E.S.T. 14:25
      ‘Ob5 Krista Tay you have a vid-message.’  
    The metallic voice interrupted another unsettling dream. Three doors.
All opened to horrific landscapes. ‘Decide Krista. Decide.’  

     ‘Ob5 Krista Tay you have a vid-message.’  
    Krista awoke with one foot already on the deck of her sleeping chamber. She padded sweat from her forehead with a pillow slip. Same damn dream. Decide. Decide. Decide what? She touched the V-com screen. 

Ob5 KRISTA TAY IS REQUESTED TO JOIN THE  EREBUS’ CAPTAIN’S
CONFERENCE -- LEVEL SIXTY-FIVE, RED CORRIDOR - #388
IN A QUARTER ROTATION
  MESSAGE SENT:
  EREBUS SPACE TIME – E.S.T 15:03
SPIRAL ARM  E.T.  2537 A.D.

    We’re out of jump and into planetary glide. Which means all my medical classes will be canceled. Krista folded away her scrubs and lab coat.  She draped an Accent-x-stethoscope on a hook by the mirror and stripped to panties and bra. Fifteen minutes of push-ups, sit-ups, and high kicks and her five-foot seven frame shone with sweat.  
 
     At 14:40 - Erebus Standard Time, Krista exited the dry shower and looked at herself in the mirror. Green eyes flashed back belying her Asian heredity. Her ebony hair was short  and highlighted with thin streaks of purple.  Curtains of hair cupped her cheeks.
Not bad. Not bad, for twenty-four. She flexed well-toned muscles. This planet is a chance for a down-world. Captain Hollen can’t keep passing on a woman of my obvious talent and experience. Krista laughed aloud. Or lack thereof.  It would be wonderful to be off the ship if only for a while.  Breathe real air. What I’d give for one sip of unrecycled water. Krista dabbed blush on each cheek. Maybe find a place. A quiet place. Away from the incessant drone of our Grav-Wheel. . . I know that’s selfish. But honest. White noise can be maddening.
Krista added a touch of red to her lips.  And it would be nice to feel ground under my feet and explore a new environment.
    She pulled open her uniform drawer and recoiled. “DAMN IT!”
    Two amber, feline eyes blinked open.  The cat mewed contentedly.  Krista lifted the calico cat. Face to face she asked, “How the hell do you keep getting in here?” She set cat on the floor.  “Two-hundred and eighty-three crew members on this ship, why me, Cat?” The cat mewed.  Krista brushed cat hairs from her uniform and finished dressing. The cat watched. “When’s the last time you did something, Cat? Earned your keep? Caught a rat?” The cat mewed.
   Krista pushed the door control. There was a whoosh. The cat bolted down the corridor. “Good. Find someone else to annoy. I’m more of a dog person anyway.”

E.S.T. 14:48

   At the El-hub, Krista chose the blue pole.  She stepped into the foot grips  inserted her arm into the strap, pressed sixty-five on the control panel, and descended. As she glided past med-level forty-two, she peeked down the corridor. I have been spending a lot of time there. Time well spent. Good time.  Lynnette’s become a close friend. And the best teacher I’ve ever had.  Probably the best doctor in this quadrant. I owe her a lot. Have to find a way to  repay her.  

E.S.T.  14:58

    Six people were seated at the round table when Krista entered Conference Room #388.  Sean Jacobs, Erebus’s Communications Officer, a bald, robust man with a serious demeanor.  Franchon Almirol, second-in-command, tall, with thinning salt and pepper hair, an easy gait, and a guttural voice he employed to emphasize matters of importance. Chief Medical Officer Lynnette Caffrey and Krista’s best friend and mentor – a statuesque, no-nonsense blonde, with ivory tortoiseshell glasses perched on her freckled nose. Lynnette patted the empty chair next to her.
    Krista sat and sighed as she looked across the circular table to Juliusz
Darrowski, a human stump, though a brilliant mathematician.  The Erebus's resident naysayer and eternal pessimist for want of a better title.  On his left, Dominic Ziggant, Ship Security. Tall, muscular a bear of a man, kind, gentle with an inherited dark complexion and brown eyes that were in constant motion. Krista saw his smile and returned it.  
    Lynnette caught the exchange. “Now there’s a man worth considering.”
    “I am considering,” Krista whispered.  
    “Has a great sense of humor.”
    “I know.” Krista smiled. “I said I’m considering.”
    “Don’t consider too long or I just might gobble him up.”
    “Aren’t you a little too — “
    “Aren’t I a little what?” Lynnette laughed and punched Krista playfully in her arm.

E.S.T.  15:02

    Captain Gavin Hollen entered the conference room carrying a vid-tablet, a manila folder, and his omnipresent cup of Bredolin Coffee. Hollen was a presence, with a crisp military bearing. Six foot three with a streak of gray above one ear and today in full-dress uniform.  He stopped behind the command chair.  The room went quiet. Silently six more members of the crew, with various ranks and responsibilities, slipped in and took their places at the table.  
    Captain Hollen waited until the last crew member sat down. His light gray eyes swept around the room.  “Okay, we’re all here.” 
     Krista nudged Lynnette and whispered, “Full-dress uniform?  Someone die?”
    Lynnette put a finger across her lip. “Ssh. Must be important.” She wiped away a knowing smile and looked back at Captain Hollen.
    “Gentlemen, Ladies, I’m going to keep this brief.  Please save your questions until I’ve finished.” Hollen glanced at his vid-tablet and continued. “Under the direction of the World's Oversight Council, we are here to observe social, political, and economic development on the planet Iuama.  At E.S.T. 15:57, the Erebus will establish orbit.”  A few heads turned to the digital read on the wall.

