Leaving Blue 5.1 Read Free

Deabl for several weeks and found that Nothi had five moons. One moon, which Roger named Despl, had a thin atmosphere. According to his spectrographic analysis, the hybrids could survive there. They waited for several days, took two shuttles and headed for Despl.” Jen blinked.
    “Jen, how did Roger cover up both missing shuttles?” Thomas asked politely.
    “He created a computer virus and uploaded it into the network. A few hours after the hybrids left, every computer was so busy fighting the virus that the servers couldn’t keep track of the shuttles. After killing most of the virus, the server began checking the database because it had received an automatic alert, one saying that hundreds of files were missing. However, the server couldn’t locate the shuttles because any trace of them had been erased by the virus.
    “In addition, several hours later, the virus self-destructed and disappeared, leaving nothing for shuttle bay two’s server to look for. I checked the database files afterward. According to the server, neither shuttle nor the virus ever existed.”
    I scowled. “The fact that you waited this long to discuss this bothers me.”
    “I know, but I promised Roger that I would wait at least four days before I told anyone.” Jen hesitated, a sullen expression on her face.
    “However, I realize that if anyone on Exp One searched for the hybrids, Roger, Seth along with the others, they would fight to save themselves. All of them assumed that if they returned to Blue 5.1, EMPE would put them in prison, because they had stolen both shuttles.
    “If a fight broke out, someone might get seriously hurt. I didn’t want that to happen.”
    David blurted, “Why didn’t you go with them?”
    The room went silent. Everyone’s eyes shifted toward Jen.
    She glanced at David. “I like all of you. I want to stay here, no matter what. Plus, I’m in love with a man on this ship.
    Joel smiled faintly.
    I pointed at her. “You did this without any authorization from me or anyone else.”
    “It’s true, I did.” Jen coughed, a sad expression on her face.
    Sam frowned while the other crew shifted in their seats, uncomfortable. No one said anything.
    I announced, “I can’t detain you because Exp One doesn’t have a holding cell. When we return to Blue 5.1, EMPE will bring charges against you. You may end up in prison.”
    Jen flinched.
    Sam glanced at a stack of papers, a worried look on her face.
    I raised my voice, “It’s my duty to inform you that doing this was an act of insubordination.”
    Jen bit her lip. “I know. You’re just doing your duty.”
    Mary, Lesley, Sam and David blinked, nervous.
    Thomas frowned, yet he didn’t say a word.
    “According to regulation eleven, I’ll have to testify against you.”
    Jen wiped tears off her cheek. “I know.”
    I examined my vtp’s database. “Sam, did you find any more food rations that aren’t spoiled?”
    “No, mutated salmonella got into most of it. There are only five days of prepackaged food left. However, I’ll have to double check. It’s possible that there are only enough for three days.”
    “Okay. Are there any other topics anyone else wants to discuss?”
    “I have something to say.” Lesley paused. “I spoke to Lisa several times, face to face. On each occasion, she asked me not to tell anyone else about our private conversations that took place when we were alone.
    “During our first meeting, she told me she was a hybrid. I already knew that. Months ago, I noticed scars on her shoulder. I didn’t mention them. I love Lisa. I don’t care if she is a hybrid.
    “Then she said that before she joined this mission, she had worked as a Biologist in a bio-technology company called AHE Incorporated for many years. One day, while commuting, her shuttlecraft crashed.
    “She lost her right arm and right leg. Surgeons re-attached both limbs and reconstructed part of her pelvis. After the operation, scars on her neck were so obvious that AHE