Realms of Sci-Fi

Space Parasite

Captain's Log

23 September, 2215

Time Index: 0900

Star Hauler Stoker under the command of Captain Jonathan Harker.

We left Vana station this morning under full engine burn heading for New London colony.

Chief engineer Renfield has reported all cargo inspected and safely stored, and the ship's physician, Dr. Seward has certified the passengers and crew in good health.

We should arrive at New London colony within a month. I suspect it will be an uneventful trip.

End log

***

Flight Recorder Visual Excerpt

29 September 2215

Time Index: 2230 hours

Captain Harker stretched his arms and arched his back without rising from the centrally located command chair.

"Your duty shift was over an hour ago," the first officer reminded from her seat to the right of the Captain. "Isn't about time to let the relief watch take over."

"Thank you for the suggestion, Commander," Jonathan dismissed. "I'll stand down once we're passed the threat zone."

Commander Mina Harker swiveled her chair to face her husband. "Since the installation of the deep space sensor buoys, we haven't had an undetected meteor shower in three years. Why are you acting so stubborn?"

"Because I am stubborn," Jonathan replied with a chuckle. "It shouldn't be more than an hour, then I'll left the relief shift take the night's watch. I did notice you're still here."

She smiled as she swiveled her chair back toward the forward hologram display. "Two of a kind, I guess."

Jonathan reached over to her armrest and put his hand on top of hers.

"Captain," said a voice from the speaker in the armrest of Jonathan's chair. "When you have a moment, would you come down to the med bay?"

"Is something wrong, Doctor?" Johnathan inquired.

"I don't know yet," the chief medical officer answered. "I need you to have a look for yourself, and I'd rather not discuss this over the open comm system."

"Understood, I'll be right down," Johnathan acknowledged. He nodded to Mina. "You have the bridge."

Flight Recorder Data File Ended.

To continue, select file NRJ287

***

Personal Log Entry - John Seward

Current Assignment: Doctor, Star Hauler Stoker

29 September 2215

Time Index: 2245 hours

My meeting with the Captain was on the frustrating side as I didn't have any of the answers he clearly wanted. After I'd called him away from the bridge during the late night watch, Johnathan Harker marched into the med bay, took a sharp left turn, and entered my office. He asked what the situation was and why I didn't want to discuss it over the comm system.

I explained to the Captain about some of our passengers being a group of miners, and he said he remembered them and recalled I'd given them a clean bill of health, along with the other passengers and crew.

I agreed with his assessment while leading him into the next room where a still form lay underneath the opaque white sheet of a sterilization cover. Pulling back the cover, I showed him the dead man underneath.