Chapter 12

It was like walking through a ghost town. Evan had been to the loading bay where the Davion’s shuttle delivered a package for Alex, and hadn’t seen a single member of the Ascalon’s crew the entire time. They were most likely still in shock, having heard the tragic news from home just yesterday. Alex had been feeling guilty all night knowing he hadn’t lost anyone to the unexplained catastrophe. The majority of the crew weren’t so lucky.

They were still waiting for confirmation from Doctor Jackson regarding her joining them on the Defiant. Doctors were desperately needed now, but her husband wanted nothing to do with any military ship. What reasons he could have for such a prejudice were beyond Evan, but he didn’t want the man joining Alex on a new ship. If he decided not to come with them, he’d be left on board the Ascalon and in charge of piloting her back to Scotian.

When Evan got back to their quarters, he found his Keeper still getting dressed.

“Jackson called while you were gone.” Alex finished tucking the sleeveless shirt into his pants and ran a hand through his still-wet hair. “He and Sara reached an agreement. He’s staying here, piloting the Ascalon back home, and Sara’s hitching a ride back to Scotian with us.”

“I’m surprised he’s letting her without coming along himself.” Evan set the package on the table. “He seems very possessive.”

“Sara’s never been one to be possessed by anybody. Besides, they need doctors pretty desperately back home, and she can get there quicker coming with us. He’ll catch up soon enough.” Alex reached for the package Evan had brought. “You’ll love this, standard military black.”

With a flip of the latch, the package opened to reveal two new military uniforms, complete with Defiant insignia and rank patches on both sleeves and over the front of the left shoulder. The jackets and shirts were jet-black with silver metal fasteners up to the neck, on each cuff and along the bottom hem. The uniform finished out with black pants and a black shirt also declaring the wearer’s rank and ship. On the patch was an image of the Defiant, with the Davion’s name printed around a circle that encompassed swords crossed over a sea of stars.

Evan lifted a jacket with COMMANDER across the lapel. “At least this military has good taste.”

“I suppose you think a ship named Defiant is fitting for me?” Alex slipped his new jacket on over the sleeveless black shirt he was already wearing.

“I can think of a few names that would be more appropriate, but I’m sure the military has restrictions about using certain words on their ships and uniforms.” Evan pulled off his dark blue shirt and picked up one of the new black ones.

“That’s funny.” Alex shot him a look of tolerant disgust as he tugged at his new jacket. “You’re a very funny man.”

Evan adjusted the new shirt, and then tried on his jacket. He knew Alex was being sarcastic. After all, a ship named the Obstinate Brat simply wouldn’t command the respect the military required.

Alex ran a hand through his hair and moved toward the desk. “We’d better get finished packing up. I need to keep busy or risk changing my mind.”

“I’ve already sent most of our things to the Defiant, except for a few pieces of equipment I’d like to bring.” In particular, Evan wanted to take the three-dimensional room display he’d built in the hopes he could recreate that in their new quarters. “I explained my things will be in the VIP room in your quarters, and not the commanders room down the hall. We can put Doctor Jackson there for the trip back.” If the commander’s quarters had been next door, he could have added an adjoining door and be fine, but he refuse to be an entire corridor away from Alex. Military ship or not, he was Sha’erah, and his Keeper’s safety was paramount.

“Yeah,” Alex nodded absently in agreement. “I need some things from the office. You’ve got copies of all of our files, right?”

“Of course. Everything from the Ascalon’s database including the data from the team we just picked up on Serenity.”

Alex blinked. “Damn, I forgot all about that. That was just yesterday, has anyone even unloaded their samples, or recorded anything?”

“They took excellent notes and documented everything on file. I copied those files last night, while you were addressing the crew, and made sure the samples were secured in the hold.”

“What would I do without you?” Alex sighed heavily, then held up a hand. “Don’t answer that, I have no intention of ever finding out. I’ll be on the bridge.”

Evan watched him go, then set about dismantling the room display. He wasn’t sure if Bridge Chief Jackson was going to try and move into these quarters during the trip back to Scotian or not, but regardless of who might wind up occupying the rooms, he wasn’t going to leave his little invention for them to use. He’d built the display specifically for Alex, and was damn well going to make sure his Keeper had it on his new ship.

