Death Haunts the Stars Read online

  Dr. Charlotte Rivers smiled at her husband then her friend before replying, "And for that I'm grateful. So grateful, I'm going to give you a free, all expenses paid vacation in the Med Center while nanites work on your shoulder." She gave Bradley an injection for the pain then signaled her techs to take him to the Med Center.

  **********

  The Captain's Mast convened at 15:30 hours that afternoon. Crewmember Hiram Holcroft was brought to the proceedings in a wheelchair with his broken jaw wired shut. After opening the proceedings, Captain Rivers had the ship's Judge Advocate General read the charges against Holcroft. Crewmember Jenkins and other members of the cargo crew were brought in to testify regarding the attacks upon Jenkins by Holcroft and Shields. Members of Security who had responded to and participated in the search for Holcraft and Shields then testified. Finally, a video deposition made by Commander McLelland Bradley in the Med Center was played.

  "Crewmember Hiram Holcroft," Rivers began, "these are the charges and testimony against you in this case. Do you offer any evidence to counter what has been made against you?"

  Holcroft shifted uncomfortably in his wheelchair before mumbling through his wired jaw. "I shoulda...signed on to...another ship...or stayed on Earth! You ain't...got no authority over me!" His words were slurred by the immobility of his jaw but the others could understand him. Holcroft began to curse the captain and the crew of the Conestoga. It seemed, the man got more worked up the more he talked, causing the two security officers on either side of him to reach out to restrain him.

  Captain Rivers raised his right hand to halt the guards. "Let him be. Crewmember Holcroft, I ask you again, do you have any evidence to provide to counter the evidence against you?" Holcroft starting cursing again and thrashing about in his wheelchair and Rivers let the guards restrain him this time.

  "Very well, then. Crewmember Hiram Holcroft, you have been found to have participated in the attacks upon Crewmember Jenkins, Commander Bradley, and myself. Having faced previous disciplinary action aboard the TCV Conestoga and having been warned of the consequences of further aberrant behavior, I hereby order you placed into stasis. You will remain in stasis until such time as you are remanded into the custody of the Terran Colonial Fleet and Fleet Security for the purposes of standing trials for your crimes. Guards, remove the prisoner to Stasis Compartment Four. I shall notify the Med Center and stasis techs to anticipate your arrival." Rivers said formally. "Take him away! This proceeding is over!" With that, Rivers rose and left the room.

  The guards wheeled Holcroft to the designated stasis compartment where they were met by a doctor and two stasis techs. The doctor and stasis techs worked fast and forty minutes later, Holcroft was in stasis! One more threat to the Conestoga had been removed.

  Three decks up and two compartments to port, Father Wilkes, the ship's chaplain, said a short prayer over a body bag resting on a gurney. Finished, he stepped back and Ensign Kyle Felton opened a small airlock's inner door. Two other security officers pushed the gurney into the airlock. They lifted the body bag from the gurney and set it down on the airlock's deck. Then they wheeled the gurney out of the airlock and the officer at the airlock controls closed the inner door.

  When the control panel showed the airlock was sealed on the inside, the officer pumped out most of the air within the small chamber. When the air pressure within the airlock reached a quarter of normal ship's atmospheric pressure, the officer pressed down on the external hatch's emergency override button then pressed the open button. The airlock's outer hatch shot open and the air pressure remaining in the airlock shot the last mortal remains of Tyler Shields out into the vacuum of deep space.

  Ensign Felton worked the controls to close the outer hatch then repressurized the airlock. With his task complete, he nodded to the chaplain and the security specialists then all four men returned to their duties. Former Crewmember Shields would no longer present a danger to the passengers and crew of the TCV Conestoga.

  **********

  Captain Rivers dropped by the Med Center later that evening to visit Mac Bradley. The security chief was heavily medicated, sleepy, and complained loudly that the medical nanites working inside his shoulder were alternately painful and itchy. Rivers brought Bradley up to date on the Captain's Mast and Holcroft's mumbled outburst.

  Bradley tried to stifle a yawn...and failed. "James, it looks like we got read of two trouble makers in the crew! Hopefully, there aren't any more!"

