>>5947190>>5947234>>5947364>>5947605>>5947936>>5948246>You have no idea how much longer this will take...You let out a frustrated sigh and decide to cut your losses. Even if your destination is only twenty metres away, it may as well be back on your home planet for all the good it would be trying to get there through the stubbornly immovable object that is the determined Chief Engineer. You can’t wait for the Chief to finish whatever circus act he’s trying to perform here. As much as you’d also like to see what might be a rare glimpse into the inner workings of your voidship, you’re going to be late. You turn and zip back down the corridor, keeping to the rubbery mats running down the centre for maximum traction as you retrace your twisting path to the deck’s main thoroughfare.
“Slow down!”
“Gyah?!”
“Hey, do your PT laps somewhere appropriate!”
You speed past enlisted crew and officers alike, dodging and weaving through the traffic as best as you can, generating numerous cries of annoyance or reprimand in your wake. You try not to pay attention to the stares the officers especially give you, pretending that the rolled eyes and shaking heads aren't personal. Well, maybe not all of them are, but you can't help but feel them as judgement for simply being Blair’s shadow. His replacement. You push the black thoughts from your mind and focus on running.
Making a final dash past the CIC, the security team on duty fortunately letting you pass after a quick inspection, you skid to halt outside the Captain’s ready room. You glance at the time in your HUD, panting.
<span class="mu-b"><span class="mu-s">20:17</span></span> <span class="mu-i">Damn it all.</span>
You force yourself to wait a few more seconds to catch your breath and hastily tidy up your appearance before touching the door panel. It buzzes and a small red light blinks to indicate that you are on speaker.
“Lieutenant Commander Annon to see Captain Annon!” You state, releasing the control to send the message.
A few moments later the hatch clunks and then hisses open, revealing the well lit interior to your Father’s office and the man himself sitting behind his desk expectantly.
“Enter.” He states woodenly, neither his face nor tone betraying emotion.
You may be late, but you’re here now. Time to get some answers. You hope to find your ever-serious Father in a forthcoming mood despite your tardiness.
