Hi all,
This follows on from the first part, found here:
http://www.mywriterscircle.com/index.php?topic=27178.0I have actually rewrote the start and there is a whole scene before the first part that I posted. Anyway, this is the rest of the first act, any feedback, good or bad, is greatly appreciated.
David
INT.COMMAND CENTRE, VESTA BASE.
Carter walks out of travel tube, the crew in the Command Centre clap as he walks towards his command chair. Major-General Blair and his guards take up a position at the rear of the Command Centre. Carter fires Major-General Blair a dirty look as he gets to his chair, he sits.
COMMANDER CARTER
Are all systems set for Jump-drive?
Dr. HELEN JAMESON
Yes, Sir.
COMMANDER CARTER
All screens down?
Dr. HELEN JAMESON
Yes, Sir.
COMMANDER CARTER
Hadron Collider still off-line?
Dr. HELEN JAMESON
Yes, Sir.
COMMANDER CARTER
Dark-matter capacitors fully charged?
Dr. HELEN JAMESON
Yes, Sir, all systems are ready for launch.
COMMANDER CARTER
In that case, Helen, please launch the Jump-Drive.
When Helen types the command for Jump-Drive. An explosion fills the room. The smoke partially clears. Fire, smoke, and damage everywhere. Moaning. Everyone is on the floor. Klaxon sounds, emergency lights come on. Major-General Blair is lying unconscious on the floor, one of his Space Troopers, and several others are dead.
Carter struggles to his seat, he is holding his injured left shoulder. He hits the intercom to turn it on.
COMMANDER CARTER
This is Commander Carter. Evacuate the station, report to your nearest escape module and evacuate the station.
Carter turns the intercom off.
COMMANDER CARTER
Anna, try and raise USN command, tell them we have had heavy damage and are evacuating the station.
Anna has already gotten to her wheelchair. She has a deep wound above her left eye. Her blonde hair is soaked blood red. She turns to Carter.
COMMUNICATION OFFICER.
I’ve been trying Jim, all the systems seem to be functional but I can’t get a signal.
COMMANDER CARTER
Keep trying to send that distress call.
COMMUNICATION OFFICER.
No, Jim, you don’t understand. It’s not just sending a signal. There are no signals to receive.
Carters off his seat and trying to help Dr. Helen Jameson.
COMMANDER CARTER
Get Engineering to fix the problem. Tell them it’s a priority after they make sure that we have atmospheric integrity.
COMMUNICATION OFFICER.
I’ve done that, Jim, they tell me the systems are all working.
Dr. HELEN JAMESON
Did the jump work? Perhaps we’re out of range or behind one of the planets.
Carter helps the weary Dr. Helen Jameson to her seat.
COMMANDER CARTER
Bartlett, confirm our location.
Carter turns to Bartlett, he is lying motionless on the floor. Carter goes to his body, checks for life signs, none. He gets up and checks Bartlett’s computer consoles.
COMMANDER CARTER
It doesn’t make any sense. These reading are all over the place.
COMMUNICATION OFFICER.
Engineering says that our hull integrity is intact.
COMMANDER CARTER
Raise the damn observational shield to see where the hell we are.
The screen rises and all the commotion in the main Command Centre stops. Everyone looks to the screen and at the two suns of Alpha Centauri.
COMMANDER CARTER
How in the hell can there be two suns? Where in God’s name are we?
FADE OUT.