Atlas Station

By Destiny Daniels

Welcome to Atlas Station. We hope you'll stay a while.

Earth-born Doctor Faye Heson has always believed in freedom. When hers is taken from her after she is kidnapped and forced to the isolated space habitat of Atlas Station, she's ready to fight any

• Language: English
• Publisher: Destiny Daniels, Author
• Release date: Aug 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088191484

Book preview

Atlas Station

© 2023 Destiny Daniels

9781088191484

All rights reserved.

For Pandora, the brightest star in my sky.

Chapter 1

Faye paused at the ship’s large viewing window and stared out into the expanse of darkness. Two years ago, when she had woken on the Asphodel, Earth had been the size of a marble, slowly shrinking until it had disappeared from sight. She’d spent every day since trapped on the ship, hoping the little blue planet would reappear.

It never did.

Eventually, she grew tired of waiting.

Space was tiring.

She was tired of being on the Asphodel. She was tired of the close quarters and the nosy passengers on the ship with her. She was tired of how the crew walked on eggshells around her and the other passengers. She was tired of the borrowed clothing chafing against her skin. But mostly, she was tired of the constant dread pooling in her stomach – the unyielding sensation something horrible was going to happen.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, a voice echoed from the ship’s intercom system. "This is your Captain speaking. Thank you again for choosing to fly with the Asphodel on this long journey. I hope it has been a pleasant and unforgettable experience."

On the other side of the deck, a group of passengers who had participated in the complimentary end-of-journey engine tour was coming back to gather for the final farewell.

Miss Monsand?

She glanced over her shoulder and looked at the man who called out to her. Bennand Lavrich, Captain of the USN Asphodel Warship, was of average height – a sign of his Earth-born status – in his late twenties with an athletic build, eyes the color of melted chocolate, and short curly hair of the same color. He had lovely bronze skin, and wrinkles creased around his eyes when he smiled. He was handsome, even if he was a liar.

When Faye had awoken on the Asphodel, the captain had assured her there was no mistake in her being there. Her passage had been paid for six months in advance by a Mister Monsand. Confirmation had been received and payment accepted.

Mister Monsand, her father, had kidnapped her from her home on Earth. The Asphodel - and its Captain – were simply transportation. She had pestered the Captain for the first two months of the journey about any information he had on her kidnapping. He’d had no answers for her. Or if he had, he refused to tell her.

"I wanted to personally thank you for traveling on the Asphodel. On my ship," Captain Lavrich said carefully.

Well, Captain, it isn’t like I had much of a choice in the matter, did I?

He gave her a nervous smile and offered his arm. She tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow, his white naval uniform crisp against her palm.

They had spent every day strolling the ship’s main deck discussing the limited news from Earth and their quickly – but slowly – approaching destination. Faye had gotten a somewhat detailed picture of the Captain – a man with a hero complex fed through military fiction – and couldn’t understand how he had become an accomplice to kidnapping.

"I should have asked sooner, but the inability to leave prevented me from doing so and I wanted to avoid further arguments. Your ship… She contemplated her question. Why is a warship parading as a cruise ship? Entertainment and cruise vessels are never as nice or protected as this."

The Asphodel isn’t a warship, Miss Monsand. The Captain replied, then nodded politely to a group of passengers as they passed.

Captain Lavrich, have you ever looked at your ship's engine? Because I have. You even have a crew member who is giving tours of the engine room. I’ll tell you what I saw if you haven't seen it. You have a lovely Horizon Pulsar Adapter hooked up to that nuclear thermal propulsion engine of yours, and not the standard size for general, leisurely space travel. She halted the captain at her side. And cruise vessels don’t get outfitted for HPA’s because they’re too unstable if left idle for too long. Which would explain why we’re moving slightly faster than the average cruise vessel.

Miss— He started.

