“Thank you, Wayne and Keith,” said Josh when Wayne had finished his story. “That is the first time I have heard your stories. I must admit, I was quite curious to find out how you managed to survive. I am extremely proud of your quick thinking and great survival instincts.”
“Keith is the hero. Neither of us would be here if not for him,” said Shasta. “I owe him my life.” Applause once again filled the room.
Keith’s face reddened until the applause ceased, and then he said, “I only did what had to be done. The real heroes are Dr. Loring and the divers who rescued us.”
“Yes, you are quite correct,” agreed Josh. “Lieutenant Robison and Ensign Ahn please fill us in on the rescue operation.”
Shalonna Robinson smiled at Tobias Carter as she got up from her seat next to the doctor, in order to address the room. Kyung Ahn who was seated along the wall right behind Shalonna, let go of Bonnie Shea’s hand and also rose so he could stand alongside his diving supervisor. Together they presented the details of their search in the darkened and deserted Headquarters.
“After completing a search of the perimeter, we moved into the center of the main room. It was then that Ensign Ahn found the aquarium and the officers inside it. When we shined our flashlights in their faces, they raised their hands to shield their eyes, so we knew they were alive. We removed the tank top and pulled the two officers up and out of the tank. We quickly placed our own masks over the faces of the two men. Swimming at top speed we dragged them to the elevator shaft. Then we had to all share masks as we tried to get through the inflated pipes.” Shalonna’s voice quivered, and she stopped speaking. She was clearly filled with emotion as she relived the traumatic event.
Kyung Ahn picked up the tale. “It was obvious that the tubing was impeding our progress, so I used my dive knife to puncture the tubes. After applying some pressure, the tubes began deflating. We hoisted Wayne and Keith up through the top of the elevator where the water had not yet reached. Lieutenant Robinson called Dennis Pearson. Once Mr. Pearson arrived, he and Ensign Rubin worked with us to carry the officers out of the shaft. We had to use our ropes, nets, and carabiners but it worked. Then Captain Stoner and Dr. Loring arrived.” Ahn turned to retake his seat but then did an about-face. “Oh, one more thing,” said Ahn. “I should mention that after Keith and Wayne were wheeled away, Shalonna and I reentered the elevator shaft and repaired the tubes I had punctured.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant Robinson and Ensign Ahn. Your valiant efforts are deeply appreciated,” said Josh. He paused and joined in with the accolades for the two divers. “Dr. Loring, we must also thank you for your swift action in treating the drowning victims. Can you give us a report on what their condition was when you first encountered them, the treatment they have been receiving, and each one’s prognosis?”
Paul Loring covered all of the areas that the Captain had asked for. He spoke in a very calm voice and presented himself in a very confident manner. Obviously, he is not concerned about the negative opinion the majority of the crew has of him, thought Josh. I just hope he doesn’t get booed. It was not my intention to place him in that situation.
“As for their prognoses, both officers are responding very well to treatment. They are slowly regaining their ability to breathe on their own. They are still sensitive to cool temperatures,We removed the tank top and pulled the two officers up and out of the tank. We quickly placed our own masks over the faces of the two men. able to ide but they are improving. Besides the issues resulting from the submergence, both are suffering from Legionnaires’ disease. Shasta is also dealing with the effects of malnutrition and the venom from an octopus bite. But I am very confident that both men are on the road to a full recovery as is Ensign Tremont,” concluded Dr. Loring. “Oh, I’d like to say one more thing, I am grateful to the diving team for recovering the octopus, which I’m told was clinging to the outer base of the aquarium. Ensign Glenna was able to identify its species and Dr. Johns then isolated the venom so we can treat Shasta with the appropriate medication. For those interested, the octopus is a rare species, a freshwater octopus that thrives on plant life rather than the usual fish and crustaceans that other species devour. Simply known as the Aquamarine, its blue and green striped skin gives it a natural camouflage against larger predators, such as alligators. The one that bit Shasta is full grown at 35 cm. We plan to put it on display in the Leisure Deck until we find a new home for it.”