E.S.T.   15:09

     Captain Hollen clicked his vid-tablet. “Iuama has not been a part of the World's Oversight Council for some time. It was colonized one hundred and fifty-seven years ago.  According to the few sketchy records we have . . . the original citizens of Iuama fostered exchanges with other members of what was known as the Outskirts Union. A group of four solar systems,  far from normal star lanes, on the outer arm of the Milky Way. For political and economic reasons two of those colonies have been abandoned.”
     Captain Hollen stopped for a sip of coffee.  Cleared his throat and continued. “Originally, Iuama’s main contribution to the Outskirts Union was a rubber-like substance from a plant they christened tineke.” Captain Hollen glanced at his third vid-card. “Tineke sap was in high demand. It was a perfect sealant for coating the interior of any type of space vehicle struck by a sudden puncture. Later it was used to make fine surgical gloves, and tires for vehicles on desert planets like Choax and Lotal III.  A few corporations tried to make synthetic variations, but they never measured up to the original.”
    Hollen looked around the table, “then, for no apparent reason, Iuama’s exports went to a trickle, then stopped altogether.”
     Captain Hollen clicked his vid-tablet. “When the Worlds Oversight Council finally decided to investigate the reason, the ongoing rift between the Yourkains and the planet Rustiaci escalated. All efforts of the W.O.C. were diverted to avoid a major conflict.  Different factions took sides. Alliances were made and dissolved.  All-out war became more than a possibility. . . It appeared inevitable. Thankfully, enough cool heads calmed the would-be combatants and war never materialized. But in that decade of confusion, Iuama was forgotten.  Different people went in and out of office. Data was lost. Records misplaced, and time passed.  Now the W.O.C. wants to reestablish contact. We are here to do that,
But . . . only as observers.”
    Captain Hollen pointed across the table to Krista. “Which is one reason we have Observer b5 Krista Tay on board. She’s our expert.  It is her job to make sure no one interferes with any activities on the planet. . . Is that understood?”  
    There was a collective nod around the table.
    “Good.” Captain Hollen smiled and . . . .And, on a lighter note. . . Some of you may be asking why I am in full dress uniform.” Captain Hollen ran a hand past his ribbons and smiled broadly.  “Believe me, this old thing only comes out of mothballs for special occasions. And this is one of them.”
      Hollen looked directly at Krista.  “Ob5 Krista Tay spent two and a half years in medical school before becoming an observer.  On board this ship -along with her other duties- she has spent almost all of her free time on the Medical Deck under the tutelage of our chief medical officer Doctor Lynnette Caffrey.  Krista has amassed twenty-two hundred hours studying and practicing anatomy, surgery, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology.  Krista has been involved in hundreds of patient interviews and procedures.” Captain Hollen looked around the table. “Perhaps some of you have been lucky enough to have been her patient . . . As I have.”
    A red-headed man and two women raised their hands and flashed appreciative smiles.
    “Well, then I know you three will agree.”  Captain Hollen beamed as his eyes returned to Krista.  “So, without further ado, with the powers invested in me and the advisement of Doctor Lynnette Caffrey and her fellow physicians and medical staff, I would like to welcome Doctor Krista Aanya Tay to the medical staff of the Starship Erebus.”
    Cheers and applause echoed through the conference room.  Chief Medical Officer Lynnette Caffrey nudged Krista to stand. When she did, the cheers and applause grew louder. Captain Hollen raised his right arm. “Krista please raise your right arm.  She did.  “Do you Krista Aanya Tay accept duties and responsibilities of Medical Officers along with your other duties?”
    “I do, Captain.  I do. I do.” Krista smiled gratefully.     
    Hollen laughed, “This isn’t a wedding ceremony, Krista. Congratulations, we're all immensely proud.” Hollen turned to the crowd.  “I hear by order a twenty-minute celebration.”
    Immediately, celebratory music from the planet Elgin drifted from the audio system. A team of midshipmen entered carrying trays of finger food and beverages. Captain Hollen circled the table and took Krista by the hand.  “I meant it, Krista.  We are all very proud of you. Me especially.” Krista blushed as much as her Eurasian heritage would allow.” If it weren’t against protocol, I’d hug you. . . to hell with it.” Captain Hollen took Krista in his arms and when he let go, one by one, so did the rest of the gathering except for mathematician Juliusz Darrowski who never moved from his chair.  “Used to be, you had to study and intern for three years to become a doctor,” Darrowski grumbled under his breath.
    Chief Medical Officer Lynnette Caffrey waited until last to hug Krista. “You’ve worked hard. Harder than anyone I’ve known. I have a suspicion you’re going to be the most sought-after physician on — ”
 
    “Gentlemen, Ladies, I hate to cut Krista’s celebration short.” Captain Hollen returned to his place at the table, “but back to the business of Iuama.”

