Warrior One - Fleet Action Pt. 07

"Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you here to witness a historic event. What we will be doing with the Progenitor. First, Lieutenant Commander Saraid will give us an overview of the data her squadron collected for our engineers. Then, the engineers will tell us all about Progenitor and what will happen to her. Then, I will speak again. So, let's get to it. Lieutenant Commander Saraid, if you will."

Gillian started to shake, on the inside. She smiled at everyone as she stood. She took a holoprojector from her pocket and placed it on the table in front of her. She turned it on and a hologram of Progenitor floated in the air in front of her.

"Bigger Cass," she said softly. The projection grew to fill the space above her head stretching far up and across the room.

"This is what we knew of the Progenitor before we scanned her. It took my squadron four days to scan as much of the interior from space, to here." The projection changed on cue. "We then had to scan the interior with portable scanners to determine the condition of the block of decks in the center of the ship. We finished yesterday afternoon. Caster, my ship and Warrior One compiled the data into what we now know of the ship." The rest of the data was displayed and the ship was complete with all the known defect and where each of the six groups called home. Gillian sat down leaving the hologram running.

"Thank you, Gillian. Now we'll hear from Connor MacDonald," Ezra said.

Connor stood, looked at the projection and nodded. It changed to show all the structural details.

"As you can see, the structure is sound. The damage done to the ship by meteors was all superficial. We will be conducting a test jump to move the ship out of the way of... well to move the ship. Admiral." Connor sat back down.

"Cass, if you would." The hologram vanished. "As Connor said, we will conduct a test of the hyperdrive. A short hop, two light years up. Once everything is verified as safe, preparations will commence getting the ship and its people home, back to Earth. We have received information from the North American Directorate that they welcome our long lost brothers and have granted them an island on which to settle and determine their lives themselves. Which means that after a year, you're on your own."

Laughter rippled through the crowd. Ezra scowled. The audience was silent.

"I'll explain it to you Thesses," Gillian whispered.

"I understand, dear. No need." Gillian nodded.

"Listen up. Jump ops will commence at 0900 hours sharp. Commander Saraid and her squadron will be on board the Progenitor, along with the engineers and a detail of Marines. Major Owens, you will be in charge of the Marines. Commander Saraid will be in overall command of securing the Progens. They and you must be kept away from any port. Commander Saraid you will brief everyone onboard the Progenitor of the risks of looking out during the jump. Although a two light year jump will only take seconds, from what I'm told, everyone must be aware of the dangers."

"Yes, sir."

"Connor?" Ezra asked. Connor stood.

"Yes, sir. I will be leading the engineering staff, section B you will have the duty." Connor sat.

"Very good. The rest of you will assume your normal duties. That's all for now. Wait, one more thing. If everything works out with this test jump, we will be home within a week. Dismissed."

Ezra sat down. Nobody moved. Major Owens stood, turned to the crowd and shouted.

"You heard the Admiral, dismissed!" His Marines stood, turned and marched out of the auditorium. The rest followed. Major Owens was the last one out the door, besides those at the table on the stage.

"I have gotten three whispers from Fain about Brela," Ezra said.

"I'm so sorry... " Thesses started.

"I wasn't complaining."

"I have received the same whispers. Cass took care of them. She has been restrained and gagged. The doctor wants to inject a sedative, I said no. I know Thesses didn't want to carry her back to where she belongs."

"How right you are," Thesses said. "That child will be the death of us all one of these days. Are there any predators on this island we will settle on?"

"There is a cat similar to a mountain lion, but not as big. Its teeth are still sharp though," Gillian told her.

Thesses laughed. Gillian smiled but felt a laugh was unwarranted. Ezra groaned.

"All right, you're all dismissed until tomorrow," Ezra said to everyone at the table.

Everyone stood and left the room. Gillian and Thesses left heading for Caster. At the door, Gillian turned and looked back at Ezra. He was sitting quietly, head down, in his hands, elbows on the table. Smiling, Gillian, quietly closed the door, leaving Ezra with this short time of solitude.

In the shuttle bay, Gillian and Thesses were directed to the Bay office. When they entered, Brela was sitting quietly in a chair with a cargo belt holding her in place. The corporal was sitting next to her, reading. She looked up when the door opened. She stood as she noticed who it was.

"Corporal, you can release her now and thank you for watching over her," Gillian said.

"There is not a mark on her. Don't tell me she behaved?" Thesses asked jokingly.

