The Orpheus - part 2

“None at all?  Surely we couldn’t have taken out all their defences in one hit”  Said Caius in shock.

The Gunnery Sergeant shrugged his shoulders in response “Our systems are detecting no weapons placements at all”

Caius had no time to think on this as the viewing screen came to life.

“Captain, The Lazzerus is hailing us”  said the Communications Officer.

“Put them through” Replied Caius.

The bridge of The Lazzerus appeared on the screen.  In the centre of the screen stood the Captain of The Lazzerus.  Captain Webb was a striking man.  He stood up straight with his hands clasped behind his back, as if he was addressing his own crew.  His hair was cropped in the standard fashion of a soldier, and he wore his full formal uniform.  Kait couldn’t help but compare him to Caius.  Next to him, Caius looked like he had just been dragged out of bed.  His Captain’s coat had faded over the years, and was now more grey than blue.  She couldn’t even recall a time that he had bothered to button it up.  Caius’ hair fell down to his shoulders and looked like he had simply run his hand through it to make it look more neat.

“Captain Richards, further orders have come through from command”  Said Captain Webb through the viewing screen.  “We are to cease the orbital strike and head down to the surface to check for survivors.  Any survivors we encounter are to be eliminated”

 Caius shook his head in response “Doesn’t that seem a little over the top to you Sam?  Surely we should just take them prisoner”

Sam glared at Caius through the screen.  Kait tried to hide her amusement at Captain Webb’s annoyance.  She knew how much it irked the Captain when Caius acted so informal around his crew.  Caius and Sam were childhood friends, and had even gone through the academy together.  Caius only acted the way he did because he knew how much it annoyed his old friend.

“An order is an order, Captain” Replied Sam through gritted teeth  “They came direct from Admiral Drake.  If you have any issues with them, then I’d suggest you take it up with him, Captain”

“Then we do what we must” Replied Caius with a bow, trying to get a rise out of his friend.

Sam slowly shook his head and replied “I give up.  Just get a team together and head down to the surface.  I will join you once you have secured the drop point”

Sam closed the connection before Caius could reply.  

Shrugging his shoulders he turned to Kait “Get together a team, we head down to the surface and mop up the rest of the alien force.  I’ll meet you by the drop ship” 

“Yes Captain” Replied Kait as Caius left the Bridge.  Turning back to the rest of the Bridge crew she said “Commander Adams, the Bridge is yours.  Keep the engine running, we won’t be long”

With that she left the bridge and made her way to the hanger bay.