    Quickly, glasses and snacks disappeared. Everyone returned to their seats.  “I know many of you have been doing research on Iuama to get a heads-up on any anomalies we might encounter. Who will begin?” Dominic Ziggant raised his hand.
    “Acknowledging our Chief of Security,” Captain Hollen said.
    Dominic opened a folder and withdrew two pages.  “Captain, you asked my staff and me to check for military capability.  From day one the original colonists of Iuama banned all large-scale weaponry. According to what I could find on the En-Cephal-Net they only brought small arms in case the original survey missed any dangerous wildlife. They do have two shuttles at their disposal. And one deep space vehicle in orbit.  Or at least they did one hundred and fifty years ago.  I doubt they’ve built up a military presence —”
    “Don’t be so sure,” Juliusz Darrowski interrupted. “Lots of the Outskirt colonies go haywire. Those shuttles and their star ships carry weapons. Maybe that explains the secrecy.  They could be plann—“
    “Excuse me. Mister Darrowski, did you discover something,” Dominic pointed a finger across the table, “that neither I nor my security squad could find?”
    Darrowski, blanched. “Well. . . No.”
    “Then until you do, I suggest you give it a rest.” Nonplused, Dominic returned the papers to his folder and flashed a smile at Krista.
    Lynnette adjusted her glasses, and nudged Krista, “Keep considering.”
    “Give it a rest,” Krista made a comical attempt to mimic Ziggant’s basso.
    Captain Hollen shot a ‘look’ at Darrowski, took a sip of coffee, and looked across the table. “Thank you, Dom. Who is next?”
    Lynnette raised her hand.
    “Acknowledged.” Captain Hollen said.
    “Krista and I spent part of our last seven revolutions,” Lynnette looked to Krista for confirmation, “searching the E.C. Net.  Strangely, there is almost nothing about Iuama or its population.  All the material we found is dated.  Over a century old. Most, older. We did find the original Geo-survey, but that was done by bots. The planet is subtropical except for the poles which are capped in ice.”  Lynnette pointed to Krista. “Krista.”
    Krista stood. Cleared her throat and began. “Relative to its sun, Iuama hangs vertically in space.  There is only a two-degree tilt to the planet's axis. It’s a world with no seasons. Which explains the abundant vegetation, but not why the colonists— “
    “That’s very common,” Darrowski interrupted. “Many worlds don’t have seasons.”
    Krista sighed. “Thank you. Mister Darrowski. Your pithy comments are always insightful and informative.” She looked back at Captain Hollen and continued.  “The last entries on the E. C. were made over a hundred and forty-two years ago.” Krista referred to her wrist-cephal.  “The planet’s geology is odd.  Though the planet is approximately six billion years old . . . It is still cooling. In some areas, magma is only a few yards from the surface.  There is a mountain range with several volcanos. Some dormant, others active. There is only one large land mass, though there are multiple scattered islands of assorted sizes. Iuama is over eighty percent water. The ocean has a ph. of 7.7.  Which is ideal for an abundance of sea life. “
    Krista paused again referring to her wrist-cephal. “There is no name on record for the single continent, though I’m sure the population has named it by now.   The first city – which was the original capital – was called Lakal . .  . At least it was one hundred and forty-two years ago.
    “Lakal is located on the Nuaka River which descends over two-hundred miles to a wide delta.” Krista fingered the side of her wrist-cephal. “And Captain here’s where things get strange. Very strange.  I don’t remember much about the troubles between the Yourkians and Rustiaci, but even before all trade stopped between the members of the Outskirts Union, the citizens on Iuama began acting oddly. Their original leader or rather spokesperson, Sagra Kalam was elected from a body they called the Council of Equals. Almost immediately after taking office, Sagra Kalam issued an edict forbidding any further colonization. His reason  — ”
    Darrowski waved both arms for attention.  Captain Hollen sighed. “Excuse me, Krista.  What Darrowski?”
    “I remember something similar happened on Hekoz IV.  This Sagra fellow may have gotten rich from selling Tineke sap, then made himself dictator.  Didn’t want any outsiders or anyone else sharing the wealth. Then, he turned off the Tineke spigot waiting for the price and demand to skyrocket and make him even richer.”
    Krista leaned across the table. “How do you do it, Mister Darrowski?  Time after time?  A perfect summation of exactly what must have transpired.  Of course, Sagra Kalam would be long dead by now, and until recently I never heard of Tineke, have you?” She turned to Captain Hollen . . .   “Sir, sometimes I wonder why we bother with these discussions when Mister Darrowski always has the definitive answer.”
    Hollen stared across the table, “Darrowski, will . . .you please give it a rest!”  Captain Hollen took a quick peek at the digital timer.  

E.S.T.  15:38

    “We still have some time before we achieve orbit. Please continue, Krista.”
    Krista sank back into her chair.  “Here is the strangest part. According to all the data we found on the E.C. . . .Since the first colonists arrived, there is no record of anyone leaving Iuama.  No one.”

    “Maybe. . . no one is allowed to leave?” Darrowski interrupted quietly.
    “You know, Mr. Darrowski that actually makes sense,” Krista said.
     Darrowski folded his arms across his chest and added a smug smile.
     Krista sighed, “but why? I hope we are not here to observe a plutocracy or worse.”
    A gentle hush of conversations waved around the table.
    “Maybe, no one wants to leave?”  Dominic Ziggant offered. “Iuama sounds perfect. Always warm. Oceans. Beaches. A world of T-shirts and sandals.” Ziggant looked across the table at Krista.  “How is the water? . . . The air?”
    “Originally unblemished.” Krista tried to hide a grin. “Probably what attracted  so many colonists in the first place. T-shirts and sandals.  It does sound ideal.” Krista turned to Captain Hollen. “Sir, do you know how many colonists were on the original starship? The E.C. has no record. In fact, it has no record of a man or woman named Sagra Kalam.”
    “That is odd.” Captain Hollen set aside the vid-tablet. “Shouldn’t be anything secret about the number of colonists. I have the manifest.”  He opened a portfolio lettered IUAMA and fingered down a column.  “Their starship was called World Seeker. Originally carrying six hundred and eighteen colonists. However, when the World Seeker arrived, nine colonists – for some reason – decided the planet was not for them and remained aboard for the return trip. The rest of the colonists were shuttled down-world in groups of sixty. Members of the shuttle crews were isolated to avoid bringing anything dangerous back to the mother ship.”

