When the crew was stuck in their ship during decontamination, Eakran sat with Maria in what had been the living room of Eakran’s home. As the ship decontaminated, the structure of the interior reverted to its default settings and the foyer that led to the usually spacious living room with walls painted a pleasant light blue, became the sleek metal walls of the ship’s entrance and a large room that is the first place a conventional crew might register their presence on board and receive room assignments. What was a living room became a lobby with a few chairs and tables, and benches lining one wall. There were displays, like long closets with glass doors, set into another wall that showed the suits used for spacewalks, suits for entering the engine room for repairs, and various tools and weapons. There was a row of lockers for crew members to store their clothing and equipment.
Maria sat at a table in the middle of the room with a photon weapon and two manuals for its operation. One of the manuals was the official IP manual written in Brise, the first official language of the IP and the native language of the Bromeris on Bromeran, and in Filot, the second official language of the IP and the native language of the Druintes on Druont, that she accessed on an electronic device that was essentially a tablet. The other manual was large parts of the IP manual transcribed into English by Eakran before his initial departure from the IP command center.
“You’re comfortable with the storage controls, I see,” Eakran said nervously as he approached her.
“It was weird at first, but once you master the hand swipes, it’s easy.” Maria didn’t really look up from her reading.
Eakran eyed the weapon. “You mind if I sit.”
“Of course,” Maria said, pulling the gun closer to her.
He cleared his throat and made himself comfortable on the chair that was like a stool that grew up from the malleable metal of the floor.
Maria looked at Eakran after a minute of him shifting and struggling for comfort. He seemed to shrink under her gaze.
“Are you regretting bringing me on this trip?” She asked.
“No,” Eakran said and he stumbled over his words. “I am..honored, I’m happy you…I’m glad we’re here now!”
“I watched you kill someone, and that murder drove a man crazy. I had to kill him. You’ve got a lot of blood on your hands doctor. A lot to account for, and I don’t know anyone on this planet who can hold you accountable. I doubt the IP would care, they probably know what you are already. Am I right?”
Eakran slumped and hung his head. “Any life I took on Earth would be considered acceptable collateral damage for the progress of science. I’ve amassed impressive records on humanity for the IP and it will only benefit mankind…” Eakran was speaking fast, almost groveling to the woman. He leaned onto the table, fully repentant, no care for the weapon that could blast a hole clear through his body and cauterize the wound.
But Maria was exasperated and she held the weapon to his head to cut him off.
“I won’t kill you,” she said when it was clear that he was willing to die right there. “I could never kill someone on purpose.” She lowered the weapon and pointed it away from him. “Besides, I need a guide on Druont.”
“We have to figure out who abducted you,” Eakran said enthusiastically, happy that Maria would continue in the role that she has filled since he killed Dr. Moss years ago. She has been his assistant, his student, his partner and he wanted that to continue. She had come a long way in her training as a surgeon and with time, she could become an expert.
“It’s hard to believe that I’m finally going back. I really can’t thank you enough.”
“I’ll let you get back to your study,” Eakran said with a smile. “You never know if you’re going to have to use that thing.”
“You got enemies out there in the universe, doctor?”
“None that I’m aware of, but it’s good to see you diligent.”
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