The USS Vesta had just left the Melonia System a few hours ago, heading back towards Devron Fleet Yards. Everyone on the bridge was quiet, events played through everyone’s mind regarding what they had witnessed in the Meronia System with the destruction that the D’Ghor had left. Odan was the first to speak up, he disliked all the silence and it was bugging him. “What do you think our next orders will be?” He asked to no one in particular.

Dazra looked up from her console and looked at Odan, “I am not sure though I hope something less gruesome.” Loian replied thinking about those civilians and what they went through. They had a long road ahead of them in making a full recovery but with their help, they were one step closer in the right direction.

Tajir just sat there quietly listening to the conversation between Odan and Loian but didn’t say much. “I been in Starfleet for a long time, I have seen my fair share of violence and destruction, especially from the war.” Odan paused for a brief moment before he continued. “This tops it all,” he finished with a sigh.

Loian nodded as she stood there quite not sure what to say at that moment, remembering back to her time aboard Guardian Station which both she and Dilucca served aboard before their reassignment.

Tajir sat there quietly for a brief moment before he decided to get up and head towards the ready room. Pressing the button he waited for a response from the Captain, both Odan and Lorian looked at each other wondering if they had said something wrong. They both just shrugged as they thought the same thing and went back to their work.

Adams looked up from her reports, “enter.”

The doors parted as Tajir walked in, “care for some company?” He replied as he looked at her plopping down in a chair before she could even offer him one. “Sure why not, anything on your mind Commander?” She asked as she was concerned, she knew the last few weeks have been a stressful one not only for her but her crew as well.

Sighing he looked at her, “I been hearing the crew talk and the last few weeks have taken a toll on the crew.” Tajir replied looking at her, as she nodded in reply, “I know…” She said standing up walking towards the replicator and looked at him. “I’ll take a coffee with cream and sugar,” he said as she turned around and ordered two cups of coffee.

Handing the cup to Tajir she came and sat next to him, “seeing all the destruction that the D’Ghor had, with no regard to life” Adams said as she took a sip looking at him who nodded in agreement. “They have a long road ahead of them in regards to recovery but with the ships that stayed behind they should have a fighting chance,” Tajir replied taking a sip of his own drink.

“Indeed,” Adams replied as the room went quiet for a moment before the comm channel went off. “Captain you are receiving an encrypted communication from Captain Dex at Devron Fleet  Yards for your eyes and ears only,” Odan replied as Adams raised an eyebrow as Tajir took the hint and left the ready room.

“Aye patch it through to my ready room,” she replied as she watched Tajir leave and she locked the door and soundproofed the room. Once she was done she pressed the button on the computer. “Good morning Captain Dex, is all alright?” Adams asked with a bit of concern in her voice as it was unusual for things to be secret enough to cause her to take the steps to make sure no one else hears whatever she has to say.

Azras’ expression was that of a serious one so she knew something was up, “I am sorry that I have to contact you this way but we have a situation at hand that requires this.” Azras replied looking at Adams who nodded in understanding. 

“We have gotten reports from a science ship in the area that is cause for great concern,” she said as she sent over some information. “I need you to take the Vesta to this area and start evacuating the small colony in that sector,” Azras said as Adams raised an eyebrow not sure why she was being asked this. “May I ask why?” Adams asked looking at her.

“Omega,” Is all that Azras said as Adams’s eyes grew ten times their normal size as she knew what that meant. “Understood sir,” she replied as she knew what must be done, what this would mean. “I have sent you information about the task at hand for your eyes only. Need I remind you of the secrecy of the Omega Directive, you are not to share this information with your crew under any circumstances.” Azras replied sternly as Adams nodded her understanding.

“Any questions?” Azras asked looking at the Captain.

“No sir,” Adams replied as the communication ended, she didn’t unlock her door yet as she sat there for a brief moment lost in thought. She snapped out of it pretty quickly and read what the Captain sent her. This was going to be a difficult mission, not only were they dealing with Omega she couldn’t explain anything to her crew, or anyone for that matter. She would have to give orders that normally would go against everything they stood for. Would her crew listen, and remain loyal or would she lose their trust in her decisions? 

Meanwhile back on the bridge, Odan looked at the Commander, “I wonder what’s going on.” Odan said looking at Tajir who turned to look at the Bolian, “what do you mean?” Tajir replied as he knew what he was asking but wanted to pull it out of him. “What is with the secrecy with Captain Dex and Captain Adams? It’s unusual for things to be encrypted like that.” Odan returned looking at the Commander with an annoying look.

“I am not sure, sure we will find out soon enough,” Tajir replied as he was wondering himself but he was more patient. “Fair enough,” Odan replied as he went back to work as the others on the bridge just looked at each other for a moment before also returning to their work as they continue to travel back towards Devron not knowing what truly awaits them.

Makayla stood up from her desk after reading the report, walking over to the window she looked out and sighed. “Captain Adams to Lieutenant Airje, I sent coordinates to your console please set course at maximum warp,” Adams replied as Airje raised an eyebrow but at the moment didn’t question her orders. “Aye sir, course laid in” Airje replied back over the comm channel. “Engage,” Adams ordered before she ended the communication and felt the ship change course. 

