Chapter 3.3

Posted on Mon Jan 23rd, 2023 @ 11:49pm by Willian Targaryen & Commander Galatea & Lieutenant Jardok & Lieutenant Juma Zoss & Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Tlotz & Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Aiden Crowe & Ensign Fraok glasch Tuhlargh

1,228 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: No One Gets Left Behind
Location: USS Enterprise
Timeline: 3189-03-16, 12:00

Commander Galatea of Federation Security sat at the Mission Operations console on the Bridge of the Enterprise reviewing the details shared from the away teams on the surface and on the nearby satellite control center. So far there had been nothing of importance really found that would crack the case as to what had happened to Risa. The planetbound away team's readings were supporting a nasty little blizzard, albeit in a tropical zone, while the station team was showing a wiped satellite. While not common, it wouldn't be the first time that a malfunction wiped a computer system. It could even had been a cascade malfunction.

The former hologram shifted in her chair, trying to become comfortable in the chair. Almost every other time that she had worked a console on this ship she had taken her place at the railing mounted workstation to the Captain's right. With her relationship with the Captain right now she didn't want to be anywhere near him. Conversations with he were a lot like sitting in this chair - a pain in the ass. Galatea recognized that he was probably thinking the same about her - not that she cared. The former Admiral had issues with living in the here and now, but he would have to get over that if he were to survive the here and now. It was a different galaxy than the one he left. He needed to realize that.

"We're transporting down the emergency generators now, Captain," Lieutenant Juma Zoss reported from the Operations console.

Captain Targaryen answered, "Thank you, Lieutenant. How many prefabricated shelters are being transported down?"

"We're preparing prefabricated garrison bases for transport. When they are transported down we will be able to support approximately 5,000 refugees per base," the Bandi woman explained as she typed on the control station. "We have four available."

"Proceed with the transport when ready, Lieutenant," the Captain approved.

Galatea didn't really care about what they were doing to try to save the population. As the Federation Security Liaison her responsibility was to try to save as many as she could and this was one way that she could do it. If the away teams didn't figure out a way to repair the satellite grid it would be moot though. Risa would have to be evacuated and the Enterprise was not up to the challenge. Even with the combined strength of Battle Group Omega evacuation was next to impossible in the short period of time they had left.

"Mister Tlotz," the Captain called from the center seat, "make sure as much power is routed to the transporters as needed for the delivery of supplies."

The Kelpien nodded, "I have already transferred all available resources, Captain."

"Sir," it was Lieutenant Crowe who interrupted. "Forgive me, but why are we wasting time? We need to try to recover the data from the shuttle. We can't focus on rescue of the Risians."

Willian looked over at Galatea before continuing, "I've asked the same question, Lieutenant. Maybe Galatea has an answer?"

Galatea turned her chair toward from the wallmounted station toward the center of the room, "Lieutenant, your query is inappropriate for a Starfleet Officer. The Federation has a duty to protect its members. You are aware of that as part of your oath of service."

"I am, Galatea, but the reality is we just had to leave the Svians," he glanced at the Captain, "what makes the Risians better than them?"

"The Svians had left the Federation, Lieutenant, the Risians had not," it was a simple answer.

Crowe sighed, "So we punished the Svians for doing what they thought was right?"

"Captain," Galatea redirected, "I believe that you should better enforce discipline on the Bridge."

"Oh I'm not entirely sure that discipline has been broken. I encourage my officers to ask questions to ensure that they are properly interpreting the mission at hand," the El-Aurian clarified.

Galatea tilted her head while processing the answer, "I do not believe that it is appropriate to continue this line of discussion, Lieutenant. It is clear that you have a firm view of the situation from your perspective. It is regrettable that the bigger picture has been impacted by your own bias."

"Bias? You have been nothing but bias since you came aboard!" The young pilot challenged.

"There's that discipline we talked about," the Security Officer mumbled.

A series of beeps on the Science Station diverted their attention. Science Officer Jardok leaned over the workstatation and typed quickly on the keyboard, reviewing the data coming in. He pulled back from the panel and looked over his shoulder, "Captain, vessel inbound on intercept vector."

Willian rose from his chair, "On screen."

On the viewscreen an image that the Captain was not expecting appeared. "Is that who I think it is?"

"Sensor scans confirm that the incoming ship is the Emerald Chain vessel Cerulean, Captain," the Vulcan answered.

Zoss looked at the viewer, "How could they get here so quickly?"

"Couriers used to tell stories of underspace corridors not too far from here. Transwarp conduits too," Crowe offered.

"Either are potential explanations," Jardok explained. "Sensors do not show that the Cerulean has powered weapons, they may not have detected us."

"Helm," Galatea called, "maneuver us to a geosynchronous orbit over the planet's magnetic pole to dampen their scans."

Crowe's eyebrow rose, "Do I take orders from you now?"

"If you want to live," the Commander answered.

"This time I have to agree," Targaryen approved. "Take us to the navigation point that Galatea has identified."

"What of the Away Teams, Captain?" Tlotz asked from the Engineering console.

Willian looked at the Kelpien, "We're not abandoning them. We're just going to move to this new position and wait to see what the Cerulean does. Take us to Yellow Alert, Ensign, activate shields but keep weapons on standby."

The Tellarite at Tactical grunted, "Yes Sir."

"Sir," Zoss interjected, "From our new location and defensive posture I'd be unable to continue transport of supplies or support structures. The Risians would be completely on their own and isolated. Same if we raise the shields."

The Captain crossed his arms, "Good point. So, Galatea, what does your tactical brain suggest we do in this instance? You're the one that recommended we reorient, but you're also the one that said we had to help Risa. What do we do now? Do we run or do we stay?"

Galatea was quiet, quieter than she had been in a long time. Both scenarios played out in her head and neither were good. It was a Kobayashi Maru yet again, just in a different form than every other. "I defer to your good judgment, Captain."

Willian smiled, "I figured you'd say that. Cancel Galatea's orders, Helm, and reset our position. Bring us about, point us right at them."

"Aye Captain," the Australian man answered.

"Let's go to Yellow Alert but cancel my shield request. We're not at war, we're not fighting, and the Enterprise is just here offering humanitarian aid. We'll see what the Chain thinks about that." Willian sat back in his chair as he issued the last bit. He tapped the comlink, "Away Teams, this is Enterprise. Emerald Chain forces are inbound. Please hunker down and prepare yourselves for what may come. We hope to be out of this soon. Enterprise out."

He closed the channel, "Maintain."

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