Mei was trying to get me to the airlocks, alternating the detached air pipe of her hazard suit between herself and me. We had moved the power plant's high density radiation shields back to their original arrangement, so the radiation belts were no longer a problem. However, something else was...
During the time we retracted the shields, high energy emissions had raised the temperature to dangerous levels on some decks. Most electronic systems were disrupted, and there was some permanent damage caused by expanding and partially melting material. We were trying to avoid such places on our way.
"Did you hear that?" Mei asked.
"Mei, there is little air around us." I said. "What did you hear?"
"Solid material can still transfer sound." Mei said. "Though, I can't understand where it is coming from, I'm almost sure I heard something. Someone."
"Do you think someone survived the depressurization?"
"Quite likely." said Mei. "Oh, look, here we are."
We had arrived at the airlock. Mei released me from her arms and let me put on a spacewalk suit. After I was done, I helped her take the hazard suit off and put on her spacewalk suit.
"Ugh." her dissatisfaction was visible.
"What?"
"How are you even supposed to move in this thing?" she asked. "This thing gives you the agility of a carrot."
"A living carrot."
"What is the point of living if you are like a carrot?" Mei asked. "These suits are heavy as hell!"
"You are insulting carrots and I do not approve that." I said. "Didn't you take spacewalk training in academy?"
"Umm... No?"
"How!?"
"Was it compulsory?"
"Alright, fine." I said. "Just endure it until the ship's life support generates enough air for us to breathe. Let's head back to the bridge."
We left the airlock and started tracing our steps back to the command center. But not long after, we stopped. There were two people in front of us, in bright yellow hazard suits. Their faces couldn't be seen through the protective equipment. The only thing I could see on their visors were the reflection of the deck we were in.
"Identify yourself." I said.
"Who are you?" one of them replied.
"Who are YOU?" I asked back.
"Engineering, ID 15, George Burton." the other answered.
"E-engineering, ID 04, Omar Hikmat."
"Are there any others with you?" I asked.
"I don't think so, sir." Omar said. "We were lucky enough to be near the emergency shelter. We then got out to look for survivors, but we couldn't be sure since there was a boarding party alert. Thank god we found each other first. I'm sure they would shoot us the moment we-"
"Don't be so sure." Mei said.
"The Imperium no longer owns this ship."
Both engineers looked at each other, or at least that's what I figured, being unable to see their faces.
"In that case... We are unarmed. You will see no opposition from us. We surrender." said George.
"No you don't." I said. "The Order has been defeated as well."
"Then... Wait, what?"
"You heard me right. Now, listen closely. We are giving you the opportunity to become a part of the new state which is founded by this very fleet. A non-oppressive, yet centralized and hard-working society."
Omar remained silent for a while.
"This is... Anything other than a labor camp is welcome!" George said. "A... a new state, you mentioned?"
"We will bring an end to the era of feudal lords ruling the human remnants in the outermost regions of the system, to replace all of it with a functioning unitary republic."
"Mr. President?" Omar said, after taking his time thinking in silence. "Is it you? I remember that voice. I was a proud citizen of the Republic of Mars... Well, admittedly, I used to support an opposition party when you were in office; but now, things have changed, and Mars is no more... You have my full support. Any actual republic is better than the ****hole Imperium that keeps us in line with fear rather than a promise for a better future."
"I am glad to hear. But we need to get to work." I continued. "How long do you think the life support will take to recover?"
"Few hours at least, but we can shorten the time if we focus on pressurizing limited areas first, such as the CIC and certain engineering decks." George said.
"Make it so." I said. "Just continue your jobs, we need to keep the ship running if we are to do anything."
"Sir, yes, sir!"
"By the way, sir..." Omar said. "What is the name of this new republic?"
"I... Honestly I don't know. We will need a temporary name for sure, but why don't we hold a referendum once we get through the hard part first?"
"Oh, and one more thing..." Mei interrupted. "If you happen to find any other survivors, let us now."
"Yes, sir!"
"And you are?.." Omar asked Mei.
"Adm- I'm Mei." she left out the 'admiral' part, since she was unsure whether her rank on the Martian Navy meant anything at all. I added it shortly afterwards.
"Admiral Mei. Master of orbital mechanics and n-body physics. As long as you guys keep the engines functional, she can take us anywhere."
"Yes, sir!"
The engineer duo left for the main engineering, while Mei and I continued towards the bridge.
"That was much easier than I expected." I said. "Two more citizens with full support. They didn't even resist and straight up believed whatever we said."
"I bet they were simply forced to work here, without even getting anything in return." Mei said. "They have zero reasons to defend their faction, they just go on with whoever keeps them alive."
"Just like the rest of the millions of people scattered through the region..."
"A functioning republic will sound like an utopia to everyone on Makemake, especially when it comes from you." Mei said. "We should have no difficulty overthrowing The Council."
"I'm not so sure, but I hope so."