Sheridan's Bones

By Nancy Hand

Frank Cummings accepts a position, as the new captain of the old ship Sheridan, taking a classified cargo to the Ligurian system. Among his crew are old friends and strangers. The classified nature of the cargo means the owner has hired an unidentified agent to help ensure delivery. But the cargo has also attracted an assassin, trying to prevent delivery of the cargo. While Capt. Cummings tries to figure out who might be friend and who might be foe, the crew experiences a number of mishaps that might be sabotage or might just be the result of an old ship breaking down.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nancy Hand
• Release date: Aug 8, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452371146

Nancy Hand

In the course of years I've held a number of jobs (bookkeeper, sales clerk, computer network engineer) while trying to launch a career (jeweler, sculptor, knitter). In the process I've heard a lot of stories, read a lot of stories, and discovered I like to tell stories. My books were written "for fun". I hope you enjoy them

Book preview

Chapter 1

As the communicator chimed a hand reached across the bed, in the dark, and slammed against the console. Yeah! Damn it. What d'ya want? The dim glow of safety lights revealed a small, cheap, poorly furnished, rental unit. Even the communicator, one of the few personal objects in the room, was a second-rate device which had seen a lot of abuse.

And a cheerful hello to you too Frank.

Alex! Damn it. You do realize it’s two in the morning?

Where you are, perhaps. For me, it’s the middle of a lovely day with sunny skies, bright flowers, and cheery birds. But I digress. I have an offer for you, if you are interested, of course.

Of course. The hoarse growl softened only slightly.

It’s a standard cargo run with a non-standard cargo. Highly classified actually.

Alex, have I told you how annoying you can be?

Yes, Frank, frequently. Are you interested?

How non-standard?

That’s classified.

Alex!

Yes Frank?

Cut the crap and tell me what the deal is.

Am I to assume this means you’re interested?

Does a dog have fleas?

Mine doesn’t.

Frank groaned. Yeah, it figures yours wouldn’t. So, alright, I’m interested. What’s the job?

A Class C vessel, into the Ligurian system, with a classified cargo. You get it there in one piece, deliver the cargo to the correct party, and get out before you’re discovered or life gets interesting. You take too long to get there and no-one knows anything about you.

Ligurian system? Lovely, Alex. Where do you come up with these jobs?

I’m not at liberty to say, you know that.

I get to pick my crew?

Of course.

The whole crew?

Depending on who is available and whether or not the owner of the cargo feels protection is warranted.

It figured. There was always a catch to these jobs.

How’s the pay?

For you? Quite generous. For your crew, only slightly less so.

When?

The owner wants it there within three months. Four months at the absolute latest. They want it en route within ten days.

Ten days. Yeah. Sure. My dog does have fleas. Why not?

I assume that to be a rhetorical question, which I will not try to answer, though I was unaware you owned a dog. Alex paused as though to find something. Who do you want me to contact for you?

Carl Boyer as engineer, Brandy Wilkens on comm, Robert McKenzie for navigator…

The usual then?

Yeah.

I’ll see who’s available and get back to you. Pleasant dreams.

