Chapter 4: The Quarantine Line

The bridge of the Mandoleer’s Folly buzzed with a quiet tension. Commander Ed AlvisBiographical Information Also Known As: Captain Ed Alvis, Dr. Ed AlvisProfessions: Scientist, Musician, AdventurerAlma Mater: University of MarylandNotable Achievements: Ph.D. in Physics, Expertise in Structural Engineering Overview Ed Alvis is a renowned figure in both the scientific and musical communities, celebrated for his dual expertise as a physicist and a musician. His remarkable journey spans academic achievements, a profound musical... sat in the captain’s chair, eyes glued to the viewscreen. With Spacedawg and the team off on their mission, the weight of responsibility felt heavier than ever.

“Commander, we’ve got a ship attempting to break the quarantine,” the comms officer reported.

Ed’s jaw tightened. “Open a channel.”

“No response, sir. They’re still heading for the quarantine line.”

“Target their engines,” Ed ordered firmly. “Fire when ready.”

The Mandoleer’s Folly’s weapons systems locked onto the rogue transport ship. Moments later, bright streaks of energy shot out, striking the ship and reducing it to a cloud of debris.

Ed closed his eyes briefly, pushing away the thought that there might have been innocent people aboard. The risk of infection was too great. They couldn’t let anyone through.

“That’s the tenth ship we’ve had to destroy,” said Sergeant Jonnathan MalikJonathan Malik Species: Human   Gender: Male   Birthplace: Chilliwack System, British Columbia Sector   Occupation: Sensor Officer, Royal Canadian Space Cavalry, Order 93   Rank: Sergeant   Station: Mandoleer’s Folly   Biography: Sergeant Jonathan Malik is a skilled Sensor Officer aboard the Mandoleer's Folly, known for his keen analytical skills and exceptional proficiency in managing complex sensor arrays. Born in the Chilliwack System of the..., his tone grim. “I hope Spacedawg is making progress on that cure.”

Ed nodded. “Deploy fighters to patrol the perimeter. We can’t let our guard down.”

As the fighters launched, one of them clipped a piece of debris from the destroyed transport. The fighter wobbled but managed to return to the hangar. The pilot, Lieutenant Sarah “Blaze” Bhat, climbed out, looking pale and shaky.

“Get her to medical,” Ed ordered. “And secure the hangar. We can’t take any chances.”

Minutes later, a panicked call came from the medical bay. “Commander, the pilot’s showing symptoms of New Brunswick Sector Neural SyndromeNew Brunswick Sector Neural Syndrome (NBSNS) IntroductionNew Brunswick Sector Neural Syndrome (NBSNS) is a mysterious brain disease first identified in the New Brunswick Sector. The condition is characterized by progressive neurological symptoms and has puzzled scientists and medical professionals since its discovery. EpidemiologyNBSNS predominantly affects residents of the New Brunswick Sector. Cases have been reported across various demographics, though certain.... We need to lock down the hangar immediately.”

Ed’s heart sank. “Initiate lockdown procedures. Send in a medical bot to handle the situation.”

The hangar doors sealed shut, and the crew watched anxiously as the medical bot wheeled in, its sensors scanning Lieutenant Bhat. The pilot’s condition was deteriorating rapidly.

Ed activated the comms, hailing Spacedawg. “Captain, we’ve got a problem. One of our pilots is infected. How’s the search for a cure coming along?”

Spacedawg’s holographic image flickered to life, looking strained but determined. “We’ve got some working theories, Ed, but nothing concrete yet. We’re doing everything we can.”

“We’ve contained the situation for now,” Ed said, glancing at the sealed hangar. “No one else is showing symptoms.”

“Keep it that way,” Spacedawg replied. “We can’t afford any more outbreaks. We’ll find a cure, Ed. Just hang in there.”

The comms cut off, leaving Ed staring at the empty space where Spacedawg’s image had been. He turned to the crew. “Stay vigilant. We need to be ready for anything.”

As the crew resumed their duties, the tension in the air was palpable. They were all acutely aware that any mistake could spell disaster for the entire Canadian Expanse.

In the hangar, the medical bot worked tirelessly, but it was clear that time was running out for Lieutenant Bhat. The crew watched with bated breath, hoping that their captain and his team would find a solution before it was too late.

Ed took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. They would hold the line, no matter what. The fate of countless lives depended on it.