Adjusting to the crew of a military vessel would be a challenge. Evan had noticed the looks he’d been given during their tour, but he’d also noticed Alex’s complete dismissal of those looks. He wasn’t sure if his Keeper had fully taken note of the various reactions, or if he’d been too distracted at the time. Who was going to be making the adjustments --Evan or the crew -- remained to be seen.

Alex had been a captain in the navy, but he’d never been a naval captain with a Sha’erah.

Evan packed the display units carefully and took them to the Finder’s Keeper before going to the bridge. When he stepped off the lift, he found the deck deserted except for one navigator and Bridge Chief Jackson.

Alex came out of his office with a few data sheets in hand and glanced around for a moment before heading toward Evan at the lift. “Chief, make sure you get my ship back safe and sound.”

Evan watched Jackson. When the man made no reply or acknowledgment of his Keeper’s command, he bristled.

So did Alex. He stopped walking and turned to face Jackson. Evan stepped forward just as the bridge chief glanced over his shoulder.

“And you make sure my wife gets to Scotian safe and sound.”

Evan glared at Jackson. He didn’t need to move any closer, since the man was several feet away from Alex and on the other side of the walkway’s guard rail, but he wasn’t going to stand for this kind of insubordination. Especially from a man he’d recommended for this job in the first place. He stood silently and directed his best, blackest look toward the chief, waiting for Alex’s response.

“Is there something we need to discuss here, Chief?” Alex stood his ground. “Something you’d like to get off your chest? If so, now’s the time.”

The bridge chief dwarfed Evan’s Keeper by a good foot and a half and nearly a hundred pounds. But Evan had seen Alex fight. He knew -- if Jackson didn’t -- that looks were definitely deceiving. Small and tough with determination almost always beat out large and muscular with limited experience.

Jackson turned around slowly, looking first at Evan, then Alex. After a long silence, he shook his head once. “No, sir, Captain. I’ll see to it the Ascalon is safely returned.”

Evan shifted his gaze without moving, so he could see Alex. His Keeper looked very commanding in his military black uniform.

“We’re heading out on the Finder’s Keeper in fifteen minutes, and the Davion will be pulling away in less than an hour.” Alex turned and walked to the lift. “The Ascalon is yours, Chief.”

Evan stood his ground until his Keeper was behind him, then he gave Jackson one last glance before returning to the lift. He waited until the door had closed before speaking. “Jackson could have come along, you offered him a position.”

“Apparently he and Sara have different priorities. She wants to come back with us and he doesn’t.” Alex shrugged. “Sara has a good sense of duty. They need doctors back home. I’m sure there’s a lot more to it, but whatever it is, it’s between the two of them.”

“I expected better from him.” Evan had reviewed Jackson’s record before interviewing him for the position aboard the Ascalon. This kind of attitude was completely unexpected and out of character.

“People change depending on the stress they’re under. This kind of shock isn’t something anyone can prepare for or even imagine.” Alex ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Hell, I still can’t believe it myself.”

“But you’re not falling apart in reaction to it.”

Alex laughed. “I’m not really the falling apart kind. Not in that sense, anyway. Besides, Jackson’s just trying to find a way to deal with it all. Everyone is.”

Considering the news they’d been given, Evan felt his Keeper was dealing with it admirably. Neither of them were taking it lightly, but Alex seemed to have found a way to morph his confusion and anger into a commanding professionalism. At least in public.

As the lift doors opened, Alex looked up at Evan. “Are we packed and ready?”

“Yes, everything that isn’t already on the Defiant is on the Finder’s Keeper.”

“Good.” He stepped out of the lift and headed straight down the corridor toward the storage bay where the smaller ship was docked. “I want to get off this ship before I change my mind.”

He’d said that before, back in their quarters, but Evan knew full well Alex’s mind was already made up. He was the Defiant’s captain now, and they were heading back to Scotian to get to the bottom of things. What they would find there and what they would do about it remained uncertain. But one thing Evan was sure of, Alex wasn’t about to change their mind.

