Chapter: Two "The accused will stand" boomed the voice of General James Henderson.
Lieutenant Garry Andrews stood slowly, eyes downcast.
Henderson continued: "Under article 183 of our charter you have been found guilty of all charges levelled against you, the most serious of all these charges is espionage."
Andrews raised his head and stared blankly into thin air.
"The sentence is specific," Henderson went on, "the execution will be fixed for 1400 hours on the 13th of next month," he paused for no more than a minute then, "this court martial is closed." Henderson reached for his paperwork and put it back in its briefcase, he stood and stiffly left the room, impassive, unreadable - his back ramrod straight; just like the last time he’d been in this position - when they’d found Paul Foster guilty of the same offence; then he’d been set up by an industrial spy and Straker had almost torn the place apart to find the truth, luckily for Paul Foster he was innocent.
Andrews on the other hand was as guilty as hell, everyone knew it.
The other two officers who had sat with him and the military counsel quickly followed Henderson from the room.
Andrews and his counsel went next.
Andrews, heavily handcuffed and dejected looking, walked slowly out of the room. His shoulders hunched over, he knew he'd be found guilty; it was the waiting for it to be announced that had gotten to him. Now he'd be put to death next month like some common criminal. Throughout the duration of the trial he'd convinced himself he would not be sentenced to death such was his over-riding belief in himself; sadly it was to prove his own downfall. Oh there'd be an appeal he knew that, if that failed then … he let the thought trail off.
Madness edged his vision as he looked wildly around him for a place to run, but there was nowhere to go. Heavily guarded and flanked by armed guards he stood little chance of escape.
As he passed by the impassive form of Commander Ed Straker he looked forcibly down at the ground, he could not meet the icy glare levelled at him.
Freeman on the other hand, would have willingly carried out the death sentence right here, right now. But he knew that protocol and procedure had to be followed right down to the letter, even though in his opinion Andrew's had forfeited any rights he'd had when he knowingly forged that first signature.
True, they had stopped him before he'd done anything that couldn't be fixed, except for Lieutenant Keith Ford still in ICU Mayland, still in the coma, left there in that black cloud of unknowing as a result of Andrews's actions.
Ford's suspension at the hands of Straker had been too quick, too clinical in Alec’s opinion, yet it seemed the only option open to them after it appeared that Ford had knowingly transmitted the document giving class A1 clearance to a British Naval Captain out on the high seas.
The simple mistake had raised doubts about Ford's capability. After all, it wasn't the first time he'd done something like this, but there was just something not quite right about the situation and Freeman had personally intervened.
* * *
Ford had always taken the blame for his own mistakes, but this time he'd told the commander that he had not signed that document, and Freeman was convinced something was wrong.
Shortly after he'd been suspended, Ford was found wandering out on a main road where he'd been knocked down by a car and ended up in hospital with head injuries, he'd been found out on Sycamore Road, some twenty miles east from the studio. Alarmingly it was also the scene of a UFO incident and they'd found Ford was involved in that too; yet he was meant to be at home on suspension.
When they'd finally got Ford back to Mayland he'd seen the girl who attacked Straker. The unexpected sight of the girl, his close friend, had pushed him over the edge; he'd suffered a breakdown at the sight of her corpse on the trolley there in the corridor. Eventually they got him stabilised, but such a breakdown after the brain surgery he'd endured some two weeks earlier after the accident had caused the lieutenant to collapse suddenly, eventually falling into the coma in which he now lay.
Straker made to leave, and it broke Alec's train of thought. The two men left the nondescript bare room and headed back in the direction of control.
"How's Ford doing Alec, any news?"
"Still the same, I thought we could get him out of it by now … six weeks is a long time Ed."
"Mmm" Straker said, he clasped his hands behind his back, long legs taking long slow strides. "What haven't we tried Alec … I mean with all this technology there must be something?"
"Perhaps it's not technology we need," Alec returned, lighting a cigarette. He took a long drag from it and exhaled slowly.
"I was just thinking Ed, when Keith was over in Wexham, there was a nurse over there that I think he'd taken a shine to … perhaps she could help, I know she gave Keith her telephone number … "
He let the sentence trail off, unsure at the moment of how Straker would feel letting an outsider into Mayland.
