When the Sun Turns to Darkness

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

copyright 2002 - 2006 C.E.

Chapter Two

Arrival

Launch was like a huge hand pressing down on Kathleen's chest, forcing her normally ample figure to flatten. She found herself fighting for breath as an inhuman roar built around her. Everything started shaking until she screamed to clear her ears, fought to hold the hand still in hers as forces built up. Everything seemed to slow, then two heavy thumps. "SRV's away" a calm voice announced in her ears. "You are go for orbit." She followed the commands, listening over the intercom as cryptic words she didn't understand were spoken between pilot and ground control like some archaic magical language.

"MICO" came, the one word Rebecca had told her about. "Main Engine Cut-Off" she whispered. All sound ended. For a moment she felt normal. Then nothing. "Weightless? This is... Oh I love this" she laughed. Looking over she saw Rebecca still asleep, her face angelic.. 'No, strike that' she thought. 'Becky doesn't believe in angels. Fairy.. that's it. She looks like a fairy waiting to be woken by a kiss.' For the rest of their flight she did nothing but watch her lovers face.

"Welcome to SS EXPLORER. I'm Frank. I'll be your guide to your rooms" a middle-aged man announced as their hatch opened. The military couple slipped paste him, flashing orange plastic identity cards before vanishing quickly. Kathleen helped Rebecca up. She was slow, still groggy from her nap. Moving was a new experience to both of them.

"What happened to gravity?" Kathleen asked the man.

"Shuttles dock either Bay one or Two. They don’t rotate. As we travel up the spine our weight will increase due to rotation, but never more than one sixth. We have to be careful right now with weight balances. Slow is better. Your sister or a friend?" he asked.

"My wife" Kathleen replied, catching the surprised look. "Yeah. Your infected. Better call out the exterminators."

Frank laughed at her. "I've got a woman with a dog named Wishbone screaming for a Doctor every five seconds, seem's they both can't stand near weightlessness. A young man who thinks he's James T. Kirk one second, Obi Wan Ben Kanobi the next. Then there's the half a dozen gangsters of one kind or another and at least nine people in cocaine or alcohol DT's going back to Earth on this ship. Finally there is a full of himself Congressman who won't stop smoking his cigars even though its against the rules. Believe me young lady, two quiet pretty girls who happen to be in love isn't a problem in my book. Let me see your cards." He reached out, snatching the blue cards attached to their suits, "Got it, you carry her and I'll lead you home. Your in luck. First groups that came up had to find their way alone. Once we have her bunked in I'll help you get your ship gear. It'll be in cargo hold three. Most of your stuff stays in cargo stasis until we get wherever we’re going. Say, you the picker or pickee."

"Huh?"

"You get picked or did she?"

"Oh, Becky got picked. She's also the one that understands what is going on and..." She tugged Rebecca's barely conscious body around a corner. "She's the one scared out of her ever lovin mind of flying."

Frank laughed again, then remained silent as they traveled. There was a lot of confusion about them so it took some time to find the right cabin. If eight by eight by eight box could be called a cabin. Three people were inside, nosing about. All passengers from what Kathleen could tell.

"Figures” Frank sighed, snatching a blue tag from the male. “Three corradors down, two in. This is crews quarters sir. If you’ll wait I’ll guide you.” Turning to Kathleen he shrugged as the three, dragging various multi-colors bags eased out into the corridor. “Here's your room. I’ll be back as soon as I settle these three and show you how to set the lock.” He checked their cards again. “Humm.. Looks like she'll be useful once she gets her space-legs. Maintenance already wants to talk with her. So does Security. Gonna be popular with those two I bet. You have any useful skills?"

"Vet" Kathleen admitted. "And exotic dancer."

Frank gave Kathleen an owl eyed look. "That might be more popular than you think, if your wife allows. Live entertainments gonna be few and far between. Once your settled in maybe you can help me with Wishbone. Damn I wish she'd left him behind. Maybe we can send them back, don’t know how she got aboard with just that dog for a companion. I’ll notify medical about you. They are screaming for anyone, even candystripers. Okay, lets get Becky strapped in bed." The job took seconds for Frank, quietly Kathleen knew she'd have taken three times as long. When he was done she floated down to Rebecca's level. "Honey? We're here. Your strapped down because we're at low weight for now. Its just Velcro so don't worry, you can get out of it easily. I'm going with Frank to get our bags and settle some people. Okay?"

Rebecca gave a drugged smile. "Missed tha launch huh?"

"Yeah. You missed getting your boobs squashed to cardboard thickness. No loss.”

"So'kay. Bout tah go crazy fraid. Thanks." She shuffled a bit in the bed. "Like being tied up."

It was Kathleen's turn to blush. She hadn’t been aware of that little fact. "Come on Frank, lets get outta here. Say, you need replacements for those people your sending back there's a damn good med-tech we met in our ready-room. Names Parker, Captain Mark Parker."

He nodded, heading out with a sharp kick against one wall. "I'll tell the pilot" he agreed as they headed away from the sleeping woman. “He has final decision on who and what enters his ship.” Less gracefully Kathleen followed, leaving Rebecca to sleep off her medication. Behind her the lost threesome managed to stumble along in pursuit.