The SSV Rome only had a small bullpen on the cargo deck, which contained only a small toilet in addition to a bed. It has now been two days since Van Hagen had locked Ellen in there. She was lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling. She was annoyed that her headache was slow to subside and that the bed was too hard, but that was the price she had to pay for her transgression. She regretted getting herself in trouble like that. The memory of Jenkins falling like a wet sack gave her a small smile, though.
Someone knocked on the cell door and opened it. Ellen sat up in surprise to see a grinning Norah enter, hands clasped behind her back.
"Private Webber, I have the honor of escorting you to the showers," she said, wrinkling her nose.
Relieved, Ellen got up and straightened her uniform. "I thought you forgot about me down here."
"How could we? You can be smelled all the way to the quarters", Norah said teasingly, and when she saw Ellen's scowl, she grinned mischievously. "Please don't KO me now."
"Ha ha."
"How is your head?"
"Better. Has Holly woken up in the meantime?", Ellen asked worriedly.
"Yeah, right after you knocked Jenkins out. She was really lucky. Doc Lopez says she'll be fully operational again in two or three days."
Ellen was relieved. If Holly had been badly injured, she would never have forgiven herself. Although Holly had suggested the more dangerous route, it had been Ellen's order that they actually take it.
Norah and Ellen left the bullpen and took one of the elevators to the crew deck.
"How come they let me out?" Ellen asked. "I thought I was going to rot down there for days."
"The Commander wants to speak to you. I'm supposed to escort you to him once you look presentable," Norah replied with a shrug. Ellen had already feared there would be more trouble over the incident.
A uniform and fresh underwear were already waiting for her in the room with the five open shower stalls, which she was very glad about. She hastily dropped her dirty clothes on the floor and entered the foremost of the cubicles. As she let hot water run over her, she braced herself with both hands on the wall and closed her eyes. Some of the tension in her body slowly eased and even her headache seemed to go away.
Every now and then she would glance casually at Norah, who was leaning against the front door and pretending to examine her shoes intently, looking a little embarrassed.
After Ellen was washed and dressed, Norah led her to the commander's office at the far end of the command deck.
"Good luck," Norah said, sounding a little worried when Ellen nervously knocked and walked through the door.
The office behind the door was small with just enough space for a desk, where Commander Lance was already waiting for her, and a couple of cupboards along the walls.
"Commander," Ellen said and saluted.
"Sit down, Private," Lance replied matter-of-factly, pointing to the chair in front of his desk. After Ellen followed his direction, he leaned back and crossed his arms.
"Private Webber, I don't think I need to explain why you're here," he began. Ellen shook her head.
"No sir."
"Good. Van Hagen briefed me on the incident, but I would like to hear your perspective on the events before passing any additional judgment."
"Private Jenkins made a remark that made me punch him to the ground, sir," Ellen said.
"Yeah, I know that part. But what did he say that provoked you so much? Your record says you're actually an even-tempered and not easily irritated person."
"He... He repeatedly undermined my authority as leader of the Beta-Team and also disrespected Private Zhao."
"Has this happened before?"
Ellen nodded. "He's been causing trouble ever since I found out about the promotion, sir."
Commander Lance was silent for a moment and seemed to be thinking. His gaze rested on his interlaced fingers.
"Well, Private Webber, I probably don't need to tell you that you shouldn't gain authority in this way, although I can understand your motives. I've also had one or two subordinates that I would have liked to punch in the nose. But you must find other ways to earn the respect of your comrades and subordinates."
"I understand that, sir."
"The incident will be noted in your file, but I think Van Hagen overstated the fine. I think two more days in the bullpen will do, because it was your first offense and you're understanding. After this time, you will remain in command of the Beta-Team."
Ellen, who hadn't noticed that she was holding her breath, let out a relieved breath. "Thank you, sir!"
"You can leave now. Private Eli will bring you back downstairs."
Ellen got up and was about to leave when Lance called her again. "Webber, one more question. Would you like me to move Private Jenkins to another team?"
"No," she replied. "He's supposed to stay on the Beta-team."
"All right," Lance said, and Ellen felt like she'd just passed a test. Relieved, she left the office and went to the elevators with Norah.
"What did he say?" she asked curiously as they drove down.
"I'll be free in two days. And I won't lose my rank either."
"Great, then we'll have some more rest," Norah replied and winked at her.
