Freedom

by Maureen Toonkel

  Someone tapped her on the shoulder. She swizzled around in her chair to see Nurse Jill Mann standing quietly, holding a silver flash drive in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other hand. The nurse was of medium height with a fair complexion. She sported bright blue eyes that went well with her wavy shoulder length honey-brown hair.

  Jill stretched out both her arms toward Marlana. “The drive has the results from the lab. And I thought you might like a cup of coffee.” Marlana smiled, took the two items, and thanked the nurse. Jill turned to leave and then swung her head over her shoulder. “Oh, by the way, doctor. I slipped some Stay Awake tablets into the coffee.” Marlana smiled again then took some sips from the mug before setting it down. She popped the flash drive into the computer and brought up the lab results.

  While the information from the lab was inconclusive, it did confirm her hypothesis that the patients were poisoned. Both the apples and the hypo, as well as Dave’s blood and urine all contained a foreign substance. Lieutenant Louis Johns, the Gladiator’s epidemiologist suggested that the unknown substance was polluted water. If that was true, where did the water come from, and why was it being injected into apples? As Dr. Berg read further, she learned that the infected water could be from a number of sources such as lakes, whirlpool spas, or cooling systems. The report concluded that the bacteria discovered in Dave’s system was not one identified in the current databases. That meant that it was either a new strain or an old one that no longer poses a threat to humanoids. Dr. Johns said he would be searching old databases to see what else he could find.

  Swallowing a mouth full of the laced coffee, Marlana read the report again and then twice more. Something sounded familiar. She had taken a course in medical school on rare and obsolete diseases. It was a subject she found fascinating. The class centered on diseases that with the advances of scientific knowledge had been eliminated either by vaccinations or environmental protection systems. These diseases included polio, tuberculosis, HIV, small pox, salmonella, e-coli, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, malaria, SARS, Ebola, Zintok, and a host of others.

  Marlana let out a yawn. She removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes. Something about cooling systems was gnawing at her. As she reached for the coffee mug, it hit her. She put her glasses back on and typed in Legionnaires’ disease. The screen filled up with a page from the United Galaxy Command’s Medical Encyclopedia of Rare Conditions.

  Legionella bacteria, commonly known as Legionnaires’ disease, was a type of pneumonia derived from sources such as hot tubs, air conditioners, ice making machines, refrigerators, fountains, dental equipment, industrial coolers, and hot springs. Nowadays the disease no longer exists, as all of these devices and bodies of water are treated with neutralizing chemicals that prevent the formation of infected bacteria.

  The disease derived its name when it was first discovered in 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There was an outbreak among several thousand attendees of an American Legion convention. Of those who were at the hotel that hosted the convention, 221 were infected resulting in 34 deaths. It took about six months to determine the cause of the outbreak, which turned out to be the air conditioning system.

  Symptoms of legionella included those common to pneumonia or appearing to be flu-like i.e. fever, chills, dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, gastrointestinal tract disorders, and nervous system issues. These symptoms eventually led to nausea and diarrhea and sometimes confusion.

  Once the bacterium was inside the host it could take from two days to two weeks to manifest. Not everyone exposed to the bacteria contracted the disease. Most people survived but ten percent died. At the time when legionella was still prevalent, the most effective treatment was antibiotics such as doxycycline or ciprofloxacin among others. The faster treatment was started the better the chances were for survival. A vaccine specific for legionella was never developed.

  Marlana leaned back, removed her glasses again, and rubbed her eyes. That’s it she thought. It is Legionnaires’ disease. We need to get treatment started immediately to those who have it and the many who may have it and don’t yet know it. But where is the source of the contaminated water? That would help to confirm my diagnosis.

  She dug out her stat phone, which was buried deep in her uniform pocket, and dialed the number for the Medical Lab. Lieutenant Johns answered the phone.

  “Mr. Johns, I have determined that we are dealing with Legionnaires’ disease,” Marlana blurted into the speaker. “I need you to determine exactly what the source is of the infected water.”

