Treasonous Acts: The Defender Series - Book 3

By Reggi Broach

The Commonwealth Explorer Class Vessel, the SS Evangeline is tasked with a series of first contact ambassadorial missions to recruit allies among the low-tech worlds. These worlds have no major strategic value but the Supreme Executor of the Commonwealth, Luciano Hale intends to prevent them from being recruited as allies by Pateras El

• Language: English
• Publisher: Defender Publications
• Release date: May 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780998962061

Reggi Broach

Reggi Broach is currently a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse. Formerly, she was a squadron commander and emergency services officer in the Civil Air Patrol. Her active imagination, love for science fiction, and desire to serve God in new ways, combined with her life experiences make her uniquely qualified to write the exciting tales of the Defender Series.

Book preview

Mission Information

Commonwealth Interstellar Force Ship

Tech Specs: SS Evangeline

Explorer Class Ship with long range space, planetary atmospheric, and aquatic maneuvering capabilities.

Drive Capabilities:

• Tachyon

• Matter/Antimatter

Ship Weapons Capabilities:

• Minimal laser

• EMP and tachyon defensive weaponry

• Electromagnetic shields and deflectors

Personal Weapons Capabilities

• Tri-Emp: A personal weapon, projectile based with three levels of electro-magnetic pulse charge.

• Laser Rifle: a longer range weapon with a laser and Tri-Emp capabilities.

• Personal Shield Generator: a glove-like device generating a shield for personal use, capable of being adjusted to different sizes and sensitivity.

Ship Accessory Equipment

• Shuttle: can be flown in space, atmospheric, and aquatic environments. Used for ship to planet movements and short flights on planets. Mainly used as personnel transport, with limited cargo capacity. The co-pilot controls the computer, shield, and laser weapons.

• Surf-ve: an amphibious surface vehicle for transportation of personnel or cargo. It has a retractable canopy over the passenger compartment. The co-pilot’s chair has computer, shield, and laser weapons control.

• Whipper: single person transport that uses anti-gravity hover technology. It can move and hover over land or water.

Personnel Accommodations:

• 14

Mission

To establish a Commonwealth presence on all technologically undeveloped worlds, or worlds that have not chosen to ally with the Commonwealth despite non-spatial developments. To report any world where the invasive forces of the Liontari have a foothold.

Crew Manifest

The crew is to consist of two teams. The primary team is the ship’s crew, and the secondary team is the diplomatic mission team. Each team is to act as support personnel for the opposing team as needed.

Prologue

Captain David Alexander walked slowly to the infirmary. He wasn’t hurt, and he wasn’t sick, at least not physically. His trip to the infirmary was a ruse to keep himself out of trouble, deep trouble, and he knew it. Aside from his recent erratic and cranky behavior, the captain had found himself in a position causing him to shoot his own security chief, stunning him. He had also confessed to his ship’s psychologist, to committing treason against the Commonwealth he had served since birth.

David had been raised in a military family. His father served in the Commonwealth Infantry, and his uncle, Robert Deacons, was the admiral in the Commonwealth Interstellar Force responsible for putting David into his current position. If his treason were found out, it would embarrass his family and could cost him his life, one way or another.

The last few months had gone directions David had never expected. He was raised in the Commonwealth, groomed for military service to the Commonwealth, and never doubted the Commonwealth path set before him.

His ship’s mission was to establish contact with technologically undeveloped worlds, recruit these worlds as allies for the Commonwealth, and report on any contact with an enemy slowly encroaching on Commonwealth territory. The crew hit their target at their very first stop.

* * * * * *

The simple people of Galat III were allies and followers of the House of Pateras El Liontari. The people were cautious, but wise. Their ideas were clearly primitive, but when presented with logical reasons for change, they slowly agreed. The most unique part about this world was the presence of a man named Arni Sotaeras Liontari. The local population of Galat III touted Arni as the son of Pateras El Liontari. He appeared to be a normal man, at first. The man later proved to have unimaginable power.

The crew hastily evacuated as ordered to put distance between them and their new enemy. Arni had strenuously warned David not to report his presence on Galat. David followed his Commonwealth mandate and filed the ordered report.

The crew put Galat behind them and moved on to Medoris IV, a colder planet in climate and temperament. Arni presented himself to the captain and crew again on Medoris saving several lives among the twelve crewmembers. Lt. Lexi Flint believed he saved their lives to ingratiate himself to the crew. At the time, David had accepted the explanation.

The six married couples carried their mission on to Drea III. Drea was far more civilized in most respects. They were technologically advanced, yet non-spacefaring. Drea had been approached by the Commonwealth nearly fifty years ago to create an alliance. Drea retained some primitive deity worship that caused an intra-planetary war among the world’s populations. The Commonwealth tried to mediate the dissension for a period of time. They finally declared the world unready to join the galactic ruling body and destroyed the planet’s space program. They placed four satellites around the planet preventing them from re-starting their space program. The crew of the Evangeline was unable to retrieve sufficient historical information about the planet, and the ship was nearly shot down by their own antiquated Commonwealth satellites. The damaged ship was permitted to land and make repairs after shutting the satellites down.

