space Odyssey

chapter 2 part 2

Carter floated in the scanner as scanning beams went up and down his body. "hey doc I thought you cleared me and fixer of any germs or parasites from that rock why am I back in the tube?" carter demanded. "it's true your clear of any parasites or pathogens from the planet this is a different scan a more thorough one ordered by the admiral." Seth answered through the speaker in the tube as he looked at a holographic image of Carter's body one small red speck stood out it was small which was why he had missed it when the teams had brought him and Allison back. "nurse get mr cormac ready for micro surgery." Seth ordered not realizing his finger was still on the comm button for Carter in the tube. "what do you mean surgery why in the hell do I need surgery?" carter demanded Seth pressed the mute button to shut him up.
Dante sat in the locker room of the ARSTs in front of his locker Allison had told him everything about what he had missed while he had been trapped on the planet and what was happening to her body and slowly her mind and he couldn't help but feel responsible if he had gotten to her faster he might have spared her what the aliens had done to her one thing was certain she was changing and there wasn't much the doctors even their best could do about it. Allison entered the locker room tapping on one of the lockers to get his attention. "hey you doing okay?" she asked. "I should be asking you that." Dante said as he got up from the bench turning to her only to be horrified her skin had turned blue her eyes dark as oil she had sharp claws on her hands she let out a inhuman screech lunging at him and she tore into his chest with one swipe of her claws and opened his throat with the second swipe.
Dante woke with a start throwing off his sheets he looked beside him where Allison had fallen asleep the monster of his nightmare was gone replaced with the peaceful sleeping woman he had known for most of his life. He got out of bed slowly going to his bathroom where he washed his face in the sink he looked up at the mirror and saw the blue skinned aliens looking at consoles and felt ware on his feet he looked down and saw the room was flooding in blue liquid and he was suddenly in the pod he had freed Allison from he beat on the glass until he rolled out of bed hitting the floor groaning he got up from the floor to see his alarm going off he hit the button silencing it. He got dressed in his fatigues feeling worn out as if he hadnt slept at all. He went to the mess hall where he turned in a ration card and was handed a tray of food he went to the table that alpha Team normally sat at but the table was empty due to the punishment they were given for the unauthorized rescue attempt he sat down and started eating his eggs and bacon when Marcus approached. "mind if I join?" he asked. "go ahead." Dante nodded Marcus took a seat across the table from him sitting his own tray down. "I never thought I'd see a mess hall again it feels strange seeing this many people I didn't get a wink of sleep last night this ship is so damn quiet." Marcus said. "I didn't have that problem." Dante said. "then why do you look more worn out than I do?" Marcus asked. "just some bad dreams I'll get over them." Dante said dismissively. "what's gonna happen with your team have you heard anything about it?" Marcus asked. Dante had tried to keep from thinking about it he doubted those on alpha would lose their positions ARSTs were difficult to train replacing six of them would be nearly impossible at least on short notice even if they put Marcus in the rotation it would leave them short they still hadn't gotten charlie team rebuilt after losing two of their men and now they were short a third man to techs involvement in the mission and beta was down two due to the man they lost in the rescue mission of Irish and Allison and deckers roll in rescuing Irish and Dante. But there would be one way for them to deal out a punishment without dismantling teams and Dante hated what that way would be. "I hope they just get a slap on the wrist." Dante finally answered.
Meanwhile trask Dex duke Manny decker tech Miranda and Allison all stood in front of the command staff that formed the tribunal that would decide on what to do about their insubordination. The only ones not present were those who had been excluded due to not being able to be impartial captain Charles lead the case while admiral ash commanded from the bridge likewise head flight officer wasn't part of the tribunal due to the nature of him being a victim during the incident therefore only giving a testimony as a witness. Captain trask of alpha Team out of all those involved in this incident your the highest ranked correct?" Charles asked starting the trail. Trask stood straight and tall without fear. "yes sir." trask answered. "did you order your team to accompany you on a mission that violated a direct order?" Charles asked. "I asked for volunteers and they stepped up sir."  trask answered.
"who was the one truly behind the unauthorized mission was it lieutenant Allison ash who approached you for your help in rescuing your lost men?" Charles demanded. "no sir I heard she had requested to go see if they were alive and bring them home if they were I heard the mission was denied I volunteered to help her." trask said. "so your saying that you take full responsibility for the mission." Charles summarized. "yes sir it's on me my men were simply following out of loyalty because we don't leave people behind." trask stated. Miranda stood up and raised her hand. "just saying I totally did stun the flight chief that one is on me." Miranda said. "it's the findings of this hearing that captain Thomas trask captain Miranda Williams you are both demoted a rank and confined to the brig for three months." Charles declared ending the hearing.
Security escorted Miranda and trask away while dismissing the rest of those assembled.
