Chapter 10 Flight

An excerpt from The Violet Series Book 1: The Water Nymph’s Tale.

A chime resonated in Antoni’s quarters. He opened his eyes. He was lying on his side. The chime rang again. A computer screen on the wall was facing him with a message. He pressed the screen and he read the message. His commanding officer, Galley Master Douglas, requested his presence in the galley at 10 a.m. It was 9:30 a.m.

Antoni yawned and sat up. He stood up and took off his clothes and left them on the floor for the moment. He took a quick shower and changed into clean underwear and a uniform. He smiled realizing it fit him perfectly. He wondered how they knew what size to give him. He spun around, picked up the dirty laundry and set it on the floor of the closet. He closed the closet door.

It was 9:50 a.m. He left his quarters and went straight to the galley being led by the lights. By 10 a.m., he was standing in front of his commanding officer.

“Ah, Mr. Winchester. Welcome aboard. I hope you got some sleep.”

“A little, sir.”

“Good. You can sleep after we clean up from lunch. You do look like you need some more. Everything okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Okay, I have read over your work experience and I just want to show you around and get you acquainted with the crew before we start lunch. I’m just glad we don’t have to train you to do this work. It’s pretty unusual that we hire someone at the last minute.”

Antoni greeted and nodded to each member of the crew as he was introduced to them. Soon he was shown where everything was kept and how he would be expected to serve the passengers. After his experiences on Eris, it wasn’t hard to pick up on the differences.

Lunch was busy and some of the crew were eating at the captain’s table with a few key guests. Antoni served lots of people and many were grateful to see the young man. He didn’t smile at anyone. Neither did he frown at anyone. Eventually the passengers left the dining room. Antoni and the others cleaned up the dining room and the galley.

Antoni walked slowly back to his quarters and didn’t notice anyone. He yawned and got inside his room as soon as he could. He didn’t have to report for duty until 6 p.m. The door closed behind him and he slipped out of the uniform. He hung it up in the closet and then laid back down on his bed.

Soon he was asleep and dreaming he was back on Eris… He woke up later sweating and shaking. He sat up and checked the time. He sighed and got up. He took off his underwear and took another quick shower. He wrapped a towel around himself and just breathed.

He wondered if he would have another nightmare when he went to sleep. He saw the clock again and knew he would have to hurry. He grabbed clean underwear and slipped the uniform on. Then he ran to the galley. Master Douglas smiled at him. Antoni stopped running and nodded.

“Ah, Mr. Winchester, it’s good that you made it. I hope the nap did you some good.”

“I think it did, sir.”

Master Douglas nodded. “It’s okay, you’re not late and you are getting the hang of it. Okay, everyone, we’ve got passengers to keep happy.”

Everyone did what they needed to do and soon the food was ready and the passengers were sitting down in the dining room. Antoni noticed a heated argument between two of the passengers. He said nothing as he was still doing his job. The officers at the captain’s table took notice as well. For now they were just watching.

Antoni was clearing the dishes from the table, when one passenger drew a gun on another.

“That’s it! You know I’m right!” He stood up.

Antoni froze in place. He watched closely as the officers stopped eating. Everything slowed down for Antoni. The passenger raised the gun and was about to fire. Antoni slammed the dirty dishes towards the passenger, who dropped the gun. Antoni grabbed it and held it. The passengers and crew stared at Antoni. The captain and the officers ran over.

“Mr. Winchester, please hand the weapon to Master at Arms Winfry.”

Antoni handed the gun over without question. He was shaking and sweating.

“Thank you, Mr. Winchester. You may resume your duties.”

Antoni cleaned up the dishes he had shoved onto the floor and wiped down the table. Captain Whitfield and the officers watched him. The officers arrested the passenger with the gun and quickly restored peace to the dining room.

********************

Captain Whitfield was on the bridge when he received an important message. He read it carefully. “Computer, please tell Galley Master Douglas to meet me in my room immediately.”

“Acknowledged, Captain.”

Captain Whitfield sat down as Galley Master Douglas walked in.

“Yes, Captain?”

“Galley Master, please sit down. We need to talk about Mr. Winchester.”

Master Douglas raised an eyebrow. “A problem, sir? About the incident at dinner last night?”

“No. He may not be Mr. Winchester or he is and he’s the only living person left from Cat Falls, Eris.”

Master Douglas sat down. “Sir?”

“Here, read this message.”

Galley Master Douglas did so. “Oh, I see. I’m not sure he would have killed anyone after seeing what he did last night.”

“I would agree with you. I think we need to scan him to make sure of his identity and then we will have to question him.”

“Perhaps it will explain why he’s so tired and doesn’t seem to be happy.”

