Chapter 13: The flogging
The Starship reached cruising speed and the engines were shut down. They were now traveling at over half the speed of light. The lack of acceleration forces simulated the characteristics of free fall they had experienced while the ship was orbiting Earth. They were outside the gravitational field of the sun and were experiencing true weightlessness. Space sickness was common for the first 24 hours, but then the experience became almost enjoyable. Doc Jules again reminded them that strenuous exercise was required of all crew members for at least one hour daily. A computer log had been established to insure full participation.
The increased leisure time provided an opportunity for people to fully enjoy the experience of weightlessness. The work schedule had been so grueling while preparing the ship for departure that nobody had an opportunity to enjoy the freedom provided by weightlessness. The sleeping bags became truly "bags" in that they now prevented the occupants from floating away while sleeping. Personal hygiene and simple activities like eating and dressing became frustrating until adaptation occurred. Gravity, or the force of acceleration, had provided an automatic anchoring function which the crew routinely used in everyday activities. By anchoring their bodies to the floor or chair they were able to leverage other objects. In weightlessness though, picking up a shoe causes a rotation of the body equal in force to the movement of the shoe. The crew members relearned the trick of wedging their bodies against something stable whenever they tried to move an object. For couples making love, this became a challenge and an opportunity to experience sex in a new way.
Construction of the permanent habitat was begun immediately after acceleration ceased. The first stage was construction of a spiral ladder which extended along the shell from the arachnoid structure to the permanent habitat. This ladder was 3/4 of a kilometer long and it provided an emergency connection between the existing life support system and the permanent habitat. The sections were manufactured in the automated storage facility and transported to the work site by drones. The crew members then welded the sections into position and secured the connecting rails. The use of magnetic shoes allowed the crew to work much more efficiently. The positive connection to the surface of their dome, provided by this weak magnetic attraction, partially compensated for the effect of gravity, but even the use of a wrench was difficult. The modified submarine was again used to transfer the crew. The lack of an atmosphere prevented the creation of excess smoke from the welding but also necessitated the use of space suits. These suits were much lighter than traditional suits because the radiation shielding was not necessary.
An emergency module was next delivered to the site of the permanent habitat. This module was anchored by again welding it to the surface of the dome. When the emergency module was powered up, a failed switch prevented it from reaching operational status. Mike quickly isolated the problem switch and called the auto supplier for a replacement part. The sub was being refueled with compressed air and undergoing safety maintenance. It would be unavailable for several hours. Mike was not happy with the delay and requested transport by the on call technician. Captain Brezinski asked for a volunteer to carry the required switch down to the permanent habitat. Tom, a young electronic specialist volunteered to carry the part down. The Chief helped him into his space suit and reminded him to stay attached to the stairway. He nodded and entered the airlock with the switch in his pack. He started down the stairway, taking one step at a time. The thousands of steps ahead of him began to look more and more oppressive. He began to think of his skydiving experience and looked down at the permanent habitat. It seemed much more logical to simply push off from the ladder and float down to the permanent habitat. They had by convention decided that since the permanent habitat would be on the outside surface during their rotation induced acceleration that it would be "down." Down seemed unbelievably far away one step at a time. He knew he had plenty of air to make the trip but the tedious process of placing one foot down at a time seemed ridiculous to him. After progressing only a quarter of the way, he decided that a skydiving transit made more sense. He figured the magnetic boots would anchor him to the surface of the dome next to the permanent habitat. He examined the landing site and estimated his trajectory.
He pushed off from the railing toward the permanent habitat. Almost immediately he knew he was in trouble because he started tumbling. He had forgotten that there was no air resistance to stabilize him. His simple plan to expedite the task had gone astray. The officer on watch had seen Tom push off and begin tumbling. He had notified Captain Brezinski immediately, so when Tom called for help on the radio, she already knew his plight. She did not dress him down for his action, but instead told him that they would try to catch him. She called for Eric-Peter and asked him to report to the bridge ASAP. She then called Mike, and advised him of the situation. Mike said he would spread his crew out and try to catch Tom. Unfortunately, before the crew could spread out Tom arrived. He was still tumbling and struck the shell of the dome with his right shoulder. He bounced back into the void of the dome at a much slower velocity, but still tumbling. Captain Brezinski asked him if he was all right and he said, "My shoulder hurts but my life support is intact."
