Rostok Research Facility, a few hours afterwards
...
Doctor Belov was sitting in a medical chamber, deeply inhaling enriched with Oxygen air. That was close, very close. Nor only this time cost many good men and women but also infringed the whole chain of command in the Expeditionary Corps. Such self-reliance was undoubtedly dangerous, although the research crew was pretty big. Not to warn the rest of the expedition about "Descend" was clearly a mistake not to be repeated in the future. Surprisingly, the whole station in orbit could not find the appropriate goods and equipment to alleviate the situation.
Now we need a big bulky research carrier for sure, lest we want to have another situation like this. The sheer size will allow to store equipment for any occasion. - he muttered under his nose.
The incident also clearly indicated that X-3 cannot stay that secretive any longer. The logistical help of the neighbouring allies is crucial for the further steps of the Coalition in Anatolia system. Perhaps, the Apostatas can assist in this regard, given our previous joint logistics operations.
What's done is done. We lost many on this expedition, yet "Failure is not an option" as we keep saying. They knew what fate could wait them I knew it myself. Damn, will need to write the messages to their families now. And the report to Novikov, who for sure will only smile to our losses given the newly acquired assets.
The room was lit with white light typical for medbays: irritating and too bright, yet beneficial for keeping awake when it was needed. Belov only now realised that he wasn't alone in the chamber - Captain Mindaugas Šimkus was connected to the system of blood infusion. The lad suffered enough for the expedition and surely deserved a promotion after the hard choice of giving the extra supply of oxygen of the cosmotroopers to the research personnel.
None of the rescuers was present in the room that was being disinfected and kept isolated for security reasons.
I haven't even properly thanked comrades for saving us down there. Those few mumbled works in delirium state are not counted. Sn. Lt. Stanislav even came all the way from Gaia, I presume. At these times one is proud to serve with the best who comprise "Sipukha" agents. I should commend his promotion for sure, as well as for the other participants. Novikov will hear about their heroism whether he cares or not. We should make the honour guard for Premier's visit out of the lads for sure.
Doctor felt dizzy once again and laid down on the bed. Oxygen was kicking in and making him sleepy. It was time to retreat to Morpheus once again and let the body heal. There was so much to do after the recovery...