My great-grandfather developed the HPA, Captain. I know ships and space vessels well enough to tell the difference between a warship and a cruise vessel. Gaining that knowledge had been a desperate childhood attempt to gain her father’s favor.

She gave a passing officer a pointed look, "Also, your staff is far too stiff." She dropped her hand to her side.

I assume the warship is to go with the armed escort, courtesy of my father?

Yes, I believe so, ma’am. A red flush spread across the Captain’s neck and ears.

Well, I suppose my father’s unnecessary and unwanted overprotectiveness warrants my thanks. It is what kept all of these people safe, after all. She tilted her head and studied him.

He shifted.

I’ll be sure to tell my father you followed his orders.

I appreciate it. The captain led her towards the main airlock, where the passengers gathered to disembark the ship. The air was stale and stifling as more people gathered in front of the massive, round, triple-plated sliding doors. Thank you again, Miss Monsand, for traveling with us.

She gave him a tight smile, then trailed behind the crowd of passengers laden with luggage to the large doors. A heavy suitcase bumped into the back of her leg, and she bit her lip to keep from scowling at the man behind her. One advantage of being kidnapped in the middle of the night was she didn’t have any luggage to weigh her down. She had no desire to lug around the borrowed Asphodel civilian uniforms she’d been wearing for the last seven-hundred-and-thirty days.

A small window beside the airlock offered a closer view of the station. It wasn’t the prettiest in terms of architectural design. It resembled an upside-down fishbowl on top of a giant cement box. Airlocks protruded from its sides at random locations like sawed-off subway tunnels.

The tunnel the ship had hooked up to finished cycling the air, and the doors clanged, then hissed open. The other passengers fumbled with their bags. She slipped through the crowd and peeled away into a beautiful atrium. She took a deep breath, savoring the station's new, different, recirculated air. The cool air in the atrium stretched her lungs but did little to ease the dread she still carried in her belly.

Faye looked around the atrium. Flat stones decorated the walls. A waterfall trickled down the stones of one wall. Large – real – potted plants nestled between wide benches. Her fingers twitched, desperate to touch something real, something Earthlike. A giant viewing window – larger than the Asphodel’s – looked out onto the loading bays and exterior airlock hookup stations. They were ugly from inside the station, too.

A digital sign hung from the ceiling in the center of the atrium. Red font scrolled across it – Welcome to Atlas Station. We hope you’ll stay for a while. She tried not to cringe when she read it. It seemed more ominous due to a malfunction in the screen. It read more like we hope you’ll sta-a-a-a-ay for a while-e-e-e. A man in a pair of green coveralls balanced on a ladder as he attempted to fix the screen.

She turned towards the viewing window and leaned against the safety rail. The Asphodel pulled away from the station. The ship’s turrets twisted along its hull like flower buds in the wind.

Faye? A voice called from behind her.

The dread in her stomach roiled – made her nauseous – and she slowly turned towards the voice.

She hadn’t seen him in seventeen years, yet he was the same – still her brother. His sandy blond hair was cropped short to reveal his big forehead and, of course, his eyes. The only difference now was he was a man, his boyish charms lost to hardened looks, a trimmed beard, and a navy-blue uniform.

I can’t believe you’re here. Dad said you would be arriving, but I couldn’t believe it. I never thought you’d come to Atlas. He smiled at her, oblivious to the terrifying situation she had gone through to arrive on Atlas. He took a step towards her with arms open for an embrace. She stepped away from him.

You think I came to Atlas because I wanted to? She seethed. Many years ago, he had been her best friend. She shoved her hands into the pockets of her thin Asphodel uniform jacket to hide their trembling.

Did you not decide to come? He asked.

"No, I didn’t. Why would I want to be here when I had a perfect home – a life –I loved on Earth? I was kidnapped and drugged in the middle of the night and brought to that ship. She waved her hand towards the sealed airlock. With no explanation beyond my passage had been paid for, apparently by our dear, loving father. A father I haven’t seen in seventeen years." She sucked in a breath. Years ago, when she’d been only six, she had tried desperately to join her family until she realized if they had wanted her, they would have taken her, too.

