And Downwards

Posted on Thu Apr 23rd, 2015 @ 6:14pm by

395 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: Mission 87 - Disaster
Location: USS Ark Royal Engineering, Transporter Room 2
Timeline: (BACKPOST) MD2 0950hrs, 45 mins after ‘The Long Journey’

After the briefing, the squad ran to their dorms and got their stuff packed. It was a nightmare: respirator, medical box, hammer, axe, comm.box, all stuffed into his utility belt. Jack then thought about Watson and Truman, who had to carry more than double what he did. That thought slightly cheered him up, but not much. He then stood up, swung the kitbag on his shoulder, took one last look at the cabin, then swept out.

He met Truman and Dye marshalling the RSJ’s into the transporter room where Watson and Walsh were sorting the comm gear. Watson saw Jack, slightly nodded his head, then motioned hammering his heart, grimacing. Jack grinned then looked at his boys

“Right lads, this is it. Now we’re going to be dropped at the first settlement, we’re going to RV with marine teams down there and then after that, god knows. Is everybody clear?”

Everyone nodded and grabbed their gear. Jack then turned to the Transport Officer. “Right Tergomet, we’re going to 63 by 21 North, and 87 by 39 East, standard 6 spread pattern.” “Ok sir, I’m on it” said Tergomet, hammering the coordinates into the console.

“RIGHT BOYS, PAD UP” shouted Jack, venting some of his own nerves in this burst of bravado. It seemed to work, the boys started smiling and assumed their positions on the pad. Jack tapped his comm-badge

“Wooldridge to Bridge, Squad Delta Echo ready for Transport” “Bridge to Transporter Room 2, Squad Delta Echo, you are clear for Transport, good luck” came the reply.

Jack nodded at the Officer and then looked at his boys, their faces were determined. He then glanced at Tergomet and said “Energise”.

The weird feeling wrapped around his body as the transporter fired up. His body went all white as the neutrons activated as he prepared himself for the planetfall. But something was wrong. He stared at Termoget as he smashed the console, his mate running over to help, slamming his comm-badge against his chest, their mouths open and moving but no sound was coming out; Jack tried to move but couldn’t, the transport was in effect. No, this can’t be how it ends is it? He then saw them, both staring at him, expressions of pure terror in both their faces, He shut his eyes, took one mighty breath. And then, there was silence.

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