# # #

Alex took his time flying the Finder’s Keeper around the Defiant to the docking section underneath. It wasn’t often a pilot got to see his ship from the outside, and this was the first time he’d had an up close and personal with this style Fighter-class vessel. It was impressive. Small but clearly powerful, bristling with energy cannons and dotted with torpedo ports all around. The engines weren’t physically large, but the odd design suggested something unexpected hidden inside. She was solid black, almost invisible against the star field around her, with only the Defiant name and insignia painted along the starboard bow to indicate there was a ship occupying the space. With all the running lights turned off, she could effectively disappear from anyone looking.

The Defiant was the flag ship of her group, occasionally pressed into service for use as an ambassador ship whenever there was a visiting dignitary. The VIP would reside with the captain in the spare room, which worked out very conveniently for Alex. He knew full well Evan would have balked at the idea of his commander’s quarters being down the hall.

“We’ll park the Finder’s Keeper there.” Alex pointed to docking clamps extending down from the Defiant’s curved underbelly. Once attached, the smaller vessel would practically vanish against the larger ship’s skin.

“I did a little reading about this new string drive last night.” Evan looked up at the massive clamps as Alex began maneuvering the ship closer. “It’s interesting.”

“Interesting? Does that mean you understand it, or you don’t think it works?” Alex surprised himself by getting the Finder’s Keeper docked perfectly on the first try.

“It means I found it interesting.”

Alex laughed as he shut down the small ship’s controls and engines. “Okay. But do you understand it? I haven’t had a chance to look it over yet. I don’t want to look like an idiot on my first day.”

“You won’t look like an idiot. Besides, you already knew they were creating that drive, so you probably know more than you realize.”

Alex huffed and climbed out of the pilot’s chair. He couldn’t help noticing how Evan hadn’t said that he never looked like an idiot, or that he rarely looked like an idiot. Or that none of his crew had ever considered him to be an idiot. Right now he’d settle for getting through taking command and setting a course. He’d given little thought to how this new crew was going to react to Evan, let alone how they would accept him as their commanding officer. Being military, they’d have little say in the matter. He was their captain, and Evan their commander, end of story.

But things were rarely that easy, especially in the navy.

They were met on the other side of the Defiant’s airlock by Admiral Rickover. Alex glanced around quickly and realized the admiral was the only other person there, so he avoided saluting the man. He might be commanding a navy ship again, but he wasn’t completely back to being navy. At least not in private.

“Captain Marcase, the Defiant is officially yours.” Admiral Rickover didn’t appear at all bothered by the lack of protocol. “I’ve just received word that the Adventurer has been located so we need to head after her. I’m going to make the same offer to Captain Wellick and give him the Deterrent. He’s navy from five years back, do you know him?”

Alex shook his head. “By name only. I’m sure he’ll take you up on it, just like I did. We’re ready to disengage as soon as you are, Admiral. I just need to meet my bridge crew and give the order.”

“Of course.” Admiral Rickover smiled widely, glanced at Evan, then gave Alex’s shoulder a heavy pat as he turned to lead them down the corridor. “Your Bridge Chief has all the files you’ll need on both the catastrophe and your new ship.”

“We’ll be stopping at Scotian to drop off Doctor Jackson and get caught up on all the facts, then go from there.” They’d reached the entrance to the bridge and the admiral stopped and turned to face Alex.

“I want you to dedicate yourself and this ship to finding answers, Alex. Let the others look for new planets. I’d like you to hunt this mystery down and find out who, or what, caused this.”

Alex glanced at Evan, briefly wondering if they had a snowball’s chance in hell.

“They’ve nearly sent the human race into extinction. Humanity deserves answers.” The admiral straightened up, clearing his throat as two bridge officers approached. “The Defiant is yours, Captain Marcase.”

Alex saluted without technically snapping to attention, but the admiral made no comment other than to return the gesture. “We’ll depart in fifteen minutes, Admiral.”

“Very good.” Admiral Rickover smiled slightly and returned the way they’d come.

It was impossible for Alex not to notice Evan staring at him, but there were other officers watching as well so the Sha’erah said nothing. Using that to his momentary advantage, Alex entered the bridge deck.

“Captain on deck!”

The salutes that greeted him from every officer present reminded Alex he was back on a military vessel, surrounded by some truly ridiculous traditions he was going to be hard pressed to follow. Even back when he was a willing part of the naval machine, he’d taken a rather casual approach to formality. Sometimes he’d even gotten away with it.

He turned to the communication’s officer. “Put me on ship-wide.”

