The Ruby lift

Six months later

A single spotlight fell onto the stage.

Gilda and Sammy began a steady pulse. Phil, the drummer, rattled a snare in time. The crowd was silent, enraptured, as Otto plucked a crisp, rolling intro across the piano keys.

The Steerage Lounge was packed for this ascent. It was to be expected, as most of the mining companies had recruited for the upcoming season.

"Good evening, to all you fine, hard-workin' folks out there," Lily said, and gave her most beguiling smile. The music continued, a delicious sound that moved her soul. She hummed along, angling a shoulder with flair.

The whistles and hoots were shrill. Someone yelled, "Get hot, darling!"

She and Sammy merged, brass and voice.

"Another day, another drill,

"Much more than time I wanna kill,

"Eighteen months driftin' out in the can,

"Hope I dig enough to please the boss-man."

A little blues mixed with signature Hard Knocks jazz surged across the room.

The audience pressed forward. They were brave men and women, most of them headed for dangerous, long-term missions in undesirable parts of the solar system.

She understood their determination and sacrifice, and they had inspired much of her latest songwriting.

After the show, she enjoyed conversing with the miners. Despite their often boorish manners and appearance, they were usually honest, friendly people. The lucky ones worked on the Moon, or Mars, near the colonies, and civilization. It was the asteroid miners who were the toughest, and the most interesting to talk to.

Sammy had secured this gig, and they now played twice a month aboard the Ruby lift, the largest space elevator operated by the Royal Crown Orbital Plaza and Resort. Only Luna could boast anything near its off-world luxury.

Five gem-themed elevators carried passengers and cargo between Earth and the hotel. Most of them had three levels, such as the Emerald, and the posh Sapphire lift. But the Ruby had four, offering a steerage option. The reduced fare attracted the miners, who wanted to enjoy a few hours in comfort, before leaving for their missions around the Belt.

The Steerage Lounge was themed red, like the rest of the lift. It could accommodate a few hundred people at a time. The stage faced an elegant full-service bar along the opposite wall. Red neon accented the columns and arched doorways. Lights stayed dim and ambient, fanned sconces glowing a flushed shade of scarlet toward the ceiling.

She met Sammy and Gilda near the stage door.

Gilda paid Lily her share of the night's earnings with the tap of a fingertip. "You were smoldering tonight, Lily. These new songs of yours...man. They grab you by the gut."

She smiled. "Thank you. I just wish they paid a little more."

"I know how you feel," said Sammy.

Gilda cocked her head. "The robotics work is still slow, I take it?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I'm looking for a day job. But don't worry, I'm not leaving the group."

How easy it would be to take another access run. Financial troubles would be solved, but trouble with the law intensified. She'd recently had another close call with the Admin, and she needed to wait, until the heat dissipated from her data trail.

She wanted to stay with the Hard Knocks, as well as keep her house on Earth. To do so, she needed to find honest work in her field. However, the thought of going back to programming work, sitting in a sterile, mind-numbing office all day, made her want to scream. She was restless, and craved a challenge.

She stayed at the Steerage Lounge later than usual, to finish her drink.

From behind the bar, she heard a strange noise. It sounded as if someone were dropping a penny, and picking it up repeatedly. She peeked around, and saw the bartender unit, and a general engineer. Both robots had the red chromed and embellished casings common to all of the mechanical staff on the lift.

She noticed the bartender had lost a bolt on its upper arm.

The engineer unit held a replacement in one effector, and tried in vain to attach it. It dropped and tried again continuously. Corporate robots such as these weren't usually allowed to maintain each other, and Lily wondered if there was a malfunction.

"Engineer, let me help," she said, using a generic identifier to avoid confusion.

The robot observed her, and stepped back. It offered her the part.

It was the right size, it just needed to be cleaned some. She scraped off the excess oil and grime with a hairpin, and then twisted the bolt into place.

The engineer tightened it, and the bartender moved its arm about, testing.

Both robots addressed her in their stiff, electronic voices. "Thank you, ma'am."

"Shouldn't your technician inspect this unit?"

The robots shifted a moment, emulating human uncertainty.

The bartender was of course the one to reply. It was programmed to engage in light conversation with its guests, and possessed a higher quality speech replicator. "This is a vacant position aboard the Ruby lift. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply at the Royal Crown Orbital Plaza and Resort hub, Net link 'Employment Opportunities'."

The lift appealed to her. Red was her favorite color, but it was more than the aesthetic touch. She couldn't explain why she loved it here, but it affected her music. Her performances in the Steerage Lounge were the best of her life thus far.

She applied immediately, and received a call the next day. After a brief but informative conversation, she set an interview time with the General Manager of the hotel, a man named Mr. Cunningham.

