A Decent Land: An Anthology of Arks #5

Brief biographies of the first forty ships to arrive in the system Mammaria.

Part One of this anthology is available here. Links to the remainder of A Decent Land can be found in this collection.

21. Diseased and Cured Supplemental Engineering

Although unsung, Engineering is essential; the most important department in the fleet. We stretch it over several ships, with a number of supplemental vessels. In practice, subordinates perform repairs. They fix our brittle hulls with smog, and refuel empty tanks. Weapon diagnostics are a secondary priority. If you want a laser tuning — or a cannon re-stabilised — you’ll have to book an appointment; join the waiting list.

Supplemental Engineering B-XI caught disease early, from a debauched orgy of scientific arks. Like the other afflicted machines, it suffered and writhed in pain. Irritation forms ‘round the mould that grows on carriers, and eats at their skin. Until the Immaculate Laboratory formulates a consistent cure, we have to stomach the energy drain that typifies infection.

A total flush of the virus is possible; B-XI achieved it. They focused all their technical skill and found a working solution. Yet, the selfish cads refuse to share their…