“Aye-aye, sir.” The officer flipped a control, then nodded curtly.

Alex watched the bridge crew as he spoke to the entire ship. “This is Captain Marcase, taking possession of the Defiant under Admiral Rickover’s orders. I want this ship disengaged from the Davion and on a course back to Scotian in fifteen minutes.” He looked at the communications officer again and the man turned off the speaker.

“Captain, I’m Bridge Chief Riddick. The Defiant is ready at your order.”

The look on Chief Riddick’s face as he shot a quick glance at Evan was more of curiosity than disgust, but Alex wasn’t ready to count his new bridge chief among the friendliest just yet. Though it would make a nice change from Chief Jackson’s open distrust.

“Thank you, Chief.” He looked up to include the rest of the crew in the room. “Evan is your new Commander. His background may not be military but he’s more experienced than most of you combined. He wears the uniform and therefore commands the respect. Regardless of anything you might think or feel about his lack of military history, he is the second in command of this ship.”

Chief Riddick snapped to attention and looked at Evan. “Sir, the files you requested for the captain are in his quarters.”

Evan nodded slightly and kept his face completely expressionless. “Very good.”

Chief Riddick turned and walked back to his post, giving orders for the detachment procedure that would release them from the Davion.

Alex looked at Evan, deciding then that the look on the chief’s face must have been intimidation. The Sha’erah looked positively dangerous standing there dressed completely in black, with the tattoo on his neck and those black eyes suggesting something very alien and unknown. He was standing at ease, the way he usually did when Alex was addressing his crew, but there was nothing at ease about him. It was clear to anyone looking that this man was ready for anything and could react instantly and with deadly precision.

Since the feeling of pride Alex was feeling might suggest ownership, he promised himself not to say a word about it.

“The Davion is hailing us, Captain.”

Alex nodded at the communications officer. “Put it through.”

Admiral Rickover’s face appeared on the screen that filled a large portion of one wall of the bridge. “Captain Marcase, you are cleared from the Davion and free to be on your way.”

“Thank you, Admiral.” Alex had to fight off the strong sense of déjà vu, being back in a position of command on a military vessel, heading off on a seemingly impossible mission, for the most part on his own and having to trust in a crew he didn’t know. “We’ll let you know if and when we find anything significant.”

“I have faith in you, Alex. Good hunting.”

The Davion signed off and the screen flicked back to an image of space. Alex gave a nod to his bridge chief. “As soon as we’re clear, engage the drive. I’ll be in my quarters if you need me.”

“Aye-aye, sir.”

Alex turned and Evan followed him off the bridge. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that,” he apologized as they headed to their new quarters.

“But you did mean to put them on the spot.”

The little boy in Alex couldn’t help grinning. “Yeah, well you came through with flying colors. Besides, they’re military. They’re used to being put on the spot.”

“Then they should be able to handle having you as their captain.”

Alex laughed and gave Evan’s shoulder a quick slap before palming the keypad to their quarters. “You’re going to love all this order and respect. I’m not sure how well this crew will be able to hold it together in the military manner, all things considered. But I bet you would have taken to the navy.”

Evan was moving their boxes into appropriate sections of their new rooms. “I doubt there’s ever been a Sha’erah in the military. But what’s wrong with order and respect?”

“No, I’m positive there never has been.” Alex heaved one of his packs into his bedroom, missing the bed by a foot. “Generally speaking, there’s nothing wrong with order and respect.” He shrugged and caught the smaller pack Evan tossed at him. “It’s just the pomp and circumstance I could do without.”

“I get the feeling we won’t have to worry about that for too long.”

Alex laughed slightly and shook his head. There wasn’t going to be much of the usual navy about his new ship or their mission. “We’ll find out soon enough, I’m sure.” How well the crew would adapt to his unique way of commanding was going to be interesting. In the past, he’d been lucky, but not so foolish as to think it had been anything but luck. His command style was, to say the least, unique. “Listen, you’re a commander on this ship, and anywhere else you go from now until we ditch this job. That means when you give an order, they obey.” He glanced at Evan as he picked up a box and opened it up. “If they don’t, or if they give you any grief, you don’t get to just kill them without asking me first.”

Evan stopped what he was doing and looked at Alex as if he’d just said the most ridiculous thing anyone ever had.

