he’d been running alongside at the time of the toppling, both trying to catch their breaths. The man known as Wash maneuvered a pair of round red-tinted glasses up from his face and offered a wide grin at his impromptu race opponent.

“Anytime pal.”

[Wash Redcliffe, 26, Engineering Division]

*

It took longer than Esma would have liked to admit for her to regain her breath and resume an upright posture, and even when she did the cramp in her side protested causing her to grimace. She half-worried the unfamiliar man next to her would mistake it for a glare, but he seemed more focused on the officer sharing in her struggles. She used the opportunity to get a good look at him.

He was tall, taller than Cade who’d Esma would also consider tall, and had a build she could best describe as sinewy. The muscles of his arms on full display as the crimson top he wore was sleeveless, save for the black compression sleeve running the length of his left arm. Looks wise he had wavy dark brown hair that he’d styled back and a light birthmark bordering the corner of his left eye. It contrasted an olive skin tone that was one shade lighter than Lux’s. Just as she’d finished studying his appearance a pair of brown eyes flicked downwards and met her own.

“You’re an unfamiliar face.”

Cade answered in her place as he stepped up alongside the man Lux had referred to as Wash.

“She’s new, circa de two weeks ago. Got stuck in Belveer with the rest of us.”

Wash folded his arms and hinged at the hips to get a closer look at her. Notably, lowering his round spectacles prior to his appraising. He snapped his long fingers.

“Communications Division.”

Esma reflexively looked down to see if all the running had exposed her belt. It hadn’t. Meaning he’d drawn on experience to make an educated guess. Something she wouldn’t make up for anytime soon, and undoubtedly a contributor to her failures thus far to correctly guess even half of her colleague’s divisions ahead of departure. It frustrated her.

That frustration went unvoiced however as the personnel who’d crowded into the assembly area began forming several queues. Lux appeared behind Esma and guided her by the shoulders into the closest one, Cade and Wash jumping in line just ahead of them.

“Managed to catch the final quarter of the game the other day, darn shame.”

“Don’t remind me. That fossil’s clock management was as horrendous as ever. I mean, give the guys a chance to go down and win it will ya.”

“Think you could do better?”

“Hey, I coached in an intramural team once!”

Esma tuned the pair out from there and poked her head out of the line to gather more information about what was happening. She noted the line was moving surprisingly fast.

“Hey Lux?”

Said security officer had produced a nail file at some point and begun putting it to use on her pointer finger.

“Hmm?”

“Care to fill me in on what’s going on.”

They took a few steps forward.

“Galen Run.”

A beat of silence.

“Yes, you made mention of that back at the table. Now if you could provide a bit more context for this confused fledgling.”

Lux paused her filing and looked up as they moved forward again.

“Right right, my bad. Just think of it as an emergency convoy. We’re talking super last-minute shit.”

Esma contemplated the implications of that synopsis as Lux blew on her nails. Meanwhile the ongoing sports debate going on ahead of them had shifted abruptly to an argument on industrial politics. Talk about whiplash.

“A time sensitive convoy...that would imply the cargo we’re pulling either has a critical shelf life or we’re transporting emergency supplies in bulk. Likely the former. Unless it’s still developing, I haven’t heard word on a disaster in any of the neighboring city states. But if that’s true the cargo will be of considerable value raising the likelihood...”

The brunette continued rambling, mostly to herself, as Lux alternated between nailcare and moving her along. Meanwhile just ahead of them Cade and Wash were already in the process of being assigned a Crusader. And as one would expect based on their extensive history working as part of a tandem, they were assigned to the same one. Esma snapped back to attention just in time to watch as their broad forms rushed off in the direction of the docks. Understandable as engineers needed to board the Crusader before everyone else to help with loading and to conduct their routine checks. In this case a very abbreviated version in all likelihood.

“Been awhile Lux, how’s life treating you?”

Lux squeezed in next to Esma and extended a fist to the man stood beside the staff officer tasked with throwing together a crew roster. He returned her gesture in kind.

“It’s been bit too gentle as of late, nothing jumping onboard one these can’t fix.”

Esma looked back and forth between the two as she presented her ID to the seated man. Sensing her inquisitiveness the man offered an introduction and a firm handshake.

“Convoy Commander Dandridge. Happy to have you on board.”