Frank started to respond, with something only marginally polite, but the link had already closed. Alex might be the best agent out there but was still the most annoying person Frank had done business with. Frank made sure the console had recorded the call before rolling over and trying to get back to sleep.

~~~~

Chapter 2

Another communication console, new and top quality, chimed in another bedroom. The room was elegant, spare, expensive, and stark. The only personal touches to the room were the clothes thrown over a chair and the unmade bed. The occupant of the bed was already awake, staring out across the room, to watch the sun climb across a cloudless sky. The response to the interruption was marked with boredom.

Yes.

Good morning Commander. I understand you’re being released to duty.

Your information seems more recent than mine. Perhaps you’ve influenced the source?

There was strained laughter in response. Now Commander, you know me better than that.

The commander slid out of bed and walked across the room to watch the sand hills on the far side of the valley lose their deep, golden color as the sun continued its climb towards mid-day. Yes Major, I do. I also know you don't make social calls. The commander put a hand on the window-wall, wrapping two sides of the room from floor to ceiling, and waited.

The major's voice skipped several syllables before settling down. Since the medics are ready to release you. I have an assignment for you. You are free to decline, but it is considered light duty.

The commander smiled and leaned into the corner of the room to watch the ground far below, maybe the major was among the people down there. Light duty. How is that being translated today? I seem to recall you told me that last job was light duty. The commander’s body still ached, despite medication.

Accompanying cargo to its destination. Ensuring no one does the unexpected.

And?

Yes. It is something you dislike doing. I’m aware of that. I also know you dislike masquerade, however, the job requires you play a civilian. The cargo is important, very important. It must get to its destination within the specified time.

But it isn’t important if anyone makes it back?

Commander…

The commander walked away from the window while considering the offer. What details do you have?

Very good Commander. I will let them know.

~~~~

Chapter 3

Frank Cummings, as new captain of the old vessel Sheridan, was not pleased. He’d arrived early, to see what he’d gotten into, and now was wondering whether it was too late to back out. The ship was in worse shape than he’d expected. He’d been informed the engines were new, the latest revision of the best drives available. Unfortunately, they weren’t installed. The galley had new hardware, most of it still in crates in the cargo hold. The medical unit was fully installed and functioning, with equipment ten or more years out of date. The bridge, with communications, navigation, and defensive weaponry was only marginally functional.

As he stormed off the ship, onto the gangway, he nearly ran the woman over. He had to catch her before she fell off the gangway. Damn it! Alex! I wish you wouldn’t sneak up on me like that.

Alexandra Wong-Olefsen, a dainty, petite, pretty woman, well into middle age, was all too accustomed to Frank Cummings’ gruff manner. She carefully planted her feet on the gangway, straightened her expensive, pale pink, business suit and smiled back at Frank. Sneak up on you? Me? Please, Frank, why would I ever be so foolish?

Frank was already on another subject before Alex had her feet under her and didn’t hear her retort. "Alex, have you looked at this thing? What’s installed doesn’t work. What works isn’t installed properly or is out of date. It’ll take months to get this thing in any kind of shape."

I’m aware the vessel has some deficiencies, yes. I’m also aware, as are you, that you don’t have months to get it in order. Repairs will have to be made in transit.

Alex! It doesn’t work that way! Do I have to spell it out?

No Frank. You needn't spell anything out. Alex checked the time on her comm unit. The members of your crew will be here soon. Where did you want to meet them?

Frank stopped in his tracks to stare at Alex. Crew? He continued to stare for longer than seemed healthy. Who were you able to find?

I found twelve of the twenty you wanted. Ten were available. Eight agreed to this job. I found six others to fill the remaining positions.

And the other six positions?

The contracting party refused to hire more than fifteen for this job. When I could only find fourteen, plus you, they indicated that would be sufficient.

Had Alex been larger, tougher, or maybe male, Frank might have hit her. As it was he barely restrained his fists. Who the hell is captain of this trash heap? Where do they get off telling me how many crew members I need to run this scow?

The owners of the vessel and cargo always have the right to dictate terms. You know it and I know it. It’s been that way since before either of us signed into the business. This trip, you have a crew of fourteen. Alex refused to raise her voice in response to Frank’s tirade. She’d tried yelling back once years before and didn't want a repeat of what had followed. Anyway, her quiet manner irritated Frank more.

No! Damn it! I’m tired of having my fingernails pulled out by owners who know nothing about shipping! I want a full crew. I demand a full crew. Alex, fix it!

Alex was already weary of this tirade. Frank. Have you counted the crew quarters?

Crew quarters? What? What are you talking about?