  “Sure, I’ve already begun some tests. I will keep you posted,” responded Johns. “Legionnaires’ disease. Uh. Who would have thought that?”

  Marlana hung up and dialed the number for Sick Bay.

  “Get me Dr. Carter, STAT,” she ordered when Jill Mann answered the phone. After waiting impatiently for almost a minute she heard Tobias Carter say, “Hello?” Then she shouted briskly into the phone, “Toby, start Dave Andrews on an antibiotic regime for bacterial infection.”

  “What kind of bacteria are we talking about?” he asked.

  “Legionella, as in Legionnaires’ disease. We must hurry.”

  “How on earth did you come up with Legionnaires’ disease? That’s been eradicated for decades.”

  “May be in the civilized world, but apparently not on Brisula. Please hurry. Without immediate treatment the disease can be fatal. I need to get in contact with the Captain. I’ll come by Sick Bay once I’ve spoken with him. And oh, we are going to need massive doses of antibiotics. Can you tell the pharmacy to start preparing for possible production? Thanks.”

  After consulting with the communications officer on duty, she was connected to Jackson Greene. Officer Greene told her that the Captain had returned to Brisula. He was not sure if he could be reached. Jackson agreed to try to get word to Captain Stoner that it was imperative that he call the doctor.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  June 27, 0000 Hours

  Peeking through the window, Lieutenant Keith Hampton could see that all the lights in the Dispatch office were turned off except for a small gooseneck lamp sitting upon the reception counter. Keith pushed open the glass door and entered with his team following behind. It appeared that no one was manning the front desk. Peering over the dark brown wooden counter he spied two figures entwined on the floor. He rapped his knuckles heavily on the countertop and a woman officer dressed in a green UGC uniform popped up.

  “May I help you?” she inquired, reaching up and smoothing her light blonde hair, which was quite entangled and leaning to one side of her head. The name Childs was displayed on the left side of her tunic.

  “Who else is down there?” asked Keith. “Is it Danielli?” Upon hearing his name, the officer rose from under the counter and stood beside the woman. He, too, had mussed up hair, and his uniform top was noticeably disheveled.

  “You’re back,” he exclaimed, looking at Keith. “I thought you returned to the surface. You were supposed to stay there upon orders from Captain Torgenson.”

  “Yes, I’m back and I brought my friends,” replied Keith. “As for those orders from Captain Torgenson, I’d like to talk to him about that. Where is he?”

  “He will only tell you to go back to your ship. You are not needed here.”

  “I beg to differ. Captain Torgenson is not following Admiral Wilcox’s directive. He and his crew were ordered to assist the Brisulans in transitioning to life on the planet’s surface. The slaves were to be freed and allowed to return to their homes. None of that is happening.” Keith paused and then again demanded to know where Torgenson was.

  “How dare you insinuate that Captain Torgenson is disobeying orders,” spat Danielli. “He is doing what needs to be done in the manner that he sees best. So get outta here.”

  “We are not going anywhere. If you will not tell us where the Captain is, then I guess we will just have to wait here for him. Now, please step from behind the counter and have a seat on
the floor,” ordered Keith.

  “You can go to hell,” yelled Danielli. He grabbed Childs, pulled her down, and the two disappeared from Keith’s sight.

  Keith turned around to face his team. “Assist me,” he said. Dennis Pearson, Bonnie Shea, and Ben Rubin stepped forward. “Let’s drag them out.”

  The four officers walked behind the counter and seized the man and woman. Childs surrendered willingly but Danielli came kicking and screaming.

  “Tie them to the bench,” said Keith. “Remove any weapons or communications devices from both of them.”

  As Lieutenant Shea began patting Childs down, the young woman blurted out. “Please wait. I will tell you where the Captain is.”

  “Thelma, no. Don’t tell them anything,” pleaded Danielli.

