Custodians

DATE: Year 308-B, Sol 523

LOCATION: Quarantine Strut 4 (Sagan City 1 - External)

Phoenix stood on the metal grating of the Quarantine Strut, magnetized boots locked to the deck, watching the winds of Jupiter on the other side of the plexiglass shielding. He could feel the winds. They were cold.

Above him, the hull of the Mighty Sparrow groaned as the wind buffeted it. The ship was clamped to the strut by three massive magnetic locks, dangling over the abyss.

-Atmospheric pressure holding, a voice said over the comms in his helmet.

Phoenix turned. Two figures in environmental suits were walking toward him from the airlock of the main City.

They stopped a few meters away. The lead figure tapped their helmet. The faceplate polarized, revealing a woman with sharp features and grey eyes that matched Himalaya’s.

-I am Victoria Market, she said. Her voice was clipped, professional. This is my partner Poteau.

The man beside her nodded. He looked tired. He held on to a case.

-The parents, Phoenix said.

-The custodians, Victoria corrected. Where is the boy?

-He’s in the med-bay, Phoenix said, thumbing toward the airlock of the Sparrow. He’s awake. Weak, but awake.

-And the artifact? Victoria asked.

Phoenix looked at her, upset.

-The artifact is wired into his brain stem, Phoenix snapped.

She stepped past him, her magnetic boots clicking rhythmically on the grate. Poteau followed, keeping his eyes on the deck.

Phoenix watched them board his ship.

Ten minutes later, the airlock cycled.

Poteau and Victoria emerged, supporting Himalaya between them. The boy looked terrible.

As they passed Phoenix, Himalaya looked up. His eyes were glassy, fighting the exhaustion.

-Phoenix, he croaked.

-Easy, kid, Phoenix said. He didn't step closer. Go get fixed up.

-You staying?

-I’m stuck on a pier in a hurricane, Phoenix said. I ain't going anywhere.

Victoria guided Himalaya toward the City airlock, her hand firmly on his arm, steering.

-Come, Himalaya, she said. The schedule is tight.