Freedom

by Maureen Toonkel

  Keith turned toward Wayne. Hugging his friend tightly, he said, “It is sure good to see you. But unfortunately it is going to be a short reunion.” He let go of Wayne and grinned. “It looks like we are trapped.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  June 27, 1545 Hours

  For a little while Captain Stoner found himself alone. After exiting the elevator, he had escorted the final group of slaves to the Construction Site where Hom was watching over the newly freed slaves. Then he headed by himself to the Greenhouses. At the entrance he greeted Commodore Naper and Ben Rubin, both of whom he earlier had dispatched to the Greenhouses to stand watch after clearing out any remaining slaves or Brisulan citizens. Now being all by himself, his mind began racing as he followed Keith’s directions to Torgenson’s room. Things are going too smoothly. It can’t be that easy. I just know that something is bound to go wrong. I can feel it in my gut. Have I missed something? He hashed over the events of the past several hours. Nothing that could possibly be a deterrent came to him. But why can’t I shake this feeling of foreboding?

  He wanted to check out Torgenson’s living quarters. Maybe there would be some clue as to why Victor had tried to kill him. But Captain Stoner was curious about something else. He decided to squelch his curiosity before starting on Victor’s room. The main Greenhouse seemed to be the focal point of activity for both the Tradians and Captain Torgenson. However, there was another Greenhouse connected to the main building by a cobblestone path. To access that Greenhouse, one needed to go through the main house and exit out a back door. Josh decided to check it out. He located the back door, which had a sign tacked onto it.

  Josh dug out a lock pick from the pouch resting on his right hip and easily picked the lock. The door swung open. The scene that greeted Josh was incredible. Under normal circumstances the sweet fragrance that permeated the air and assaulted his nostrils would be pleasurable. But now it brought his nausea back into play. The overwhelming scent of apples was making him queasy. He had entered a massive apple orchard. There were literally hundreds of plush trees loaded with bright red apples. It was actually a breathtaking vista, however, the only notion that Josh could muster was the evil that had been inflicted with that red fruit. I wondered where the Tradians were getting the apples from, thought Josh, as he backed out of the orchard and shut the door tight.

  His mind was still in a state of unrest as he pushed open the door to Captain Torgenson’s quarters. He began delving through some papers on the wooden desk but didn’t get very far when he heard his name being shouted. Stepping out of the room he yelled, “Denny, I’m way back here.”

  Dennis Pearson came strolling up the corridor. He was followed by Colin Evans, Marlana Berg, Seaman Chase, and Colonel Flax. Josh was glad to see them all. He had left instructions that everyone was to rendezvous at the Greenhouse.

  “Captain,” said Dr. Berg excitedly. “I have good news. We may have identified the source of the infected water. Colonel Flax said there are freezer units in the Food Service area.”

  “Yes, I have seen those,” replied the Captain. “They are certainly an older type of freezer, dripping with condensation. I will dispatch someone to collect some samples.”

  “I have some more good news,” continued Marlana, still quite excited. “The Colonel and I visited the Hospital, and the medical personnel were very anxious to assist us with the distribution of the antibiotics. The staff is overworked and just about at their wit’s end trying to care for all those who are sick. The Hospital is already overcrowded. When I asked if there was some place where we could set up a temporary treatment center, Dr. Ottman suggested that maybe the Golf Course would suffice. I think that is a good idea. We could set up cots or rig up makeshift beds on the soft grass. But we are going to need more doctors. There are so many sick people. The Brisulan Hospital is understaffed. The Architectural Engineering Team only has one doctor. Toby and I cannot handle everyone else.”

  Captain Stoner stared at Marlana Berg. He was surprised to see her so enthusiastic, and he was amazed at how eager she was to help. Perhaps he was wrong about her. I think I can actually grow to admire her. But, he remarked to himself, at times she can be downright silly! And that is what he ended up responding to.

  “And where do you think I can get you more doctors?” he asked her. “You are going to need to make do with what you have.”

  “What about Dr. Monroe? Can you authorize him to work with us?”

