Stonerager Chronicles -

Stonerager Chronicles

By 2Charlie

This is a science fiction series that happens to include occasional erotic scenes. If you have not yet read previous chapters of this series, I highly recommend going back to do so before you read this chapter.

Fair warning: This chapter contains scenes of torture that some may find disturbing.

All characters in this story are of the age of majority.

Chapter 13

*****Cestus Medical Facilities, Mid-Afternoon, Day 61*****

Dutch and Pheebs made their way through the busy medical facility until they came to the area where Alisia had been resting. When they entered, the former fighter pilot was already in her uniform, working to get her hair under control. Dutch simply walked up to her and wrapped her in his arms. The two silently held one another for a long moment, before he kissed her, then stepped back.

Pheebs stepped in for a quick hug, then gestured for the other woman to turn around so she could help with her hair. A few moments later, the three of them were off in search of Jjan'tira.

Entering the room with the growth chamber, they encountered a haunting site: Jjan'tira was floating upright within a tank of dark fluid, her right arm nearly reformed.

A medical AI hologram flickered to light, welcoming the trio and, upon identifying them, provided them with an update on Jjan'tira's condition. "Jjan'tira's damaged arm was removed at the shoulder, and the growth of a new limb was artificially stimulated. Her muscles will be stimulated late during the regrowth process through Electrokinesis, but will remain only moderately effective. The new arm will require a period of adjustment while she transitions back to service aboard your starship."

"What kind of challenges will she face?" Alisa asked the medical AI.

"She will undoubtedly face physical challenges, such as motor coordination, strength, stamina, and sensory adaptation," the medical AI answered after the briefest of pauses. "The newly regrown arm will require time to establish precise motor control. She might struggle with fine movements, such as operating controls or handling delicate objects. Tasks demanding physical exertion could be temporarily challenging. She may also experience unusual sensations while her body adapts to the newly grown nerves."

"What else should we be aware of?" Dutch prodded.

"You should anticipate an adjustment period once she regains consciousness. Having her arm regrown could prove disorientating, accompanied by feelings of uncertainty or frustration during rehabilitation. Recovery will be very demanding on her emotional resilience, leading to mental fatigue or stress." The hologram paused for a moment before adding, "Her transition back to starship life will be smoother if she has access to medical resources, physical therapy programs, and psychological support. In addition, flexible duty assignments will be essential as she adjusts to the new limb."

"How much longer will she be in regeneration?" Dutch inquired, looking closely at the new arm, amazed at the medical technology of this century.

"Jjan'tira will require another thirteen hours to complete the regen cycle, and can be released following a standard four-hour observation period to ensure no signs of rejection manifest," the AI responded.

After digesting this information, the three excused themselves and searched for D'narius. After consulting a directory AI, the three navigated their way to the cerebral trauma unit, whereupon they found D'narius in a sedated state, resting peacefully in a dimly lit room. Entering quietly, Dutch, Pheebs, and Alisia surrounded D'narius on her bed. She looked to be peacefully sleeping, save for the bandages encasing her head above the eyes.

Another medical AI hologram flickered to life. As soon as the identities of the visitors were established, the AI gave them a summary update on D'narius. "The injury sustained by the patient involves the left temporal lobe and adjacent regions of the brain, an area critical for language processing, memory, and aspects of personality." Turning to gesture at D'narius, the hologram continued, "While the physical damage has been repaired, the brain is an intricate network, and the energy weapon's impact may have disrupted neural pathways in ways we cannot yet fully assess."

Dutch scratched his chin thoughtfully, wondering aloud, "What kind of long-term damage might she have sustained, and what are her chances for recovery?"

The hologram took on a lecturing tone as it responded, "Damage to this region can manifest in a variety of ways. The patient may experience difficulties with speech or comprehension, memory lapses, or even subtle shifts in personality, such as changes in emotional regulation, decision-making, or social behavior. These effects can range from mild to profound, depending on the extent of the neural disruption.

