Author; Kath.
Title; Seaquest 2032 - "Sign your name."
Rating; PG13/15
Disclaimer; Seaquest DSV/2032 and their characters are the property of Amblin Entertainment, Universal Television and the Sci-fi Channel. No infringement of copyright or trademark is intended. Story remains property of the author.
Seaquest 2032 - Sign Your Name
***
The streets of Aberstad were teeming with life.
Street vendors shouting their wares. Unobtrusive street-walkers eyeing up potential customers. Housewives, and husbands, jockeying for the best bargains. Smartly suited business types sipping brightly coloured cocktails. Traffic cops directing the flow of hovercrafts and die-hard pedestrians. And tourists, readily identifiable by their street-maps, loud clothing and slightly bemused expressions. All those people soaking up, or contributing to, the atmosphere of a bustling, metropolitan city in the twenty-first century.
Mason Freeman gazed out at the sight with barely disguised disdain. *The dregs of society rubbing shoulders with the cream.* He would have had more tolerance for the spectacle if he had more respect for the people. Had he escaped from Tartarus for this?
He'd been there. He'd worked with them all. Dion. Bourne. They had the vision. But they never had the guts to do what needed to be done. And now that he was out - free to choose - Mason Freeman would not be making the same mistakes.
Freeman took a last look over the city. Casually, he snorted a nasal spray and crushed its packaging underfoot. A wisp of grey air puffed up from beneath his shoes and Mason Freeman strolled away. Litter was an all too common sight on the streets.
***
This was the big one.
This was what they had been training for.
This was what they had worked so hard for.
The honour of the UEO, the honour of the Seaquest crew was at stake.
Commander Jonathan Ford glanced up at the clock and then settled a steely gaze on each of his team members. "You all know what to do." He collected the silent nods. "Let's do it."
The team split up and took their positions.
The referee blew his whistle and the final of the 'Internex World Community' Basketball Tournament recommenced, with seventeen seconds on the clock and the Seaquest Barracudas trailing by one point.
Tony Piccolo made short work of retrieving the ball from the hulking striker on the opposite team. The player might have been big but he was no match for Piccolo's speed. Three bounces with Tony dodging the opposition defence and then a quick throw to Tim O'Neil standing open on the other side of the court. Tim had not had a great game so far and the opposition seemed to have written him off.
O'Neil plucked the ball from the air. Quick, long strides took him to a scoring position, but the opposition were closing him down. Desperate not to lose the attack O'Neil flung the ball to Kimura.
Kimura bounced the ball in front of her, keeping it away from the opposition defender. Stalemate; he could not reach the ball, but Kimura could not score.
"Time, Kimura!" Ford yelled, the seconds were slipping away.
There was a blur of blonde. Kimura tossed the ball to Wolenczak who gathered his lanky legs for a mighty leap. The ball trickled into the basket just as the horn sounded for the end of the game.
Lucas dropped down to the court panting from his run and looked up to the scoreboard. The red lights shone out - North Sea Seals; 42, Seaquest Barracudas; 43.
The team came together in a riot of back-slapping and congratulations while the roar of their supporters rose to a crescendo. "Questies!, Questies!, Questies!"
Both teams shook hands with their opposite numbers, happy grins still splitting the faces of the victorious crew. Then officials escorted the players off the court to get ready for the presentations.
***
Up in the stands, Captain Oliver Hudson beamed with pride as he watched the impressive trophy being festooned with the UEO colours. Beside him Secretary McGrath rose and shook his hand. "Good game, Oliver. It will be a real pleasure to present the trophy this year."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." there was a distinct gleam of triumph in Hudson's eyes.
"Come on, Oliver. I know you. You're planning something."
Hudson grinned. "Two day furlong for the team. Party for all non-essential crew members at 'The Mariner' restaurant."
McGrath's eyebrow rose in surprise. "On your wages?"
