"I have to say," Janette said, her voice low and thoughtful, "Julie seems to know every single secret about everyone on this train. Every time someone stops by the kitchen, it's like stepping into a hive. The gossip flows as freely as the coffee on a cold mornings, and the most staggering news is all these relationships that have blossomed since we arrived. It appears that everyone except Chase and me has been in at least one connection. In some cases, people have even moved from one relationship to another in a matter of days. Julie herself is now sleeping with Adrian, and according to her, it just sort of happened."
The common area seemed to crackle with unspoken energy as Janette paused. Inside her mind, memories of hushed conversations and knowing glances played in a quiet loop. "Believe me, Kaya," Janette responded with a wry smile, "when I first started washing dishes, I never dreamed I would become part of such a complex social web. I picked up on all sorts of interactions simply because I was in the middle of everything. It is strange and a bit unnerving."
Kaya's eyes crinkled with amusement, and she allowed a warm smile to spread across her face. Janette continued, "You know, Kaya, it sounds like you have some serious competition for the attention of our crew. They say you are the top prize for many of the men on board. There seems to be a genuine buzz every time you pass through the kitchen."
Kaya tilted her head and said softly, "I am not some inanimate prize waiting to be won, Janette. I choose who earns my attention. However let me share a secret with you: I have been spending more time with Luke lately. Outwardly, he may act foolish among the group, but when we have time alone, there is a warmth about him that cannot be ignored."
"Congratulations," Janette teased gently, raising one eyebrow. "But did our commander, Chase, give you that talk?" Her tone was playful even as a slight blush crept over her cheeks.
Kaya's smile deepened, and she laughed lightly before asking, "Which talk do you mean?"
Janette leaned in closer, her voice lowering as she recounted what Julie had shared with her. "Julie said that before she and Adrian got together, Chase sat her down and laid out his ground rules. I was shocked to learn that he knows so much about everyone. He explained that there are five rules, which Julie passed along to me. There is the rule of Consent. Both parties must clearly agree without assumption, and September logs that agreement immediately. Then there is the rule of Conclusion. Either partner can choose to end the liaison at any time by registering it with September, and the log updates, requiring new consent before any further encounters. Third is the rule of No animosity. You must be able to work together when it comes time to complete our mission. Fourth, there is No marriage for at least our first two years, even if you log a wish to tie the knot. Lastly, there is No multiple partners, a rule that apparently be slightly revised in the future. Scandalous!"
Janette's voice softened as she continued, "I was so taken aback that I had no idea relationships were happening amongst the crew. Julie laughed at me and said, 'So you think, girl, so you think. Our commander watches you like a hawk, and you are usually too caught up in your own anger to notice that you also watch him. Chase may be a man beyond his years in some ways, but a part of him is still a child. He does not know how to ask a pretty girl out, and that pretty girl gives off an aura that could very well rip his head off if he pushes his luck.'"
Kaya laughed heartily at the tale, her laughter echoing lightly off the walls of the common room. "I have had many talks with Chase myself, and I must agree with Julie in several places. But I wonder, Janette, have you ever truly considered what your own feelings might be toward our commander?"
Janette, clearly a bit flustered by the subject, diverted the conversation with practiced ease. "Well, speaking of different matters, while Amanda was helping with the dishes, she excitedly told me that September proposed a method for making plastic from fructose. You know, using sugar as a base when nothing else will work. She was amazed that the AI offered that information on its own, and then she convinced Adrian to start growing sugar cane right here on the train."
At this, Janette chuckled, recalling the awkwardness of the moment. "Right after that conversation, Amanda asked me how our printing of the vacuum pump was coming along. I was caught off guard and simply said everyone seemed busy, and that maybe soon the pump would be printed. Julie was listening from nearby and promptly asked what exactly I was trying to print. I felt so trapped and flustered that I mumbled it's just a trial vacuum pump, not worth a fuss. Thankfully, the chatter soon returned to more general topics."
Janette gave a resigned laugh and said, "So, Kaya, it looks like your plan for conversation secrecy did not quite work out. Although I must admit, I have grown to love my time in the kitchen more than I ever expected. If not actually washing the dishes"
Kaya smiled confidently, her tone resolute. "We will have that vacuum pump finished in a week or so."
