Hood nodded to the nurse and gestured toward the probes. “Lieutenant. What are you doing back here?”
The nurse finished removing the probes and Aldridge began to undo the band that held back her hair. “Just getting my required post jump check-up, Captain.” She stiffened almost mocking her normal attention posture. “Medical regulation 114.25—All EDF personnel that have suffered from various degrees of space-fold sickness must submit to routine examinations within twelve hours after each jump during normal operations.” She relaxed and cocked her head to the side with a smile. “Doc Patton here was verifying my latest brain wave scans.”
Dr. Patton, who was noting the readings from Aldridge’s examination, looked up and noticed Hood standing next to him. “Ah, Captain. So good to see you. I was just informing Lieutenant Aldridge that her readings are normal, and she can return to duty.”
Aldridge hopped off the examination bed. “Thanks Doc. I’ll check in after the next jump.”
“If you experience any dizziness, headaches or blurred vision, please contact my office immediately,” Dr. Patton replied with a short grin.
Aldridge nodded and started to leave, but looked back at Hood. “Captain, if you’re free, the Rec Deck has a new holographic chess setup. You interested in a game after lunch?”
“Sure, Lieutenant. Drop a message to my aide, and he can add it to my schedule. I have been meaning to head down there for a look around.”
“Your aide, sir?” Aldridge asked, a little confused.
Hood put his hands up defensively. “Don’t ask, Lieutenant. Thinking about it makes my head hurt. If you send a message to my station, my aide will set it up.”
Aldridge nodded and walked out of the examination area, as Dr. Patton grabbed the data pad from the nurse escorting Hood and began to review the information. “So, Captain. My nurse says you have been experiencing headaches. How severe are they, and what is their frequency?”
Hood stared blankly for a moment and shook his head. “I woke up this morning with a strong headache, Doc. I just need some pain meds and a good stiff coffee. I’ll be fine.”
“With all due respect, Captain. I’ll be judge of whether or not you are fine,” Patton stated flatly as he pulled out a small penlight and clicked the end to turn it on. He held the light up in front of Hood. “Now, please follow the light and relax.”
Patton moved the pen slowly from side to side then up and down. Hood’s eyes tracked the light, and Patton watched them closely. He clicked off the light and put it back in his pocket. “Hold out your hands in front of you, palms down.”
Hood extended his arms at Patton requested and sighed. He knew Patton was aware of his uneasiness around doctors. He had discussed it with him over dinner when he first arrived on board.
Patton grasped Hood’s hands gently and his thumb and forefinger on several spots from his fingers to his wrists. “Have you noticed any shaking or jittery feelings?”
“No, Doc, just the headache.”
“What about dizziness, blurred vision, or nightmares?”
Hood retracted a bit at the last statement, and Patton recognized it.
“Nightmares. And you woke up this morning with a searing headache?” Patton asked.
Hood nodded his head.
“Good,” Patton said as he grasped the data pad and typed in more information.
“Good means what, Doc?” Hood asked slightly annoyed.
Patton continued typing then looked up as he put in the last few words. “Good means that I understand what is happening. I have seen several crew members this morning all with similar conditions. Most, like you, have served in space-fold capable vessels before.” He sat down the data pad, pulled up a rolling chair and sat down. “As part of my research into space-fold illnesses, I specifically looked at the types of fields generated on different EDF vessels. The Akita Dreadnaught’s field size and strength are far more powerful than any other ships in the fleet. Taking that into account, I examined the records of EDF personnel with similar symptoms that moved to the Akitas from smaller vessels.”
“What did you find?” Hood asked, very intrigued.
Patton moved his stool next to the bed and rested the data pad on the nurse’s stand. “It seems there is an adjustment period for those personnel that have been exposed to smaller fields for longer periods of time. Crew members that haven’t served on space-fold vessels don’t seem to exhibit any symptoms. It also seems the length of jump seems to have a stronger effect. Headaches and nightmares are common, but I isolated a remedy to reduce the effects.”
“Really, what is it?”
“I need you to eat foods rich in potassium. Fruits and vegetables mostly. Bananas are good source. A high level of potassium from natural sources looks to lessen the effect, but it’s definitely not a panacea. I have tried some potassium supplements on some patients and there was little effect, but I believe that could be in how the body is integrating it into the soft tissues,” Patton explained enthusiastically.
The nurse handed Hood a small container, and Patton pointed to it. “Those are some pain meds to help with any discomfort. Take them only when it’s necessary. The effects of the larger space-fold field seem to be temporary and fade after a few jumps. But altering your diet should help.”
Hood hopped off the bed and walked over to retrieve his jacket. “Thanks, Doc. Think I will grab a bite to eat and load up on some potassium. Anything else I need to do?”
“Just contact me if the headaches worsen. Several of my patients have mentioned that their headaches eased after exercising, so I would look into getting an extra workout into your schedule,” Patton said with a wide smile.
Hood nodded in agreement and walked with Patton to the examination room exit. He extended his hand and Patton shook it firmly. “Thanks again, Doc. I will take some time this afternoon to hit the gym as well. Do me a favor would, you?”
