(… continuing)

The third traverse went ahead as planned. Luna and Marr were less nervous. They both managed to respond with the others when Dukk asked for a status update as they came out.
With the vitals and systems all checked, Dukk asked Bazzer to bring the DMD back on line.
“Let’s get an estimate of the traverse preparation time out of JR56,” Dukk said as he interacted with his console.
Moments later he continued, “the DMD is indicating the preparation time for the traverse to JR72 will be just under twelve hours. I’ll put it in a holding pattern and then restart it proper just after seven p.m.. All going well, that will put our next traverse, at seven AM tomorrow morning.”
“So, we have nearly twenty four hours to complete the inspection and repairs?” Luna asked.
“Exactly, Luna. And, I am glad to see you are recovering faster,” Dukk answered.
“Me too.”

Dukk opened up the broadcast mode.
“Good morning. Welcome to JR56. This dusty planet is the location for our intermediary inspection and routine maintenance. We will be turning off the DMD at times so we can give the outer hull our attention. I suggest you take extra care when moving about during these times. And, if in your bunk it would be important to use the straps. All going well, we aim to be in orbit here for about twenty four hours. I will get back to you if that changes.”
Dukk disabled the broadcast mode as he removed his helmet.
“Let’s get the passengers settled and start preparation for the inspection.”
“On it,” Annee said as she headed for the cockpit door. Mentor followed.
“So, Captain, Marr tells me there might be the opportunity for my first space walk,” Luna said.
“Yes, Luna. All going well you and I should be good to start suiting up in about an hour.”
“Excellent. So excited. Do you need me for anything else before then?”
“Nope, just be in the lower g-suit locker near eight a.m..”
“Cool. See you then,” she added as she headed for the cockpit door.
“She is in a hurry,” Dukk stated as the door closed behind Luna.
“Yes, I wonder why, not!” exclaimed Bazzer laughing.
Dukk looked over at Marr. She shrugged her shoulders.
“Right, I am heading down to check the lanyards and backpacks. See you down there, Marr.”
“Right behind you,” Marr replied.
She looked over at Dukk as Bazzer opened the forward ladder shaft hatch and disappeared.
“Let’s move the conn down to the console in the starboard airlock as it will be closer to the action,” Dukk suggested.
“Won’t we be using the airlock?”
“The starboard door is really for ground access. The port door is better suited to zero-g. And, the hold airlock provides a better space to get organised.”
“Cool. Will I go down first and activate the console?”
“Let me go first, I want to have a word with Bazzer on the way.”
“Okay.”

Dukk activated his bracelet as he caught up with Bazzer. Bazzer saw Dukk above him and did the same.
“No, nothing yet!” Bazzer stated as he opened the shaft door and crossed to the lower g-suit room.
Dukk followed him and closed the door. He moved backwards towards the door and casually stretched his arms in the air such that they blocked the over head camera.
“I need more detail than that. You’ve had twelve hours. I’ve known you for far too long to know that, ‘nothing yet’ is not the entire story.”
“Fair point. I am just saying I have no line on her true game. Or any idea how she is connected to Thumpol. She responded well to your idea. I am helping her get an idea of how to not ruffle any feathers in Maple Tower. That has been fruitful and may even help resolve my situation with Ileadees. Give me another day or two.”
“Not enjoying yourself too much perhaps? Losing sight of the mission?”
“Never,” Bazzer laughed.
“Good to know.”
“Now, get on and do your flying thing, and let me get on with the inspection.”
“Drones?”
“Already in the airlock. Luna and I serviced them during our watch.”
“Excellent.”
Dukk smiled and left.

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 15 - EVA (Passage 2 of 5)]

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