When they reached the bottom, Ellen shuffled listlessly into the small chamber.
"See you in a few days then," she said, waving at Norah. Norah looked as if she wanted to say something, but seemed to change her mind and just nodded. The door closed and Ellen was alone in the small cell again.
Ellen spent the next day doing strength exercises or staring at the ceiling in boredom. Food was always brought to her by the chefs and most of them weren't very talkative, so she had no idea what was going on on the Rome. And the silence that prevailed most of the time outside in the hangar made her restless, which is why she didn't get much sleep.
On the morning of the fourth day, she was pacing excitedly, hoping that the commander would get her out soon.
The wail of a siren went through the ship, causing Ellen to almost lose her step in shock.
"All marines to the conference room immediately," said a voice through the speakers over the siren. "I repeat, all marines to the conference room immediately."
After about two minutes the noise died away and it was quiet again. Ellen was pacing in the bullpen. The announcement could only mean that an emergency call had arrived, and she hoped she would be taken out of her cell to accompany her team on the mission. But when a short time later the clatter of many pairs of heavy boots could be heard outside, none of them approached hey cell. She banged on the door in frustration.
"Let me out of here!" she yelled several times, but nobody seemed to hear her.
About five minutes later, the shuttles lifted off, and when the hangar closed again, all that could be heard was the faint sound of the drive core. Depressed, Ellen sat down on the floor and leaned her back against one of the cool metal walls. The first real mission and she missed it. She worried about her comrades. If she were there, she could make sure nobody was harmed herself, but now all she could do was hope that everyone came back alive.
The silence seemed to want to overwhelm her. Tears ran down her face, which she was ashamed of, but since she was alone, she didn't have to hide them from anyone.
Hours later, footsteps walked through the hangar. Someone was down here, coming her way. Puzzled, Ellen got up and hurriedly washed her face with a little water from the sink to hide the fact that she had been crying.
The door slid open and Commander Lance stood in front of her.
"Commander," Ellen said, straightening up and saluting.
"Private Webber," he replied, motioning for her to move. "I think you've been punished enough. The other marines will be right back, and I'm sure you'll want to see how your comrades are doing."
"What kind of mission was it, sir?" Ellen asked, entering the hangar at his side. Relief at finally being free was overshadowed by concern for her friends.
"A small colony was attacked by pirates, but we managed to drive them away."
"Any casualties?"
The Commander's face darkened. "Unfortunately yes."
That statement felt like a kick in the stomach for Ellen. She wanted to ask more questions, but then the hangar door slid open and the three shuttles landed side by side.
Commander Lance stood in front of them and awaited the Marines while Ellen stood outside the door of her holding cell, fear spreading through her. She tried to see who was missing from the Marines, but with most still wearing their helmets, she could barely recognize anyone.
"Marines, that was a good mission," Lance called out to those getting out. "Nevertheless, we must mourn the loss of two brave comrades. Get your injuries treated and we'll meet down here at 2000 for a little memorial service."
A few of the Marines had to help others walk or carried them as they made their way straight to the armory or the elevators. Ellen spotted Lauren between them, but she didn't seem hurt and probably wanted to help Doctor Lopez. Ellen quietly followed the larger group of Marines who made their way into the armory. To her great relief, she saw Norah's bright blonde hair flash in the crowd and she spotted Alex by her locker. She waited in front of the door to be able to intercept them immediately, but moments later, to her surprise, an almost screaming Olivia rushed past her.
"Fuck off! This doesn't change anything!" she called over her shoulder to Holly, who followed her uncertainly.
"But Oliv-"
"Shut up!" Olivia yelled, angrily banging on an elevator call button.
"What happened?" Ellen asked Holly, but she couldn't get a clear word out of her.
Ellen saw the doors slide shut behind Olivia and jumped into the nearest elevator. "I'll talk to her," she said to Holly, giving her an encouraging smile.
On the quarters deck, she caught Olivia just before she entered her sleeping quarters, dragging her into one of the empty rooms.
"El? What-?"
"Olivia, what the hell happened?"
"That does not concern you."
Ellen took a deep breath. "Olivia, we know each other inside and out. You don't freak out over a little thing. Either you tell me what your problem is with Holly, or -"
She didn't know what else to do, so she just continued. "She's on my team. I need to know if I can trust her."
