The Gravediggers of Orpheus [11]

Sci-fi flash fiction

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Previously [10]

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[11]

“…Cap…Captain Derek…. Excuse me, I don’t mean to bother ya’… but…” Joe’s voice woke Derek, stammering in his ear through the transmitter. Derek’s eyes popped open, he was ready to jump out of bed like he usually did, but somebody held him down. He realized the reason for Joe’s unusually polite call; Derek was lying in Sophie’s bed. His uniform still on, his boots taken off. Sophie’s head on his chest. She wasn’t sleeping, her hand caressed his open palm.

“I love sleeping next to you,” Sophie whispered. Derek wished to reply with something equally heartfelt, but the only words his hoarse voice could find were,

“I have to go.”

She nodded and released him. Derek glanced at Annouk sleeping peacefully in her cradle. He looked back at Sophie; it was a silent “thank you”. The thought of raising Annouk as his own, alongside Sophie overflooded his heart with joy.

***

Derek knew it had to be done. Joe was right. The guys had patched up the old Vulture05 as best as they could while Derek was sleeping, but now they had to get away quickly. It was only a matter of time before the Ghouls would receive the signal from the microchip in Sophie’s head and locate her whereabouts. Joe knew a guy selling illegal fuel and ship parts, and luckily the guy used to hang around the nearby bar. Derek wasn’t thrilled about buying illegal stuff, but there was nothing else to be done. They couldn’t get far with the tiny amount of fuel left.

Derek and Joe set out to the bar, to arrange the shady business.

“Lucky Cap! You and Joe’ll have a good time drinking whiskey and small-talking with fine folks, while we’ll have to keep patchin’ the Vulture here!” The guys joked before the two left.

“That whiskey might cause us more than just money. Let’s hope Doc Liz won’t have to be patchin’ us up after our fun night out!” Derek replied, watching their faces.

“Jimmy, if the Vulture is under attack, take off. You’re in charge. Get everybody to safety, especially…” Derek swallowed.

“We know, Cap! Congrats on your engagement… we… erm… heard through the transmitter…” Jimmy stuttered, while the guys smiled and chuckled. Derek took a deep breath, blushing red. Of course, he never turned off his transmitter, as a Captain it was his duty to be always available to communicate with his crew. At least, he used to believe so. There wasn’t really a reason for him to turn it off, until lately.

He grunted some words of gratitude and stormed off to leave the ship, with Joe trying to catch up to his Captain’s quick stride.