Lessons in the Stars

Chapter 2 - Don't Press the Red Button

Jonathan and Sam were the first students to arrive at detention on Saturday morning. The Sergeant in charge of discipline was already waiting. Both the boys wore expressions of absolute annoyance. Scarlett was the next to arrive and she simply signed in with the 'Sarge' and kept her head down. When Benny came through the door, Sam gave him a look that promised murder. Scarlett looked down at her watch and spoke in a high, clear and very emotionless voice, "It is 0735. We were told to be here at 0730, but only four out of five are here." 

"Rogue's on her way," Jonathan clarified with a bored tone. The gruff reply startled them, "Rogue is always late, which is why I told you guys to arrive half an hour early so she will be on time." The affection in his voice when he spoke of Rogue was surprising.

"I am not always late," Rogue retorted as she strolled through the door, "I always arrive exactly when I mean to." She had a soft smile on her face which disappeared when she saw the other students staring at her.

"Well, we have to go over a few things. You guys are here till 2000 hours," Sarge began, "Now, let's start with why are you guys here?" 

"Because Benny is an idiot." Sam glared at Benny.

"I don't think that statistically one man's idiocy can result in five detentions." Scarlett looked questioningly.

Rogue and Jon just stared at her for a moment, "It... You know what, never mind," Jon began before shaking his head.

"You guys will be cleaning an old space ship, one that we want to use for training now. It's called the Eridanus. It has a history going back to the War. I want all rooms and controls cleaned completely, but don't touch any of the controls," Sarge instructed, "Go on now."

They headed for the ship. The ship was the standard silver of the fleet with black lettering that read 'Eridanus' on the left side. It was massive with three decks and huge external engines. The Eridanus had two entrances; one for starfighters and one for people entering. It had a massive diamond glass observation window at the Bridge for the command team.

Rogue pressed the button to lower the ramp and stepped on. The Sergeant made one final remark. "Oh, and kids, don't press the red button. You won't like what happens." Sarge's expression was serious as he gave the warning and they all nodded understanding.

They entered the ship one by one and all coughed as the cloud of dust hit them. The lights flipped on and they looked around at the mess of dust, dirt, broken objects and obvious neglect.

"What a hunk of space junk," Rogue muttered with distaste. They couldn't be serious, she thought, this ship was pathetic. She doubted it would even fly anymore.

Jon came and stood next to her, surveying the damage, "Agreed," he breathed as he grabbed a broom. That was a first. Rogue picked up a plastic bag and began picking up rubbish and tossing it in. Everyone worked in silence. Scarlett was washing the ceiling, by standing on top of a pile of broken objects, Sam was moving the large pieces of furniture and machinery. Jon was sweeping the floor and Benny; he was out of the main room figuring out how bad the rest of the ship was. Rogue fingered the main controls, she recognised the model. This type of ship hadn't really been used in decades, but they used to be favourites among the advanced-level crews back during the first exploration and some had still been used during the war. Rogue's hand caressed the pilot's seat. She had always thought this model reminded her of the Enterprise from Star Trek, a very old vid show that people always thought she was strange for watching. She pulled herself away and grabbed a brush and bucket of water, scrubbing at the dirt that had accumulated on the walls of the ship.

"You would think we would have developed cleaning and repair robots by now," Rogue complained. They were the firsts words spoken since they had begun.