Charlotte Boyett-Compo - Dark Wind

On Board the United Space Alliance Medivac Ship, The Orion

Dr. Caitlin Kelly sighed deeply as she sat up and swung her legs from the bunk. She was tired-more exhausted than she could remember being of late-and wished she didn't have to get up. She sat there for a moment, staring blankly across her cabin and sighed once more, closing her eyes against the lassitude that made her want to lie down again. She rubbed her aching eyes then forced herself to stand and stretch, feeling the pull of stiff muscles as she did.

What you need, she mumbled, is a tall, dark, handsome space pirate to come along, sweep you off your feet, then...

Dr. Kelly? the Com-Link clicked on with a soft, pleasant male voice that had been designed to soothe.

Aye?

Captain Wellmeyer requests your presence on the bridge, Maam.

Caitlin pursed her lips in annoyance. Tell the Captain Ill be there in ten minutes.

Understood. Were you able to sleep, Doctor? The Com-Link was also programmed to be solicitous of Caitlins well being.

Afraid not, Coni.

I am so sorry, the Com-Link replied with an almost-human sigh. Perhaps you should seek a med for the problem.

I dont think that will be necessary. Thank you for you concern, Coni.

You are most welcome, Dearling, was the reply.

Caitlin winced. Lately, the A.I. inside her Com-Link was beginning to show human male traits she had not included in its programming. The term of affection was one such trait that-should anyone else hear it-could cause a raised eyebrow among the crew. She made a mental note to make a few adjustments to Conis programming.

But as tired as she was, re-programming affectionate Com-Links wasnt high on her list of priorities. Heaving another weary sigh, Caitlin stripped off her outdated and threadbare flannel gown and stepped into the sonic shower, wishing she could bathe under a cleansing, refreshing hot water cascade instead.

When she was dressed in her dark blue medical jumpsuit, she rode the elevator up two decks to the bridge, nodded politely at the Com Officer, Helen Bryan, as she passed and went to Captain Wellmeyer. You rang?

Captain Herb Wellmeyer scowled. Weve got a problem with the oxygen scrubbers and Ive sent two crew members to sick bay. His frosty gray eyes slid from Caitlins dark cinnamon hair to the tips of her polished boots. While you were getting your beauty rest, I had a crisis.

Caitlin didnt bother to comment on his remark. Herb Wellmeyers definition of a crisis could be anything from a lack of sufficient coolant in the warp drives to a lack of sufficient foam on his glass of replicated beer. With his stubborn neo-German pragmatism, anything that didnt fall directly in line with his way of thinking and his conception of an orderly universe was a matter of utmost importance in his mind even if it was nonsense to everyone else.

What does engineering say about the scrubbers? asked Caitlin.

Did you hear what I said? Wellmeyer snapped. I sent two crew members-

To sick bay, Caitlin interrupted. Aye, I heard you, Sir. I assume it was with minor headaches and dizziness due to insufficient oxygen levels in their work stations? She locked her dark green eyes on his narrowed gray orbs.

Naturally!

And I also can assume they are feeling better or you would have had Coni wake me earlier?

The Captain clenched his jaw. I have told you before that I did not approve you giving your Com-Link a name. It is-

They are all right? she stressed, cutting him off again. She heard his teeth grinding and didnt need to look down to know Herb Wellmeyers beefy hands were clenched into fists at his chubby side.

They will survive, he acknowledged.

A slight smile tried to escape Caitlins tight control over it and she had to turn away.

Thats good. She arched a titian brow at him. Is there anything else?

Wellmeyers chin jutted out. Your lack of respect is starting to wear thin, Caitlin, he said beneath his breath. And I am beginning to...

Ill be down in sick bay if you need anything else, Captain. She saw a flare of irritation dart across Wellmeyers face, but she ignored it. Turning away, she winked at the Com Officer who tried unsuccessfully to hide her own amusement.

Taking the elevator down to the fourth deck, Caitlin walked to the computer and punched up the med notes on the two crewmen who had been admitted for observation. As she suspected, neither had been in any immediate danger and both were sleeping peacefully beneath pure-oxy domes. Nevertheless, she checked their vitals.

I spoke with engineering, Jax Vance, one of her four corpsmen, explained to her. A simple malfunction in an o-ring. Its been taken care of.

Thanks, Caitlin replied then asked if he would get her a cup of black coffee.

Still not sleeping?

Nope. Caitlin sat down behind her desk and leaned back in the formfitting chair. I jolted awake at oh-three hundred sweating like a big dog.

Jax grinned at the Southern expression that always brought back fond memories of visiting the Americas when he was on leave two years earlier. Another bad dream?

I guess so, Caitlin answered, shrugging. All I remember is sitting up with a gasp, my heart pounding. I was trembling so it must have been a real doozie.

Perhaps you should speak with Counselor Rema.

Caitlin shook her head. I dont believe in that headshrinker crap. Its a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Besides, Rema is an idiot.

Jax couldnt argue with the doctor. He felt the same way toward the psychic from Old France. You should talk to someone, though, Jax told her. I hate to say it, but youre starting to look a little...well... He blushed. Rough around the edges, he finished, his blush deepening.

Hell, Jax. Dont mince words!

I just hate to see you...

The sick bay Com-Link clicked on. Dr. Kelly, report to the bridge immediately!

On my way! Caitlin responded.

Whats going on? Caitlin asked the Com Officer when she reached the bridge.

We have a medical distress signal from Sector Nine, explained Helen.

Sector Nine? Caitlin questioned. Isnt that in the middle of the Sinisters?

Right near the edge, the First Officer, Linwood Dixon, reported from his console.

But there shouldnt be anyone in the Sinisters. A downed ship, maybe?

Bryan? Wellmeyer demanded. Try hailing them.

There is no answer to my hail, Captain, Lt. Bryan informed him, giving the Captain a look that said he should have known shed already tried that.

Damn! snapped Wellmeyer, running a hand through his thinning hair. I dont have time for this!

We are a Medivac ship, Captain. If we get a distress call, we are obligated to investigate and render aid, Caitlin said needlessly and was rewarded with a glower from her commanding officer. She smiled brutally. The Directive states-

Shut up! Plot a course to wherever that distress beacon is coming from, Dixon, the Captain ordered. He narrowed his eyes at Caitlin. Youre about one insult away from having a note put in your jacket, lady.

Caitlins smile became hateful then she turned around. Ill be going down with the away team, she announced. Where exactly will we be going, Lieutenant Dixon?