“What is that, Captain?”
“Ease up on all the happy, smiley acts around here. It’s starting to feel like I’m in some bad psychological thriller movie, and you’re going to freak out and go on a killing spree.”
Patton laughed loudly and waved goodbye as Hood left the examination room.
Hood walked past the triage station and didn’t even look at the nurse who was smiling widely at him as he left. He moved quickly out the door and down the hall. The quicker he took some of the meds and got something to eat, the better.
* * *
“So let me get this straight,” Admiral Tramp said. “This new shield made some of our own weapons useless?”
Hood leaned forward and nodded toward his office terminal screen. His meeting with Admiral Tramp had covered several topics of the past day. Much of the hour long conversation continued to revolve around the new systems on the Armstrong, and more importantly their successful tests thanks to Terrance Whitaker. “I know it sounds completely crazy, but I watched the weapons our fighter used against us, and it stopped each one. I know we had some power issues with the cannon, but this shield could offer a real advantage in an engagement with the Cilik’ti.”
Tramp smiled. “This is very impressive, James, and excellent timing as well.” The admiral sighed and relaxed back into his chair. “I told you we need a win on this, now more than ever. Three new groups have openly petitioned the Chancellery for the right to colonize the first near Earth or terraformed world. That brings the count up to seven different claims, and four want exclusive rights. They all want their own little kingdoms,” he explained. “So far we’ve had some small protests, but nothing out of control. They’re organized though.”
“And if you let them know about the signals...”
“The groups will up their ante, and the situation will get worse,” Tramp concluded. “We have to be certain that these worlds can sustain life and that we can reach them safely
.” Tramp shook his head. “Even then, I still worry about taking the plug out of that powder keg. It seems access to planet side stations in our system just isn’t enough. Several have pressed for information for stations on Proxima for civilian colonization. We only have two stations there now. Both are military outposts. The terrain is not very stable with all the ground quakes, and solar radiation is stronger there than anything in our own system.”
“Fear can drive us to do some crazy things. Wanting to flee danger or a bad situation, some believe anything, even the promise of a false hope for a better life,” Hood explained. “Human history has seen this time and time again. But I think this time we can provide real hope for a safe world to live on. We just need time, sir.”
“I know, James, and Admiral Grant is very appreciative of your efforts to get your mission moving quickly and with few distractions.” Tramp’s mood picked up. “Speaking of distractions, how are things with Mr. McCraken.”
Hood chuckled. “Nothing I can’t handle, sir.”
“Good to hear. Listen, I won’t keep you. When is your next jump?”
“A supply ship just arrived to restock our weapon magazines after the range test, but that shouldn’t take long to complete. I spoke to Engineering before your call. Their latest recharge estimate should put us at 23:00, just after our special dinner this evening. It seems our XO has to pay up on his bet.”
“Sounds like fun.”
Hood smirked. “It should be interesting, let’s leave it at that.” Hood shut off his data pad and slid it off to the side. “I’ll send an update after we reach the next beacon. My communication officer thinks there will be about a six minute delay in transmission, even using the beacon relay, so this will be our last live comm for awhile.”
Tramp stood from his chair. “Be careful, James. God Speed.” Tramp saluted, and Hood returned it. “Look forward to your next update, James. Tramp out.”
Hood tapped his left index finger on the table as the communication ended. Something was missing, he could feel it. Not in what the admiral said, but what he didn’t say.
Hood stood from chair, moved to his closet beside his bed and removed some exercise clothes. His head was definitely feeling better, but a long run sounded good. He quickly changed and headed out the door.
After he exited, he could have sworn he felt something move past him in the hallway. He scanned the length of the corridor but it was empty. Still unsure, he looked back again from the elevator lift, but there was nothing.
He shook his head and frowned as the lift door opened. He was certain he felt something, but it could have been just an air burst from the hallway vents. He keyed the Recreation Deck on the lift button pad, and the door hissed closed.
As the elevator lift sped away, the shadows at the end of the hallway shifted and a nearly invisible figure silently walked toward Hood’s door.
Chapter Twelve
EDF Armstrong
Proxima System Exterior Zone
Monday, January 20
Earth Year 2155
Six Hours to Next Jump
Raf Sanchez wiped the sweat from his face and arms with a towel as he sat down on one of the benches that lined the outer edge of the Recreation Deck. The deck itself was one level above and forward of Engineering, but was uniquely positioned to provide an open layout, spanning nearly one hundred square meters.
Scientists back on Earth had constantly studied the effects of bone loss on humans during long space flight and even exercise itself did not seem to reduce its effects. Those early space travelers who returned never regained the lost bone mass, despite many trials and treatments.
Once graviton drives were invented and instituted on former EEF vessels, there was a dramatic shift. Fewer and fewer cases were reported. Coupled with proper diets and strong cardio and weight training exercises, humans not only prevented the effect, but were able to prosper for long intervals. In some reported cases, bone densities would increase in those who exceeded the minimum required exercise regimen. Before the Cilik’ti encounter, the EEF instituted new rules for all spacecraft and orbital or low gravity planet side station construction, which included recreational areas for all crew members. The Armstrong was built according to those rules.
