Circumstances (part 2 – The Unforeseen): Takes place after the Colony Ship
has left. Tension is high between some of the colonists and the advance
team.
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Voice of Julia: "It's been a few weeks since the Colony Ship left. The uneasy relationship between colonists and advance team continues to grow. For the most part, the colonists have not adjusted well to the planet. I am surprised that more did not return with the colony ship, although about 80 families did. I am relieved that no one from the advance team left. We have all grown close during our time here. I cannot imagine not having these people in my life. As Walman pointed out the other day, why would you want to pay for recycled air when you can get fresh air for free?
The colonists that have adapted the best for the most part come from the middle class. Unlike the upper class, they are used to hard work for whatever they have. The children have also adapted well, at least those that have taken the terrian cure. I cannot imagine a parent not wanting to do anything possible to spare their child's suffering, especially when there is living proof just how successful the terrian cure has been. The children whose parents have opted for a synthetic cure watch their former hospital mates run and play while they themselves are still unable to. I often wonder how Devon would have handled things.
Devon has been in cold sleep for over a year now, and I still find myself seeking her consul. Even if only in the form of what would Devon do in this situation? I know that others often do the same. As Denner pointed out, it is a sign of a truly good leader. Until Devon was gone, I don't think anyone truly realized all she did for the group. This is not to belittle the actions of anyone on the team, least of all John Danziger; without whom I don't think we would have made it this far. But Devon had a quality about her that I can't define. She appeared to have the answers or at least know the questions to ask.
I continue to try and determine a cure for the illness that has taken Devon from us. I won't rest until she has recovered. Even after all this time, I refuse to admit defeat. I know that others in the group also have continued hope while the rest believe it is a lost cause. But even with the advanced equipment from the colony's ship, I am unable to determine a cause or find a cure. I refuse to believe that the planet will reject us, after all, we have encountered humans that have existed on the planet for much longer then we have.
It never ceases to amaze me that those that do the least complain the most. Some of the colonists seem to take and take again. Nothing we have done is good enough and some show open hostility to the advance team, especially John and Alonzo. They resent John's leadership and I think fear Alonzo's connection to the terrians. Yale has continued to remain an emotional pillar to which we lean on."
It was a dark evening in the New Pacifica colony. The perimeter shield had been activated at dusk to prevent Grendlers or penal colonists from entering the community. So far, there had been no sighting of penal colonists but no one was prepared to take the risk. The Grendlers also seemed pretty scarce in the area. Justin Harper paced near the eastern most area of the community. He appeared to be agitated and waiting for someone. So far, he had not managed to oust John Danziger from the role he held in the colony. As a matter of fact, some of the colonists that had shown nothing but distain for the mechanic were now less hostile in the dealing with the man. Still a group resented the drone that spoke out of turn. The man had no sense of social standing and was very outspoken, a further sign of disrespect in some eyes. Harper had recently had conversations with others, more powerful then himself, who also wished to see the drone put in this place. He still had hope that he would be given his just due. As Harper continued to daydream, someone approach him from behind and slit his throat. Harper fell to the ground without a sound.
Shortly before midnight, Nell Harper began to worry about her husband, she contacted a few members of the colony ship that her husband may have gone to speak with. So far no one had heard from him. A few did offer to go out and search for him. It was about 1am when a knock sounded on the Harper's front door. Chuck Burton stood on the stairs, from the look on his face; Nell knew something had gone wrong. When Burton told her of Justin's death, Nell collapsed. First her daughter was taken from her and now her husband. Burton escorted Nell to the hospital where the body had been brought for Dr. Vasquez to examine.
Shortly after Nell Harper arrived at the hospital, Alan Taggert arrived. "What happened" Taggert demanded.
"Justin Harper was murder by the eastern perimeter. His throat was slashed." Dr Vasquez replied.
"Was he within the perimeter at the time" Taggert questioned.
"Yes, he was several feet within the perimeter, not within arm's reach". Burton offered.
"Where is John Danziger? Someone bring Danziger to the government building immediately. " Taggert commanded.
Burton rounded up a few others and went to the Danziger's resident and pounded on the door. When John Danziger opened his front door, half asleep, he was overpowered and brought to the government building.
"John Danziger, we have reason to believe that you are guilty of murder, how do you plead," Taggert questioned. He had managed to get several committee members to the government building prior to the mechanic being lead in.
"Murder? Who was killed? I am definitely not guilty." Danziger replied.
"I believe there is a risk to the community so for this night I order that you are held. Since there is no detention area, I have requested that a supply closet be cleared. You will remain there until such time that we determine what should happen next."
"You order! On what authority? And just who was murdered?" Danziger demanded.
Without his question being answered, Danziger was lead to the supply closet. The next morning, an emergency meeting was held. All adults of the New Pacifica colony were urged to attend. By that time, word of Harper's murder and Danziger's detainment had gotten around. The colonists were outraged. How could an outsider, take a member of their group. For now, that is what the colonists saw John Danziger as. He had not been one of the tearful parents who offered and/or sought support over a child's illness. Until setting foot on the planet, none of the colonists knew the mechanic while all of them had know each other for several years. If not from late nights at the hospital then from several of the meetings which Devon held during the planning stages of the trip. The crowd's anger mounted.
Taggert called attention, "People settle down, we need to discuss last night's tragedy. And we need to remain calm."
"Calm, how can be calm while there is a murderer among us." One frightened colonist demanded.
"We have a suspect in custody. Now we must decide what must be done." Taggert stated.
Morgan Martin raised his voice to be heard over the crowd. "I assume that the suspect you have in custody is John Danziger?" After Taggert confirmed, Morgan continued. "I will represent Danziger during the trail. I will also offer to oversee John Danziger during the trail to ensure that he does not leave the colony."
The crowd grew louder. Several of the Advance team began to fear for their safety. Yale broke through the noise of the crowd and asked, "When is the trail?"
"Right now, we are having the suspect brought out now" Taggert stated.
The crowd cheered while cries of outrage came from the Advance Team. "How can I prepare for a trial when I haven't spoke to my client or heard any of the details?" demanded Morgan Martin.
"This is not good for Danziger" Walman stated with fear evident in his voice.
Soon Danziger was in front of the crowd, his hands and feet bound with shackles. He surveyed the crowd looking for a friendly face. He was shocked at the hatred he saw shining from the colonists' eyes. He was also dismayed to see the fear in his friends' eyes.
"John Danziger you are accused of the murder of Justin Harper, how do you plead?" Taggert questioned.
"Not guilty." Danziger replied.
The crowd became rowdy and began to push their way to the front where Danziger stood. The Advance team also tried to rush to the front in order to protect their friend. Taggert called to order. "People, people settle down. We are trying to have a trial here."
Several members of the crowd shouted, "He's guilty!"
Yale, Julia and Morgan tried to voice some reason but we drowned out by the angry mob. Once again Taggert spoke, "What should I do with the accused?"
Silence fell over the crowd until someone shouted, "Banish him!"
The Advance team let out a collective cry of dismay while the rest of the crowd cheered.
Taggert turning to Danziger spoke, "Seems like the community has spoken. You are to be removed from the New Pacifica colony to an undisclosed area where you will not be a threat to anyone else."
"You have got to be kidding" shouted Danziger. "I thought it was innocent until proven guilty, I didn't even get a chance to speak"
The Advance team watched in horror as Danziger was lead to a waiting VTO. "Stop" shouted Julia. "I demand that I accompany him to ensure that he is treated fairly and has adequate supplies."
Her request was refused. Dr Vasquez, who wore a look of shock on his face, spoke, "Then please allow me to go. I have no personal relationship with the accused so would be unbiased. The man has been condemned without a fair trial, the least that you can do is offer reassurance to the community that we are not overly harsh in our punishment."
Taggert agreed for he realized it was the only way to save face. Dr Vasquez also requested that Danziger be allowed to say goodbye to his friends and family, under guard of course. Once again, Taggert reluctantly agreed.
True and Uly, who were spared the travesty of the trial rushed to their father. With his hands bound he was unable to embrace the children, as he wanted. "Be strong kids and listen to Yale. You know that I'll be back, not sure when or how, but I'll be back."
The children cried and pleaded to all to reconsider. Many colonists turned away unable to witness their agony. The Advance team promised to care for the children and prove Danziger's innocence.
"Remember to study hard and be good. Don't want people to say I raised you wrong. Remember no matter what happens I love you more then anything in the universe."
With that statement, Danziger was lead away. The colonists had all dispersed and only the Advance team remained and glanced at the sky, long after the aircraft disappeared from view.
"Someone please tell me this is a bad dream," Bess cried.
Morgan embraced her and said in a smoothing voice, "Don't worry, we know he is innocent and when we prove it, they'll return Danziger to us." Looking at Julia he added, "Dr. Vasquez will ensure that Danziger has supplies."
That brought Julia out of her trance. "Yes, Dr. Vasquez is a fair man. Once the colony gets over the shock of the murder, they'll realize what they've done. Danziger will be back. We need to be ready."
Slowly the team headed to the Danziger home, Yale supported both children. Julia realized that they were all in shock. She had been abandoned when they found out she was working with the council. Her relationship with Alonzo had not really begun and she had no other close ties at the time. She remembered the utter dismay she felt. She couldn't even imagine what Danziger was feeling. To be torn from his daughter and a boy that he thought of as a son must be the most horrible thing possible. She vowed to find a way to prove Danziger's innocence and return him to his kids as soon as possible. In the meantime, she would protect the children at all cost.
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End of part 2.
Voice of Julia: "It's been a few weeks since the Colony Ship left. The uneasy relationship between colonists and advance team continues to grow. For the most part, the colonists have not adjusted well to the planet. I am surprised that more did not return with the colony ship, although about 80 families did. I am relieved that no one from the advance team left. We have all grown close during our time here. I cannot imagine not having these people in my life. As Walman pointed out the other day, why would you want to pay for recycled air when you can get fresh air for free?
The colonists that have adapted the best for the most part come from the middle class. Unlike the upper class, they are used to hard work for whatever they have. The children have also adapted well, at least those that have taken the terrian cure. I cannot imagine a parent not wanting to do anything possible to spare their child's suffering, especially when there is living proof just how successful the terrian cure has been. The children whose parents have opted for a synthetic cure watch their former hospital mates run and play while they themselves are still unable to. I often wonder how Devon would have handled things.
Devon has been in cold sleep for over a year now, and I still find myself seeking her consul. Even if only in the form of what would Devon do in this situation? I know that others often do the same. As Denner pointed out, it is a sign of a truly good leader. Until Devon was gone, I don't think anyone truly realized all she did for the group. This is not to belittle the actions of anyone on the team, least of all John Danziger; without whom I don't think we would have made it this far. But Devon had a quality about her that I can't define. She appeared to have the answers or at least know the questions to ask.
I continue to try and determine a cure for the illness that has taken Devon from us. I won't rest until she has recovered. Even after all this time, I refuse to admit defeat. I know that others in the group also have continued hope while the rest believe it is a lost cause. But even with the advanced equipment from the colony's ship, I am unable to determine a cause or find a cure. I refuse to believe that the planet will reject us, after all, we have encountered humans that have existed on the planet for much longer then we have.
It never ceases to amaze me that those that do the least complain the most. Some of the colonists seem to take and take again. Nothing we have done is good enough and some show open hostility to the advance team, especially John and Alonzo. They resent John's leadership and I think fear Alonzo's connection to the terrians. Yale has continued to remain an emotional pillar to which we lean on."
It was a dark evening in the New Pacifica colony. The perimeter shield had been activated at dusk to prevent Grendlers or penal colonists from entering the community. So far, there had been no sighting of penal colonists but no one was prepared to take the risk. The Grendlers also seemed pretty scarce in the area. Justin Harper paced near the eastern most area of the community. He appeared to be agitated and waiting for someone. So far, he had not managed to oust John Danziger from the role he held in the colony. As a matter of fact, some of the colonists that had shown nothing but distain for the mechanic were now less hostile in the dealing with the man. Still a group resented the drone that spoke out of turn. The man had no sense of social standing and was very outspoken, a further sign of disrespect in some eyes. Harper had recently had conversations with others, more powerful then himself, who also wished to see the drone put in this place. He still had hope that he would be given his just due. As Harper continued to daydream, someone approach him from behind and slit his throat. Harper fell to the ground without a sound.
Shortly before midnight, Nell Harper began to worry about her husband, she contacted a few members of the colony ship that her husband may have gone to speak with. So far no one had heard from him. A few did offer to go out and search for him. It was about 1am when a knock sounded on the Harper's front door. Chuck Burton stood on the stairs, from the look on his face; Nell knew something had gone wrong. When Burton told her of Justin's death, Nell collapsed. First her daughter was taken from her and now her husband. Burton escorted Nell to the hospital where the body had been brought for Dr. Vasquez to examine.
Shortly after Nell Harper arrived at the hospital, Alan Taggert arrived. "What happened" Taggert demanded.
"Justin Harper was murder by the eastern perimeter. His throat was slashed." Dr Vasquez replied.
"Was he within the perimeter at the time" Taggert questioned.
"Yes, he was several feet within the perimeter, not within arm's reach". Burton offered.
"Where is John Danziger? Someone bring Danziger to the government building immediately. " Taggert commanded.
Burton rounded up a few others and went to the Danziger's resident and pounded on the door. When John Danziger opened his front door, half asleep, he was overpowered and brought to the government building.
"John Danziger, we have reason to believe that you are guilty of murder, how do you plead," Taggert questioned. He had managed to get several committee members to the government building prior to the mechanic being lead in.
"Murder? Who was killed? I am definitely not guilty." Danziger replied.
"I believe there is a risk to the community so for this night I order that you are held. Since there is no detention area, I have requested that a supply closet be cleared. You will remain there until such time that we determine what should happen next."
"You order! On what authority? And just who was murdered?" Danziger demanded.
