Transfer Station 261

By Cecil Cory

Colonel John Fitzpatrick just retired from the Federation Army and decided not to return to home planet Earth. Instead, he decided he wanted to find a new planet where he could relax and retreat from the turmoil of his former life. He bid his closest friends farewell and boarded a ship headed for the Echo sector. While onboard, the ship he shared a room with a Trayzanthen Sergeant, also headed in his direction. He found that the young Sergeant was having problems breathing the oxygen enriched atmosphere onboard the ship and was using an inhaler to help him breath. Knowing that the use of such inhalers met the end of the Sergeants career, Colonel Fitzpatrick showed him a way to help by exercising. During the passage to Transfer Station 261, they became friends. He did not know how this chance meeting with young Trayzanthen Sergeant and what would transpire at Transfer Station 261 would change his retirement plans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781304011855

Book preview

Transfer Station 261

Transfer Station 261

By

Cecil Ian Cory

Copyright

Version 1.3

Copyright © 2013 Cecil I Cory / Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-304-01185-5

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Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

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Acknowledgments

I wish to thank several people for their help and understanding.

First, to Eugene Fitzgerald for his help in proof reading this story for me. It has been a great help in completing it.

Next to my Mom and Dad for their support and belief that I could do almost anything I wanted to do.

Last, but not least to my wife Karen who has kept me going when I felt I could not go any longer.

Prologue

All forms of government run a course. They start either from some sort of conflict or from the need for mutual protection. They grow and support the ones who believe in them. Then after time they mature and begin to transform. Their leaders become corrupted by the power of the offices they hold and less concerned about the people they represent. We can see examples of this in the history around us. The rise and fall of the great dynasties of China, the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire, they grew into great powers then fell to their own destruction. These great powers grew out of necessity to protect their people and died when they grew to corrupt trying to protect themselves from their own people.

The Federation was now in its declining years. It had grown out of the necessity to protect the planetary systems as it expanded out into space. It continued to grow and evolve until it became powerful enough to control a vast section of the known galaxy. It didn’t start that way, it started as most governments do.

The people of Earth moved out from its home world and began to explore the space around it. They colonized their moon then moved on to found colonies on Mars. It was after they started colonizing Mars that they first encountered signs of other travelers in space. The first encounter was more of an accident than a planed encounter. In any event, the people of Earth found a race much older and wiser than they were. The people of Earth finally knew that they were not the first to venture into space, nor were they the most intelligent beings in space. The ones, who could not accept this tried to stop the exchanging of information with the alien space travelers. They were yelled down by the more powerful governments of the Sol system.

With the new technology, from the Aliens in hand, the people of Earth ventured out into space. As they moved out into the galaxy, they made contact with many diverse life forms. More and more inhabited planets were discovered as man move away from the small system of his birth. The planets they found vacant of intelligent life, and they could inhabit, they colonized. The ones with established inhabitants they contacted and tried to establish trade with them. Over time, large trade networks began to form throughout this section of the Galaxy.

As the trade network expanded, disputes between systems began. Wars began involving completely planetary systems and whole planets and the millions of inhabits were destroyed. Out of the chaos of the third interplanetary war, the surviving planetary systems came together and formed the Federation.

The Federation grew larger excepting diverse life forms and their technology. The Federation grew in power until it was able to advance though space virtually unopposed by any system. The systems that tried to stop its advancement were crushed in its path forcing them to either join the Federation as members or be destroyed scattering their people to other systems.

Those inhabitants who opposed the Federation were forced to move off to the furthest reaches of the explored Galaxy. There they set up their own alliances with others that opposed the Federation and its expansion into their space. Small battles began as the Federation move to overtake these sectors of space. Then larger wars began involving vast sections of space, forcing the Federation to slow its progress of expansion. The leaders who represented the known systems in the Federation decided that they could no longer afford to expand and the boundaries of space were established. The Federation now fully established settled into its midlife or crowning years.

