Snippet #1092530

All around the ship, a loud whistle announced that the Captain was about to speak. Green LEDs, pulsing on and of to create a moving path of light, showed the way to the nearest holographic display. A minute and a half later, Lieutenant Kurek flickered to life from nothing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to the Ulysses. Currently, we are near our destination.. The planet.. uh?"
The computer spoke up, earily echoing as it used the ships speaker system. "Planet 442c, Captain."

"Right.. Let me explain. We all were selected to be part of 'Project Ulysses'. From what I have read, it was originally meant to be an exploration mission to the other side of the galaxy.. But I think that was a cover-up for what was -really- going on."

Ed shifted in his seat, the lights in the Ready Room dimming as he adjusted the light level. "I am not the actual captain. I am Lieutenant Edward Kurek, previously assigned to the UES Altea. I was on my way to visit my family, when.. Well. This."

He gestured vaguely around him, and smiled weakly. "It seems.. I've opened up some files, that is. It seems that -something- destroyed the United Earth Defense Forces, and possibly Earth.. not to mention all the colonies. We are, quite possibly, all that remains of the armed forces. And that means that, on those two colony ships out there, could possibly be the only surviving civilians."

Fingers drummed on a desk, invisible to the holocam that caught Ed's movements. "None of us has any relatives on these ships. Our kids, our wives, our husbands.. All are back there. And, we cant go back."

The computer kicked in. "Correct, Captain. All navigation logs were destroyed upon the arrival to planet 442c's system, as per regulation. There is no way to know how to get back to Earth."

He gestured vaguely at the walls. "You heard it. And I have more bad news; The Captains are all dead. The computer thinks it's because of a cyrogenic failure... But I have a feeling its a bit.. different than that. I need a mechanic and an EMT to meet me at the bridge entrance. The door controls arent responding to command, and all the cameras are out. If anyone can rig a blowtorch, or something to open that door.."

He sighed. "I'll be waiting outside the bridge door. Everyone, for safety reasons, I want you all to wear a oxygen mask. Parts of the ship are vacuums, due to damage substained three years ago. Lets all play it safe. Lieutenant Kurek out."

The screen flickered, wavered, and shut off. Ed sat back in his chair, and pulled the oxygen mask that sat on the desk on over his face. It hissed, as oxygen started flowing. "Computer, Light the way to the bridge."

Red LEDs pulsed to life outside the Ready Room. Ed followed them quietly.