To Captain Stoner’s surprise and relief, Paul received a resounding round of cheers from the Gladiator crew. “Thank you again, Dr. Loring,” said Josh. “The next subject I would like to address is the U.S.S. Skybounder. As explained earlier, the Skybounder was captured by the Tradians. The ship’s cargo, which consisted of three doses of the mind control drug Xanthommatin, was seized. It is our belief that one dose of Xanthommatin was used to control a living, breathing clone of Wayne Shasta. The Tradians have advanced from making fake bodies to being able to insert brain scans from a living person into an artificial body, thereby allowing it to come to life. The clone of Wayne Shasta contained all the memories of the real Shasta up until his latest annual encephalon scanography procedure was accomplished and entered into the medical files. The Tradians obtained Wayne’s brain scan, and after the clone was activated, it was given a dose of Xanthommatin. Under the influence of the drug, the Shasta clone followed the orders of Captain Torgenson and the Tradians. The real Shasta was imprisoned in a hidden cell.
“A second dose of Xanthommatin was given to Captain Torgenson in order for Chieftain Monks and General Platt to control his movements and thoughts. The Captain tried to fight the commands he was being asked to follow, but regrettably he chose to end his own life rather than continue down the path he was on. He jumped to his death while climbing up the ropes to Brisula’s surface. Let’s have a moment of silence for UGC Captain Victor Torgenson.”
“The whereabouts of the third dose is unknown,” continued Josh after a minute. “We conducted a thorough search of Brisula City and the Tradian Headquarters but came up empty. I interrogated several of our prisoners including Monks, Platt, and Gina Flax, along with UGC officers Lieutenant Selmo Danielli, Ensign Thelma Childs, Ensign Bess Tremont, and Dr. Paul Loring. As a result, we learned that a bomb had been planted in the Leisure Deck piano aboard the Gladiator. We also were made aware that there was a recording device hidden on the Bridge that was sending images to the Tradians. Dennis Pearson located the device under the helm and destroyed it. I am also pleased to report that Dennis and the rest of the bomb squad skillfully removed and defused the explosive.” This was followed by a standing ovation and hurrahs.
“From the interviews,” continued Josh once the bravos died down, “we also were able to surmise the reason behind the tainted apples. Due to the Gladiator’s discovery, it was determined that Brisula, which had been thought to be uninhabited, was instead found to be a populated planet with a thriving economy. This exposure was bound to bring others to Brisula, causing the Tradians to be worried that they could be caught red-handed harboring slaves and illegally occupying Brisula. They were holding its citizens hostage to the Tradian Army’s demands. The Brisulans had been manipulated into becoming totally dependent on the Tradians for their food, supplies, revenue, and resources. These actions by the Tradians are a direct and very serious violation of the Amalgamation of United Planets and Solar Systems, punishable by permanent expulsion from AUPSS. Banishment of that sort would devastate the Tradian population. So, in an attempt to hide their misdeeds they began feeding poisonous apples to all of the slaves, to the Brisulan citizens, and even to Tradians like Colonel Flax. In other words, to anybody who might know too much. Their hope was that all would die before the authorities arrived. The bodies would most likely be disposed of in the fire pits at the Graveyard. In addition to wiping out the population, all evidence of their deep involvement in the Brisulan government was being shredded. That would leave the Gladiator crew as the only witnesses remaining who could testify against
them; but, the Tradians had a bomb planted aboard our ship that would eliminate that threat. Our report on the treachery we endured and observed on Brisula will be instrumental in bringing the Tradians to justice for their crimes.
“A detailed report on the environmental aspects of Brisula is also being prepared along with recommendations for the restructuring of the city from underground to the planet’s surface. It will be made available to UGC and the Brisulan City Council, currently being chaired by Colonel Warren Flax,” concluded Josh. He then added, “Thank you, Ensign Glenna for your very thorough report.
“Our next mission is to return to Lexter to repair the telescope and recover whatever data possible. Upon completing that assignment we will be headed to Space Station 17 to drop off our prisoners and to attend a conference. We will be making a short stop along the way at Sanitation Center 6 to unload the water we are towing. Any questions?”
