The Key of Astrea

Expedition

Jack sat on the edge of his bed. He yawned and thumbed a sore muscle in his back. Last night, instead of sleeping, his brain had replayed all the poor decisions that had led him to this undersea prison. He looked over at the oval window that provided a view of the ocean and shuddered. He had discovered that he had a paralyzing fear of drowning. Living aboard a sunken spaceship kept him in a constant state of dread. Well, at least I've got these coffee beans to take back home with me, Jack thought as he examined the slice in the shopping bag for the hundredth time. That coffee from Penwales yesterday really was incredible. I wonder if all Earth's coffee is that good. They might have some in the mess hall. Jack stood up. Alright, maybe a mug of coffee will settle my stomach.

Jack left his cabin and took the stairs down to the mess hall. As he walked, he studied the ship's interior. There's no evidence of construction anywhere, he thought. Not even a stray cable. And look at that: Even though the hallway curves, every wall panel lines up precisely with the ceiling and floor. This ship has remarkable engineering.

Inside the mess hall, people sat clustered by the color of their uniforms. Six people in gray uniforms sat on one side. Jack recognized Aindriu among them, the muscular boy with a shaved head. Five people in black sat in the back. They were all young, no more than twenty-four, Jack estimated. Then there were about twenty people in blue uniforms, who sat in the middle of the room. Half were young, like the other recruits. The others likely worked for Cabin. He noticed grease stains on a few of their outfits, and four others armed with holstered pistols. Some sort of security.

Jack's stomach grumbled as he smelled food. He rushed past the food bins and found the beverage station. What would Cabin need protection from? He filled a white ceramic mug with coffee and looked over at the Selkans. Probably not the aliens or the recruits. No, it's more likely that they're armed in case of someone like me. Which means they must be aware of a security breach. He inhaled the heavenly aroma of the coffee. They might already know that Mister Torres was a mole. That would mean that I'm under suspicion.

Jack sat down at an empty table in the far corner of the room. If he were going to be around people, then he'd make sure that no one could sneak up behind him. They gave me a blue uniform, so they consider me an employee, but it's still just a disguise.

Victus's contact, Trey, had supposedly updated every relevant database with records of Jack's service. However, it was doubtful that his quick hack would survive a careful examination. Good thing I left my gun back on the plane, Jack thought. That girl, Jenny, caught me talking to Victus. Did she hear anything incriminating? Did she tell anyone? Jack shook his head. No, they would have already questioned me if she had. Not that it matters. My role in this mission is complete, and Victus is on his way. All I have to do is lie low until he gets here.

Jack took a sip from his mug and sighed in delight. It was creamy, slightly nutty, and much higher quality than anything back on the station. He took another sip. A better brewing process could reduce the bitterness. For a moment, Jack allowed himself to daydream. He pictured himself back in the loft above his shop. Through the skylight, he could see ships gathering inside the Terminal.

A group of people entered the room and broke Jack's reverie. It was Mazu and Lin with a group of four kids in white uniforms. He recognized Jenny and Kensei, but not the other two. Lance walked up to greet them, then Lin broke off while the others got their food. After Mazu filled her tray, she split from the group. Jack watched the athletic, dark-haired woman cross the room and recalled his first meeting with her. He smiled. No other woman had literally sent him head over heels the way she had.

Mazu turned away from the food bins and walked toward him. "Mind if I sit here?"

Jack's eyes went wide and he sat up straight. "Uh, yeah, I mean, no." He forced a smile. "I don't mind. It's a free galaxy, after all." Jack's smile faded as he realized how unusual the phrase would be to someone here, on Earth.