Straker, still walking with his hands behind his back nodded slowly as if mulling it over.
"There's always the amnesia procedure, Alec," he said and Alec smiled a little, knowing the commander would answer the unspoken question, "she can always have that afterwards … but if she can help get him back … then we have no choice … bring her in."
Alec inhaled gratefully on the cigarette again and nodded.
"Ok, I'll see if I can find her number."
Coming to a junction in the underground maze of tunnels, which linked all areas of the base, the two men parted company.
"I'll meet you back in my office in say half an hour?" Straker said as he turned left.
"Sure," Alec turned right, heading for corridor 32.
* * *
Straker carried on walking; silver white head bowed in deep thought. Hands still clasped behind his back, his thoughts turned to Ford and what the doctors had told them - If he stays in the coma longer than four weeks - it doesn't look good.
Well, Straker thought to himself, today is the middle of week six. God help us, he swore under his breath. The doctors were doing all they could, Alec had been there every day, talking to the unconscious man and keeping him apprised of developments with Andrews and the court martial, reinforcing Ford's innocence in all of this. Trying, unsuccessfully for the moment to give the man anything to grab onto, anything to bring him back.
There was still no response, but Freeman had simply refused to give up. Like Shroeder, he believed that the lieutenant would pull through. Any other outcomes were simply not being allowed to see the light of day at the moment.
It was Alec's insistence that the man would come round if they persisted and when Alec had suggested the nurse. He sincerely hoped Alec would be able to find her number.
The commander raised his head as he came into control; nodding to staff as they acknowledged him. He asked Lieutenant Johnson to bring him some coffee then closed the doors, lighting a cigar he sat down on the chair behind his desk.
* * *
Alec walked into the quiet sterile ICU ward where Keith Ford lay, sauntering in as though he owned the place.
Dr Shroeder was on duty today and the doctor acknowledged Alec then left him alone for a few minutes. He worked close by, keeping a watchful eye on the ICU room.
"Hey Keith," Alec said lightly, "remember that pretty nurse you were so fond of?" he looked down at Ford as he spoke, the man remained still, no signs of life. Alec frowned, he'd hoped the mention of the nurse would have produced a flicker, something.
Ford remained still and lifeless.
Alec did not curse as he usually would, no negative influences he told himself.
"Well, Commander Straker has agreed to her coming in to see you, but you got to tell me where her number is," he did not take his eyes away from Keith's face as he kept talking. Alec reasoned this was getting harder to do, there just didn't seem to be any signs of life at all, save for the monitors and machines they had Ford hooked up to.
He shook his head - it's a damn shame Keith he thought to himself, you were just getting over the accident. He suppressed a sigh.
* * *
The doctors had assured him that Ford was getting the essential nutrients his body needed and he was regularly monitored. Although the machines were keeping him alive, pumping blood around his system, Alec thought Keith’s skin looked pale and waxy, so their reassurances did nothing to assuage the concern he felt. If they were going to try anything it had to be now. He busied himself looking through the bedside cabinet, the damned number had to be there somewhere.
"Oh well," he said softly, "at least if I can't find it here I can always go over to the hospital again." He smiled at the thought, he might even see that pretty nurse on reception again.
He cast an eye over the room - where else?….his eyes settled on the dressing gown draped over the chair, where it had lain untouched from the time the doctors had taken it off Keith as they were stabilising him.
* * *
Julie Alexander looked at her watch, she was due a tea break any minute and she was glad to finally stop for a few minutes and catch her breath. Since Keith had been transferred she felt like she never had a moment to herself. The days seemed to be never ending at the moment, but she was glad of the opportunity to throw herself into the work. She missed her special patient and she was glad in a small way that he had not been in contact.
She was so tired when she got home that she reasoned she would be very poor company for anyone at the moment. Although, if he had rung she told herself she would have made an exception.
Sipping her tea, she sat in one of the armchairs in the staff room and flicked through the latest issue of Nursing Magazine. She stifled a yawn as she casually flicked through the rest of the magazine; eventually arriving at the situations vacant column.
