Through the Ghost

A few hours later Tal found himself at the helm watching the stars race by. Anna and Chara were holed up in the guest quarters for some much-needed rest, and Jaya was filling her report on the mission to Theron. He’d come up there to focus on writing his own report, but his thoughts drifted towards their impending destination.

“You should get some rest,” Allie suggested, addressing him in holographic form instead of speaking directly through his cranial implant.

“You know that’s not going to happen,” he replied before leaning back in the seat to stare at the lights of the warp drive cascading over the viewport.

“That does not make it any less of an imperative.”

He sighed wearily before speaking again. “Did you know about this too?”

“I am afraid you will have to be more specific. I know quite a bit.”

“About Chara?”

A moment of silence, followed by a response, “No.”

That elicited an arch of his brow. “What? Allie the-all-knowing was in the dark?” he teased.

“As surprising as it may seem, I do not know everything.”

“Well you do a great job of fooling me.” He sat up to look the projection in her digital eyes. “What’ll happen when we get there?” he asked.

“I do not know. That is entirely up to you.”

“Thanks,” he muttered glumly. Allie’s green glow receded, leaving him alone in the darkness. He laid back and watched the streaks for another minute or two before closing his eyes.

Whatever happens, I will be here, Allie added comfortingly. He smiled as the top of the viewport closed, leaving only the dim orange glow of the console.