Captain Stoner spent the next thirty minutes answering questions and responding to a variety of comments. Finally, no one had anything else to say. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes this briefing. I don’t know about you, but I am starved. For those of you aboard the Gladiator please proceed to the Messdeck for a banquet. And to those of you listening or watching from afar, I am sorry that you cannot join us. We do thank you for participating. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Captain, I would like to have a private word with you.” It was Admiral Wilcox.
“Yes, sir, of course.”
Dennis Pearson disconnected all of the video and audio connections except for the video monitor with Admiral Wilcox’s image. Then he followed the crowd out the Conference Room door.
“That was a very informative briefing,” began the Admiral. “Congratulations on a job well done.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Josh. You didn’t keep me here to congratulate me. You must be upset with something I said.
“I will, of course, expect a detailed report with full disclosure of all the events. I noticed you left out some key elements. Like, who planted the bomb, how exactly did the Shasta clone get shot, how did Dr. Loring become the attending physician for the injured officers, and other such particulars.”
“Yes, sir. I have already been preparing such a report. I did not include those items in my briefing because—”
“I am aware of why you didn’t report on those details. You were sparing your crew from any embarrassment or discomfort. My only hope is that you are not trying to protect Dr. Loring from answering to the crimes he has committed. Remember, no matter how heroic he was in his treatment of Shasta and Hampton, he has committed treason against the United Galaxy Command and our country.”
“Yes, sir. I have not forgotten.”
“Good. Now go enjoy your banquet.”
Captain Joshua Stoner stood at the entrance to the Messdeck and studied the men and women gathered around the tablecloth draped tables. Not only were tablecloths a rare occurrence but so were the centerpieces sprouting red, white, and blue roses along with bottles of wine, long-stemmed plastic glasses, and shiny corkscrews. The crowd seemed cheerful and at peace. I am certainly blessed with an outstanding crew, thought Josh. I wonder how I got so lucky. I can only hope that they can forgive me when they learn the truth, especially how I ordered Keith to kill his best friend. Of course, it turned out that Keith only shot a robot, but we didn’t know it at the time.
Josh looked over at the table where the two wheelchairs were parked. Paul Loring and Amanda Rugan were eyeing each other dreamily. Wayne Shasta was sitting idly by, lost in a daydream. And Keith Hampton, well he was being fussed over by two attractive young women, Nurse Mann and Thelma Childs. That should take Keith’s mind off of Beverly Glenna.
“Captain.”
Josh looked over at the officer who was now standing alongside him at the doorway. He had been so lost in thought that he had not noticed her presence.
“I suppose I am blocking your way,” he chuckled as he stepped over the threshold into the cafeteria. “Sorry about that.”
Yeoman Juanita Perez smiled and held out her hand. “I was inventorying the contents of Lieutenant Shasta’s belongings that were brought up from the planet. This fell out of the pocket of a pair of uniform trousers. I thought you might want to see it.” The Captain took the small silver cylinder from the Yeoman’s outstretched palm. It was a thumb drive emblazoned with the standard UGC Milky Way logo.
“Thank you very much, Yeoman. I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” Josh pocketed the drive. “Please, come in and join the celebration.” Juanita smiled again and went to find a seat in the crowded room.
Captain Stoner wandered over to the table with the wheelchairs. An empty chair was waiting for him. In addition to the two recovering lieutenants, also seated at the table were Dr. Loring, Amanda Rugan, Dave Andrews, and Marlana Berg. Upon seeing the Captain, the two women who had been fussing over Hampton said their goodbyes and returned to their own seats. Josh sat down between Marlana and Keith. Almost instantly something jumped onto the Captain’s lap, Penelope. Looking down, under the table, he noticed a small cat bed and a stainless steel bowl filled with water.
“Well, Penelope I am glad that you were invited to join us,” remarked Josh while stroking the cat’s ears. “You appear to be in good health.”
