"Where did it come from?" Captain Caleb West questioned.
"I don't know sir." Officer Carter stated. "However, its origin seems to be the cafeteria."
"Situations like this shouldn't be able to happen. We haven't had an outbreak of illness at this seriousness on our entire voyage." Said Captain West.
"I agree sir, it does seem a bit strange." Said Officer Carter.
"And that is why I would like you to investigate. Find out whatever you can, even if it leads to something simple. I want to know whats going on aboard my ship." Said Captain West.
"I'll get right on it." Officer Carter replied.
"Try not to get sick. I want you healthy and able to do your job." Said the Captain.
"Okay, I'll do my best. Thanks for the warning." Officer Carter said.
After Officer Carter exited his quarters the Captain sighed in frustration.
"How many more mishaps will we have before this voyage is over?" He thought.
He then got up from his chair and slowly walked over to the window clasping his hands behind his back. As he gazed out upon the endless darkness scattered with stars he thought about what the future held. Despite his strong character and unwavering confidence in his capabilities, he still had doubts."Will I be able to keep these people alive for the remainder of this voyage?" He questioned himself, the doubt creeping deeper into the recesses of his brain. "And what about after we land? How am I going to lead the last of the human race? How can I assure prosperity?"
His thoughts were interrupted by an alert from his holo-desk which reminded him of his endless responsibilities. "Well," He sighed. "I guess I should get back to work."
__________
Kelbar had been napping and was abruptly awakened by a raucous blaring noise. He calmly stood up and looked for its source. He soon discovered that the noise had been coming from some sort of electrical device. He recalled that Beth had told him once that it was called a 'holo-desk'. He drew nearer to the strange device and examined it. Along with the blaring sound, there was a voice saying something he couldn't understand and there was a yellow flashing light. The noise was started to become an irritant, so he placed his long fingers on the screen hoping to silence it. The screen brightened slightly and an icon appeared. He placed one of his fingertips on it and the alarm stopped. Pleased with his accomplishment, he made his way to his spot beneath the window and sat down.
"I hope Beth won't be upset with me for messing with her things." Kelbar thought to himself. "I'm sure she won't mind. She has been very civil with me after all."
Several minutes passed and then Kelbar could hear a whirring at the door. It slid open and Beth, accompanied by Liam, entered.
Kelbar noticed a bit of unease in their faces and asked. "Is everything okay?"
"There has been an outbreak of illness on the ship. It's spreading very quickly." Beth replied. "The whole ship is on yellow alert."
"That is not good," Kelbar said. "Is it deadly?"
"So far, no, but the doctors and science team are still running tests." Answered Beth.
"You mentioned 'yellow-alert'. Kelbar stated. "I assume that it is a signal for caution?"
"Yes, it is," Beth replied.
"If you do not mind your holo-desk was emitting an alarm and I managed to turn it off as it was extremely irritating," Kelbar said.
Beth laughed. "I don't mind."
"That is good," Kelbar stated. "I was afraid you would be angry."
Liam cleared his throat causing Beth and Kelbar to look at him. "I do wish I could understand what you are saying." He said.
"Oh, sorry Liam. I forgot." She said, then quickly related the contents of her conversation to him.
Beth turned back to face Kelbar. "I was thinking that, with this outbreak and all, that we should take you back to your planet." She said. "I don't want to take the chance of you contracting this illness. And there's also the danger of you getting discovered."
"Yes, it is probably for the best. I'm ready to leave any time." Kelbar said.
"Sooner than later would be the best," Beth said. She then looked at Liam and related the plan to him.
"Sounds good." He said. "But isn't there a monster. Wouldn't we be putting Kelbar in worse danger than he's in up here."
"No, I don't think so," Beth replied. "He's survived for this long. I'm sure he'll be fine."
"Can I join him then?" Liam said excitedly, jumping at the chance for adventure.
Beth's heart jumped and an image of Liam being eaten alive by the whistling lizard creature flashed through her mind. "No!" She yelled.
Liam was a little taken aback by her outburst. He looked into Beth's eyes and saw something akin to worry there. His first response would have been something like "You're not my mom!" But the emotions portrayed on Beth's face made him hold his tongue.
Beth was a little embarrassed for yelling. She looked at Liam, wondering how he would respond.
Liam's voice was soft. "I won't go." He said, looking deep into her eyes.
Beth blushed slightly dropping her eyes to the floor.
"You've had more experience on the planet." Liam continued. "If you feel it's unsafe, I trust your judgment."
Not quite ready to look back into Liam's soul-piercing green eyes, Beth turned to Kelbar. "Are you sure you'll be safe?" She asked.
"Yes, now more than ever. I am more refreshed and energized than I've been in a long time." Kelbar said.
Are you ready to go?" Beth said to Kelbar.
"Yes." The alien replied.
Beth smiled. "Just don't go picking fights with any monsters."
"I will try my best." Kelbar solemnly said and then flashed a quick smile.
Beth marveled at how similar he was to a human being.
"I'm going to teleport Kelbar to the planet now," Beth said to Liam.
"Okay, I'll wait for you right here." He said.
Beth stepped over to Kelbar and embraced him and the alien likewise wrapped his long arms around her.
Beth looked at Liam. "Be back in a few minutes."
"Okay," Liam said holding up his hand in farewell. He watched as Beth closed her eyes and disappeared. His heartbeat quickened as he looked at the space where they had just been. "Wow!" He exclaimed under his breath.