"Oh, I'm not paying for it." Hudson nodded towards a North Sea Confederation Admiral. The only man in the whole stadium with a glowering expression on his face. "Admiral McClintock should never make boastful statements at UEO receptions when he might be called on them."
McGrath shook his head as he made his way to the podium.
Hudson looked down to the team and caught Commander Ford's eye. He gave him a thumb's up and Ford replied with a nod and a quick salute.
As the stadium quietened down, Hudson became aware of an insistent beeping. Sighing he took out his PAL muttering, "Not now." His face fell as he read the message. He was torn between answering the call and seeing the presentation, but it was a 'Priority 1' message. Awkwardly Hudson made his way passed the spectators, heading for the exit.
***
Secretary McGrath smiled out at the packed stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I'm sure you will all agree with me that this year's final was one of the best we've ever seen." The crowd cheered. "This tournament is a shining example of the friendship that exists between our Confederations. And I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the teams who entered this competition. Their dedication, skill and fair play throughout has been an inspiration to us all." Again McGrath paused as the crowd shouted its approval.
An official stepped up to McGrath as the applause was dying down. McGrath turned slightly to hear what the official was saying and his face turned ashen. He covered the microphone with his hand, but not before the stadium heard him ask in a shaken voice, "Are you sure?"
People looked at each other in consternation. McGrath's posture was so at odds with how he had been a few seconds ago.
McGrath turned back to the microphone and took a deep breath. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry to tell you that a... a terrible disaster has occurred in the city of Aberstad. We will tell you more as soon as we are able. In the meantime, helplines are being set up so that we can contact our friends and relatives in the city. I must ask you to refrain from trying to contact the city directly, all communication lines have been reserved for the emergency services. I'm sure you will join with me in expressing our deep condolences to the city of Aberstad and assure them of any and all aid that they may require." McGrath left the podium surrounded by various UEO officials, all whispering urgently.
The Seaquest crew looked at each other in concern. Ford's miniature PAL beeped, followed closely by everyone else's. They took them out staring at the screens, seeing the curt message to report for duty.
"I wonder what's going on?" Piccolo asked.
He had his answer when the giant screen at the head of the court changed its pictures from the stadium to one of the news channels. A distorted commentary was piped over the speakers; "...death toll rising...pleas for medical supplies...no warning...epidemic...martial law declared..." The commentary abruptly cut out, but it was not needed. The pictures were enough.
Rescue workers, some in full biological hazard suits, others with only masks over their faces, struggled to evacuate people to ambulances. Men, women, children; some screaming, some staring, some rocking back and forth with no purpose. And everything was dead, or dying, even the trees and flowers.
It was an odd thing to notice, but Lonnie Henderson reasoned that she'd seen too many human casualties since joining Seaquest.
"We have our orders." Commander Ford's voice was clipped and precise. The Seaquest Barracudas quietly gathered up their gear and left the deathly silent stadium.
***
There was a sombre atmosphere in the wardroom.
Hudson closed the door quietly and moved to the head of the conference table. He dropped a number of files down on the table, but did not open them. Instead he gazed around his officers.
"Here's what we know." Hudson said at last. He stopped, swallowed, then passed a hand over his forehead. He laid his hand down on the table, his head drooping. Without raising his head he continued, "Aberstad is gone. The city was attacked with a biological weapon."
Silence greeted the announcement. Hudson looked up, almost in surprise. He would have expected some reaction. But looking around his crew he could see that they had already considered the alternatives.
"So." Hudson continued, briskly. If they could do it, so could he. "The biological compound was 'Tronia14'. Highly experimental, very dangerous, and, as far as we know, not readily available."
"Except to us."
All heads turned to Wolenczak.
"No." whispered Henderson in distress.
