3
Standard procedure in the event of a general emergency was to muster the crew in the command center. By the time Carlton, Alison, and the Captain arrived, everyone else had gathered, the night shift looking mussed and bleary-eyed.
The Captain strode to the front of the small crowd with a brisk, business-like pace. Turning to face them, she placed her hands on her hips and spoke in a commanding tone.
"All right, people. We've got a situation. Carl, the video please."
Carlton stepped up to the main display screen's control workstation and tapped in a command.
The recording began playing on the screen, to a collective gasp from the crew. Their expressions ranged from awe to excitement to curiosity to fear as the Captain related the events leading up to Carlton sounding the General
