A Day in the Life of Marine Captain Cross before the Zoastra Affair Part Thirty Four
“We pick up our new chief engineer and a new colonel, at space station seventeen point twelve,” the general went on. “Our ship will be positioned to lead the search of the twelve quarter for the next six months once they are aboard. I do not expect a repeat of this incident to occur. Captain Cross, stay. The rest of you are dismissed.”
What was going on? Cross refused to blink as the others left. When the door closed, General Aurelius told him, “She’s not a kitchen worker. I’ve received word that the intended bride of their world is missing. If we are chased, we must be prepared.”
“As we’re now missing a chief engineer and a colonel, it’s up to you to ensure we’re not pursued. Have security ready, and do not let the alien out of sickbay. Scans are less likely with a lot of interference.”
He’d be equal in rank, so he could voice opinion more forcefully next time. “Yes sir, I will.”
“Cross, I have a mission in mind that will promote you to major soon. But for now, get us out of here, captain. Dismissed.”
Captain Cross walked briskly to his station. He didn’t need to make anyone aware that a danger existed. He intended to keep his men on high alert. But Major Newman was waiting in the security area for him.
Cross sighed with resignation. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“No. Not at all. I wanted to apologize to you for not listening. I trusted you to save Grace. But I didn’t trust you enough to listen when I should have.”
Cross nodded, “Don’t apologize. You trust people, major. I don’t.”
“You care about people, captain. Don’t lie to yourself. And accept my apology.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Captain Cross ordered to do after the briefing in the Zoastra Affair?
After the private briefing, General Aurelius orders Captain Cross to keep the alien confined to sickbay, have security on high alert, and ensure the ship is not pursued. The general reveals the alien is not a kitchen worker but the intended bride of her world, making her disappearance a potential diplomatic and military threat.
How does Captain Cross plan to prevent the ship from being chased after taking the alien aboard?
Captain Cross plans to use interference to reduce the likelihood of enemy scans detecting the alien, keep security ready throughout the ship, and avoid alerting his crew to the specific danger. He keeps the situation contained quietly rather than broadcasting the threat, relying on heightened vigilance without causing panic among the crew.
Is Captain Cross a cold, unfeeling officer or does he actually care about his crew in the Zoastra Affair?
Despite appearing distant and distrustful, Captain Cross is portrayed as someone who deeply cares about his crew. Major Newman directly challenges Cross’s self-image, telling him, ‘You care about people, captain. Don’t lie to yourself.’ Cross admits he doesn’t trust people, but his actions — including saving Grace — reveal genuine concern beneath his guarded exterior.
