Release

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Karin Minsey © Mr. B. Kinnison

Star Diamond drifted silently in deep space, some twenty light years from Earth. Her only companions were Cybersnake, taking up her normal position as CAP, and Karin Minsey's strange fighter craft currently tucked up under the Diamond's belly, held there by the rarely used external cargo arms. Inside, two women were saying their goodbys, after so many months Snowaters medical AI had declared Karin fit for release and the Diamonds owner had given her one last gift.

Or so the foxmorph believed.

Snowaters leaned over the fighters cockpit, double checking straps Karin had checked herself several times. "Now remember" the human said, "I've only given you enough funds to last about six months, after that your on your own. You know how to contact me if you need me, and how to get back to zero-zero..."

"Oh quit mothering me" Karin said, pushing Snowaters hands away. "I'm beginning to feel like this is my first day at school." She looked up at the worried human. "I am a grown woman you know, quite capable of taking care of myself."

"I know I know" Snowy sighed, relaxing. "I'm just worried, that's all. I mean, I've never even heard of this kind of craft, and your headed out into Brawl space without any friends, any backup. I can't be everywhere."

"I think motherhood has gone to you head" Karin growled, pulling on her brightly painted helmet. "If I need you, I'll call. Anyway the IR drive we installed ought to get me out of trouble faster than I got into it." She lifted her hand, reaching for the human. "Wish me luck."

Snowaters took the offered hand, using it to pull herself into the cockpit. The kiss she gave Karin was anything but motherly. Breaking free of the stunned fox she dropped away from the fighters canopy. "Come back safe" Snowy called as she cleared the launch area.

Automatically Karin dropped the canopy, initiating per-launch checks. Behind her engines whined, then burst into a deep throated roar. Vibrations traveled through the seat, telling her this was like nothing she'd ever flown, much less owned before. Toggling her communications she was relieved to see Snowaters back in her familiar Captains chair. "Pre-launch check's complete" she said, running her eyes over the readouts one last time.

"Shuttle bay evacuated, zero pressure" Snowaters answered. There was a heavy thump, more felt than heard. "Docking grapples clear, your free in space."

Karin nodded, touching her controls. Gently, almost like a feather, the strangely designed fighter dropped away. A touch of thrust and Star Diamond fell away, rapidly vanishing into the night.

"An interesting design" said a voice over her radio. Looking out, she saw Cybersnake holding position less than thirty meters to port.

"Does your mother know your out?" Karin asked. "Or are you playing hooky?"

Cybersnake seemed to dance a moment, "I'll be interested to see how your repay her" came the answer, "For the fighter... and the kiss." A moment later the ancient warcraft peeled away, heading back to her now open berth.

Karin Minsey was again alone in space, but somehow, she didn't feel as if she were alone anymore.