  “Who may I ask is Dr. Monroe?”

  “Dr. Meyer Monroe,” answered Marlana. “He and Bess Tremont were captured by the Tradians while they were manning the U.S.S. Skybounder, delivering Xanthommatin to Brisula for testing. They were in the same cage with Dave and I.”

  “Who ordered them to bring Xanthommatin to Brisula?” asked Josh, astonished at what he was hearing for the first time.

  “I have no idea,” said Dr. Berg shrugging her shoulders. “Can Dr. Monroe be activated? When I last saw him he was in good shape. Bess Tremont, the pharmacist was not doing well at all. She was quite ill.”

  “Fine. Since he is a UGC officer, I am assuming he is qualified. Do whatever you can for the pharmacist.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” said Marlana. She turned to leave and suddenly stopped. “Oh, Captain. There is one more doctor who would be available to help.”

  “Who is that?” asked Josh. He was getting a little annoyed at all the surprises: Project Melt, two UGC officers captured and enslaved, and a shipment to Brisula of a dangerous mind control drug. What else didn’t he know?

  Dr. Berg appeared hesitant to answer the Captain’s inquiry. Finally she blurted out, “Dr. Loring.”

  “Absolutely not!” immediately responded Josh.

  “But he is an excellent doctor, and he has recovered nicely from his injuries.”

  “I said no.”

  “But we desperately need all the help we can get.”

  “Even if I wanted to, I cannot. He is under arrest.”

  “Yes, but he still has a valid medical license with UGC.”

  “He cares nothing about UGC. He is a traitor.”

  “That may be true, but he is a doctor, and he is sworn to help sick people no matter who they swear allegiance to.”

  The small group of officers gathered in the walkway were looking at Josh; they were waiting for him to give a final answer. He stood silent for several moments debating with himself on whether or not to grant this controversial request. It was totally against his better judgment, and it was completely in opposition to all UGC protocol and policies. On one hand, lives were at stake. Did he want to be responsible for deaths that may otherwise have been saved if he had not denied Dr. Loring from helping? On the other hand, should he put his career on the line by violating regulations?

  “OK,” said Captain Stoner, relenting to all the buts thrown out by Dr. Berg. He added a but of his own. “But, Seaman Chase is to stand guard over Loring at all times.”

  “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” cheered Dr. Berg. “If I could, I would give you a giant hug and kiss.”

  “Get going,” ordered Josh, “before I change my mind.” He asked Colonel Flax to tag along with the doctor and provide all necessary assistance in dealing with the Brisulan citizens. Smiling broadly, Marlana trotted off, with the two men trailing behind.

  Eying Colin Evans, who was the only other person still present besides himself and the Captain, Dennis Pearson pulled Josh out of the Lieutenant’s earshot. “Are you sure that was the right call?” questioned Dennis. “I do not trust Loring one bit.”

  “It was not an easy decision; however Dr. Berg is correct that whatever Paul is and whatever he has done, he is an excellent and dedicated doctor. He can save many lives and at the moment that is the more important factor.” Josh sighed deeply. “Now give me an update on the flooding project.”

  “Everything is going just as planned. The germicide sprayer is feeding the liquid through a purifier that I designed. I wanted to make sure that any toxins
that may have collected in the water will be filtered out. That way in case any of the water should seep into the city or the Lake, it will not be toxic. The water is then being pumped through the fiberglass pipes into the Tradian Headquarters. The flow is gradually increasing. Once all six sanitation bags are empty, the pump will continually recycle the water by pushing it up the pipes and through the purifier, thereby isolating any additional toxins and debris. We can leave the water in the Headquarters for several days. Then I can reverse the process. The bags can be refilled and towed back up to the Gladiator. Oh, and I remotely connected this whole system to one of the John Glenn’s generators, as I doubted the power sources down here would be durable enough.”

  “Sounds good. Great work,” complimented Josh. “By the way, where is Lieutenant Hampton?”

  “I wouldn’t know,” answered Dennis Pearson. “I thought he was with you.”

  “No, I left him in the Headquarters. He went to check on one last slave. Didn’t he come up on the elevator with you?”

