Story Excerpt

Sergeant Garland Thomas understood the necessity of a military Board of Inquiry. After Action lessons needed to be documented and blame assigned when missions suffer casualties. He had hoped his service record and medical condition would buy him days to prepare, not hours.

They forced him to testify in person, in uniform, rather than over video link from his hospital room. That meant removing the sleeves and legs of his dress uniform to conform to what remained of his body. Instead of looking professional, the decorated Space Marine felt deliberately humiliated, dressed like a vagrant in a vest and cargo shorts.

He shifted uncomfortably on his gurney as five high-ranking officers filed into the conference room. Their mirror-polished shoes and chests full of shiny medals made him blush with embarrassment. Unable to stand at attention, he had the nurse fold the gurney into an upright position.

The Board President, a brigadier general, started the proceedings. "This inquiry into the unauthorized survey mission to planet Rygellia IV and the loss of the spaceship UNSF Barents and its crew is now in session. The Respondent, Sergeant Thomas, will begin with his opening statement."

Garland had prepared a statement, but if this was his only chance to speak, he was compelled to say one line: "Do NOT land on Rygellia IV."

His heart monitor screamed an alarm as an IV flushed sedatives into his bloodstream.

"Avoid the planet…at…all…costs," he slurred before his eyes rolled back. He had meant to shout, but the sedatives fogged his mind.

The civilian nurse checked her datapad. "Gentlemen, if you provoke him, I can't administer more sedative. The quadruple amputations have reduced his body mass index by a third. Another dose could stop his heart."

The Recorder, a trim major in a gray military suit, introduced himself as the representative for the United Nations Space Fleet. His role on the panel was equivalent to a prosecuting attorney. "Sergeant Thomas, do you know where you are?"

Garland imagined energy flowing through him, neutralizing the negative effects of the sedative. He sought comfort in the whispering voices in his mind. "Gravity feels like 0.7g, which means the L1 Lagrange Quarantine Station. Standard protocol after alien contact." His voice cracked on the last words. "How long?"

The major eyed the nurse, who then fielded the question. "Thirty-seven weeks in transit. Eleven days since recovery. You've been in an induced coma or sedation for most of it."

"And my ship, the UNSF Barents. Did anyone else—"

"You're the only one who returned." The Recorder paused for effect. "We need you to tell us why the Barents was in the Rygellia system, Sergeant."

Garland blinked, clearing the sedative fog. "Can I assume everyone present has been cleared for Top Secret codeword discussions?"

"Yes. And we're very curious why all the members of your team were also cleared at that level."

"Although listed as a standard cruiser, the UNSF Barents is configured for deep space reconnaissance. The joint military-civilian crew employs stealth to conduct classified surveys to map strategic resources and scout outpost locations before prospectors or syndicates find them."

The Recorder typed a note on his datapad and showed the Board President, who nodded.

"How were you selected for this assignment?"

"Any Space Force Marine without a family, a clean record, and the ability to obtain a high-level security clearance can volunteer for deep space missions."

"The missions sound dangerous. You're at the edges of explored space far from friends and family. No backup if there's trouble. Must take a heavy mental and emotional toll."

"Quite the opposite really. Deep space is less dangerous than settled spaced."

The major raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

Garland turned grim. "Because we're the only humans out there."

The board members exchanged puzzled looks.

He sighed. "If you're familiar with the history of the human race, then you know what we're capable of doing to each other when given an excuse."

"Your personnel records indicate you grew up through two civil wars and an invasion of your home planet. Easy to see why you hold pessimistic views. Is the isolation from settled space what attracts Marines like you to this assignment?"

"The pay and benefits are better. The missions take us away from home for months on end."

"Then why risk them with an unsanctioned mission to the Rygellia System?"

"It's…a long story, sir, but my squad and I were unaware it was unsanctioned."

The Recorder gave him an almost sinister grin. "Please, tell us your story. Start from the beginning. Spare no details."

Garland closed his eyes. Instead of inky darkness, a familiar violet glow pulled his mind back to Rygellia IV.

"We were a month into our tour. A sensor probe had returned with data the civilian survey team assumed was the result of a faulty sensor. They launched a second probe, and it returned with the same readings. They wouldn't talk specifics, but they were like kids on Christmas morning.

"There was a high-level staff meeting and then we headed into the Rygellia system. Standard protocol is to perform an orbit of uncharted systems, but we went straight to Rygellia IV. We landed and my squad spent two days watching the survey team do their work. Routine stuff.

"My first memory of the day in question is boots crunching red-brown gravel and Lieutenant Marcus Okafor barking the morning brief."