Scrapper

«If you fear that we will be found, do not worry, I am equipped with a military grade concealment field, which will make us invisible to most ships.» the AI replied.

«Lyssa…» Serena’s voice gave out for a second. «Initiate take-off, start up all your systems and start the reconfiguration process as soon as you are able.»

«Yes, captain.»

Serena took a few sips of the tea and felt the soft take-off. She remembered how bumpy and uneven the others were, when the Ol’ Fart was captain of the ship, and the first thought that came to her mind was that the ship’s AI didn’t like the man, and that was the reason for it being so slow and clumsy all these years.

The woman slowly stood to her feet, feeling her legs very weak.

«Lyssa…» Serena grasped the table. «I never thought of you as a rusty bucket.»

«I know, captain. I am detecting a significant drop in your physical state. You are close to fainting due to the emotional and physical stress you have experienced today. I would advise you to go to the captain’s quarters and get some rest as soon as possible.» the AI said. «However, a companion is highly advisable, as you seem to be unfit to take the long walk yourself.»

«I’ll be fine.» Serena growled, walking out and leaving the two men behind her.

When she was out of earshot, the men still remained silent. But the AI spoke out again:

«Mister Hunter, please make sure captain Serena reaches her quarters. I would not want her injuring herself in her current state.»

Hunter exchanged glances with Cipher and followed the woman, catching up with her in one of the corridors, where she almost slipped down the wall. Fortunately, he caught her in time, helping her stay up.

«I’ll help.» he whispered, noting how the woman tried to tense up to push him away. «Your ship’s orders, captain.»

«This way…» the AI flared up some lights, illuminating the path towards the captain’s quarters.

«We don’t have captains quarters…» Serena shook her head, when she suddenly saw the wall part and open up, inviting the two humans inside.

Hunter stepped in, helping Serena, and the woman gasped, watching how the ship reconfigured the place, widening the room and setting up a few partitions, dividing the quarters into four smaller rooms – a common hall, a small kitchen with a dining table, an office space and a bedroom. Hunter helped the woman walk through the luxurious quarters to a large bed. Serena noticed another door appearing on the wall and opening up to a comfortable bathroom.

«Welcome back to your private quarters, captain Serena.» the AI said. «I hope everything is to your liking, as always.»

The woman looked down at her dirty clothes and sweat-covered skin, and shook her head:

«I can’t…»

«Yes you can.» Hunter frowned. «These are your rooms.»

«Not that… I can’t sleep in such a bed… I’m… I haven’t washed in ages. Captain Summers…»

«Captain Summers is dead!» Hunter growled. «Whatever he did to you is over! The ship is yours!»

«Captain Serena, the ship’s water supply has been restored to full capacity.» the AI reported. «I suggest you and your new friends take a shower before going to bed.»

The woman swallowed a lump in her throat, and pushed Hunter away, heading to the bathroom. As soon as she went in, the door slid shut.

«I suggest you stay for the time being, mister Hunter.» the AI said to the man, who didn’t know if he was welcome at all. «I am worried for Captain Serena. And if she falls, I will need you to help her to bed, as my support bots are still in hibernation.»

«Lyssa… can you help me find out about something?» Hunter asked, glancing at the office space, where a large screen was affixed to the wall and another one – on the table, ready to be accessed.

«If it is within your access rights.»

«You managed the surveillance around ship all the time, correct?»

«Correct. Would you like to see some of the files in particular?»

«If you think I can… maybe… show me what John Summers did to Serena?»

For a couple of long moments there was silence, as if the AI was contemplating if this information was within his rights to know, but then the two screens in the office space lit up.

«You said to her that you won’t hurt her.» the AI said. «I will hold you to that promise you’ve given.»

Hunter stepped up to the screens and saw the AI showing him one of the videos from the surveillance camera in the cargo bay. The man sat down, watching Serena packing something into boxes. A few moments later he saw John Summers approaching her and grabbing her by the neck. When he shoved her into the wall, Hunter gritted his teeth, but continued watching, as John Summers began beating the woman at first, but then ripping off her clothes and taking advantage of her there and then.

The screen divided in two and another video appeared, as the first one continued.

The second video was that of the medical bay – Serena was taking care of a bad cut on her arm. John Summers walked in and grasped her by the hair, dragging her out with him as she kicked and flailed in his grip. The camera switched to another one, showing how the man dragged Serena into a small private room and threw her onto the cot, immediately slapping the woman and ripping her clothes off.

Another video appeared, joining the two others. Same man, same despicable deed.

Then another and another, until both screens were filled by clips of Serena being beaten and raped again and again.

Hunter forced down his anger, realising that the man who was doing all that to her was already dead and there was nothing he could do.

The screens suddenly shut off and Hunter heard the bathroom door sliding open. He looked that way and saw Serena grasping the side of the door, heavily breathing and hair tossed and wet. Wrapped in a thick, fluffy towel, the woman looked up at the bed, but seemed to have no more strength left to approach it.

«Mister Hunter, please help my captain to her bed.» the AI said.

Serena flinched, glancing to the side and noticing Hunter standing up from what was now her own office space. The man approached and offered her his hand. The woman didn’t object, accepting his help, and he accompanied her to the bed, covering her with a fine silky material, which reminded him of some luxurious cloth he saw somewhere.

As soon as Serena’s head touched the pillow, she drifted away into sleep.

Hunter didn’t meddle, walking out of her quarters and hoping that Pher won’t go looking for the woman.

Chapter 4. Breakfast

Serena opened her eyes and for a few moments didn’t recognise where she was. Sitting up, she noticed a little robot resting in the corner.

«Hi, Charlie!» the woman smiled and suddenly froze.

Charlie? Why did she call the bot Charlie?

The little robot switched on and its screen exhibited two cartoonish eyes that looked very cute, as if the robot was happy to be there. Serena stood from the bed and stepped up to the bot, remembering the little cleaner she had and called Charlie a long time ago. Kneeling down, the woman touched the round edges of the robot.

«Did you miss me?» she smiled.

The robot squeaked, as if replying in a cheerful manner.

Serena knew that the robots really didn’t experience any emotions, but were programmed to simulate them – it was made so to keep humans company during long and lonely space travels. Her Charlie was more than just a little cleaner – he was one of the multiple robots that could turn into defence drones if necessary.