* * *
Ed Straker was just finishing his coffee when the intercom sounded, he flicked the switch and growled his name into it.
Gay Ellis appeared on screen.
"Commander" her tone was heavy and Straker could sense trouble, he waited. "Interceptor one has crashed while engaging a UFO" she looked away from the screen briefly, "sir it's Lew Waterman."
He sat ramrod straight as he listened, remaining very still as he listened. He remained that way for a few minutes.
"What's his condition Lieutenant?" he said finally.
"We don't know yet sir, rescue and medical teams are on the scene … interceptor three was also involved but managed to get down safely Mark Bradley managed to get back to base once he landed, he's in sickbay now being treated for cuts and bruises. Interceptor two is overflying the area but can't offer assistance … so I've ordered him to return to base."
Straker closed his eyes briefly, anger welled up in him. Another UFO attack, another operative seriously injured. He was aware she was still watching him and he opened his eyes quickly.
He could do nothing practical from where he sat - across the distance which separated them and they both knew it, instead he said: "I want a full report Lieutenant … as soon as Bradley is able to give it." He made to close the call then changed his mind, softened his tone slightly, "Let me have any more news the minute you get it … .and Lieutenant did we lose the interceptor?"
"Unknown at the moment sir" she said, "but I will keep you informed."
He closed the link to Moonbase and sat heavily back in his chair, he let out a heavy sigh.
* * *
Finishing her tea, Julie took her cup to the sink when James Brandt, the doctor who had initially stabilised Keith Ford in casualty, and then been responsible for his care put his head round the door.
"Thought I'd find you here" he said lightly, "phone call for you."
"Oh ... who is it?" she said putting the cup down.
"Sounds like Mr Freeman … remember him?"
"Oh" she said again coming out into the corridor, "wonder what he wants."
* * *
Under a deep blue sky, he lay flat out in the grass letting the sun warm him, it was peaceful here, no interruptions. His skin was warm to the touch and she laughed as she kissed him full on the mouth, he gazed lovingly into her soft green eyes and those golden lashes, he sighed contentedly and she snuggled against him. He held her tightly against him, not wanting to let her go: "Happy?" he said gently.
"Deliriously" she said.
Overhead, birds wheeled and called to each other and he felt completely relaxed and centred here. In all of his young life Keith Ford had never felt such peace. He knew he should be somewhere else, but for now somewhere else could wait, he may go back later he told himself…then again he might just stay here it was so peaceful. He wondered idly if he'd ever go onto the other side of the river where the darkness lay. Sometimes, he thought he could hear someone talking to him from over there, although he could never quite see who it was. But for now it was quiet and he closed his eyes against the sun, held Louise tightly in his arms and slept.
* * *
Dr Jackson looked in on Ford, as he had done for the last two weeks. The doctor knew that if he didn't wake up soon he would have little or no chance of regaining the life he had before his abduction and the death of his friend. Although Jackson had kept up the regime of talking to the unconscious man as Alec had been doing, he reasoned that the present situation may be the only future that faced the lieutenant.
"It's a damned shame if you ask me, Keith," he told Ford bluntly as he stood at the side of the bed, reading the monitors, "if you don't come round soon … it's going to be too late, you don't want to stay in there forever … do you?" he looked up sharply as Dr Shroeder came in.
"Any change Doug?"
Jackson scowled at the interruption and shook his head. He checked the monitors again "Damned shame" he said as he passed Shroeder, "and that Andrews character has the nerve to appeal."
Shroeder opened his mouth to speak, but Jackson beat him to it.
"I know … I know … he's entitled to appeal … but when this is the result of his actions" he gestured at Keith, "no it just isn't worth it doctor, not the life of a good man." he continued out of the unit.
Shroeder watched him go, he agreed with Jackson, like they all did. But, he reasoned, who knows if Ford would have still been abducted by the alien if he had not been suspended. If hindsight was such a wonderful gift he wondered then why was it so useless.
