The Begining (The Navigator Book 1) by Ben Winston Page B

the plot and set the transit time, instead of letting the equations dictate it, we could get a form of resonance harmony,” Joe explained.
    “What are you talking about; what's a resonance harmony?” Shana asked.
    “Joe's H-Space sensitivity is aural. He believes he can hear how to plot the course,” Becka explained. She looked at Joe. “Am I right?”
    “Exactly right. Wow, beautiful and brilliant!” Joe said.
    Shana stuck her tongue out at him. “Suck up!”
    “Let's wait to test out your theory on one of the practice terminals. If it works, maybe we can get a drone to test it out. If we did it now, Shana'd be more tempted to do it!” Becka said, winking at the pilot.
    “That reminds me, I wanted to ask, how can you jump without having a Navigator on board?” Joe asked.
    “Simple, I get the plot from the station’s Navigator,” Shana said. “There simply aren't enough of you to spare for supply runs.”
    “That just sounds wrong to me, I mean, how can a remote Navigator plot a course they can't feel?”
    Becka looked at him funny. “Joe, I don't feel anything different when I plot a course. Just the normal warping of space-time.”
    Joe nodded. “But when you start the plot, you have either an upset tummy, or you are really uncomfortable in some way. I saw you when you were plotting this jump remember. As the solution got clearer, you began to feel better. I bet this time, you actually felt really good when you finished, didn't you?”
    “Well, yeah, but I was horny as hell, too. As far as my being uncomfortable, I don't like plotting jumps. I know I'm not that good at it, so I'm always afraid I'm gonna mess up. But once I get focused on the equation and not on my insecurities, I suppose I do feel better, for a time,” Becka explained.
    Joe grinned. “I'd bet my next paycheck, what you're feeling isn't anxiety; it's hyperspace talking to you.” 
    Becka shrugged. “What do you say we table this discussion for the Citadel, get something to eat, and get back to our games?”
    Shana grinned. “Like you'll get an argument outta me!”
    Joe let it drop too, he could see Becka was thinking about what he said and it disturbed her. He decided it might be better to wait until they were either alone, or in a better place to talk.
     
     
    Shana had gotten everyone out of bed, and back into their clothes with minutes to spare. However, just before they arrived at the Citadel, Joe grabbed his head in pain. “Jesus Christ!”
    “What's wrong, Joe?” Becka asked, concerned.
    “It feels like someone just drove a spike through my brain! How can you stand this?”
    Becka was wondering why Joe's nano's hadn't fixed the problem yet when they felt the ship nudge the airlock. “We're here. We'll get you to the med section right away.”
    “I think I know what you were saying about a Navigator feeling hyperspace,” Shana said. “I'm not a Navigator, and I can't wait to get the hell away from this place. What's it sound like?”
    Joe swallowed past the bile in his throat. “Hell. It sounds like I would imagine Hell sounds. I hope you don't except your return nav from here?”
    Shana shook her head. “No, I get it from the orbital at BC IV. Jarad would never allow such a mundane task be performed here.”
    “Good, because there's no way any working plot will be coming out of this place. I don't understand how they can even teach in this environment!” Joe said, blinking his eyes in an attempt to clear the spots.
    “Becka, I can't stay here. It's too loud!” he said and squeezed his eyes shut. "Shana get me out of here! Please Hurry!” Joe said and stumbled back into the shuttle. When he reached the companion way, he collapsed.
    “Becka! Get back here!” Shana ordered. “Leave the gear in the airlock, we're leaving!” She slammed the airlock closed on the surprised faces of the dock crew, and ran for the bridge.
    She jumped into her chair, and flipped all the switches that brought the ship back to life.