“I’m just saying if something comes up, you’ll need to react as a commander, not so much as a Sha’erah. At least in most instances, anyway. God knows what we have in store for us, but let’s just try and play the game for a while and feel these people out.”

“Like you did during your first week as captain of the Catanya?”

Alex felt his face burn red. “You read my military files?”

“Of course.” Evan shrugged nonchalantly. “I need to know everything about your military background in order to be most helpful to you in this new position.”

“How in the hell did you find time to dig those up? We’ve been on this ship less than an hour.” He knew Evan was going to find out every little detail about his rather colorful military background, but he hadn’t been prepared for it to happen this suddenly. And the flimsy excuse was complete unnecessary bullshit. He would have told him everything, eventually.

“No secrets was your idea.” Evan picked up a box and carried it to Alex’s room where he placed it on the bed, then picked up the duffel bag that had landed on the floor earlier. “I just scanned some files as I was making data transfers, and saw that you decked your commander when he refused your order.”

That little incident was the least of his worries. “I was younger then, it was my first command. And that stupid prick had no business countermanding me.” Alex sighed and shook his head. “I was right in giving the order, but maybe a little out of place knocking the guy on his ass in front of the whole bridge crew.” He smiled slightly at the memory of Commander Collins sprawled on the deck. “But still, that’s an example of what not to do. Unless it’s necessary.”

“Necessary?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “Look, I just don’t want any violence used to get any points across.”

Evan set the duffel bag down on Alex’s bed and turned to look at him. “We both know I’m not going to be killing any of your new crew, unless of course they pose a direct threat to your safety. And in light of this mission -- at least for the time being -- I can’t see any reason why that will be an issue.” He held up a hand and pointed a finger at Alex. “Rest assured, however, I will not tolerate any threats, should they arise. And I’m not letting my guard down based on the assumption that we’re safe on this ship.”

Alex wasn’t sure if he was being scolded or reassured. With Evan, it was often very hard to tell the difference.

“With that in mind, I can’t help but wonder if you’re more concerned about how you’re going to react to this new crew.”

Alex crossed his arms and stared up at the Sha’erah. “Just how much of my military record did you read?”

“Enough.” Evan left the room and returned to the stacks of boxes in the main living area. “You have a tendency to rub your crew the wrong way, but they ultimately respect your authority. And your superiors may not have always approved of your methods, but the results were highly praised.” He shrugged. “All in all, your military career isn’t all that different from your private one.”

Alex followed, making a face that his friend couldn’t see. “Great.” Of course he knew there was nothing in the Sha’erah’s background he could stumble upon and use as embarrassing ammunition against him. Nothing in his childhood, either. Granted, there hadn’t been much of a childhood there to explore, and certainly nothing that resembled pleasant or even normal memories. But he had a feeling if Evan had been a normal child, given all the usual chances of growing up and making mistakes, there still wouldn’t be much anyone could have uncovered that would reveal any weak spots or pressure points.

Alex seemed to have enough for both of them.

They cleared room by moving personal belongings and equipment to general areas, then found the files and data sheets that had been delivered. Alex loaded the information into his pager while Evan secured the two computer terminals in their living area.

The facts read cold, like a history book listing dates, places and casualty totals. Only these totals were hard to comprehend. Entire continents wiped out, planets populated by millions now left with a few thousand. Scattered survivors still trying to cope and organize. It was the speed that really boggled the mind, that and the fact that it was so specific, only humans had fallen victim.

Alex glanced up from his studies and saw that Evan was deep in his own scrutiny of their new ship’s engines. He was about to inquire as to how he was progressing when the door chimed to announce a visitor. Evan punched a button on his desk and the screen that had been displaying engine specs altered to a view of their door from the hallway.

Alex stood and walked to the door, opening it without hesitation. “Sara, come in.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“No, we were just catching up on things.” Alex stepped aside so the doctor could enter, then closed the door and pointed to a seat facing the couch. “We’ll be in Scotian space in two days, so I wanted to get some of the facts straight before we find ourselves in the thick of it all.”

Sara took the offered seat and nodded. “I’ve been trying to make sense of it, too.” She glanced at Evan. “And thank you, Evan, for giving up the commanders quarters down the hall for me. I hope the two of you aren’t too crowded sharing this space?”