[Lautnor Dandridge, 32, Convoy Commander]

Unlike the CCs she’d encountered thus far, this guy was exuding waves of charisma. Not so different from the engineer she’d met minutes ago. But unlike Wash this commander had very fair skin and short messy blonde hair. His patchy stubble a much darker shade and his stature on par with that of Cade’s. But his most notable feature was the pair of tattoos running up the sides of his neck and that converged on the underside of his chin. A chin with a labret piercing shaped like a star. But it was something about the phrases making up the tattoos that struck Esma as familiar, though she couldn’t quite place it. She made to ask but got interrupted.

“Miss Villard you’re to report to Crusader C362 for the role of security officer. Same Crusader as the gentlemen before you for reference.”

“...huh?”

The staff member turned their attention to Lux, seemingly done with her. She placed both hands on the reception desk to make it clear she was still very much present.

“I’m sorry, I think you must have misread my ID. I’m a member of the communications division, not security.”

The older man went about inspecting Lux’s ID and jotting her name down on the crew roster, unperturbed by Esma’s assessment of the situation.

“I regret to inform you that all CO positions are currently accounted for. If you intend to be part of this convoy, it will have to be in a security capacity.”

“...”

For one of a scant few times in her life Esma was at a loss for words. Too busy analyzing the ramifications of this unexpected development. Did they really expect her to competently fill this role? Would it not be better for her to resign her spot on the convoy so the position could go to someone more qualified?

“Go ahead and slide me onto C362 as well, I’ll take responsibility for her.”

A courteous move on Lux’s part. Not that it solved the actual problem.

“Actually, I’m not sure I’m qualifi—”

“You're in luck newbie! I can’t think of a finer security officer to learn from in these parts!”

Esma swallowed and desperately tried to conjure up an acceptable counter argument, but things were moving much too quickly. Emphasizing that point was Lux who hooked her arm and began dragging her in the direction of the armory.

“Get a move on Es, time to get you acquainted with the old shooting iron.”

Lautnor watched as the sharpshooter dragged off her colleague when he felt a stack of paperwork smack the top of his head. He turned, meeting the half-lidded gaze of the convoy’s assigned Head Communications Officer. She released the papers atop his head forcing him to hurriedly grab them and proceeded to flick her dark ponytail over her shoulder.

“We have a LOT of things we need to go over before departure, let’s walk and talk.”

*

“It emerged two weeks ago, in concert with the return of an aquatic fowl species called the Boreal Crested Grebe. They used to make regular migrations to the region until they disappeared from Mennarouple’s shores some thirty years ago. Consensus among biologists was that warmer temperatures in the Northeast corridor altered their migration patterns.”

“Crested Grebe...those’re the ones with the crazy looking head feathers, right?”

One of Sumiye’s eyes twitched involuntarily at the Commander’s takeaway, but she knew that he wouldn’t pay attention if she didn’t answer him before continuing.

“Their plumage is considered unique, yes. Hence the use of the term ‘crested’. Relative to similar species they apparently spend a great deal of time on plumage maintenance.”

“Birds are so funny. You got a favorite bird Sumi?”

[Sumiye Endellion, 27, Communications Division]

“No. Now as I’m sure you’re aware the city of Mennarouple is a major agricultural producer for the region. They make use of not only the fertile land around the lake but also employ floating gardens on its surface. Ideal places for the Grebes to construct their nests.”

“What they don’t have floating scarecrows?”

The two strode across the yard and entered the dock of Crusader C471, which would serve as the command center for this convoy.

“On the contrary, the farmers were happy to see the return of the bird population. Not only do they aid in pest control, but they also serve as effective bioindicators for ecological conditions.”

“You don’t say.”

Sumiye had to tug on the blonde’s shirt to regain his attention as he waved at someone from across the yard.

“Turns out they shouldn’t have been so welcoming after all. The birds were carrying an IAV, what’s essentially influenza or the flu for birds. And they transmitted it to the farmers without anyone knowing. Considering the disease’s onset is one to four days after exposure, there was plenty of time for them to spread it to family members before symptoms began showing.”

Lautnor’s head snapped down in the Head COs direction.

“You telling me we’ve got an outbreak in Mennarouple? Because if that’s the case I’m pretty sure we’re legally obligated to notify the crews ahead of departure.”