I didn’t know about the circumstances or why you were coming. I’m sorry. He told her stiffly. Regardless of the method, I think it’s good you’re here. It’s time you joined the rest of our family. I don’t understand why you would want to stay on Earth with everything going on. It’s volatile. He stuffed his hands into his pockets. The uniform wrinkled.

Volatile.

She couldn’t believe her brother. As children, he had wanted to spend his entire life on the farm, rescuing abandoned baby squirrels, and had cried when their mother had come to bring him to Atlas. Maybe she could believe it. Her grandmother had always said her father was a bad influence and could poison anyone easily – as he had her mother.

With everything going on? She took a deep breath. "The Eastern Federation and the Western Powers are in the middle of peace negotiations. Yes, there are some environmental and climate problems, but it is getting better. They’ve found solutions to help extend the Earth’s remaining days."

Found solutions were only hypothetical proposed theories, but even with all of Earth’s problems, it was still her home.

A loud clatter – a bang – echoed through the atrium. She startled and turned towards the sound. The man fixing the welcome sign was glaring down at a wrench, where it had fallen to the floor.

A welcome distraction.

Faye walked to where the wrench had landed beneath the ladder and knelt to pick it up. The handle was warm, and the weight in her hands helped level her temper. She ignored Aegis’ cautioning from behind her. Then she straightened and held it up to the man on the ladder.

Faye, Aegis said behind her. His I’m the big brother; listen to me tone grated on her nerves. She saw Aegis’ companion, a man in a red uniform, approach from the corner of her eye, but she ignored him as well.

Your wrench. She told the man and offered him a polite smile. He leaned over slightly, the ladder wobbling from his weight, and took the wrench. His shoulders were wide, and the stained coveralls strained against his muscular chest and arms. His hands and under his nails were dark from grease.

Thank you. His voice was deep and rumbled in the quiet atrium. He stared down at her, and something about his gaze made her feel as if he could see right through her.

Get back to work, Aegis said. The tone of his voice made the warning clear – work or suffer the consequences. The man frowned and dragged his gaze away from her.

I’m finished. He told them and climbed down the ladder. Faye was close enough to hear him mumble under his breath. And you aren’t my boss.

She glanced at the sign to keep from laughing and was relieved to see it looked less ominous now it had been repaired. The maintenance man folded the ladder until it was small enough to fit in his toolbox. He looked at her again and asked, These men aren’t bothering you, are they?

Mind your own business, Aegis warned the man.

No, they aren’t. Faye held her hands up between the two of them.

Are you sure? I understand police and security have been looking for every opportunity to arrest people because they have nothing better to do with their time. The maintenance man wiped his hands on the stained green coveralls.

That was not information Captain Lavrich had given her.

She said, she’s sure, Aegis’ companion said.

Do you speak for her? The maintenance man turned to face them. It was like watching a rottweiler and a chihuahua fight – and Aegis was the smaller dog. A muscle ticked in the maintenance man’s jaw.

No, but I do. Aegis sneered.

"What, Daddy’s share of the universe isn’t enough to satisfy you? Now you think you’re entitled enough to own – to speak for – other people?" The man said. Faye narrowed her eyes, but she kept her mouth shut. She didn’t want to get involved in whatever was clearly history between them. She knew Aegis only learned by fighting his own fights. She had been a master at starting fights with Aegis, and this man was seconds away from stepping over the danger threshold.

What did you say? Aegis tilted his head slightly.

I said you’re an entitled asshole. The man flashed a grin.

"There it is." She sighed.

Aegis grabbed the man’s collar and slammed him into one of the stone-covered walls. The waterfall ran over them and turned the green and blue uniforms dark with water.

So much for not getting involved.

Aegis! Faye rushed towards them.

