Alien: Lockdown

Part 5~ Breach

U.S.S Anna-Lee Status Report
Crew: 43, 3 incapacitated, 2 KIA
56 Hours Till Destination
Ship Status: Quick Repairs Complete
Alarm Status: Neutral

The Bridge

Stone forced the altercation from earlier away from his thoughts as he rejoined his crew. They'd volunteered to stay up longer and keep up maintenance on the ship while he slept. Conway just about forced him to his cabin.

Stone found the navigation seat empty, as well as the helmsman's. Only Grant remained, with bloodshot eyes. He'd been up for nearly 16 hours straight. Beside his station was a trash can full of styrofoam coffee cups.

"Good morning, Captain," Grant greeted.

"How are things?" Stone asked.

"Quiet. Everyone that was hurt during the crash has pulled through. No change for the three in the med bay though. Faraday has been keeping me posted," Grant replied.

Stone stood beside the young executive officer. He was still hard at work, observing damage reports, repair assessments, and then filing his own reports for the flight recorder. Stone suddenly didn't feel as angry as he had before.

Grant had been working nonstop to make sure things went smoothly, even after their fight. Maybe he was wrong to threaten throwing him in the brig.

"How about you go on and get some sleep? I'll take over for a while," Stone offered.

"That's alright, sir. I can stay up."

Stone sighed and placed a hand on Grant's shoulder.

"Go get some rest son. I think I can manage my own ship for a while without the help of my crew," Stone chuckled.

Grant laughed and nodded. "I suppose you're right. I won't be gone long. Six hours is all I need. I'll give you the full rundown then."

"Make it eight. You've been awake almost a full day. Can't have my executive officer killing over."

"Right, sir. See you in eight hours," Grant made his way for the door.

Stone would apologize later on, when things had died down more. Right now his XO needed sleep. He could manage the bridge for the time being.

Stone glanced at a monitor that showed a camera feed into med bay one. Faraday was there in the office writing notes. Stallings was fast asleep at a desk.

Stone sat down at his console and grabbed his radio piece. He booted up a small device and pressed a few keys. It began to ring and suddenly Faraday's face appeared on the screen.

"Faraday, it's Stone. How are they holding up?"

"They're doing just fine, Captain. We still haven't a clue what they're doing, or what they are. I'd run scans, but I don't know what kind of reaction that might have. I don't want to initiate any kind of attack, especially since we know the creatures have acid for blood," Faraday replied.

"If anything changes you let me know. How about you, how's the hand?"

Faraday looked at his bandaged hand and winced.

"It'll be alright, Captain. I'll have it repaired when we reach Gateway," Faraday hesitated, holding back something

Stone frowned. He knew the science officer had something on his mind.

"What is it, Faraday?"

"Well, Captain... It's the creatures. If we reach Gateway with them still attached, they'll take the men away. There's no telling what Colonial Administration will decide from there, or if some other big company will stick their hands in this," Faraday replied.