He asked the rhetoric question before leaning over to his bedside comms and repeating the question to the entire ship.
OI! WHICH ONE OH YEW BUM SCABS TOOK MOI Cu He cut short as he noticed the cup on the floor. NEVER MOIND!
He pulled on his boots and wandered over to the sink wearing only boots and undies.
The mirror framed an old man, scarred and tired. He grinned a toothless smile back at the mirror and cackled to himself.
Them years has bin good to ya eh Eddie?
He splashed some Rum under his arms and flexed his bony body in the mirror; Thats roit! Still got the sexiest body in all o Sirius!
HAR HAR HAR
His laugh followed him down the passage as he pulled on his flight suit and headed toward the Holo Comms.
Today was his son's twenty first birthday, Eddie felt the need to give his son a call and say happy birthday... they had not spoken in five years... it was about time!
A steaming cup of black coffee waited for him when he sat down, he took a sip and cursed silently at the burn.
Mandy, bring up Edward Junior, lemme see wut that rascally son o moin is up to!
Mandy, the ships computer answered pleasantly as she executed the command.
Yes Eddie, right away!
The hologram flickered slightly before showing a room of upturned tables and blood stains on the floor.
Eddie leaned forward suddenly and issued another command. His heart beating faster in his chest, the unmistakable feeling of panic gripping his heart.
MANDY, PAN AROUND THAT ROOM AND FOIND ME SON!
The Hologram changed perspective as Mandy scanned the visual range of the transmitter.
Nothing there Eddie, I am triangulating Edwards ship location as we speak.
Eddie jumped out of his room and started pacing the room urgently.
Mandy, get Jimbo up here immediately!
Yes Eddie, came the response and then: Ship located.
WELL WHERE IS THE DANG SHIP MANDY? his voice cracked but immediately firmed up as Jimbo came running into the room.
Ship location Hispania, Omicron Alpha.
ALPHA? WHAT IN YER FATHERS MUSTACHE IS ME SON DOIN IN ALPHA?
Jimbo looked at Eddie quizzically.
Uh, Boss, whats wrong with Alpha? We goes there all the time fer the Cardi!
Eddie looked back at his friend and sighed a deep sigh.
Jimbo.. Moi son is in the Liberty Navy!
Jimbos mouth dropped and moved soundlessly.
Oill tell yew about it on the way thar Jimbo! Trust me!
MANDY!
Yes Eddie?
Set a course fer omicron Alpha, were gonna foind me son!
Jimbo finally got over his shock enough to say something:
Er.. Boss, by the look o that there hollergram, yer son might be dea
MOI SON AINT DEAD TILL OI SEE HIS BODY!
NOW SET THE COURSE MANDY! ......AND Jimbo git me some Rum an' oill tell ye bout me son wut be in the Navy!
The Destroyer carved a silent arc through the backdrop of open space and headed for the Colorado jump hole.
Eddie sipped at his mug of Rum and did his best to calm the waves of nausea eating at his soul.
Edward Please be aloiv me son! Yew cant doi without knowin that yer da loves ye!