The diplomatic team attempted to present the Commonwealth for alliance a second time. Unknown to the Commonwealth, Drea had developed wormhole travel and was visiting other planets, despite the satellite barricade. The government on Drea was willing to let the Commonwealth prove its good intentions. They took observation parties back to Galat and Medoris to see what the crew had accomplished. Medoris was responding positively to their newly established peace treaty and alliance with the Commonwealth.

Galat was found devoid of human life. Many buildings had been burned to the ground. The Dreans were distraught over the discovery. The crew of the Evangeline was equally as shocked and appalled. After an investigation, Captain Alexander sadly reported the Commonwealth was responsible for the destruction of Galat to the Dreans. His intention was to warn the Dreans of the dangers of allying with Pateras El Liontari against the Commonwealth. The Drean’s most revered religious leader was found to be none other than Arni Liontari. The crew were promptly arrested, tried, and convicted of genocide and numerous other crimes. The captain arranged a plea bargain for the crew’s release. In exchange for their freedom, he alone would face the penalty of their crimes. The crew would be banished from the world, and the Dreans would be given the access codes for the satellites surrounding their world. Arni again saved David’s life at the cost of his own this time.

* * * * * *

David paused outside the door to the infirmary. His anger and guilt at the death of Arni and innocent civilians, mixed with questions about who was responsible for such a travesty within his own government, played into his frustration and moodiness. The last two days only fueled the fire. David had started questioning why an alien being, mentioned in thousand-year-old documents, was suddenly considered a new threat. He was sure they had not been told everything they needed to know. He studied the document known as the Ancient Texts with every waking moment. The documents were difficult to understand and took intense amounts of concentration. His wife and first officer, Commander Brynna Alexander, had warned him his behavior was becoming erratic. He tried to get the rest she urged him to get. His sleep was filled with harrowing nightmares and his appetite was nearly gone.

Two days ago, they had been sent to a penal colony on Mara to pick up three aged prisoners to return to Drea. His uncle presented this small mission as a feasible way to help smooth things over with the Dreans by returning the prisoners. The prisoners’ only crime was serving Pateras. They had been prisoners for nearly fifty years. Over the brief trip back to Drea, Captain Alexander discovered a well-kept family secret. David’s grandfather’s family was taken from Drea as captives to serve the Commonwealth. An aunt he had never known had been murdered as a child by the Commonwealth.

The captain had begun to be paranoid. He was afraid the Commonwealth could be using him to attack the Drean population. Considering the potential danger and the ill will between the Commonwealth and the Dreans, the captain had intentionally taken the only other person who knew about his family’s history with him. Lt. Lexi Flint had been there when his heritage was discovered. If this had been a one-way trip, the rest of the crew would be protected. Once the shuttle was well into Drean airspace, the captain discovered his security chief had stowed away aboard the shuttle. In his anger, fear, and frustration, David decided he had no other choice but to stun his security chief and secure him aboard the shuttle. The chief was a staunch supporter of the Commonwealth and an avid follower of the regulations.

David stared at the closed door to the infirmary. If he couldn’t convince the chief he was merely suffering from exhaustion, his own life could be forfeit. He knew the second he entered the infirmary; the doctor would insist on a sedated and monitored rest period. A period where he would be vulnerable to anyone who knew or suspected his alliances had changed, a crime punishable by either prison, reeducation, or death. Re-education was unpleasant, painful, and meant your entire memory would be erased. Death was the most likely consequence. Since they were in space, he would probably be spaced. The good news was, if he were adequately sedated, he wouldn’t know he was dying. He and Jake had made a pact earlier that if things ever got to that point, they would handle it as humanely as possible.

David was at peace with his decision to abandon the Commonwealth. He had faced death too many times recently. He wasn’t sure he was ready to tempt fate again. He took a deep breath to prepare himself. A voice spoke softly to him, Trust me. The voice did not assure him he would walk out again. It said enough.

Jason’s World

David walked into the infirmary and found a confused Doctor Jason Adams waiting on him. Jason’s wife, Lt. JG Laura Adams, was standing by to assist him. David picked a bed near the door. As he plopped down on the bed he noticed Laura seemed unnerved by his presence. Jason walked up beside the captain's bed. Captain? What seems to be the problem?

I'm just a little tired and cranky, but Lt. Flint thinks I need a good once over. If you could just do a thorough exam then let me get back to work, I would appreciate it.