Her brother’s companion caught her around the waist and hauled her back. She threw her elbow back into his ribs and stomped the heel of her shoe into the top of his foot. He released her and scowled at her.

Aegis had always had a bad temper he often unleashed on those who didn’t deserve it – although whether this was warranted couldn’t be argued in this instance.

Aegis!

Stay back, Aegis shouted over his shoulder at her.

The maintenance man struggled against him. A patch sewn onto his sleeve ripped off. The man reached for Aegis. He shoved his arm back against the stone wall. The stones must have cut the man. The water started to pinken.

Aegis, that’s enough. Faye grabbed Aegis’ arm as he swung back, priming for a punch, and dragged him away. He slipped in the water and turned to try and shake her off. The back of his hand connected with her cheek. She fell back and landed on the floor. Tears stung her eyes, and she blinked to clear her blurring vision.

Faye… Aegis turned towards her, his eyes wide and panicked. The atrium was silent like she’d been dropped in the vacuum of space. Faye, I didn’t mean to.

Aegis reached for her. She flinched and held her hand up to keep him away. She turned away from him and pressed her cold fingertips against her stinging cheek. She would not cry. Not in front of him. She turned back as a flash of red streaked by her. Aegis grunted as he slammed into his side, throwing him off balance. Aegis managed to stumble into a turn as the maintenance man slammed a large fist into his face. Faye watched wide-eyed as her brother landed on the hard atrium floor.

Aegis groaned. At least he wasn’t dead.

Are you okay? The maintenance man crouched in front of her. Water dripped from him and pooled at his feet. Droplets clung to his ash-brown cropped hair. He swiped a hand over the light stubble dusting his tense jaw, his full lips pulled into a grimace. His eyes were striking and drew her in. Green like the forests surrounding her home on Earth.

She tilted her head back slightly to see him better. Even crouched down, he towered over her – a side effect of being born and raised in the station’s artificial gravity. She glanced at the name embroidered on his pocket. T. Anderts.

Are you okay? He asked again.

I… Yes, I’m fine. She gave herself a mental shake. What was she doing checking out this man at a time like this? She glanced away from his face, and her gaze landed on his arm. A gash stretched across his forearm. Blood mixed, and water stained his wet, ripped sleeve. You’re bleeding.

It’s nothing. He went to move away, and she grabbed the wrist of his uninjured arm to stop him. She pushed the torn sleeve up to his elbow and examined the injury. The wound was deep and jagged from where the stones had ripped his flesh.

It needs stitches.

It’s just a scratch. He insisted.

It is not just a scratch. She fussed and pulled her OAI from her pocket. She scanned the communication she had received a week ago. The middle paragraph of the purchase contract held the location of the clinic. The stitches won’t take long. Go to the clinic on the third floor of the Maintenance Sector. They should be able to help you.

Sure. He shrugged and pushed to his feet. He offered his uninjured hand and helped her stand.

Great. She smiled. He grabbed his toolbox, gave her a nod, and left quickly.

Are you still alive? She turned towards Aegis. He attempted to untangle himself from where he and his companion were lying on the floor.

He won’t go to the clinic. Aegis sat up. He shoved the other man off him and pushed to his feet. He came to stand beside her, massaging his jaw with his fingers. He slid his gaze to her slowly. Faye…

What the hell was that? She crossed her arms to keep from shaking him. I get he called you an asshole, and maybe it was unprovoked, maybe it wasn’t – I don’t care. What I care about is whether this is normal behavior on Atlas Station. Do you think attacking someone violently because of one tiny insult is okay? Is this what you’ve been doing here?

I don’t expect you to understand the people or the precautions we have to take here. Aegis raked his fingers through his short hair. If you knew what those people were like, you would understand.

Those people? She repeated. Are you trying to tell me that man, and others like him, are somehow less important than you and therefore deserve to be subjected to your shitty, violent temper?

Aegis didn’t respond.