"As for recovery, the brain possesses remarkable plasticity, meaning it can adapt and rewire itself to some extent. However, the probability of a full recovery depends on several factors: the severity of the initial injury, the patient's age and overall health, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts. While we remain cautiously optimistic, it is too early to predict the long-term outcome. The patient will require close monitoring and a tailored rehabilitation program to maximize their chances of regaining function and personality stability."

"Will she need to remain at this facility?" Dutch inquired of the AI, "Or can she receive care aboard our starship?"

The AI medical hologram flickered as it considered this question, before answering, "Whether the patient can return to life aboard a starship while undergoing rehabilitation will depend on several factors." The hologram began to pace slightly around the foot of D'narius' bed, "Starship life is inherently demanding—physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Given the potential effects of the injury, such as memory lapses, language difficulties, or changes in emotional regulation, it's crucial to evaluate the patient's ability to handle those challenges in a controlled and safe environment."

"We have a holographic medical system aboard our ship," Pheebs offered. "I believe it will be capable of meeting her needs adequately. Would it not be better for her to be around familiar faces and locations?"

"Familiar things - people and places - during the rehabilitation program can play a role," the holo-medic replied. "However, if the patient's therapy requires specialized facilities or consistent support from medical staff, continuing treatment planetside or at a station equipped for such care may be advisable. Alternately, if the patient shows sufficient progress and demonstrates resilience, a carefully managed return to the starship, perhaps in a limited capacity initially, could offer benefits - such as a sense of normalcy, purpose, and connection to her community."

"How soon will we know whether returning to the ship is a good option?" Dutch pressed.

The hologram flickered again momentarily before responding, "Ultimately, the decision will depend on the results of ongoing evaluations and the patient's response to treatment. As their medical team, we'll coordinate closely with you to ensure any transition back to starship life prioritizes safety and supports their recovery."

Dutch turned to Pheebs and Alisia. "I think we should probably decide whether one of us needs to remain here, or not. I know I need to have follow-up conversations with the Chancellor and the Fleet Admiral, as well as check in on Griffon and his team. Thoughts?"

Pheebs thought about it for a moment before she responded, "I need to check in with Prime and Senior Engineer Pennet to get a status update on the refit. I don't know yet whether or not my presence is needed in the shipyards, so I might be able to stay here."

Alisia frowned a bit, then shrugged. "I don't have any more urgent matters to attend to at this time, so I am the logical choice to remain."

Dutch nodded, then suggested, "I suggest we go find something to eat. Afterward, we can schedule our next steps and move forward smartly."

His companions nodded their agreement to this proposal. Consulting a digital concierge, Dutch left instructions that one of them be contacted the minute Jjan'tira or D'narius regained consciousness, and afterward, they set out to locate sustenance.

*****Cestus Shipyards, Early Evening, Day 61*****

Dutch paced restlessly in the workspace that Senior Engineer Pennet provided them the previous day. He'd already reached out to the Admiral, as well as to the Chancellor. In both cases, he'd spoken to assistants who assured him that his call would be returned shortly. Since then, he'd been waiting for more than an hour. He tried to reach out to Director Philson, but was informed the man was down on Rigellia for some important meeting.

Dutch speculated that all three of the people he'd been trying to reach were likely involved in the same meeting, which would explain why he'd been unable to reach any of them. He'd just about reached the limit of his patience when there was a knock at the door.

"Enter," Dutch called out, activating his PSG out of caution. The quiet shimmer assured him his protective shielding was in place as the door to the workspace swung open, revealing Commander Justine Doherty.

Doherty did not enter but instead beckoned Dutch with her hand. "Captain, if you would come with me, I've been sent by Admiral Bearing to bring you planetside to participate in the current high-level conversation she's attending with the Chancellor."

Deciding that he needed to trust in someone, Dutch bit back his questions and instead opted to follow the Commander right away. Whether this was a genuine invitation, or a trap, at least he'd be moving things along, he mused to himself. "Lead the way, Commander," he responded to the assistant, "I'll alert my XO to my change in location as we move."

Following Doherty at a quick pace, Dutch tapped his comm badge. "Pheebs, I've been asked to come planetside for a meeting with leadership. Keep an eye on things while I'm gone, please."