Jason folded his arms somewhat defiantly across his chest. I'll give you a thorough exam, but if I find you aren't fit for duty, I won't clear you until you are. I'm not about to operate against my medical or CIF mandates. Are we clear on that, Captain?

David gave the doctor a long hard stare. Due to his new resolve, he was mentally in much better shape than he had been in previous days, although he was still tired. He knew the crew would trust him more if the Doc could provide a valid reason and solution for his recent behavior. As much as he would rather walk out and get on with his job, he stayed put. Fine. Let's get this over with. David reclined. He folded his arms across his chest resolutely.

Twenty minutes later, David’s wife, Brynna, walked into the infirmary to find out what was going on. She had tried as unofficially as possible to encourage her husband to get some rest. Now, it was official. She arrived just in time to hear Dr. Adam's diagnosis. He acknowledged her presence with a quick nod when she walked in. Captain, you are basically right about your condition. You’re suffering from a mild case of exhaustion and undernourishment. The combination of those two things has resulted in the crankiness. I’m going to give you a nutritional supplement, and I want you to stop by here for the next three days to receive additional supplements. If you eat regular meals for the next three days, we can stop the supplements at that time. I will be monitoring your nutrition levels though. I'm also going to insist that you have a sedative to get some sleep here and now.

Laura seemed even more nervous at this final suggestion. When Jason made the suggestion, she dropped a piece of equipment she had been holding. She hastily picked it up and asked, Are you sure that's necessary?

David glanced at her then gave Jason a counter offer. Yeah, what she said. Can't I just go back to my quarters and get some sleep? I've gotten some things off my plate, so I doubt I'll have any trouble sleeping.

Jason glanced at Laura. He was not used to her questioning his medical judgment. He decided to ask her about it later, but he was more focused on the captain right now. No, Captain, I need to be sure you're getting rest. I can monitor your sleep cycle if you're in here. Jason reached for a hypo-spray to inject the medications into the captain.

David held his hand up to stop the doctor. Doc, before you do that, I need to update the commander. Can I get a moment alone with her?

Jason scowled, but nodded. Make it brief, Captain. Jason escorted his nervous wife out of the room.

Once the two were alone, David gave Brynna a brief report about his second mission to Drea to return the three aged former prisoners of war. He told her of his concerns that the mission to return the former prisoners was a ruse by the Commonwealth to lower the Drean defenses. He explained his reasons for taking the shuttle down with only one other crewmember. He reported the incident with Jake and his reasons for stunning him.

When David reached the point of telling her about his family history, he reached down and held her hand gently. Brynna, I found out what Pateras wanted me to know. The captain squeezed her hand tightly. Lexi can show you the proof. My grandparents, my mother and my Uncle Rob were among the prisoners taken from Drea. I had another aunt who was executed to force my grandparents to cooperate with the Commonwealth.

Brynna gave David a shocked look. Oh David, I'm so sorry. She felt a dozen questions pop into her head. She refrained from asking any of them because she knew he had more to say, and the Doc would be in a hurry to treat him.

David told her as briefly as he could about meeting his Drean family members. The last part was going to be the hardest. He gave her hand another firm squeeze. Do you remember us promising each other we wouldn't keep secrets?

Brynna nodded tenuously. Yes…

David continued. Well… knowing what I now do about the Commonwealth, what they've done to my family, as well as the damage done to Galat and Drea, I'm done with the Commonwealth. I chose early this morning to follow Pateras. I don't know what that really means yet, but I want to find those responsible and stop them from doing this to anyone else. When the Doc gives me that sedative, I'm going to be at your mercy. I hope… I hope you won't space me. I hope you'll let me fix this. I just wanted you to know. He released her hand and settled back onto the bed again.

Brynna looked down at his hand, then reached down and squeezed it gently. David, I owe Arni too. He saved your life. I think I trust him more than the Commonwealth. Your life is safe. She bent down and kissed him gently. David leaned back up and returned her kiss more passionately.

When he lay back down she saw silent tears slip down his cheeks. She wasn't used to seeing emotion from such a strong man. She chalked it up to his exhaustion. I'll stay with you until you go to sleep. I'll get us headed to Tudoren then I'll talk to Lexi. Do you have any other orders?

Make the appropriate adjustments to the schedule for the next 48 hours and don't tell anyone else about my family, especially not Jake. If this gets out, it could put my family in danger. David smiled at her. Thank you for everything. I love you. David still sounded like he was saying a permanent farewell.

Brynna smiled at him but was still concerned.

Jason and Laura stepped back inside. They had been having a rather lively discussion that roughly went nowhere. Jason scrutinized her motives behind questioning his medical decisions. She had given him some rather weak answers. Jason came back in looking annoyed. Laura followed him in looking a bit peaked.

Jason picked up a hypo-spray and reached for the vials containing the vitamin and nutrient compounds. He held them up to the light and turned them around in his hands then picked up the remaining vials on the shelf. Laura saw him rifling through the vials and asked,

What's wrong, Jason?

