Fool's Gold (The Wandering Engineer) by Chris Hechtl Page B

will seem that way. Just take her easy. Out and back.” He
climbed down and exited the bay.
    The
pig tailed girl met him in the doorway. “Shouldn't you be in school?” he asked.
    She
shook her head. “Half day. We were supposed to clean deck twenty three but
without water...” She shrugged. He grimaced and nodded. She was watching her
brother through the porthole. “Is he really ready?” she asked.
    “He
is. Technically I should take her out, but it's your family's bird and he's
pulling rank.” He smiled down at her. She looked confused then smiled
mischievously. “Right okay.” She tapped the intercom. “Good luck big brother.”
He looked up and waved, then blew her a kiss.
    “Pressure
test complete, she's sound.” Sergio gave them a thumbs up. “Just the same, keep
your suit sealed until you're back.” The Admiral cautioned. Sergio nodded as he
looked down, checking things off oin his preflight check list.
    “Bay
atmo evacuated. Door opening.” The girl ran through the airlock sequence like a
pro. The Admiral nodded in approval. She had eyes only on her brother.
    “Right;
OMS pod engaged, antigrav up.” Sergio reported. The craft wobbled then jerked.
“Touchy,” he reported. Iron's nodded.
    “She
will be. Go as easy as easy till you get the hang of her.” He cut the channel.
“Or at least till your outside,” he said softly. The girl grimaced and nodded.
Gently the tug lifted and drifted backwards out of the bay.
    “She's
a dream!” Sergio reported. “Um, tug 552Q to Ops, flight test in progress.” He
called over the net.
    “We
see that. Good luck 552,” a voice responded. The Admiral nodded.
    Gently
almost majestically the craft drifted out and away, and then turned. “She can
turn on herself? Wow!” Sergio called. The Admiral smiled. “Well, OMS looks
good. Rolling now.” He rolled the ship, then back the other way. “Looks good.
Powering up the drive,” Sergio reported.
    They
ran through the basics step by step until he called Sergio in to do some fine
tuning. Anita was home and the kids were busy setting the table. Sergio looked
a little mulish about returning but the Admiral reminded him he needed to eat
too. Sheepishly the young man agreed.
    He
raced off to change when his mother came into the bay. “Don't even think about
getting your hands dirty until you eat. Post flight can wait!” she ordered. The
Admiral chuckled as Sergio and the girl nodded meekly and marched off. They got
a few meters away then started to chatter about the tug. Anita smiled.
    “So
it was a good flight?” she asked. He chuckled.
    “As
well as can be expected. There are a few minor issues to sort out, tuning to
do. Think of her as teething,” he waved to the craft. Anita looked back and
nodded.
    “Jorge
is out of surgery and in a big tank. They say it is a regen tank to help him
recover, but they will have to operate soon to fix his knee.” She looked
concerned. He nodded.
    “He's
in good hands, don't worry. His recovery should have him off his feet for a
little while, but when he is back up he will feel better then new.” He smiled.
She nodded.
    “I
was wondering... “ She grabbed his arm. He paused. “Mickal said our deck was
going to lose water and power, yet we haven't while our neighbors have. Why?
Did you do something?” she asked. He smiled again.
    “Sure
it isn't just water in the tanks?” he asked then shook his head. “I have a
friend who is pulling a few strings. The exec is also helping out,” he nodded
to her. They heard a clatter in the living room and she rushed off. He paused.
    “Come
to think of it, how did you know about the cut off?” He looked up to the
ceiling. “Sprite?” He asked.
    “We've...
come to an understanding,” she replied sounding distant and distracted. “We
meaning you and the station AI?” He asked.
    “Well,
all of us actually. I had to bring Io, Defender, and Proteus into it as well.”
He nodded as she explained.
    “It
is a primitive