The Abyss of Time

Chapter Three

     Fifteen minutes until the jump. Dhlomo looked around the Operations room again. Some of his people were still talking to their families, back in the residential areas of the Starship, but most of them were just sitting there, looking apprehensive as they waited for the timer to finish its countdown. Beside him, Miller was still frowning at the pressure sensor indicator, still glowing yellow, but everything else was green. There was nothing to do but wait.

     Then Andrew Nabb's bearded face appeared on one of Miller's screens. "Sam? Have you heard from Robert Holland?"

     "The guy you sent to check out the pressure sensors?" Miller replied. "No, and the light's still yellow. Where is he?"

     "I was hoping you'd know. I haven't heard from him since I sent him. I'm going to send someone to check on him."

     "No," said Dhlomo, though. "You're needed back there, for the jump. I'll check it out. It's not like I'm doing anything useful here."

     "John?" said Miller. "You've got dozens of security guys. Send a couple of them. You're the Captain. Your place is here."

     "I'm going crazy watching that clock," Dhlomo said, rising from his chair. "A little exercise will burn off some of the adrenalin. I'll be back in time for the jump."

     He crossed the room to where a travel car sat on its rails. He ducked as he entered it, there was a hiss as the door closed and the car sped off along its track into the hole in the wall, beginning it's journey to the central section of the ship. A moment later, another car appeared to replace it.

     Miller cursed in annoyance and hit an icon on his screen. A man's face appeared on it. "Exec?"

     "Jeff, the Captain's gone to cargo bay one to check something out..."

     "Now?" The Head of Security exclaimed in astonishment.

     "Yeah. Send a couple of guys to keep an eye on him, will you?"

     "Will do." The screen went blank.

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     The car sped through narrow tunnels until it emerged into a brightly lit space and slowed to a halt. The door hissed open to reveal a huge, steel grey chamber whose far wall was hidden behind caterpillar-tracked vehicles and crates of equipment. No sooner had the Captain stepped out than the car moved forward to make room for another containing two security guards in padded uniforms and carrying tasers. The door hissed closed behind them as they stepped out.

     "We're to accompany you, Sir," the first said. "Chief Carter sent us."

     Dhlomo smiled. "I'm sure that's not necessary," he said, "but since you're here.." He set off across the room and the two security men fell in behind him.

     They were met by Simon Rogers who came forward to meet him. "Captain. What are you doing here?" He stared at the security guards in alarm.

     "I might ask you the same question. "Have you seen Robert Holland,"

     "He was here just a moment ago," Rogers replied. "Checking something out. He said he'd finished and left. You just missed him."

     "Any idea why he didn't report to the Chief Engineer?"

     "I suppose he decided to tell him in person when he got back."

     Dhlomo nodded. "And what about you? What are you doing here?"

     "Just finishing something up. I was just about to leave."

     Dhlomo nodded again. He looked around the huge chamber. Everything was quiet and orderly. No sign of any problems. He took his phone from his belt and called the Chief Engineer. "Andy. Is your man back yet?"