The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 34
Commander Luke had transfered the codes necessary to beam on station 4465-A safely. Although Nadine protested with the argument she was the only medical crewmember qualified to handle a wounded victim, the lieutenant-colonel was standing firm to get onto the mystrious station. A light tickeling went through his body. It reminded him sometimes of a sonic shower. And during transport he realised that he hadn't had a bath for many days. The light blue light was slowly dissapearing and the DS2 first officer materialised on 4465-A. There was a smell of burned materials. There was a lot of smoke. Jan coughed. It was difficult to see anything.
"Jan to Beta. Down save. Call you back"
He looked around again. The tricorder, which was linked to the runabout's computer pointed him to all kinds of complicated systems. Some of those systems were totaly unknown. Strange actually as the runabout computers did seem to recognise the Giloppen. So Jan had to presume that this station had nothing to do with the Giloppen. It seemed to be Federation indeed. He looked at the readouts again. Nothing familiar. Good heavens ! The life form, possably human. He ran, through the small coridor, no turbolift, up the ladder in the Jefferies tube, smoke, more smoke, out of the tube, the control center ... Bodies ...
"Beta, this is Jan, I am in the control center. There are some casualties here. They did not survive. Whatever happened here, we missed it."
"Captain", it was commander Luke who called the captain in ops, "I have to get on station 4465-A. As soon as possible ... sir."
"Lieutenant-colonel Jan is already on the station. You have communication contact with him. I don't really see any use in your request."
"But sir, I have to get there fast. There are some sensitive systems on that station which should not be played with." Luke said this without much emotion.
"Our XO is on the station, there is a possible survivor, he has to be saved as fast as possible. You can only get there in four or five days. By that time our patrols are back here. So commander, unless you have a way to get you there faster, your request is denied."
Commander Luke could only nod. He turned around and took his station to monitor the communications between the runabouts and Jan on 4465-A. The only thing he could do now is give the lieutenant-colonel some hints, but although both officers were equal in rank, Jan had the last word.
Jan listened to Luke during his search for the human survivor. What was the commander talking about ? Upgraded systems, secret and hidden technology. First priority was the survivor. There was only one and he was moving. While Jan coughed again, he activated the intercom. He made a general call for anyone on 4465-A to hold his position so he could help. He didn't see a thing because of the smoke. The tricorder showed that the human had hold his position. As fast as he could he jumped forward, up the little stairs, through the open door, over the broken bulkhead, passed the still burning console ... there he was, still on his feet. On gold pip and one black one.
"Lieutenant ! I am lieutenant-colonel Jan Theys, DS2 first officer. I am here to get you out. What is your name ? Good heavens your leg looks bad. We have to get you out of here. What is your name lieutenant ?"
"I don't know ... I really don't know..."