  "That's what I'm thinking also," Rivers admitted. "We're going to have to double down on our review of the personnel records." He paused to grin as Bradley fought a losing battle against fatigue and medications. The security chief's eyes were at half-mast and he was struggling to stay alert.

  "We'll talk about it more tomorrow, Mac. For now, get some rest," said Rivers. As he turned to leave, Dr. Charlotte Rivers walked up to her husband.

  "Let me give Mac a look-see and then you may escort me to a late dinner, Captain Husband Sir!" she said with mock seriousness.

  "Then I shall await you by yonder doorway, madam!" Rivers responded with a bow and a grin. Posting himself by the Med Center's primary entrance, Rivers sent out a call to the bridge via his implant. When Commander O'Reilly answered, he 'spoke' to her neuroelectronically. Meaghan, Mac's going to be okay. They've got him doped to the gills to let the nanites do their thing. I'm going to take Charlotte to dinner; would you care to join us?

  O'Reilly's 'voice' came to him via the implant. Things are quiet up here, Captain. I think they can spare me for a little while, she responded.

  Excellent, thought Rivers, meet us in the Captain's Mess in say...15 minutes?

  Will do, sir! replied O'Reilly cheerfully.

  Charlotte Rivers soon joined her husband by the doorway. "Mac's responding well to the nanite therapy. We may have to keep him sedated though to get him to relax and let those things do their work."

  Rivers chuckled and asked, "Or to keep him quiet so he won't drive you and your staff crazy complaining about the pinching and itching?"

  Charlotte looked at her husband and said, "Both! Shall we go to dinner, James?"

  Taking his wife's arm, Rivers led them from the Med Center and towards dinner. "I hope you don't mind but I've invited Meaghan to join us for dinner?"

  Charlotte smiled and said, "That's fine, James!"

  Several minutes later, the Rivers and Meaghan O'Reilly were seated at the table in the Captain's Mess while two stewards brought in breads, wine, and appetizers. One steward asked the trio if they wanted the chef to fix something special for them or if they wanted to choose from the evening's menu. James, Charlotte, and Meaghan insisted they didn't want to put the chef to any special trouble and asked about the prepared fare. The steward read the evening's menu from a tablet and then took their orders, promising to be back shortly with their food.

  James poured glasses of wine for the ladies and then poured one for himself. As they relaxed and sipped their wine, Rivers spoke, "Charlotte assures me that Mac will recover shortly...as long as he doesn't irritate the medical staff too much." Meaghan laughed, as did Charlotte.

  The captain paused to nibble on a dinner roll before continuing. "But, we have a major problem. Holcroft and Shields were troublemakers. They may have even been associated with the EOM. Mac and I are now fairly certain that we have more Earth Only people aboard! And there's a chance that some of them may be in amongst the crew!"

  "Damn! How could they get past the background checks run by Fleet Security?" O'Reilly asked. Her eyes widened as a thought struck her. "Unless they have infiltrated Fleet Security as well!"

  James nodded, "And therein lies another major problem. Fleet Security runs the background checks on passengers and crew! Mac, his senior security officers, and I have begun reviewing personnel records. Meaghan, I'd like you to clear some time to lend us a hand. Bring in Rafe Ramos, as well."

  Meaghan O'Reilly paused a moment before responding. "Uh, Captain, Commanders Bradley and Ramos and the senior
security personnel are all long-term members of the Conestoga's crew. This is my first cruise aboard her. I could be part of the problem, sir!"

  James Rivers leaned forward, looked directly into his Executive Officer's eyes for a moment. "Are you?" Rivers asked. "I don't think so! You and I have settled any concerns I may have had. Plus, the folks I spoke with when reviewing your assignment to the Connie are above reproach and thus their recommendations of you are above reproach. Meaghan, you have both my trust and my respect. Let's move on, shall we?"

  O'Reilly relaxed and smiled slightly. "Thanks, Captain! I appreciate that. When do we start?"

  "I think we can wait for the morning," James said. "We'll get everyone together, bring in Mac by teleconference if his doctor will allow, and discuss it. In the meantime, our dinners shall be here momentarily so let's enjoy a quiet evening among friends. Right, Honey?" he asked his wife.