The trade routes grew as more planets were colonized within the Federations boundaries and the Federation grew in wealth and power. Trade agreements formed between several of the boundary alliances and a delicate peace merged between the interplanetary governments.

The representatives from the systems in the Federation become complacent and corruption began to consume them. They looked at how they would become more powerful and wealthy and did not listen to the concerns from the inhabitants in the outlying areas they represented. Dissention between the representing bodies of the Federation grew with each group trying to gain control of the government until the government was no longer able to function.

The people in the prosperous sectors became more complacent and did not question the ruling members of the Federation, as they squabbled amongst themselves. They settled into an easy life, without concerns except what pertained to them personally. The inhabitants of the Federation no longer looked at the systems outside of their control as threats. They felt that they were the most powerful body in the known Galaxy and no system would dare attack them. They forced the Federation to down size its defense force and left most of the boundaries undefended. 

As time passed, the surrounding systems grew in strength and slowly encroached into Federation space taking back some of the outlying systems. The Federation, unable to defend these sections of its space, found them being taken by the surrounding systems. To counter this they sent what forces they had to attack those systems that were encroaching on their sections of space. The Galactic war dragged on until it consumed most of the wealth of the Federation. Facing an enraged population and an ever-expanding budget the Federation began to collapse. The population of the Federation rebelled and forced the Federation to sue for peace with the surrounding systems relinquishing their claims to vast sections of space. The existing leadership in the Federation was no longer trusted and the people slowly began the long process of reclaiming its government.

One group, however, had been working in the background for many years and was now poised to overthrow the Federation. Over the years, they had infiltrated the military and Federation security forces until they had control of the lower functions of the government. Financed by illegal operations, they accumulated a vast fortune and were able to acquire the weapons along with the personnel they needed. All that was left was the movement of their forces against the Federation governing bodies. Everything was poised and ready to move through Transfer Station 261.

Chapter One

John finished packing the last of his personal belonging in the bag. He closed it then set it with the others on the concrete floor. He stood there and looked at the small room that had been home for the last eight years. A single bed, a small desk, and one chair was all of the furnishings in the room.

There is not one thing here I am going to miss. He said as he picked up the three bags.

Colonel, Colonel Perry wants to see you. The messenger standing outside of the screen door said.

What about?

He didn’t say Sir. He just told me to come over and tell you personally that he wanted to see you. I am to accompany you back to his office. The messenger said as he looked through the screen.

It’s not some god damned surprise going away party is it? John growled.

No Sir. That is supposed to happen tomorrow night. You’re all packed. Are you planning on leaving sooner?

Just as soon as I can catch a ride out of here. Come on let’s go see what Sid wants. John set his bags down and headed for the door.

They made their way across the parade grounds towards the office building on the other side. The green sky above his head shifted in color as another radiation storm slammed into the small planetoid, sending hues of green, red, and blue across the sky above him. He could feel the heat radiate through the protective dome covering them and sweltering humidity drenched their uniforms as they made their way across the parade grounds.

John could hear Sid yelling as he made his way down the corridor.

I don’t give a damn if they are all out on leave. I want the damn humidifier fixed now not next year and that is an order. Sid yelled and slammed the receiver down.

Take it easy Sid before you blow a gasket. John said as he walked into the room with the messenger.

The messenger came to attention as John walked over to the nearest chair and sat down.

That is all, get out of here. Wait. I want you to go over to public works and find the asshole that is supposed to be taking care of the humidifier and drag him and whomever he needs over to the dehumidification plant and make sure it is fixed. The damn General has been calling every five minutes. Well, what are you standing there for? Get going! Sid yelled at the young man standing there.

The man quickly turned and headed out of the office.

He is a good boy. John said.

They’re all good boys. That’s the problem with this place. All they send me are boys. I need some men not boys. Hell, the best one I had was you and you’re bailing out on me. What is this I hear that you want to leave early?