Captain Whitfield nodded. “Yes, I think Mr. Winchester is sad, but he is doing a good job.” He pressed a button on his desk. “Doctor Brown, please report to my quarters with a scanner immediately.”

“On my way, Captain.”

The captain pressed the button again. “Mr. Winchester, please report to my room immediately.”

There was no response.

“Mr. Winchester, right this minute.”

Antoni opened his eyes and saw a light flashing at him. “Huh? Did I miss something?”

“Mr. Winchester, this is the captain. I need you in my room now.”

Antoni threw the covers off of him. “Okay, I’m coming.” He stood up and put on a uniform. He wasted no time walking to the captain’s quarters.

When he walked in, he saw the captain sitting at his desk. Antoni also saw Galley Master Douglas and another man sitting in front of the desk. They all stared at him. “Sir, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes. Dr. Brown, scan him.”

Antoni gasped as Dr. Brown scanned him.

“He is Antoni Lance Winchester and he is 19 Earth years old.”

“What? Why?”

“Mr. Winchester, I just received a message from Eris that everyone in the town of Cat Falls has been murdered. No one is sure how or why, but they suspect that you were there after they died.”

Antoni shook and cried. He tried to remain quiet.

“You are wanted for questioning. Please, can you tell us anything?”

“I don’t know what happened. I just went home for a visit. I was hoping to talk with my parents about college. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back…”

“Alright, we will tell the authorities.” The captain sent the message. He received one back a few minutes later. “Dr. Brown, you will need to run some tests on Mr. Winchester. The results just may prove his innocence in this matter.”

“Yes, captain. Come, Mr. Winchester, with me to sick bay. It looks like many of these tests aren’t included in the routine physical.”

Antoni was breathing hard. He pushed his hair back with his hands. He followed the doctor out of the captain’s room.

“Captain, that boy is suffering from PTSD.”

“Yeah, and we have him aboard. He’s our responsibility for now. I just hope he didn’t kill anyone.”

“I don’t think he did. I think he found them like he said.”

“Then why is he going to Mars?”

“I don’t know.”

Captain Whitfield sighed. “I know your instincts about people are right. You haven’t let me down before. But it sounds like he’s running.”

“From what? The dead? He could be. He’s young and he isn’t sure he wants to finish college. It could be a girl he’s going to see.”

The captain smiled. “Perhaps. We’ll find out soon enough.”

*******************

In the sick bay, Antoni sat on a bed staring at the floor. Dr. Brown used his scanner and took blood samples. It took a long time.

“Okay, I have what I need. Some of the results won’t be available for a couple of days.”

Antoni looked up. “It has to do with what happened to everyone in Cat Falls.”

“Yes. The cause of death is being determined. You could have been exposed to something bad. We’ll find out soon.”

“Will I be quarantined from the rest of the ship?”

Dr. Brown checked his computer when it beeped. “Not likely. You’re not contagious. But until the rest of the tests come in, you do need to take care of yourself. You can still work and tend to your duties, but it doesn’t look like you’ll be doing much else.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your white blood cell count is high. Your body is fighting some kind of infection that you can’t pass to the rest of us. That’s part of the reason you’re so tired.”

“Oh.”

“It’s partly grief as well. Are you having any nightmares?”

“Yes. Not always.”

Dr. Brown nodded. “I’d be surprised if you weren’t having any nightmares at all.” He studied the computer some more. “Oh, you should get to the galley. It’s nearly 6 p.m.”

“Oh, right.” Antoni stood up. “You will tell me all the results?”

“Yes. I have to report them as well. Consider yourself lucky. You’re on board a spaceship and you won’t be arrested. If you had stayed on Eris, you’d probably be in jail right now.”

Antoni nodded. He sighed. “I’ll see you at dinner, Doctor.” He walked out of the sick bay.

Dr. Brown watched him go. He pressed a button. “Captain Whitfield?”

“Yes, Doctor?”

“I’ve ran all the tests. Mr. Winchester is ill, but he’s not contagious. He is reporting for duty.”

“Oh? Then what’s wrong with him?”

“I’m not sure yet. I ran all the tests I was requested to do, plus a regular physical. Not all the results will be in for a couple of days. He may be having an allergic reaction to something. If he is, I’ll find out what it is so we can stop it. Or it could be something he was exposed to when he went home.”

“Understood. We’ll all be keeping an eye on that boy.”

“Yes, he’s awfully young to lose everyone like that.”

“The Galley Master thinks Mr. Winchester may have PTSD. What do you think?”

“I think he does, but he can do his duties. I’m setting the computer to monitor him in his quarters and to remind him when he needs to report for duty.”

