Hyper

Chapter 29 – No Answer

[Location: Decontamination Depot t3rm1nu5 – Charlie and Linda’s Quarters]

“Damn it!” Linda closed the connection and hit redial.

She had barricaded herself in their quarters when Charlie told her to, and was waiting for him to call back. She tried to remain calm by folding some laundry, but the diversion hadn’t worked. Her nerves had made her stomach feel like a bottomless pit. Charlie didn’t tell her exactly what was going on, but she knew it was either a mutiny or somehow McCormick had escaped.

After hours of waiting and worrying, her heart nearly stopped when she heard the klaxon and the warning message sound. She had already tried to call Charlie three times, but he didn’t answer. Her breathing quickened and her hands began to shake as she pressed the buttons, hoping for success on the fourth attempt.

What the hell’s an argon scrubber?

It rang, then a second and third time, again with no answer. Her hands continued to tremble as she stared at the device.

Where the hell is he?

Linda closed her eyes and whispered, “Please God, let him be okay.” She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to try and calm herself, as tears began to run down her cheeks.

Should I stay here? Should I try and find him?

She gasped and then held her breath, as she felt a vibration from the hydrogen compressor shake the depot.