Alex simply stared at Frank before leading him back into the ship. As she led him down the main corridor she pointed first to the left and then to the right, Cabin one, cabin two, cabin three… When she got to cabin fifteen, at the far end of the corridor, she turned to face Frank. There are only fifteen cabins. Unless some of your crew are very sociable, and wish to share cabins, there isn’t room to house more than fifteen, including you.

Frank scanned the hall and recounted the cabin doors for himself. Fifteen. Damn small crew for a ship this size. Damn small.

A woman’s voice interrupted. Hello! Anyone here? Frank?

Frank turned to look back up the corridor, Brandy! Welcome aboard. Glad to see you could make it. He turned back to Alex and whispered, For some crew members, I’m willing to make exceptions.

Alex smiled and shook her head.

Brandy Wilkens was still young-looking, with masses of blonde hair, overly bright, blue eyes, and lots of lush curves. Frank, Alex. How are you?

Alex smiled and nodded to Brandy as she led the way towards the lounge. Good morning Ms. Wilkens. How are your children doing?

Brandy shook her head, They’re in their terrible teens. The youngest is now thirteen, going on twenty-five. Thankfully, Sam still has some influence over them.

Mine went through that too. Perhaps you can look on this job as a paid vacation. If you will follow me, we can get all the proper forms completed.

Frank was more demonstrative in his greetings, Brandy! Dear heart. Light of my life…

Frank, put a lid on it. I’ve heard it all before. You generally don’t start with such endearments until someone has rebuffed your advances. When you start so early in the trip it’s inclined to be a bad omen.

You crush me!

Brandy shook her head. Alex, how do you put up with him?

Me? I generally only have to deal with him over a comm-link. I wonder how you manage to serve on a ship with him, for months at a stretch, without strangling him.

Point.

As the three of them sat down they heard another voice. Frank went back to the corridor to collect the new arrival.

My name is Hung Le. Many call me Hank. I’m here for defensive weapon duty and helm.

Alex checked her lists and found the contract for Hung Le. She was careful to pass a copy of Hank’s qualifications to Frank’s comm-unit, assuming he’d already erased the first copy. As Hank was signing in, three others, all unknown to Frank, arrived. Frank reviewed the qualifications and personal history each had provided to Alex.

Carl Sieg came on as junior engineer. He seemed dour and sullen, as though being junior engineer was beneath him.

Martha Tedoro reported as senior helmsman. Martha was not that young anymore, moderately attractive, reserved and formal in manner.

Brandon Lawrence, though qualified to be junior engineer, was aboard as cook’s helper and general dog’s-body. With a grin on his face and a bounce to his step, he didn’t seem the least bit concerned about what position he filled.

Both of the men were young, tall, and brawny. Otherwise, they seemed as unlike as any two people Frank had met.

William Wallings came on as medic followed by the cook, Cecelia Meredith. Both were old acquaintances of Frank’s and had served with him more than once. That gave him three of his preferred crew.

One more unknown arrived. Frank looked him over from top to toe and nearly blurted out what he was thinking, What is such a big, dumb-looking, man qualified to do? Instead Frank bit his tongue and studied the man’s qualifications before greeting him, Welcome aboard Langford. Do you like to be addressed as Langford or is there a nickname you prefer?

Langford Smith stared at Frank as if he didn’t understand what had been asked. After what seemed an eternity he finally responded in a slow drawl, Langford.

Mr. Smith, if I may have you sign in here? You will have cabin number eight. If you would like, you can put your things in the cabin while we wait for the rest of the crew to check in.

Jane Roberts came in. She’d been cargo master on several of Frank’s previous trips and he was glad to see her. She helped Langford find a cabin when she went to claim hers. On her way return, Jane wound up escorting Langford back. While she appreciated his size and apparent strength, he was going to help her move cargo, Jane had doubts about his ability to follow orders.

Frank looked over at Alex, Five more to go?

Before Alex had a chance to answer, two more people walked in.

Cap’n Frank! You old scoundrel. Good to be servin’ with you agin.