This vial has been partially used.

Laura didn't think anything about it to begin with and suggested a cause. You gave some to Vesta when we were on Medoris, didn't you?

I gave her a hypo-sprayer and the partially used vial along with some unopened ones. The ones on this shelf should be unused. Someone's been into these.

Laura realized Jason was close to finding out some dangerous information. Maybe you meant to give the open vial to Vesta and just forgot.

Jason shook his head. I used the open vial to teach her how to use the hypo-spray. That vial was nearly empty when I gave it to her. This one is only half gone. This isn't the same vial. I'm going to have to figure out how this happened.

Maybe somebody was just feeling a little drained. We've been through a lot and it's possible somebody didn't want anything on their record.

Jason had been reviewing all the vials on the shelf as they spoke in hushed tones. Jason now turned to face Laura. Seeing the guilty look on her face he assumed it was her explanation for her own actions. Laura, you know I have to account for all medications dispensed, even such innocuous medications. After I get the captain taken care of, I want to run a quick medical scan to be sure you're okay. I promise I'll keep it off the record. It's probably time to calibrate my scanners anyway.

Laura swallowed hard then breathed a sigh of relief. Her secret was safe, for now.

David and Brynna were getting concerned when they saw the two whispering back and forth to each other. Brynna took the initiative. Doctor Adams? Is there a problem?

Jason glanced at his nervous wife. No, Commander, somebody just moved some vials around. I've got what I need now. Jason walked back over to the captain. Holding up the hypo-spray he explained what it was. This is a nutrient compound. It will get your reserves built back up to normal and should actually give you a boost of energy.

David contorted his face. Are you sure you want to give me that before you put me to sleep? What if I'm a sleepwalker? I might wake up more tired than when I started.

Brynna winced then grinned at his twisted sense of humor. Jason looked confused. He took medicine very seriously and for a second, thought it was a genuine question. When the realization hit him, he shook his head at the captain. If you start running around the ship in your sleep, I'll just use a neural inhibitor to keep you still. How's that for a solution?

David shook his head. I'm not sure I care for that option. I'll just try to stay here in my bed.

Jason nodded. I appreciate that. He gave David the injection then reached for the second syringe with the sedative in it.

David glanced at Brynna who still looked concerned. He asked one last question. You wouldn't lie to me, would you?

Brynna reached across him and blocked Jason for a moment. In her most serious tone she gave him an earnest reply. You have my word. I have not lied to you and I will not. You're safe. I'm just worried about what the future holds, but I know who to talk to. She smiled then nodded to Jason. Jason was terribly confused by the conversation. He gave the captain the injection. David's eyes fluttered a couple times then he faded off to sleep.

In a minute, Jason looked at Brynna. What was that all about?

Brynna sat on the edge of the bed still holding David's hand. She looked up at Jason. He was afraid his recent behavior would be interpreted as treason. He and Jake had an agreement. If Jake thought he was compromised, he agreed to put the captain down before spacing him. It took a lot of courage for him to let you sedate him. He doesn't like being helpless.

Jason scowled. He thinks I would do that to him? I'm a doctor. I do not kill people. I wish I had known that before I knocked him out. I would've let him go back to his own bed like he asked, and just put a monitor on him.

Brynna sighed. Jason, I know you wouldn't do that to him, but you did just put him at the mercy of everyone on the ship. You may not be capable of killing him, but Jake might be.

Jason scowled again. In that case, I'll see that he's not left alone the entire time he's in here. I'll also program the monitors to alert you if his vital signs get out of line.

Brynna set David's hand down gently and pulled the covers up to his chin. She smiled at Jason. Thanks, Jason. I appreciate it. Call me before he wakes up if you can. By the way, why did you insist he stay here to sleep?

To make a point with him and the rest of the crew. My job is no less important than his, and the health of this crew is my responsibility.

Brynna nodded her understanding then headed back to the bridge. With David off the watch duty roster, she would have to rearrange the schedule and use her back-up personnel. Jason was also now unavailable to cover the helm while David was in the infirmary.

Jason turned his attention to Laura. He pointed to one of the beds. She hopped up on the bed and lay down. Jason ran a thorough scan of her. He found that her nutrient levels were on the low side of normal. He scowled at the reading. There was nothing wrong with her and no reason for her levels to be off. If there were something wrong, then taking the nutrients could in fact have brought her levels to the low side of normal. If it were merely stress and poor eating that were the source of her problem, the nutrients should have brought her up to a high or high normal level. Her levels should have been higher than this. His only conclusions were, something was wrong with his equipment, something undetectable was wrong with Laura or she hadn't taken the nutrients like he thought. He moved her to each of the other beds one at a time. Each scanner gave the same results.

