This story was written to be part of a paid flash fiction anthology a few months ago. That’s no longer happening. Instead there’s going to be a free one that this will go out in, so I’m posting it here as well. Hope you enjoy.
* * * * *
The red dot glowed on the monitor.
“Are you sure?”
Chima turned to look at his twin brother, Sai, who was standing with his arms folded and one quizzical eyebrow raised.
Chima rolled his eyes. “The scanner doesn’t lie. There’s someone alive in that wreck.”
Sai peered out the window. “Well, whoever they are, they’re lucky they survived whatever happened.”
Their salvage craft floated alongside the exploded guts of a dead cargo vessel. The vessel had broken up into a dozen parts, the metal frame scattering out for ten thousand kilometres. They were focused on the largest bit that was still intact, inside which there was a single live human.
“What do you think happened?” asked Chima.
Sai shrugged his shoulders as his eyes surveyed the wreckage. “Reactor failure or something like that, does it matter?” He tapped his fingers against the window before turning to his brother. “Are you sure no one was reported alive?”
Chima tapped at his monitor. “All the company said was that something’d gone wrong and they needed someone to clear it up.” He leaned back with his hands resting on his head. “Nothing about survivors.”
“Double check, okay? Let’s get them on-board.” Sai winked at Chima. “This could be our lucky day.”
* * * * *
Hanne tried to block the flashing light with her arm. She was hunched over and naked, breathing hard. They’d put her in the airlock, said it was for decontamination. All she knew was she’d put her clothes into a drawer in the wall and then there were all these lights bombarding her. The walls were a metallic grey, and both doors were secure enough to keep her where she was.
She cleared her throat and spoke to the room. “Not that I’m ungrateful for you rescuing me and all, but when can I get my stuff back?”
A crackly voice came over the speakers. “We’ve run them through decon. They’ll be in your room once you’ve been cleared, as well.”
“How much longer will that take?” The flashing seemed to be speeding up.
“Only a few more minutes. Don’t worry, you’re safe here.”
Those “few minutes” seemed to drag on for a lot longer than that to her. It was a big relief when the interior door opened with a hiss of steam and a thud of moving gears. Trying to cover herself the best she could, she stepped into the ship. Her eyes took a moment to adjust to the darker lighting, but soon the shape of her two saviours came into focus.
Two tall men were looking at her—Chima and Sai, they’d said they were called—each completely identical. Both were smiling at her, and one of them held out a towel which she hastily wrapped herself in.
“Sorry that took so long. Had to make sure everything was alright,” he said. “I’m Sai, this is Chima.”
“Hey, don’t worry, I know you need to do it.” Hanne managed a smile. “It was just a bit too similar to where I’d been trapped for, well, I don’t even know how long it’s been.”
“Your craft was reported missing a few weeks ago,” said Chima. “We’re here to salvage what we can. We stumbled across your little life bubble by accident.”
“That was impressive work, surviving that long,” said Sai with a smile as he wrapped his arm around her. “I’m glad you’re safe now, and I’m sure you are as well.”
She nodded. A shiver ran down her spine and she realised how cold she was. “Where are my clothes?”
Sai pointed over his shoulder. “We’ve put them in a room. I’ll take you there now. Chima has stuff to do in the control room anyway.”
The two brothers smiled at each other before Sai guided her along the corridor.
It was no luxury ship they were living on, that was certain. They passed a few doors, none of which were anything flashy.
“This used to be a prison ship,” said Sai. He must’ve noticed what she was looking at. “We got her on the cheap when she was decommissioned. You’ll be safe in your room.”
He pulled open the third door they passed. Inside, it looked like much hadn’t changed from the ship’s previous life, but her clothes were piled neatly on the bed.
Sai waved her into the room. “Take the time to rest if you need it. We’ve got some work to do here before we head back to base. We’ll come and get you when it’s chow time.”
Hanne stepped inside and sat on the bed. She let out a sigh of relief and let her shoulders relax. Sai started to close the door.
“Wait!”
He poked his head through the doorway.
She smiled at him. “Thank you.”
He smiled right back at her. “Hey, it’s our pleasure.”
* * * * *
Chima heard Sai’s boots thumping up the stairs to the control room.
“Is she safe in her room?”
Sai nodded as he ducked beneath a beam. “Door’s locked and I’ve left her alone.” He licked his lips. “Did you check on the report?”
Chima grinned. With a few touches he brought the whole thing up onto the main display. “Well, as it says, ‘There are no survivors, wreck has only material worth now.’ No one knows she’s alive.”
Sai gripped his shoulder. “That means no one’s looking for her. Is everything ready?”
Chima reached under the desk and pulled out a bundle, which he unrolled. Tucked into sleeves was an array of knives to make any serial killer proud.
“You know what, brother? I think we’re going to eat well tonight.”