Lunar Escape - Part 5

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“Dr. Paxton didn’t have to tell you anything,” his interrogator said. “The Angler was a Conglomerate ship with orders.”

Lucas blinked and looked around the featureless interrogation room again before settling his gaze back on his interrogator’s imperfection. The scar on her face represented a single chink in her armour.

“Dr. Paxton hid critical information,” Lucas said. He closed his eyes and the spinning sensation returned. Stars, rock, stars, rock… Slapping his hands down on the table, he focused on his fingers.

“Commander Ordaz, I suggest you remain calm. Tell me about your crew.”

“Lt. Werner, my pilot, had only been on board for three weeks at that point.” Lucas pictured how the man was always sweating, even when it was cold.

“And Lt. Jones?”

“I’ve been flying with Ash for years. She is… was an exceptional pilot with amazing engineering skills—a rare combination.”

“The two of you were on a first name basis?” Even though she kept her expression neutral, disapproval sounded in her tone.

“Ash is her nickname. I’m surprised your file didn’t list it that way.”

The interrogator looked down at her tablet and frowned.

Lucas took a deep breath. The Conglomerate had always downplayed Ash’s skills. He was still amazed they’d put him in command of the Angler instead of her. She’d deserved the post more than him. An image of Ash’s smiling boy came to mind—he looked exactly like his mom. By The Conglomerate’s reasoning, he was Ash’s weakness—single parents never rose through their ranks.

“Using informal nicknames with your crew is a strike against you.” She didn’t even look up as she noted something on her tablet.

“There were only three of us, crammed into that ship like sardines for sometimes weeks on end.”

She stared coldly at him and Lucas cut short his tirade.

“Now jump ahead to when you spotted the anomaly.”

continued here