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SarahJaneQ — Lyssah's Story
#amputee #sciencefiction #amputeegirl #quadamputee #tripleamputee
Published: 2019-07-05 12:53:45 +0000 UTC; Views: 24532; Favourites: 25; Downloads: 0
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Description
Lyssah sat in a wheelchair at a small table. Sarah was feeding her when a woman in uniform entered the room.“I am Lieutenant Michelle Turner from the Admiralty Investigations Bureau.” She showed the two women her credentials. “Is it okay for me to ask you some questions?”
Lyssah swallowed and smiled. “I’d shake your hand, but I can’t.”
Michelle looked a bit uncomfortable then realized she had her hand out.
Sarah smiled and shook it.
“I am so sorry.” Micelle went ashen for a second.
“Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.”
“Please state your name and occupation.”
“I am Lyssah Millen, pilot of the independent freighter Silk Road. I have no formal rank.”
“Where are you from?”
“I was born on Telez 4 in the Mathison Consortium.”
“What is the registry of the Silk Road?”
“The Silk Road is an independent freighter registered out of the Mathison Consortium.”
“What was the port of origin for your last trip?”
“Port Shelby in the Mathison Consortium.”
“What was the destination?”
“Mathison Proper, the capital.”
“What was on the manifest?”
“Ten Cryopods with individuals requiring specific treatments.”
“Do you know who was in them?”
Lyssah shook her head. “No.”
“Please describe the events of the trip.”
Michelle looked up at Lyssah to let her know that her description was very important.
“When we left Port Shelby everything was fine. The jump point was planet days from the planet. The problems started as soon as we jumped.
“There was a malfunction in the nexus drive and we were dumped from Nexus space. When I tried to ping the NavNet there was no response, someone had disabled it. “I tried laser communications but my interface rig was rejected and I was paralized and locked out.
“It was clear that we were dead in space and had no idea where we were or when we might get help. So the decision was made to use the cryopods.”
“You were locked out of the ship’s controls and computer?”
“Yes. I was carried to the cryopod and the first to go under.”
Michelle looked over at Sarah.
“A firewall shut down my hardshell. I had to reset the suit manually.”
The next few questions involved the ship and its crew.
“Thank you for your time Ms. Millen. I will contact you if I have any more questions. Please contact me if you think of anything that might help us investigate this situation.
She showed Lyssah her business card then handed it to Sarah. Sarah tucked it into Lyssah’s pocket.
Sarah sat in the chair next to Lyssah’s bed. She had taken off her right leg and the N/I sleeve. She was massaging the rounded end of her leg.
Lyssah was on her side propped up against a pillow facing Sarah. “Why didn’t you choose integrated prosthesis?”
“”It’s not me.” Sarah barely looked up. It was a question she was asked often but didn’t like to answer.
“What happened?”
“My hardshell malfunctioned during a training EVA. The comms cut out and the suit registred a compromise in three limbs so it sealed them off. By the time I was rescued it was to late.”
“Tough break.” Lyssah was mildly sarcastic as she thought about her own situation.
“So I’ve heard.” Sarah replaced her sleeve and leg.
“Are you afraid to lose your other leg?” Lyssah asked.
“Not really.” Sarah lied.
“I have to choose what kind of prosthesis tomorrow.” Lyssah rolled onto her back.
“And what is your plan?”
“Well the doctor said that vat grown limbs won’t work due to the trauma that caused the amputations. So new limbs are out.” Lyssah didn’t sound that sad about it.
“That leaves integrated and removable.” Sarah said.
“What do you think? Why do you use removable?” Lyssah pushed again.
“I don’t like the idea of being stuck with metal limbs.” Sarah was trying to be evasive.
“Why?” Lyssah could tell there was more to it.
“Integrated limbs allow you to be mobile all of the time. You aren’t as vulnerable unless there is a malfunction. In the interface for the limb.” Sarah evaded
“If I choose removable I will need someone to take care of me.” Lyssah watched Sarah.
“Well yes, at least until you can get yourself together.” Sarah completely missed Lyssah's sly tone.