She knew where they were going, her crew will see this as breaking the Prime Directive and she will get some push back. This was one thing she’d hoped to never deal with in her career but here she was. Thoughts raced through her mind, she trusted her crew but she knew what it would mean if she told them. She knew that she could lose the trust of her crew over a secret that couldn’t be told.

She would ask her crew to break what they stood for, there were going to be many hard but necessary decisions to be made. After a few moments deep in thought she walked back over to her desk, sitting down she tapped a few buttons enacting the Omega Directive all information, scans would come to her eyes only while showing nothing on sensors to the other crew. 

Meanwhile back on the bridge, Tajir sat in the Captain’s chair wondering what could be going on for them to be diverted so suddenly. Though he didn’t think much of it at the moment as sometimes you get assignments when you least expect them. Something was lingering in the back of his mind that had him wondering. What was so secretive that the Task Force Commander had to contact the Captain under secure channels and for her eyes only.

Getting up he walked towards the ready room and walked in, “what is going on Captain?” Tajir asked as the doors shut, Adams looked up at him. “What do you mean Commander?” She asked knowing full well what he was talking about.

Raising an eyebrow at the Captain, “Why the sudden change in course?” Tajir replied back with his arms folded.

“I can’t discuss that Commander we have our orders,” Adams replied back sternly which caused Tajir to grow concerned.

“What do you mean you can’t discuss? What are you hiding Captain?” He demanded as he was concerned by her sudden change. In the back of her mind, she hated keeping things from her crew especially her number one who has been by her side since the Relentless. 

“I am sorry Tajir, I can’t explain please just trust me! We have been through a lot together over the years so please trust me.” Adams replied as she stood up walking over towards him placing her hands on his. “Just trust me,” she repeated again as Tajir looked her square in the eyes and sighed. “Alright Makayla, you never steered me wrong before so there must be a good reason why,” Tajir replied as he looked at her, she nodded and then headed back to her desk.

“Let me know once we arrive,” Adams said as she sat back down. “Understood Captain,” Tajir replied as he turned and left the ready room. He still felt uneasy about it, what was she hiding.

Loian looked at the Commander after he came out from the Captain’s ready room, “did you find out anything?” Dazra asked looking at him, “not yet I am sure we will find out soon enough Lieutenant.” Tajir replied as Dazra raised an eyebrow glancing at Odan and Chon’al who both gave her concerned looks. But she didn’t dare question further as it always ended up bad for her and got her in more trouble.

Odan walked away from his console up towards hers, “what do you think is going on? It’s unlike the Captain to keep things from us.” Odan whispered looking at her who just shrugged, “I wondered that myself why all the secrecy all of a sudden?” She asked as they both grew concerned. They continued to chit-chat for a bit before Odan walked back to his station.

****

Jheria was working in engineering when the ship suddenly changed course and went to maximum warp. She didn’t think anything of it at first as it wasn’t that unusual to get orders in the middle of them heading back to Devron Fleet Yards. Usually, the Captain calls a briefing to explain but this time was different, all she heard was they were heading towards a planet and that something was being kept hidden from them. 

Walking out of the office she seen officers talking amongst themselves that had her concerned. “Engineering to Commander Derohl could you come down to engineering?” She asked as she waited for a response, “on my way Commander.” Tajir replied before ended the comm channel. She walked back to her office and waited for the first officer to arrive.

A few moments later Tajir walked into engineering toward Jheria’s office and pressed the door chime. “Enter,” Jheria replied as the doors parted, and in walked Tajir. “What is going on? I am hearing chatter amongst the engineers that the Captain ordered the ship to report to a system but hasn’t explained why.” Jheria came straight to the point as the doors closed behind him.

Tajir looked at her, ‘news travels fast’ he thought to himself before he replied. “We were given orders but the information on why has not been shared at this time,” Tajir replied as he sighed not able to really answer her question.

“What is so secret?” Jheria replied.

“I am not sure…I am sure we will find out soon enough but I do ask that we perform our duties until such time trusting the Captain.” Tajir replied, “It’s kind of hard to trust someone who won’t share important information with her crew.” Jheria snapped back in annoyance.

“I understand your concern Commander, we are a team lets continue to work as one.” He replied while Jheria just snorted her response of “fine.”

Sighing, “is there anything else?” Tajir replied as she shook her head, he turned and left her office heading back to the bridge. Jheria sat in her office wondering what was going on, what was the Captain hiding. Maybe the Commander was right, maybe she just needed to trust the Captain’s judgment and that they would soon find out.

Tensions were rising within the crew, wondering what was going on why the sudden secrecy. Jheria walked out of her office again to still hearing chatter going on, “Alright everyone let’s get back to work you can chat after your shift we have work to do.” Jheria ordered as the engineers scattered and gotten back to work.

Going over to a console she began to finish the upgrades she was working on as well as minor repairs that were still left from the battle they ensured during the run-in with the D’Ghor hunters.