Janette's eyes widened with curiosity. "Wait, who is building it?"
Kaya’s reply was measured and calm, her steady gaze sweeping over the room. "Everyone is. You would think nobody would notice when you, the computer expert and our second in command, begin washing dishes. Let me tell you, for days, everyone on board was discussing why you were deep in the kitchen laboring over dishes. This is a small train, and gossip travels fast as you now know. In fact, soon enough, everyone started believing that our commander sent you there. Julie went as far as serving Chase only plain lettuce for dinner one night, saying that was all he deserved. And then, rumor had it that Luke mentioned your desire for a vacuum pump and that you were brushed aside. All of a sudden, people recalled the old rule that the inside printers were reserved solely for replicating new printers. That rule was tossed aside out through the module one portal, and the vacuum pump quickly became the number one priority for the entire train. Even though not everyone quit their current tasks, Chase ended up dedicating nearly all his time to assisting with the printing. You might not notice it right away, Janette, but people really want to support you. You just needed to give them a reason."
Janette's face softened with gratitude as she wrapped her arms around Kaya in a tight hug. "You are truly incredible, Kaya. Thank you so much."
The common area grew quieter for a moment, and amidst the soft background murmur, both women savored the rare blend of humor and vulnerability in their conversation. The words exchanged had not only lightened their workloads but had also eased some of the tension that pervaded life on a distant outpost.
---
Janette continued working in the kitchen, the steady hum of chatter and the warm aroma of home-cooked meals wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. As she began to forge genuine friendships among the crew, she realized that a little part of her needed something more, a small spark to keep her head from getting too heavy on this distant world. One quiet evening, with the subdued clatter of utensils and soft light filtering through the window, Janette finally opened up to Julie about why she had taken on the extra work. At the same time, she reassured Julie that nothing would stop her from giving her best to the mission.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Julie’s response was immediate and warm. She wrapped Janette in a gentle hug and leaned close, whispering, “Don’t worry, we girls stick together.” There was a note of genuine affection in Julie’s voice that made Janette feel understood and supported.
Later, Janette asked for some treats that she hoped to take down to the printing module. But Julie quickly shook her head with a playful smirk. “No, you cannot go down there,” Julie explained. “They cannot know that you know. I suspect that once everything passes all of Chase’s inspections and tests, they will present the equipment to you in a little ceremony.” Her tone was teasing yet firm, leaving no room for argument.
Four days later, the crew finally invited Janette to the printing bay. When they presented her with the vacuum pump, she managed to act surprised, which wasn’t hard given inside she felt overwhelmed with emotion. Every single crew member was there, gathered around with pride and anticipation. Touched by their support, she embraced each of them. Janette could hardly believe that, somehow, Kaya had made it happen. What began as her personal idea had grown into a project embraced by everyone. The vacuum pump was no longer just her own; the whole crew had taken ownership, developing a full strategy on how to use it and where to place it in their delicate living environment.
As the mechanics began to disassemble the device for transfer out of the train, Chase approached her in a low, sincere tone. "I am not sure how you did it, Janette, but well done. The crew really needed a win, and you gave them that. If you ever doubted your place on this train, let me assure you that it is unquestionable now. In fact, I might even need to start worrying about who fills the commander role."
Janette studied his face, searching for a trace of mockery, but all she saw was genuine admiration. "My time in the kitchen has taught me that you are always aware of what is going on around here. I think you have nothing to worry about regarding your position," she replied with a soft smile. "I even heard word that you got served a dinner of lettuce. Apparently, you ate it without any complaint."
Chase chuckled warmly. "Yes, I was not sure what I did to upset her, but I know when someone is sending a message. That was not just a one-time meal. I have been eating lettuce at several meals for weeks now," he said, his smile widening. "I have made a habit of looking after the people who prepare our food. When I told Julie that I did not send you to the kitchen, she never once apologized. Instead, she mentioned that Kaya was disappointed and that I deserved it, declaring that I would not have any food until breakfast." Their shared laughter filled the space with a lightness that momentarily eased the weight of the outpost.
"Shall we leave these skilled tradesmen to their work and head over to the command module for a cup of coffee?" Chase suggested. "You have certainly earned it. How are your hands holding up after all that kitchen labor?"
