EPISODE XXXV - MEATLOAF, DOUBLE BEATLOAF. I HATE MEATLOAF
Reed met the medical transports at the docking bay, moving from one unloading ship to another, searching for Number Two. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a hover-stretcher
enclosed in a clear polymeric, being led toward sickbay by a squad of medics. The still form within the plastic shroud looked frighteningly familiar. Reed broke into a jog, quickly catching the gurney
and its escort. One of the corpsman, noting Reed's expression, stopped to intercept the commander.
"It's Lt. Scott, sir", the medic said stopping between Reed and the stretcher, "but you can't see him right now."
"I'm the commander of this ship", Reed reminded the corpsman angrily, "I can do whatever I wish."
The medic stood his ground. "Not this time, sir. He's under quarantine."
Reed struggled with himself not to forcefully remove this walking obstruction, though he realized the young man was simply doing his job.
"So be it, then.", Reed said turning to check on the remainder of the of the landing party. He found Lt. Schrader nearby, his right shoulder heavily bandaged.
"How are you feeling?", Reed asked.
Schrader smiled weakly, "Sorta like I got shot in the shoulder by a Wyzenhymer assault vehicle, sir."
"You did get shot in the shoulder by a Wyzenhymer assault vehicle, Lieutenant.", Reed informed the young pilot.
Reed shrugged. "Just that he was under quarantine", he paused, "and that his prognosis wasn't good."
"I don't know nothin' 'bout his prognosis", Schrader replied, "but he sure did have a case 'a the squirts."
Reed nodded slowly, wondering how much of the pilot's punchiness could be attributed to his pain medication. Schrader spoke up, interrupting his train of thought.
"He's got some kind of virus, sir", he said quietly, "that's the one that kilt all them folks at New Boise."
Mr. Proteau walked up somberly. "I couldn't help but hear you discussing Lt. Scott's plight." He explained, at some length, how NumberTwo had contracted the disease. "...so, to the best
of my knowledge", he concluded, "none of us are in any danger of infection."
Reed looked over to see Schrader resting peacefully. He motioned for the Security Officer to follow him. When they reached the corridor, Reed turned to Proteau.
"I understand you singularly disabled a Wyzenhymer Hover Tank", he said, impressed by the shape shifter's abilities, "how exactly did you accomplish that?"
Proteau beamed with pride. "Well it really wasn't all that difficult", he explained, "I simply took on a liquid form and introduced myself into the fuel system. From that point it was quite
elementary, I..."
The screeching blare of emergency sirens cut off Mr. Proteau's dialogue.
Reed cocked his head as he quickened his stride. "We're under attack.", he said almost casually as he trotted toward the bridge.