  “Um, no, sir. Lieutenant Shea said me and my crew were the last ones.”

  “Oh my gosh. Keith must be stranded. We need to stop the flooding.”

  “I’m sorry, sir, that is impossible,” said Dennis shaking his head in disbelief. “As I said, the water flow has been slowly increasing. If we were to stop it abruptly the vibration could shatter the structure of the entire underground city.”

  “Come on. I need to go down there.”

  “Captain, there is no way to get down there. By now the water has shorted out the electric system, meaning that the elevator will not work. By the time we would be able to pry open the doors the water will be just about up to the ceiling.”

  “Can’t we go down the other elevator shaft where the pipes are?” pleaded Josh.

  “Captain, sir, that, too, is impossible. The pipes have inflated and are vibrating. By now the water is rising very quickly. We would not have enough time to gather the necessary equipment needed to get down the shaft and past the pipes.” He looked straight into Josh’s eyes. “I am afraid, sir, it is too late to rescue anyone.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  June 27, 1900 Hours

  He grabbed the dangling rope and slowly pulled himself up and up. I hope I never have to descend again into this miserable dungeon of a city, thought Captain Stoner.

  For the last three hours he had been going through the motions of his duty as captain. Dennis Pearson and Lieutenant Evans were ordered to return to the planet’s surface to check on the pumping system. Josh visited the Construction Site where he instructed Hom to keep the now freed slaves comfortable. He told Hom that he would arrange to have fresh food, clean water, and warm blankets delivered as soon as possible.

  Next he checked in with Dr. Berg at the Hospital. A long line of Brisulan citizens had formed outside the main entrance on the F Lane, curving around the 7 Passageway. Marlana introduced Josh to Dr. Ottman, Brisula’s chief physician, a short chubby man with an infectious smile. The doctor assured the Captain that the situation at the Hospital was proceeding in a calm and orderly fashion. Before leaving Josh said he had a question for Dr. Ottman.

  “Doctor, about a month ago a guard was brought to the Hospital with a stab wound in his neck. I was wondering how that guard fared?”

  “Yes,” responded the doctor. “I recall that incident quite well. It was an unusual occurrence for our Hospital. We rarely see violent injuries of that nature. To answer your question, that guard lost a lot of blood, but he is slowly recovering.”

  “I am glad to hear that. If Dr. Berg can assist in anyway with the man’s treatment, she is at your disposal.”

  Upon exiting the hospital, Marlana escorted Josh to the Golf Course, which was the adjacent structure on the E Lane. After surveying the area, he signed off on the doctor’s request to use the facility as a makeshift emergency room. Then it was on to the Food Service building. They located the leaky freezer units and Marlana filled several test tubes with samples of the condensation.

  They left Food Service and hurried down the D Lane on their way to the Cages. At the intersection of the 7 Passageway and the C Lane was a hanging sign:

  Marlana started to turn to the right. Josh yelled out, “Wait!” He nodded his head and pointed to the left. “There’s something I need to do.”

  “At the Punishment Center?” asked Dr. Berg.

  “Yes, come.”

  Captain Stoner led the way to room C-9. Entering, he had an immediate flashback of he and Hampton secured to the huge chairs. Keith was being tortured with bolts of electricity while he sat by helplessly. Looking around he saw the whipping post where he had been tethered and whipped. The mere sight of it made him shiver. Josh walked over to the mass of buttons and knobs making up the very large control panel. Its obvious purpose was to administer the electric torture. Retrieving his zip gun, Josh aimed for the center of the board and pulled the trigger. A flashing bright laser beam made contact. Smoke and the smell of burning metal began filling the air. That’s for Keith, he said to himself. Then he repeated his actions in rooms C-7, C-8 and C-10.