As they walked away, Janette allowed herself a moment of reflection. The past several months had been heavy with responsibility and constant effort, yet she could not help but feel a sense of pride. Chase had taken on more than his share of burdens, and in every challenge they faced together, she had learned to appreciate his unwavering commitment. In a spontaneous gesture, Janette leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on Chase's cheek. He looked startled for an instant, his eyes wide in surprise, before softening into a smile. In that brief moment, Janette realized that no one aboard could impress her the way Chase did, except maybe Kaya, whose resourcefulness never ceased to amaze her.
Kaya had once remarked, "These two are on a crash course," and Janette admitted that maybe there was a bit of truth to her words. Out loud, Janette said, "Yes, Commander Chase, I would really like a cup of coffee before I start my shift at the dishwashing station."
They made their way to the command module, currently quiet space that seemed to welcome confidential conversations. Over steaming cups of rich coffee, they began discussing the grand challenges ahead. They spoke of colonizing Mars, of the relentless rays of the sun that beat down on the barren surface, and of the daunting task to warm this distant world. Chase revealed his plan in earnest, not just a vision for a couple of years, but a plan for the next eighty years. With many unknowns still in play, he had engineered a model that could work using their current data. His strategy depended heavily on the AI and on printing a massive quantity of new printers, but given what they had already accomplished, it appeared far from impossible.
Chase spoke with genuine passion, his eyes alight with optimism as he outlined the details. Janette listened intently, recognizing why he placed such high value on the printers. With a quiet determination, she shared her own bold idea for the vacuum pump. In her vision, they could simulate Earth-like pressure in just a few months rather than years. The process would begin with a mixture containing roughly twenty percent carbon dioxide. This concentration would then gradually rise toward levels typical of an Earth-like atmosphere, all in a matter of months.
Chase shook his head in disbelief. The idea sounded logical on paper, but it seemed far too simple. Creating an Earthlike atmosphere should be a monumental task that would take many months, not just a few. In his mind, if they followed Janette’s plan, they might be growing a small forest in the tunnel within just one year.
Chase adjusted his model to reflect the optimistic timeline. With steady fingers, Janette pointed to a marker on the display, one year from now, when the crew could step out of the train and stroll through a tunnel blanketed in thriving plants.
A playful smile tugged at Janette’s lips as she said, “Chase, if we reach that point, then I would consider accepting a date proposal from you.”
Chase blinked in surprise, uncertain why Janette’s tone had softened so suddenly. Though taken aback, he chose not to argue.
“Well then, I will work twice as hard as before,” Chase replied with a light blush.
“I would expect nothing less.”
Later, after the vacuum pump had been carefully transported and connected to the newly installed piping, Janette prepared to give the start-up command. The pump was set to discharge into the portal linking the tunnel inside the train to the surface passage. Although no one was quite sure at what rate it would capture and repurpose Mars’ thin atmosphere, the crew was confident that it would eventually work.
Janette stood ready for launch. She spoke to the AI in a clear tone, “Activate the vacuum pump and display all monitored variables, please.”
September replied, “You must specify the minimum and maximum pressures in the tunnel.”
“Minimum pressure is equal to the current tunnel reading. Maximum pressure is Earth pressure,” Janette explained.
The AI confirmed, “Conditions set; pipework is now open.”
With a lump forming in her throat, Janette added, “Now, turn on vacuum pump one.”
September responded evenly, “Approval from Commander Chase is required for that action.”
Frustrated, Janette tore off her goggles and, between gritted teeth, muttered, “September, please send a request for Commander Chase to come to my location immediately.”
The calm voice of September replied, “Message sent; Commander Chase is on his way.”
Janette always hated having to ask Commander Chase for permission, it grated on her nerves. She knew she would soon have to explain herself, but, as always, he would finally say yes. True to form, Chase arrived with his relaxed manner that managed both to soothe everyone else and to irritate her. “What is happening here?” he asked before giving her permission without delay.
Then, Chase instructed September to monitor all the compressor systems to ensure they stayed within the proper range. The electric compressors activated, with no visual indication of it working, only a slight vibration seen through the camera. Though there was no immediate change in the tunnel’s conditions, everyone waited with bated breath to see if the setup would gradually begin drawing in and pressurizing the atmosphere.