One day is not early. In fact, my retirement was scheduled for six months ago and you held me over.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. How about it, won’t you stick around a few months more? At least until your replacement gets here.

No, twenty three years of this shit is enough. I am getting the hell out and away from this rock. Come on Sid, you and I joined the same day. Tell the old man to fuck off and come along.

You know I cannot do that. This place would fall apart without me.

Bull shit. So, when are you going to call it quits?

Meg and I have been talking about it. Two more years and I will get full pay. My name has gone up to the boards again for promotion. If I make the list, I can retire as a General. Generals make a lot more than Colonels when they retire.

I told you, you would brown nose it all the way to the top when we first graduated flight school.

And I told you that you would get your ass shot off too. Just where did they hit you that last time?

You know damn well where I got shot. So what did you want to see me about? I know it wasn’t to ask me to stay.

Meg got a letter from Pat.

Yeah, so, she’s getting her share of the retirement money. With that and the alimony, she will be doing better than I do. I have already taken care of the kid’s education.

That isn’t what she wrote about. It seems you returned all of her correspondence.

That is right. I don’t give a damn if I ever hear a thing from that bitch.

Your Son is missing.

What do you mean missing? He is in school back on Earth.

No, it seems he quit school and joined up, him and some of his friends. She was hoping you could do something.

When?

About six months ago.

He has got more guts than I thought. Good for him at least now he is out of her control. Did you run a search for him?

Yes I found him. He and his unit were sent out to guard the Echo sector. That is all they would tell me.

There isn’t anything going on out there. Shit there is only twelve inhabitable planets in that sector worth anything.

So what do you want me to tell Pat?

Tell her to get fucked. No, she would like that too much. Don’t tell her anything, let that two faced politician she ran off with take care of it. I just hope Sara has enough guts to leave when she graduates.

She never married him, did she?

Hell no, she just moved in with him and took the kids with her. Shit, if she married him. She would lose the alimony money. Besides, he wouldn’t divorce his wife. Her family was keeping him in office.

Okay, I’ll tell Meg not to tell her anything. So where are you going, back to Earth?

"No, I don’t think so. Too many people back there. The paymaster gave me a voucher back to Earth, which I plan to cash in as soon as I get off this rock. I have it right here along with six months’ pay that I have been able to save and two years worth of leave pay.

I think I will find me some place with blue skies, trees and a nice river maybe a lake. Some place without all of the hassles that people make and set up a homestead. I don’t care if I ever see a large city again."

Sounds good, have you someplace in mind?

Yeah, but I’m not telling you or anybody else where it is. Well are you going to approve my request or not?

What about your party.

You know how I feel about those damn things. They will all stand around and trying to be polite. While all the time remembering how I chewed them out every time, they screwed up. I’ll end up shit faced and do something stupid like I did the last time.

What did you do that was so stupid the last time?

I let you talk me into extending for six months. Nope, not this time. I’m out of here just as soon as you sign those papers. John said and tapped the unsigned papers on Sid’s desk.

What makes you think these are the papers?

My name is on the top and that is my signature on the bottom. Come on Sid let me go. I have had enough.

Okay John. Sid signed the papers and slid one copy over to him. You have been my best friend for the last twenty some years.

Yeah, you too. We have kept each other out of trouble.

And gotten into lots of our own. When you find that lake with the blue sky let me know. I’ll come by and see you after I retire.

Are you going to bring Meg and all of the grandkids with you? If you are you can stay away.

Sid stood up and chuckled. He held out his hand to his best friend. John reached over and took his hand.

I am going to miss you my friend. Sid said as they shook.

Yeah, me too. Now stop it. That is one of the reasons I don’t want a party, everyone get too mushy. Tell Meg that I will miss her.

I will. Sid said as John made his way to the door.

John stepped out of the administration building on to the steps facing the parade grounds. Below him were five of his officers looking up at him.

