Scene 06-3 The new commander
Location: Alien site, Nazca Mountains — WO Forward Command Post (Base Camp).
Time: 01.08.21 – 10:13 UTC-5.
Setting: Mission Commander John O’Neill speaks with Eugene.“No, this isn’t fair!” I exclaimed, visibly frustrated. The communication from the newly appointed commander, O’Neill, arrived unexpectedly, though not surprisingly to me: I had always suspected the real meaning behind his nomination. I felt I had everything on my side—experience, flight hours, physical and intellectual abilities well above standard. Even the discovery of the alien base had been my doing; the message had been addressed to me. But had it really? I had my doubts. In any case, in return for all my dedication, they had excluded me.
“The decision is final: we cannot afford a commander for an alien starship who is not fully reliable in our assessment.”
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“Fully reliable? In what sense am I not fully reliable? I’ve served the space program with loyalty and dedication for two decades.”
“We know that, but…” The general paused for a moment, unable to find the words.
“But… I’m not human, is that it?”
“It’s not that you’re not human, but in a way… yes. No point denying it.”
“At least allow me to join the mission as a crew officer.”
“We discussed that, but that won’t be possible either. All officers and crew members will belong to the GWO’s military forces, with one exception: the girl. Without her mind interfacing with the starship, the journey does not seem feasible. She is the only connection we can establish with that strange bird-like craft, if one can even call it that. It seems alive.”
“Niajin, without me on board? She trusts no one else at all.”
“The crew will be fully mixed—one hundred and twenty people selected from all over the world, the very best of humanity. One of our astronauts will be assigned to her personal protection. You, HSP328, will remain on the ground, near the alien base.”
“If I’m not part of all this… then…”
“Then what? These are WO orders, HSP328, and this conversation is over.”
