A Space Story 34

            Roweth Sinclair liked to be organized.  He also liked to be prepared.  In the back of his mind he was always ready for the possibility of danger.  He was prepared for a fight when he found Zai in the armory.  Roweth took out his blaster like a quick draw gunfighter and was ready to shoot.

            “You do not have access to this area,” he said, “how did you get in here?”

            “This is my ship,” said Zai, “I can have access anywhere I wish.  I came to talk to you Mr. Sinclair.”

            Roweth holstered his weapon and said, “Then talk.”

            “I want you to know why I selected you for this mission.”

            Zai had said he selected most of the crew.  It never occurred to Roweth he might be one of those chosen.  He assumed he was on the ship because of his outstanding record.

            “I chose you because you are a liar,” said Zai.

            “Excuse me,” said Roweth insulted.

            “For many years now you have been posing as a gene mod soldier when you are actually a natural born human.  Your family has a long and proud history serving in the royal armed forces of Great Britain.  However because of your parents’ religious beliefs they did not participate in any government gene mod programs.  You wanted to follow in the footsteps of your ancestors.  To make things easier for yourself you faked your records and joined the Solar Fleet military branch under the guise of a gene mod soldier.  You stayed away from areas that would require you to compete too much with others in most physical areas.  You excelled with weapons.  You taught yourself to disassemble and reassemble them faster than anyone.  You took care to hone your skills as a marksman.  You did a very good job blending in.”

            “Are you going to tell them about me?” said Roweth almost choking on anxiety.

            “I notice that you are getting closer to Ms. Suchin Markjon,” said Zai, “She still thinks of you as a friend.  If you wish to take your friendship with her any further you will have to tell her the truth about yourself one day.”

            Zai left the armory.   Roweth felt his normally steady hands shaking.  It was a strange thing to have your worst fear become real.

            “So did you ever get around to sleeping with Roweth?” asked Junitha.

            “Roweth and I are just friends,” said Suchin.

            “Yeah but he still totally wants you,” said Junitha.

            “Why do you always say things like this?”

            “You guys just look like you would be good together.  You guys remind me of Pierce Brosnan and Michelle Yeoh in Tomorrow Never Dies.  Except you guys are not spies.  And you never do anything cool.  Actually you are a little too cutesy to be Michelle Yeoh.  Ah Michelle Yeoh, now that lady could kick some ass.”

            “What?”

            “She does that sometimes,” said Janessa, “she talks about old movies no one has ever heard of.”

            “People have heard of James Bond,” insisted Junitha.

            “Remember that Mr. Kerrigan needs your report on that project today Suchin,” said Anyantha.

            “Is that today?” said Suchin, “Okay everything should be ready in time.”

            After lunch Junitha spoke to Janessa alone.

            “I think Kerrigan is up to something and I think Suchin is helping him with it.”

            “What do you think it is?”

            “I’m not sure yet.  But if either of those girls gets hurt because of it I am going to make Kerrigan pay.”