Chapter Text
I knew what I was signing up for when I joined the crew of S.S. Correspost. I had been training all of my life for this day. Because of my score on an aptitude test as a small child, I was sent to a special ship crew school. When I was five years old, I put on the suit for the first time. I’ve practically lived in the suit ever since.
Everyone on the ship, except for the Captain, was known by the color of their suit. Our suit colors were assigned based on our trainings. As the Head Science and Medical Officer, I wore Light Blue, or Cyan, hence my nickname “Cy.” Forest’s suit was dark green, but “Forest” was a much easier name to say and remember than “Dark Green.” She was the Communications Officer. The other crewmembers were Snow (White suit, the First Mate), Red (the Weapons Officer), Rose (Shields Officer), Purple (Part of the Energy Team, Assigned to the Reactor). We had also lost a few crewmates just a few weeks ago . . .
I can’t believe we’ve been on this ship for almost two years. I haven’t been home in almost two years. I haven’t seen my mom and sister in two years.
“Cy!”
“Ow!” I banged my head against the top bunk from being startled. My hands started shaking as I looked around the bunker frantically.
“Why would you sneak up on me like that Forest??”
“Cap is looking for you! You missed morning roll call.”
“You know I’m jumpy ever since--”
“Cy, I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I just don’t want you to get in trouble with Cap.” Forest looked at me through the glass of her suit. I set down my journal and got out of bed.
“I’ll get down to see Cap. Where are they?”
“They’re in Admin.” “Thanks Forest.” I got out of bed, put my journal away in my locker, and headed down to the Skeld. The Skeld was the main operations portion of the ship. The bunks were above the Skeld, safely away from where we worked. I hopped down into the cafeteria from the bunker, and followed the hallway down to Admin.
The Captain was sitting at the far end of the table, deep in thought. Snow was standing right behind them.
“Captain--”
“Not now Cyan.”
I had barely taken two steps into Admin before the Captain interrupted me.
“Swipe your card to check in for your shift and then go back to your tasks for the day.”
“Yes Captain.” I swiped my card at the desk and left the room. Snow’s silent stare pierced me like an icicle as I left the room. As soon as I was in the hallway I fell to the ground with a hard thud.
“Ope! Sorry Cy, didn’t see you there.” Red extended his hand to help me up. Thankfully through this suit he couldn’t see me blushing.
“Thanks Red. I’m so sorry. I was just—”
“Coming out from seeing the Captain? They just called me in. I’m not sure what’s going on, but Cap and Snow didn’t look happy at roll call. I hope it doesn’t have to do with—well, you know.” Red stopped himself and looked away nervously. “Anyway, I’ll catch up with you later.” Red walked into Admin, and the door closed behind him. I walked through the Cafeteria back to the Med Bay so that I could start on my sample collections for the day.
I had known Red before we joined the crew. We were neighbors and even classmates. Even as children, I knew he was someone special to me. Our roles were more important than anything else. We were so close to getting back home. Maybe then, we could be something more…