Colonel, we hear rumor that you may be leaving today. The senior office said.

It’s not a rumor Major. The old man just handed me my walking papers. John said as he finished walking down the steps.

We are going to miss you Sir. The junior office said.

Bullshit. I know that whoever they chose to replace me, will be just as good if not better than I am.

Are you sticking around for your party tomorrow night? Another officer asked.

Wouldn’t miss it for the world. John said. Major I would like to talk to you. If you will excuse us gentlemen.

The officers came to attention and saluted him. He returned the salute and headed across the parade grounds. Major Sam Squidrow walked along with him.

Sam I put the word in for you to take over the Battalion. I don’t know if it will do any good or not.

Thank you Sir. It has been and honor working with you for the last ten years.

Don’t thank me. You earned it. As my Exec, you fulfilled every expectation I had for you. I just hope those politicians get their heads out of their asses and do the right thing by you. You should have had your own Battalion by now.

"You know they don’t promote my kind above Major. They never have and never will.

Shit Sam, I know that. However, Sid and I both put you in this time. I understand the General even added his okay to the recommendation. 

One could only hope. So which flight are you leaving on?

There is one around 23:00 I thought I would take.

That is not heading for Earth is it?

No, no I’m not going back there. I left that place twenty-four years ago and have only gone back once when my folks died. There is nothing left for me back there. I think I will strike out for newer territory. Maybe out in the Echo sector.

Not much out there except for a few under populated planets.

Exactly, there is nobody to bother me there. Just open space under open blue skies. It is a chance for me to start over again.

I wish you the best of luck John. Sam said and held out one of his tentacles.

I appreciate that Sam I truly do. John said taking the held out tentacle and shaking it. Tell the boys and girls that I said they were the best I have ever commanded for me will you?

I’ll hoist one up for you tomorrow night and watch as they get shit faced. Then run all of them through the obstacle course the next day. Sam said as they headed back across the parade grounds.

John continued to his quarters. Just as he went to open the screen door, he heard his name called.

Colonel Fitzpatrick. The well-built Sergeant said as she walked up to him.

Sergeant Monroe what is it?

Sir there is a problem over at the barracks. Sergeant Marilyn Monroe said.

Well Major Squidrow is in command now. I have been relieved as of a few minutes ago.

Yes Sir I know. However, this problem concerns you not the Major. If you would indulge us Sir.

Lead the way Sergeant. John said and followed the blond Sergeant. Sergeant I have one question I have been wondering about for the last three years.

What is it sir?

Are you a true blond or is that a bleach job.

I am a real blond from head to toe. That is why my parents saddled me with the name. I fooled them though. They though I wouldn’t make anything of myself.

You did all right sergeant. Your one of the best I have worked with.

Thank you Sir. Sergeant Monroe said and stood a little taller. She stopped in front of the screen doors to the enlisted barracks and opened one of them. After you sir.

John stepped inside and heard the scurrying feet on the floor.

Attention. Sergeant Monroe yelled as she stepped inside.

What seems to be the problem here? John asked as he walked down the middle aisle as the enlisted formed up one each side.

One of the enlisted stepped out of the ranks and faced forward.

We understand that you are leaving on the shuttle tonight Sir. The young man said.

That is correct. I have official signed my retirement papers.

Then you are not in command of us any longer. He shouted.

No I am not. For now Major Squidrow is your commander. John said looking at all of the men and women human and alien standing in rows on both sides of the center aisle.

The young man stepped back into ranks and three other Sergeants stepped out then walked up to him. Sergeant Monroe walked up to the others and stood there. An older Felinae Sergeant Major stepped out from behind the ranks and walked up to him.

Colonel we have served together for all most twenty years off and on. You were just a snot nosed Lieutenant when we first met. Now you leave us as our commander. I know I speak for all of the enlisted standing here. It has been an honor serving with you.

