If you want to read this
book from the beginning, go here. This week Captain Darrow gets reports on the crew and
Ryan takes over sick bay from the injured Dr Robinson. My idea of Ryan is a
young Leonardo de Caprio.
Intruders chapter 13
scenes 1 & 2
Once the Kestrel had
taken off, Darrow called Holland to his office.
‘I’ll read the detailed
reports later,’ Darrow said, ‘but what are your overall impressions as to how
the crew dealt with the situation on Pallas?’
‘Very good overall,
Captain. Everyone played their part, even though conditions in the mine were
difficult. Enns did better than expected. Lieutenant-Commander Hoy said she
was useful, obedient and didn’t complain.’
‘We must make sure she
gets some real training,’ Darrow raised his hand to stop Holland’s protest. ‘I
know there hasn’t been time, but I want you to see to it that the schedule you
drew up gets implemented right away. I don’t want Principal Hernandez
complaining that we misled her. It strikes me that work experience would be
beneficial for all the trainees and we can prove that. We want to create a good
impression. Now, I’m contacting Personnel and telling them I’m taking Kestrel
off-duty until we get crew replacements.’
Holland whistled.
‘They’re not going to like that. They need all the ships out on
patrol.’
‘That’s what I’m counting
on. They sent us out with one short, which is against regulations. Then we
lost Balitoth, now Robinson. I’m putting my foot down.’
'Good luck.' Holland
left.
However, when Darrow
tried to put his foot down he discovered he was out-manoeuvred.
‘Captain Darrow, I was
just about to transmit your new orders,’ said the administrator he got through
to. ‘You are to proceed to T’Lon Space Station immediately.’
‘Now wait a minute,’ said
Darrow. ‘I’ve got an injured MO as well as two other crew missing. I’m not
going anywhere but base.’
‘Captain, T’Lon is no
further from your present position than Earth is, in fact you may get there
sooner.’
‘I have two casualties on
board, who need medical attention.’
‘The medical facilities
on T’Lon are excellent, and the Falcon is there too, waiting for Captain
Holland. His orders will be sent today. He is to report as soon as you
arrive.’
‘What?! He’s not due to
leave the Kestrel for another nine days. I presume you have a new First Officer
lined up for me?’
The administrator shifted
uncomfortably in his seat. ‘Not as yet, Captain. One thing at a
time.’
'Then can you inform me
when new crew will be available and we can be operational?'
There was an awkward
pause. 'We're working on it.'
‘Then I must inform you
the Kestrel is off duty as of now, and will not be leaving T’Lon until she has a
full crew complement.’
‘Duly noted Captain.
Out.’
Darrow was frustrated. He
couldn’t even give the crew leave because there was nowhere to go that didn’t
involve arranging passage on other ships, and no guarantee they could get back
quickly for duty when new crew were finally assigned. He ordered the course
change and called Holland back to his office to break the news.
*
* *
When Ryan awoke, several
hours later, his clothes were clean and folded, and there was a cereal bar and a
drink on his bedside cabinet. He discovered that normal routine had been
re-established and to his surprise the Kestrel was en route to T'Lon and not
Earth.
When he had eaten, showered and dressed, he went to sick bay, where he
found Robinson sleeping and the whole place clean and tidy. His head was still
in a whirl from the events at the mine and he struggled to process it all. Had
he imagined it? To add to his confusion, he realised with a shock there was now
no Medical Officer on duty. Did that mean he was the acting Medical Officer? Or
was Robinson going to run things from his bed? Just then the Captain
arrived.
‘Ah, good, you’re awake. I see Ensign Stubbs has finished. He
asked permission to clean up while you were sleeping. You’ll have to check he
put things in the right place. How are you feeling?’
‘A bit confused right
now sir. It was tough down in the mine, and I didn’t know about the Doctor’s
accident. Is he still MO?’
‘He’ll probably think he is,’ Darrow smiled, ‘but
he can’t do much from his bed. Can you cope for now? It won’t be long - we’re
going to drop off the casualties then we’ll wait for new crew.’
‘Yes, sir.
I’m sure I can manage.’
‘Good man. You'll need to treat the Doctor with the
regenerator too. Ask him what's needed.’ He paused for a second. ‘While I’m
here, can you give me some pain relief?’
‘What’s the problem
Captain?’
‘Oh, it’s nothing serious, I’m sure.’
Ryan took a deep breath.
‘I think that’s for me to say Captain. You did just ask me to take charge, so I
think I should examine you.’
Ryan saw the captain’s hesitation, but after a
moment he gave in with good grace. After all, even an Acting Medical Officer had
the authority to order a Captain off duty in the right circumstances. When
done, Ryan was buoyed by his first success as temporary MO.
[Next week: Darrow sends his findings to his boss and gets an unexpected
reply.]
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