Alex bit her tongue as she studied the list of names on her comm-unit. Robert McKenzie was large, loud, overly friendly, frequently obnoxious, and as irritating as anyone Alex had ever met.

"Bobo! Good to have you aboard. You are on as navigator?"

You had a question on that? You think I’d take some other position? Something maybe where I’d have to do some work? Robert McKenzie had a reputation as one of the best navigators in three sectors, any three. He was also known to lack ambition. He and Frank had known one another for over twenty years.

Behind Robert McKenzie was a girl who looked young enough to be his daughter.

Bobo, you bringing family along nowadays?

Huh? What are you talking about? You know I don’t bring family.

The little girl behind you.

Bobo turned to look behind him. He scanned the girl from top to toe. Well. She’s kinda cute, awful young-looking to be of much interest, but she ain’t mine.

Frank looked over at her, Kid. If you’re looking for your parents, you’re in the wrong place.

No. I’m not looking for my parents. I know approximately where they are.

Frank and Bobo both raised eyebrows. Alex looked up from her lists. Ms. Lisa?

Yes. Karen Lisa, reporting for duty. Unless you’ve changed your offer?

No, the offer has not changed. Alex passed Karen Lisa’s personal information to Frank. Frank, please look it over and let me know if you’re interested in having Ms. Lisa as chief engineer.

Frank started to object but Alex pointed back at Karen’s qualifications displayed on his comm-unit. As he read down the list his confusion worsened. This has to be for someone else. This girl isn’t old enough to start college, let alone hold advanced degrees in astronautical engineering. Whose resume is this?

Karen's tone was light, as though this was a joke. It’s mine. I started young.

Hell. You had to have started before you were born!

No. It was some years after my birth, or so my parents tell me.

How old are you? Frank just wouldn't believe this girl, who didn’t look to have entered her teens, could be the person named in the resume.

Karen cocked her head to one side. I don’t know.

Alex looked at Frank and shook her head, You didn’t read the last line did you?

Frank scanned the information again. Thalian. Damn it Alex, no. This resume is probably somebody’s idea of a joke. No. I told you, I want Carl Boyer as engineer. I don’t want some little girl playing jokes on me.

Frank. Carl was killed in an accident about a month ago. Karen Lisa is the most qualified applicant I found.

Frank covered his face with his hands, as much to hide his grief as to control his anger, Alex. If you have to get me a woman engineer, why not Sharon Valentine?

She wasn’t available. Alex refused to indulge Frank any further and started signing in Karen Lisa as chief engineer.

Robert had stayed behind to see who would win the argument. Now that Karen Lisa was signed in, despite Frank’s objections, Robert decided to see what he could find out about this little girl engineer.

Karen, care to accompany me in my quest for a cabin?

Karen’s eyes grew wide, Is this a cabin for you or for me?

I figured we could start with separate cabins and work out the sleeping arrangements later.

"I see. Bobo? Where did you get a name like that?"

After Bobo and Karen left, Frank turned to Alex. Alex, you’ve outdone yourself on this one. You’ve given me a pre-teen joker as an engineer. I don’t need someone to recite poetry to the engines, I need the damn things installed and working.

Yes Frank.

Ted Yamamoto arrived in the lounge with Jennie Gunderson to claim their places. Both had served with Frank several times. Ted was Will Wallings’ student and Jennie was the junior facilities engineer. Only one person was missing, Yuri Radokovich.

Yuri arrived, grumpier than usual. If this was an indication of what lay ahead, Frank wondered if it was time to call it quits.

In greeting, Yuri snarled, Frank. Couldn’t you come up with any better hell-holes than Liguria?

What? You don’t like Liguria? There's more than one planet in the system. Maybe we aren't going to one of the rainy areas, maybe the drop-off point is in the desert. Or maybe Alex has a job going to the snowfields of Sybar instead?

Yuri just stared at Frank. After a while he quit staring at Frank and turned to Alex. What do you want me to sign?