    “So Iuama started with a population of six hundred and nine,” Krista said. “It would be helpful to have an idea of the current population.”
    Captain Hollen sighed and looked to his left. “Sadly, Mister Darrowski, this is your bailiwick.  You’re the math genius. What’s your population guesstimate?”
    Darrowski sat up large in his chair and began officiously.  “Well. . . Natural population growth is calculated by adding births and subtracting deaths.  Em. . . of course, normally you would add migration and subtract emigration . . . though neither seems to apply in this case – which brings me to conclude – ”
    “Mister, are you purposely trying to annoy me?” Captain Hollen's voice rose a notch. “Get on with it, man!  Get on with it. We had a promotion today. Should we cap it off with a demotion?”
    “Yes. No, Captain.” Darrowski stuttered. “A safe estimate.  Not knowing the hormonal levels of the citizens of — “
    “Darrowski!”
    “Aye, Sir.  Yes. Yes.  Um given normal growth factors . . . The actual rate of population growth is the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. Given the one-hundred-and-fifty-year time span. I'd —  ”
    “Darrowski,” Captain Hollen hissed.
    “Yes. Yes. I’d say the current population could be somewhere between two hundred to four hundred thousand. With the proviso that the larger the population grows, the faster it grows. Of course, if you find—”
    “Enough. Thank you, Darrowski,” Captain Hollen pointed to the digital.



E.S.T.   15: 55

    “Hopefully, we’ll find out shortly.” Captain Hollen looked around the table. “I would like to announce the five people who will be on our down-world observation team.”
    Lynnette took Krista’s hand and whispered, “You got this.  I know it.”
    “Captain read from a 3x5 vid- card.  “Our down-world team will be Puri Pincan, Bat-Erdene, Dasan Hatahle, and our new doctor Krista Tay.”
    Lynnette Caffrey nudged Krista with her elbow and whispered, “Told you. You got a down-world.”
    Krista beamed and had to force herself not to let out a hallelujah.
    Captain Hollen turned to Dominic Ziggant. “Dom, you have a choice. I need you or someone from your team to provide security.”
    Ziggant stole a furtive glance at Krista.  “Captain, I would be honored to accompany the away team, and I promise to leave our ship in good hands.”
    “Then it’s settled. We’ll take a break for the basics. Down-world team, please make immediate preparations. I don’t know what kind of welcome we’ll receive from the citizens of Iuama, but we'll hope for the best and be prepared for any contingencies. Down-world team and ship’s officers report back here at 16:20, the rest please return to your duties and prepare for Iuama orbit.  
    Captain Hollen turned to Communications Officer Jacobs, “Sean, commence protocol contact with Iuama.” Captain Hollen looked around the table. “Thank you for your time and expertise. Dismissed.”

#
   
    Newly commissioned Krista Tay was the second person to exit the conference room. She bolted down the corridor to the El-hub and rode the yellow lift to her tier. Not much time to toss everything together. But I've been ready for this for a while. Krista opened her closet, reached high, grabbed the handle of her down-world grip, and screamed as the calico cat leaped through the zippered opening to her cot, jumped to the floor, and sat by the door on its haunches. “Cat. How do you get in here?  And why me?” Krista pushed the door control. It opened with a whoosh.  The cat scurried down the corridor. I don't have time for that thing’s antics. I’ve waited too long. She pulled the zipper all the way open and fished through her down-world grip.  Five years of study and now's my chance.  Some observers never get off their starship.  Krista rummaged through her grip   Removing some items, shoving others aside.  Everything is already here. Eye-plus glasses. My low-grav sneakers and, in case it gets mucky, low grav-hip boots.  All weather overalls and jacket. Half a dozen pep-to energy bars and toiletries. What else does a woman need?  I know.
    Krista crossed the room with a wide grin. Dominic mentioned the weather and the beaches. A bathing suit? Something skimpy?’ She tossed a yellow two-piece swimsuit into the grip.  From a middle drawer, she pulled out a state-of-the-art mem-cam recorder with an attachable lens.  She held it gently in her hands.  Thanks, Mom. Krista remembered graduating and receiving her degree in Anthropoid-Observation. She remembered her mother’s comments.
    'Honey, you’ll be traveling through the galaxy. This is to save your memories.  Believe me, when you get to be my age, memories start to fade.  You’ll visit new worlds.  Seeing things, you’ll have to wipe your eyes several times to believe.' Krista's mother laughed her wonderful laugh. ' All your senses will be on high alert to the new sounds and smells.  Oh, how I wish I could be there with you.'  They hugged. 'And don’t forget, lots of pictures of my grandchildren,'  her mother admonished. Their parting was brief, but not without her mother's final words. 'Krista, somewhere. . . On some world . . . Maybe more .  .  . You will make a difference. I feel it. I know it.   And that difference will be monumental.'
    Krista wiped a tear from her cheek.  Her mother died two days after the Erebus departed.  

                       #     

    At E.S.T.  16:21 Everyone except communications officer Jacobs was back at the conference table.  The down-world team stood together discussing strategies and responsibilities.   
    “Gentlemen, Ladies we are still waiting for contact from Iuama.” Captain Hollen opened with a special focus on the down-world team. “I'm not sending you folks down there with no idea of what you're getting into. . .”

    Krista glanced at Lynnette and sighed, “He’s not going to cancel my down world?”
    Lynnette laid a finger across her lips and whispered.  “Captain is following protocol.”

    “It would be better to get an invitation.” Captain Hollen turned to Franchon Almirol his second in command. “You’ve been unusually quiet. Any thoughts? Comments?”
    “Mostly questions, Captain. Why does a planet cut itself off from communicating with other worlds? Why stop trade? How come no one has left Iuama? Hard to fathom that not a single person wanted to visit their family or friends on other worlds.” Franchon slipped his fingers through his salt-and-pepper beard. “What have they been doing for a hundred and fifty-seven years? What happened to their spokesperson Sagra Kalam? Was he responsible for cutting off contact with the rest of us? Or was he ordered to?” Franchon looked around the table and focused on Captain Hollen.  “What about their Council of Equals? Sounds democratic, but so did the ‘Society for Harmony’ on Rustiaci.  And that cabal of war hawks almost got nine solar systems involved in a war . . .I don’t know what we’ll find on Iuama. . . I hope it’s all good.” Franchon turned to the down-world team and finished with an air of confidence.  “That's one hell of a squad you’re sending.  I think they'll be able to take care of any situation that arises.”  
    “That you can count on.” Captain Hollen smiled. “What I especially like about you Franchon is when I ask for thoughts . . . You give me thoughts. . .  Interesting, provocative thoughts.”  Captain Hollen turned to Dominic Ziggant and with a serious edge said, “If a situation arises that you, or any member of the team believes deserves our attention up here, relay your concerns immediately to the ship.”  
    “Yes, Sir,” Ziggant replied.
    “Good.  Are there any more –- ?”
    Communications Officer Sean Jacobs burst into the conference room.  Hurrying to Captain Hollen’s side, Jacobs gave a furtive look around the table then bent low and whispered in Hollen’s ear.
    “What?” Captain Hollen extended an arm and gently eased Jacobs away.  “You think you’ve made contact? ”  Jacobs cupped his hand and continued to whisper.
    Looks of confusion swept around the table.  Lynette adjusted her glasses and joined Krista in a what’s-going-on shrug.

