Xeno Alliance communications (iRP) (FO)

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

Glenn slept fitfully. Sometimes the dreams didn't come quite so intense, but tonight was not one of those nights. His rank accords him one of the few private rooms on the base, so he doesn't have to worry about waking anyone else. When the dreams come, he returns to the past. The logic of dreams doesn't allow him to question this. He looks down at himself and notices that he is wearing the uniform of a Liberty Navy Lieutenant, Junior Grade. He must be back aboard the LNS Speedwell. He hears the noise of Bridge operations all around him, and sees the Primary Gunnery station before him.

"Report, Lt. Mendoza, is that the target?" The voice was that of Captain Wright. Captain Wright? Isn't he dead? No, not at this point in time.

"Aye Captain, target confirmed. That is the SS Starhopper, registered to Spa and Cruise." replied LSF Lt. Mendoza, the "Security" officer. More like Loyalty Officer.

"Mr. Thacker" Captain Wright called, "Drop the trade lane just as the target approaches."

"Aye, sir!" Glenn heard himself say. His fingers move across the board as he fires on the Trade Lane ring. "Lane disrupted, sir."

Almost immediately, the communication's officer spoke up. "Sir, the Starhopper is hailing us. They're demanding to know why we've disrupted the Trade Lane. Shall I reply?"

"Order them to hold position, Ensign. Mr. Thacker, target the Starhopper's main reactor and fire when ready."

Glenn thought he must have misunderstood. "Sir?" he asked "There are over 3000 civilians aboard that liner. Confirm that you want me to fire on it?"

"You know as well as I that the Xenos are a threat to Liberty. One of their top leaders is aboard that ship. The civilian deaths are regrettable, but necessary. You'll have to learn to follow orders without question if you want to succeed here, Mr. Thacker." Trust Lt. Mendoza to put his two credits in.

"You have your orders, Lieutenant. I suggest you follow them." The Captain replied.

Glenn sat there indecisive for a moment, then made his decision. "No, sir."

Captain Wright walked up to his station. "Perhaps you'd like to repeat that, Lieutenant?"

Glenn straightened up. "No, sir. I will not fire on innocent civilians. That's not why I put on this uniform."

"Stand aside, Lt. Thacker. NOW!!"

"No, sir."

Captain Wright then struck Glenn, and he fell to the deck. From the deck he watched Captain Wright walk up to the Gunnery station and fire the ships main cannon. On station's viewscreen, he saw the Starhopper explode with a flash, and felt the debris strike the Speedwell's sheilds a moment later. Glenn sat dumbfounded on the deck for a moment. Then resolve replaced confusion, and he stood from the deck, then drew his sidearm. A second later, he felt the weapon come alive in his hand and Captain Wright fell dead to the deck. From the corner of his eye, he saw Lt. Mendoza rise from his chair, then all went black.

Glenn awoke in a cold sweat.

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