He was right. You are an entitled asshole. She pressed her fingers against the back of her neck and tried to ease the tension headache she felt coming on. Regardless of your personal feelings, your behavior was unacceptable.

"Fine, I get it. Sorry, you think I went too far doing my job as a police officer." Aegis rubbed the back of his neck in the same motion. Arguing with him wouldn’t get her anywhere except angrier.

I suppose our parents were too busy to come to welcome me themselves, and that’s why you’re here? She glanced around the empty atrium.

Our father does important work here, Aegis told her.

"Yes, because the Monsand family was given great responsibility in the salvation of Earth and the human race. She rolled her eyes. It’s fine. I probably would have thrown myself out of an airlock if they had been here." She exited the atrium, stomping down three small steps, and paused beneath the main dome of Atlas Station. The domed ceiling showed a holographic image of a clear, blue sky with drifting white clouds and the afternoon sun. Atlas Station was supposed to be one of man’s greatest creations. From here, it truly was a sight.

Aegis’ companion chuckled, and she glanced toward him.

I wasn’t laughing at you, just at what you said. The man told her.

Right, Aegis motioned towards the man. This is Orion Sones, Head of Security and one of my good friends.

Your only friend, Orion said. It’s a pleasure to meet you. He tilted his head slightly in greeting. He was taller than Aegis, and his burgundy uniform fit tight against his slightly muscular body. His skin was golden like honey, and he wore his golden-brown hair cropped short. He had a stubborn chin, and when he looked at her, something about his expression made her think his amber eyes could see more than he let on.

I hope you’ve been keeping my brother out of trouble – as his friend, Faye said as politely as she could manage and glanced at Aegis. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes, and the two men shared a smirk.

Only by the Blessings of the Stars could Aegis stay out of trouble, Orion told her.

Faye tried not to frown at his phrasing. She didn’t believe in anything except for the things she could see and feel around her. Unlike the Chosen Ones of the Earth, the founding religion on Atlas Station, she didn’t believe the stars had the powers of beings found in myth – or they used their powers to bring humankind to the depths of space. Nor did she agree with the beliefs of the Order of the Celestial Divine, a cultish group believing aliens were the root of humans and humanity.

Are you religious, Officer Sones? She asked.

Not in the slightest. However, as civil servants of Atlas Station, we are encouraged to immortalize the Chosen’s words. His lips curved upward slightly.

Please, don’t feel you have to immortalize on my behalf. I find the Chosen to be a bit idiotic. She shrugged. However, you are correct. It would take a great force to keep Aegis out of trouble.

I’ll have you know, as the Captain of the Crius City Police Department’s Investigation Unit, I have a reputation to uphold and have never gotten into trouble in my entire life. Aegis turned his nose up.

Faye could think of five instances when he’d gotten into trouble as a child before leaving Earth. The look on Orion’s face told her he could think of plenty, too. Aegis had never been one for leadership. As a child, he’d raged against all forms of authority. Their grandmother had once referred to him as anarchy personified.

I always stay out of trouble, Aegis said.

Except for that one time when you… Orion trailed off as Aegis dug an elbow into his ribs.

Right. Faye raised a brow. So, this is Crius. How many cities are on Atlas Station?

Four in total. The other three cities have been closed off to import, export, and visitation. Aegis replied. Another thing Captain Lavrich had failed to mention. The unease she’d had upon seeing the broken welcome sign tried to resurface.

Why are they closed? She asked.

No idea. Maybe a catastrophic event. No, I think it was some political thing. The gates to Hyperion, Coeus, and Iapetus were sealed permanently. Aegis shrugged. "Anyway, even though you don’t want to be here, I’m glad you’re here." She rolled her eyes at him.

Is there anything you want to see? We could show you around for a while. Orion suggested.

You don’t have to babysit me. She told them. I can use my OAI to find my way around. She demonstrated by pulling the small device from her pocket and opening a holographic map.

