The Star Pirate's Folly

Chapter 10: Orpheus

Bill slammed the airlock shut and locked it. He knew the girl was going to be a clinger, he could see it in her eyes. Dirtbound folks like her all had the same romanticized ideas about space travel. He could bet she'd been stuck in that miserable excuse for a civilized city her whole life. She probably just wanted to escape Surface and get out there, anywhere. 

Well no way was she coming with them. Simplicity was the key. The girl was trouble; it was best that they get rid of her now. She would be fine, all she had to do was get back home—and anyway, he had enough to deal with. Bill loathed accommodating for passengers of any sort, never mind a head of state.

A personal escort from the orbital station to the launching platform? Of course, Governor. Oh, and another passenger you didn't mention? No trouble at all, Governor. Fuming as he stomped toward the cockpit, Bill stopped at the door to strangle his anger and compose himself. He didn't want to lose his temper in front of the Governor before they'd even begun their journey. It was important to project an aura of certainty and self-assurance around men of such stature—he didn't want Strump questioning his competence in any way. Once he was satisfied his emotions were in check, Bill entered the cockpit.

Strump turned from his seat in the copilot's chair and began pointing frantically at one of the viewscreens while babbling, "Look look look—"

A reporter from one of the global networks was in the middle of a broadcast.

"—cause of the change in trajectory is unknown but we do know that based on current calculations, comet 17P/Orpheus will still pass by Surface with thousands of miles to spare. Just want to stress that last point, viewers, because it is a very important one: the comet Orpheus will not collide with Surface even though its current course will bring it a bit closer to us. We'll just get a much better view now!"

The reporter, a dark skinned man with silver-streaked black hair, forced a nervous laugh before continuing with his segment. An info bar faded in at the bottom of the screen with his name and title: Chep Stanley, lead anchor.

"For more information," Chep continued as a thin bald man appeared in a graphic beside him, "we've got a representative from the observatory which discovered the change in Orpheus's path. Dr. Gunderson, what exactly can you tell us about the change in the comet's orbit?"

"Well, we have our theories but right now we're not sure about the cause of the movement. We can tell you that it's a very gradual change, and if it continues at its current rate the comet will not collide with Surface. However, now that Orpheus is passing much closer it means Surface will be moving through a portion of its tail as we orbit Lux.

"All of those dust and rock particles can wreak havoc with satellites, including the orbital station, so as many as possible will be gathered safely on the far side of the planet from the tail while we pass through. Others are being intentionally destroyed by dropping them into remote ocean regions. Unfortunately there are just too many to save them all, so keep in mind on Surface there is falling debris predicted at the following sites—"

Bill shook his head, not comprehending. He nudged Strump with the back of his hand.

"What's the big deal? It won't be here for hours and we're leaving anyway."

"The change in trajectory is bringing Orpheus in sooner. Within the hour. It's got to be them. I never thought of that—oh my stars, I never thought—"

"Who?" Bill asked, anger building with his confusion.

Strump was babbling, consumed by some private terror as he watched the report. Bill grabbed the smaller man by his shoulders and hauled him out of his seat. He shook the Governor roughly, once back and forward, and brought their faces together. "Spit it out!"