=== Conference Room 31, Fleet Level Area, SB 234:
UNITY ===
== part TWO ===
Trent had read the earlier reports Rangi had made out about
this breakout on the planet. With everything else going on
around the starbase and with the war, he had not put too
much thought on outbreak. He had enough confidence in Rangi
and her people to combat it.
Now, it looked as if they may be in some trouble.
"How contagious is this, Doctor?" Trent asked.
What could she answer other than the truth, feeble as it
sounded.
"I don't know." she replied
Shane nodded: "I can only second Captain Rodgers. I am by
far not underestimating the situation, but quarantining a
whole plant and possible UNITY as well, isn't a peanuts
decision." Looking at Rangi he asked: "Is there any other
alternative how to handle the situation?"
Rangi opened her bag and slid slim padds across the table
top towards Trent and Cortez. Shane she knew already had the
information.
" I can't think of one." she answered, looking at him as she
spoke. " I only know that there is just too much
'coincidence' in all these events and I strongly urge you to
contain what we have."
She paused for a second.
" The research is ongoing but its not getting us any nearer
an answer, if anything its giving us more to question. We
dont know what the cause is or how it works but people have
died, there has been an incident on the planet involving a
medical team and until we have more answers I believe we
have to treat the situation as we find it. I know Aerans
chief administrator wont be happy about financial concerns
but that could be the least of his problems."
Looking at Cortez, Shane asked: "Major, as far I know,
you're not on active duty again. How are you fitting into
this story?"
"I've been helping Commander Summers launch an investigation
into the origins of this illness", Cortez said glancing over
at Summers. "So far the only thing that's certain", he said
looking at the Admiral directly, "Is that if this illness is
contagious, then judging by the amount of people that
Rangi's patient came into contact with before being
quarantined, we are going to have a major outbreak on our
hands very soon.", he paused shortly. "Considering the
related instances, especially what happened on Aeran III, I
would have to agree with the Commander, quarantine and
immediate military lock-down is the correct response, I know
its not easy politically", he took a shot at Shane, "but for
the safety of the actual lives of the people on this base
its the only response worth considering".
The XO leaned forward.
"I'm not that concerned about the starbase. We can lock this
place down if necessary," Trent said. "It's Aeran III that
is the big concern. Do we even have the resources here to
impliment quarantine? Many of our ships are spread
throughout the warzone. In order for a successful
quarantine, we'd have to pull those assets from critical
areas."
Shane nodded towards his XO and said: "That's a valid
question, thank you for bringing this up. We have one
advantage, UNITY's internal sensors and our sensor
network. We can use that sensor data to cover all Arean III
to be sure we do not miss any ship leaving the planet. Then
we have to place three, maybe just 2 capital ships on
synchronal orbit that can intercept any ships attempting to
leave."
Looking at Trent he asked: "Would you agree with such a
plan, Captain?"
The XO nodded, "It should be sufficient."
Looking at the team, Shane said: "Unless someone can give
me an alternative, we have to lock down Aeran III …" -
Hide quoted text -
Rangi gave a slight shake of her head as Shane's glance
passed to her. It could be a waste of resources and efforts,
it could even be a waste of time but as far as she was
concerned, it was essential.
Shane nodded: "One more question." Looking at Cortez, he
asked: "I know you are not yet cleared for full duty, but
is there a way how do you see your support in this
situation?"
"Any questions regarding my health and ability to return to
active duty I would have to direct towards Commander
Summers", Richard answered directly. "However she has
agreed to allow me to participate in the investigation on a
temporary basis, I plan on returning to the Chimera once we
get this mess sorted out, or she clears me ... whichever
comes first".
Rangi answered Shane's questioning glance. "Yes." she said
"...although the Major isn't fit for front line duty, his
expertise will be invaluable for us here."
Shane nodded like making up his mind at last. Looking at
Rang he said: "All right, Commander. You have my approval to
quarantine Aeran III. Captain Rodgers will supply you with 2
capital ships that will enforce the quarantine. You can use
even the Qashqai as a fat reaction ship, having three ships
in total. UNITY shall stay open for now, but on the first
sign that the disease is spreading, she will be locked down
as well".
Looking at Cortez he said: "Major, I cannot do any decision
regarding your duty status, but with Commander Summer's
approval, I would like you to head down to Aeran III and
search for the cause of this disease. Somehow I am not
willing to believe that it's a natural disease and since I
know you … I am quite sure you can go and dig for the
cause."
Looking around, Shane added: "I expect daily reports from
Commander Summers and Major Cortez, we have a serious
situation here and I entrust it into your capable hands.
Captain Rodgers will supervise this operation and ask for
more resources if necessary."
After a small sigh he said: "You have your orders, you're
dismissed!"
====== end of log ======
Rear Admiral Shane Guzman
CO, 1st TF, SSF Command
CO, SB 234: UNITY
&
Captain Trent Rodgers
XO, 1st TF, SSF Command
XO, SB 234: UNITY
&
Major Richard Cortez
CSEC
USS Chimera
&
Commander Rangi Summers
Medical advisor, 1st TF, SSF Command
CMO, SB 234: UNITY