You could, but we’re supposed to escort you for the day, Aegis said. If you refuse, we could lose our jobs. You wouldn’t do that to someone you just met, right? He flung an arm around Orion’s shoulders.

She didn’t care if either of them got fired, but it would turn into another argument. She was tired of arguing.

I’m tired, Aegis.

We can lead you to your apartment, Orion suggested.

That’s fine.

Chapter 2

Faye stretched and groaned as the soft blankets and sheets rubbed against her skin – different from the stiff military-issued bedding on the Asphodel. She had fallen asleep the minute her head had hit the pillows and managed to sleep through the rest of the day and all night despite the new surroundings and sounds in the apartment.

Good morning, Doctor Monsand.

She sat up quickly and looked around the room, searching for the owner of the voice in her room. The room and the rest of the apartment were empty.

You have two new communications. The voice said.

Who are you?

I am a Companion. The voice was feminine and slightly robotic. I am an AI program built into your home to provide you with assistance and companionship.

Do you have a name? Faye slipped out of bed and made her way to the bathroom.

Companion. The voice said. She grimaced in the mirror. You are not satisfied?

That’s not it. Companion isn’t a name. It’s what you are. She told the AI and turned towards the shower. It sputtered on before she could use the control panel, and steam filled the room. Did you do that?

Yes, it is one of my duties. I am programmed to assist you with many tasks. Having another being in her space was strange, but she found comfort in not being completely alone in a new place.

Faye pulled the Asphodel uniform off and stepped into the stream of hot water. It was luxurious after two years of waterless UV showers. The soaps were disappointing and unscented. She longed for her orange and almond bar soaps on Earth. She washed quickly, turned off the water, and tightly wrapped a towel around her.

She strolled to the kitchen while she brushed her teeth. Her apartment was lovely and spacious. The entire space was open. The bathroom had a glassed-in shower. The large bed took up most of the space in the bedroom that flowed into the living room. A holographic fireplace and a fish tank separated the spaces. The living room had a small couch, a matching chair, and a low table. The kitchen had modern appliances and a large wooden table to host six. A single holographic window showed an Earth sunrise. Beneath the window was a small, glass-top desk and a grey swivel chair.

She paused at the small desk where she’d left her OAI beside the desktop computer the night before. She used the desktop to send a communication to Aegis, then waited.

Good morning. She chirped around her toothbrush as Aegis’ face appeared on the screen.

Why did you send me that communication? He paused, And put some damn clothes on. There was a muffled howl of laughter behind him, and he turned around and swore at whomever it belonged to.

I want you to tell me who he is and where I can find him. She walked back to the bathroom to rinse her mouth and let the toothbrush clink into the holder. She threw open her closet and grimaced at the frills and flowers – all impractical articles of clothing – courtesy of her mother, no doubt.

His name is Tal Anderts. Aegis finally told her with a sigh.

You know him. She guessed from the strain in his voice. Aside from the altercation yesterday.

She pulled a pair of black and white plaid, high-waisted, wide-legged pants from the closet. Then a black cotton blouse with long mesh sleeves that would likely get in her way. She dressed quickly.

He’s a troublemaker. He’s been here and with security more times than I can count. He turned to speak to someone behind him. Faye stepped back in front of the computer. Aegis finished talking to the person and turned around to face her.

I don’t care what he is. She scowled. You said he wouldn’t go to the clinic to get the stitches he needs because of you. I’m going to him to do a better evaluation and make sure he’s okay.

He doesn’t want the stitches. Don’t make a big deal about it. He crossed his arms over his chest.

Well, maybe if he bleeds out and dies in a maintenance shaft, you can go to prison for murder. She narrowed her eyes at him. Someone behind Aegis choked on a laugh. If we’re lucky. Aegis stared at her and then blinked slowly. She plaited her hair into a quick, loose braid.