Ash sat in her command chair looking at the holographic image of the planet Dante and Carter had been trapped on and pressed a button marking it as too dangerous and locking it out of the navigation system.
Ash looked to her helmsmen and nodded. "take us out of here." ash ordered the Zions main drive powered up and a hyperspace window opened in front of them as the Zion flew into entering hyperspace.
Charles walked through the corridors of the ship as hundreds of people went about their daily duties some were engineers and techs from engineering and other sections of the ship that required constant upkeep some were doctors and nurses on break or from one of the many smaller clinic stations throughout the large vessel some worked in agriculture which grew fresh produce for the ship a trying task in space Charles use to visit the green house sections regularly before he became a command officer now he rarely visited another section unless his duties required it like it did this time he entered a lift that took him from the main hub of the ship to the CIC this was where the ships third in command resided most of the time the director of intelligence who worked with all the tactical data the Zion sensors supplied he was also in charge of the Zions probes to find suitable planets a task they had yet to accomplish Jasper rarely left the CIC and didn't attend officer meetings thats not to say he didn't know exactly what went on anywhere in the ship at a given moment he had control of every camera on the ship. One of Jasper's aids met him at the door and held a hand out for the data pad Charles had brought but Charles just gave him a stern look. "step aside warrant officer." Charles ordered the officer did as ordered and Charles walked past the man going to the back office he pressed the button to announce his arrival and within seconds the door panel lit up green and opened for him he stepped in the door closed and locked behind him. Charles stood in front of Jasper crispers desk the man himself paid him little mind as he looked at a monitor. "I trust the trail was fun and not a complete waste of time?" Jasper said without looking at Charles. "you could salute when your superior officer enters your office." Charles said ignoring Jasper's question. "your the admirals bitch not my superior I have had this position long before you came along." Jasper said still not even bothering to look up from the monitor. "honestly I believe trask and his group got off easy for committing essentially treason but it's what I was permitted to deal out." Charles said. "that's because ash isn't a fool the ARSTs give the crew hope every time they go down to a world and usually when someone is declared dead it sticks this time they managed to bring not one not two but three people back alive without losing a single person she'd be committing political suicide if she brought the hammer fully down on them when they are seen as heros to her crew. Even though she did play favorites by removing her daughter from the trails completely." Jasper stated. "I brought the data you asked for but I don't see why you needed it hand delivered." Charles stated. Jasper looked to Charles like he was looking at a child who asked a obvious question he cleared the monitor of what he was looking at and put his full attention on Charles which despite technically out ranking the man the look still made him feel small before him. "my job is to keep this ship safe to keep a eye out for threats growing inside the ship so I know everyones dirty laundry I know there secrets if someone plans to protest in the lower decks set a bomb in water refinery or used their security status to override a hangar bay lockdown I know it. I catalogue it and I use it to eliminate or discourage the threats the admiral hears about the ones I want her to hear about you hear about it when I feel like you should hear about it." Jasper said as he took a sip of his steaming cup of coffee. "admiral ash as come clean of her condition but hasn't told us how far it's advanced nor as she given a reason her daughter hasn't returned to active duty even though the ARST who had been captured with her was basically back on the job the same day. That data in your hand is the answers to those questions it's also information ash had on highly secure isolated computer one I didn't have access to and since the information was strictly controlled sending it through a data transfer would have set off red flags and ash would know you snooped behind her back the ship AI is still solely loyal to her and the head of state of humanity but since the head of state is in cryo it's solely loyal to her."  Jasper explained before holding out his hand to take the data pad. Charles handed it to him after only a moment of hesitation. Jasper tapped the pad to his monitor transferring the data over to his monitor he read through the information and looked to Charles. "have you seen whats in here?" Jasper asked his voice with a bit of a edge to it. "I don't like your tone and no I haven't unlike you I respect the admiral." Charles said. "says the man who brought me this private information in the first place." Jasper jabbed.