After the briefest of pauses, Pheebs responded, "Understood, Dutch. I'm just wrapping up here with Pennet. I'll head back to the hospital and check on the others. Keep in touch."

"Sounds good. Will do," he closed out the comm.

Ahead, Doherty was leading them to a travel tube, where a car was already awaiting them. They'd no sooner entered the car and taken seats than it sped away silently, the inertial dampeners working overtime as the conveyance sped through the lunar complex, depositing them moments later at the shuttle port.

Exiting the car, Doherty moved briskly to an available shuttle, different than any he'd seen before. This one bore the seal of the Fleet Admiral, and looked a bit heftier. As soon as they'd entered, Doherty moved forward to the flight deck, seating herself at the pilot's console.

Turning to look over her shoulder, she grinned at him, "Come on, then. Strap in here next to me. This is going to be a burner!"

Not quite sure what she'd meant by a 'burner', Dutch scrambled to get himself strapped into the seat next to her as she powered up the craft and immediately departed the port, speeding out into open space and accelerating quickly, arcing the craft up and rotating it into a curved path that quickly translated to a steep dive toward the planet below.

Dutch's attention was drawn to multiple places at the same time, each competing with the other. On the holoscreen in front of him, he could see their flight path, which was frighteningly steeper than the recommended path on the HUD. On the console in front of him, he could see multiple indications suddenly shifting colors to flash red. Beyond the HUD, he could see the telltale streaks of fire forming along the leading edge of the shuttle's shields as Doherty pushed multiple operational limitations to get them planetside as quickly as possible, short of negating survival.

Dutch risked a glance over at Doherty to find that she was grinning maniacally. He decided right there that he liked this woman. She was his kind of crazy.

Affecting a nonchalant air, he asked her casually, "So, how's your day been? The Admiral been keeping you busy?"

Doherty spared him a quick glance, then barked out a laugh. Responding in kind, she shrugged, "Oh, you know, same old routine. The boss can be a real slave driver."

The two of them shared a laugh as the shuttle began to level out, having completed the manic plunge to the surface and was speeding in the general direction of New Concordia, though Dutch noticed their flight path was still a bit erratic. He wondered idly whether Doherty was attempting to avoid surface-to-air or air-to-air fire.

As the city skyline approached, the surface of the planet sliding from day to night, Doherty suddenly dropped her shuttle to an extremely low altitude and changed course, heading slightly out to sea.

Reminding himself that he trusted her, Dutch was nevertheless concerned until he caught a glimpse of something looming ahead of them in the darkness, many minutes later. That something gradually grew and took shape as an island, hosting some sort of offshore compound. This, it seemed, was their true destination, although he now understood that Doherty tried her best to make her flight path appear to be terminating somewhere on the outskirts of New Concordia. Attempting to throw off potential adversaries, or just a standard precaution, all things considered? Dutch resolved to keep silent, hoping to get some answers soon.

Slowing their approach, Doherty brought the craft around in an arc, then slipped sideways past a wall to lower the shuttle to the ground within a secured compound. Red-tinted lighting illuminated the landing area, preserving the pilot's night vision. A pair of security guards stood by, awaiting them as Doherty shut down the shuttle and began to unstrap from her seat.

Following suit, Dutch trailed her as she made her way to the hatch, exiting the craft and striding past the waiting guards. Dutch continued to stick to her tail, following her as she rapidly crossed the open courtyard to enter a squat building that, he couldn't help but notice, did not appear to have any windows.

Inside the construct, he found they were in a long hallway that descended before them, leading them to an underground facility. A Bunker? Dutch wondered.

After several more meters, Doherty turned left and palmed a panel next to a sealed doorway. A quick pulse of light, and the doors slid open, permitting them entry into the large, dimly lit control room that lay just inside.

Dutch could see dozens of technicians manning consoles within the chamber. Doherty sped past them all, leading him to a small set of stairs at the far end of the chamber that led up to another door. Again, she palmed the panel, and a moment later they were entering a small, well-lit chamber with a large conference table hovering in the middle of the room, and several large holoscreens adorning the walls.