Jason, what's wrong? Why are we repeating this on each of the scanners?

Jason kept his eyes on the scanners while answering her. You wanted this to be off the record. If I'm running a diagnostic on my scanners, I need to test you on all of them or it will look like an unauthorized scan. He glanced at her quickly to watch her reaction. She still seemed uneasy. He picked up the hypo-spray and loaded another nutrient dose and gave her the dose.

She looked at him quizzically. What was that for?

Jason set the instrument down. You're right, we've all been under a lot of stress. Your levels are still a little low. Let me check them again tomorrow. I may need to check everyone out.

Laura got scared again. If he started scanning everyone, he might find out what she had been hiding. Jason moved over toward the door. Can you stay with the captain while I step out for a minute?

Laura hopped off the bed. Sure, Jason. She started cleaning up the beds she had just been on.

Jason went to the dining room. It was empty. He quickly accessed the infirmary video feed. He watched as Laura worked at the computer. He zoomed in on her computer screen. His eyebrows raised in response to what he saw. She was reprogramming the scanners to filter out certain results. Her head blocked the specific filters from the video feed. Jason scowled. He pushed the button on the computer to give verbal instructions. Computer, review the video feed of the infirmary for all the hours that I was either off duty or on duty on the bridge for the last seven days. I want to see any footage of any personnel in the med bay during that time frame. Notify me alone when the data is compiled. He shut the terminal down, grabbed a cup of coffee, and then headed back to the infirmary. He walked in and paid little attention to Laura or the captain. He sat down at his desk and started working on his report of the captain's condition. Laura excused herself and headed out the door. As soon as she was gone, Jason opened a different program on the computer. He reviewed the data logs and the programming logs. Laura had not eliminated the logs. Every change she had made to the scanning parameters was plain to see. Jason scowled again. He promptly reversed the changes she made. It was now apparent that ultimately, he was looking for a woman.

The next question on Jason's mind was who was Laura protecting and why? Why did she feel the need to hide this from him? Jason heard the door open and switched back to the screen with his report. Laura came back in and went to a second computer terminal and began working. Jason watched her closely and had his computer show him everything she was doing. He saw her research information on the medication he had given to the captain. Her next inquiry was for a medication to counteract the sedative. After she made her inquiry she went on about her duties of straightening up. She dimmed the lights nearest the captain's bed. Jason looked up at her suspiciously. Why did you lower the lights? He's going to sleep regardless of the lights in here. A brass band could march through here and he wouldn't wake up.

Laura shrugged. Maybe it's just psychological. The lights are supposed to be out when you sleep. She finished up and told Jason she was heading back to their quarters to get a nap. She offered to relieve him in a couple hours. He grunted an acknowledgment at her as she left the room.

Jason was on the verge of being angry. They had been married two years longer than anyone on the ship. Why would she start hiding things from him now? An hour later the computer alerted him that his search results were ready to view. He began to scan through the footage. He saw various crewmembers step into the infirmary as though they were looking for someone then step back out again. He saw Lt. Commander Braxton Flint and his wife Lexi come in and treat a cut on Braxton's hand. All of the crew was trained as field medics. Any of them could handle basic first aid type treatment so their actions in the med bay were not unusual.

Finally, someone got his attention. The ship’s navigator, Lt. Marissa Holden, entered the infirmary. She hurried over to the cabinet housing the same nutrient supplements the doctor discovered were missing. She filled a hypo with a dose and administered it to herself. He saw her also run a portable medical scanner across her abdomen. She reviewed the data on the scanner and smiled. He watched her set everything back precisely where she found it and hurried out.

Computer show me every time Lt. Holden has entered the med bay alone over the last month. The computer already had several sections of footage from the previous search available. Jason saw Marissa enter and leave the infirmary the same way nearly a dozen times.

Jason scowled. Dealing with this was not going to be pleasant. He sat there staring at the footage. His orders were clear. The Command staff was not aware of his orders in how to deal with this set of circumstances. He should not need to deal with this because steps were taken to prevent this type of problem.

He sat back in his seat and stared at the monitor for a few minutes. Computer, pull up the results of Lt. Holden's last physical. The diagnostics scrolled across the screen. Freeze frame! Jason leaned forward as he perused the results in front of him. How had he missed that?