She wore a plain, gray wool skirt, with a matching coat, and a practical hat. It was a rough job she applied for, but she still wanted to look proper.

Mr. Cunningham was a short man with round wire spectacles, which made his blue eyes seem too large. His bellowing voice demanded attention, in spite of his diminutive stature. He wore a well-tailored coat and tails, his sequined tie glistening under the meager office lights.

"Miss Fairpoole, it's wonderful to meet you," he said, offering her a comfortable desk chair. "I've looked over your impressive credentials, and I must say I expected someone more...rugged. Not such a pretty young lady as yourself."

"Thank you, sir. I tend to surprise people with my abilities."

"Indeed." He scanned what must be her resume, sweeping a finger across his desk panel to access the next column. "So, I see that you're a graduate from Stonecipher's programming institute, and an experienced robotics technician."

"Yes, sir. I've built and repaired robots since I was six years old. I started programming at a young age, too."

"You have the perfect skills for this position. I might even say that you're overqualified. I hear you're a singer in the Steerage Lounge, as well?"

"That's correct."

He cleared his throat. "And what is your opinion of the Ruby lift thus far?"

"It's lovely," she said. "I've met a lot of interesting people, and everything seems well-managed."

"The Ruby is our largest and most active lift. It's unique, and thus unique situations arise there. The job requires tremendous flexibility, multi-tasking, and a commitment to teamwork."

"All that's to be expected," she said. "I've adapted to many different scenarios in my career." After her time in the ration camp, the stronghold, and the colonies, very little surprised her. Of course, she kept these details to herself.

"I'd be a fool to turn away someone of your caliber," Mr. Cunningham said. "If you're so obliged, the position is yours."

She smiled, and shook his hand. "Absolutely, when do I start?"

It began with an intensive training course, which lasted six weeks. She was anxious to learn about Zora, the vast and intricate system owned by the Royal Crown. She also had to earn the various safety licenses required to work in space.

Mr. Cunningham kindly allowed her performances to continue while on shift. As long as she was on-call, and on break time, she could sing as much as she wanted in the Steerage Lounge.

Her uniform was a set of red coveralls, trimmed in black. The star and crown logo of the hotel was embellished on a patch over the heart, and across the back. As she was fond of red, she already owned a matching headband, to keep her reluctant black curls out of the way.

The hotel paid for all of her work-related travel and commute fares. It was a four hour journey from her house to the spaceport city of Malewai, on the coast of Indolasia. Located on the equator, to give proper geosynchronous alignment to the lift cables, it was a hot and muggy place.

She met Mr. Cunningham at an administrative office in the city, near the waterfront. A refreshing ocean breeze accompanied them, as they flew to the immense floating platform upon which the lift docked, about a mile offshore. Overlooking the skyline, the glowing red shafts of enormous lasers stretched upward, as far as one could see. These provided some of the power used to propel the climber vehicle.

The Ruby lift itself was designed to withstand the rigors of environment and wear. A series of robotically-maintained nanofiber cables provided the track for the durable, torus-shaped climber. Boasting the most advanced gravity generators, an innovative propulsion system based on solar, electric, and laser power, and swanky decor within, it was a nice alternative to a hectic shuttle ride. For about the same fare, it provided a small but private cabin, room service, and a helpful staff. The Royal Crown prided itself on the extended level of hospitality.

Mr. Cunningham escorted her to the boarding area.

As soon as they entered the lift, a full hologram of an attractive young woman appeared. Her smile was dazzling, with lipstick far too red for a real face. A pert blonde bob curled about her ears, and her red uniform and pillbox hat were trimmed in shiny rows of brass buttons.

"Good day, Mr. Cunningham, and Miss Fairpoole," the avatar said.

"Good day, Zora," Mr. Cunningham said. "Please alert Mr. Marlow that we've arrived."

"Right away, sir." The avatar faded as quickly as it appeared.

"As you've seen, we always greet our guests, employees, and robotic staff by saying, 'good day', instead of 'hello'," Mr. Cunningham said. "It conveys the enthusiasm and commitment to service the Royal Crown is known for."

She wasn't convinced that it sounded more enthusiastic, but she'd do whatever was necessary for the job.

The crew had already gathered, and waited for them in the lobby. There were three men, and two women. The rest of the staff was robotic.

"I must return to shore," Mr. Cunningham said. "Mr. Marlow, I'll leave the introductions and orientation to you."

Lily exchanged glances with her five new co-workers, nervous beneath their scrutiny.

A dark-haired man stepped forward, and shook her hand. "Welcome aboard, Miss Fairpoole," he said. He had a warm, reassuring voice, in contrast to his impeccable appearance. "I'm Walter Marlow, the director of operations."

