New Enceladus – chapter 4

late 2216

En Route to Ptolemy-1

Third Officer Evan George Robert Charles O’Connor-Davies the 4th

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I was cursed, being born a descendant of the 1st Viscount of Brey and Rhonteen, Major General Sir Alberic Evan George O’Connor-Davies, VC, KCB, OBE, and double DCO. For two centuries, my family has been trying to redeem ourselves from his deeds, and bring at least a little honor back to the name O’Connor-Davies.

I thought I was doing acceptably well. I made sure to double-check my uniform before entering any public spaces. I watched my language carefully and never cursed, even when alone with close friends. My remarkably high scores in training got me assigned as Third Officer. Only three others on the ship had more authority. I showed respect to people’s religious beliefs and encouraged them when it led to charity or other good behavior, even though the primitive idea of religion offended my rational mind.

I was extra-sure to praise those of non-European descent whenever I noticed them doing good work, and gave them priority and precedence whenever possible. The poor souls deserved it, after all their forebearers suffered through in the past.

My monstrous ancestor had conquered and oppressed millions of them, during the detestable Colonial Wars of the nineteenth century, then been knighted twice and made a Viscount for it. In those dark times, he was hailed as a hero wherever he went, because his cleverness and leadership helped enslave four countries. I committed my life to undoing his evil work. There would be no racism or oppression on the ship, or on our new world. No matter the cost, I WOULD NOT allow it.

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I had no idea the worst thing in my life would be a five-gram piece of icy comet tail, smaller than a grape.