"No, you know she didn't, Ma'am," the Corporal replied as she undid the cargo belt. "Get up Miss, so I can undo the wrist restraints."

Brela calmly stood and allowed the Corporal to undo the restraints. Once they were off Brela ripped the gag from her mouth and turned to take a swing at the Corporal. Brela was bigger than the Corporal in stature, but the Corporal was better trained. Brela was on the floor, looking up at the Corporal before she could complete her swing. The Corporal stepped back and snapped to attention.

"Well done Corporal," Gillian told her. "What is your name?"

"Kelly, Corporal Kelly Clark, Ma'am."

"Well Corporal Kelly Clark, you have done the Marines proud."

Kelly stood beaming at the praise from Gillian. Thesses was standing over her daughter looking down at her.

"Get your ass up and out to the ship Brela," Thesses said.

"Yes, Ma'am." Brela slowly got up and made her way, quietly, to the door.

"Thank you, Kelly," Thesses said.

"You're welcome, Ma'am."

"Thess... never mind." Thesses threw up her hands and quickly followed Brela out the door.

"Thanks again, Kelly."

"You're welcome, Ma'am."

Gillian smiled, then turned and hurried to catch up with Thesses and Brela. The trip back to Progenitor was uneventful. Brela actually behaved herself. The rest of the day Gillian was busy reading reports and then making sure all preparations for the next day were in order. She was in bed by midnight and fell asleep immediately.

Chapter 152

Gillian was up at her usual time, with the help of Cass. Thesses was knocking at her door even as Cass told Gillian she was there. Cass was helping with the coordination of the jump, so she was preoccupied with that. Not to worry, Gillian wouldn't be needing her until later.

"Good Morning, dear," Thesses said to Gillian as she entered.

"Good Morning, Thesses," Gillian replied, shutting down the monitors. "How goes it with Brela?" It was a sore point, but Gillian had to know.

"Brela... she is well." Thesses' face was sour as if she had bitten into a bad piece of fruit.

"Have all your people been briefed on what to expect and what not to do?"

"They have," Thesses replied. She shook her head, then smiled at Gillian, 'No need to worry Gillian with her problems', Thesses thought.

"Good, because if they do not stay away from the ports, hyperspace will drive them crazy. I can show them all what happens to people when they try."

"I don't think that will necessary. At least I hope it won't."

"Brela?" Gillian asked.

Thesses didn't reply.

"I can have her transported to Warrior and placed in the brig."

"Brig?"

"Jail. On Navy ships, it's called the brig."

"I don't know. No, I don't think that will be necessary. Thank you for the offer."

"You're welcome Thesses. Shall we go?"

"Of course. A lot to do before... "

"The jump."

"The jump."

Gillian smiled at her, she was learning. Thesses was not only smart but wise. Gillian liked her. The two left the ship and walked to the center of the shuttle bay deck. There had been a staging area set up for those coming over to help. But in an hour they would all have to be inside the ship, out of view of any port. Gillian sure hoped none of Thesses' people violated that directive, especially Brela.

After coordinating with the deck officer, everyone moved out of the shuttle bay and into the ship proper. The only people of Thesses' that would have to move were those located in the forest. An area not too far from it had been found for them. For the first jump, they really didn't have to bring anything with them, except their animals. It was unknown what hyperspace would do to them. When the ship makes the longer jump, four days, they will be staying with another of their group.

Gillian stopped just around the corner of the first junction in the passageway. This was her post for the jump. After everyone had passed, Gillian peeked around the corner but saw no one lagging behind. She ducked back. Thesses was just next to her.

"Okay, here we go. Five minutes to jump."

"Why am I nervous," Thesses said, "I've done this before."

"Yes, you have, but it was in my ship, not yours," Gillian replied.

Thesses grunted as she nodded at Gillian. Looking at her chrono Gillian saw they would jump in thirty seconds.

"Twenty seconds," she told Thesses.

The two women waited, then Cass was counting down in Gillian's ear who held up her hand with her finger extended. Then when the countdown got to five she pulled them in.

"Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, jump."

Gillian felt her stomach get queasy for just a split second. Thesses grabbed Gillian's arm, then let go just as quick. Gillian chuckled as she rose.

"Normal space," Cass whispered.

"We're clear," Gillian said walking toward the junction.