He was one of the tallest men she'd ever seen, well over six foot, and dignified in a black tuxedo jacket. His waistcoat, bow tie, and cufflinks gleamed red. Two golden pins adorned his lapels, the crossed keys of his concierge position. He looked about thirty, close to her own age.

Mr. Marlow introduced her to the others.

Mr. Randall Paynter, the director of security, was an older man, rigid in his black and red uniform and tall, shiny black boots. He studied her with scheming, steel-gray eyes, grumbling under his breath.

The onboard medic was Mrs. Beatrix Colby. A petite woman of about forty, with a smile that was neither detached, nor overly kind.

Mr. Francis Wetzel, head chef and events coordinator, was a jittery, middle-aged fellow. He sported a peppered mustache and an anxious grin.

Finally, there was Miss Ruthie Gale, the head housekeeper. She was surely a young flapper when not at work, her makeup a shade too dark for hotel standards. Wavy black hair was barely restrained beneath her lacy red and white cap. She tilted her head, and pursed her lips before she smiled.

"We have two hours to boarding time," said Mr. Marlow. "And we all have a training module to complete today. Orders from the top."

There was a shuffling murmur from everyone.

"Let me guess," Mr. Paynter said. "It's about the new sentries."

"Yes, and I'm sure you'll be thrilled. We're required to watch the introductory video before we launch. You'll all find a message from Zora, with the correct link. I want your standard reports on time, as always. Follow me, Miss Fairpoole."

He led her across the lobby, and up a short rise of steps, toward the concierge area. A trio of polished desk agent robots waved their segmented arms in greeting.

"Good day, Mr. Marlow," they chirped, in an identical feminine voice. They resembled trendy young women, their sparkling, streamlined bodies cast in ornamental red chrome.

"Good day, ladies," Mr. Marlow said. "Begin a status scan, please. Compile and organize all guest lists and special requests for the ascent. I'll be in orientation with Miss Fairpoole. Alert me if anything needs my attention."

"Yes, sir." They strutted to begin their assignment, with the attentive whirr of sophisticated actuators. All of the robots on the lift were of the latest service models, and in excellent condition.

Mr. Marlow entered a security code beside a private entrance, then bowed his head politely. "After you, Miss Fairpoole."

"Thank you, sir."

Many men seemed to have forgotten manners and chivalry. She scolded Clarence about it often, much to the delight of his girlfriend. So far, Mr. Marlow was a pleasing example.

They entered a small, partitioned room, just behind the concierge area. A desk and display panel took up most of the center, though there was enough space for a pair of oversized file cabinets, and three office chairs. Everything was tidy and presentable, despite the compact accommodations.

He settled behind the desk, and offered the adjacent seat to her. "We'll confirm all of your security clearances within Zora, first. Then we'll watch this insightful training video together."

After several minutes of entering her personal information into the database, he activated the holographic display over the desk. "Have you ever worked with the Sentry Model 5G before?"

"I've read about them on the Net, but they're new to me."

"They're new to all of us," he said, with a sigh. "And that can mean a lot of things."

A holographic presentation began, with flashing text and a chipper male voice. "Welcome, to our exciting new development in security and surveillance robotics." The video bragged for at least twenty minutes about the sentry's innovations.

Mr. Marlow rested his chin on his hands, leaning against the desk. He seemed attentive, but not overly impressed.

"When confronted with a potential hazard, the Sentry 5G responds with wondrous features," the narrator said. "Watch as this shady intruder attempts to break and enter."

An actor in a broad black hat appeared, his eyes shifty over a long draped cloak, the most contrived villain imaginable.

She snickered, and Mr. Marlow gave her an amused look.

The sentry deployed a sturdy retractable shield in one arm, and a high-powered plasma gun snapped into place on the other. It approached the criminal with sure, heavy steps, and raised its weapon. "Halt, intruder. Identify yourself." The harsh electronic voice was intimidating.

The robot cornered and restrained the assailant.

At that moment, a flash of chrome and silver fur streaked across the desk.

Lily cried out, startled.

A big gray cat in a shiny robotic exoskeleton paused before the hologram, and swatted a paw through the image of the bumbling trespasser.

Mr. Marlow extended his hand, and the cat bumped against his fingers. It purred loudly, and stared with smug, half-lidded blue eyes.

"This is Mr. Vincent. The mascot and general manager of the lift," he said.

Lily had rarely spent time around cats. She didn't dislike them, but didn't have a reason to like them, either.

The peculiar animal approached her, twitching the tip of its slender tail.

"Good day, Mr. Vincent," she said.

The cat rubbed a soft, whiskered nose against her fingers.

Mr. Marlow smiled. "He's an excellent judge of character. I'm glad that he likes you."