  Charlotte grinned and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Indeed! So, Meaghan, how are you settling in working with this guy of mine?"

  Meaghan smiled then answered, "Just fine, Doc...uh...Charlotte! The Captain is great to work for."

  "Now now, Meaghan. You work with me!" James responded. "We, all of us, are a team."

  "Yes sir...James! And it's a good team! Professional, sharp, and a joy to work with," said Meaghan. Before she could say anything more, two stewards entered with their meals and set the plates carefully before them. After making sure everything was satisfactory, the stewards left them to enjoy their meals and conversation. The rest of the meal was spent in casual, friendly conversation interrupted only when a steward wheeled in a cart that carried coffee service and deserts.

  Chapter 9

  Ship's Log

  Terran Colonial Vessel Conestoga

  Earthdate: November 25, 2219

  Captain James B. Rivers, Commanding

  Day: 64

  It's Thanksgiving Day back home in the United States! I remember the Thanksgivings of my youth...with lots of turkey, mashed potatoes, football, and the Wizard of Oz. Our Thanksgiving Day celebration aboard the Conestoga will be a more subdued affair. Not all of our personnel are Americans and some don't celebrate the holiday at all. And, of course, the threat hanging over us has certainly mellowed the mood of many of our personnel.

  It's been three weeks since the attack in Cargo Bay Two. Mac Bradley has been back on duty for almost a week and we've gone over everyone's personnel files from front to back. And still we're no closer to identifying any more saboteurs on board the Conestoga.

  During Mac's time in the Med Center, he worked closely with Dr. Allison Schmidt trying to create a computer program of the psychological profile of the average Earth Only Movement member; perhaps the only piece of data on the movement NOT in the ship's library. Mac and Dr. Schmidt hope to finalize their computer program soon and will have the program analyze everyone's psychological record against the profile. That might turn up something.

  An interesting side note: Mac's time with Dr. Schmidt has also given him time to get to know her a little better...and vice versa. Charlotte and I think this could be the beginning of a romance for the two of them! Charlotte has promised to keep me posted on developments in that area.

  The past three weeks have been quiet. It reminds me of the old Western movies where someone would say, "It's quiet...too quiet!"...just before an attack upon the wagon train. Kind of fitting...the Conestoga, named after a type of wagon used during the journeys west across the North American continent. Except we're a lone 'wagon' without other settlers nearby to assist us if anything goes wrong.

  Otherwise, the Connie is on course and on schedule. Commander Bradley and I are going to walk the ship today, touch base with our crew and passengers, and get a feel for morale aboard ship.

  "Come!" Captain James Rivers called out when the door to his ready room chimed. The door slid open and Commander Mac Bradley entered the room. "Morning, Mac! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm just about ready. Grab a cup of coffee, if you'd like. I'll just be a moment."

  "Happy Thanksgiving, Skipper! I'll pass on the coffee, thanks," Bradley replied. He found himself a quiet spot to lean against a wall to wait. Rivers speed read through another maintenance report on more power fluctuations in the stasis bays then digitally signed the document to show he'd reviewed it. Rivers clicked on the 'Close Document' icon and the document was sent to the ship's archive.

  With a sigh, Rivers rose and stretched the kinks out of his back. With a tilt of his head, he signaled Bradley to follow him out onto the bridge. They walked around the ship's command center, checking ship's status displays and speaking with crewmembers. When they reached the Communications Station, Lieutenant Commander Jon Bynes asked if they needed freshly charged comm units or stunners.

  "No thanks, Jon. We're good to go!" replied Rivers. Bradley tossed the comm officer a jaunty salute and a smile. "Commander Polewytewa, you have the conn. I'll be back later."

  Wynona Polewytewa nodded. "Aye, sir! I have the conn."

  "Don't let Commander Bradley get you lost, Captain!" said Lieutenant Commander Willem Gaines, the ship's navigator, teasing the security chief.

