[SFAP] Chapter 10:5

This is the fifth section of the tenth chapter of Sonnets from a Proton. The novel starts here.
The next section is here.


The two guards outside Laurence’s door stood waiting for shift change. Stood was perhaps a strong term, the Freedom was still in freefall and so floating to attention might be a matter description. They had light magnets in their boots that held them in place until they moved, but the magnets were so light that even a rigid attention left them floating occasionally. Still from their perspective for once this was a prisoner under cabin guard who didn’t have constant visitors or was troublesome constantly asking to speak to the captain or demanding some more food or with a shudder remembered those that had a habit of singing at the top of their voice.
The door to the quarters opened, both guards turned weapons drawn pointing at Laurence stood in the doorway.
“Please would you escort me up to the bridge” asked Laurence trying to suppress a smirk.
“I’m afraid we can’t do that Sir, orders to keep you here” replied the larger of the two guards, checking the safety on his gun.
“Computer, please confirm my security authorisation”
“Sorry guys” responded the computer “he’s got authority from the admiral, you’ll have to take him to the bridge”
The guards took a brief moment to stare at each other.
“I guess you didn’t hear the computer” smirked Laurence “As of two minutes ago I outrank everyone else on this ship, now get me to the bridge before I have you suspended for failure to follow orders”
“You’re a civilian Sir you cannot give me an order, you can’t outrank me” growled the taller guard, pointing his weapon at Laurence’s head. “Now get back in your cabin while I confirm the facts here”
“Well well, they’re not recruiting from the bottom of the gene pool for grunts anymore. Interesting” Laurence fought to keep himself from laughing “Computer please disable these two gentleman’s weapons” a small light came on on both of the weapons. With this the larger of the two guards grabbed Laurence’s shoulder “and activate medical restraint on them too”
Both the uniforms of the guards inflated holding the guards in their current position “Sorry” apologised the computer.
Laurence retrieved a pistol from the belt of one of the immobilised guards and walked off towards the bridge.