Fine. Her OAI flashed to signal the arrival of a communication. He’s in General Maintenance. Stay out of trouble down there.

Thanks. She gave him a sugary sweet smile he rolled his eyes at, then ended the call before he could say anything more.

Would you like coffee with your breakfast? The Companion asked.

Is there tea? She glanced towards the kitchen. The Asphodel’s kitchen had had everything but tea.

Of course. The Companion replied. Faye strolled into the kitchen and browsed the refrigerator. She settled for a bowl of yogurt and fruit – probably artificial and synthetically made. You still have two unread communications.

Oh, right. Thank you. She grabbed her OAI from the desk, plopped into a dining chair, and began viewing the communications while she ate.

They were welcome messages from two senior doctors expressing their gratitude and excitement to be joining her medical practice. Medical practice was a stretch. It was just a clinic she would put her time into for the next two weeks until she could return to Earth.

After, they would be on their own.

She ate a bright red strawberry and frowned. Definitely artificial. She pushed the food away.

She left her apartment. Her OAI and all the information stored in the tiny piece of tech guided her. The cell phone-sized communication device was a multipurpose tool. It stored data, offered holographic video and image viewing, and could be linked with a Comlink for hands-free use. It was biologically keyed to her, the most advanced security she’d encountered since leaving Earth.

The holographic map of the city was detailed enough to get her to the transportation pods. She took the pod down to Maintenance. The pod and its plastic seats held a handful of passengers. The transportation pod, a glass fishbowl-shaped compartment, shuddered slightly as it stopped in the General Maintenance Sector. Her map said her destination was the second floor in the Sector. She let go of the metal grab handle above her and stepped off the pod.

General Maintenance was a cold, dimly lit, rumbling maze. The station's machinery rumbled so intensely it reverberated through her legs, and she had to grit her teeth to keep them from knocking together. Even with her map, she’d had to ask for directions from the only two people she’d encountered. Twice she had to backtrack and start over. She stopped at a dead end and looked at her map again.

Doctor Monsand? Her apartment Companion’s voice filtered from the OAI.

"I thought you were the Companion to my apartment," Faye whispered. She didn’t need to whisper, but something about the dead-end corridor made her favor caution.

I am. However, your Omni-Alumni Interface allows me to remain in contact with you and provide assistance, The Companion told her matter-of-factly. Even when you are not home.

Oh, that’s neat. Faye leaned her back against the wall. The metal hummed against her skin.

I detect you are lost and require assistance.

I am not lost. She stuffed the OAI into her pocket as footsteps echoed down the corridor.

You might think you aren’t lost, but I wouldn’t bet on the accuracy of your directional abilities. A voice said from the end of the dimly lit corridor.

The humming through the wall seemed like laughter, as if the Maintenance Sector had purposefully led her in circles for this moment. Goosebumps prickled her skin.

I would wager a bet you aren’t supposed to be down here. The voice said. An old man stepped into the glow of one of the overhead lights.

I’m looking for someone, she said. He cast bright, bottle-green eyes around the empty corridor, and the corners of his eyes creased with wrinkles.

"Not here. She took a deep breath. Fine, I’m lost."

The old man chuckled and motioned for her to follow him. She wasn’t keen on being alone with a strange man in the cold depths of a space station, but it was better than wandering around by herself. She hurried to follow him.

You wouldn’t happen to be related to Councilman Monsand, would you? He tucked his hands into the pockets of his green coveralls and gave her a sideways glance. She tensed. The benefit of living on Earth and being raised by her grandmother was no one knew her father was her father. It would be harder to separate herself from him here.

"I’m

Reviews for Atlas Station

[Linda McCaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good reading. Can't wait for the next in the series.

[Lennette Daniels · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great science fiction/space opera. It has political intrigue, relationships, found family, suspense, and it takes place in space! Perfect for fans of The Expanse, The 100, and the Wayfarer Series by Becky Chambers! I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us!