Ford would still have been on duty for a few more hours that day, he may have gone over to Sycamore Road later - they were just as much in the dark now as they were at the beginning. Shroeder watched Ford; "If you'd just let us know you're there Keith," he said kindly, "you can't just give up."
Ford didn't move and Shroeder sighed, each time he came in he hoped that today would be the day Ford woke up, then they could begin the long road to his recovery. The doctor ran a hand through his own thick black hair and sighed. Lets see what happens when that nurse gets here he told himself.
* * *
The fight to free Lew Waterman was dirty and time consuming. Lunar dust contaminating the area around the downed ship was still slightly obscuring visibility. This was the first time they'd had to rescue one of their own from a crash like this; but that didn’t mean they weren't prepared. A vehicle, larger than a SHADO mobile made up part of the rescue fleet, along with the crablike Moon Mobiles. It approached, and then came to rest at the side of the interceptor. The rescue team already at the scene helped guide the driver to position the huge vehicle to where they wanted it to be. Hydraulic suspension brought the main body of the craft level with the underside of the interceptor.
That done, the team signalled the driver to depressurise the rear compartment. A few seconds later the huge doors opened and at the same time two steel arms extended out and underneath the downed ship. The rescue team secured the ship to the arms and then gave the driver the signal to retrieve.
They stood back and watched as the interceptor was taken into the craft; the unconscious pilot could clearly be seen lolling in the seat.
Once the interceptor was securely in place, the doctor and his rescue team climbed aboard and waited while the craft closed the doors against the bitter blackness of space.
Then waited for the rear compartment to pressurise again. That done, the team removed their helmets and gloves and set to work freeing Lew.
They got into the interceptor through the rescue hatch and got to Waterman fairly quickly. Having to be extremely careful lest they make his injuries worse they worked as fast as they could given the conditions. The doctor was concerned for the man; it was not ideal to have to move a casualty from the scene of an accident before he could be stabilised, especially here where the immediate environment was less than conducive to resuscitation; but given the circumstances he had no choice but to do just that. His team began calling out stats to him as they found them.
"Pulse rapid and thready, blood pressure dropping rapidly, cyanotic, there's so much blood here, hard to see where it's coming from."
By the time they'd done as much as they could for the fallen man, the craft had arrived at Moonbase and begun docking procedure with airlock three. Once the sealed gantry was in place the team transferred Lew Waterman into Moonbase.
Doctor Jake Frazer, on duty as Moonbase head of surgery was there to meet them as they came into the base itself.
Lunar time showed 5.56am
Once the airlock sealed shut after the rescue team and their precious cargo, the craft retrieved its gantry and headed off back to its underground lair with the twisted metal remains of interceptor one inside.
* * *
Garry Andrews lay on his bed, eyes closed. He was not allowed to be alone for a minute, Straker had ordered round the clock surveillance and a guard to be in the cell at all times.
The Commander had been insistent that this prisoner would not get away with the crimes he had committed. This prisoner would suffer the full force of SHADO authority.
* * *
Freeman, happier now that he was at least trying something else to wake Ford, walked through the underground corridors back to control - Julie had sounded surprised, then a little wary when he'd asked her to come across. He hadn't wanted to alarm her unduly, so he told her Keith needed to see her - which wasn't that far away from the truth, he told himself - at least this way he could keep the situation contained to Mayland.
Alec passed by Ford's replacement as he went in, knowing his arrangements had been implemented to keep the man - Operative Jack Wade - with them at least until Ford was back on duty and he'd wanted to keep a modicum of continuity in the place.
He could feel the sombre atmosphere as he came through control and he walked straight into Straker's office, looking directly at the commander as he did so.
Ed was just ending a call to with Moonbase.
As Alec went into the office the steel doors closed shut behind him.
"Lew Waterman is critically injured Alec," Straker said flatly; there was pain hidden in the steely tone but Alec recognised it immediately, he sat down quickly on one of the corner seats, letting go a heavy sigh as he did so.
"What happened?" his voice quiet.
"A UFO crashed into his ship by all accounts, it was a perfect interception Alec. One UFO, should have been easy … then suddenly it's on a collision course with Moonbase."