"Stow it, Ensign." Hudson barked. "Our orders are to lay off the coast of Aberstad. We are to render every humanitarian aid we can. Doctor Perry is drawing up schedules for the medical team. Commander Ford, you will co-ordinate with her on all security matters. Lieutenant Henderson, set a course for Aberstad. Mr Piccolo, all fighter drills are suspended until further notice. I want you and Commander Kimura to overhaul the Seaquest's weapon systems. Mr O'Neil, prepare a report on the boat's communication readiness. Dismissed!"
Slowly the Seaquest officers rose to their feet. Ford and Piccolo dallied, and Hudson knew one of them was bound to ask questions in the next second. He shook his head decisively and said, "Ensign Wolenczak, a moment, if you please." Lucas returned to his seat and Hudson waved Ford and Piccolo away. "When you're ready." he added sarcastically as the two officers showed no sign of leaving.
Ford hustled Piccolo from the room, swinging the door shut behind them.
Hudson loomed over Wolenczek. "What do you mean, 'Except us'?"
***
Freeman flicked idly through the various channels. Inane sit-com here, debauched game-show there, he paused as his remote found a news channel. He smiled in satisfaction. The language of the newsreader was unfamiliar, but she did sound slightly hysterical. He grinned more widely; just as he had hoped. Terrify the sheep, then show them the way... He frowned as the news report went on to the next item - some pseudo-celebrity opening a new art gallery in London-Town. Was not that typical of the media? The deaths of countless millions only just beating the glamour of art. Well, he could show them art...
***
"Sir?"
"Don't play games, Ensign. You know something."
"I'm not supposed to." Lucas said carefully.
"Right now, I really don't care." Hudson stepped back from the table and tapped the files. "I'm not interested in the crew rosters, I'm not interested in the South Sea Confederation's vacation schedule, I'm really not interested in 'vegas.nex'." Lucas could not help blushing as the Captain named the site he had set up for Piccolo, "But I am interested in what you've found out, by accident."
"Tronia14"
"Yes."
Lucas took a deep breath. "We invented it, sir. The UEO. It was supposed to be the new hope for the developing world. It was supposed to be able to bring about spontaneous growth of indigenous plant life."
"Let me guess, it didn't work."
"Oh no. It worked all right. Unfortunately the compound accelerated the growth of the chosen fauna so rapidly that it wiped out every other plant species in the vicinity. Thankfully, it was only ever tested under laboratory conditions."
"Why?"
"The tests suggested that if it was ever released into the atmosphere it would destroy everything, plant and animal, regardless, until it's species was dominant."
"Aberstad." Hudson said flatly.
"Yes, sir."
"I don't suppose the boffins who thought up this little gem also thought up some kind of cure, antidote?"
"No, sir." Lucas paused, then continued, "They weren't trying to create a monster, Captain. They thought they were doing something good."
"So did the scientists on the 'Manhattan Project'." Hudson said grimly. He sighed. "Since you have a passing familiarity with this toxin," Hudson held up a hand to forestall Wolenczak's protest, "however brief, I would like you to liase with Doctor Perry. Attempt to synthesise an antidote. Are any of the original scientists involved on this project near enough to contact?"
"I would have to check, Captain." said Lucas, with that careful tone in his voice again.
"Then check. I hereby authorise you to use any and all means to facilitate the UEO's humanitarian efforts in Aberstad. I will show the same in my log."
Lucas gaped at the wide-ranging remit he'd just been handed, and at the trust the captain was placing in him. "Yes, sir."
***
Hudson sat down heavily once Lucas had gone. He did not like this one bit. He had a feeling that it was going to get ugly, very ugly.
TBC
A/N; I promised myself that I would never post in instalments again. But hey, I can't give up smoking either. Despite having a cracking Chpt2 (if I do say so myself) ready to go, after that I'm at a loss. Writer's Block has kicked in with a vengeance. So I'm ready to beg. If you're still with me; enjoy the next episode, correct anything that needs correcting, and send some feedback. I find the comments the best inspiration to continue. BTW - You'll find 'blackmail' in the dictionary. G.