Marissa was killed when she was snatched away by a tornado on Medoris. When Jason scanned her lifeless body, he found nearly every bone in her body was either broken or fractured. Arni intervened and healed her completely. Jason gave Marissa a thorough exam when Arni returned her to them. He had overlooked one non-life-threatening detail about her anatomy. Marissa had been sterile prior to her death. The Commonwealth didn't want anyone dropping out of this mission before the minimum two years. One of the steps taken to prevent such a thing was the temporary sterilization of the women. They also gave orders to the physicians in the event of an anomaly. The regulations stated that a woman who inadvertently became pregnant had three days to decide whether to continue the mission and abort the pregnancy, or drop out of the mission. Jason's orders were to cause an abortion without telling a woman she was even pregnant. It was explained as being more humane than forcing a woman to make unexpected choices. He understood the logic. He still didn't care much for it. It was obvious the Lieutenant already knew she was pregnant. He had no choice. He had to force the abortion and she was going to have to know about it. It would have been so much easier if she had never found out about it. Maybe he could give her something to cause it without her knowing what he was giving her. She would still go through a grieving process, but at least she would think it was just an accident. He scowled. No, she was disobeying orders. She needed to know she brought this on herself. It wasn't his fault. If she had come to him right away, she would not have spent the last month getting attached to a baby she was never going to have.

Jason continued to sit there and contemplate his options. He vacillated between anger, sorrow, and pity. He reviewed Marissa's files from before the accident on Medoris. His findings made things even worse. Marissa had an incurable condition making it impossible for her to have children at all. The sterilization process was simply a formality. It's no wonder she wanted to keep this pregnancy a secret. More questions began to pop up in his mind. Did Jake know? The Doc thought he probably didn't. From the way Marissa was sneaking into the infirmary alone, she probably had not told anyone. So how did Laura seem to know?

As if on cue, Laura walked back in to the infirmary. Had it been that long already? He started to question her about it and decided against it. He shut the computer screen off and headed for the door. I'm going to get something to eat. Don't leave him alone with anyone except Brynna. His instructions were cold and harsh sounding.

Laura turned to face him. His face was an impenetrable wall. Jason, what's wrong? Are you still upset because I questioned your judgment?

He took two steps back toward her and paused. No. There was another long pause as he chose his next words carefully. We do need to have a long talk… but later. My job just became a lot more difficult and I think you had something to do with it. I can't talk about it right now, but we will talk, later tonight.

Jason went back to the dining hall and fixed himself a bowl of stew. He wanted something simple yet hearty. Stew also seemed to suit his mood right now. He sat down by himself. He ate slowly and spent his time staring off into space. Ship’s Engineer, Lt. Commander Lazaro Dominick and his wife, Ensign Cheyenne Dominick were about to go on duty and came in to get something to eat before their shift. Seeing the doctor's distracted countenance, they decided to sit by themselves. Jake came in and grabbed himself something to eat as well. He saw the married couple sitting together on one side of the room and the Doc sitting alone. He sat down with the doctor. Hey Doc, you okay?

Jason looked up from his stew. I'm fine, Jake. How are you? Are you okay? His tone seemed somewhat condescending.

Jake looked puzzled but answered. I'm good. Well, I'm still a little twitchy after the captain shot me this morning, but otherwise I'm good.

Jason put his spoon down. Excuse me? Did you say the captain shot you? Jason's voice carried further than he meant. Lazaro and Cheyenne stopped talking and looked at Jason and Jake.

Jake realized no one knew what had happened except Lexi, and maybe the commander. I—uh, I think I deserved it. I disobeyed a direct order and endangered the crew.

Jason scowled even further. Jake, no one deserves to be shot unless they are a clear and present danger to themselves or others.

From the way he explained it, that was the situation. He said my presence would have given the Dreans reason to place us all under arrest. I'm a little embarrassed about it, but I'm not mad anymore. He apologized for it. Like I said, I'm a little twitchy, but I'm fine.

Nevertheless, I want to check you out. As a matter of fact, I'm going to do a quick scan of the entire crew. I'm going to scan everyone as soon as they come off duty. I'll start with you and then Marissa. Jason looked across the room at Lazaro and Cheyenne. Did you two get that? Come see me as soon as you come off duty. Got it?

The two grew wide-eyed at Jason's tone. Uh, yes sir. We got it. Lazaro responded. He and Cheyenne gave each other curious looks.

Jason scooped up the last two bites of his stew and tossed his dishes in the dirty dish return slot. Jake, come see me as soon as you're done eating.

Jake squinted at the Doc. What are you looking for Doc? Exhaustion, malnourishment, or anything out of the ordinary. The entire crew is suffering from stress and I want to get a handle on it before it interferes with our jobs. Jason stomped off to the infirmary.

Laura was surprised to see him back so quickly. Seeing his mood had not improved, she didn't feel inclined to ask him any questions. Jason splashed some water on his face then lay down on one of the beds. He had Laura take a quick scan of him. She reported his blood pressure being slightly elevated but otherwise he was in good shape. As he got off the bed, he informed her he was about to start a round of exams of the entire crew. Laura didn't know Jason had reversed the programming changes she made to the scanner. She showed no new angst over his announcement. Jason sat back down at his desk and quietly reviewed the logs again to be sure she hadn't found his changes and reversed them. He also reviewed the video logs of her while he was eating. Nothing caught his attention.