Lieutenant Rar was on the bridge going between her main station and a few consoles next to the wall, she was trying to find information on the Kepara colony but she wasn’t finding anything in the database. While she was working she realized that she doesn’t have all the access she used to have and that was caused for concern. ‘What is going on?’ Rar thought to herself as she tried different avenues to see if she could find the information she was looking for but each attempt was blocked.

She was getting frustrated, she wasn’t sure what was going on why the sudden secrecy going on. She let out a frustrating not-so-loud grunt which caused the Commander to look at her. “What’s going on Lieutenant?” Tajir said looking at her with a concerned look.

 “Commander, something isn’t right Kepara colony is not in any known database sir,” Rar replied as she liked to gather information on a planet and people before they get to their destination. Tajir looked over at Rar and raised an eyebrow, “maybe it is an unknown world we are sent to study?” He replied thinking of the only thing that seemed rational at the time.

“I’m not sure but something just doesn’t sit right, there are some systems I don’t have access to like I used to,” Rar replied looking at the Commander as everyone on the bridge was now paying attention looking at the Chief Science Officer.

Getting up from the chair, he walked over to her console and tried accessing said information with his access code but also got the same error. Raising an eyebrow, what was going on? He thought to himself the Captain was hiding something and he didn’t like it. 

Airje looked at the officer beside her, “what do you suppose is going on? Any ideas?” She whispered leaning towards him, he just shrugged. “I’m not sure, but I am not jumping to conclusions and just going to see how this plays out.” The Ensign replied to her with a shrug of his shoulders and went back to work, they were about twenty minutes out from the coordinates. Airje just nodded and went back to what she was doing not giving it much thought at the moment, she was sure things would be revealed once they arrived not knowing how much more would happen that would test the crew as a whole.

Chon’al just quietly watched from his console, sensing the frustration and tensions beginning to rise. Loian noticed him and walked over, “how long have you known the Captain?” Loian asked as she noticed that he served aboard the Relentless with her when she was the first officer. Looking at the young Trill and her curiousness, “long enough Lieutenant.” He responded, “she must have some good reason for this secrecy she wouldn’t just deliberately hid something so if you’re asking if I trust her the answer is yes.” Chon’al replied looking at her before his own console, “decisions are not always easy and straight cut no matter what.” He replied with words of wisdom, which caused her to look at him for a moment lost in thought.

“Your wise for a Klingon,” Loian replied looking at him before she turned around and walked back to her station which caused him to burst out with a chuckle while others quickly looked at him for a brief moment before going back to work.

Meanwhile, in the Captain’s ready room, Makayla was standing by the window lost in thought as they traveled to their destination. “Computer lock doors,” she said as the computer beeped locking the door. “Computer begin personal log.” She said as the computer beeped again indicating that the recording has begun.

Captain’s Log Stardate 76453.2

Where do I begin, things have become more complicated as was just given orders that no Captain wants to hear. What we must ask our crew to do without reason, the amount of secrecy that has to happen. Most of my crew I have served with on the Relentless for many years while others are new. This is the most painful part of this whole ordeal is potentially breaking their trust, and telling them to do something that goes beyond what it means to be ‘Starfleet’ officers.

Will they follow me and do what is asked or will they fight back, I can guarantee there will be some pushback. Maybe even trying as far as removing me from command at what we have to do. If only I could tell them, but I can’t they would realize that we are saving lives and that of warp travel that is in danger of being destroyed. I understand the need to do this but my crew will never know and must follow me blindly.

This will not be easy but it must be done, yes I will lose the trust of my crew which is the painful part. I do not like it any more than the next Captain, but in the words of Spock ‘the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.’ There is so much wisdom in those words that it just keeps playing in my mind over and over to justify this. 

I can feel the tensions within the crew, the questions I can’t answer. Tajir is still following by my side for the time being all because I tried to reassure him to trust me but will he still trust me in the end? Those are all hard questions that I can’t answer right now, though I want to believe that they will. This is a hard situation that in my mind there is a no-win scenario when it comes to the crew, yes they will take care of what we come to take care of but at what cost? How can any Captain live with that decision, I know it’s one I will have to live with for the rest of my days.

“Computer delete personal log,” she replied as she needed to get that off her chest but wanted to make sure no one would find it and listen to it. She decided to sit down for a moment to collect her thoughts.

Back on the bridge, “Sir we have arrived at the Kepara colony and looks like we are not alone. The USS Lune a Nova-class science vessel is in the area,” Airje replied from her console as the Vesta dropped out of warp. Tajir looked at the screen and was about to say something when Odan spoke up from his console.

“Sir we are being hailed by Captain Sorenson, but they are requesting to speak to the Captain privately in person.” Odan replied with a raised eyebrow, “what is with all this secrecy?” Tajir replied almost in a mumble. Odan wondered what was going on as well but just shrugged as he wasn’t sure what else to say.