Olivia glared at her for a moment, then her expression changed and she looked infinitely sad. Ellen felt like she was seeing her true colors for the first time in months. Finally she started to talk.
Olivia - Basic Training
Because Karen's locker wasn't tidy, she, Olivia and Holly had to clean the bathroom as punishment, but Olivia hadn't complained so as not to give them any reason to attack her. She was bullied by her two roommates from the beginning of basic training. Most of the time, Karen would be the one verbally attacking her, and Holly would just stand by and laugh or make comments. From the start, Olivia hadn't been sure if she was really fit to be a Marine, which Karen had quickly recognized and exploited.
"Oh, whoops," Karen sneered as she reached for one of the shower knobs and icy water rained down on Olivia. Grumpy and without saying a word, she got up, turned off the shower again and took off her wet t-shirt because she was still wearing a top underneath.
"Look at you, the basic training seems to be paying off," Karen snickered, eyeing her like a piece of meat. Olivia turned away from her, whereupon Karen grabbed one of her arms and twisted it behind her back.
"Well, can you free yourself?" Karen whispered in her ear.
Olivia squirmed until an idea struck her. She slammed the back of her head hard into Karen's face, who cried out and released her. Olivia was pleased to see that her lip was bleeding.
"Leave me alone," Olivia growled, trying to sound menacing but unsuccessful as Karen's face twisted into a maniac grin.
"Holly, give me a hand..." she whispered.
Holly hesitated. "Karen, don't do it."
"Do as I say or it's your turn next!" Karen threatened and Holly obeyed. Olivia didn't stand a chance.
When they finally let her go and left, Olivia slowly dragged herself to the infirmary. Her nose was bleeding and she was sure that she had a broken rib in addition to a few bruises. She wasn't sure if she could make it on her own and wanted to seek help.
She walked across the hall and knocked on the door of Ellen's room. If she asked what happened, Olivia would make something up because the truth was too humiliating. But that wasn't necessary, because nobody was there. She also tried Norah, Alex and Lauren, but no one answered. Apparently they had all used the free evening to do something outside the base.
Dejected, she walked the path alone. When she finally got to the infirmary, she was relieved to see that the light was still on.
"Help," she said in a shaky voice as she entered and dropped into a chair.
The doctor stuck her head out of a door and rushed towards her when she spotted Olivia.
"Gosh, what happened?" she asked in dismay, pulling out a wheelchair out of nowhere, which Olivia hoisted herself into with relief.
"Fell down a flight of stairs," Olivia grunted. The doctor would see through this lie, but she didn't care.
"I'll take care of you immediately, recruit...?" she said questioningly, pushing her into a treatment room.
"Olivia Schulze," Olivia murmured, and heaved herself onto the sheet-covered bed.
"Okay, Olivia Schulze, I'm Doctor Dawson. I'll get you well, don't worry."
The doctor pushed a mobile scanner up to the bed and switched it on.
"I'm going to check where you're injured," she explained as multiple beams shone through Olivia's body, creating a scan. "Where exactly did the accident happen?"
"In our dorm."
"Do you have a headache?"
"A little."
"Is something particularly painful?"
"A rib."
The doctor looked at the scan and nodded. "I have to make a quick phone call," she murmured. "Here, take these and the pain will subside soon." She handed Olivia a small, red pill and left the treatment room, but as she only walked into the hallway, Olivia could hear the conversation clearly.
"Chief Grayson, please come to the infirmary. There is something here that you should see."
"What happened?" Grayson asked.
"Recruit Schulze reportedly fell down the stairs, but I think it was more like someone was harassing her."
"I'll be on my way immediately," the chief replied in a grim voice.
A little later Grayson entered the station with a rumble.
"Where is she?" he barked at Doctor Dawson, who was still standing in the hallway.
"Here," she said and together they entered Olivia's room.
"Recruit Schulze, what the hell happened?" he asked, sounding concerned, something Olivia had never heard from him before.
"I was in the dorm and slipped on the stairs, sir."
"You don't have to cover for anyone. We know you're lying. Who did this to you?" Dawson asked softly.
But Olivia didn't want to tell them. She was too ashamed because she had been too weak to fight back. And ever since the pain had been numbed by the pill, her anger began to grow. She could report Karen, yes, but that wasn't what she had in mind for her.
"No one. I was alone and-"
"Bullshit," Grayson spat. "Tell us the name, Marine, we're just trying to protect you."