Karl, Marilyn, Pete, it is good to see you out of the hospital, Babbote and Triton. It has been my honor working with all of you and that goes for everyone in this room. You all have given a lot to this Battalion in these hard times. I know you will continue to do the same for the next commander.

Colonel, we all chipped in and got you some little going away presents. Corporal Briareus! Sergeant Major Cherrie yelled.

A large multi headed and armed being walked forward. He carried several large packages before him.

Colonel Sir. On behalf of all of us, here I offer our sincere congratulations on your retirement and hope these gifts will help you on your new home world. He handed John the first package.

John took it and began to open it. He pulled out a long knife in a leather sheath. John pulled the metal blade from the sheath and looked at the reflection in its smooth surface.

That is for whittling not cleaning under your nails Sir. One of the men in the ranks yelled.

Yeah, it’s for whittling down squirts like you Shamus. John replied and held up the knife for everyone to see. The room started to laugh.

Briareus handed the Colonel the next package.

Colonel we understand you are not going back to your home world. We thought that the next items would keep you safe in the Echo sector.

John took the next package and opened it. Inside of the box was a new long barreled blaster.

It is one of the latest made. It will hold a charge for six months and fire a hundred rounds fully charged. John said. How did you know I was looking at this?

Sir we know everything that is going on. Babbote said.

I keep forgetting that. John said with a smile.

I have a package here for you Sir, from one of the officers. They said it was against regulation for any gifts to be given to you by them. Therefore, they asked that we give it to you before you left. The Lieutenant said it was for making your new command. Briareus said.

John took the last package and opened it up. He pulled open the end of the box and slid the double bladed axe out of the box.

That would be Lieutenant Baxter wouldn’t it. She was the only one I told that I wanted to build a cabin in the woods.

Yes Sir, she also sent over that book for you.

John took the book and looked at it. Building log cabins for fun and profit. Was the title on the cover.

Tell the Lieutenant when you see her thanks. John said.

That won’t be necessary Sir. Major Squidrow said from behind him.

Attention. Sergeant Major Cherrie yelled.

At ease. Major Squidrow yelled. Sergeant Major Cherrie may we join you?

Yes Major, of course. Sergeant Major Cherrie replied.

The rest of officers walked into the room and formed up with their men.

Continue Corporal Briareus. Major Squidrow said.

Sir, the rest was just some things…

That’s all right Mathew. John said holding out his hand.

This sir is so you can find your way in the woods. Briareus said.

John took the small package and opened it. Inside the small box was a Lensmatic compass. John held it up and looked at it. He opened the cover and the needle tried to point up.

I always knew that this place was all screwed up. John said and everyone began to laugh. John caught the movement out of the corner of his eye as Sid and the General walked in and stood behind the rest of the men.

This is the last item sir and the most important one. Briareus said, with big grins on all of his heads.

John took the last package from him and began to open it.

It took us some doing to rip that off without the brass finding out Sir. A voice yelled out.

John looked up towards where the voice came from and continued to open the package. A new long rage communication device slid out of the case into his hand. He turned it over and saw his name and code set into the control panel on the back.

Sir if you ever need any help, just give us a call and we will come to your aid. Sergeant Triton said.

Thank you, I thank all of you. John said. If there was some way I could buy each of you a drink, I would.

That could be arranged. Major Squidrow said. Lieutenant Babbitt if you will find a couple of volunteers and go retrieve that cart you left unguarded outside.

Yes Sir. The lieutenant said and turned to leave. He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the General and Colonel standing by the front door. Attention! he yelled.

As you were. The General said and stepped forward. Major Squidrow and Sergeant Major Cherrie both of you know it is against regulation for enlisted and officers to fraternize at unsanctioned events.

Yes Sir. Both Major Squidrow and Sergeant Major Cherrie said.

Especially if alcohol is to be consumed. Therefore Lieutenant if you go out there you will have to remove your rank along with the rest of you so called officers. The General said reaching up and removing his stars from his collar.