Title; Seaquest 2032 - "Sign your name."
Rating; PG13/15
Disclaimer; Seaquest DSV/2032 and their characters are the property of Amblin Entertainment, Universal Television and the Sci-fi Channel. No infringement of copyright or trademark is intended. Story remains property of the author.
Seaquest 2032 - Sign Your Name
***
The streets of Aberstad were teeming with life.
Street vendors shouting their wares. Unobtrusive street-walkers eyeing up potential customers. Housewives, and husbands, jockeying for the best bargains. Smartly suited business types sipping brightly coloured cocktails. Traffic cops directing the flow of hovercrafts and die-hard pedestrians. And tourists, readily identifiable by their street-maps, loud clothing and slightly bemused expressions. All those people soaking up, or contributing to, the atmosphere of a bustling, metropolitan city in the twenty-first century.
Mason Freeman gazed out at the sight with barely disguised disdain. *The dregs of society rubbing shoulders with the cream.* He would have had more tolerance for the spectacle if he had more respect for the people. Had he escaped from Tartarus for this?
He'd been there. He'd worked with them all. Dion. Bourne. They had the vision. But they never had the guts to do what needed to be done. And now that he was out - free to choose - Mason Freeman would not be making the same mistakes.
Freeman took a last look over the city. Casually, he snorted a nasal spray and crushed its packaging underfoot. A wisp of grey air puffed up from beneath his shoes and Mason Freeman strolled away. Litter was an all too common sight on the streets.
***
This was the big one.
This was what they had been training for.
This was what they had worked so hard for.
The honour of the UEO, the honour of the Seaquest crew was at stake.
Commander Jonathan Ford glanced up at the clock and then settled a steely gaze on each of his team members. "You all know what to do." He collected the silent nods. "Let's do it."
The team split up and took their positions.
The referee blew his whistle and the final of the 'Internex World Community' Basketball Tournament recommenced, with seventeen seconds on the clock and the Seaquest Barracudas trailing by one point.
Tony Piccolo made short work of retrieving the ball from the hulking striker on the opposite team. The player might have been big but he was no match for Piccolo's speed. Three bounces with Tony dodging the opposition defence and then a quick throw to Tim O'Neil standing open on the other side of the court. Tim had not had a great game so far and the opposition seemed to have written him off.
O'Neil plucked the ball from the air. Quick, long strides took him to a scoring position, but the opposition were closing him down. Desperate not to lose the attack O'Neil flung the ball to Kimura.
Kimura bounced the ball in front of her, keeping it away from the opposition defender. Stalemate; he could not reach the ball, but Kimura could not score.
"Time, Kimura!" Ford yelled, the seconds were slipping away.
There was a blur of blonde. Kimura tossed the ball to Wolenczak who gathered his lanky legs for a mighty leap. The ball trickled into the basket just as the horn sounded for the end of the game.
Lucas dropped down to the court panting from his run and looked up to the scoreboard. The red lights shone out - North Sea Seals; 42, Seaquest Barracudas; 43.
The team came together in a riot of back-slapping and congratulations while the roar of their supporters rose to a crescendo. "Questies!, Questies!, Questies!"
Both teams shook hands with their opposite numbers, happy grins still splitting the faces of the victorious crew. Then officials escorted the players off the court to get ready for the presentations.
***
Up in the stands, Captain Oliver Hudson beamed with pride as he watched the impressive trophy being festooned with the UEO colours. Beside him Secretary McGrath rose and shook his hand. "Good game, Oliver. It will be a real pleasure to present the trophy this year."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." there was a distinct gleam of triumph in Hudson's eyes.
"Come on, Oliver. I know you. You're planning something."
Hudson grinned. "Two day furlong for the team. Party for all non-essential crew members at 'The Mariner' restaurant."
McGrath's eyebrow rose in surprise. "On your wages?"
