Supernova Blitz

Chapter 38: The Captured War Queen

Ensign Hancock says good night to Lopez at her room and starts making his way back to his own. He doesn't make it far before a middle-aged man steps out of an intersection beside him. Hancock turns, and Mr. Right finally says, "Rex."

Hancock replies, "Mr. Right? Looking for Dr. Lopez?"

"Actually, no. I was hoping to catch you alone. Mind walking with me for a bit?" Mr. Right is lacking his typical eccentricity, which usually precedes the requests of his which Hancock has to refuse. Typically, though, he at least hears him out. The information itself might be useful, such as when he wanted Hancock to sign off on increasing electrical loading. He told Lopez about it, and she sent over some suggested cutbacks in design that would buy the drydock more electrical loading to help speed up production a little. What Mr. Right usually wants is rarely useless. He's just lazy about the proper channels, or is afraid they'll stonewall him for other priorities.

Hancock replies, "I can spare a few minutes, sir."

"Excellent. Come with me, please."

Mr. Right was given a choice between his stateroom and his office on the Providence, so the other space could be used. Somewhat surprisingly, he chose his office, which is right next to the technology lab. He leads Hancock to his office.

The normally-eccentric former businessman asks, "How... much has Doctor Lopez told you?"

"In regard to what, sir?" asks Hancock innocently. With Mr. Right and Dr. Lopez, it could be almost literally anything.

Mr. Right takes his seat, replying, "Specifically, her mother."

Hancock tenses a little. According to Lopez, Mr. Right promised to send a private plane to retrieve the scientist's mother, a humble DMV worker in a small town in Texas. Whatever course of events occurred, Anna Lopez didn't make it onto any of the starliners.

Hancock replies as neutrally as he can, "She told me... enough, Sir."

Mr. Right nods, "She's right, you know. I did promise to send a plane, and Anna Maria Francesca Lopez is not on any of our ships. My promise wasn't kept." He pauses, gingerly pinching his temples. He adds, "I took it as a blessing she's kept going this long, that she even acknowledges my existence."

Hancock replies, "Respectfully, Sir, she doesn't know any other option."

Mr. Right says coldly, "We ALL know one. But... she hasn't sunk to that point yet." He sighs, adding, "I... am thankful... to you. She... obviously didn't have many friends..."

"What's this about, Sir?" asks Hancock cautiously.

Mr. Right hits the spacebar on his laptop. There's a short pause, and then a voice starts –Mr. Right's voice- "Hello!? Air Traffic Control!? I'm being told you grounded my plane! What the hell is going on!?"

"Sir, Sir, calm down. For inquiries-..."

"Private Flight Six One Six to Seattle-Tacoma. Departure time six P.M. That was TWO hours ago! It's a private plane!"

"Sir, calm down. This is Air Traffic Control, not a complaint-..."

"I'M NOT FILING A COMPLAINT! I WANT THAT AIRPLANE IN THE SKY NOW! THE HELL I PAY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR ALL THE DAMN LICENSES FOR!? MY AMUSEMENT!?"

"Sir, you do not possess authorization to call this-..."

"AUTHORIZATION!? YOU WANT AUTHORIZATION!? I AM RUSSELL RIGHT! I'M THE REASON YOUR AIRPORT IS EVEN OPEN! Yes! Captain Murphy! Look, I'm on with them right now."

In the background, the ATC is trying to get his attention, but he continues, "I don't care, Murphy! Is she on the plane? Is Anna on the plane? Yes? Okay, good! Listen, let me worry about Air Traffic. Look both ways and take off."