Am Scott - Lightwave: Longshot

To all those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic: Health care workers, first responders, long-haul truckers, grocery store clerks and the myriad of volunteers filling in the gaps.

Thank you.

TIME TICKED AWAY, ONE nanosecond at a time. Saree finished her armrest drum solo with a flourish as they folded.

All stations, weve arrived in Hercules, Ruhger announced. Perform post-fold checks and report issues.

Tyron said, Check in with the Armstrong complete; they report no concerns or issues at the constellation entry or elsewhere in Hercules. Saree, youre clear to the clock. Gemini will accompany you.

Saree nodded. Thanks, Tyron. With the twenty space marines aboard Gemini shuttle, shed only need a co-pilot. Hopefully. She turned to Grant. Coming?

Grant bowed gracefully, Of course, Clutch Leader. After you.

Saree mock-frowned at him while the crew snickered. Walking to the hatch of Lightwaves Command Center, she turned back to wave at Ruhger. He nodded with a quirk of his lips. Making her way down the corridor, Saree realized his smile wasnt quite as tiny as it used to be, at least not in her presence. He still didnt smile around strangers. It might be wrong, but Ruhger saving his smiles for her warmed her heart.

She entered Beta shuttle and strapped into the pilots seat, Grant sliding into the co-pilots chair. All her usual screens popped up and she selected navigation, while Grant talked to Ruhger about undocking. It was a quick flight. With Gov Human military support, Lightwave could fold in close to the system clock, and Gov Human had upgraded both of Lightwaves shuttles significantly. Cloaking, engines, grav generators and thrusters matched modern military standards. Saree snorted softly. Of course, Gov Human bought from the lowest bidder and the approval process for new equipment was ridiculously complex, so most military equipment wasnt the latest and greatest available. But Beta shuttle was much faster and stealthier; Alpha was already faster than most military shuttles, and now had cloaking. Alpha was also far more comfortable. But they used both shuttles so they were familiar with the quirks and differences between the two. Saree didnt want to rely on the greater capabilities of Alpha if she had to fly Beta.

Ready when you are, Saree, Grant said.

Now, please.

Lightwave pushed them out and Saree initiated her programmed orbital thrust.

Appears clear to the clock, Grant said. Armstrong reports no sign of cloaked ships.

Good. Theyd spotted a few cloaked shuttles shadowing them since leaving Sasa ninety days ago, but none approachedthe military escort was pretty obvious. Theyd also found no further evidence of fold clocks being used as transfer points for illegal substances. Gov Humans Space Marines checked each clock carefully for anything unusual before Saree even launched her shuttle. Each Space Marine Special Purpose ForceClock unit was thoroughly vetted and drawn from several different Expeditionary Units to prevent any wholesale co-opting by Familia or Galactica. The units werent allowed any communications during their deploymenta restriction that created a lot of resentment and grumbling but should prevent bribery.

But both Familia and Galactica had been unusually quiet lately. Perhaps both organizations understood the risk wasnt worth the potential gain. Or they werent willing to find out, not at this point. Theyd wait for Gov Human to abandon Lightwave again. Saree knew it could easily happen, despite the assurances. Gov Humans military wasnt very big, they had a lot of systems to cover and political alliances could shift without warning.

Navigation pinged, jolting Saree out of her speculation. Along with Grant, she carefully checked for navigational hazards or other problems. Seeing only the departing Space Marine shuttle, she said, Docking with the clock, Grant.

Grant said, Copy that. Gemini reported no issues. They will remain within tactical range.

Got it. Saree nodded. Here we go... and docked. Are you coming with me?

Of course. Not that the marines missed anything, but you never know what ancient, evil entity may have hidden in a fold clock, Grant said, his eyebrows waggling.

Doubtful, but... as you like. Saree shrugged and lightened the gravity. She pulled on her newly-upgraded clock maintenance suit, grateful Ruhger insisted on adding armor. Grant pulled his soft armor on, and they checked each others status and weapons.

In the airlock, Grant pushed in front of Saree and activated the hatches. He peered in. Looks clear.

Saree stepped off into the zero-g of the clock and floated to the clock hatch. Entering her codes, she smiled at the Clutch Leader title appearing along with Time Guild Member. Grant entered the clock enclosure behind her, standing in the open hatchway, facing back to their shuttle. Saree wasnt sure what good it did; anyone attacking them would have to remove their shuttle from the airlock clamps somehow or cut a new hole, either of which would probably result in their deaths. But if it made him feel better...

She turned to the clock and opened it. Each of the four clocks inside appeared to be working correctly; no transuranic replacements were necessary. So, this should be quick. Saree opened the Alpha clock and got out her tuning tool, then sank into the meditation she needed to reach ^timespace^. As usual these days, it took her very little time to get there; she was much more attuned to the proper state of mind than she used to be. ^Finding^ the right frequency, she ^pulled^ it forward and tuned the clock, trying to stay ^open^ to ^timespace^ as she did so. Saree still couldnt figure out if she was simply a tuning fork or if she was calming ^timespace^ itself. She adjusted the frequencies, bringing them into sync, ^timespace^ settling into alignment, an orchestra in perfect harmony. Saree ^pushed^ herself out of ^timespace^ without knowing the answeragain.

Grant frowned. No luck figuring it out?

No. Its so frustrating.

Grant said, Doesnt matter right now. Youre doing the job, getting paid, and making life easier for the beings living in these systems. Besides, you may never be able to tell on your own. This might be one of those things you cant see when youre doing it yourself. It might take an outside observer.

Saree buttoned the clock up and secured each hatch. Grant secured the airlocks hatches and Saree took the co-pilots seat for the return, letting Grant get some primary piloting time. He released the shuttle from the clock, using Beta shuttles thrusters to push them away. Saree watched, but Grant did it properly; the clock wouldnt have a velocity change. While the systems fold controllers could adjust it, why ruin the perfect tuning and make them do the work?

Safely on orbit to Lightwave, they took turns removing their armor and storing it properly in the cleaning compartments. Saree continued their previous conversation. All the more reason for me to find someone I can train. A human, or another species that doesnt communicate mostly in ^timespace^. Someone I can understand.