Page 29 of Starlight, Starbright
Walsh's face darkens. “Captain, this is absurd. You're letting personal feelings compromise your judgment.”
“My judgment,” I say, maintaining steady eye contact with him, “is that every available hand helps, or everyone dies. Those are our options. Chief Martin's plan maximizes our chance of survival.”
Paige's fingers tighten around mine. My markings blaze gold, brilliant and undeniable, reflecting off the conference room walls.
“We implement Chief Martin's plan immediately,” I continue. “All departments will cooperate fully. Anyone unable to support this directive will be relieved of duty.”
Walsh shoves back from the table. “This is a mistake. You're gambling ten thousand lives on Christmas decorations and civilians who don't understand the systems they're touching.”
“I'm trusting the Chief Engineer's expertise and the community's willingness to save itself.” I look directly at Walsh. “Senior Supervisor Burton, you are relieved of duty effective immediately. Security Chief Hale will escort you from this briefing.”
Walsh's face darkens. “You're making a mistake, Captain. When this fails?—”
“Security Chief,” I continue, keeping my voice level, “maintain surveillance on Mr. Burton. He is not to access Engineering systems or communicate with department personnel without authorization. Pending full investigation into the sabotage incidents.”
Tobias nods once. “Understood, sir.”
“This is ridiculous.” Walsh stands, but doesn't resist when Tobias moves to his side. “You're letting personal feelings compromise this entire mission.”
“This briefing is concluded,” I say. “Mr. Burton, you're dismissed.”
Walsh leaves, Tobias close behind. The door seals.
“Well,” Giorgi Perrin says finally. “That was dramatic.”
“That was necessary.” I turn back to the assembled officers. “Chief Martin will brief you on civilian coordination protocols. All departments will provide support. We begin immediately.”
Paige pulls up her training documentation, her hands steadier now, her voice stronger. She walks the officers through basic repair procedures, safety protocols, communication chains. I observe her competence. Her passion. She is brilliant, dedicated, and I am tired of pretending my feelings for her are a weakness.
The briefing concludes. Officers disperse. Paige gathers her materials.
“Captain.” Tanaka approaches. Her voice is low. “The crew's noticed. Just so you know.”
“Noted.”
She nods and departs, a hint of a smile on her face.
Paige finishes her data review. Looks up. Finds me watching her. Her mouth curves in that genuine smile that increases my contentment baseline.
“Ready?” she asks.
“To tell ten thousand people we're asking them to fix their own ship?” I offer my hand. “It seems a fitting conclusion.”
She takes it without hesitation.
We walk to the main communications hub. Paige steps in front of the camera first. I stand beside her, our joined hands visible in the frame. A unified front.
“This is Chief Engineer Paige Martin,” she begins. “Senior Supervisor Burton has been relieved of duty. His plan was to put us to sleep and wait for a rescue that might never come. My plan is to stay awake and save ourselves.” She pauses. “Your home needs you. Everyone who strung lights, who hung decorations, who made the Starbright project possible. You know thesesystems. You built these networks. We're asking you to help us save this ship.”
The response is immediate. My comm unit activates. Tanaka's voice. “Captain, we're receiving hundreds of volunteer registrations. The response is overwhelming.”
“Acknowledged.” I look at Paige. “It's working.”
“Of course it is.” But her voice wavers. “People want to help. They just needed permission.”
We make our way to Engineering. The main deck transforms as we arrive. Civilians pouring through the doors, bringing energy, purpose, determination. Jian moves through the growing crowd, organizing people into teams. Giorgi Perrin directs groups to specific locations. The chaos resolves into coordinated action.
I stand on the upper observation walkway, watching. Paige remains on the main floor, consulting with team leaders, answering questions. Christmas carols still play through the comm system. People hum along.