“Good idea. Anything else?”

“If his condition gets worse, we will just have to let him sleep it off and give him a form of therapy which will help him.”

“Okay. Keep me informed.”

“I will.”

*********************

“Mr. Winchester!”

There was no response. In the sick bay, Dr. Brown frowned. It was unlike Antoni not to answer. He pressed another button. “Douglas? Is Mr. Winchester in the galley?”

“No.” Douglas frowned in the galley. “This isn’t like him. He should be here by now. Has he gotten too sick to work?”

“Perhaps. I’m checking right now.” Dr. Brown scanned and found Antoni in his quarters.

“Mr. Winchester? I hope you’re still conscious. These current scans on you don’t look good.”

Antoni rolled over. He had just thrown up in the toilet. He groaned. He was dizzy, and so far was unable to sit up.

“Douglas, I found the boy. He’s in his quarters and very ill. Don’t expect to see him today. I’m sending you information on a new diet he will have to follow. Then, I’m going down there to check on him.”

“Understood, Doc.”

Dr. Brown sent the message, grabbed his portable scanner and quickly left sick bay to find Antoni’s quarters. Once there, the doctor pressed his hand to the door lock and the door slid open.

“Oh, Mr. Winchester. I was afraid this would happen.” Dr. Brown looked down at the young man. “I bet you feel like you’re having the flu.”

“Yes…”

“Well, you’re having a severe allergic reaction to some of the food you’ve been eating here on the ship. I’ve already sent a new diet to the Galley Master. If you even ask for the foods you’re allergic to, you will not get them. You’ll likely get substitutions instead. We can’t afford to let you die.”

Antoni tried to smile as he looked up at the doctor. “I’ve never heard of allergies like this, nor have I had any.”

“Well, the test results are in and I just need to send them to Eris.”

“Okay.” Antoni closed his eyes and saw Violet smiling at him.

“Mr. Winchester, I can prove your innocence and I know what killed the people of Cat Falls. But first, I need to make sure you’re going to be alright.”

Antoni opened his eyes. “How long will I feel this way? I don’t want to eat…”

“Then don’t. However, you should still drink water.” Dr. Brown approached Antoni and scanned him. “You shouldn’t throw up anymore and it will take a few days before you’ll be well enough to work again. So, either I or another member of the crew will check on it to make sure you at least drink plenty of water. You don’t have to eat anything until you feel hungry and well enough to eat.”

“Okay, but I don’t think I’m getting up off the floor.”

Dr. Brown set his scanner on the floor near the door and reached down to gently lift the young man. The doctor laid him down on the bed. “Better?”

“Yeah.” Antoni closed his eyes and saw Violet smiling at him as she reached out for his hand.

“Good. Someone will be by later on.” Dr. Brown reached for his scanner.

“Violet…”

“Huh? Who’s Violet?”

“Violet, I’m coming…”

Dr. Brown smiled. “Ah!” He left to go find the captain.

Captain Whitfield was sitting at his desk when the door slid open. He looked up to see the doctor walking in.

“I have the test results for Mr. Winchester.”

“Yes, I’m looking over them now. So, he is innocent as we all wanted to believe.”

“Yes, sir. And…”

“And?”

“I think I know why he’s going to Mars.”

“Why is that?”

“He’s going to visit someone named Violet.”

“He told you that.”

“Not directly. He’s sick and drifting. He said her name when he fell asleep.”

The captain smiled. “Well, he is young. I hope it goes well for him.”

“I hope so, too. Should we keep an eye on him?”

“No, we really should give him his space with Violet.”

“Well, yes of course, but I bet we all would like him to become a regular crew member.”

“Oh, in that case… yes, we should keep an eye on him and see if he’ll be willing to be a regular crew member.”

*********************

“Mr. Winchester, are you feeling well enough to work again? Has the doctor cleared you to leave your quarters?”

Antoni smiled at Galley Master Douglas. “I haven’t spoken to him today, but yes I feel well enough to work. I’m not too sure about my new diet, though…”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. We have dealt with food allergies in the past. In fact, we require all passengers to give us their food allergy list so we don’t make them sick during the trip.”

“Oh, is that why some people have special dishes?”

“Yes. Good thing you got those right.”

Breakfast went smoothly. Afterwards, the passengers left the dining room as the crew cleaned up.

Antoni was carting dirty dishes into the galley when the captain walked up to him.

“Mr. Winchester, when you are done, I’d like to see you in my office.”

“Yes, sir.”

Douglas looked at Antoni. “Just go now. We got it. See you later for lunch.”

Antoni nodded and left the galley following the captain.

“I see the Galley Master let you go early.”

“Yeah. I hope that’s not a problem.”

