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*
The first sound he heard when he awoke was the hiss of his capsule lid. He opened his eyes slowly and winced at the brightness of the spot lights high above. Cross was leaning over him grinning.
“Shit, isn’t it?” he said.
Stock opened his mouth to reply but his throat caught and he started a hacking cough instead. He leaned forward and Cross slapped him heartily on the back.
“I’ll get you some water, hang on.” Cross filled a beaker from a flask and offered it to Stock, who gulped thirstily.
“Thanks.” He said. Stock peered around the landing at the row of surrounding sleeper capsules, all closed. He frowned. “Are we there?” He asked Cross.
“Nah,” replied Cross. “Barely started. We’re about a hundred and seventy years out. How does it feel to be a two-hundred year old?”
“Why are we awake?”
“Guardian got us up. Apparently our capsules need some parts replacing and the bots can’t do it while we’re under. It’ll happen from time to time.”
Stock shrugged and sipped some more water.
“What’s our status?” he asked Cross.
“I haven’t asked for a big report yet.” replied Cross. “It’s taken me a couple of hours to get my shit together. You might get some cramps until you’ve walked around a bit.”
Stock rolled his shoulders back to relieve some stiffness.
“Jesus, I feel like someone’s dropped me.”
“Yeah. Walk about, you’ll be okay in a bit. Guardian says it’ll be a day or two before we can go back under so we might as well amuse ourselves.”
Stock climbed wearily out of his capsule, relying heavily on Cross’ supporting arm. Pins and needles shot through his leg.
“Argh, God. That hurts.”