Tapping his comm badge, “Commander Derohl to Captain Adams, we have arrived at our destination but a Captain Sorenson of the USS Lune is requesting to speak with you privately in person aboard his ship.” Tajir replied looking around the bridge, “understood Commander.” Adams replied back as she ended the communication.

Tajir looked at Odan, “send a response back saying the Captain will be over shortly.” Tajir replied as Odan nodded sending the message. “Done sir,” Odan replied as he was wondering what was going on but at the moment the Captain exited her ready room and headed for the lift. A few moments later she disappeared from the bridge heading towards the transporter room.

Kriia was on the bridge but remained quiet up until that very moment, “what is going on? The Captain is acting very unusual, but I have noticed a trend between all Captains that Adams has been in contact with the last few hours.” Kriia said as her tail flowed behind her and her ears laid back.

“I keep wondering that Kriia, I can’t get any information on this planet nor are the scans giving me anything useful other than it’s a class-M planet with a few hundred humanoids below but not giving me much else,” Dedre replied from her console, “I hope we get some answers when the Captain returns.” Chon’al pipped up as he was beginning to see a trend of what was going on. 

After a few moments, Makayla made it to the transporter room padd and stepped on board. A few moments later Makayla had been transported over to the USS Lune. “Sir the Captain is on board the USS Lune sir,” Odan replied from his console while the others just seem to nod their heads while still trying to figure out what was going on with what little they had or were allowed to pull up without being blocked.

Tajir sat in the Captain’s chair thinking maybe he would find something in the Captain’s ready room and wanted to snoop around but was quickly snapped out of that. ‘You can’t do that Tajir, what kind of person would you be if you don’t give her the benefit of the doubt.’ He said in his head as he sat there he shook his head, ‘get ahold of yourself Tajir.” He replied in his mind as now was a waiting game of what their next move would be.

Makayla appeared on the transporter room padd of the USS Lune, Captain Michael Sorenson was already there waiting for her arrival. “Welcome aboard Captain,” he said as he shook her hand. “Though I wish it was under better circumstances,” he added looking at her.

“Indeed Captain,” Adams replied as she stepped off the padd.

He leads her out of the transporter room and headed down the corridor as they headed for a secure conference room where they can talk about what was at hand. The crew seems to be rushing around making sure things were ready. After a short walk, they arrived and walked in, the doors closing and locking once they were inside.

“Please take a seat,” Michael said motioning for one of the empty chairs next to the head of the table. Sitting down at the table, Michael tapped a few buttons and activated the monitor.

“Here is our situation, as you can see we have detected Omega Molecules.” He began before continuing, “the problem we have is that they are very close to the planet. Right now they are stable, but if they destabilize it could destroy the planet.” He added before pausing to see if Adams had anything to add.

“Why not just destroy the molecules?” Adams asked looking at him for a moment, “There are inhabitants down on the planet and one wrong calculated move could wipe them out.” Michael replied with a more concerned look on his face, “your task is to evacuate the planet, though there aren’t very many and all could easily fit on your ship. Though, there is a problem that under normal circumstances could get us into a lot of trouble with Starfleet.” He replied waiting to see what Adams would say.

She knew where he was going with this, those people on the planet were a pre-warp civilization. “Prime Directive…” she replied with a sigh, she could really see how well this will go over on her crew. “Indeed Captain,” he replied as he tapped a button and the screen changed.

“From what we have gathered is they are a humanoid similar to humans, can’t really tell much of a difference from what we can gather. They have a structure similar to Earth back in what I would guess from history the 1930’s.” He began looking at her, “What your mission is to evacuate them one way or another either them willingly or you have to beam them aboard. But, this will need to be done as quick as possible as I don’t know how much longer the molecules will remain stable.” Michael replied as Adams nodded in return.

“Once you have gotten the inhabitance off the planet and a safe distance we will take care of the molecules, we will then let you know if it is safe to return.” Michael added, “Once they are safe to return, is there something we could give them so they don’t remember what happened here?” Adams asked wanting to make sure that things would not change within their society.

He nodded and gave her the information and how it worked, “Thank you Captain” she replied taking the padd and reading for a moment before looking back up. “We will get started right away, keep me apprised of the situation if anything were to change,” Adams replied as she stood up from the chair.

They left the conference room and headed back towards the transporter room, things were running through her mind as they walked. She could hear her crew already once they found out what was going to be asked of them.

****

Back on the USS Vesta, Tajir and the rest of the bridge crew were trying to figure out what was going on. There were so many unanswered questions, he thought this would be a perfect time to see if he could find anything out in the Captain’s ready room. Walking in the office as the others looked on, Rar was still trying to find out any information on the planet.

Tajir walked in and tried to access her computer but was getting locked out, he tried his own authorization code but was denied, he was getting a lot of this all over the ship that had said ‘request denied, authorization level 10 required.’ which was for Captains and above.

Meanwhile, Rar managed to find out a little bit about the planet just as Tajir walked out, “Sir I think I found something, It looks like the inhabitance below is a pre-warp civilization. I am not sure what’s going on but this could be a potential break in the Prime Directive.” Rar replied looking a bit concerned as everyone turned to look at them.