Dutch immediately recognized many of the people in the chamber from his first meeting so many weeks ago with Chancellor Opstrom and her cabinet. He saw Director Philson sitting near the Chancellor, along with Fleet Admiral Bearing. What truly astounded him was that Major General Baatran was also seated at the table. It was only after a moment that Dutch realized the man was bound in shackles, and wearing a plain jumpsuit instead of his uniform.

"Thank you, Commander. That is all," the Chancellor dismissed Doherty.

Turning to depart, the Commander gave Dutch a quick glance, rolled her eyes comedically, then winked, shooting him a final grin as she sped away, exiting the room.

"Captain, please join us," the Chancellor beckoned as she rose to greet him.

Dutch moved to approach an open seat close to the Chancellor and her new Adjutant.

"Captain Stoenager, I'd like you to meet my new chief of staff, Adjutant Glynda Tudor. Glynda is replacing Jonto," the Chancellor added awkwardly, not accustomed to dealing with such matters.

"Please, Adjutant Tudor, I go by Dutch," he offered the woman his hand, silently appraising her in the process. By his measure, he'd have placed her in her early thirties, confident bordering on overconfident, slim, her brown hair falling in ringlets past her shoulders, her brown eyes set just a bit too narrow for his preference.

Giving him a brief, tight smile, she accepted his proffered hand. "Ms. Tudor is fine, or Glynda if we're being informal."

Introductions seemingly over for the moment, Dutch took his seat and waited to be read in on the situation.

Which happened to be Ms. Tudor's next task. Striding up to the largest of the holoscreens, she began to catch him up. "As you are aware, at approximately eleven hundred hours local time yesterday, an attack was carried out at the Cestus Naval Shipyards, resulting in multiple casualties and minor damage to our newest starship." On the holoscreen, footage of an overhead view of the attack played out, showing the attack on the Chancellor, and on the command crew of the Aurora Dancer.

Dutch watched with trepidation as the holoscreen depicted the attack on his wives, as well as the other casualties. He gave little thought to his own actions, but was fascinated to observe the actions of Pheebs and Alisia as they both made impossible-looking leaps from the edge of the pier to the hull of the Dancer, closing impossibly fast on their pair of attackers. The swift violence with which they dispatched the two assailants was impressive and likely saved lives.

The massive explosion that took place next was staggering in its expanse. Dutch hadn't been aware of how truly fortunate he'd been to have survived, let alone those around him. That the Aurora Dancer was nearly unaffected by the blast was equally impressive. The crowd on the pier was all flattened by the concussion from the blast, and the ship itself rocked in its moorings.

"I must admit that I was already pretty familiar with this matter, Ms. Tudor," Dutch stated, hoping that this was not why they brought him all this way.

"Of course, Captain," the Adjutant demurred. "I'm just establishing the facts as we know them."

Turning back to the holoscreen, she gestured, and the image shifted to an interior hallway view outside an office door. Two dark-garbed figures can be seen cautiously approaching the door, but their facial features were obscured. Tudor continued her narration, "At the same time the attack was happening out pier side, a pair of intruders were caught on security vid breaking into the offices of the Master Shipwright. We deduced that they intended to make use of the confusion caused by the attack to gain entry to an otherwise secured workplace, though at first we weren't sure the reason behind that."

Speaking up from her seat at the table, Fleet Admiral Bearing added, "That's where Reginald comes in. Through him, we became aware of a reason that might explain the need to gain access to that office."

The old man cleared his throat, looking very uncomfortable, then muttered almost inaudibly, "They were likely searching for details regarding the Odyssey's Stealth capabilities."

"I shared those details with you," Dutch objected. "Why would a Rigellian need to steal that information?"

"Not for Rigellia," the old man stated flatly, looking morose.

"Not for Rigellia," Dutch repeated, considering the impact of those words. "So, for the Lyserions."

"It goes beyond that," Ms. Tudor interjected. "For the Lyserions to have access to this technology would be bad enough, given their militaristic posture. But the implications, given what we now know, are much worse."