Alex fought back her smile as Yuri signed in, completing the crew. Yuri, there should be one cabin left so I guess it’s yours. Drop your things off and come back here. When everyone is assembled, I’ll explain the job.

~~~~

Chapter 4

People spent the next hour wandering around the ship checking out the systems they would be responsible for. Some were far less pleased than others. When they returned to the lounge there were few smiles.

Frank looked at his crew and wanted to groan. Well, at least you’re all agreed. So. Starting at the top, how long to get everything on-line? Yuri?

Life support systems are marginal. Nothing’s apt to be fatal in the first month. Jennie and I should be able to get the worst problems fixed by then. Then it will need a lot of work to keep it running. There look to be enough spare parts aboard to repair everything, maybe even multiple times.

Okay. Bobo? The navigation and helm systems?

Functional. Old, but serviceable. At least if something breaks, the systems are old enough I should be able to repair them without bothering Yuri and Jennie.

Will? The med-unit?

Hoo-ee. Now that is some ancient equipment in there. Some of that stuff was out of date before I started school, maybe before I was born. I noticed some stuff in the cargo bay that looked newer. Have we got anyone who can install it?

Well, Karen? Can you install med systems?

Sure. But you want engines installed or med systems?

What do you mean?

The engines are state of the art, just as lean and sexy as they come. Latest and greatest Lammer A765 drives. Put you half way across the quadrant before breakfast on a slow day. But they aren’t installed. They’re sitting in the engine compartment, in the wrong places, with nary a conduit hooked up. Right now, today, I might be able to give you enough power to get off the planet and out of atmosphere using the backup systems, but I can’t get you any further than orbit until the engines are installed.

How long?

Who’s working with me?

You got Carl Sieg and maybe Brandon Lawrence.

Karen looked around in hopes of identifying people to go with the names. When she failed, she looked at Alex. May I see their qualifications?

Alex passed her comm-unit to Karen with the pertinent resumes tagged. Karen looked over the information and handed the unit back. With luck, long hours, and hard work… We might have one of them partially installed in two days. That would give you enough power to get out of this system by Tuesday. It’s going to take at least a week to get each engine fully installed.

Frank didn't like her answer. He stared at Karen waiting to see if her story would change. When she didn’t respond he growled, Is this your idea of a joke? If so, Thalian, it’s not a very good one.

Karen cocked her head to the side, grinned, and started singing softly, Oh, the back bone’s connected to the neck bone, the neck bone’s connected to the head bone, and oh that head be thick.

Frank went scarlet as his fists curled into balls on top of the table. "Alex, you will find me a new engineer."

Alex refused to show her annoyance. That will take time. May I remind you, you don’t have time.

Alex!

Ms. Lisa, I’m sure you’re aware of your effect on Capt. Cummings. May I ask you to clarify your earlier statements?

The engines need to be installed if this ship is to leave orbit. If he wishes to regard my statements of fact as jokes, there’s little I can do to change his mind. If he does not wish me aboard his ship, I’m sure I can find another captain less opposed to Thalians.

Alex stared at empty space as she considered the options.

Bobo broke the silence. "Frank. I know you don’t like Thalians. And yes, I remember why. But we need an engineer on this tub or we aren’t going anywhere. I also know anyone who thinks an engine is sexy probably knows a damn sight more about them than I do. Karen said she could have a partial installation done in a couple of days. If Alex starts looking for another engineer now, and Karen starts installing that first engine now, you may find out if Karen is any good before Alex finds another engineer. It would at least give us a two day start on installation."

Frank stared at Karen while he addressed his cargo master, Jane. How long is it going to take to load the cargo?

Don’t know. I haven’t seen any manifests.

Alex focused on Frank. Okay Frank. I’ll start looking for another engineer. Ms. Lisa, I advise you start on those engines soon.

Karen smiled to herself and nodded.

Will Wallings cleared his throat, Nobody’s starting anything until I clear them for medical. I need baselines, in case someone gets hurt.

Frank growled, Fine. Start with the engineers. Take all three of them.

Aye Cap’n. Whatever you say. Will stood up, signaled to Ted, and announced, Front and center, Lisa, Lawrence, and Sieg.

After they left, Frank turned to Alex, I don’t care. I want her off my ship.

I’ll see what I can do. But I can’t promise anything. She regarded the list of items she needed to clear with the crew. Now that a full third of the crew is elsewhere, do you want me to go over the assignment or wait?

Frank didn't see any reason to wait. What's the assignment?

Alex passed the lading schedule to Jane as she passed the destination coordinates to the helmsmen and navigator. As you can see, the destination is Parisi City on Tyreen. Yes, the weather is nasty in Parisi so, no, I don’t want to hear about it. Yes, the schedule is tight. That’s why your pay is higher than normal. Don’t bother complaining. As to late arrival… Don’t even think of it. You get there outside the delivery window and there won’t be anyone to accept it. You won’t be able to sell the cargo on the open market, probably won't even be able to give it away except to the original party. Don’t be late. Don’t be too early either. Hanging around Parisi City too long isn’t considered wise. Once you drop off the cargo, get out of there as fast as possible. Again, staying in Parisi City isn’t conducive to a long life.

Reactions varied. Jane and Cecelia seemed uncomfortable. Langford didn't seem to understand what Alex had said. Yuri and Bobo were excited. The rest looked undecided.

Frank dismissed the crew. Then he and Alex sat to discuss other things.

No, Alex, I don’t want to explain why I’m opposed to having a Thalian on board. I’d think that little song of hers might be some indicator, but I’m not going to get into it with you. Not now.

Frank. She has the qualifications. She has the letters of recommendation. She has the experience. My chances of finding another engineer with similar qualifications are slim, if not downright non-existent. My chances of finding another chief engineer, of any description, before your deadline to leave is nil. I say you quit being an idiot and learn to live with the song-and-dance routine.

What about that enormous, hulking, idiot, Langford? Where did you find him?

When I talked to Jane, she said she needed someone with a strong back. Seems the last trip out she got stuck with heavy cargo and a bunch of broken lifts. He might prove useful for other jobs. He seems fairly harmless despite his size.

Yeah. Right. At least I’ve got most of my crew. I just wish I felt better about the rest of them.