  “I need to. It is the right thing to do,” said Childs addressing Danielli, who was sitting crossed-legged on the floor with his hands tied to the cast-iron leg of the lobby bench. “Ever since we got here I have been disturbed by how the Captain has been treating the slaves. He shows no compassion to their situation. He has been working them to death and depriving them of food, sleep, and sanitary living conditions. It just isn’t right. Perhaps these officers can talk some sense into the Captain.” She turned away from Danielli to face Bonnie Shea. “Captain Torgenson’s quarters are in an office at the back of the main Greenhouse.”

  “I thank you most sincerely,” said Keith Hampton. “Now, I will give you a choice. We can tie you up here with your boyfriend or you can come along with us.”

  Thelma Childs looked over at Officer Danielli who returned her stare with a menacing scowl that spanned across his face. She chose to accompany Keith’s group.

  With Hampton leading the way, the troop left the Dispatch office and headed up the 7 Passageway to the F Lane. Going right would lead them to the 11 Passageway. Hopefully the gate at the intersection will still be open as it was when Captain Stoner and I were there before, thought Keith. It brought back memories of their escape last time. He pictured himself standing on the Captain’s shoulders as he worked swiftly to disable the blue gas. That was followed with an image of Wayne Shasta and Beverly Glenna racing down the E Lane toward the Captain, while he was up in the small hatch handing down dinghies.

  “Which way?” asked Dennis Pearson.

  Keith realized they had come to the barrier that blocked off the entrance to the Blue Zone. He tugged on the gate and it swung open. Yes! “We pass through the gateway and turn to the left. This will take us straight to the Greenhouses on the J Lane.”

  They trotted silently, heading north through the tunnel. There were no lights on at the Greenhouse and no sign of anyone present. Keith asked Dennis Pearson to pick the lock to the entryway.

  “It’s spooky in here,” announced Bonnie Shea as she and the others tip-toed through the dark building. Keith had to agree with her. Normally greenhouses were made of clear glass, especially the ceilings. During the daytime the sun shone brightly giving the plants the energy they required. At night the moonlight cast shimmering shadows across the walls and floors. But this greenhouse was quite different. Since there was no sun or moon down here under the ground, the Greenhouse was a brick and mortar facility with only a few windows. It was very dark inside. The glow from the group’s flashlights made the plants appear as monsters lurking in the darkness.

  At the very back of the Greenhouse there was a row of wooden doors. Each had a small red and white metal sign nailed on at eye level. One sign in particular piqued Keith’s curiosity. The sign read Authorized Personnel Only. Two doors further down they came to a doorway that was labeled Manager and below the tin plaque someone had tacked on a piece of cardboard with DO NOT ENTER scrawled on it in large black letters.

  Keith knocked loudly on the door. He heard someone yell, “Go away, I’m resting.” He knocked again, this time louder. The person inside screamed, “I said I’m resting. Now get lost.” Once again Keith rapped on the door. The gruff voice angrily shouted, “What the hell is so important that can’t wait until morning?” The door jerked open, and there stood a surprised Captain Torgenson in blue UGC issued pajamas.

  “Good evening, sir,” said Lieutenant Hampton. “Would you be so kind as to step out into the walkway?”

  “I will do no such thing. What is the meaning of this?”

  “Please step out,” repeated Keith.

  “Look here young man, I don’t know what you want, but I do not intend to listen to orders from some snot-nosed kid.” Victor Torgenson started to back up as he reached to close the door.

  “I would listen to this young man, if I were you,” said Dennis Pearson. “Things will go much easier if you do. Don’t make it harder than it has to be.”

  The Captain looked over to see who was talking. “I remember you,” he said to Dennis. “I found your attitude to be intolerable. The lot of you can go to the devil for all I care.” It was then that he noticed the short blonde woman standing among the group. “Childs, what the hell are you doing here? Have they kidnapped you?”

  “Sir, please listen to them. They are here to try and set things right,” answered officer Thelma Childs.

  “I have no intention of listening to this gang.” Torgenson again began to move backward.