The silence in the room became more awkward the longer the two were alone. The only noises they heard were the captain's heavy breathing and each movement they made. Laura turned to Jason, Do you think we're all suffering from undernourishment? Should I prepare more hypos?

Jason authorized her to prepare the hypos to give credence to his actions. He did ask her to only prepare three hypos. Leave the others empty. Not everyone may need them, or I may need hypos for other treatments.

Laura nodded and pulled out four instead of three. She filled the three as instructed but covertly slipped the fourth into her pocket along with a vial of medication to counteract the captain's sedative. She pulled the remaining vials forward so her theft wouldn't be noticed. She really hoped she would not need it, but she wanted to be prepared. She decided she needed to do one other thing. She stepped out and went to the weapons locker. She removed two Tri-EMP’s and set them on their lowest level.

A voice spoke from behind her. Laurel, you won't need those. She turned expecting to see Arni. There was no one in sight. She shivered and tried to shake off the eerie feeling.

Looking down at the weapons in her hands, she spoke into the air. It's just for a last resort. She heard nothing else. Somehow, she knew Arni was displeased. She slipped the weapons into her pockets. Laura walked quietly into the infirmary and found Jason examining Jake. She stepped over to the captain's bedside and placed one of the weapons under his right hand and straightened the covers to be certain they covered his hand and the weapon.

A few minutes later, the Doc gave Jake something to help relieve his remaining twitches. He walked Jake out the door and told him he should feel better in a few minutes. He stepped into the corridor and out of Laura's hearing. He gave Jake a direct order to escort Marissa immediately to the infirmary and to notify all other personnel to report as soon as possible. He authorized and encouraged Jake to use whatever force was necessary to get everyone in for the scans. Jake went to the weapons locker although he didn't expect anyone to give him a problem. He opened the locker and saw the two empty slots.

Had someone not returned their weapons after dropping the Drean prisoners? No, he distinctly remembered the weapons locker being full when he put away his weapons after returning from Drea. He pulled a weapon for himself and set it to a heavy stun setting.

He caught up with Marissa just before she entered the Dining Hall. Marissa, the commander didn't issue any weapons in the last few hours, did she?

The question caught her off guard. Not that I'm aware of? Why? Jake pulled her further from the door and nearer to the elevator. There are two weapons missing, and they weren't signed out. I need you to come with me.

Marissa followed him as requested. They moved down the corridor to the infirmary. Marissa became concerned as they entered the door. She glanced at the captain's sleeping form. He promised to protect her. If this turned out to be about her, he was no longer available to help. Marissa started pulling back.

Jake immediately noticed her change in posture. He took her firmly by the arm and pulled her forward. She tried to pull away from him. Jake looked annoyed. He was worried about missing weapons and she was fighting him over… what was she fighting him for? Marissa, the Doc has ordered general physical scans for all personnel. You’re next on his list. I've got an investigation to conduct. Stop fighting me.

Marissa looked like she was near a full-blown panic. If there are weapons missing, then I should be helping you find them. I can get an evaluation after we find those weapons.

Jason stepped forward and grabbed Marissa's free arm firmly. I'm afraid not, Lieutenant. This scan will only take a few minutes. As soon as we're done, you can help Jake.

Marissa jerked free of the two of them. Not until I talk to the commander.

Jake was bewildered by her reaction. Jason grabbed her arm again, Lt. Holden, I will order the chief to place you under arrest if need be. This cannot wait another day. Get up on that bed now!

Jake now looked at the Doc with the same bewildered look. What was happening on this ship? Was everyone losing his or her minds?

Laura hastily jumped forward. Jason, let me have a moment with Marissa, please?

Jason looked at Laura then relaxed his grip on her arm. Fine, the Chief and I will be outside that door.

He and Jake stepped outside. Jake immediately started in on the Doc. What was that all about Doc?

Jason was still angry at everything he had learned that day. Someone has been stealing medications and I need to find out who before the medications are out of their system. I also know that somehow Laura is involved.

Are you talking about drugs for recreational use? Marissa would never do that.

The Doc shook his head. No. Someone is hiding a medical condition. It's a correctable condition, but it could be considered embarrassing, so they are treating the symptoms to keep it off the record.

So why are you leaving Laura in there alone with Marissa? Is that why Marissa balked at the scan?

Laura thinks she’s altered the scanner, so it won't pick up the specific medical condition. I changed it back, but I need to get this scan. Jake. I have evidence that it's Marissa. It's probably best if you aren't present for this.

Are you going to file a report on this? Jake shifted uneasily.

Jason put his hand on Jake's shoulder. I’ll keep this as low key as I can.

Is Marissa going to be okay? This isn't anything serious, right? Jake persisted.

Jason smiled. Oh, she's going to be fine. She may be rather moody for several days because it's a female thing.