    “Jacobs, please stop it. Stop whispering.” Hollen gestured to the group, “These are my ship’s officers. What have you found?”
    Reluctantly Jacobs began. “Sir, it’s the damnedest thing. We’ve made contact . . .”
    “And?”     
    “The contact has identified himself as Sagra Kalam.”
    Confused looks passed from person to person around the table.  
    “Sagra Kalam? Sagra Kalam must be dead!” Darrowski said.  And immediately got a glare from everyone in the room.  “Just saying.” He pouted.
    Krista whispered to Lynnette. “Dead or turning one hundred and eighty-seven on his next birthday.”  Lynnette bit her tongue to smother a laugh.      
    “I’m sure we can clear up the confusion,” Captain Hollen said.  “Put Mister Kalam on the vid-screen. “
    “Sir, I suggested that.  He won’t go vid, Captain. He insists.  It’s audio only or and I’m quoting Mister Kalam directly, ‘There will be no further contact.’”
    Captain Hollen shrugged, “Fine.  Put him on audio.”
    Jacobs pressed the side of his wrist-cephal.  A crack of static came from the speakers followed by a sharp intake of breath, and a cough . . . then a warm, raspy baritone voice opened, “By way of introduction, I am Sagra Kalam.  Your Communications Officer said that I am addressing Gavin Hollen, Captain of the Starship Erebus. Is that correct?”
    “It is.”
    “Please call me . . .” a long gasp for air interrupted the conversation. “Please call me, Sagra.”
    Puzzled, Captain Hollen stared up at the blank vid-screen.  “Okay . . . Well then, Sagra on behalf of the Officers and crew of the Starship Erebus and the World's Oversight Council, I would like to begin by —”
    “Captain Hollen . . .” A series of coughs and wheezes halted communication for a second time.
    Everyone in the conference room exchanged hesitant looks.
    “Excuse me . . . I’m . . .  Everyone on Iuama is . . . Captain Hollen . . . We are all . . . Dying.”
    A series of bitten words, exclamations, coughs, and gasps came from around the conference table. 
    “Captain, I wish circumstances were different and I apologize for what must seem like a curtain of secrecy. I’m sure you and the members of your crew have many questions. “
    “Oh, we do. I’m quite confused. I don’t mean to sound jaded or callous, but if you are Sagra Kalam you’d be almost two hundred years old.”
    Sagra’s laugh was cut short by a long pause and a series of coughs.  “Ah, a simple miscommunication, Captain.  I am Sagra Kalam.  Sagra Kalam the fifth.  Though there are so few of us now. . . And declining rapidly. . . There is no need to add the fifth or a last name.”
    Again, the conference room was filled with quiet comments and looks of dismay.  
    “Captain Hollen, on behalf of those who remain on Iuama. On behalf of all humanity, I ask that you forget we exist and leave Iuama as soon as possible . . . and never return.”
    More bewildered looks spread from person to person. Whispered comments flew in every direction.  Under her breath, Krista asked Lynnette “What the hell is going on?”
    “Whatever it is, it is not what I —.”
    Captain Hollen stood and faced the blank vid-screen.  “Sagra, I —  I don’t believe I understand your request. “
    “Our world has turned against us.”  Sagra coughed.  “Iuama has become a cesspool of disease and infection.”
    “Infection?”   
    “For the first decade, or so, everything was fine.  Our population grew.  Our communities spread.  Flourished. We thought we’d found paradise.”  Sagra's voice turned to a painful wheeze. . . “Now our paradise has turned to hell. . . We believe . . . We believe it started when we began harvesting Tineke.  For a while, no one noticed. It . . . The rash appeared on children first.  Then small pustules appeared. Initially, our physicians diagnosed the rash as a variant form of the ancient measles virus.  It had many of the same symptoms.  Incessant cough.  High fever.  They thought it was spread through physical contact and sneezing.  It was. We wore masks. It slowed the spread for a while. Then we realized our air was contaminated.  Any surface, any object touched by an infected individual . . . became a source of infection. In recent decades it has spread so fast that —”  Wheezes and coughs barked out of the conference room speakers.  Unconsciously, three of the Erebus crew members covered their nose and mouth.
    There were cracks of static, then silence.
    People in the room began to speak and shuffle anxiously in their seats.  Captain Hollen held up his hand for quiet and pointed to the speakers. “Ssh.”  A hush fell across the room. Hollen turned to Jacobs.  “Have we lost contact?”
    Jacobs looked at his wrist-cephal.  “Not on our side, Sir.  Mister Sagra broke it.”
    Captain Hollen was up and pacing. “Always expect the unexpected,” he murmured. “And this is not what I expected. Contagion? Infection?’”  He shoved his 3x5 vid-cards to one side and looked straight across the table at Lynnette and Krista.  “Do our medical officers have any thoughts?”
    “Sir, we don’t have much to go on.  A visual would help.”  Lynnette opened. “Sounds like a Maculopapular rash, but with pustules.  Measles and its symptoms we can treat. But why are large segments of the population dying?  The man . . . Sagra, sounds terrible. What we need is blood work.  Run some scans.  For that we would need to be in physical contact.”
    Krista raised her arm.
    “Acknowledge,” Captain Hollen said.
    “I agree with Lynnette. In the meantime, I suggest we re-fit the down-world shuttle into a medical ship. We have enough supplies to —”
    There was a crack of static from the Vid-Speaker and Sagra Kalam began, “I apologize for the interruption, Captain. Tineke Elastica or what we call T.E.  comes with a persistent cough and difficulty breathing.  It’s incessant. I was unable to inhale, suffocating, and had to break contact. It’s become difficult — ”
    Everyone in the room could hear Sagra trying to gulp in air. When he spoke again his voice faltered at different intervals.  “T.E. is highly infectious. Air . . . And water-borne. After all these years we still don’t—” Sagra coughed again.  “We still don’t know the incubation period. Go home, Captain. Tell the World's Oversight Council — tell them that Iuama no longer exist.  You found us all dead.  Which—” Sagra wheezed . . .  “Which will be true in a few years anyway.   Please . . . Go away—”
    Captain Hollen took the next coughing episode to look at Lynnette and Krista.  “Will one of you speak to him? See if you can persuade him to accept our assistance.”   
    Lynnette nudged Krista. “You bring more than one area of expertise to this conversation.”
    Krista pushed a strand of hair from her cheek and began softly. “Mister Kalam, as you catch your breath, may I introduce myself?  I am Krista Tay, MD -Ob5.” Krista looked up at the dark vid-screen and was greeted with silence.  “Mister Sagra, are you still—?”     
    “I am . . . Listening,” Sagra wheezed.  
    “Sir, the Erebus is a sophisticated starship. Over the last hundred and thirty years there have been medical and technological advances you’d find hard to imagine.  I am confident —”
    “And Ma’am, you cannot imagine what we are dealing with. Tineke Elastica is horrible. Once infected, one dies a painful, lingering death. Many of our infected citizens have chosen a quicker course. . .to end their misery. Too many. . .”
