(Part2 )
=== Conference Room 31, Fleet Level Area, SB 234:
UNITY ===
[She asked again for a quarantine of the planet and
explained about the missing medical team then added:
" But its worse than that. Someone arrived off a shuttle and
had the same symptoms. I put her in isolation but...she died
this afternoon. We have to consider that this illness or
whatever it is, is onboard Unity too." ]
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 contaigous is this, Doctor?" Trent asked.
What could she answer other than the truth, feeble as it
sounded? " I dont know." she replied
Shane nodded: "I can only second Captain Rodgers. I am by
far not underestimating the situation, but quarantining a
whole planet 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 a 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
synchrone 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 sufficent."
Looking at the team, Shane said: "Unless someone can give
me an alternative, we have to lock down Aeran III …"
Rangi gave a slight shake of her head as Shanes 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 Shanes questioning glance.
"Yes." she said "...although the Major isnt fit for front
line duty, his expertise will be invaluable for us here."
Shane glanced from one to the other. " Very well." he said.
" First things first...Aeran III."
*** End Log ***
Rear Admiral Shane Guzman
Commanding Officer
SB 234: UNITY and SSF First Taskforce
&
Captain Trent Rodgers
Executive Officer
SB 234: UNITY and SSF First Taskforce
&
Major Richard Cortez
CSEC
USS Chimera
&
Commander Rangi Summers
CMO SB Unity
Med Adv 1st Taskforce