He stopped briefly, took in a breath, "An interception that was just like any other. Waterman is an experienced pilot … what was he thinking … just sitting there … he doesn't make mistakes like this."
"Didn't Moonbase give him co-ordinates to change his flight pattern?"
"No Alec … they didn't have time … Gay said it happened too fast."
"Could it have been accidental?"
"Accidental," Straker icily echoed the words, "Alec … nothing they do is accidental" he sighed leaning back in his chair as he did so.
"Do you want me to go to Moonbase Ed … ?"
"No, I need you here. The Moonbase doctors are working on him, Gay managed to get some early indications of the damage, apparently Waterman has suffered smoke inhalation from the fumes filling the cockpit …" He pinched the top of his nose and looked at Alec through tired eyes, "They think there's bound to be concussion, he's got a broken nose and he's lost some teeth … they think he's broken some ribs but they've got him in surgery up there at the moment … all we can do is wait for news."
Alec walked over to the drinks dispenser.
"Do you mind … ?" The question was formality really, he always helped himself to a drink when he was here … on most occasions.
Straker shook his head, eyes rapier sharp, the exquisite features could have been sculpted from sheer ice.
Alec knew that look, it meant Straker was on the verge of another tirade, so he was caught off guard when Straker said: "Did you get the telephone number for that nurse Alec?"
"Yes … I didn't tell her that Ford is in a coma, just that he needed to see her … which in truth, he does."
Straker allowed himself the tiniest of smiles before his mouth settled into that familiar hard line.
"When is she coming?"
"After her shift ends tomorrow evening … around 6pm."
* * *
Doctor Frazer and his team had been working flat out in the operating theatre on Moonbase. Waterman’s injuries were immediately life threatening, compound fractures of his ribs had caused so much damage that one of his lungs had collapsed; the man's skin was turning grey blue and they knew they had to move fast or lose him. The team pressed on, working quickly and quietly trying to save the man's life.
Lunar time was now 6.20am.
* * *
James Brandt had just shrugged into his coat and was about to leave when Julie caught up with him.
"Hold the lift please" she called ahead of her.
"You just about made that" he said holding the doors, "what did Mr Freeman want?"
He could tell from her beaming smile that it was good news.
"He told me Keith needs to see me … so I'm going over there directly after my shift ends here tomorrow."
Brandt smiled and nodded.
"Oh, he didn't call you himself?" he frowned, "most peculiar, well give him my regards won't you, he should be out of there soon I would have thought … if he's carried on making such a good recovery."
Julie looked a little concerned: "That's a point James, wonder why he didn't call directly."
"Well, you can probably ask him about that when you see him."
She smiled at the thought, then the lift deposited them both at the car park entrance.
"Well, have a good evening Julie … see you tomorrow."
"Yes … you too James … night."
* * *
Straker offered Alec a cigar, then lit one himself. He needed answers, yet again he found himself waiting for news, there had been no more alien activity since the attack involving Ford. Now this - out of the blue, yet they were ready, were always ready. But the sudden fury of this attack had caught them off guard and now another operative was fighting for his life.
"You may as well call it a night Alec" Straker said looking over at his second in command, "I doubt we'll hear anything from Moonbase for some hours at least."
"Well, I was thinking of having something to eat first" Alec said putting out the cigar stub he'd been smoking. He was tired yes, they all were, he'd like nothing more than to go home, but as Chief of Staff he felt he owed it to the gravely ill man in Moonbase, whose life now rested in the hands of the skilled doctors up there, to stay.
"I'd rather wait Ed … you know how it is."
Straker nodded. Alec was going to ask the commander to join him but he knew from past experience that his request would be refused. He walked towards the door, then stopped - ah, what the hell, one more refusal from the great man won't kill me he thought.
"Join me?" he smiled inwardly waiting for the rebuff.
"Oh … maybe later Alec … " he looked up quickly catching Alec unawares and saw the smile spreading over Alec's features " … something you're not telling me?"
"It'll keep," he said, walking slowly out of the office.
Straker watched him go, closing the doors behind him he raised his eyebrows slightly then returned to the estimates for the new interceptor he'd decided they would probably be needing.