Sid reached up, removed the gold cluster of stars from his collar, and put them in his pocket.

John just smiled as the Lieutenant quickly grabbed the single gold star from his collar and put it in his pocket. Then he and two other men quickly retrieved the cart that was outside.

The party continued into the evening with the officers and enlisted consuming the seemingly never-ending supply of alcohol. One of the Captains walked up to John and waited to for him to acknowledge him.

Yes Terrance what is it?

Sir, if I may look at the communications device you received. I need to account for it if it is one of the ones I am missing.

Sure here. John said.

The Captain looked at the numbers on the identification plate. He nodded his head and looked at the Colonel.

Well is it?

Yes Sir, it is one of the ones reported missing after the last mission.

Is it one what? Sid asked.

Terrance has found one of his missing communication devices. John said.

A group of the enlisted watched nervously from across the room.

Who’s was it? Sid asked.

I don’t know for sure Colonel. The Captain said and looked at the group of men as they tried not to stare at them.

Shit he knows it’s mine. The most nervous enlisted man said facing the wall.

Sid took the device from the Captain and looked at it. He opened the back, broke a wire, and closed it back up.

This one is broken. It must have happened in the field, have you written it off yet?

Yes Sir, the paper work was submitted a week ago just after we returned from that last mission. It should be on your desk.

Then it is gone isn’t it and this isn’t it.

I guess not Sir. The Captain said and nodded to the Colonels and left.

He is one of the best supply officers you have. John said.

Yes he is, heaven help us. I wouldn’t want to be in Johnsons boots for the next six months. Sid said with a grin.

Sid it has been fun, but I have to catch a shuttle. John said.

There is another tomorrow night. Sid said.

No Sid, not this time. That is how you trapped me the last time. As you can see, I haven’t been drinking this time. If you will make my excuses, I will head over to my old quarters, retrieve my bags, and head for the shuttle bay.

I’ll go with you and see you off.

No Sid. Let’s leave it right here. My friend, when you are fed up with all of this shit, come and look me up. We’ll go fishing or something.

I’ll do that and I won’t even bring my grand kids along. Sid said and held out his hand again.

John shook his hand and headed for the door.

One minute Colonel. The General said.

Yes General. John said and looked at the man.

John, I know we haven’t always got along.

We never got along General.

Be that as it may, I want you to know you were one of my best commanders. If there is anything I can do for you.

There is one thing General.

Name it.

Promote Major Squidrow to Colonel and let him have the Battalion.

Well you know that isn’t…

Yeah, I know he has tentacles and not hands. See yeah General. John spit out and walked out the door.

The General stood there and watched him as he made his way towards his quarters.

Colonel! He yelled to Sid.

John stood in the small office looking out at the platform as the shuttle sat down.

John. A voice said behind him.

He turned and saw Meg Perry walking up to him.

You weren’t going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?

Sorry Meg I didn’t… He saw Sid walk in with his youngest son and three of his grandkids.

Sorry John. I tried to stop her, but she insisted that we come and see you off.

I bet.

John Fitzpatrick we have known each other for over twenty years. You cannot run off without a proper goodbye. Meg said as she straightened his caller. I know we haven’t always been on good terms.

Meg, it hasn’t been that. I have always loved you and your family. After…after she left I just couldn’t stand seeing everyone else looking at me that way.

Meg reached up, pulled him down to her height, and kissed him.

Easy the old man is watching.

I don’t care. You are not going until I did that. Now, when you are settled, let us know and when Sid retires, we will come and visit you. I hear you are headed for one of the planets out in the Echo system. I have something for you to keep you safe. She reached into the large handbag she always carried and pulled out an old blaster. My father gave this to me when I first met Sid and you. He told me to use it if either of you got fresh. I want you to have it to keep you safe until you find someone who will look out for you.

Meg, I can’t take this. Sid, explain it to her.

I have been trying to tell her for years about those things. She won’t listen.