But Olivia sank into her pillow and stared at the ceiling.
"Come, Chief Grayson, we'll talk next door," Dawson said and they left the infirmary. Although they spoke in muffled voices, Olivia could still make out every word.
"What are we going to do with her?" Grayson asked.
"Wait. Some victims take their time before they want to talk about it."
"I have a feeling who it could have been. I'll think of something."
The doctor replied "Most of the injuries should heal relatively quickly. Give her three to four days, maybe five, and she'll be back."
"Okay. Give her as much time as she needs. I'll tell her platoon that she is ill."
"Sounds good."
"Good night, Greta."
"See you, Chief," Doctor Dawson replied, and Grayson's heavy boots slipped away.
The doctor came back to Olivia's room. "Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked in a very concerned tone.
"Could you turn off the light? I want to get some sleep."
"Of course," she replied, and suddenly the only light illuminating Olivia's room was from the hallway. "If anything... if you need anything, medical or otherwise... My quarters are right next to the ward."
"Thank you," Olivia replied in a cooler tone than intended. The doctor left her room and let the door slide behind her. And while she lay there in the dark, Olivia allowed her anger to boil,, trying to figure out how she was going to make Karen and Holly pay.
She seized her opportunity shortly before the end of basic training. Olivia had been put in a single room, ostensibly because her bed needed repairs. Karen and Holly had often eyed her skeptically but left her alone, probably worried that Olivia would report them after all.
Olivia had been training like a maniac since the incident to face Karen, and when she heard that another trip was being planned, she jumped at her chance. She misaligned her locker on purpose, and snuck into Karen and Holly's room to cause trouble there as well.
"Mistakes like this really shouldn't happen anymore," Grayson muttered when he saw the uniforms hung up incorrectly. "You can all scrub the bathroom afterwards."
That evening, when everyone else had flown out, Olivia wiped the walls of the shower room with a rag. She was ready and waiting for Karen to get too close, which didn't take long..
"Hey, Schulze," she said amused and put a hand on her right shoulder. "How nice that we meet here again."
From then on everything happened at lightning speed. Olivia grabbed Karen's hand and elbowed her hard in the stomach. Holly stood by the benches with a horrified look on her face and dropped her cleaning bucket in shock.
"Yes, very nice, isn't it?" Olivia growled, putting a foot on her chest.
Karen shouted, "Holly, stop staring and help me!"
She tried to get up, but Olivia slapped her hard across the face, causing her to crawl away from her, clutching her bleeding lip. Holly rushed over and tried to push Olivia against the wall, but she dodged her and tripped her, causing her to fall to the floor.
"If you're smart, stay put and don't interfere. That's what you are best at," she growled at Holly, who was staring at her with an anxious look.
"And now for you," Olivia hissed and lunged at Karen, knocking her out with a violent kick to the head.
She stood up, panting, wiping tears from her face. Only then did she realize that she had been crying. For a moment the only sound was her sobs and the running water of the showers. Holly, still sitting in a corner staring at her with wide, frightened eyes, flinched when Olivia's gaze fell on her.
"Get up!" she shouted at her. "GET UP!"
Holly jumped up and stood in front of her in a defensive stance, but Olivia had no intention of harming her. She had also been a victim, albeit a great coward. But she had never laid hands on her.
"Help me get her to the infirmary," Olivia murmured, putting one of Karen's arms around her shoulders, Holly taking the other.
They took her to Doctor Dawson in silence.
"What happened?" she asked in horror and led her to one of the treatment rooms, where they laid Karen on the bed.
"She fell down the stairs," Olivia replied matter-of-factly. Doctor Dawson met her eyes, nodded, and turned to Karen.
"Yeah, the stairs, okay," she said, and began examining the new patient.
Without saying another word, Olivia left the room and paused briefly next to Holly, who was crouched in a chair, crying softly.
"You're weak," she whispered softly, but she knew Holly heard her. Then she stepped outside through the door.
Grayson was waiting for her in front of the infirmary.
"I take it you sorted things out yourself?" he asked harshly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, sir," Olivia replied, walking past him.
"You'll get away with it this time, Schulze," he called after her. "But vigilante justice is not the way to go, remember that!"
"Yes, sir!"
As soon as she was back in her room, her facade broke and she cried louder than ever.