“Yes, Salton and the Flax family took excellent care of her,” said Marlana. “Luckily, since Colonel Flax is the Zoo director, he was able to supply the food that his lions and tigers eat; otherwise, I don’t think the vegetarian Brisulan diet would have agreed with her.”
The Messdeck was abuzz with chattering and laughter. At the Captain’s table everyone was enjoying the conversation, which mostly was focused on the activities coming up at the conference on Space Station 17. When Chef Lansky approached the table, the discussion came to a halt. The Chef opened the wine with the corkscrew and poured some into each diner’s glass.
“I have prepared a wonderful meal,” the Chef boasted.
“It’s not fish, I hope,” jested Josh.
“No, not fish. I have prepared a menu consisting of scrumptious roast beef, red-skinned, scalloped potatoes, green beans in buttered sauce, freshly baked French bread, some giblets with gravy for Penelope; and just in your honor Captain, I have made your favorite dessert, good old-fashioned apple pie!”
All at once a loud moan erupted from the table followed by a chorus of “Oh, yuck!”
EPILOGUE
James Glenn Stoner looked at his watch then stood up and stretched his arms toward the ceiling and his legs toward the coffee table.
“I didn’t realize what time it was. Your parents will be home any minute, and they will be quite upset with me for letting you stay up so late,” he said. “Come now, let’s get you washed up and into bed.”
“But Great Grandpa, you can’t stop now,” cried Little Josh. “What happened to the third dose of the drug? And is Paul Loring going to prison? How about Salton; is he going to stay on Brisula? Also does Keith get charged with treason and does Dr. Berg—”
“Those are all questions for another time,” interrupted his Great Grandfather.
“But Great Grandpa, please tell me the rest of the story,” pleaded Little Josh.
“I am afraid that would be a very very long story. Joshua Stoner was quite a busy and adventurous Captain who commanded the Gladiator all around the Milky Way and even beyond the galaxy.” He smiled down at his young great grandson and then chuckled as the boy tried to stifle a yawn.
“See, it is way past your bedtime.”
“Please, I’m not tired,” he said trying to hide another yawn.
“The rest of the story will wait for another time or two. Right now it is bedtime.” Great Grandpa looked over at the dark brown velour covered recliner. Little Josh’s sister had woken up a couple of hours ago. She had sat listening to Great Grandfather’s tale while playing with her tablet. But now she was fast asleep, curled up with a stuffed grey cat tucked under one arm. Great Grandfather wen
t over to the recliner and gently shook his great granddaughter. “Come on Marlie, it’s time to get into your own bed.” He picked the little girl up, and she laid her head on his shoulder.
“Great Grandpa,” she murmured, “don’t forget Penny.” James Stoner bent down and scooped up the stuffed cat.
POSTSCRIPT
Hi Once Again,
I hope you have enjoyed this second adventure in the Beyond the Galaxy Saga (for those of you peeking here before starting the adventure, I certainly hope that you will still enjoy the story).
My husband, Dennis, totally surprised me when he revealed who his favorite character was in Adventure 1. It turned out to be Dr. Paul Loring. Although after thinking about it, I could see why he identified with Paul. My husband loved to converse with people—all sorts of people—complete strangers, the homeless, street beggars, professionals, waitresses, store clerks, bus drivers, old friends, new acquaintances, family members, and just about everyone else he came in contact with. And his favorite way to interact with all these people was to tell jokes. Once we were on a week long bus tour and Dennis got on the microphone and entertained all the passengers for hours telling jokes. So it was no wonder that Dennis liked practical joker Paul Loring. Like Paul, Dennis had a passion to help people. If he had not been congenitally blind, he would have entered the medical field. Instead, he became a counselor. He used his skills to work at a crisis center and to work with the blind. Anyway, Dennis urged me to find a way to rehabilitate Dr. Loring. He said that Paul Loring was not really an evil person, and he felt that deep down Paul really wanted to denounce his Tradian origins. I told Dennis I would consider his request. It wasn’t until after Dennis died that I realized that he was right. Paul Loring is redeemable. So, I have decided to honor Dennis’ request. I do hope my readers agree that Dennis made the right call.
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