[b]Velia and John [/b]

Shuttles and colony ships definitely differed in their flight systems. There was a major advantage though to the more complicated system of bigger starships; they were often so complex they were automated to a degree. So one could say; initiate some sequences then take a walk to retrieve a next generation assault shuttle stocked with provisions and military equipment. 

As John was doing right now with the comm officer Velia in tow. His helmet was back in place though the faceplate was popped and his breather mask dangled from its mounts on the helmet like a wayward branch. 

"So I'm guessing you're not the captain of that ship." John broke the silence as he jerked a thumb over his shoulder; back down the concourse. "Any idea on who's leading this little exodus then beyond a rule by committee?"

"The Captain never made it from the surface," Velia replied with a sideways glance at John, "Which probably makes... umm... the pilot, what was its name?  Anyway, I haven't read the regulations, but I imagine they are in charge. However, having said that, I'm the girl with the plan who's been at the coal-face of the Station's evacuation plan, so I suggest we don't tell anyone that until we're in space.  Then they can appoint the pilot, or vote, or draw straws or whatever, they feel like doing to decide who's going to run the show."

“Wonderful.” John glanced at his erstwhile companion and her civilian attire. “So is there a reason you decided to wear your Civs?” 

Not that he cared or was complaining; but it would have been an awkward walk to the bay in total silence.

"You wear a uniform to be recognised," Velia replied, her eyes roaming the corridor as they walked.  The interior of the station seemed hotter than before; clearly the station's engineers hadn't located the problem yet.  It was at moments like these when dhasath started to stand out; Velia seemed blissfully unaware of the temperature.  She paused as a couple of people passed them, waiting for them to be out of earshot before explaining better, "If people know I'm 'that girl from the Colony ship', they start to get agitated about being kept here.  People have been demanding I take the ship out for days.  I have refused since I'm not a pilot and I figured waiting and praying for one to make it from the surface for a few days was better than me rolling the die with me and hoping not to crash and kill everyone."

“Still rolling a die with me.” John said; feeling the sweat began to appear on his face; untouched by his flight gear’s life support system. 

The need to put his faceplate down and embrace the cooling sensation balanced out by the drain of the flight gear outside the shuttle’s power system. 

Velia’s condensation free skin, despite her jacket and jeans, plus her tanned complexion and darkened eyes and hair cast a sudden revelation. 

“Dhasath?” The word wasn’t an accusation so much as a curious query.

"Don't say that!" Velia exclaimed, then laughed, "Well you have the proper pilot in Navigation so the odds are significantly better.  As good as we're likely to get."

She cocked her head to one side, as if wondering where the question was going, "I am."

“Just curious whether you were that or an android who didn’t feel temperature.” John gestured at her garments then his uniform. “I’m feeling the heat even in this.” 

Something nagged  at the back of his mind. 

“Why is this station even heating up anyways? Place can’t be that run down?”

Velia gave a small shrug, "Something is broken.  Somebody hasn't fixed it."

She paused, frowned, then held a finger to her lips, stepping back to peer down a corridor they had already passed.  When the conversation stopped there was the distinct sound of heavy footfall.  A glimpse around the corner showed the Security chief leading a dozen or so security guards behind Divaldo, the strange little amphibian, powering himself forward with pompous purpose on his mobility scooter... followed by the weird snake with the cat.

Velia watched them pass, heading back in the direction of the ship, "Mmm... that doesn't look good."

John leaned out slightly more to watch the strange procession over Velia’s head. Consternation and confusion dancing across his features. 

“Should we do something about that?” He didn’t know if she had anything hidden beneath the jacket but his single sidearm wouldn’t help if something came to blows. 

Not that he wanted to when his shuttle was within reach and both he and Velia could be safe in vacuum with armor plating between them and any hostilities.

"No... let's get the shuttle and dock through the ship's hangar bay," she looked over to John to make sure he agreed, "Let's hope nobody on the ship is stupid enough to open the door."

“Yeah let’s.” He didn’t specify whether he agreed with her wishes or the need to get to the shuttle; but the pilot met her eyes and gave a nod of assent. 

The pair eventually heading off towards the shuttle bay; quieter and slightly more cautious than before.