“Relax, parts of the city have already been placed under strict quarantine. And no cases have been reported at or around the Crusader station. It’s one of the reasons the Council of Trade and Commerce positions its assets on the outskirts of most city states.”

“Who you calling an asset?”

The CC pointed an accusatory finger at the woman, for her part she smacked it away with a grumble.

“The crews will be made aware via a group transmission at the beginning of the route. If you’re worried about mutiny rest assured the conditions in the city are being factored into this convoy’s compensation package.”

Lautnor held her gaze for a moment before heading around to C471’s cargo bay, Sumiye lagging not far behind.

“So if I’m following along correctly, the cargo we're transporting is—”

“The specimens required to produce an adequate number of vaccines.”

He approached the series of specially prepared crates carrying the specimens in question, all of the cold storage variety. They were strapped down thoroughly and surrounded by a sea of dunnage bags to ensure no damage came to their fragile contents.

“Time is of the essence. Quarantine or no, with every day that goes by the sickness spreads to more parts of the city. And since the cash crops they grow in Mennarouple are harvested year-round, delays caused by the virus could lead to short term food shortages in the surrounding regions.”

“Wouldn’t be much of a Galen Run if there weren’t stakes tied to our success.”

The pair skirted around the cargo and headed up the ladder way, the onboard crew members offering nods and greetings as they emerged topside.

“Regarding the route...”

Lautnor offered a hand and pulled her up with practiced ease.

“If we’re being realistic, there’s only one option that’ll get us there on time...”

“Can’t be helped. It’s an emergency after all.”

He turned to the piloting engineer.

“We loaded yet?”

Of course, he’d dodge her attempt at discussing the route.

“Last of the roster is trickling in as we speak.”

“It’s shaping up to be an interesting afternoon. Hey Sumi!”

The CO had given up on her briefing and instead started fiddling with her equipment, things like setting the frequency for the group transmission and adjusting the fit of the headset.

“Let’s hurry on over to Station Riga so we can do some bird watching. I’d like to get a good look at the little bastard’s wrecking all this havoc. Maybe get some tips on plumage maintenance while we’re at it.”

Sumiye slipped the headset on and before making sure to cover the mic.

“Moron.”

*

Station Varza’s armory was housed in a separate wing a short walk away from loading yard. And as one would expect it required multiple security checkpoints be bypassed just to so much as sniff a rifle, or any other firearm. In Lux’s case her credentials afforded her the ability to skip most of the checkpoints whereas Esma had to go through all the normal operating procedures. It didn’t matter how strapped they were for time, the LCF didn’t play around when it came to munitions access.

Either way Lux figured Esma wouldn’t be long and chose to head over to the main reception, flagging down one of the available technicians. She proceeded to hand them her firearms license, a card separate from one’s Federation ID, and gestured to include a strap. The tech nodded and headed to the back where the weapon lockers were located to retrieve Lux’s order.

Save for unique circumstances, the armory was where every field service security officer stored their rifle for safe-keeping between convoys. Handing them in shortly after arrival for cleaning and maintenance. This was also where they were allotted ammunition in accordance with the CC’s order ahead of a convoy. Considering the convoy’s status as a ‘Galen Run’ each officer would be afforded more than the usual amount.

As she waited for her equipment Lux leaned back on the counter and went about scanning the room for familiar faces. Galen Runs not having official manifests or crew rosters due to their last second nature. As such personnel didn’t know which colleagues would be joining them until boarding. The irony of this wasn’t lost on Lux as one notorious for abstaining from the manifest, but Galen Runs would have probably been her one exception. Being considerably more dangerous than your typical convoy, it paid to know who you’d have surrounding you. Especially since these runs relied almost entirely on volunteers for filling out the crew rosters. Meaning they’d take whatever they could get. Even if it meant appointing a rookie CO to a security position.

“I thought you only had these episodes during convoys?”

Turing her head Lux came face to face with the approaching Youn who’d similarly handed over his own firearms license over to the same tech who’d just returned with her own rifle, requested strap and all. They then disappeared once again, but not before retrieving several boxes of ammunition from a locked cabinet below the counter.

“What number?”

“C362.”

Lux nodded and started to rattle off names on her fingers.

“That makes me, you, Faust and Esma...but wasn’t there a weak presence accompanying Wash to the assembly area? I wonder what division that guy was in?”