Eric-Peter had arrived at the bridge and Captain Brezinski explained the problem. Eric-Peter quickly analyzed the trajectory of Tom's flight and said he would next strike the dome 30 degrees from the arachnoid structure. He said Tom would continue to bounce around like a pool ball, gradually slowing with each bounce. Captain Brezinski called maintenance and asked, "How quick can the submarine be operational?"
They replied that fueling was almost complete but the maintenance check was not. The Captain ordered them to discontinue the check and prepare to depart in an attempt to rescue Tom. They acknowledged the order and began the startup checklist. Mike called and suggested that some of the cargo netting could be used like a fish net, to capture Tom, if they could rig some poles onto the side of the submarine. The pilot agreed with the concept and asked Captain Brezinski if he could delay the startup until they secured the netting and poles to the side of the sub. Captain Brezinski agreed. A technician then suited up and they passed some pieces of plastic pipe through the airlock. The technician taped one of the pieces to the forward control fin and the second piece to the horizontal stabilizer of the tail. The netting was then loosely stretched between the poles and secured with more tape. Mike said the netting should work, if they could minimize the acceleration. The pilot then resumed the startup checklist.
While the sub prepared for departure, Eric-Peter continued his trajectory calculations. Tom had already struck the dome at about 30 degrees from the arachnoid structure and was headed across the dome at a further reduced speed. Eric-Peter calculated a mid dome position for the proposed rescue and advised the pilot of the coordinates. The calculations gave the pilot enough time to reach the rendezvous and position the sub to snare Tom in the netting while slowing his acceleration. If they did not match Tom's speed and direction properly he could simply bounce out of the netting. The last bounce had injured his left arm, but Tom said he was doing OK except for a slow leak in his air supply. The leak had increased his air consumption and he would be on emergency backup in the next 15 minutes. Captain Brezinski told the pilot to catch Tom on the first try if at all possible. As Tom came floating towards the sub, the pilot rotated the sub and came parallel to Tom's trajectory. He gradually maneuvered sideways until the netting was in front of Tom. The pilot gradually reversed his thrust allowing the net to contact Tom. Tom was held against the net by the gentle acceleration of the sub. His feet became tangled in the net which he was finally able to grab with his right hand. He announced that he had control and the pilot gently turned the sub towards the arachnoid structure. Two other crew members had already departed the airlock and were waiting for the sub to return. As the sub docked, they maneuvered onto the sub and removed the tape holding th
e poles. They took the entire net assembly, with Tom entangled, into the airlock. When the airlock cycled Doc Jules entered and with the help of the two crew members they unwrapped Tom and took him to the sickbay.
Doc Jules examined Tom and used the MRI unit to look for internal injuries or fractures. He had a severely bruised right shoulder and a simple fracture of the left arm. He taped the shoulder and put a cast on the left arm. He administered pain medicine and a sedative and helped Tom into the bed in the sickbay. Captain Brezinski came by to check on Tom and Doc Jules gave his report. She said they were lucky the injuries were so minor. She asked Doc Jules when he thought that Tom would be well enough to stand before the hearing. He reported that Tom would be sore but otherwise ready in 48 hours. The Captain thanked him and departed.
The Captain called a leadership conference for later in the day. When the senior officers were present she had Doc Jules review the injuries that Tom had received and the events leading up to the rescue. She then asked for comments. Mike said Tom was brilliant in electronics but obviously lacked common sense and deserved some punishment.
Doc Jules responded, "Tom made a simple mistake of youth and the episode should be forgotten."
Brother Simon, when asked his opinion, said, "The success of this mission requires everyone to assume responsibility for their decisions and the effect those decisions will have on their fellow crew members. I agree with Mike that some punishment is needed, not to teach Tom a lesson, but rather to allow him to pay his debt to the crew. If he is not allowed to suffer for his mistake he will carry the burden of this mistake with him."
