Star Carrier (Lost Colonies Trilogy Book 3) by B. V. Larson Page B

swiveled with odd, precise movements as they worked to watch everything they were doing at once. Some parts of the heads were flesh as were the trunks of their bodies. But those arms … they had to be enhanced with plastic and metal. I wondered if there was anything like meat and bone inside them.
    “Variants,” I said loudly. “I must ask you to stop what you’re doing and talk to me.”
    None of them reacted much. I thought they may have twitched, glancing in my direction during their frantic activities, but that was all.
    “Variants, you are crewmen here on Defiant . I’m this ship’s captain. You will obey me now.”
    This got the attention of one of the three. His arms slowed and moved at a waltz when compared to the flailing speed of the others.
    “You are the captain?” he asked.
    “I’ll be damned!” Morris exclaimed behind me. “They do talk!”
    “I am the captain,” I repeated. “Now, if you would be so kind as to—”
    “We have no need of direction. We’re behind schedule.”
    Frowning, I considered the creature’s statement. As far as I knew, they were done with their major assignment, which had been to load the ship with equipment and supplies.
    “If you do not listen to me, you’ll be confined,” I announced.
    This got the attention of all three. They kept working, but they slowed down to listen and consider my words.
    “Impossible,” said the second one. It had the number R-77 emblazoned on its chassis. The third one, number Q-161, spoke next.
    “We’re getting further behind. Perhaps its goal is to delay us?”
    “If so,” said the leader, number K-19, “it has already succeeded. Captain? Is that your goal?”
    Putting my hand on the hilt of my sword nonchalantly, I considered the creature’s question. “I only want information.”
    “And yet you threaten force,” the leader said, one tube-like eye focused on my sword.
    “This is my ship, and I’m in charge here. I need to know what’s going on in order to pass judgment on your actions.”
    “He’s unaware,” said R-77.
    “Do not enlighten him,” piped Q-161.
    But despite their suggestions, K-19 turned to look me over. “If we explain ourselves, will you leave us to perform our duties?”
    “If I’m satisfied you’re acting under orders from CENTCOM, then yes.”
    “Very well. We’re assembling a weapon.”
    “What kind of weapon?”
    “It must be mounted externally, on the hull. It’s a heavy impulse laser projector. We’re constructing the magnetics now.”
    Peering in alarm, I saw they were forming what appeared to be a tube strung with wires.
    “What’s the purpose of all this?”
    K-19 looked at me for a moment. “Are you aware this ship is under threat?”
    “Yes, of course,” I said. “You’re talking about the battleship Victory . Correct?”
    “He is aware!” said R-77, glancing at the others.
    “This ship lacks armament powerful enough to puncture the enemy hull,” Q-161 said.
    I noted that Q-161’s voice was higher than the other two. Could it have been a female, originally?
    “We’re working to construct a short range, high intensity lance that can do the job,” she said.
    Stepping a few paces closer, I looked over the thing they were building. It could be a laser—a heavy one.
    “I’m surprised,” I said. “You want to help us build a weapon to stop Victory? It’s your kind who have mutinied and taken control of that ship.”
    “That’s insulting,” Q-161 said.
    “How so?” I asked.
    “We’re not machines. We’re individuals.”
    “I see, and I stand corrected.” For some reason, the variant’s miffed responses made me smile. Perhaps there was some humanity left in these creatures after all, no matter what they looked like.
    “Captain?” Morris said from behind me. “You aren’t suggesting we should trust these freaks, are you?”
    “Please, no insults Lieutenant,” I said sternly. “Stand down.”
    Morris had waved his men forward, and they were advancing