~~~~

Chapter 5

Okay Carl. I need to check you over, so off with the shirt.

Carl obliged without comment. The heavy, loose-fitting shirt had masked heavy, overly-defined muscles across his torso and arms. Will was impressed, not only by Carl’s muscles, but by the numerous scars. Some of the scars looked old, others seemed newer, and all could have been avoided if proper treatment had been given in a timely manner. There was no reason for anyone to have such scars.

Will began scanning for less obvious damage. Broke a few bones I see. You into violent sports or something?

Yeah. I guess.

Got a wife?

Carl simply stared at the wall.

Other family?

Carl continued to stare.

No one to tell if you get hurt? No one to notify if something happens?

Carl continued to stare at the wall and Will finally shrugged it off.

Next!

Brandon Lawrence stripped off his shirt as he introduced himself. Hi Doc. You're going to be in charge of keeping us all healthy? Good to meet you.

Will noted the number of bones Brandon had broken. I see you've been physically active. How did you break those bones?

Brandon laughed. Chasing girls. Some of them put up a fight. Personally, I prefer women with some kick to them. Redheads. Long, lean redheads with long, wavy hair. Nothing like a real redhead in a sexy, dark-blue outfit. How about you?

Will ignored the question. You have family to notify, in case of emergency?

Sure. All kinds. Parents, cousins, and one brother are all on Tyreen. Grandparents, uncle, and another brother are on Windholm. I'll give you contact info. Brandon looked around the room as if recording it for future reference. Who thought sickly-green was a good color for a med-unit? I've never liked green med-units. How 'bout I come back when things are slow and repaint the place for you? Brown would look better.

"I'll have to let you know. I don't need