    There was no cough or wheeze. Sagra voice cracked, “Captain Hollen and MD-Ob5 Krista Tay, a while back, to escape the pandemic, a group of uninfected citizens commandeered one of our two remaining shuttles.  They planned to use our orbiting deep space vehicle and escape to another world.  No one in the group was infected.  At first, we wished them well.  Then we had to destroy our only deep-space vehicle. I gave the order. . .  One hundred and twenty-eight people . . . Thirty-six of them children, three unborn. I gave the order to blow up the ship.”
    A lingering sob came from the speakers. The eyes of many in the conference room members watered over.
    “Ma’am, Captain . . . Large weapons are not allowed on Iuama.  My son Hanar and friends used the weapons on our second shuttle to destroy our only remaining deep-space vehicle.  Hanar’s best friend, his wife, and their newborn were aboard that ship. We killed our own. Our friends. Their children. We had to . . .” Sagra wheezed and drew in a gasp of air. “And only because . . . Only because we discovered two teenagers had stowed away aboard the shuttle. . . Tanus and Janus Buckley. . .Brilliant. Identical twins. But they were both infected with Tineke. They hoped to find medical help on another planet. Everyone . . . And everything on that spaceship would have been infected within weeks. Long before they made their first jump.  Long before they arrived at one of the other Outskirt planets.
    “From that world, Tineke Elastica would have spread and decimated humanity.  Please go away. . . Delete Iuama and its sun from your data banks.  If you don't, Ma'am. . . Captain.  If you don’t – you’ll be responsible for the demise of the human species.  Before—”
    “Mister Sagra. We have sophisticated medicines and medical supplies” With pride, Captain Hollen looked across the table to Krista and Lynnette, “and a medical staff that knows how to utilize them.”
    “Captain,” Sagra said with an edge of frustration. “I don’t believe you are listening to me. Before I end this conversation. Before you reach a decision, let me reiterate. There is nothing, I repeat nothing you can do to stop the spread of Tineke Elastica. For decades, our best minds have —”
    “Excuse me Sagra, the personnel on this ship have encountered more than one dire situation. Given a chance to assist you, I am certain we can help. “
    “You. . . Are not . . . Listening,” Sagra said with mounting irritation.  He paused for a long time before he spoke again. “I have made a decision.” A rustling sound came from the speakers.  “Captain Hollen, is your communications officer still present?”
    Captain Hollen looked at Jacobs. “He is.”
    “I am going to activate the video on my side.  May I suggest those who have just eaten, or with weak stomachs look away.”
    Krista, Lynnette, and everyone else at the conference table exchanged anxious, confused looks.
    Darrowski buried his face in his arms. “I have a bad feeling.”
    A repeating series of clicks came over the conference room audio system.  Sagra coughed. “I have activated my video link. Have your communications officer activate your side.”
    Captain Hollen nodded to Jacobs who pushed an icon on his wrist-cephal.
    “Captain, officers, and crew of the starship Erebus, I believe it’s time we met
face to . . . Face.  Or . . . What is left of mine.” 
    Except for Darrowski all heads looked to the vid-screen.
    There was a crack of static, a smear of black and white, then a spongy cloud of gray spread across the middle of the screen. The sponge darkened and morphed into what appeared to be the cap of a gray mushroom. A jagged speckle —  near the bottom — split open exposing a greenish-pink interior. Sagra's voice came from the orifice. “Welcome to the world of Tineke Elastica.” 
    Gasps of disbelief and cries of anguish filled the conference room.
    “Dear God!” A woman gagged.
    “Shit!”
    “Oh, you poor man.”
    “We have to do something,” Krista whispered to Lynnette.  Lynnette's hands cradled her cheeks.  “Never. . .  I’ve never seen. . . “Tears flowed down her cheeks.  
    On the vid-screen a swollen human hand, covered in lesions and pustules, reached across the gray mass, and peeled open one of the speckles in the middle exposing Sagra’s left eye. His iris was covered by a filmy, viscous milky liquid. “I no longer need glasses. This eye is nonfunctional. My right eye is not much better.”  
    The vid-screen shrunk slowly until only Sagra’s mouth was in focus. A string of drool dripped out of the left side as he spoke. “Captain, crew members of the Erebus, this abhorrence awaits all of you if you elect to make physical contact. And, if you choose that course, if you decide to make contact and then leave Iuama, you will infect the rest of humanity.  Do not be presumptuous. Neither you nor your scientific advances will stop —can stop this monstrosity. I have pictures of our young and our old, and what Tineke Elastica has made of them. Would you like me to upload a few for your viewing pleasure? . . . Please raise your hand.”  Sagra paused for several seconds.  “Ah, no takers? No one wants to see how T.E. ravages infants and children?”
    Even Darrowski had abandoned the relative comfort of his arm. Heads whirled around the conference room. By silent consensus, everyone had seen enough. 
    What served as Sagra’s mouth opened further. He coughed. Spittle splattered on his side of the video feed. “Please, let the rest of humanity forget us.  No other world wants what we have to offer them. Leave us. Please, Captain. .  .” What was left of Sagra Kalam’s face turned slightly to an inaudible comment beside him and then, “Captain, I will reinstate contact shortly. ”A crack of static was followed by silence.
    Conference room #388 roiled with loud and whispered chatter.
    “Dear God, I thought I’d seen it all . . .”
    “Wouldn’t wish that on my . . .”
    “Living things are crawling beneath his skin.
    “How long . . .”
    “I hope I never see anything like—”
    “That . . . Whatever he has, I do not want. Let’s get out of here,” Darrowski said.
    “There has to be something we can do,” Krista looked at Lynnette.
    “I don’t know. I think some of those pustules may be larval hosts.”
    “Larval hosts?” Dominic Ziggant asked apologetically.  “I couldn’t help overhearing.”
    “You’re always welcome.” Lynnette eased her chair backward to give Dominic room in the conversation.  “If they’re like Oestridae — internal parasites—  the larvae burrow under the skin – grow spines that become brittle and sink into nerve endings so whenever the host moves  . . . ”Lynette shivered.  “Most painful. ”
    People within earshot moved closer to the trio.  Krista was forced closer to Dominic as she began.  “With blood samples, we might be able to—” Suddenly, Krista looked from Lynnette to Dominic and across the table to Captain Hollen. She did not wait to be acknowledged. Below the cacophony of the conference room, Krista whispered clearly.  “Captain, we could re-fit the down-world shuttle into a medical ship. With enough help—” She looked at Lynnette and Dominic.  “I’d be willing to recruit a team of volunteers to travel to Iuama. We have an array of vaccines.  State-of-the-art surgical procedures and equipment.  We could start with— “
    “Krista, did you see that man?” Captain Hollen asked in disbelief.  “Until we know more no member of MY crew is getting near that planet. ”
    Undeterred, “But Sir, with the right medical materials and vaccines and a little bit of luck, we might be able to —”
    “Krista, right now anyone going to Iuama would be on a one-way trip.  And that will not happen. This ship is leaving Iuama with my entire crew on board. ” Captain Hollen held eye contact with Krista.  “That said, I’m in full agreement with you.”
    
