EPISODE V - THE MENSTRUAL PHANTOM

 

As we left our heroes aboard the USS Escort, they were hoping to rescue Lt. Scott from the unfeeling grasp of deep space...

"However, 'what', Mr. Schultz?", Reed asked, his patience growing thin.

"Well you see sir", Schultz began reluctantly, "when the Wyzenhymer's plasma cannon glanced off of Number Two's space pod, it sent him in the direction of....well...."

"Spit it out, Mr. Schultz!" , Reed commanded, his anger evident.

Schultz took a deep breath, "...He drifted into Wyzenhymer air space."

Reed felt the air leave his lungs as if struck by a blow, he eased himself into his chair fearing his suddenly weak legs might fail him.  Memories of Lt. Scott flooded his mind as he pondered the possibility of never again seeing the young man who seemed more a son than a subordinate officer.  The cold dread in his heart began to transform into a fiery anger at the thought of the Wyznehymer Armada getting their vile tentacles on his young crew mate.  Reed stood up quickly and eyed the crew now occupying the bridge.

"Then we'll just have to go after him!", he proclaimed.

There was a shared, hushed astonishment among those present.  It was entirely against regulations to risk a Space Fleet ship in the recovery of a single officer, and any found guilty of such an act would run the risk of a death sentence.  Mr. Schultz was quick to point this out.

"But Commander", he stammered, "the... the lives of the many out way the lives of the few."

It was an ageless adage shared by the Earth and the planet Huckster which, as Schultz was aware, adorned Reed's favorite coffee mug.  However, Reed would not be swayed so easily.

"The needs of the many do, perhaps, out way the needs of the few", he allowed, "yet the needs of the few out way the need of the single, furthermore, the needs of the one out way the need of the none, but if no one is in need then what need is there for necessity?   None of us can claim to know the destiny of our young lieutenant.  It may be he is to become a great ruler, spreading hope and peace throughout the universe, and by abandoning him at this juncture, we could be dooming the entire galaxy to an eternity of war and destruction."

Though his speech was eloquent, he could see that he had not fully convinced many of his staff, therefore he played his trump card.

"Lt. Scott is also the only three time recipient of the Congressional Medal of Fashion currently serving in the armed forces."

Some nodded, others looked ashamed, yet it was clear to Reed that they all saw his point now.  Schultz still eyed him strangely, and Reed could see potential problems there.

"Let's move people!", He barked, and his crew went to their stations.

Reed turned to Schultz, "If it is an consolation, I will say that you were opposed to this plan of action, but were forced to act under my direct orders."

That seemed to ease Schultz's mind, and he gave a small relieved sigh as he moved to his station.  Reed smiled to himself, motioning Sgt. Stauch to where he stood.

"Yes sir?", Stauch asked, rigidly attentive.

"Sergeant", Reed said quietly, "I would like you keep an eye on Mr. Schultz...just to make sure he's following orders."

Stauch nodded, hesitated, and then asked, "And what do I do if he's not?"

"Terminate, Sgt. Stauch", Reed said.  "Terminate with extreme prejudice."