Battle Station

“Battle Station, Battle Station. Priority One alert -” the voice of captain Monokol blasted from the central broadcast system to all part of the ship, and the red emergency lights were blinking.

The crews rushed back to their posts and received the updated situation report from their commander.

“We have just got visual confirmation on an unresponsive battleship, the initial system scan detected a fully functional engine, but the life scanner picked up nothing, not a breath,” commander Colson paused, “We are approaching the ship at half speed and lieutenant Keen will lead a squad of five to scout and secure the ship. We will use the heat signature detector as soon as we are in range.” Colson turned back and exchanged a few words with captain Monokol.

“Everyone, this is a simple and easy mission, but we should not let our guards down. The objective is to secure the ship and find out what happened. I doubt it is an abandoned ship, so stand your post, we are not taking any chance.” remarked captain Monokol.

Lieutenant Keen stepped forward and hand picked four squad mate to go along with him.

Private Bernard, Hillary and Vincent were chosen because of their own battle experience; Specialist Nolan was picked because of his scouting expertise; Lieutenant Sealon was assigned by the commander to assist and oversee the actions.

“Commander, we are closing in to the vessel, heat signature scanner indicator no life form aboard, sir.” reported specialist Lelia controlling the dashboard.

“Okay soldiers, it’s time to move in.” announced Colson.

Lieutenant Keen and his squad wore the combat suit and each equipped with an LP6 Laser pistol and a LR36 Laser Rifle. Specialist Nolan also carried a portable life signature scanner for closer inspection.

Their ship drifted five hundred meters next to the vessel, from there the team ejected from the air hatch and floated across the field of stars. They reached the rear entrance to the jet hatch and found those intact and accounted for, based on the slots painted on the deck.

They quickly divided into two groups, with the two lieutenants in each group. The scouting was smooth and quick and trouble-less. They regrouped at the command center and reported to Keen.

“East wing and North wing are clear, sir. Everything seems to be in order except no one is present.”

“West wing and South wing are also clear, sir. Nothing suspicious, no signs of struggle, no nothing. It was like the entire crew just, vanished.”

“Yes, we have noticed that, too.” said Keen as he triggered the intercomm. “Commander, the ship is clear, we are going to find anything useful and bring it back to the ship, but I think we need to further investigate this after our return.”

“As it should be, captain Keen. Return as soon as you and your team have the supply and we will discuss about the other matter when you return.”

The team split into two groups again and searched for supply that could be useful from the crew’s quarter and the gathering area, as well as the kitchen and the captain’s quarter.