    Captain Hollen tapped his coffee cup on the conference table and raised his voice. “May I have everyone’s attention?”
    All discussion stopped. Every head turned to Captain Hollen.
    “Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we have to do something for the people of Iuama. Krista proposed we re-fit the down-world shuttle into a medical ship, and I agree.” Captain Hollen paused and looked directly at Krista. “It will be an unmanned shuttle.” He turned his gaze to the rest of the staff.  “We’ll load it with all the equipment and medical supplies we can afford to share and replicate here on board.” 
    Captain Hollen looked back at Krista, Lynnette, and Dominic. “Will the three of you see to the shuttle’s preparation?”  He waited until each one nodded.  “Good. I’ll leave it to you to create the initial manifest.”
    Captain Hollen stood and turned to everyone in the conference room. “But it doesn’t end there. Please, spread the word throughout our ship. I want everyone’s input. If anyone thinks of anything that might ease the plight of those people, bring it to the shuttle team. If there’s room aboard the shuttle – it will go down-world. The next time Mister Sagra makes contact I want the shuttle ready to depart.”  Captain Hollen took a long look around the conference table. “We are all on the same page. We all know what to do. Let’s do this. Dismissed.”
                       #

    Within a quarter of a turn, the shuttle bay of the Erebus became a frenzy of activity. Lynnette and Krista worked as a team collecting medical supplies – vials of anti-virus, surgical lasers, masks, and gloves. Blood centrifuges. Every piece of medical equipment and supplies was managed by a crew member in a hazmat suit, passed through a disinfectant portal, and loaded aboard the shuttle.
    “Most of this is state of the art,” Krista said to Lynnette. “How are they going to know how to use these items to their best advantage?”
    “I’ve included a manual for everything.  They can read,” Lynnette replied.
    “Did you see Sagra's eye? He can't read a thing. You have always advocated the importance of hands-on experience,” Krista said.  “The human touch.”
    “What are you thinking?”
    “The people of Iuama are more than a hundred and fifty years behind the times in technology – especially medical technology.  We’re giving them new machines and medicines they've never used before. Items that demand dexterity and expertise. You saw Sagra’s hands. If the rest of the population's hands look like that, how will they be able to use half of the things we’re sending them?” 
    Lynette chewed the stem of her glasses. “So, what are you thinking?”
    “Two of our most advanced med-bots and vis-pads for the most advanced equipment.”
    “Done. But there isn't much room left.”
    “I'll make room if you'll place the order.”
    Twenty minutes later Dominic Ziggant joined the two women at the shuttle on-ramp. His arms were loaded with boxes. Slung over one shoulder was a familiar bag. He handed it to Krista. “You wanted this.”
    Krista smiled, “It’s my . . . Well, it was my down-world grip. If I’m not going to get to use it,” she pointed downward.  “Maybe someone on Iuama can.”
    “I feel like I’m loading Santa’s Sleigh,” Dominic laughed. “Lots of stuff for the good folks of Iuama. Hey, I like that.  Operation Santa’s Sleigh.”
    “Operation Santa’s Sleigh it is,” Krista and Lynnette said in unison. They laughed and it was back to task.
    Articles were loaded, packed, and then unpacked for more important items. When there was still a small pathway to the shuttle's control room, Krista crawled forward and set the launch controls on Santa’s Sleigh to remote autopilot. Luckily, the med-bots and vis-pads fit perfectly in the crawl space.
    “I doubt Santa could cram a paper clip into this sleigh,” Lynette said.  
    Dominic, Lynette, and Krista took a long proud look at the shuttle.
    “All they need to do is shut the door,” Dominic smiled.
    “Santa’s Sleigh is the perfect name,” Krista said.
    Dominic Ziggant looked at Krista. “I . . . I was looking forward to exploring Iuama with you, ” he said. 
    “So was I,” Krista smiled.
    “Will you join me for a toast to Santa’s Sleigh on rec-14?” Dominic asked.
    “Okay, you two,” Lynnette grinned. “Let’s get out of here before our sleigh launches.”
     “Oh, I meant you too, Lynnette.” Dominic apologized. “Drinks are on me.”
     Krista looked back at the shuttle and took out a small cylindrical package. “I’ve been debating about including this, but I think it should go down-world.” Krista turned, “I’ll meet you both on Rec 14 in half a rev.” Krista hurried back toward the shuttle.
     “What was that she was holding?” asked Dominic.
     “I have no idea,” Lynnette said.  “But you know Krista.”
     “Not really,” Dominic replied.  “Well, not yet.”