Thesses hurried to catch up. Gillian smiled as she headed for the door. Her job was over. Well, the first part was over. As she entered the shuttle bay, she caught motion out of the corner of her eye. Swinging her head that way, she spied a person staggering across the deck. She gasped as she saw who it was. Brela! Gillian heard a gasp from behind her. Spinning around she saw Thesses drop to her knees, her mouth open to scream, but no sound coming forth. Hurrying to Thesses, Gillian dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around the poor woman.

"Dear god, oh god," Thesses said over and over.

"Cass, why didn't you say anything?" Gillian cried.

"I didn't see her. Not until it was over. Three seconds, three little seconds... "

"Oh, Cass, don't fret. Notify Admiral Nichols, please. And we need a doctor here soonest."

"I will, Ma'am. Tell Thesses I'm sorry."

"I will dear."

Chapter 153

The Doctors showed up quickly, as they were in the cold sleep section of the Progenitor. The prognosis was not good. Brela was suffering from hyperspace psychosis and she would never be the same again. She wasn't violent, she wasn't anything. She just wandered around, not really knowing where she was going and without a clue who she was. She would have to be fed by someone. She would have to be bathed by someone. She was unable to do for herself.

Thesses sat, holding her daughter in her arms, she asked, "What do you do with your people who have succumbed?"

"Those that lived, we placed in cold sleep," Gillian answered.

"Then what?"

"Then nothing. They remain in cold sleep."

"I see."

"Do you?" Gillian asked.

"Not really."

"Neither do I but, cold sleep keeps them from harm."

"I suppose it does. Does Progenitor have an extra pod?" Thesses asked.

"You do. Should I tell the doctors to prepare one?"

Thesses held her daughter close sobbing softly. "Yes, please." Her words caught in her throat.

"I will, dear."

Gillian made the arrangements with the doctor. They had to wait for a power-gurney to be brought over from Tór, but that only took ten minutes or so. Brela was gently moved to the gurney, then everyone went to the elevator. It just fit. They got off on deck ten, that's where the cold sleep pods were. Gillian held Thesses hand as they followed the doctor and the gurney on the long walk to the back of the ship.

The process for cold sleep was started and Brela was gently laid to rest in the pod. Just as the top was closing, Eliot, appeared. He placed his arm around Thesses. Both had tears streaming down their faces. Gillian was a little misty-eyed, she didn't really like Brela, but she wouldn't wish what was happening on anyone, even her. As the pod frosted over, everyone turned away and slowly left the compartment. Everyone was finished for the day. Gillian decided to sit with Thesses for awhile.

"You don't have to stay, dear. I have Eliot and the rest... "

"You are my friend. Friends... sit with friends when tragedy strikes," Gillian told Thesses.

"Thank you, my dear," Thesses replied and laid her head on Gillian's shoulder.

Gillian was prepared to stay the day, but her comm buzzed in her ear.

"Not now Cass."

"Sorry, Ma'am. The Admiral is wanting an update."

Gillian shook her head. "I'll be there as soon as I can," she told her ship.

"I can put him through now... "

"Don't you dare. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Yes, Ma'am. Out."

Gillian detected just a slight chill in Cass' reply.

"Thesses I have to go. Duty calls."

"Of course, dear. I will see you tomorrow. If you don't mind."

"Of course not. I'm so sorry about Brela."

"I know. Thank you," Thesses told her.

"Good-bye, dear."

"Good-bye."

Gillian stood and walked as fast as she could. She was back in the shuttle bay in fifteen minutes. In Caster a minute later. She plopped down in her pilot's chair and sighed.

"I'm sorry, but the Admiral was insistent."

"I know Cass. I know. It's just so sad," Gillian told her.

"His shuttle just touched down. He will be here in a few minutes," Cass said.

"Let him in when he gets here, please."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The cabin of the ship was silent once more. Gillian closed her eyes and let her mind wander. She looked back on her time in the deep woods of the North American Directorate. She thought of them as a happy time, but recent events, the closeness of others, showed her how lonely she had really been. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't even hear the Admiral enter her ship. She then realized she was crying. Sobbing so deep that it shook her body.

A hand on her shoulder brought her back to the here and now. She didn't jump or come up fighting as she would have so long ago. She just raised her head and looked up into Ezra's eyes. She found sadness there too.

"Sorry sir," Gillian said as she got up wiping the tears from her eyes.

"No need. I'm with you. Now tell me how this happened? I'm not scolding. But I need to know."

