«Lyssa… can you help me find out about something?» Hunter asked, glancing at the office space, where a large screen was affixed to the wall and another one – on the table, ready to be accessed.
«If it is within your access rights.»
«You managed the surveillance around ship all the time, correct?»
«Correct. Would you like to see some of the files in particular?»
«If you think I can… maybe… show me what John Summers did to Serena?»
For a couple of long moments there was silence, as if the AI was contemplating if this information was within his rights to know, but then the two screens in the office space lit up.
«You said to her that you won’t hurt her.» the AI said. «I will hold you to that promise you’ve given.»
Hunter stepped up to the screens and saw the AI showing him one of the videos from the surveillance camera in the cargo bay. The man sat down, watching Serena packing something into boxes. A few moments later he saw John Summers approaching her and grabbing her by the neck. When he shoved her into the wall, Hunter gritted his teeth, but continued watching, as John Summers began beating the woman at first, but then ripping off her clothes and taking advantage of her there and then.
The screen divided in two and another video appeared, as the first one continued.
The second video was that of the medical bay – Serena was taking care of a bad cut on her arm. John Summers walked in and grasped her by the hair, dragging her out with him as she kicked and flailed in his grip. The camera switched to another one, showing how the man dragged Serena into a small private room and threw her onto the cot, immediately slapping the woman and ripping her clothes off.
Another video appeared, joining the two others. Same man, same despicable deed.
Then another and another, until both screens were filled by clips of Serena being beaten and raped again and again.
Hunter forced down his anger, realising that the man who was doing all that to her was already dead and there was nothing he could do.
The screens suddenly shut off and Hunter heard the bathroom door sliding open. He looked that way and saw Serena grasping the side of the door, heavily breathing and hair tossed and wet. Wrapped in a thick, fluffy towel, the woman looked up at the bed, but seemed to have no more strength left to approach it.
«Mister Hunter, please help my captain to her bed.» the AI said.
Serena flinched, glancing to the side and noticing Hunter standing up from what was now her own office space. The man approached and offered her his hand. The woman didn’t object, accepting his help, and he accompanied her to the bed, covering her with a fine silky material, which reminded him of some luxurious cloth he saw somewhere.
As soon as Serena’s head touched the pillow, she drifted away into sleep.
Hunter didn’t meddle, walking out of her quarters and hoping that Pher won’t go looking for the woman.
Chapter 4. Breakfast
Serena opened her eyes and for a few moments didn’t recognise where she was. Sitting up, she noticed a little robot resting in the corner.
«Hi, Charlie!» the woman smiled and suddenly froze.
Charlie? Why did she call the bot Charlie?
The little robot switched on and its screen exhibited two cartoonish eyes that looked very cute, as if the robot was happy to be there. Serena stood from the bed and stepped up to the bot, remembering the little cleaner she had and called Charlie a long time ago. Kneeling down, the woman touched the round edges of the robot.
«Did you miss me?» she smiled.
The robot squeaked, as if replying in a cheerful manner.
Serena knew that the robots really didn’t experience any emotions, but were programmed to simulate them – it was made so to keep humans company during long and lonely space travels. Her Charlie was more than just a little cleaner – he was one of the multiple robots that could turn into defence drones if necessary.
The woman stood up, wondering how she knew all that. She stepped into the bathroom and noticed her clothes gone.
«Good morning, captain!» Lyssa’s voice sounded. «Your old clothes have been incinerated. Your wardrobe is now accessible. Would you like me to choose your outfit for the day, or would you like to do that yourself?»
«Can I wash up first?» Serena walked up to the sink and froze in shock, noticing the change.
She was looking at herself, but it was no longer the pale, dirty woman with dark circles under her eyes. This time she saw the soft skin and beautiful face that wasn’t hidden under dirt. Though, her hair was definitely in desperate need of a hairbrush.
As if on cue to that thought, the side wall opened up, offering Serena a plethora of things needed to make herself look presentable. Tooth brushes, creams, hair brushes and a multitude of clippers, scissors and even scalpels adorned this compartment.
Serena picked up the hairbrush and spent some time brushing her silvery hair that no longer seemed brown because of all the dirt and oil she was subjected to so long. In a strange state she made a high ponytail and braided her hair in a neat braid, clasping a metal bead on the end. After taking care of her hair she brushed her teeth and tidied up her fingers, getting rid of all the broken nails and imperfections that she had before.
She felt so much better, that she didn’t care if she was dreaming.
As she exited the bathroom, she noticed her little bot Charlie chirping next to an open wardrobe, where a number of different clothes hung, ready to be taken out.
«Thank you, Charlie.» Serena smiled to the bot, and the little helper swirled around and returned to his corner.
As she approached, she glanced at the clothes she barely remembered.
The official black outfit – trousers and jacket, both adorned with tiny little speckles of crystals that originated from a distant star.
A luxurious crimson dress, fit to be worn at high-end events.
A number of plainer trousers, shirts and jackets, ranging in colour from pale green to pitch black…
Was she always so stylish?
Serena took the plain black trousers and jacket, accompanying them with a dark purple blouse.
«A fine choice, captain!» Lyssa said in a cheerful manner. «Will you prefer your usual boots with that?»
Another compartment in the wardrobe slid out, showing a whole row filled with different style of shoes. Serena grabbed the heavy duty military boots, deciding that those were more comfortable.
A few minutes later the woman stepped out of the captain’s quarters and froze, seeing the ship fully transformed. The corridor was no longer claustrophobic and dimly lit – now it was wide enough for four people to pass each other without a problem and the lighting was bright and welcoming.
Even though her mind hadn’t yet recovered fully, this felt more like home.
Serena headed down the corridor, noticing the changes in the ship’s interior. Everything became more spacious, well-lit and less uncomfortable. And there were little robots hovering around, tidying up and carrying resources from storage to the necessary systems.
One of the robots slid in front of her and ascended, opening a compartment and offering her a belt with a holster. When Serena picked the belt up, she saw a gun and a blade lying beneath. She looked at the belt and realized it was her own military belt, given to her by her father after