The training video ended with a vacant jingle. Neither of them had watched the last several minutes. She was nervous for a moment, as Mr. Marlow was her boss, and she'd neglected a job requirement.

He didn't seem to mind, waving the hologram away, and a chiming sound lit his wristcom. "There. Now we're both certified experts."

'I'm sorry for laughing at it," she said.

"I doubt any of the crew will take it seriously," he said. "If there's one thing you'll learn aboard the Ruby, it's that everything is a matter of perspective. We have our priorities, and our obligations, but things happen as they will. And we must often handle them in a rather...spontaneous manner."

"I see."

"You will, surely. In my experience, the descents are the most demanding. Though I can't begin to guess why."

They left the concierge desk, and proceeded down a bending corridor. He showed her to the engineering office, and the adjacent maintenance shop.

It was small, but all of the programming hardware was new. The maintenance tools hung in organized rows along the workbench.

"I must be back to the desk, as we board within the hour," Mr. Marlow said. "Take all the time you need to get comfortable, and familiarize yourself. I do hope you find the Ruby to your liking."

"Thank you kindly, sir."

He left with Mr. Vincent trotting at his heels.

As Mr. Marlow suggested, she peeked around her work space, to find where things were kept. She investigated her access and display equipment, and the tattered guides and manuals on the reference shelf. Some of it was outdated, but it might prove helpful in a pinch.

Boarding for the ascent began right on schedule. It was exhilarating when she coordinated the launch sequence and protocols with Zora. She'd never worked with such a complex and dynamic system, and there was still much to learn.

Though Mr. Marlow had hinted at the unpredictable nature of the lift, her first shift was routine.

They docked at the anchor platform in orbit, twenty hours later.

The guests disembarked first, and took the waiting shuttles to their various destinations.

Lily filed all of her status reports, as Mr. Marlow had shown her, and inspected her fleet of robots. Once she was certain all was secure, she shouldered her carry-on bag, and hurried to join the others on the employee flight.

Less than an hour later, they arrived at the Royal Crown. She checked into her courtesy room, bathed and changed. Then, she called Clarence.

His face appeared, excited to see her. "How was your first day on the job, sis?"

"Good, thank you. There's a lot to learn, but everyone's very nice. And I think it'll be challenging enough for me."

He laughed. "I'm glad to hear that. Would you still like to meet for coffee?"

"Absolutely. The usual place, two standard time?"

"Sounds great. See you there."

The one hour flight to the Vestal Coil went by quickly. Her life was a constant shuffle of connections and layovers. Moving back to the colonies would simplify her travel, now that she'd be spending so much time on the Ruby lift. But she loved her house in Plumgrove, and could never leave it.

She boarded a commuter craft, once she arrived at the colony. A window seat granted a lovely view of the scenery, while the resonant hum of the rotors calmed her mind. Looking down, the nostalgic sprawl of the central torus unfurled along the sides of the ring. Exalted, curvilinear towers of glass and sparkling marble, with their many tiered lights and textured edifices, jutted upward like welcoming hands. Busy lines of surface traffic flowed beneath the gleam of the reflected sunlight.

So many lives were bound together, in this giant container of glittering shields and metal. She closed her eyes, as memories both joyous and bittersweet flooded her mind.

Clarence met her at a small bistro, along one of the busier thoroughfares on the central torus. It was close to the clinic, where he served his resident care requirements for medical school, and was a convenient drop from the shuttle dock for herself.

He still wore his scrubs, and looked fatigued after a long shift, but he had a contagious smile.

She hugged him, and kissed his cheek. "Look at you, the sun just might as well be shinin' for you alone today. What's got you so excited?"

He took her by the arm, and led her to an open table. "Let's sit down. I've got something to show you."

They ordered some coffee and refreshments, then Clarence pulled a tiny, ornate box out of his pocket. He opened it, and proudly displayed the golden ring inside.

She gasped. "Are you serious?"

"I am," he said. "I love her. I know we've only been together for a year, but Tess means everything to me. I'm going to propose tomorrow."

She hugged him. "I'm so happy for you. You'll call right away, and tell me what she says, won't you?"

His grin was bashful, as he put the ring away. "You bet I will."

The time came to say goodbye, and her flight to the Royal Crown was quiet.

Her baby brother would likely soon be a married man.

Edging at her joy was an emptiness she hadn't felt in a long while. It felt like she was searching for something, and still hadn't found it.

For three years now, she'd been single. Gilbert, her last boyfriend, was an architect. He'd been nice looking, and treated her right. She called it off when she moved back to Earth, telling him that she was bored with their relationship. It was a harsh reason to end things, but it had been the truth.

She sighed quietly, as the shuttle looped toward the Royal Crown.

There were many things to be happy about, now. Her loved ones always inspired her to start anew.