Doc Jules replied, "His injuries and the humiliation should be punishment enough."
Brother Simon responded, "You may be correct, but I suspect that Tom would be happier with a reasonable external punishment."
Captain Brezinski summarized the military status of Tom's action and how it was actually a deliberate failure to follow a direct order. The fact that Tom meant no harm or disrespect by his action did not negate the violation of a direct order. Military protocol would require a formal hearing and if the Captain's Mast found Tom guilty, punishment would be required. She asked for suggestions on possible punishment. Nobody seemed eager to provide suggestions and Captain Brezinski was required to open the discussions by reviewing traditional naval punishments. She said canceling his leave was irrelevant because there was no leave. They had to brig to place him in. They could not hold his pay because there was no pay. Doc Jules then suggested that group dynamics could be used for punishment. If the other crew members were told to ignore Tom for a period of time, the isolation would be a significant punishment.
Brother Simon disagreed saying, "I think that because Tom is such an outgoing energetic young man, causing him to be ostracized would be very cruel and disruptive to crew morale."
"For once I agree with Simon," Mike said.
Captain Brezinski resumed her review of traditional naval discipline and said, "The other option would be corporal punishment."
Doc Jules objected strongly, "Captain, this is the 21st century and those barbaric customs should be relegated to the history books."
Captain Brezinski smiled and said, "I never thought of myself as a barbarian, but it is an interesting concept." Doc Jules flushed and tried to apologize but Captain Brezinski laughed and said, "Your apology is accepted." Captain Brezinski closed the meeting and asked everyone to think about suitable punishment for Tom if he was found guilty.
The hearing was held with traditional military formality. Captain Brezinski acted as the Captain's Mast Officer and Doc Jules acted as Tom's counsel. Brother Simon was given the task of representing the Captain's Mast. Following the opening statements, Captain Brezinski asked Tom to rise and said, "You are charged with the willful disregard of a properly issued order. How do you plead?" Tom was obviously nervous but with a clear voice he replied "Captain, I plead guilty." Captain Brezinski said, "Let the record show that Petty Officer Tom Akers has pleaded guilty to the charge of willfully disregarding a lawful order." She then requested closing comments from counsel. The closing comments consisted of a plea by Doc Jules for leniency based on Tom's excellent performance until the temporary lapse. Brother Simon closed by stating that punishment was indicated not as a learning tool but rather as a method of allowing Tom to pay his debt to his fellow crew members. Captain Brezinski then ordered a one hour recess. During this recess she again asked the senior officers for their advice regarding the punishment of Tom. No new ideas were brought forth. The philosophical disagreement between Doc Jules and Brother Simon persisted with Mike siding with Brother Simon.
When the Captain's Mast was called back into session, Captain Brezinski again asked Tom to stand. "This Captain's Mast finds you guilty of disregarding a lawful order which placed your life and the lives of your fellow crew members in jeopardy. For this transgression the Captain's Mast offers you the choice of punishment. You may choose either 3 weeks of strict isolation or a flogging. How do you choose?"
Tom said, "I do not think that I would tolerate the isolation. I request the flogging."
Captain Brezinski then rose and said, "This Captain's Mast is now closed and the flogging will be performed at 08:00 hours tomorrow." The room quickly emptied and the crew was grouped into clusters talking about the punishment that Tom had chosen. The computer was repeatedly accessed for information on flogging.
The Chief was called to Captain Brezinski's quarters and she asked him if he had ever been involved with a flogging. He said, "The Italian Navy still allows flogging, but I have never witnessed the activity."
Captain Brezinski said she had only witnessed it once when she was a junior officer. She asked the Chief if he could perform the flogging. He was quiet for several minutes and then said, "It is my responsibility as Chief and I am capable of performing my duties. I will have the auto-supplier create a cat o' nine tails"
Captain Brezinski thanked him and said she would rather not have to do this, but could not come up with another solution. She agreed with Tom that corporal punishment would be preferred to isolation. The Chief nodded and asked, "How many strikes with the cat o' nine tails will be required?"