"Oh, I'm not paying for it." Hudson nodded towards a North Sea Confederation Admiral. The only man in the whole stadium with a glowering expression on his face. "Admiral McClintock should never make boastful statements at UEO receptions when he might be called on them."
McGrath shook his head as he made his way to the podium.
Hudson looked down to the team and caught Commander Ford's eye. He gave him a thumb's up and Ford replied with a nod and a quick salute.
As the stadium quietened down, Hudson became aware of an insistent beeping. Sighing he took out his PAL muttering, "Not now." His face fell as he read the message. He was torn between answering the call and seeing the presentation, but it was a 'Priority 1' message. Awkwardly Hudson made his way passed the spectators, heading for the exit.
***
Secretary McGrath smiled out at the packed stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I'm sure you will all agree with me that this year's final was one of the best we've ever seen." The crowd cheered. "This tournament is a shining example of the friendship that exists between our Confederations. And I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the teams who entered this competition. Their dedication, skill and fair play throughout has been an inspiration to us all." Again McGrath paused as the crowd shouted its approval.
An official stepped up to McGrath as the applause was dying down. McGrath turned slightly to hear what the official was saying and his face turned ashen. He covered the microphone with his hand, but not before the stadium heard him ask in a shaken voice, "Are you sure?"
People looked at each other in consternation. McGrath's posture was so at odds with how he had been a few seconds ago.
McGrath turned back to the microphone and took a deep breath. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry to tell you that a... a terrible disaster has occurred in the city of Aberstad. We will tell you more as soon as we are able. In the meantime, helplines are being set up so that we can contact our friends and relatives in the city. I must ask you to refrain from trying to contact the city directly, all communication lines have been reserved for the emergency services. I'm sure you will join with me in expressing our deep condolences to the city of Aberstad and assure them of any and all aid that they may require." McGrath left the podium surrounded by various UEO officials, all whispering urgently.
The Seaquest crew looked at each other in concern. Ford's miniature PAL beeped, followed closely by everyone else's. They took them out staring at the screens, seeing the curt message to report for duty.
"I wonder what's going on?" Piccolo asked.
He had his answer when the giant screen at the head of the court changed its pictures from the stadium to one of the news channels. A distorted commentary was piped over the speakers; "...death toll rising...pleas for medical supplies...no warning...epidemic...martial law declared..." The commentary abruptly cut out, but it was not needed. The pictures were enough.
Rescue workers, some in full biological hazard suits, others with only masks over their faces, struggled to evacuate people to ambulances. Men, women, children; some screaming, some staring, some rocking back and forth with no purpose. And everything was dead, or dying, even the trees and flowers.
It was an odd thing to notice, but Lonnie Henderson reasoned that she'd seen too many human casualties since joining Seaquest.
"We have our orders." Commander Ford's voice was clipped and precise. The Seaquest Barracudas quietly gathered up their gear and left the deathly silent stadium.
***
There was a sombre atmosphere in the wardroom.
Hudson closed the door quietly and moved to the head of the conference table. He dropped a number of files down on the table, but did not open them. Instead he gazed around his officers.
"Here's what we know." Hudson said at last. He stopped, swallowed, then passed a hand over his forehead. He laid his hand down on the table, his head drooping. Without raising his head he continued, "Aberstad is gone. The city was attacked with a biological weapon."
Silence greeted the announcement. Hudson looked up, almost in surprise. He would have expected some reaction. But looking around his crew he could see that they had already considered the alternatives.
"So." Hudson continued, briskly. If they could do it, so could he. "The biological compound was 'Tronia14'. Highly experimental, very dangerous, and, as far as we know, not readily available."
"Except to us."
All heads turned to Wolenczak.
"No." whispered Henderson in distress.
