Free Talosian Chronicles 1: Olympus by Ben Winston Page A

we’re on our way back to the shuttle,” Ian called on his communit.
    “I will get it warmed up, Sir,” Oly replied.
    “What’s the status of the diagnostics I asked for?”
    “It has just gotten underway. The repair of the drones took longer than I calculated.”
    “Has the level three diagnostic been run on the main medbay yet?” Ian asked.
    “It is in progress; however, some faults have been detected and repaired.”
    “We’re planning on getting Talena out of cryo tonight; is there enough working equipment for that?” Ian asked, not particularly liking what he was hearing.
    “Yes sir. Three portable Autodoc units are ready, as well as seven chambers in the main facility. I will have a gurney and portable diagnostic equipment in the cryo-sleep facility by the time you get to the ship.”
    “Thanks, Oly. Williams out.”
    “What was that all about?” Jenny asked.
    Ian frowned. “I ordered some diagnostic tests run on certain parts of the ship. I’d intended them to be finished before anyone went aboard, but that’s not going to happen. So... I’m sorry guys, but I’ll have to ask you to stay on the shuttle for the time being. Beth, Jenny and I will go get Talena out of Cryo, and get her ready to travel. Cindy, I would like you to pull the hummer out of the cargo bay so we can get the portable autodoc aboard.”
    “If it isn’t safe, are you sure you should be going in either? Like you said, Talena isn’t going anywhere or getting any worse,” Janet said.
    Ian sighed. “I know, and I agree with you, but I just can’t kick the feeling we need to get her out of there as soon as possible. The cryo-sleep pods were only designed for about a hundred years of use. She’s already exceeded that by more than forty times. With what I’m hearing from Oly about those diagnostics, the cryo-sleep system could be ready to go down as well.”
    They drove in silence for a time. “Ian, thank you for today. It was the best surprise I’ve had in a long time,” Jenny said, to be quickly endorsed by Beth and Cindy.
    Once they got back to the shuttle and had taken off, Bill, Julie and Janet all feigned being tired. Something no one believed for a second.
    “What about dinner?” Jenny teased. “You know you're probably going to need the energy!”
    “I told you they’d know!” Janet said, and slapped Bill's shoulder.
    Ian went over to the replicator. “Computer, duty cover-all’s with rank insignia for Commander, one pair of black cotton socks, and a pair of ship boots,” Ian took his order into the front stateroom to change.
    The girls must have followed his example because very shortly all three women were in there with him, getting changed. When Jenny took her dress back to the replicator for disintegration, she asked the computer to store it in her personal file.
    Ian ordered a steak, baked beans and Beth’s potato salad with a glass of iced tea. When he sat down to eat, again the others followed his example. Conversation was light and teasing, but Ian could tell that there was an undercurrent of excitement to it as well.
    Oly joined them, eating a holographic meal so he didn’t look out of place. “Sir, you told me what departments to put Bill and Julie in, but you didn’t clarify rank for them, also, what position did you have in mind for Janet.”
    Before Ian could answer, Jenny piped up. “Ian, Janet should be our lead recruiter and ship’s counselor. She’s got a degree in psychology and with her clairvoyance, she might be able to see who would be a good person to recruit.”
    “Okay, love, but what about rank? A counselor isn’t listed as normal ship’s compliment,” Ian asked.
    “Well, I think she should remain a civilian, but have the honorary rank of Major. Since she’s head of recruiting, and personnel is under my duties, we can work together,” Jenny said, smiling at her 'Aunt'.
    “Okay, we’ll see how that works. Now, as for Bill and Julie, they would both be department heads,