“No, it’s okay. We all know you’ve been real sick. I’m surprised Dr. Brown didn’t complain that you just showed up this morning.”

“What did you need to see me about?”

“Oh, the results of the investigation. As the captain I get to tell you personally and let you know about your inheritance. We can also discuss future plans.”

“Uh, sir, I probably won’t get much. My parents were never rich.”

“No, but they could have left you a life insurance policy.”

“What?”

“Parents tend to do that sort of thing to help their children if they need it.”

“Oh. I never heard them discuss that sort of thing.”

“Parents rarely tell their children until they’re older.”

Antoni nodded. They stepped inside the captain’s quarters and sat down.

“Well, let’s start with some good news.”

“Okay.”

“You have been proven innocent. We know you didn’t kill anyone in Cat Falls.”

Antoni sighed.

The captain smiled. “Unfortunately, your food allergies may be permanent. The doctor isn’t sure on that point. I hope you can live with them.”

“So far, it hasn’t been a problem.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be on this ship, but once we arrive on Mars, you could have problems.”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that.”

“Understandable. Galley Master Douglas can probably give you some tips so you don’t have a problem. If it’s really bad, then you can keep getting your food from the galley here.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now, I understand that a lawyer is trying to get in contact with you about your parents’ estate. Here’s the information.”

Antoni checked the screen. “Oh.”

“You may use our communications. I understand you don’t have your own portable computer.”

“No, sir. My parents couldn’t afford it, but on Eris, I was always able to find one when I needed one.”

“Okay, well you can use the privacy of your quarters to talk with the lawyer.”

“Thanks.”

“Now, do you know what you want to do for your future?”

“Uh, no. I haven’t thought much about it.”

“Oh, then why are you going to Mars?”

“To visit a friend of mine.”

“A Violet?”

“How did you know her name?”

“You’ve been talking in your sleep.”

Antoni bit his lip.

“You haven’t said anything other than her name and that you’re going to see her soon.”

“Good.”

“What’s Violet’s last name or does she not have one?”

“Mineur.”

“Oh, we’ve been negotiating a contract with a Clyde Mineur. Any relation, you suppose?”

“I don’t know.”

“Let’s find out.” The captain pressed his desk screen. “We’ll find out if he’s even awake.”

“Hello, Captain Whitfield.”

“Hello, Mr. Mineur.”

“Have you made a decision on the contract?”

“I’m still thinking about it and discussing it with my crew. I actually called to ask a personal question. Just out of curiosity.”

“Okay, what’s your question?”

“Do you know someone named Violet Mineur?”

“Yes, she’s my niece.”

“Ah, well, I have a friend of hers on broad my ship who is going to visit her.”

“Really? Who?”

“His name is Antoni Winchester.”

“Oh? Well, Violet is traveling and exploring Mars right now and I don’t know when she will be home.”

“Hmm. Mr. Winchester, did you let her know you were coming?”

“I wasn’t sure when I would arrive…”

“Oh, Mr. Winchester, you are hopeless. It’s usually best to warn a woman when you’re arriving so she can be prepared.”

“Sorry.”

“Mr. Winchester, I’m sure Violet will be happy to see you whenever you arrive. I can let her know you’re coming.”

“Thank you, that would be great.”

“Captain Whitfield, is he a member of your crew?”

“He is for this trip, but he has performed his duties so well that I hope he will become a regular member.”

“I take it, he’s not sure what he wants to do just yet.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Well, he’s welcome on Mars. I wouldn’t mind discussing his future plans with him once he’s here.”

“Good. I was planning on giving you an answer once we arrive on Mars.”

“Sounds good.”

Captain Whitfield pressed the desk screen and the call ended. “Well, you have some options, Mr. Winchester.”

“Yes, I do. Thank you for thinking so highly of me.”

“Good luck with Ms. Mineur. You may go now.”

Antoni nodded and left the captain’s quarters.

*********************

Clyde touched his tablet again. Soon he heard a ringing. Then Violet’s face appeared on his screen.

“What’s up, Uncle Clyde?”

“I just got word from Captain Whitfield that a young man named Antoni Winchester is on his way to Mars to visit you.”

“Oh, really?” She smiled.

“Yes, and the captain and the crew are happy with his work performance.”

“Aren’t you negotiating a contract with them for travel to other colonies?”

“Yes and it sounds like they want to settle the contract in person.”

“Wonderful. I would like to travel around the solar system and see all the colonies.”

Clyde smiled. “Are you going to be blogging about your adventures?”

“Of course. I have earned some money writing about what I’ve seen so far.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ve enjoyed reading those pieces so far. I look forward to reading more, once they’re finished.”