Shoshone Station: The Galactic Consortium season 2

Episode Six: Africa #17

The next two days, Jake was closer to home base again. They drove short trips during the day and then came back to the base. Chatura tracked him and Abioya down when they were coming home on the second day and said he wanted to make sure they were on base that evening, because he wanted to talk to them both.

They agreed and headed to the mess hall together. "We're almost through orientation," Chatura began as they found seats together at the back of the room.

"Yeah, so?" Abioya said.

"We're practically doing the job already anyway. The only difference is that next week we won't need to be supervised by a veteran," Jake said. "But the job is still the same."

"But the last is important. We don't need a veteran. We can choose to switch crews if we want, drive with whomever."

"So?"

"So, let's form a crew. Long range only."

"Form a crew, yeah," Jake said, warming up to the idea. "No problem. I like both of you guys. I can handle being a crew. Why long range? Short-range jobs and we spend more time here, on base."

"Long-range crews earn more money," Chatura said.

"Only because it's longer hours," Abioya said. "We could just as easily take extra work shifts here." They had all done that from time to time, driving an extra mission or working in one of the warehouses.

"Long-range mission shifts," Chatura said. "It's not just hours in the cab. It's also a week-on, week-off rotation. That's the big thing, ain't it? It's a long way home for any of us. Six hours on a hopper for you," he said to Jake. "Six hours on deep-space transport for me." He looked at Abioya. "Way too freaking long on a bus for you. Seriously? You guys need better transportation."

Abioya laughed and agreed.

"So you're saying we'd work a week straight, and then have the next whole week off?" Jake asked.

Chatura nodded. "Yeah, so even if it takes most of a day to get home and then back, we still get five days at home, no work. Come back the next week, and we're on another long trip. It's good money, worth it. Then a week off again."

Jake smiled. "That sounds awesome." In his mind, he was already planning his trip home, a quick reunion with his family and then back. Best of both worlds.

Abioya put his hand in the center of the table. "Crew?"

Chatura's hand went over his, and then Jake added his.

"Crew," they affirmed.