Episode 8. Herbie 53

After finishing our exterior inspection of the Mercator, we head down a staircase toward the ship’s access ramp. We cross it and enter through the large starboard door into the shuttle bay.

We’ve barely stepped inside when a lieutenant approaches us, looking focused and moving quickly.

Angie’s smile says it all. With her, I never know whether to expect the best or the worst. Still, seeing her amused is reassuring, especially with everything going on.

I follow them through the shuttle bay, looking around as we go. I even spot a few cobwebs overhead. Charly wasn’t exaggerating when he said this ship was gathering dust.

We approach a class F shuttle. Angie and the lieutenant stop in front of it.

I watch the two of them, trying to figure out what this is all about. Then my eyes land on the front side of the shuttle.

And suddenly, it takes every ounce of self-control not to cackle like a deranged hyena.

We resume our walk and leave the bay, with Herbie 53 behind us. I glance sideways at Angie. She will always surprise me with her ability to change moods in the snap of a finger.

In the corridors, officers go about their business, greeting one another with a nod or exchanging a few words. The atmosphere is calm, typical of an ordinary Monday morning aboard the vessel.

Suddenly, a crash echoes from the far end of the corridor. Hurried footsteps. Breathless apologies. Officers turn as an ensign comes charging through, bumping into people, body hunched and both hands clamped over her crotch.

I narrow my eyes and watch her frantic dash.

She finally reaches our level and, between two panting breaths, still finds time to greet us with a quick:

Then she immediately moves away, leaving a trail of bewilderment behind her.

We rush into the room on the left, the one the ensign just disappeared into. The moment we step through the door, we freeze, staring open-mouthed at the scene.

There she is, standing in front of a urinal with her pants around her ankles, peeing as if this were perfectly normal.

I immediately head for the sink, tear off some toilet paper, and hand it to her.

We leave the men's restroom and resume our route as if nothing had happened.

In case you’re wondering, the SonicShuttle is a vehicle that travels at the speed of sound through the underground AspiroTube network, linking every Alliance bunker. The system is mainly used to transport freight and personnel and was inspired by Elon Musk’s Hyperloop concept.

Personally, I’ve never used it. I’ll take my beloved Ducati any day.