Daughter of Eternity

1 - The Dream

I awake with a start, my mind flashing images of monsters and shadows as I struggle to fully wake up. I shake my head and swing my legs over the edge of the bed then stand up, my blanket falling to the floor. The light glow of the alarm clock tells me it's still only 4:30 am. I yawn and stretch as I shuffle slowly towards the door, my goal being the bathroom then mess hall. The panel beside the door beeps twice as the door slides into the wall. I glance at the door jam as I do every time the door opens and marvel as the near-seamless junction of door and door jam.
"The material used is fantastic," I think to myself "I wonder what it's made of."
The hallway is clean and shiny as I walk towards the bathroom.
"You're up early again miss Eve," a voice announces from hidden speakers, it's slight British accent sounding concerned.
"Yeah, I had another nightmare," I say as I raise my hand to rub my right eye, "monsters and spooky moving shadows this time."
The lavatory door beeps and opens as I step in front of it.
"Gimme a sec Mr. E," my voice sounding sleepy as I stretch once more trying to loosen still tense muscles.
After I finish my business I walk to the sink and turn the knobs until the water runs warm. The water feels good as I wash my hands and face, drops of it falling, and splashing onto the countertop leaving small puddles. I reach for a towel and dry my face and hands off before tossing the damp towel into the hamper beside the sink. My reflection catches my eye and I gaze at myself disapprovingly. My once dark brown hair has lightened up a bit showing off my natural red tint. I look at my eyes, the bloodshot veins contrasting the blue irises. I turn away and walk out, the door beeping again as it opens and shuts.
"You look more awake now miss Eve," Mr. E says with a hint of humor.
"Yeah washing my face always helps freshen up for the day, even though it is so early," I say with a smile.
The hallway to the cafeteria seems quieter today I think to myself as I slowly shuffle my way there. The door opens and the smell of bacon and pancakes wafts through making my mouth water instantly. I walk through the door and spot my android guardian standing over a pan of bacon frying on the ship's stove.
"Good morning Mr. E," I say with a smile.
He turns his head towards me and smiles as he waves the spatula in his hand in a greeting-like fashion. I turn my gaze to the table in the corner and smile when I see the plate of food set out for me.
"You know you didn't have to make me anything, I'm more than capable of fixing my own food," I say with a smirk.
"Yes, I am fully aware of your capabilities miss, but it is my duty to provide sustenance for all crew members. And that includes you miss Eve," he says while stifling a chuckle.
I eat slowly savoring the perfectly cooked bacon, eggs, and pancakes. The glass of orange juice set out helps wash it all down. I set the empty glass down as I smack my lips and pat my stomach, "Ah, delicious as always chef." Mr. E turns his head so I can only see half of his mechanical face and gives a curt nod, "Always a pleasure to serve you miss Eve." I stand to grab my used dishes and place them in the sink before Mr. E can stop me.
"That's far enough miss Eve, I'll take care of those," he says without looking. I sigh and place the dishes back on the table before walking towards the door.
"You know one day I will get to do my own dishes and you won't be able to stop me," I say with a joking chuckle.
"Yes ma'am but that shall not be today," he says with a sparkle of merriment in his eyes. I shake my head as I walk out and head towards the elevator that leads to the command center on the top floor.
"And what of this dream, what can you remember," his voice comes through the intercom in the elevator.
"Hmm, not much. Just a feeling of shadows and something wet," I say while scratching my head.
"Shadows and something wet?" He asks.
"Yes, maybe not shadows but definitely something dark and dreary," I say with a light chuckle.
The elevator doors open to reveal a partially lit room of consoles and screens with a chair for each section. I walk forward and sit in the commander's chair while pondering the recent dream. Pressing a button on the armrest brings up a floating holo-screen with a notepad style layout.
"Computer, enter the following words into the 'Dream' notepad. Dark, wet, shadows, cold and finally pain," I say as the words appear on the screen. Pressing a button causes the screen to disappear.
"Pain, miss Eve?" Mr. E asks while entering the room.
"Yes, after thinking for a second I got a feeling of pain through the entire dream," I say with a shrug.
"Let us hope it won't be your pain, miss Eve," he says as he comes to stand by my left side.
"Yes let's," I say before pressing a second button.
Sunlight causes me to blink rapidly as the solar shutters slowly roll down the ship's cockpit windows to reveal a beautiful sunrise.
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Thank you for reading this story so far. Any questions or comments and ideas, please don't be afraid to ask. I am always open to suggestions or grammatical corrections if you have any.