Divided into four areas, the Rec Deck, as it was referred to by much of the crew, offered a variety of different recreation mediums. The area nearest Sanchez contained a multi-purposed floor for smaller floor sports such as basketball or volleyball. The equipment for the various sports or activities was stored in lockers next to one of the few pillars that were visible on the deck.
Just to the left of the multi-purpose area was an open exercise floor. One large mat covered the majority of the floor and the rest of the space was consumed by stationary exercise equipment and free weights.
The remaining half of the Rec Deck contained tables and even a dropdown movie screen to provide entertainment at designated hours. At this time, however, this entire section of the Rec Deck was consumed by Marines, and Major McGregor already had his troops hard at work.
McGregor had split the remaining open section into two halves and stacked the tables along the wall to maximize the space. In one half, two squads worked through weapons drills. Individual Marines and some in teams of two or three competed for the best time in disassembling and reassembling their slung weapons and some of the larger mortars and field cannons.
Major McGregor didn’t like the cushiness of the mats and personally led another set of squads in physical training exercises. As each group finished their exercises, they would move on to hand-to-hand combat training. McGregor stayed with the groups rotating into PT, as they called it, and pushed each group to best him. The training was hard and fast-paced, but McGregor wanted to make sure his troops were in peak condition. Combat offered no second chances and little mercy for the ill prepared.
As each group rotated, onlookers could see the sweat on McGregor’s face, but he never stopped or even slowed for that matter, until the final groups finished. Many of the Marines stopped to watch their CO finish and marveled at his stamina. Each day he had a new training motto for them. Today’s was simple, and he recited it with them before they began each rotation. McGregor would thump his chest hard. “Heroes are born in an instant, but Marines are born right here.”
When Sanchez arrived on the Rec Deck, he joined Captain Hood for a run on some of the treadmills, but after Hood left, he decided to stretch his muscles with the Marines. He participated in some of the physical training, but after completing two full sets with his group, he asked one of the brigade’s lieutenants to let him try his own with one of McGregor’s troops in hand to hand.
The younger Lance Corporal he was matched up with was strong and quick, but Sanchez was able to use his longer reach to land some good kicks and one nifty throw which proved to be decisive in the match. Had the Marine gotten in close, Sanchez was certain that the young mountain of muscle would have done some serious damage.
As he wiped down his arms with the towel, Sanchez could already see welts where he was forced to block many of the Marine’s attacks. He was sore alright, but he liked it. He always enjoyed being in the middle of a fight, not standing on the sideline. Even if that fight was commanding a warship into battle.
Sanchez threw his towel over his shoulder and started to leave when he noticed a lone figure on the exercise mat and he instantly recognized her. It was Maya Greywalker. Dressed in shorts, a slim fitting T-shirt, and her red hair tied back in a ponytail, Maya had just completed a set of stretches and was about to begin her own workout.
Sanchez left the benches and slowly walked toward the mat as Maya moved to a corner of the mat and quickly burst into a run. Once she reached the midpoint of the mat, Maya started a cartwheel that transitioned into a set of very high arching back flips. At the end of the last flip, she landed silently on her fingertips and toes in a nea
r cat-like stance, but with one leg out to the side and her arms just underneath her shoulders.
Maya quickly forced herself into a roll, which she then exited into a display of martial arts combat sequences with unseen opponents. Maya moved through each series with strength and surprising fluidic grace, but Sanchez noticed something odd during each transition of opponents. Maya’s combat style changed. She moved through several different styles. There was no hesitation as she adjusted to each new imaginary opponent. No moment of indecision; she simply flowed from one to the next.
Maya’s final sequence ended on the far end of the mat from Sanchez. As her blue eyes scanned the side of mat closest to Sanchez, Maya took off in a sprint. Once she reached the middle of the mat, Maya sprang into the air with the power of a panther toward the mat’s edge. Sanchez watched in pure amazement as Maya’s spring lifted her well over two meters from the floor. The fantastic feat ended when she landed on one knee and drove her fist to the floor with such force that Sanchez thought the mat might split.
The impact of Maya’s attack could be heard throughout most of the deck. Sanchez swore he felt a vibration on the deck, even from where he was standing. Unsure how to describe what he had just seen, he slowly shook his head in quiet disbelief. He had to get closer and walked toward the mat in nothing short of pure awe. That was until he inadvertently ran into a rack of free weights. His right hand reached out and caught the edge of the rack just as it started to tip over, but he was forced to grab hold with both to get it upright again, narrowly preventing the weights from crashing to the floor. Averting disaster, Sanchez quickly dropped to the floor and pretended to tie his shoe. “Idiot,” he muttered to himself. He felt stupid, but from what he could tell, no one around him had noticed.
He stayed in his “crouch” and began to untie and tie his other shoe. As he kept up his charade, Sanchez looked back to the mat for any sign of Maya. He had to lean around the weight rack in front of him to catch sight of her, but she had moved back to her original position near the end of the mat and was now sitting cross-legged, with her hands resting on her thighs, eyes closed.
The Epherium Chronicles: Embrace Page 15