E.S.T.  23:17
 
     Only Captain Hollen, First Officer Franchon Almirol, and Communications Officer Sean Jacobs were in conference room #388.  “Any contact yet, Jacobs?” Captain Hollen asked as he lapped the conference table for the seventh time.
     “None, Sir.”
     “What is wrong with that man?  We’re trying to help.”
     “So far, he’s been reluctant to accept our help, Sir,” Franchon said.
     “Thank you. Now you’re sounding like Darrowski when what I need is —”
     A crack of static filled the room. Jacobs pointed to the screen. “Got something.”
    An instant later Sagra opened, “I’ve decided to dispense with the video, Captain. “Have you reached a decision?”
     “I have regarding most of your requests. First, the Erebus will leave orbit soon.  But, before we depart my crew has prepared a shuttle—”
     “Captain, we do not want your shuttle nor its crew.  Anyone who comes—”
     “Sagra, the shuttle will be unmanned. It’s a gift. It has been loaded with medical supplies and equipment that we hope will be of assistance in your dilemma. The shuttle will remain on Iuama for you to use as you see fit.”
     Silence. . . “I suppose. . . Suppose— ” Sagra coughed. “A thank you is in order.” Sagra gulped in a large breath of air. “You said you have reached a decision about most of our requests?”
     “As an officer of the World’s Oversight Council, I don’t know if I can, in all honesty, remove Iuama and its solar system from our database. I will think more about your request as we return to base.”
     “Think well, Captain. Consider the following hypothetical.  Suppose there was a starship with an emergency, or a conglomerate wanted to re-institute Tineke production and its varied products; if either entity could still find Iuama on their star charts . . . ”Sagra sighed deeply. “Think long, Captain. There are too many horrendous scenarios to contemplate. A corporate starship might land during our dark cycle, load its bays with bales of Tinek, and be gone before first light.  But it would be carrying more than untreated Tineke. Before its first Jump, crew members would break out in the T.E. rash. Not knowing the cause of the outbreak wouldn’t the captain of the starship head to the nearest inhabited planet for medical assistance?  Wouldn’t you do that?  Think hard, Captain Hollen. Think hard.”
    “I will Sagra.” 
    “I don’t mean to be abrupt but depart soon. A functioning space shuttle coming to Iuama presents a problem in itself. Captain, I have some highly infected—desperate – people here who would like nothing better than to commandeer that shuttle and force their way onto the Erebus.”
    Both men shared a moment of silence as each contemplated the gravity of the other’s comment.
    “Sagra, I’m sorry we didn’t meet under happier circumstances.”
    “Me too,” Sagra wheezed.  “Thank you for the gifts and your shuttle. I promised to make good use of it. . . And . . . Now goodbye.”  A static and silence.  
    Captain Hollen turned to Second Officer Franchon Almirol. “Give the order to launch the supply shuttle. When it’s safely down-world we’re leaving.”

#

    Near a star portal in rec-area 14 Dominic Ziggant and Lynette sat huddled over glasses filled with a pale green liquid topped with bubbling foam. Dominic looked at his Wrist-cephal.  “Um, wonder what’s keeping Krista?”

    “Give her time,” Lynnette said, sipping gingerly from her glass. “She’s been on a roller coaster. Becoming a doctor, then an opportunity for her first down-world as an Ob5 Observer. Only to discover the planet and its people are infected with some unknown diseases. Krista cares deeply about others.  She wanted to go to Iuama. Right now, I think she feels like she’s been wasted, impotent. Krista is a determined woman. With an incredible passion to help others.”
    “I’ve noticed,” Dominic said.
    “And I think she’s noticed you too,” Lynnette lifted her glass. “Toast. We did a hell of a job with Santa’s Sleigh.” They clinked glasses. “And the Milky Way is a big place with billions of stars and trillions of planets circling them. Soon, hopefully, you two will get a chance to explore—”