LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter Two: Anticipation Cessation
Day 1
Space Vessel U.S.S. California
Science Wing
11:02 hours
Dr. Boyd walks briskly down the hallway, headed for the security desk. She is now dressed in her white lab coat, khaki pants, and white button-down blouse. The blouse fits a little more snuggly than she remembers, and Teresa wonders if it is possible to gain weight while in cryosleep.
A guard Teresa does not recognize is on duty this morning. She gives the guard a polite nod and flashes her name badge.
“Dr. Teresa Boyd,” she says with a wide smile. “I’m the scientist in charge.”
The guard barely glances at Teresa, a space hockey vid replaying on the screen in front of him.
“Yeah, I know who you are,” the guard says in a droll voice. “Been briefed already. Wait a minute and I’ll let you in.”
The guard goes about the procedure with about as much finesse as a dog licking its hind end. When all access codes are accepted and he has verified his identity; the indicator light above the main lab entrance glows green. A small chime fills the air and the double doors slide open. At this, the guard does look up. As if seeing Dr. Boyd for the first time, he appraises her appearance.
“Don’t look like any scientist I’ve ever seen,” the guard says with an appreciative smile. “Sure, you didn’t get lost a time or two in the middle of deciding what career to undertake?”
Dr. Boyd is prepared to answer, but Security Chief Richard Crews saves her the trouble. The muscled former colonial marine steps forward, his boots making loud clatter on the California’s metal flooring.
“Quite sure that’s not the kind of information you’re assigned to obtain, Private Midwood,” Crews hisses with a sneer.
The guard, caught in an awkward situation by his boss, feigns disinterest.
“Nothing personal, Sir,” Midwood says, jumping to his feet and saluting. “Just making small talk, Sir.”
“That’s all it better be, Private,” Crews says. “You know the policy on fraternizing.”
“Yes, Sir…I do, Sir,” Private Midwood exclaims.
Crews manages a laugh and waves a hand.
“At ease, Private,” Crews says. “Take a quick break. I’ll escort Dr. Boyd into the labs.”
Crews motions towards the lab entrance, implying that Dr. Boyd should go first.
“Please…” the large man says.
Dr. Boyd offers him a genuine smile and they head into the main lab together.
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Teresa stands at a large workstation, her hands braced on the edge of a metal table. Her eyes survey the room and she positively beams with joy. Security Chief Crews is perched on the edge of a nearby table, he smiles knowingly at Dr. Boyd.
“What are you thinking?” Crews says in a soft voice. His eyes take in every excited move Teresa makes.
Teresa turns to face him, removing her hands from the table and sitting on the edge of it. Steepling her hands, she looks over the tips of her fingers at Crews.
“I’m thinking…I can’t wait to get to work,” Dr. Boyd says with a childish grin. “I’ve waited seven months for this. To be able to step into Dr. Tyler’s shoes. To be given the chance to revive the Judas Project. To finally take the reins. It’s a dream come true.”
Crews nods quietly, a brief shadow passing over his face. Using his mechanical arm as leverage, Crews stands to his full height.
“Got some more things to show you,” the security chief says matter-of-factly. “Come into the lounge. You still have to go to the cafeteria for a real meal…But they at least have a mini-bar. And coffee. Care to grab a cup while we discuss business?”
“Richard? Have I ever said ‘no’ to a cup of coffee?” Teresa says, both hands on her hips.
“No, Ma’am…I don’t think you ever have,” Crews admits.
The security chief raises his arm and Dr. Boyd slips under it. The heaviness of the metal appendage, against the skin of her shoulder, brings a stab of pain to Teresa’s heart. Richard has been distant since the loss of his arm. She’s caught the security officer silently brooding more than once. There was a time she’d believed they could be something together. Now, she is certain that can never be. Richard Crews is a man full of pride. Even if pity didn’t actually factor into the equation; he would always sense it there. In every touch, every tender moment, every gentle word.
She had been over the moon when he accepted the post as civilian liaison for Dayshadow Industries. The company had wanted a seasoned war hero to lead this mission. Seeding news worlds is not a task for the faint of heart. And the lifeforms they plan on seeding the newly discovered planet with are no playthings either.
She doesn’t like to see him brooding. This new mission has given them time together, if only as friends. Maybe stepping back into the shoes of a colonial marine is exactly what her courageous friend needs.