  Keith pushed his shoulder against the door so it smashed into the wall. “Get him,” he ordered. Within seconds the team pushed forward into the office. Only it was no longer an office. It had been converted into living quarters complete with a bed, lamp table, recliner, and a wooden desk. The Captain was trapped as there was no back door or windows through which he could escape.

  Dennis Pearson grabbed Victor and shoved him down on the black leather recliner. A couple of the Architectural Engineering Team officers came over and held the Captain down while Dennis tied his hands together.

  “I’ve been dreaming of this moment,” he told Victor Torgenson as he gave one final tug on the ropes around the Captain’s wrists.

  “Now, let’s go check out that room that says Authorized Personnel Only,” announced Keith.

  Josh’s thoughts were all a jumble as he led his troop down the 7 Passageway to the C Lane intersection. A right turn led to the Punishment Center. He instinctively reached behind his head and touched the area at the bottom of his neck. The scabs were all gone, but the area where the rawhide whip had slashed his back was still tender. He shook his head to release the awful memory of being chained to the whipping post. He motioned for the group to go left. That direction led to the Gravel Pits, a place that brought more distasteful memories. It was there that he and his officers spent days in the stinky pits digging through dirty mounds of gravel with heavy wooden shovels. Josh commanded everyone to take a left onto the 4 Passageway. As the silver tunnel disappeared and was replaced by moist muddy walls, Josh was filled with the most painful memories of all. This path would take them straight into the Cages. It was there that he called Ensign Glenna a slut, and Keith had responded by punching him in the jaw. Of course, that was what he was hoping Keith would do, but it still was an unpleasant experience. Especially the part where I socked Keith in the stomach, thought Josh. The Cages were where he discovered that being locked up for days like a caged animal was the most humiliating experience of his career. It was also where Wayne Shasta developed his devotion to the slaves, which eventually led to his untimely death. Why did I let him go with Torgenson? I am as much responsible for Wayne’s death as Keith is.

  “What now, Captain?” asked Commodore Naper. They had come to the end of the path. The large metal gate that closed off the area housing the Cages stood tall before them. Josh reached into his pocket and withdrew a ring of keys that Keith Hampton had given him before the two teams had gone their separate ways. It was the keys Keith had removed from Wayne Shasta’s fallen body. Josh handed the ring to Seaman Chase.

  “One of those keys should unlock the latch,” said the Captain. “Go ahead, Chase, and open it. The rest of you be prepared to storm the gate. There usually are o
nly a couple of guards on duty during the night. We should be able to overtake them.”

  Neil Chase found a key that easily turned in the lock, and he swung the gate open. The UGC officers rushed in. Two Brisulan guards were sitting slumped over on a wooden bench in front of the B Cage. They were surprised by the intimidating crowd that all of a sudden surrounded them. The sleepy guards surrendered without putting up a fuss.

  Josh tossed the roll of duct tape, that Keith had also given him, to Chase and instructed him and Evans to bind the guards to the cage fence. Then he addressed the slaves who were all watching him though the cages.

  “I am Captain Joshua Stoner from the U.S.S. Gladiator. Some of you probably remember me when I was one of you in Cage C. As you may also recall, I and my crewmembers left Brisula, but we promised to come back and free all of you. Well, I am here to keep that promise, but I need your help.”

  “Yeah, we’ve heard that before. Wayne Shasta said he was going to come back and help us, and all he did was join forces with our captors. Why should we trust you?” yelled out a male slave from the D Cage.

  “I can understand your skepticism,” responded Josh. “Unfortunately, Lieutenant Shasta placed his faith and trust in Captain Torgenson who does not truly understand your dire situation. Wayne was clearly conflicted. He felt that he had to obey the commands of his new Captain, but believe me, he was on your side. He called me several times, concerned about your plight. That is why I came back.”

  “What help do you need from us?” shouted a slave in the A Cage. Josh turned to look at the man before answering. He smiled as he realized that he recognized the slave.

  “Hom,” he said. “I owe you a big thanks for your help last time. Now I need to ask you for more help.”

  “What kind of help?” responded Hom.