  Bradley stopped short of entering the elevator and clutched his chest, acting as if he was wounded. "Awwww...Will! It only happened once! And that was on a really large space station." In the elevator behind Bradley, Captain Rivers shook his head and held up one hand showing two fingers.

  Seeing the bridge crew laughing, Bradley turned and saw the captain's two fingers. "Et tu, Mon Capitaine?" he groaned as he entered the elevator, a bemused smile upon his face. The elevator doors closed, cutting off any further comments from Bradley.

  **********

  Rivers and Bradley took their time walking the ship. They made their way downward from the bridge deck, visiting each lower deck in turn. Along the way, they spoke with the people they encountered, checked on the ship's systems, and generally reassured themselves that all was well aboard the Conestoga.

  The officers were particularly interested in work areas where the teenage apprentices worked alongside the Connie's crewmembers. In each case, they found morale and efficiency up, the compartments were spic and span, and the equipment positively shined. The crewmembers took pride in the high levels of knowledge and skill demonstrated by their young apprentices and the teenagers took pride in those things as well.

  Several teenagers told the captain how much they were benefiting from what they were learning. Each of them was now ahead of the curve in their computer-based education and training programs. Their parents had even complimented them on their studiousness and work ethics!

  Captain Rivers thanked the crewmembers helping with the apprenticeship program and complimented the teenagers. He also thanked them for helping make the Conestoga a better ship and that he was proud to have them as part of his crew!

  Lieutenant Barkley met Rivers and Bradley at the main hatch to the Hydroponics 'Farm'. As always, he handed the captain a raw potato to eat. Bradley began making faces and acting as if he was gagging just to tease his commanding officer. Rivers ignored his friend and happily munched on his favorite treat as Barkley led them into the 'Farm' and introduced him to the teenagers who were assisting him there and in the arboretum. The young lieutenant still walked with a slight limp with his left leg. Apparently the poisoning had caused some nerve and muscle damage. Dr. Rivers assured Barkley that the limp was only temporary and that with further treatment and physical therapy he would recover fully...in time!

  "Gene, what have you guys been doing in here?" Rivers asked, waving his hands around at all the new plant growth. He had never seen the compartment so green and full of plant life. Every plant was healthy and producing bumper crops of vegetables.

  A smile spread across Gene Barkley's face. "It's the kids, sir! They've helped double our capacity by rigging more trays and piping. They've worked with cuttings and seedlings and even found a way to help route more CO2 through our system and help take some of the load off the CO2 scrubbers. Wh
en you are through here, I'd like to show you what they've done with the arboretum!"

  Rivers spent some time examining the modifications to the 'Farm' then spoke with the young apprentices. The captain complimented their ingenuity and hard work then thanked them for their contributions to the ship and the mission to Camadin. After shaking hands with each apprentice, Rivers and Bradley let LT Barkly escort them to the arboretum.

  Just like the 'Farm', the arboretum was lush and green. New paths had been made through arched and interlocked tree branches. Somehow, they had redesigned and enlarged the small pond, allowing more fish to be stocked in it!

  "Look over here, sirs, they've redesigned the paths and benches to provide more privacy and increased the feeling of being in a forest rather than a large compartment inside a ship. And look how healthy the plants look! These kids are amazing, sirs!" Barkley reported with great pride in his young charges.

  Rivers smiled at Barkley's enthusiasm. "Seems like the apprenticeship program has been a major success across the board...for the kids, our people, and our ship!" said the captain to his young officer. "I expect a full report from you on all activities and modifications made to the 'Farm' and the arboretum. It'll go into my full report on the apprenticeship program to be sent to Earth. I can't believe no one has thought of this before!"

  "I'm almost finished writing it, Captain! It should be on your screen first thing tomorrow morning, sir!" replied Barkley.

  "Very good, Lieutenant Barkley, carry on!" said Rivers as he clapped Barkley on the shoulder and shook his hand before gathering his chief of security and leaving the arboretum.

  About an hour later, Captain Rivers and Commander entered Main Engineering in search of Commander Pat Deckard, the ship's chief engineer. They found him in another compartment working with a team of engineers. Deckard and his personnel were tearing open one of the ship's many atmosphere regeneration plants.