StarScreen chapters 1-3

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Time: May 18, 2776

Location: orbiting gas giant #435 Tallimar system

Business: Repairing ship and Preparing for jump to Yarthan 5

The bustle of the crew was dynamic change from yesterdays drowsy half drunken slumber. The once quiet bridge was now teeming with life. I sat Motionless on the control chair as questions from engineering crews poured in from damaged sections of the ship.

"Cap'n. Donnally Sir. We have resolved the issue with the crew member named Kyle Colvin." A lab tech said over the intercom in a surprisingly well orchestrated British accent.

"Ok what do the lab tests yield and is there any news on the cook?" I asked almost impatiently.

"Yes Sir. The lab tests show it was merely cow blood. The cook had had him working there and it happened to be the night they finished preparing the meat...." He said before being cut off

"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. The cook has been missing for 4 days now and this happened three days ago." I said kinda wondering if he was trying to trick me.

"Sir the cook never 'truly' disappeared you see he got locked in a maintenance hatch with food and a soda through out the past 4 days he seems to think that Mr. Patton was behind it." He assured me.

"PFC Grant!!!! Let Sergeant Kyle out of the brig I want to speak with him." I called out over the com.

"Aye aye Sir." He responded trying to hide his Jamaican accent

It felt like it was 112 degrees in the bridge. With over twenty people in here sweat was pouring out of everyone including myself. One crew member had passed out, and had to be rushed to the med station. It was to damn hot especially since air conditioning was on. Wiping the sweat off my brow

"Dammit Patton is there any way you can cool the ship down its not just the bridge this time its the whole damn ship." I yelled though the com to the engine room

"I can't do anything sir not until we get these engines running again they regulate our heat and power all those precious A/C units." Patton said mockingly because he was from a desert planet.

"How fast can you get those engines running again?" I half pleaded as I took another swig from the water canister

"It'll be about 5 hours before both engines will be up and running." He bragged

"Roger that now get back to work." I ordered annoyed. He was the only person that could brag in this temperature.

I glanced back and forth down the passage ways to see if SGT Colvin was in the vicinity yet. The bustle of technicians and such made the rather bland hallway come to life in unexpected ways. Rather than the typical gray that enveloped most of the ship the variety of clothing worn by the ships crew. Panels on the walls were open and wires exposed it almost seemed alien. That was about the time I felt a hand tap me on my shoulder,

"Sir SGT Colvin reporting for duty" He said in a surprisingly optimistic tone.

"Good to see you soldier" I said after firmly shaking hands. "I need you to stop by the Mobile Infantry Leaders Office for training I have a feeling they are going to need some new blood its been a while. Winchester and Wesson aren't getting any younger if you know what I mean." I said still trying to stay cool in the heat.

"Aye aye Sir. Also on a side note I don't blame you for locking me up I think I would have done the same in your situation." He assured me

"Aye. Well get to work I don't pay you to stand there" I laughed.