Snippet #2703323

More problems. Of course there were more problems. She wasn't entirely sure exactly what it was, but connectivity problems on a spaceship could hardly be a good thing. Luckily, Helen didn't have time to overthink it before a solution was suggested: she was on the verge of panic mode from stress and unable to shake the feeling that they had just seen the symptoms of the disease so far. She shook her head, forcing herself to take a step back from the situation while Piper talked to the technician. All this worrying wasn't like her, and it certainly wouldn't help anyone. She was brought back by Piper asking for a volunteer to fix the antenna.

"I'll do it," she said. "I've got some experience with the antennas, and I'm definitely used to working outside compared to a lot of the others."

She considered it, and added, "At least, I'm able to fix rudimentary damage. Worst case scenario, I'll get a closer look and come back with a report so someone else can whip up a replacement."

"Do we have the right equipment for that?" Andreev asked nervously from behind her. The poor guy knew even less about electrics than she did, but even he knew that the look on Piper's face bore ill news.

"Should do," Helen shrugged. "We're a good crew, kid. We'll improvise."

"It just seems like too much of a coincidence, do you not think?" Andreev looked around the room, his slight Russian accent more apparent now that he was nervous. "The disappearance of a crewmember, and now problems with connection? It seems, if you'll forgive the paranoia, premeditated."

Helen shook her head. "Captain, will you please tell him that sometimes shit just happens?" She didn't feel as though she was in the position to argue with another crewmember, even if it was someone she knew well. Piper was supposed to be in charge of them, she'd have to deal with the morale problems.