That was cause for concern, but at the moment he wasn’t going to just jump to conclusions about why they were there. “That would be cause for concern but, right now let’s not jump to conclusions yet until we find out what is going on,” Tajir replied though he wondered in the back of his mind why a lot of the system is giving him a level ten clearance level warning and now they were above a planet who’s populace were not even warp-capable. Things were looking suspicious but being the reasonable person he was, he wasn’t going to just jump at any rash conclusions.

Rar nodded, “you’re right there could be many reasons why and not even come in contact. But the Captain has been acting weird since she got her orders from Starfleet Command.” Rar replied with a sigh as everyone else nodded in agreement with Dedre, “I understand your concerns, trust me I have my own as well. I have known the Captain for a long time so there must be a very good reason that she’s just not ready to share at the moment.” Tajir replied looking at Rar who just nodded.

“Sir, getting communication from the USS Lune. Captain Adams is ready to return to the Vesta.” Odan replied looking up from his console, “understood.” Tajir replied as the Captain soon returned to the ship. “Guess we’re about to find out soon enough,” Tajir replied as he went and took his seat.

Once back on the ship Makayla took the long way to the bridge as she needed time to process everything. She knew her crew would fight back once they learned what they will be asked to do. After a while she finally arrived on the bridge, she noticed that all her senior officers were there which was going to make things a lot easier giving orders.

“Commander Dilucca, I need you to make adjustments to the transporters for large transports that can be directed to our cargo bays.” She ordered as Jheria looked at her with confusion. “Sir, why would we need to do that?” Jheria asked, “just do what I asked Commander.” Adams said in a stern voice while Jheria nodded, “Aye sir.” She replied as she got to her console and began to work.

“Commander Odan, I need you to assemble a team to clear out both cargo bays move anything we have in there to our shuttle bays temporarily,” Adams replied Odan looked at her for a moment then looked at Tajir who just shrugged as he was also getting more confused and concerned as to what was going on.

Odan was about to protest but thought better of it and obeyed, though he was concerned at the sudden changes within the Captain. “Aye sir,” he replied as he walked off the bridge to begin the task.

She then looked at Commander Kriia the ship’s chief medical officer. “I need you to make large quantities of this drug.” She replied handing her a pad with the information on it. Taking it Commander Kriia looked at it then back at her, “are you crazy? What in the world would we need this?” she asked challenging the Captain as everyone looked at them.

She looked at everyone, “we will be conducting a rescue mission, we will be beaming everyone from the planet’s surface into our carbo bays.” She began but before she could continue Rar boldly spoke up. “Sir, they are a pre-warp civilization that is against the Prime Directive.” She said growing more concerned as was everyone else.

“Lieutenant, there is a threat endangering the lives of these people and the planet.” She replied back looking back at Rar, “what kind of threat? I don’t detect any kind of threat to the planet.” Rar replied looking at her, “I can’t discuss that is classified. We will begin beaming them up as soon as everything is in place.” She replied looking at the Lieutenant. “This is still a clear violation of the Prime Directive we can’t interfere with civilizations that have not discovered warp travel,” Rar replied looking like the Captain has lost her mind.

“Lieutenant! That is enough, I have my orders and you will follow your’s or you will be relieved of duty. Do I make myself clear?” Adams sternly said looking at her, while Rar huffed at the Captain, while Tajir interjected. “Orders from who? Starfleet? Do you really expect us to believe that Starfleet has condoned us to breaking a rule that has been followed by many Starfleet Officers throughout the years? That has ended up with people being court-martialed for breaking it?” Tajir asked finding it hard to believe.

She looked at him with eyes of please trust me, which he picked up on. “Commander, I have my orders, we are here to save lives,” Adams replied as Tajir was going to say something else but didn’t. “Yes, Captain!” He replied with a more forceful tone than before.

“Now, once everyone is on board we will move safely away while the threat is being neutralized. Once that is done we will return them to their planet and that’s where that drug comes into play. We will feed sleeping gas into the cargo bays so they will go temporarily sleep and your medical team will administer that drug before we beam everyone down.” Adams replied, “they will have no memory of what happened.” She replied as the others just remained quiet for the moment.

“Aye sir, I will have this duplicated in mass quantity,” Kriia said as she walked off the bridge. Adams then looked at Loian, “I need security guards in place of the cargo bay entrance, though the doors will be locked it will just be for precaution.” Adams replied as Dazra just nodded “Aye sir,” she replied as she dispatched a security team, two officers per cargo bay.

Chon’al just stood there quietly, there wasn’t much for him to do. “I think I’ll go help clear the cargo bays.” He replied as Adams looked at him and nodded before turning her attention to Airje. “Once we have them onboard set a course for these coordinates,” she replied as she relayed them to her. “Aye sir,” Airje replied.

“Sir transporter buffers have been extended for the massive job ahead, we will begin once we get word that the carbo bays are clear.” Jheria replied from her console, “excellent,” Adams replied as she knew it would be a while before they could clear out the cargo bays.