  Finally Marlana accompanied him to the Cages. She chattered on about Legionnaries’ disease, the inoculations, the treatment process for those who were deeply infected, and the need to eliminate the source of the polluted water. Josh half-listened to her. His mind was fixated on the likelihood that Lieutenant Keith Hampton was dead. The realization that he would never again see or talk to his young officer was a bitter pill to swallow. Stuck in his brain were those haunting words uttered by Dennis Pearson, I am afraid, sir, it is too late to rescue anyone. That sentence shouted out to him repeatedly. Of course, he blamed himself for the entire incident. I was neglectful, he admonished himself. I should have checked with Pearson and Shea to make sure everyone was cleared out of the Headquarters before giving Denny the go-ahead to begin the flooding. Why didn’t I do that? How could I have let Keith be hopelessly stranded?

  The Cages were alive with activity. Dr. Carter and Nurse Rugan were administering injections. Colonel Flax was making the rounds; he was reassuring both slaves and Brisulan guards that everything was going to be all right. Captain Stoner was introduced to Dr. Meyer Monroe who, for whatever reason, did not seem that pleased to meet Josh. So, he cut their introduction short, and Dr. Monroe went back to examining the sick. The Captain also chatted briefly with the very ill pharmacist, Bess Tremont. It was then that Seaman Chase arrived with a handcuffed Paul Loring.

  “Good evening, Captain,” greeted Dr. Loring.

  Josh nodded to Seaman Chase, indicating that he could remove the handcuffs. “The doctor is to be under guard at all times. Dr. Berg is in charge of giving the prisoner his assignments. I am headed for the surface.” And with all those duties accomplished, he made the long trek from the Cages to the ropes hanging at the Boulder Entrance.

  Josh reached the opening in the ground and crawled out. A security guard was there to greet him. He walked over to the James K, where Dennis Pearson and Colin Evans were seated at the folding table with their heads together. Ensign Glenna stood idly by.

  “Captain,” said Lieutenant Commander Pearson upon seeing Josh. “We just sent Dr. Loring down with Neil Chase.”

  “Yes, I saw him.”

  “Um, I am really sorry about Lieutenant Hampton,” said Pearson sadly. “I take full responsibility. It was totally my fault. I should have developed a way to disrupt the system in case of an emergency. When I first rigged it up, it was for melting the force field, and we were short on time. I just didn’t think we would need to abort once we started.”

  “Don’t blame yourself, Denny. It was not your doing. I am responsible. I should have checked with you and given you a go-ahead. I—”

  “Where’s Keith?” interrupted Beverly. “Did something happen to him?”

  “Lieutenant Hampton is dead,” replied Josh bluntly.

  “It can’t be. You’re kidding me, right? Please tell me he is all right.”

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nbsp; “I am sorry Ensign, but Hampton is dead.”

  “NO, NO,” shouted Beverly as tears began strolling down her cheeks.

  Josh observed Colin Evans as he stared in disbelief at the distraught Ensign. Obviously he was taken aback by the Ensign’s reaction to the news of Hampton’s passing. He reached out to comfort her and she pushed him away, instead running quickly into the James K. Colin started to follow.

  “I think you should leave her be for a while,” said Josh. “She needs time to grieve and that anger that I see in your eyes, will not help her. In fact it could cause irreparable damage to your already shaky relationship.” Josh paused for a few seconds before continuing. “Please return to Brisula City and assist Commodore Naper. I have left him in charge of the activities below.”

  Colin Evans' rage appeared to increase as he gave the Captain an icy acknowledgment of the order. “Yes, sir.”

  Josh watched and waited until Evans had descended. Now he and Pearson were alone.

  “Denny,” commanded the Captain. “How long until the water stops flowing into the Headquarters?”

  “It should be done pumping in about fifteen minutes. It was set to pump for five hours.”

  “Good. How soon after the pumps stop can I send divers down?”

  “We had agreed that we would have the water remain in the Headquarters for several days before pumping it back out. Once we remove the water, divers won’t be necessary.”

  ‘I am asking when can I send divers down now, not in several days.”

  “But why?”

  “Please answer my question.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Dennis clearly confused. “I suppose as soon as the water flow stops, it would be safe for divers.”

  “Great. Send the John Glenn back to the Gladiator. Then please notify the diving unit to prepare to travel down here to search the Headquarters.”