Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis’ alarm went off at 0500 hours, as it normally did.

The Manhattan’s CIO arose and began his usual daily routine: isometric exercises, shower, and get dressed. Next, it was off to the officers mess for some breakfast.

He stepped out of his quarters on deck four and immediately felt something was . . . .off. He would normally see other officers in the corridor, but today there were none. No one coming to or going from the DH quarters on the deck. That was odd.

He rode the turbo lift up to deck three. Stepping out, again, the corridor was devoid of life. Getting closer to the mess hall, one could normally hear dishes clanking and voices ringing out as the officers enjoyed their breakfast. Today, there was only silence.

Stepping forward, the doors swooshed open to reveal the mess hall completely empty. Not one single person in sight. No one at any tables, no one standing near a replicator, nor was there anyone in the galley. . .

What the hell is going on? Where is everybody, he thought?

Tapping his commbadge, he made a call. =^=d’Aramis to Capt. Cochrane.=^= His call was answered with silence.

=^=Bridge, this is Lt. Cmdr. d’Aramis. Please respond.=^=. Again, nothing.

=^=Sickbay?=^=

No response from every department he tried. Usually, a very calm person, Sebastian began to sweat a bit. Was he the only person on board? That couldn’t be possible, could it?

He thought for a moment, then hit his comm badge again. =^=Calling all personnel, this is Lt. Cmdr d’Aramis. Can anyone hear me? Is there anybody else on board? If you are receiving this message, meet me in the main briefing room on deck one ASAP. d’Aramis out.=^=

He left the mess hall, he made his way to deck one. . . . .

Sebastian let the briefing room doors slide open before him. He hoped there would be someone in the room, but it, too, was empty.

He sat down at the table and began to wait, and hope. . .

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan