By the time Cruger reached the docking bay, everything was in chaos. The Flyers were in their hangars, the shuttle was right in the middle of the bay being disected and four of the Rangers were assembled on the safety railing before him. Four...
"Report." he said. Jack stepped forward.
"Sir, when we examined the shuttle we found a crudely built transporter device." Jack explained. "Bridge and Syd hacked into the main console to get coordinates on where he transported, but moments after we gained access, it exploded."
"Casualties?"
"Sir...Cadet Drew received most of the explosion's full force. She...sir, she sustained heavy injuries, but nothing critical. Med team's got her in the infirmary now. Doc says if she weren't morphed when the device exploded, she'd be long gone."
"I see...and the coordinates?"
"We know Benag's on Earth, but where on Earth exactly we don't know. Damn thing blew up before we could look more into it."
"Very well then. Bridge, go help Kat out with the shuttle, the rest of you, go on survellence. We have to find out what Benag's up to."
"But, sir--"
"Am I clear?" All the Rangers nodded then went about to follow their orders. It had taken everything Cruger had not to completely lose control, something that was now threatening to come. He took deep breaths to control himself, then decided that a trip to the infirmary would help, if only to see Syd. When he did, she was already on a bed, resting and recouperating from her injuries. It was clear she was asleep.
She looks so peaceful... he thought to himself. It's so hard to believe that she's injured...damn! Why did I send her on that mission, knowing Benag! He'll do anything to get back at me, even strike at my Rangers. If he ever found out about Syd...no, no don't even think that! I can't let him, or anyone, see what she means to me...it's the only way to protect her. He just kept staring at her, unable to take his eyes off her. He didn't know how long he spent staring at her...a minute, an hour, it made no difference. Either way, the next thing he knew, Jack was trying to get his attention.
"Sir?" he asked.
"Hmm?"
"We've found something. A message, from Benag."
"Did you play it?"
"No, sir. It was clear the message was for you."
"I'll be there in a minute, Jack." Jack nodded in understanding then left Cruger alone with his thoughts. He then turned to leave, but cast one last look at Sydney.
"Years ago, I failed someone who meant more to me than life itself." he said softly. "Whatever it takes, Sydney, that's not going to happen again." Then he walked out of the infirmary, the walls around his heart becoming thicker than usual.