Alien: Lockdown

Part 4~Protocol

U.S.S Anna-Lee Status Report
Crew: 43, 3 incapacitated, 2 KIA
64 Hours Till Destination
Alarm Status: Neutral
Ship Status: Under Repair, Engines On

Med Bay One

"Protocol says we need to keep them quarantined. Set up a quarantine pod and keep them contained."

"I can't leave them like that, Grant."

"I understand that, Captain, but protocols are protocols. We're already a biohazard, this whole place will have to be combed through by hazmat teams."

Stone shook his head and looked at the three men on tables in front of him. The weird creatures writhed on their faces gently moving up and down, mimicking a breathing motion.

He almost didn't believe it when he walked in and saw it. He'd listened to Laidlaw's story about the mysterious cargo container. The lab inside, the strange fog-filled room where the creatures came from.

Faraday watched the men closely, rubbing his chin. He looked at a loss for words; completely dumbfounded.

"I hate to say it, but he's right. We need to quarantine these men," Faraday said finally.

"We're not leaving these men with those things on them. I want you and the med-techs to do whatever you can to get them off," said Stone.

Marshall Evans sighed loudly from the corner, and stepped forward.

"At this point, quarantine is irrelevant. We've all been exposed to those things. If the Captain accepts full responsibility for it, I say we follow orders."

"And what happens if we take them off? They run rampart again?" asked Faraday.

The Marshall tapped the handle of his pistol, seemingly in thought again. He then looked up and met everyone's eyes.

"What happens if we leave them on?" he asked.

To that the room fell silent. Grant looked to the ceiling and rubbed his eyes hard. Finally he looked back down to Stone.

"We'll do it your way, Captain. But if anything changes, we need to enact quarantine procedures," Grant gave in.

"Good. Faraday, you have full access to the medical division. Do whatever you need to do, understand?" Stone looked to the science officer.

"Yes sir, understood. I want Stallings in on this, she's the best med-tech onboard." Faraday wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Stone simply nodded and then turned towards Laidlaw and Evans.

"Chief," Stone spoke softly.

Laidlaw looked up from his hands. The events from earlier had finally hit home. Three of his coworkers, of his friends, had just been attacked by alien creatures of some kind. Even Bob, as much of an ass as he could be, hadn't deserved such a fate.

"Yes, Captain?" Laidlaw sat up.

"Are you up for showing me this cargo?"

Laidlaw stood, nodded, and went for the door.

Crew Quarters

Garnett stood in her room for the first time in two weeks. It felt longer than that, truthfully. They'd spent many a night here, watching movies... among other things.

He twiddled his fingers, anxiously awaiting her return. Faraday had called for her earlier, she'd just gotten back and wanted to shower. It must've something about Henry and Bryant.