Meanwhile, Chon’al met up with Odan, “I’ll be helping move things to the shuttle bays.” He replied giving him a slap on the back. Odan looked at him and nodded, “what is up with the Captain and these weird orders.” Odan asked as he didn’t stick around for the briefing, Chon’al explained what he could and Odan just stood there flabbergasted but shrugged a few seconds later. 

“This has been a strange mission,” Odan replied as they began to move what was in the cargo bays to the shuttle bays. Though this wouldn’t take very long as a lot of what was in them was sent down to one of the colonies in the Meronia system. 

“You can say that again,” Chon’al replied as they worked. It took them about thirty minutes to clear out boy cargo bays. They made sure that everything was secure that no one could get out of the cargo bay as well as they could not access any of the computer systems from inside the cargo bays as well.

“Odan to Captain Adams, the cargo bays have been emptied and everything is secured,” Odan said over the comm channel as they both headed back up to the bridge. “Very good Commander,” Adams replied as the comm channel ended. She sent a message to the USS Lune letting them know they were beginning the mission at hand.

Looking at Airje, “bring us to these coordinates above the planet.” She said after she sent her the information. Airje nodded, “aye sir course laid in.” She responded as Adams gave the order to move into position. A few moments later, “we are in position sir,” she replied as Makayla looked at Odan.

“Start the transport process,” she ordered as Odan nodded. “Jheria keep an eye on the system while this takes place,” Adams said looking at the young Andorian engineer. “Aye sir,” Jheria replied bringing up the transporter systems. 

Not knowing Rar had tampered with the system to attempt to stop the rescue mission, “sir the transporters are not responding.” Odan spoke up as Adams looked at him, “what do you mean?” She asked standing up, Odan tried again but wasn’t getting anything. “They’re not responding it’s like someone has tampered with the system,” Odan replied looking back up at the Captain.

Rar looked at her console, though she wasn’t working she made it look like she was but listened to everything that was going on. “Jheria, what is going on? I want answers.” She looked at her as Jheria worked on her console, she noticed that someone with knowledge of the transporter systems locked them out. 

Looking back at the Captain, “sir someone on this bridge sabotaged the transporters by locking us out of that system.” Jheria replied as everyone looked at her then the Captain. “Can you identify who it was?” Adams asked, “I am working on that right now should know in about a minute.” Jheria replied hoping someone would confess, Rar kept her mouth shut even though she was about to be found out.

A few moments passed, “sir I have the information.” Jheria replied as Adams walked over and saw it. “Lieutenant Rar explain yourself,” Adams replied sternly as everyone now was looking at Dedre.

“Simple, I can’t allow you to break the Prime Directive over something that is not there. You have lost your mind and so has whoever else is in on this.” Rar replied as Adams looked at her. “So you’re going to condemn everyone on that planet below to die?” Adams replied looking at her. “Die from what? An invisible enemy that is not there?” Rar replied as Odan and Jheria looked at each other.

“An enemy isn’t always visible, I have my orders to help these people and what I am doing is minimizing contact by the end they won’t have any memory of what has happened,” Adams replied keeping her calm as Rar was disobeying a direct order and was challenging her.

“How does that justify breaking the Prime Directive? I can’t believe that Starfleet has sanctioned this when they court-martial anyone who does.” Rar fired back, “You don’t have to understand it, you are ordered to release the transporters immediately or end up in the brig for disobeying my order.” Adams replied as she didn’t want to take that step in this situation but she was getting left with no choice.

“Then I guess I’ll be going to the brig, I will not release it and I have already sent a complaint to Starfleet Command in the process,” Rar replied looking at Adams not knowing that her complaint and request will get tossed out the window. 

“Very well Lieutenant,” Adams replied with a sigh then looked at Lieutenant Loian. “Please escort Lieutenant Rar to the brig until this mission is complete,” Adams ordered as Dazra looked at her for a brief moment then everyone else. “Aye sir,” she replied walking up to Rar. “Follow me, Lieutenant,” she replied taking a hold of her arm and leading her off the bridge.

Adams sighed as she looked at Jheria, “can you get control back?” She asked looking at her. “Yes but it will take me five minutes to do so,” she replied as she got to work before the Captain could even respond. Sitting back down in her chair she leaned her head back and closed her eyes for a moment. Tajir remained quiet as he looked at her, after a moment she sent a message to the Lune about their little incident that it would be about five minutes before they could start.

Jheria worked quickly to free the transporter control from the science station, whatever she did she was quiet about it, not tripping any kind of alarms. After what seemed like an eternity the system was restored. “Sir, transporter control is now restored,” Jheria replied looking at the Captain.

“Commander Odan, begin transporting the colonists into the cargo bays,” Adams replied as Odan nodded and began the process. Jheria kept an eye on the system while Adams kept an eye on her console making sure everything went according to plan. They were all on the edge of their seats as people started to appear in the cargo bays, one right after the other.

