Author Archives: Andrew Hales

It took about fifteen minutes for everyone to gather in crew’s mess. A very brief announcement was made ship-wide that DSF personnel would be boarding the ship, that they were not to be interfered with in any way, and that the crew was required to assemble on the mess deck immediately. No one seemed quite sure what was going on.

Michaels was the last to enter, covered head to toe in a blue-green powder except around his face where he had been wearing goggles and a respirator. “Did I miss anything?” he asked while trying to catch his breath.

“Have a seat, Michaels. We’re just getting started,” Captain Lawrence replied. Michaels found an open seat and plopped down, generating a small dust cloud as he did. It was rare to have the whole crew assembled in one place, even for meals. Typically those not on watch or working would eat as a group, and the rest would grab a meal when they had free time. Not only was the whole crew together now, but they had been joined by a squad of DSF marines, as well as what appeared to be some fleet support personnel. Continue reading →