Full Circle

By S. Bieler

5048 AD

Static.... An automated voice “We are approaching the target system. Dropping out of hyperspace. Stasis wake up process engaged.” The ship dropped out of hyperspace on the outskirts of the target system. The ships system sprang to life, as did the crew and the passengers. The ships computer started to state the standard procedures for after waking from statis. “Passengers be sure to keep your heart-rate at a low pace. No sudden movements. Prepare for med-check in med-bay with Dr. Takei.

In her quarters Dr. Maeveous Jones slowly gained consciousness. The screen in her stasis pod lit up.

“Personal message for Dr. Maeveous Jones”

Dr. Jones pressed the play button prompted on her stasis chamber screen. “I hope this message finds you well. By the time this message reaches you, you should have safely arrived in system 50L-001. I know you went there, against my recommendation, but I was never able to stop you once you made up your mind. We did not leave on the best of terms, but I want you to know that I still wish you luck. Please do not be too disappointed if you do not find what you are looking for. The system has been deemed uninhabitable for more than 2500 years.

I have attached a software update for your window device. It should enhance the clarity of the readings by 35%.

Good luck and Godspeed.”

A knock on the door. “Come in” Maeveous said, still trying to shake the tiredness of a long stasis jump. A young lieutenant entered her room. “Dr. Jones, the captain would like to see you, a.s.a.p.” “Tell the captain I will meet him in the map room in an hour.” She stated while her eyes were still closed. “Yes Ma’am. Can I get you anything?” “No thank you lieutenant...” “Mitchell Ma’am” “No thank you lieutenant Mitchell. I will be fine as soon as I get a bit of food and caffeine into me. Now leave so I can get ready.” “Yes, Ma’am.” The lieutenant left the room and Dr. Jones stretched her acing limbs. “Uuuuuuuuaaahhhhhhh. Dear lord, I will never get used to traveling in stasis.” She got up from her stasis chamber and slowly walked in to the refreshment unit.

The personal computer of Dr. Jones greeted her “Good morning Dr. Jones. It is now 05:15 AM.” “Pup, how many times do I have to tell you not to remind me how early it is.” “It is my duty to not withhold any information from you. I see you have received your father’s message.” “I did. I just wish he could share a bit of my enthusiasm about this system. I know we will find something.” “Enthusiasm is something that you do not seem to have a

lack of, Dr Jones.” The computer said in his neutral voice, although Maeveous could swear that he was trying to be sarcastic. It made her smile, as it reminded her of her father’s dry humour that only she seemed to understand.

She went into the refreshment unit and had a calming ultrasonic shower. It always helped her muscles loosen up and prepared her for whatever lay ahead. She exited the shower and stood infront of the mirror and thought “At least one does not age in these things.” She turned the handel of the sink and splashed some cold water in to her face. She exited the refreshment unit. “Pup, contact Alaine and ask him to meet me in the mess hall after his Med-Check. We’ve got a lot do and we better get started.” “It seems he is still asleep, Dr. Jones” Pup stated. “Hmm, well then let’s wake him. This time we will use protocol 3, I think.” she said with a grin on her face. “Yes Dr. Jones. Initiating fire alarm in Dr. Kraft’s room.” Maeveous started counting. “3,2,1....” A clearly annoyed Alaine was visible on screen, the alarm was still active. “Hells bells and buckets of blood Maeveous, I hate you sometimes.” “Oh hey Alaine, you’re up. Get ready and meet me in the mess hall in 20 minutes.” Alaine started to complain “Tell your bloody A.I. assistant to turn off that damn alarm. You know they always say to take it slow after waking... “. “Bye Alaine.” Maeveous disconnected the call and left her quarters to get the Med-Check over with.

The bridge was already busy with all personal on deck. Captain Dempsey was delighted to see the bridge crew beating their wake up record by 2.3 seconds. System checks were in progress and a steaming cup of his favourite tea was on his desk. “Lieutenant Smith give me shipwide” the captain looked at the newest member of the bridge crew with a stern expression. “Aye Captain Dempsey, you’ve got shipwide.” The young lieutenant said, with a light nervous quiver in his voice.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. We have safely arrived at our destination. System and Med-Checks are under way. I expect your reports on my table by 0900 hours. Carry on.” The captain signalled Lieutenant Smith to cut the connection. His second in command, Commander Cesario Torres approached him. “Good morning Captain.” Torres said. “Good morning Commander. You have done a fine job improving the wake up time by 2.3 seconds. The crew seems in tip top shape.” The Captain said, with a faint smile. “Yes sir. Thank you. How do you like the new stasis units? According to Mr. Welsh they are 17% less straining on the body and 15% less straining on the mind.” Torres stated. “Give my regards to Mr. Welsh. If you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Commander Torres you have the bridge.” The Captain entered his office and closed the door. Commander Torres sat down in his chair and was pleased to see that everything seemed to be going according to plan.

Maeveous entered the med-bay. She was greated by Dr. Takei. "Hello Ms. Jones how are we feeling?" Maeveous smiled at him "Come on George you know you can call me Maeveous." "Of course, sorry." He said. "My muscles feel a bit tense and I have a headache, apart from that I feel fine." she stated while stretching her arms. Maeveouse hopped on to the scan- bed. "So let’s get started" "I really like that attitude of yours. Some of the crew members seem to find this protocol very tidious and annoying." he said, while rubbing his forehead. After 10 minutes the scan was done. Dr. Takei presented the results "Your’re healthy as a horse." "That’s always good to hear." she said while getting up. Alaine slowly walked in to the med-bay. His eyes half closed and yawning. "Hello Dr. Takei, you know how we are told to take it slow when we awake from stasis." "Yes if we do it too quickly there can be sever mental issues." he said while giving Maeveous a wink. "Severe mental issues! Maeveous if.." he said with a bright red head. "Don’t worry Alaine, it will not have any effect on you." She

said. "If anything it would be an improvemeent" she said while patting him on the head. "Take good care of him George." she said while exiting the Med-Bay.

Maeveous was enjoying a fresh breakfast of oats and fruit with yoghurt and a nice coffee, while reading the first reports of her science team. "Dr. Jones" "Yes Pup" "Might I remind you that the captain reqquested your presence over an hour ago?" "Oh shoot, yes. Send him a message, that i am on my way." Maeveous said, while quickly finishing her breakfast. While packing her things she spotted Alaine at the breakfast line. She quickly made her way over to him. "Hi Maeve.." she grabbed his arm and pulled him with her mid-sentence. Still with a slice of toast in his mouth he tried to complain. "Maeveouse can’t I at least have my breaksfast in peace?" He muffled. "The captain wants to see us. And if you hadn’t spent almost an hour in Med-Bay complaining about every little ache you have, you would have had time for breakfast." she said, while still pulling Alaine along. They arrived at the captains office. Maeveous took a look at Alain and immediately started straightening out his clothes. "The state of you." "It’s your fault for rushing me, since we have been woken up from stasis." he protested. She straightened her self out and tied her hair up in to a pony tail and pressed the com button. "Yes." The captains voice sounded very calm, as always. "Dr. Jones here captain." "Come in." The door opened and they both entered the room. "Dr. Jones, Dr. Kraft. Please, take a seat. As you might have gathered, we have arrived in the system you chose for your research."