“We’re fine. We’re used to it, actually,” Alex answered for the Sha’erah.

Sara sighed and gave a slight nod. “How are the two of you holding up?”

Evan shrugged. “Alex didn’t lose any family in the tragedy.” He took a seat on the couch while Alex sat in the opposite chair and turned to face Sara.

“I know, I was glad to hear your mother was safe.” She sighed heavily. “Granted, my parents have both been dead for a few years now, but we all had friends, people we knew. I don’t know, I’m still a little numb.”

“What about Carl?” Alex was having a hard time understanding how a man could let his wife get on another ship that would put her back home a full three months ahead of him when he’d had the chance to come along. “Why didn’t he come with you?”

Sara’s expression altered to one of frustration. “Carl and I had an argument. I felt we needed some time to cool off.” She shook her head sharply. “I have a duty, just like you. We’re needed back home more than we’re needed on the Ascalon right now.”

Alex sensed there was much more to this than a simple tiff between husband and wife, but he wasn’t sure how much he wanted to know. “The admiral sent two medical assistants to ride back with the Ascalon, so they’re not totally without.”

“That’s what I said. The two assistants can handle things for me. And you did not abandon your crew.”

“What?” Alex bristled. “He accused me of abandoning my crew?” It was one thing to worry internally about it, but to hear someone actually say it -- or in this case hear that someone had actually said it -- was quite another.

Before she could answer, Evan glared at Sara, black eyes sparkling angrily. “Alex did not abandon his crew! He’s the one who is giving up everything he worked for over the years, losing his ship and his career in order to help what’s left of society find a way to deal with something that he had nothing to do with. Before accepting that responsibility he ensured his ship and his crew would be safely returned to home and provided for along the way. If Chief Jackson had a problem with that, he should have faced Alex with it before we left.”

Alex blinked, staring at Evan while listening to his speech. He was so moved, and somewhat amused by it, he couldn’t think of anything to add. Although the thought of Chief Jackson confronting him with this accusation within earshot of Evan made him grin.

“And I agree.” Sara looked from Alex to Evan and back again. “That’s exactly what I told him. Like I said, we had an argument.” She sighed, then smiled slightly. “Besides, Evan, I don’t think Carl is stupid enough to confront Alex in person.”

“Well, what’s done is done.” Alex waved a hand, dismissing the topic. He’d already been around and around the subject in his own mind. Evan didn’t feel he’d done the wrong thing, so ultimately no one else’s opinion really mattered. “I just hope by the time he gets to Scotian the two of you will be back on track.”

Sara shook her head and shrugged. “We’ll see. What I really wanted to talk to you both about was what you’re going to be doing when we get back home.”

Alex glanced at Evan, one eyebrow raised slightly. “What we’re going to be doing is trying to get to the bottom of what happened. See if we can find the source of this mysterious plague and who brought it on.”

“So you know, then?”

Evan relaxed his posture slightly. “Know what?”

“That it was done on purpose. By someone or something, I have no idea who, what or how. But it has to have been done on purpose.” She leaned forward in the chair, glancing from Alex to Evan and back again. “Have you ever heard of a virus that could spread that quickly? Or be so species-specific as to take out only the one species on a planet of millions? Let alone something that could travel from planet to planet before medical quarantines could be effectively put in place?”

Alex got up and began slowly pacing the room, gently twisting the ring around his finger as he walked. “No, I haven’t.”

“No one has.”

“Is it even possible?” Evan asked.

“It must be possible, seeing as how it did happened.” Alex shrugged.

Evan shook his head. “Not necessarily. At least, maybe it didn’t happen the way everyone is assuming.”

Alex stopped pacing and stood behind Sara’s chair. They both watched as the Sha’erah powered up the three-dimensional table display. It was a far cry from the room-filling version they’d had back in their quarters on the Ascalon, and it just then hit Alex how much he was going to miss that, but the one they had now was military standard. A clear image of every inhabited planet hovered two feet above the table.

Evan pointed to one. “They believe the plague started here, then moved from here, to here, to here.” He continued pointing at each planet in succession. “Until it reached them all. So quickly it seemed to be two steps ahead of any quarantine that was issued.”

Sara nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly. As if it were a weapon, and it could pass through any quarantine.”

