Commander Lewis was also lost, but only deep in his own thoughts: this turn of events was working out better than he could ever have hoped. If the ship and crew had been destroyed in a fiery explosion, he wouldn’t have to contend with them and their probing questions during the next twenty months. He was feeling almost giddy at the prospects before him and having a hard time trying to look concerned, fighting to keep his inner satisfaction from emerging on his face. He thought about heading into his office for a celebratory double shot.
Abruptly, there was a sudden intake of breath as the room fell silent. Expressions on the faces of the people at the consoles were fearful and bewildered, as Commander Cody thrust open the door and strode through the entry. He was heeled closely by what appeared to be six soldiers garbed in black shirts, pants, stocking caps, boots, flack jackets, and holsters. Most still wore black smudge makeup on their faces. Cameramen that had been embedded among the Mission Support technicians suddenly swiveled around, as faces of spectators pressed against the glass in the overhead gallery.
“Commander Cody, what the hell is the meaning of this? Who are these men?” Commander Lewis loudly barked.
Staring stonily at the traitor and conspirator, Ty firmly declared, “Commander Morgan Lewis, I am relieving you of command and placing you under arrest for the crimes of treason, murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping, to start with.” Gesturing, Ty ordered Steve to take the Commander into custody.
“What the hell are you talking about? You have no authority to arrest me!” Morgan blustered. “I don’t have time for any of this crap! I’ve got a missing crew to contend with, and you’re in the way and need to leave.” With that, Commander Lewis tried to sidestep around Ty, but Steve raised his hand, as a waiter intone a guest to wait a moment. That signal was followed by the heart-stopping sound of five automatic pistols being cocked, simultaneously. They were all pointing directly at Commander Lewis’ shiny, sweat-slicked forehead.