"I don't know, sir. The bay was cleared by the Marines. I did a walk around and found no one. There must be another way into the bay or she was hiding in one of the ships. But the Marines searched them. I'm sorry, sir but I don't have an answer for you."

"Just as I thought. Well, tomorrow, see if you can find out."

"I will, Sir."

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Gillian?" Ezra asked.

"No, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

"When we are alone and not discussing business, I'm Ezra."

"Of course, Ezra."

"I'll be around for a while yet. I'm going to be talking to Major Owens and pay my respects to Thesses. If you need me, just have Cass call me, she knows my radio frequency."

"I will, Ezra. And thank you."

"You're welcome, Gillian."

Ezra turned and left. Gillian sat back down. Soon she was back in the deep woods of home.

Chapter 154

"Cass would you have Staff Sergeant Glen see me if he's onboard Progenitor."

"Of course, Ma'am," Cass replied.

Silence filled the cabin. Gillian was looking out the port into the shuttle bay. She watched the Marines as they went through their calisthenics. Then she saw a figure break off and head for a shuttle close by. She had to assume that was Staff Sergeant Glen. Sure enough, the figure reappeared a short while later dressed and refreshed. Gillian watched him cross the deck.

"Let him in Cass."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Staff Sergeant Glen reporting as requested, Ma'am."

"Cass, close the door, please."

The door closed quietly. Gillian climbed out of her chair.

"You've heard what happened to Brela by now?" Gillian asked.

"Yes, Ma'am. It was a tragedy, Ma'am."

"Would you tell me if someone, a Marine, missed something, Staff Sergeant?"

"I would Ma'am. You have been nothing but fair with my men and me. If what happened was a Marines fault, I would tell you in a heartbeat."

"Thank you, Staff Sergeant, I appreciate that."

"You're welcome, Ma'am."

"Today Staff Sergeant we, you and me, are going to find how she got in here without none of us seeing her. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Will we need my men, Ma'am?"

"No. You and me, Carl. Me and you."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Let's go then, Carl," Gillian said a smile on her face as she shooed him toward the hatch.

"Yes, Ma'am," Glen answered turning for the hatch.

Gillian led him over to the Progenitor's parked shuttles. Gillian halted in front of the middle of the first row.

"Were you with the group that searched here?"

"No, Ma'am, but Sergeant Sams was."

"She was? Good. Can you get her over here? She will be going right back to whatever she was doing."

"I can, Ma'am. My squad is on standby for whatever you want them to do, Ma'am."

"Get her over here, please."

Staff Sergeant Glen spoke into his radio. There must have been a hush circuit as Gillian didn't hear what he said or Sams reply. Out of the corner of her eye, Gillian caught Sams break off from the group doing calisthenics and double-time it to where Gillian was standing.

"Sergeant Sams reporting as requested, Ma'am." She stood at attention.

"Sergeant were these ships searched, inside."

"Not all of them... "

"Why not?"

"Two of your pilots were with us and if the shuttle was still sealed they didn't want to breach it. If it still holds a vacuum we moved on to the next, Ma'am."

"I see. Who was with you?"

"Lieutenant Watson and Lieutenant Duff, Ma'am."

"Okay, thank you, Sergeant, you are dismissed."

"Yes, Ma'am," Sams answered, turned and double-timed it back to her group.

"Now what, Ma'am?" Glen asked.

"Are there any hatches in this area, leading down to that half deck?"

"There are four that I can see from here, Ma'am. There are more toward the back by the wall."

"Is there a way to tell if one had been recently opened?"

"If it was opened from this side, yes. If it was opened from underneath, I wouldn't know, Ma'am."

"Crap!"

"I understand, Ma'am," Glen said with a smile.

Gillian laughed, then looked at Glen and chuckled.

"I supposed if I tell you to knock off the Ma'am shit, you won't?"

"No, Ma'am. Sorry. Orders, Ma'am."

"I understand. Can you keep it down to one at the end of all your statements, question or replies?"

"That I can do, Ma'am."

"Good. Now let's look at each hatch between here and the back wall."

"Right this way, Ma'am." Glen led off.

The first one they came to, he opened. It creaked as it opened.

"This one has never been used. There is dust on the steps, no footprints, Ma'am."

"I see. Interesting. Next."

Glen didn't answer, he just led the way to the next one. Its condition was the same, unused. So were the next eight they checked. Then against the wall, behind all the shuttle they came to one that was already open. Looking down, they saw the small footprints of a woman.