In Sickness and In Death

Part 1

Crow Mengele stood at the top of a hill, or what passed for one on a moon,
watching the last of the flames dying out. Six hours ago they had landed on
the moon, hoping that they had arrived in time to help the occupants of the
pirate base. But they had been too late. It had been completely destroyed;
and, so far, they hadn't found a single survivor.

It was times like this that a person had to wonder what all of the fighting
was for. When people survived battles only to burn to death in the "safety"
of their own base. Crow shook his head sadly.

"Preston here...all clear, we're heading in," the sound from his communicator
jerked Crow from his thoughts.

"Yeah, we're headed back too, just waiting for Dagger's group to check in.
See you back on the Normandy," Mengele replied. And, although he knew the
answer, "Any survivors?"

There was a slight hesitation before the reply came, "No...none."

"All right, head out. We'll see you back on the shuttle."

He turned to find Unholy just coming up over the rocky hillside. 

"I don't think anyone could have survived that," he said as he came to stand
next to his XO.

"Yeah, well, so far you're right. And my guess is that Dagger's team found
the same thing we did...nothing."

Unholy nodded, looking out over the scorched terrain, "Who would've done such
a thing?"

Crow shook his head, "I don't know; But I don't think I'd like 'em very
much."

"Crow, this is Dagger. We've found something."

 

They stepped into the remains of the building, the stench of death and
destruction enveloping them. Crow and Unholy exchanged a meaningful glance
before Crow called out, "Dagger?"

"In here," came a quiet reply.

They made their way into one of the rooms off of the main hallway where
Mattson stood waving them over. Dagger stood over Davis, talking quietly to
her.

"Dagger, what's..."

Crow stopped when Dirk stood up straight, stepping to the side. He glanced
from Dagger to the child cradled in Davis' arms.

"We found her in a pile of rubble. She's barely alive; they're sending Gamma
Squad's med tech to take care of her. We didn't think we should move her."

Crow moved forward and knelt next to the child. She was filthy and covered
with bruises and abrasions. 

"No, you're right, she needs medical attention before we take her anywhere.
How long until he gets here?"

"Any minute now."

 

Ten minutes later Alain Vouriot was kneeling over the badly injured child.
Crow and his teammates stood to the side and watched him work.

"She's in critical condition and needs immediate attention, but I've done all
I can do for her here. We have to get her back to the Normandy's medical
facilities and let them help her. It's either risk transporting her or let
her die."

"We're not going to let her die without even trying to save her," Crow
declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Vouriot stood, lifting the child carefully, "I can't take her in my
frame...she'll have to go with you."

Unholy and Dagger exchanged a glance and looked toward Davis.

"I have to go back to the Argo with my platoon," she told them
apologetically. Mattson looked relieved that he had to leave them as well.

Crow smirked at the looks on his companion's faces and stepped forward,
taking the small girl from Alain and cradling her gently in his arms, "Let's
go."

 

"It must have been quite an attack to destroy it so completely in so little
time," Hobbes said. Gamma Squad had just returned from the base, having
helped to put out the flames and then in the search for survivors.

Captain Henry had called Hobbes and Crow into his office to assess the
situation and get their official reports. He simply nodded, "Any ideas on
who could be responsible?"

Both men shook their heads, "Whoever it was, they didn't leave anything
behind to identify them by," Crow replied.

"Well, I've submitted a request to Admiral Winfield that he contact the
pirate's main force and let them know. I've also asked that we be given time
to bury the dead. I'm waiting for his reply. Until then, we wait."

Hobbes and Crow nodded their understanding.

"Lieutenant Mengele, I hear your platoon found a survivor. Is that correct?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Perhaps they'll be able to help us by identifying the persons or party
responsible."

"I doubt she'll be much help, Captain."

"Why is that?"

"She's a child. She can't be more than four years old."

"Oh," Henry replied, obviously taken by surprise. "Well, you never know,
maybe she can give us _something_. I'd like to speak to her if you could have
her brought in once she's fed and Dr. Rhodes has checked her over."

"Actually, she was in critical condition when we brought her in. They're not
even sure she'll survive the night."

"Ah, I see. Well, I'll have Dr. Rhodes keep me posted. I think that's all
gentlemen, unless either of you have something further to add."

"No, Sir," they replied in unison.

"Then, if you'll excuse me, I have some things I need to attend to."