Jake's face fell, and he sighed. Not again. She had a rough time about a month ago. I hope this fixes it, once and for all.

Jason smiled. Don't worry. This will take care of it. I promise. Go find your missing weapons.

Jason stepped back into the infirmary. Marissa was lying on a bed on the far side of the room and Laura was standing next to her giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. Jason moved over to a cabinet and pulled a couple things out. He came and stood next to Marissa. I'm sorry if I was overbearing earlier but things seem to be getting out of control. Laura, could you get me those three hypos you prepared earlier. As Laura stepped away to do as instructed. Jason had Marissa roll over on her side. He placed a patch across the vertebrae a little below her neck. He had her roll back onto her back and picked up a data pad and asked. So, what did Laura say to calm you down?

Marissa was still nervous and not feeling very talkative. It's not important.

Jason turned the scanner on. The display showed what he already suspected. It's important to me. I need to know what's important to my patients.

Laura had picked up the hypos and turned back around in time to see the display. She gasped. Jason! NO!

Jason reached down and touched the data pad. Marissa winced. Ow, Doc that burns just a little. Doc, what is that? What did you do to me? A fresh infusion of panic was setting in. I can't move.

Jason patted her arm trying to reassure her. That's a neural inhibitor. Since I saw you were not inclined to cooperate with me and Laura seems to be supporting you, I thought it would be a wise precaution.

Cooperate? Precaution against what? What are you doing to me? Marissa demanded.

Laura hurried to her husband's side. Jason, don't do this. You don't understand everything that's at stake.

I’m sorry to tell you this, Lt. Holden. CIF headquarters has mandated that no woman on this mission be permitted to carry a pregnancy to term. I am going to have to terminate your pregnancy. I know you are aware of your condition and Laura has been your accomplice in hiding it. Marissa, you were never supposed to know about it and be forced to face such a loss. I’m sorry it’s had to happen this way, but I have my orders.

Marissa began to sob frantically. NO! You can’t do this! CAPTAIN! Please wake up and help me!

Jason! You can’t do this to her! Laura added.

Jason looked at his wife's face. There was nearly as much panic in it as he saw in Marissa's face. Perhaps you shouldn't assist me this time Lt. Adams. You're dismissed.

Laura's demeanor changed drastically. The panic left her, but anger and determination took its place. She took a step back and turned on her heels. She walked brusquely toward the door.

Marissa cried out after her. Laura! Please don't leave me! Don't let him do this to me! Laura stopped at the foot of the captain's bed. Jason gave her a quick glance then went on preparing his equipment. Marissa was crying hysterically, but it calmed her when Laura stopped. A ray of hope pierced her panic. Perhaps Laura would stop this horrible thing from happening to her.

Laura reached into her pockets. She felt the Tri-EMP but moved her hand past it. She wasn't sure she could stun her own husband. She found the hypo and the medication vial. She quickly pulled them out, loaded the hypo and raced to the captain's side. She used the hypo on him. Hearing her movements, Jason set his instruments down and went to see what she had done. Laura… what did you just do?

She reached back into her pocket and pulled the weapon out. She didn't point it at him, but she held it in plain sight. Jason, don't. Her tone was calm, and her message was clear.

Jason stopped when he saw the weapon. You took the weapons out of the weapons locker? Why? You know I have my orders. I don't have a choice here. He took a couple more steps toward her. She raised the weapon and pointed it at him. She needed to stall just long enough for the captain to shake off the sedative and wake up. Jason halted his advance. He kept his hands where she could see them and backed up a couple steps. Basic psychology told him she wouldn't easily shoot him unless she felt threatened, but she also wouldn't shoot him in the back. He turned and walked slowly back over to Marissa.

Jason release the neural inhibitor and let her go.

Jason reached Marissa's side. He turned to look at his wife. I have my orders, Laura. If you try to stop me, you will face charges. Are you prepared to shoot me? Even if it's just to stun me? He turned to go back to the task at hand. He turned just enough so that Laura couldn't see his face. Marissa looked at his face and saw that he was indeed worried about getting shot. Marissa was too scared to speak.

Laura was sure the medication she had given the captain should have worked by now. She kept the weapon and her eyes trained on Jason.

With her free hand, she shook the captain. Captain! Wake up! It's urgent! Marissa needs your help! Please Captain, wake up!

The captain began to stir when Laura shook him. When he felt the weapon under his right hand, he instinctively grasped it. His eyes fluttered open. He saw an armed Laura standing over him, begging for his help, but nothing was making sense yet. He leaned up on his elbows and looked the direction Laura was facing. He saw the desperate Lt. Holden lying motionless in the bed on the far side of the room and Jason standing over her. Marissa saw him moving and immediately cried out for him. Captain, please stop him.

David was still quite groggy and woozy.