CHAPTER 2

"What the hell are we dealing with here?"

"We picked, uhhh, her…" the security officer hesitated for a moment. Then continued "she was found up on B-deck near the exercise bay sir. She isn't a crew member and her bio profile isn't on our system." The officer flicked his holo-display showing the security round report to his superior. The commander gave it a glance and dismissed the hovering window.

"A stowaway then? Seems unlikely."

"Um if you find that hard to believe then this woman's explanation for how she got on board might be the biggest load of crap you've ever heard."

The commander gave his subordinate a stern look.

"We interviewed her once she was placed in the holding cell. She says," the officer pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "She stated that she is Dr. Jackson Brand or rather was Dr. Brand."

"Come again…"

"We don't know what to make of this sir, she's clearly selling us b.s. but we looked into it on the off chance something would point us to the truth and well …"

Again the officer paused, unsure of himself. "He's missing sir, Dr. Brand I mean. He reported to his immediate superior that he was sick and had taken a week off duty then failed to report in to medical. No one has seen him since then."

The commander turned to face the holding cell with their captive inside. She smiled devilishly and licked her lips.

"This view window is one way is it not?" The commander said, knowing the ship as he did, the answer of "yes sir" was expected. "Then why do I get the impression she can see us, no don't answer I don't care. Just continue looking for the doctor and probe little Missy for more details. Whatever she's hiding I want to know."

The officer saluted as the commander left. The officer sat at the view screen and called up the crew registry details on the holo-interface. Searching briefly he found one of the civilian psychologists and issued an order to have Dr. Amanda Camille brought in to screen the prisoner.

"This crazy bitch is too much for us. Best to get the civies to handle the talking, will save me from listening to her b.s."