Meg, I can’t take this. Besides what are you going to use?

Me! Shit I have a new one I just got. She reached into her purse, pulled out the latest model blaster, and showed it to him.

I give up. John said.

I did years ago. Sid replied.

Mister Fitzpatrick. The clerk yelled out.

That is you Uncle John. The young man said.

Yes it is isn’t it? Yes I am John Fitzpatrick.

Yes Sir, you understand you are flying standby and may be bumped by any military or high priority packages.

Yes is there a problem.

Well sir…

What seems to be the problem son? Sid asked.

Nothing Sir just that a package was added at the last minute and Mister Fitzpatrick space has been taken.

What kind of a package?

It is a case of perishable fruits the General is sending to his sister. The Clerk said.

There must be some sort of mistake. Sid said. Let me see your manifest. Here it is right here. You have him down as retired and a civilian. If you look at his orders, it plainly states he does not retire until tomorrow. He is still a Colonel and as such out ranks any old fruits that the General can come up with.

Yes Sir, I see Sir. I will make the adjustment. Sorry to have bothered you Colonel Fitzpatrick.

It is alright son. Sid you know damn well my paper work says that my retirement starts today.

No it states that it starts at midnight tonight. You are still a Colonel for three more hours.

Thanks Sid I owe you again.

You have always owed me.

You are not going to start that again. Meg said.

Colonel Fitzpatrick, if you will come this way I will see that you and your baggage is loaded onboard the shuttle.

Alright I’m coming. Look I have to go. Meg…

Meg reached up and kissed him again then wiped a tear from her eye. She quickly headed for the door.

John watched as she and the children walked outside.

Sid I have got to run. Come look me up.

I will my friend. Sid grabbed John and hugged him. Then he walked out of the building.

Colonel we are ready to board now.

Yes coming. John said as he watched his best friend leave the building.

Chapter Two

John walked out of the shuttle and on to the transport ship. One of the crew looked at his boarding pass and pointed towards a corridor. He told him what room he would be sharing on the voyage and handed him a small book to read. John took the book and shoved it into his pocket. He walked down the corridor and found the room the crewman told him was his and opened the door. A young male Trayzanthen sat on the lower bunk. He looked up at John with his three eyes.

I am John Fitzpatrick. I guess we are bunking together.

I guess so. Where are you headed for? The young man said standing up on his three legs.

Just to the nearest transfer station. How about you? John asked looking around the room.

Me I have been transferred to the Echo sector.

What Division? John asked.

The young man just looked at him and said nothing.

Sorry, force of habit. I was the commander of the 341st Heavy. Though we didn’t have much left that was Heavy anymore. John said tossing one of his bags on a small table and setting the rest of the bags and packages on the floor. Some parting gifts from my men.

You say you were the commander?

Yes, I was a Colonel before I retired. I have been retired for one hour and twelve minutes now. John said looking at his watch. I am heading for the Echo sector too. Going to see if there is someplace, I can live in peace, away from all of this. John waved his arm around the room. I want to get back to the basics.

Well the Echo sector is about as primitive as you can get.

Well if we are going to be rooming together it would be nice to call you something besides hay you. What is your name boy?

Sorry Colonel they call me Sergeant Triskel. I’m originally from Persereceiver. The young man said and extended one of his hands to John.

It’s nice to meet you Sergeant. I had several of your kind working for me at the outpost. Good men all of them. John said taking the young man’s hand.

Yes Sir. The man replied sarcastically.

No boy, I mean it. They saved my ass more than once. So how come you’re being exiled out to the Echo sector? The young man just looked at him. John grimaced and shook his head. Sorry, I know you’re not to tell anyone your assignment. Look, I have a boy out there somewhere. If you happen to run across him, tell him you ran into his old man. Which bunk is yours?

I have been using the bottom one, but I’ll take the top one if you want it.

That’s alright I can sleep up here. John said and easily jumped up on the top bunk.