“Hold on a sec, wasn’t Esma the name of that rookie from Belveer? You’re really telling me they expect her to serve as a security officer today?”

Lux turned back towards the counter and went about collecting her magazines.

“See for yourself.”

Glancing in the direction of the entryway Youn watched as the brunette in question shuffled in nervously, rushing over as soon as she spotted Lux next to him. He doubted she even noticed his presence. Faust entered close behind and offered a genteel nod in their direction before also coming over.

“Hey, so I think the reality of the situation is finally beginning to sink in and I’m kind of freaking out.”

Youn groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose, Lux on the other hand didn’t seem too perturbed by the rookie’s supposed mental breakdown.

“Two weeks ago you climbed the bridge of a moving Crusader, got within spitting distance of a raiding party leader and now you’re scared?”

“Spitting distance wouldn’t have been my preferred choice of metric, and I’d argue the encroaching reality of getting blown up by a rocket super seceded my usual capacity for putting myself in harm's way.”

“The armory has rockets, right?”

Lux turned to the same tech who’d been on standby. Even without knowledge of the context they nodded in the affirmative.

“Try and use that to put yourself in the same head space as back then.”

What even was this conversation. Youn collected his rifle from the counter and slung it over his shoulder, securing his allotment of ammunition inside of his drop pouch. He made to leave for the yard right away but took one more look at Esma’s lackluster body language and stopped.

“You should probably pass on this one.”

The two girls put a pin in the scene they were making in the middle of the armory and looked his direction.

“There’s no shame in staying within your means, and no one’s going to fault a CO for withdrawing from a crew roster due to availability concerns. Many would argue that rookies shouldn’t be anywhere near a Galen Run to begin with.”

Youn’s eyes briefly flitted over to Lux’s as if he was daring her to challenge the validity of his words.

“Believe me, the last thing your colleagues want is to lose someone new because they tried to do too much too fast.”

He didn’t miss the way Lux stopped herself short of interjecting. Though visibly displeased, it was clear she wanted the rookie to fight her own battles. A hands-off policy of sorts that seasoned field service personnel subscribed to when shaping fresh recruits. Whether or not he’d just overstepped was up to interpretation, but Youn was willing to admit he was still a bit raw from the fate that befell Preece. He’d hate for Lux to have go through something similar. And based on the way the two interacted it was rather obvious they were already close.

In comparison he wouldn’t say that he’d been particularly close to Preece in a personal sense, but they’d worked together enough times that a foundation of trust had formed. And having that foundation torn up so unexpectedly hurt like hell. With that said, having voiced his doubts and feeling a little better for it, Youn made to leave. Only for Esma’s calm voice to hold him in place a moment longer.

“Lifes not supposed to be a race, which makes it perfectly ok to speed up for some people and slow down for others.”

Youn turned around, not bothering to mask his look of surprise. Because those weren’t the words of someone her age. It was clear someone had already gotten through to her in the past.

“The CO who told me that is one of two people in my life that I truly admire.”

A huff from the vicinity of Lux.

“Though I expect the list will continue to grow with time.”

Esma smiled at the offended party, who responded by looking away sheepishly. She then returned her attention to Youn.

“I’m sure it must seem like I’m getting ahead of myself, but you need to understand that from my perspective, I’ve been standing stationary for most my life. It just so happened that some rather impressive people happened to pass me by and for the first time in my life I decided I’d try joining them. Even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zone.

The girl took a breath to steady herself, acutely aware of the vulnerability she was putting on display.

“I’m know better than anyone how selfish and reckless a decision it might be, but if it’ll take me away from that place I was before, then I’ve successfully taken one step closer to properly living a life I can be proud of.”

A few claps rang out from both Faust and some of the technicians who’d wandered over to listen in. And suddenly it was Esma’s turn to shy away in embarrassment, the reality of her impromptu monologue sinking in. Youn wasn’t among those applaud, still against her participation. But her display made it clear to the fourth-year security officer that his words wouldn’t reach her. He sighed.

“Suit yourself. I just hope you’re a fast learner.”

Youn exited the armory without another word. After which Esma received assistance from Lux in getting her first standard issue. Faust too collected his equipment and the three headed out as a group. And just like that the security officers of C362 were now armed and ready for departure.