He turned the monitor around so that Charles could read the what was displayed on screen and what he read was troubling indeed. "this does explain how little Ali managed to upgrade the drive of a drop dropship." Jasper said. "I'm not sure what to truly make of all this why she would keep all this from me." Charles said. "don't play stupid if she had come forward with this information if you knew just how far her physical condition had degenerated you would have grounds to relieve her of command something that should happen sooner rather than later if you ask me." Jasper said. Charles shook his head while covering his mouth as if he would be sick. "I can't make a move against her if she doesn't give up command she as the support of the command staff and the bridge officers not to mention the loyalties of ARST and security force." Charles said. "I don't think she would have a good leg to stand on once this all became public knowledge." Jasper said. Charles looked at the man in disbelief. "the admiral hasn't made any bad calls she hasn't put the ship at risk at least for the time being this information stays hidden but we will continue to monitor the situation." Charles said. "hasn't made any bad calls are you that dense man? Her daughter has been under the influence of a hostile alien race and she has had free roam of the ship and according to these notes a treatment using those same alien gene modifers is being developed for herself and who knows what that will do to her she also didn't feel the need to tell the command staff that the aliens have been tracking us by a micro implant that they left in the ARST." Jasper said. "the tracking device is dealt with Alice can't affect any of the ships systems since her access codes have been suspended therefore while it's troubling information it stays hidden until I make the call that she isn't fit for command I owe her that much." Charles stated. Jasper leaned back in his chair taking another sip of his coffee he adjusted the monitor back to facing him and sat his coffee down on a coaster he cleared the data from his screen bringing back the original information. "fine we will play it your way for now but I want to be kept updated on the situation." Jasper said. "you'll get updates when I feel like you need them." Charles said mockingly as he walked out of the office. A second door opened and the security officer Ruby walked into the room. He looked at her like he was looking at dumb animal. "I expect you know what would happen if your boss found out that your the reason those idiots got off the ship in the first place all to save your boyfriend?" Jasper asked. Ruby nodded her eyes full of disdain and resentment for the man. "I have a little job for you it's not hard even you should be able to pull it off." Jasper said he put a small seed shaped device on the desk. "I want you to put that in the computer used by Seth and his team the one they are keeping off the books information do that and it's a clean ticket for you." Jasper said. "what will it do?" she asked. "trust me love the less you know the better." Jasper said. Ruby picked up the device and pocketed it. She then left the office through the same maintenance tunnel she had entered through so that the commander wouldn't see her leaving the CIC a section she had no business being in officially.
Duke sat in a chair in the XOs office Charles entered the room and Duke stood up clicking his heels together at attention with a brisk salute. "officer on deck!" Duke said. Charles gave a Curt salute back to Duke. "at ease sergeant." Charles said as he took his seat behind his desk Duke waited until Charles was seated before taking his own. "sir permission to speak freely?" Duke requested. "granted." Charles said. "I don't know why I'm here sir alpha is benched without a team leader unless your cycling us out and putting us on ice?" Duke asked. "your team isn't going to be put on ice though I did consider it after what happened despite the trail trask will be publically held responsible for the unauthorized mission but as stated on record you all went along willingly and while on a personal level I understand why you did it on a professional level I can't condone it." Charles said. "but regardless ARSTs are some of our most important and vital tools on finding a new home for humanity and we can't afford for one of the best teams to be out of action until trasks sentence is up therefore your team needs a new leader and your next in line for the position." Charles stated.
Duke looked surprised at the offer and at first didn't know what he could say. "well uhm with all due respect sir I'm not the leader type never have been  isn't there anyone else capable of taking on the role of team leader?" Duke asked. Charles tapped a button on his desk bringing up a holographic display of dukes service record and then brought up the records of everyone else on the team. "you have twenty years of experience more than any of the others on your team excluding your former team leader if you wont accept the roll of team leader than I leave it to you to choose a new team leader." Charles said. He then tapped another button bringing up a list of potential candidates as if the decision wasn't hard enough just picking from those already on the team. Dex would be next in line after Duke then Manny but nether of them were interested in leading their own teams Dante was the second newest member but he had shown promise and he was trusted by the whole team. "Dante fixer make him the team leader." Duke stated. Charles actually looked surprised at the decision. "Dante hasn't been cleared for active duty just yet he and Carter have to pass psychological evaluations before being put back in active duty plus a replacement must be chosen for trask position on the team." Charles said. "he was demoted not discharged trask can resume his service on the team once his sentence is served. "Duke stated. "even so in the meantime a replacement must be chosen temporary or otherwise." Charles stated. Duke nodded his agreement reluctantly. "I'll inform Dante of his promotion to captain and give him the list of candidates." Duke said Charles nodded his agreement and handed Duke a data pad with the list of potential candidates to fill the missing spot on alpha Team.