The young man looked at him as John laid down and closed his eyes. Before he knew it, John was snoring.

Shit, just what I needed. A noise old man who snores. It was bad enough with that other asshole Colonel I had to share the room with before. Triskel said. He sat back down on the bottom bunk. He pulled out the inhaler he had stashed under the pillow, then took two quick hits and put it back under the pillow. He looked up at the sag in the bed above him and laid down.

John stood there pulling on a pair of old pants as the young man woke up.

Morning. John said.

Morning. The young man said as he wiped the sleep from his eyes. What time is it?

It’s a little after four. I thought I would sleep in this morning.

Four! The young man said and pulled the cover over his head.

Well I am off to get some exercise. John said and headed for the door.

Crazy old man. Triskel said and pulled the inhaler out and took another shot. He slipped it back under the pillow and fell back to sleep.

John walked down the dimly lit corridor until he found what appeared to be an exercise room. He walked inside and to the nearest running machine. He turned the gravity up to three gees and began to run. After twenty minutes, he cranked the gravity up to five gees, ten minutes later up to six gees. He continued for another twenty minutes before he slowed down and stepped off. The sweat soaked his clothing and ran down his face. He walked over to one of the machines and set it for forty-five kilograms. He sat down and strapped himself to the bench and began pulling the weight down.

One of the crew walked in and looked at the middle-aged man sitting there puffing as he pulled the weight down behind his neck. He walked over and jumped on the treadmill John had just got off. He had only move two steps and looked down at the settings.

What the hell?

What is the matter? John asked.

Some joker left this thing set for six gees. The man said turning it down to one gee.

Sorry, I forgot to turn it back down when I finished.

The man looked over at John as John increased the weight to ninety kilograms.

How much can you pull?

I don’t know back on the base we didn’t have these fancy machines to work with. John said finishing his tenth repetition with ninety kilograms. He reached over and set it to one hundred kilograms. There that feels more like it. John pulled the weight down feeling the muscles in his arms starting to work.

He had finished another twenty repetitions at that weight and turned the weight back to zero. He stood up and went to the next machine. He adjusted the weight to hundred and twenty kilograms and moved under the bar. He stood up pushing the bar with his shoulders.

The man on the treadmill looked over at him as he finished and saw the weight.

Don’t you think you should take it a bit easer? He asked.

No, I am only warming up this morning. I’ll crank it up in a few days.

The two of them moved around the machines the younger man watching John as he went through his workout. When John finished he sat on the bench and watched the younger man as he finished one of his routines.

Where can I get a shower around here?

No showers on this ship. Water is too precious. There is a sonic cleaner in the other room. Come on I’ll show you where it is.

Thanks. John said and followed the man.

John stood in the small box and felt the sonic waves as they washed over his body. When he had finished, he felt refreshed, but not that clean. He quickly dressed in the same clothes and walked back out to the exercises room. The man was lying on one of the benches pushing up the bar on the weight machine.

That felt good. The next time I will have to remember some clean clothes. John said watching him. Do you always exercise this early?

I try to, but I can’t always. The man said as he finished with his set. This is the first chance in over a week I have had the time.

I have worked out this early for years. It was the only time I could use the machines without having to wait. Most of my men liked to sleep in. You know to five thirty.

I know what you mean most of the crew don’t even use this facility. Therefore, you are welcome to use it any time. Just remember to turn everything back to zero when you’re done. I thought I was going to pull a gut when I tried to start my lifts. What did you have that set to?

Sorry I forgot to turn it back down. I usually worm up with ninety to hundred kilos. This morning I kept it down to under a hundred. Well it’s been nice chatting with you. Maybe I’ll see around the ship. John said and headed back to his room.

John opened the door and found Sergeant Triskel looking at the knife. Triskel put it back into the sheath and set it on the table.

Some pig sticker you’ve got Sir. Triskel said.

"Yeah, it was a present from my