The whole process took about twenty minutes until the last person on the planet was beam aboard. Odan looked up from his console, “sir all the colonists have been beam aboard there are no life signs on the planet.” Odan replied looking at the Captain, “Open a channel to the USS Lune.” Adams ordered as Odan tapped a few buttons and nodded, “Captain Sorenson, the colonists are onboard we will be moving away from the planet.” Adams replied as Mike nodded, “understood Captain, USS Lune out.” Mike replied as the communications ended.

“Engage Maximum warp,” she replied to Airje who know the next set of coordinates nodded and the ship broke orbit and slowly moved away until they could safely go to warp. 

The cargo bays were locked down with no way for them to get out, access any of our systems. Commander Kriia was able to keep an eye on them through the system through the cameras. They were all confused as to what was going on, so far no one was getting hurt or hurting themselves. “Captain, so far things are looking good with the colonist’s let us hope it stays that way,” Kriia replied from her console on the bridge.

“Very good, keep me apprised if anything changes,” Adams replied as a short time later the USS Vesta came to a stop as they were a safe distance away but were still in communication range with the USS Lune. “Now we wait,” Adams replied as Tajir nodded in return as Dazra walked back on the bridge not saying a word, and headed straight for her station.

Standing up she looked at Tajir, “I’ll be in my ready room you have the bridge.” Adams replied as she stood up and headed to her ready room. Grabbing a coffee she sat down and took a drink, then set it down on her desk. She claps her hands on her face as she sighed, this mission has put a strain on her as well as her crew. She had to do something she hoped she never had to do was send someone to the brig for doing something she thought was right.

This was one part she hated the most that she hoped to never have to do in her life, but here it was and things were getting complicated. She sat there quiet, deep in thought just trying to rationalize everything, justify her actions but she felt the trust was already damaged. She just hopes to gain that trust back from her crew once this was all over. Though, she knew it would take a while as they were going to question her orders more so after this. 

Now that the USS Vesta had beam aboard on the planet’s inhabitance and moved to a safe distance, the USS Lune began to prep for eliminating the Omega Molecules that were close to the planet. Tapping the controls next to him he looked at the area, the molecules were still stabilized but the way things were looking they could destabilize at any moment. 

“Engineering, is that torpedo ready?” Michael asked looking nowhere in particular as he waited for a response.

“Just about, need five more minutes Captain,” the engineer replied. “You have three,” Michael replied as the comm went quiet for a moment before the engineer spoke up. “Aye sir,” as the comm channel ended. 

Standing up Michael began to pace back and forth as he watched the readings as the time ticked by. “Engineering to the bridge, the torpedo is ready and loaded sir.” The engineer replied as he stopped in his tracks and sat back down to pull up his screen.

“Wonderful,” Michael replied as he sent the needed coordinates to the tactical officer.

“Lieutenant Osimara, lock on those coordinates and fire.” Michael said, “understood sir.” came the woman’s reply as the modified torpedo fired towards its needed target while Michael kept an eye on the sensors. Everyone on the bridge was quiet, the tension in the air as they waited for word that the mission was successful or they would be stuck here.

The torpedo detonated at the right time in the right location, Michael looked at the screen he was no longer detecting Omega molecules above the planet or anywhere within the system. A sigh of relief washed over him as he looked at everyone else who seemed to have had this look of relief as well.

Though the crew what really clueless about what was going on but seeing the Captains relief made them think whatever was going on was resolved. This mission has been a stressful one for both crews though the threat was far from over he knew at least this system was secure and safe, that the people were saved to live another day.

“You have the bridge number one,” Michael replied and walked into his ready room before she even had a chance to respond. After entering he sat down and locked the doors and opened a comm channel to Captain Adams aboard the USS Vesta, he sat there waiting for a response.

Makayla sat in her office lost in thought waiting for word from the USS Lune, her thoughts kept going back to her crew. She couldn’t blame Lieutenant Rar for what she did, if she was in her shoes she probably would have done the same thing. She still disobeyed a direct order and tried to sabotage their mission, so she was currently sitting in the brig until this is over and what she will decide to do next.

“Captain, sorry to disturb you but you are getting a communication from Captain Sorenson of the USS Lune.” Odan replied over the comm channel, “patch it through Commander.” Adams replied as she locked the doors as she knew that this would need to be a private talk.

Tapping the button on her computer Captain Sorenson appeared on the screen in front of her. “Report,” Adams replied looking at him in anticipation, though she figured it was good news as he was able to send a communication. “The Omega molecules have been eliminated around the planet and we are not ready any other molecules in the sector,” Michael replied looking at her as a sigh of relief came over her mouth.

“That is wonderful news, we will head back and finish this mission.” Adams replied, “thank you for your assistance in this matter Captain Adams,” Michael replied in return. “Your welcome Captain, stay safe out there,” Adams replied as she was sure he would be needed elsewhere.

“You as well Captain,” Michael replied then ended the channel.

Makayla sat there for a moment longer after the communications ended, things could have gone so many different ways. She was glad things turned out well for them, she would have been unprepared to find a new colony for them and have to make contact and explain why. After a while, she walked out on the bridge and took a seat in her chair.