Captain Brezinski said, "From my review it appears that three is the minimum and that seems plenty."
The Chief said, "Aye, Captain. Three should be plenty."
The next morning Tom presented to the common area. He removed his shirt and stood in the door frame supporting his cast in the sling that had been attached to the frame. Doc Jules, as the ship's surgeon was not only required to attend, but had to stand next to Tom and ensure that the punishment was not excessive. He was embarrassed to be involved with such a primitive ritual. His state of mind changed to one of mortification when the chief entered and said, "As ordered by the Captains Mast, I shall administer three strikes with the cat o' nine tails." The chief carefully unwrapped the "cat" from the green bag. The "cat" had a handle that was 15 inches long and covered with cloth. There were nine, twenty inch, tails of cord dangling from the end. Each of the ends was carefully 'whipped' with fine string.
Captain Brezinski told the Chief, "Do your duty." Tom steadied himself as the Chief raised the instrument of punishment. He struck Tom across the back. The slap of the tales against the bare skin made Doc Jules wince involuntarily. Multiple white stripes became immediately visible and were soon replaced by red welts. Tom groaned, but stood still. The Chief had to contort his body to compensate for the lack of stability that gravity normally provided. The magnetic boots were all that kept him from falling away from Tom. The Chief again raised the instrument and struck Tom. Doc Jules ears were again assaulted and he had to force himself not to turn away. Tom sagged slightly, but regained his posture. The third time the chief struck, some bleeding was evident. The blood spattered onto Doc Jules. Tom stood and uttered only a stifled moan.
The Chief put down his instrument and helped Doc Jules escor
t Tom to the sickbay. Doc Jules applied a topical anesthetic and dressed the wounds. Doc Jules was grumbling as he worked, "This barbaric scene seems totally out of place in a 21st century Starship."
Tom replied, "I screwed up and I deserved to be punished and I still prefer this to 3 long weeks of isolation."
The Chief was visibly shaken by the experience and asked, "Is any of John Kotzebue's special ‘fortification liquid' still available?"
Doc Jules said, "I have saved some for just such an occasion." Doc Jules poured the liquor into the small dispensing cups and passed them out. After a toast to modern etiquette they all downed their drinks and Doc Jules poured another round.
The Chief then began to explain his fear of falling while administering the flogging. He said, "I had all I could do to keep from falling when I raised the cat of tails. I was afraid that I might even miss your back, Tom."
Tom replied, "I can assure you, that you succeeded in finding my back with great accuracy." After a few more rounds even Doc Jules was relaxing and joined in the banter. He asked Tom why he preferred the flogging to a painless punishment like the isolation? Tom laughed and said, "There are several beautiful women on this ship and three weeks of separation from them would have been real torture. I handle pain well and the beginning of football practice actually was worse than the pain inflicted by the Chief."
The Chief moaned and said, "Even my best attempts at flogging are being ridiculed, how can a poor Chief attain the respect he deserves."
Tom replied, "Believe me, you have my respect and I have no desire to ever allow you to perfect your skills with the cat o' nine tails."
Captain Brezinski presented to the sickbay about the time that the fortification liquid had taken good effect and found the group in high spirits. She smiled and said, "It appears that the good doctor has applied the proper treatment and that healing is commencing well." She then told Tom, "Your injuries during the fall will be reported as part of the weekly report to U.N. Command, but the results of the Captains Mast will be retained only in the ship's log."
Tom was mildly inebriated but was able to realize the Captain had gone out of her way to protect his reputation. He nodded and said, "Thanks, Captain." She then told Doc Jules to continue with his therapy and left.
The Chief said, "Doc, I know you think the punishment was too severe, but a captain must be a captain and a crew must be responsible for their activities. The experience of the old ocean voyages has shown that a lenient captain was even worse than an overly strict captain. I think that this Captain is a gem."
Doc Jules said, "You may be right."