Dante sat in the councilors office as Ashley maxis the ships head councilor sat behind her desk. "how do you feel private?" she asked. "I'm fine I mean I'm good ready to get back to active duty." Dante said. "you and Carter were stranded on that planet for nearly a month you were nearly killed by a hostile alien species a species that you claimed stalked you from day one it's okay to feel something about that." the councilor said. "they were protecting their planet we would have done the same in their shoes I don't feel resentment towards them for that." Dante said. "what about your feelings toward the crew the admiral for not approving a rescue mission effectively leaving you and Carter to die on that world?" she asked. "I get why they did the last rescue mission we lost more than we got back I wouldn't have sent anyone either better not risk the whole ship for two men and there was no way they could have known that we survived the crash." Dante said. Ashley typed in her data pad something he couldn't see from the other side plus we could have survived on that planet if we had to I mean being alone for so long was nerve racking but we accept that each time we get in a pod we might not be coming back." Dante said. "how have you been sleeping?" she asked. "why is that important?" Dante asked. "well I imagine your sleeping habits have improved since your return than how it was on a alien planet?" she asked. "actually I've been having some issues sleeping." Dante admitted. "how so?" she asked. "I've been having nightmares since I got back." Dante said. "describe the dreams?" she asked. "I can't." he said. "why not?" Ashley asked. "the details involve classified information I would need the admirals permission to talk about." Dante said. "just tell the parts you can." she said. "I'm captured by the aliens we fought before the ones that attacked the ship." Dante said. The door to the office opened and he turned to see Ashley entering the office looking surprised to see Dante there. "private your early our session isn't for another four hours?" Ashley said. Dante raised a brow in confusion and looked back to the desk to see no one there he checked his watch to see it was early. "I'm sorry doc lost track of time...." Dante said. "were you talking to someone?" Ashley asked. Dante stood straightening his uniform. "no... No one but I'm doc go ahead and Mark me as unfit for active duty for a while will ya." Dante said. "we have to have at least one session before I can do that?" she said confused. "watch your office footage trust me I'm unfit." Dante said walking out of the office.
Carter was laying down on the medical table when a bright medical light came on stirring him he opened his eyes groggily he saw Seth standing next to him a scapal in one hand. "ah mr Cormack it's good see your awake the operation is about to begin." Seth said. Carter couldn't move he couldnt speak. "relax Mr Cormack I'm a doctor." Seth said as he lowered the medical blade to his lower stomach and Carter winced in pain as he felt the cool metal slicing through his skin he wanted to yell out in pain but nothing came out he closed his eyes tightly as he felt blood running out of the wood down his stomach. "open your eyes mr Cormack." Seth said he did and saw Seth elbow deep inside him and he pulled out one of the blue skinned aliens in a organic pod.  "congratulations Mr cormack it's a boy." Seth said.
Carter's eyes burst open and he let out a scream of terror as he lunged up from the bed a nurse tried to restrain him only for the nurse to get a hard right hook to the jaw he kicked a doctor in the gut knocking the man to the floor as he got up looking down at his stomach but didn't see a incision or a scar or any sign he had surgery. "what in the blazes is going on here Mr cormack?" came seth. "you stay the fuck away from me!" carter yelled sweating heavily as he leaned against the bed he had been in he suddenly vomitted on the floor and blacked out.
Duke went to Dantes room he pressed the announcement button and the door opened to Dante who looked exhausted. "hey what's up?" Dante asked with a yawn. "you okay there buddy when was the last time you slept?" Duke asked.  "last night I think." Dante said as he gestured for Duke to come on in Duke did  Dante laid down on his bed and covered his eyes with his hands out of exhaustion. "what can I do for you?" Dante asked. "I talked to the brass alpha Team needs a new leader they picked me." Duke said. "congratulations they couldn't have picked a better guy for the job boss would approve." dante said sounding like he was drifting off. "I turned it down so they said I could pick the next leader I chose you." Duke said. That got Dante up he sat up. "me I'm just a private I've never been in command before." Dante said. "you keep your cool under pressure you take charge in uncertain situations your respected and a second generation of ARST your my pick." Duke said. Dante looked lost for words. "in accordance to protocol your being promoted to the appropriate rank of captain." Duke said offering him the bars that symbolized his new rank. Dante accepted it and shook his head. "I haven't been cleared for active duty  I'm dealing with some things right now things I don't understand." Dante said his exhaustion showing more than ever. "what's going on?" Duke asked. "I'm having nightmares have been since I got back I also just hallucinated having a therapy session I'm really hoping your not a hallucination as well." Dante explained. "sounds like stress I'd get the docs to give you something to help you sleep and talk to the councilor about your nightmares." Duke said they heard a crash from outside and both ran to the door opening it to find a security officer on the ground bleeding from a busted nose as decker aimed a pistol down at the man. "fucking alien bastard!" decker yelled. "corporal stand down!" Duke ordered. "he's one of them sir they infiltrated the ship!" decker yelled. "corporal no one as infiltrated anything now lower the gun!" Dante ordered. Decker looked at them sweating heavily eyes dilated in terror and panic Duke moved faster than Dante could react slamming into decker shoving the gun down to the floor as it discharged setting off the alarms Duke kneed the man in the gut knocking the wind out of him and wrenching the weapon from his grasp he then threw decker to the floor allowing Dante to pin and restrain him. Decker screamed in terror shaking and thrashing trying to wrestle free from his grasp but the security officer tapped him on the head with his stun rod and knocked the ARST out.