"Stow it, Ensign." Hudson barked. "Our orders are to lay off the coast of Aberstad. We are to render every humanitarian aid we can. Doctor Perry is drawing up schedules for the medical team. Commander Ford, you will co-ordinate with her on all security matters. Lieutenant Henderson, set a course for Aberstad. Mr Piccolo, all fighter drills are suspended until further notice. I want you and Commander Kimura to overhaul the Seaquest's weapon systems. Mr O'Neil, prepare a report on the boat's communication readiness. Dismissed!"
Slowly the Seaquest officers rose to their feet. Ford and Piccolo dallied, and Hudson knew one of them was bound to ask questions in the next second. He shook his head decisively and said, "Ensign Wolenczak, a moment, if you please." Lucas returned to his seat and Hudson waved Ford and Piccolo away. "When you're ready." he added sarcastically as the two officers showed no sign of leaving.
Ford hustled Piccolo from the room, swinging the door shut behind them.
Hudson loomed over Wolenczek. "What do you mean, 'Except us'?"
***
Freeman flicked idly through the various channels. Inane sit-com here, debauched game-show there, he paused as his remote found a news channel. He smiled in satisfaction. The language of the newsreader was unfamiliar, but she did sound slightly hysterical. He grinned more widely; just as he had hoped. Terrify the sheep, then show them the way... He frowned as the news report went on to the next item - some pseudo-celebrity opening a new art gallery in London-Town. Was not that typical of the media? The deaths of countless millions only just beating the glamour of art. Well, he could show them art...
***
"Sir?"
"Don't play games, Ensign. You know something."
"I'm not supposed to." Lucas said carefully.
"Right now, I really don't care." Hudson stepped back from the table and tapped the files. "I'm not interested in the crew rosters, I'm not interested in the South Sea Confederation's vacation schedule, I'm really not interested in 'vegas.nex'." Lucas could not help blushing as the Captain named the site he had set up for Piccolo, "But I am interested in what you've found out, by accident."
"Tronia14"
"Yes."
Lucas took a deep breath. "We invented it, sir. The UEO. It was supposed to be the new hope for the developing world. It was supposed to be able to bring about spontaneous growth of indigenous plant life."
"Let me guess, it didn't work."
"Oh no. It worked all right. Unfortunately the compound accelerated the growth of the chosen fauna so rapidly that it wiped out every other plant species in the vicinity. Thankfully, it was only ever tested under laboratory conditions."
"Why?"
"The tests suggested that if it was ever released into the atmosphere it would destroy everything, plant and animal, regardless, until it's species was dominant."
"Aberstad." Hudson said flatly.
"Yes, sir."
"I don't suppose the boffins who thought up this little gem also thought up some kind of cure, antidote?"
"No, sir." Lucas paused, then continued, "They weren't trying to create a monster, Captain. They thought they were doing something good."
"So did the scientists on the 'Manhattan Project'." Hudson said grimly. He sighed. "Since you have a passing familiarity with this toxin," Hudson held up a hand to forestall Wolenczak's protest, "however brief, I would like you to liase with Doctor Perry. Attempt to synthesise an antidote. Are any of the original scientists involved on this project near enough to contact?"
"I would have to check, Captain." said Lucas, with that careful tone in his voice again.
"Then check. I hereby authorise you to use any and all means to facilitate the UEO's humanitarian efforts in Aberstad. I will show the same in my log."
Lucas gaped at the wide-ranging remit he'd just been handed, and at the trust the captain was placing in him. "Yes, sir."
***
Hudson sat down heavily once Lucas had gone. He did not like this one bit. He had a feeling that it was going to get ugly, very ugly.
TBC
A/N; I promised myself that I would never post in instalments again. But hey, I can't give up smoking either. Despite having a cracking Chpt2 (if I do say so myself) ready to go, after that I'm at a loss. Writer's Block has kicked in with a vengeance. So I'm ready to beg. If you're still with me; enjoy the next episode, correct anything that needs correcting, and send some feedback. I find the comments the best inspiration to continue. BTW - You'll find 'blackmail' in the dictionary. G.