“Lieutenant Airje set course back to the planet at maximum warp,” Adams ordered looking at her. “Aye sir,” came the reply as she tapped a few buttons. “Course and speed set in sir,” Airje replied looking back at the Captain. Taking a deep breath and looking at Tajir for a brief moment before replying, “engage.”

The ship began to move back to Kepara, “Bridge to Commander Kriia ready your medical team to the cargo bays we will be releasing the sleeping gas into the cargo bay. Once that is complete we will let you know when you can enter to start administering the drug.” Adams replied over the comm channel, “Aye sir.” Kriia replied back before it ended.

Looking to Jheria she gave a nod for her to release the sleeping gas into the filtration system of the cargo bays only. Jheria began the process as Makayla watched the screen to make sure it was working properly. One by one the occupants began to lower themselves on the ground and go to sleep.

This would take a while as there were a lot of colonists within them, “Commander Kriia to bridge we are in place.” Kriia said over the comm channel as Adams monitored the situation. After she saw that everyone indeed was asleep she turned to Jheria, “stop the release and filtrate the air for our medical teams. The last thing we need is them falling asleep as well.” Adams replied as she looked at the Commander, “Aye sir.” Jheria replied tapping a few buttons on the console.

A few moments went by, “complete sir they are clear to enter.” Jheria said looking up from the console. “Commander your clear to enter,” Adams replied back over the comm channel.

The doors to the cargo bays unlocked and opened as the medical teams entered both bays and began to administer the drug to each individual monitoring each for any reactions. So far things were going to plan with no complications, they would spend the rest of the time they traveled back to the planet administering to each individual until they completed upon arrival.

“Sir, we have arrived at Kepara,” Airje replied as the ship came to a complete stop, the USS Lune had already departed as their mission was complete. “Bridge, we have completed the administration, sir, we don’t have much time left before they wake up. My suggestion is to get them back on the planet as quickly as possible.” Kriia replied as their team exited the cargo bay and the doors locked shut behind them.

“Understood Commander,” Adams replied over the comms channel. Looking at both Odan and Jheria who already knew what needed to be done. “Aye sir, beginning transport,” Odan replied as he tapped a few buttons and the process of beaming the colonists back on the planet began.

Jheria monitored the transport system as they worked to make sure nothing was to go wrong, only slightly adjusting were needed to keep up the pace. The bridge was quiet as they waited and watched, no one saying a word though in everyone’s mind they wanted to ask a ton of questions they all felt this was not the time or place. They would get their chance once this was all over.

For what seemed like eternity Odan spoke up, “transport is complete everyone is back on the planet.” He replied looking at the Captain who nodded just as Commander Kriia arrived back on the bridge.

“Scan the planet and let me know the status of the situation,” Adams replied as Kriia nodded and moved to her station.

Kriia watched the readings for a good while before she was satisfied with the outcome, looking up from the console. “Sir, they seemed to have woken up and went on like nothing happened other than some confusion as to how everyone was asleep. But they don’t seem to remember anything.” Kriia replied as Adams breathed out a sigh of relief.

Things could have gone so many different ways, not in their favor. Though luck was on their side this time, they might not be so lucky the next time. “Helm set a course for Devron Fleet Yards at maximum warp.” She replied as Deza nodded gladly to set a course back to the starbase.

“Engage,” Adams replied as she stood up looking at Tajir who already knew what she was going to say, and nodded before she could.

Adams walked to her ready room and closed the door, she downloaded all files from this mission and encrypted them for security level ten access only, and removed the omega directive lockout. She hoped to never see another enactment of the Omega Directive as long as she was Captain. This mission was a challenging one to even say the least, she stood up and walked to the window, and looked out lost in thought.

She would deal with Lieutenant Rar when they arrived at the starbase as she had to seriously think what her punishment was going to be. She would have to report her behavior but would ask for leniency as for the situation. With a sigh, she walked back to her desk and sat down. Locking the doors one final time to contact Captain Dex back at Devron to apprise her of the situation.

The screen came to life as Azras appeared on her screen, “I take it the mission was successful?” Azras asked looking at Makayla who nodded, “It was, though most of the crew cooperated though they sure did voice their opinions and concerns for what was at hand.” Adams replied, Dex knew there would be, who wouldn’t when they couldn’t answer their questions as they wanted. She went on about the events of the mission and when she finished, Dex nodded but knew there was something more bothering Adams.

“What else Captain, I can see it on your face something else is bothering you,” Azras replied as she leaned closer to the screen. Sighing she nodded and explained the situation with Lieutenant Rar. “I can see where you’re troubled Captain, I can’t say that I don’t blame her given the circumstances,” Azras replied as she sat there and thought for a moment.

“I suggest that you place a reprimand in her file and let her go, but stress that if she pulls a stunt like that again she will be more deeply punished,” Azras replied looking at her. Makayla nodded in reply, “understood sir.” She replied as they talked for a few moments more before the communication came to a close. Walking out of the ready room she headed down to the brig to take care of Lieutenant Rar as they made their way to the station.