Without his question being answered, Danziger was lead to the supply closet. The next morning, an emergency meeting was held. All adults of the New Pacifica colony were urged to attend. By that time, word of Harper's murder and Danziger's detainment had gotten around. The colonists were outraged. How could an outsider, take a member of their group. For now, that is what the colonists saw John Danziger as. He had not been one of the tearful parents who offered and/or sought support over a child's illness. Until setting foot on the planet, none of the colonists knew the mechanic while all of them had know each other for several years. If not from late nights at the hospital then from several of the meetings which Devon held during the planning stages of the trip. The crowd's anger mounted.
Taggert called attention, "People settle down, we need to discuss last night's tragedy. And we need to remain calm."
"Calm, how can be calm while there is a murderer among us." One frightened colonist demanded.
"We have a suspect in custody. Now we must decide what must be done." Taggert stated.
Morgan Martin raised his voice to be heard over the crowd. "I assume that the suspect you have in custody is John Danziger?" After Taggert confirmed, Morgan continued. "I will represent Danziger during the trail. I will also offer to oversee John Danziger during the trail to ensure that he does not leave the colony."
The crowd grew louder. Several of the Advance team began to fear for their safety. Yale broke through the noise of the crowd and asked, "When is the trail?"
"Right now, we are having the suspect brought out now" Taggert stated.
The crowd cheered while cries of outrage came from the Advance Team. "How can I prepare for a trial when I haven't spoke to my client or heard any of the details?" demanded Morgan Martin.
"This is not good for Danziger" Walman stated with fear evident in his voice.
Soon Danziger was in front of the crowd, his hands and feet bound with shackles. He surveyed the crowd looking for a friendly face. He was shocked at the hatred he saw shining from the colonists' eyes. He was also dismayed to see the fear in his friends' eyes.
"John Danziger you are accused of the murder of Justin Harper, how do you plead?" Taggert questioned.
"Not guilty." Danziger replied.
The crowd became rowdy and began to push their way to the front where Danziger stood. The Advance team also tried to rush to the front in order to protect their friend. Taggert called to order. "People, people settle down. We are trying to have a trial here."
Several members of the crowd shouted, "He's guilty!"
Yale, Julia and Morgan tried to voice some reason but we drowned out by the angry mob. Once again Taggert spoke, "What should I do with the accused?"
Silence fell over the crowd until someone shouted, "Banish him!"
The Advance team let out a collective cry of dismay while the rest of the crowd cheered.
Taggert turning to Danziger spoke, "Seems like the community has spoken. You are to be removed from the New Pacifica colony to an undisclosed area where you will not be a threat to anyone else."
"You have got to be kidding" shouted Danziger. "I thought it was innocent until proven guilty, I didn't even get a chance to speak"
The Advance team watched in horror as Danziger was lead to a waiting VTO. "Stop" shouted Julia. "I demand that I accompany him to ensure that he is treated fairly and has adequate supplies."
Her request was refused. Dr Vasquez, who wore a look of shock on his face, spoke, "Then please allow me to go. I have no personal relationship with the accused so would be unbiased. The man has been condemned without a fair trial, the least that you can do is offer reassurance to the community that we are not overly harsh in our punishment."
Taggert agreed for he realized it was the only way to save face. Dr Vasquez also requested that Danziger be allowed to say goodbye to his friends and family, under guard of course. Once again, Taggert reluctantly agreed.
True and Uly, who were spared the travesty of the trial rushed to their father. With his hands bound he was unable to embrace the children, as he wanted. "Be strong kids and listen to Yale. You know that I'll be back, not sure when or how, but I'll be back."
The children cried and pleaded to all to reconsider. Many colonists turned away unable to witness their agony. The Advance team promised to care for the children and prove Danziger's innocence.
"Remember to study hard and be good. Don't want people to say I raised you wrong. Remember no matter what happens I love you more then anything in the universe."
With that statement, Danziger was lead away. The colonists had all dispersed and only the Advance team remained and glanced at the sky, long after the aircraft disappeared from view.
"Someone please tell me this is a bad dream," Bess cried.
Morgan embraced her and said in a smoothing voice, "Don't worry, we know he is innocent and when we prove it, they'll return Danziger to us." Looking at Julia he added, "Dr. Vasquez will ensure that Danziger has supplies."
That brought Julia out of her trance. "Yes, Dr. Vasquez is a fair man. Once the colony gets over the shock of the murder, they'll realize what they've done. Danziger will be back. We need to be ready."
Slowly the team headed to the Danziger home, Yale supported both children. Julia realized that they were all in shock. She had been abandoned when they found out she was working with the council. Her relationship with Alonzo had not really begun and she had no other close ties at the time. She remembered the utter dismay she felt. She couldn't even imagine what Danziger was feeling. To be torn from his daughter and a boy that he thought of as a son must be the most horrible thing possible. She vowed to find a way to prove Danziger's innocence and return him to his kids as soon as possible. In the meantime, she would protect the children at all cost.
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End of part 2.