“Well?” Vance asked. “Do we take it?”
“I don’t know. I mean, the pay is excellent, but still, it’s Errol. I’m not fond of returning there. I’d bet a month’s pay it’s still crawling with Shades.” I stated.
I
felt my three companions nod, and I though for a moment.
“Gather the crew in the mess hall. It’s time for a meeting.” I told Vance. He nodded.
I waited as a bunch of confused looking crew members slowly wandered into the mess hall. When all nine of them were there, I stood up, bracing myself for any response. “We have a new job, but it’ll be dangerous, so I want to know if you’re okay with it or not.” I started. Several faces became quickly curious looking. “The pay is thirty-thousand.” I stated, and eyes widened. I paused.
“What’s the job?” Kristy asked.
“Errol.” I stated bluntly.
Everyone turned to look at one another, and small discussions popped up.
“I say we go for it!” Rana, my Head of Internal Security, stood up. “I think it’s time for a bit of action around here. The pay’s worth it too.”
“I’m not so sure.” Elaine – the scientist – pitched in. “Remember our last trip to Errol? It didn’t end well.” She stated nervously.
“It’s true, but we’re prepared this time. We won’t be caught off guard like the last time.” Alex stated.
And so the conversation continued – back and forth and back and forth. After about half an hour of debate, I figured it was time for a vote. “All for taking it?” I asked in my most authoritative tone.
Rana’s hand was up first, followed by a few others. Slowly, the rest of the crew began to put their hands up. Before long, the whole crew had voted unanimously to go. So, despite my ill feelings about the job, I nodded. “Very well. We take it. I’ll let Monty know. You’re dismissed.” I said.
The crew dispersed, leaving only me and Vance. He put a hand on my shoulder. “Something’s bothering you, I can tell. What is it?”
I sighed. “I honestly wish I knew, but there’s a little red light going off in the back of my mind, and I don’t know why.”
Vance nodded. “Trust your instinct.” He said.
“That’s the problem.” I said. “My instinct can’t decide.”
“You’ll figure it out. You always do.” He said, and then he left.
Where would I be without him? Probably nowhere.