Alex looked down at her from behind the chair. “Weapons are just tools people use to accomplish something. What would be accomplished by killing off forty percent of the human race?”

Evan shrugged. “Extinction?”

“I’ve heard of weapons -- or tools if you prefer -- of mass destruction.” Sara shook her head slowly. “But a tool of extinction?”

Alex started pacing again. It was the only thing that made sense. For something as horrific and mind-blowing as this plague was, the answer was going to have to be equally horrific and mind-blowing.

“If it was a weapon,” Evan continued as Alex paced the room slowly. “It could have been planted on each planet prior to infecting anyone, then activated in sequence. Any attempts to quarantine or stop it would be wasted and possibly cause a false sense of security on the other worlds.”

“And that false sense of security would prevent the evacuation of any uninfected planets until it was too late.” Alex reached the far end of the living room and turned, slowly walking back toward the seating area. “But if it was a weapon, and it was planted ahead of time, then why wasn’t it also placed on the stations and moons?”

Sara sat back in the chair, gazing at the display of planets. “I don’t know.”

Alex looked at Evan, who was also contemplating the display. He could tell his friend was trying out various ideas and theories in his head, thinking deeply about the possibilities. But as comfortable as he might be with Sara, Alex felt the Sha’erah wasn’t going to truly open up and discuss things with her there. Admittedly, he was a bit reluctant himself. He and Sara had a history that also included some historically amazing arguments, usually ignited by what he’d wrongly assumed would have been a simple debate of issues.

He knew he should be offering more assurance and support regarding her and her husband’s chances. After all, they had stayed together even after some truly amazing fights themselves. But at the same time, he was tempted to encourage her to rethink her marriage to that man. Granted, he had his own personal reasons for not liking Jackson all that much, but he still had trouble grasping the idea that she’d found something in Carl that she’d never been able to see in him. Something that had led her to marry the man less than a year after leaving the Ascalon.

Alex stopped pacing. “No one has any answers yet, only questions. Admiral Rickover has charged Evan and I, and the Defiant, with getting to the bottom of it all.” He shrugged. “I have no idea if we can or not, but we’re sure as hell gonna try.”

Sara looked at him and sighed, then stood. “If anyone stands even a remote chance, I’m sure you do. I’ll get back to my quarters. I have two days to learn as much as I can about this plague so I can help the doctors working on a vaccine.” She headed for the door, then stopped. “Alex, what if we can’t ever go back?”

“Back where?”

“Anywhere. Scotian, Albion, old Earth. Anywhere? What if we’re destined to live out our lives in space, on stations or enclosed moon bases?”

Alex was standing beside her, close enough to smell her hair, as she searched his eyes for an answer.

“How will humanity survive?”

Had she changed shampoo? Alex remembered her as smelling of papaya before. He cleared his throat and took half a step back. “We’ll survive. Someone will find another planet, or a cure. Humanity isn’t ready to become extinct. Not yet.”

“I hope you’re right.” She smiled sadly, then left, closing the door behind her.

Evan flipped off the display and looked up at Alex. “The Defiant doesn’t have an assigned physician. Are you going to offer the job to Doctor Jackson when we get to Scotian?”

“What?” Alex blinked, looked at the closed door, then shook his head emphatically. “No. Definitely not. No.”

“You don’t think she’d accept? She has a lot of interest in -- ”

“No,” Alex interrupted. He ran a hand through his hair and stepped away from the door. “She is the last thing I need right now.”

“She?” Evan sat back, watching Alex with a slightly amused expression. “I was talking about Doctor Jackson, not Sara.”

“You know I can’t make that distinction.”

“You don’t love Sara.”

“Love has nothing to do with it.” Alex didn’t want to resume his pacing, so he began fussing with the many unpacked boxes littering the room. “Besides, she’s married.”

“I never suggested you’d do something dishonorable.”

It was difficult to pretend to be searching boxes for a thing you weren’t even looking for in the first place. Alex was never good at distracting himself. “Just promise me you won’t let me offer her a post on my ship.”

“I had no intention of it.” Evan got up and picked up one of the boxes that belonged in his room.

Alex stopped what he was pretending to do and straightened up, staring at Evan.

“I was just checking to see how difficult it was going to be to make sure you didn’t sign her up permanently.” He hefted the small box and walked into his room.

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