(… continuing)
Leaving the starboard passenger airlock, they used the stairs to access the accommodation level.
“So, Marr, what does the public record tell you about this level?”
Marr smiled and started to talk as if she was a tour guide.
“The accommodation level is split into guest and crew areas. Separated by an airtight door. The crew accommodation has a shared common space with a table and couch, fondly called the Crew Mess by hardened hauliers. The starboard side, starting aft, has a small double cabin, a single cabin, the kitchen and then a large double cabin with a portal window and it’s own bathroom. The Captain’s suite.” Marr shared blushing.
“And port side?” Dukk added quickly, feeling uncomfortable too.
“Starting aft, there is a small double cabin and a single cabin as per the starboard side. Then there are two shared bathrooms and the final crew cabin, a small double with a portal window. The latter being the prized cabin after the captain’s cabin. And against the forward wall there is a utility room on the port side and a full console on the starboard side.”
“Very thorough, and what of the guest accommodation?” said Dukk, playing along with the game.
“The guest accommodation area has a gym that sits in the nose section above the g-suit room. There is a lounge and combined kitchen/dining on either side of the corridors going aft. Then at the back of the guest accommodation area there are four cabins. Two on the port side and two on the starboard side. The forward two have a double birth each and the aft two have twin single births. Each cabin has it’s own bathroom. There is a laundry room near the starboard double cabin and through these two doors is the med bay,” shared Marr confidently as she swung open two doors adjacent to the top of the stairs.
“Excellent. And what did the public record say of the safety and practicalities of the rig?”, Dukk asked, immensely enjoying the sound of Marr’s voice and not wishing it to stop any time soon.
“The internals of the rig are designed to be functional under all gravity levels. The floor, ceiling and walls have special magnetic properties that marry with the magnetic threads in the booties and gloves of the g-suits. These threads will engage and disengage when one applies or reduces pressure with their fingers or toes, allowing one to move relatively easily in any situation. Also, the floor, ceiling and walls are made of the same material but have different textures and colours. The darker colour is the floor. Ceilings are a lighter colour and the sides are a tone in between. The texture on the floor is a little gritty. The walls are smooth and the ceiling is far more gritty. The idea that in any condition, be it lit or not, one can navigate around. And, finally there are arrows embedded into the floor, walls and ceiling. These arrows point towards the main evacuation point and away from the secondary evacuation point. This provides one with all they need to get clear of the rig if needed.”
“My oh my, you are well read!” Dukk shared laughing.
Marr joined in.
(to be continued...in the next chapter)
[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 8 - Orientation (Passage 5 of 5)]
All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2021 BJ Allen
I am investing in A.I. driven narration to bring the Rule of Twelve books to life.
It will be more than just narration in the traditional audio book sense. The A.I. will enable me to bring dialogue to life with character specific voices. This will create a rich and engaging narration.
Over the coming months I will be in catch-up mode, building the narration for already published material. Eventually, the aim will be to concurrently release chapters in both written and rich narrative form.
The narration will eventually make it to audiobook form for platforms like Audible and Spotify. However, to get it sooner, you will need a Locals subscription. The Locals App works just like your favourite audiobook app. So, you can listen on the go. Becoming a subscriber also helps keep this whole show on the road.
I look forward to sharing the journey with you.
Bradley.
Read Book 2 right here in Locals.
Navigate to "Content", "Articles" and choose Book 2 from the playlist
Read Book 1 right here in Locals.
Navigate to "Content", "Articles" and choose Book 1 from the playlist
https://bjallen.locals.com/content/articles/playlists/4330/oldest
Dukk opened his eyes. It was dark.
“A dream. It must have been a dream,” he muttered as he tried to fathom where he was. He tried to digest the pre-dawn excursion with Craig.
He swung himself out of bed. Marr was gone.
He checked the time. Mid-afternoon.
“What in the world is going on?” Craig demanded as the doors to the south banqueting hall, closed behind them.
Dukk, Marr and Emeelie stood before him. Beyond was the atrium bathed in orange light from the setting sun.
On the opposite side of the atrium the doors to the north banqueting hall were open. Music and chatter could be heard from within.
The noise from the others disguised the deathly silence that engulfed the four.
“I am going to need a shower and change of clothes,” Marr announced as she put her helmet and goggles back on the rack in the garage.
“Yes, the dust gets in everywhere,” Emeelie replied. “There are showers near the pool. Change of clothes too if you don’t want to go back to your suite all dusty.”
“That is a good idea.”
“Have you seen the pools below sea level yet?” Craig asked.
“Nope.”
“I was going to shower and change down there. Then use the sauna and take a swim. The pool up here can get quite hot in the afternoons.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Dukk said.
“Absolutely, lead the way,” Marr added.
