The Saratoga had left Devron Fleet Yards several days prior heading towards Starbase Bravo to pick up the last remaining crewmembers. With the discovery of what would now be known as the Century Storm, all ships were being rerouted towards the Paulson Nebula. Azras was up earlier than she wanted to be, with a lot of things on her mind that made things harder for her to fall back to sleep.

Sitting in her study she began to review the different reports that had come during the night, engineering was making modifications that the Saratoga needed for when they entered the Paulson Nebula. Medical was preparing for the refugees that would be arriving if any needed medical attention, as well as the crew, helping get the ship ready to receive that many people onboard.

There would be other ships assisting with the evacuation but the Saratoga would be getting the brunt force of those refugees. The USS Oneida the ship’s Aquarius-class escort, as well as the many shuttles and runabouts, would be used to assist.

“What are you doing up so early dear?” Arzin asked as he appeared in the doorway.

Looking up she smiled, “I couldn’t fall back asleep.” Azras replied looking back at him, “just got a lot on my mind with the Century Storm.” She replied as she took a sip of her coffee.

He nodded, “I am sorry to hear that my dear, would you like something to eat?” Arzin asked as he walked up to her kissing her on the forehead before backing up.

Nodding in response “that would be great,” she said with a smile as her stomach started growling at the suggestion.

“Wonderful,” he replied walking back out of the study heading to the kitchen to begin to prepare breakfast. He also knew that Linha would be getting up soon to continue to help medical get things prepared.

Linha had walked out just as he started, “morning dad where is mom?” She asked as she wasn’t in her room.

Looking over his shoulder, “she is her study working on some things.” Arzin replied with a smile, “breakfast will be ready soon.” He added before turning back to what he was doing.

“Thanks,” Linha replied before walking over to the replicator to grab some coffee. “What a way to break in my assignment here on the ship with a situation like the Century Storm is creating,” Linha commented sitting down at the table.

“Indeed,” Arzin replied as he would be able to study this strange phenomenon while they were in the nebula. “Would you care to let your mom know breakfast is ready while I go wake up your brother,” Arzin said as he started for the stairs that would lead up to his bedroom.

Nodding Linha got up and headed over to where Azras’s study was located and walked in, “good morning breakfast is ready.” Linha said with a bright smile, already dressed in her Starfleet uniform though it was still the cadets uniform.

“Thank you, dear I will be there in a few moments,” Azras said with a smile.

Linha nodded and headed back out to the kitchen just as Azrin and Yadri came down the stairs. Yadri looked like he was still half awake, “good morning Yadri.” Linha replied as he just moaned in return.

Just then Azras walked out of her study and walked up to the dining room table looking at Yadri, “someone isn’t a morning person.” Azras said with a soft chuckle as they began to eat breakfast and get their day started.

Meanwhile down in engineering, Jheria had been pulling extra hours the last few days since leaving Devron Fleet Yards to get the ship ready for when they arrived. “What are you doing!” Jheria exclaimed as she noticed one of the engineers doing something that was not what she had ordered.

“Reconfiguring the shields just like you asked,” the Ensign replied looking at the upset Andorian women in front of him.

“Seriously, are you trying to sabotage the ship!,” Jheria said as she looked at the young man who was fresh out of the Academy. “If you try to reconfigure those isolinear chips you will disable this ship before it even sets foot into the nebula.” She spat upset that this engineer was clueless and an idiot.

“I need you to go help with getting the ship ready for the refugees if you can handle even that!” She spat as the young man got up and walked out, looking at a Lieutenant C’Riia. “Do you mind getting the modifications to the shields taken care of while I work on boosting the sensors and communication array?” Jheria asked looking at the Caitian.

“Of course ma’am,” C’Riia replied getting to work.

Jheria had walked back to the console she was working at before being interrupted by the incompetent engineer. Piyu had given her his report, she was satisfied with the numbers and she went to work finishing boosting the sensors while he took care of the communications array. 

“Captain Dex to Commander Dilucca, status report,” Azras said over the comm channel.

“Things are going as smoothly as possible we should have everything ready and operational before arriving at Starbase Bravo,” Jheria replied.

“Wonderful,” Azras replied pausing for a moment before continuing. “Keep me updated,” she added.

“Understood sir,” Jheria replied as the comm channel ended.

C’Riia had finished with the modifications to the shields, “sir I have finished with all the modifications.” She said looking up from the console she was working at, she ran different simulations and diagnostics to make sure things would hold.

“Have you run diagnostics on it to make sure it would hold?” Jheria asked looking over at her.

“I have, and each one has come back as satisfactory,” C’Riia replied looking back at the Commander. 

“Great,” she replied. “I need you to take a team to do the same thing with the USS Oneida as well as the shuttles and runabouts,” Jheria replied looking at her as she could handle the remaining objectives here in engineering.

“Understood sir,” C’Riia replied as she grabbed a team and headed out of engineering towards where the USS Oneida was docked. She had sent a team to both shuttle bays to begin working on the shuttles and runabouts. 

She continued to work on the other systems, engineers running back and forth working on what they were doing as well. The ship would be arriving at Starbase Bravo within the next couple of hours.

“I need those supplies over there,” Zoran said as Linha arrived with some more medical supplies.

“Aye sir,” Linha replied as she brought them over in the far corner out of the way but accessible if they needed to access it quickly. Both infirmaries were busy with getting things ready for what might happen once they reach Aarius IV. 

“Alright, I would like you to start going over the inventory here to make sure we have everything that we might need in any type of emergency.” Teila began taking a deep breath before continuing. “If we are missing anything please go get it from the medical storage supply,” Zoran ordered as she handed her a padd with the list.

“I will get this done right away sir,” Linha replied as she walked off to begin to make sure that all supplies were accounted for.

Teila made her rounds to make sure everything was set, she was a perfectionist when it comes to preparations as she didn’t like to be unprepared for an emergency at least ones that they knew about. There would be times when emergencies would happen without any type of warning, she had learned to adapt in those situations. 

Once she was satisfied that everything was set up and prepared, she walked back to her office to finish some of her reports that she has been neglecting the last couple of days while they were preparing. 

Lieutenant Riahya had entered the main infirmary after finishing her tasks in the secondary infirmary that was located in the saucer section. She didn’t realize that there would be a Cadet working with them as she spent more time in the secondary infirmary than she did the main.

“You’re not supposed to be here Cadet, what are you doing?” Riahya asked in a bit of annoyance in her voice.

Looking up from what she was doing she looked at the older Bolian doctor that was standing beside her. “I am making sure all supplies are accounted for,” Linha replied looking confused as to why she was giving her the attitude she was.

“That is not your job, you need to leave.” The Bolian woman spat before crossing her arms across her chest as she waited for her to do what she was told.

“Sir, I am on…” she began before she was interrupted by Teila as she heard the commotion that was going on from her office as the doors were open.

“What is going on?” Teila asked looking at both Linha and Riahya.

“ Just the person I want to see,” Riahya replied looking at Teila before she continued to speak. “Tell this Cadet that she isn’t supposed to be here, she doesn’t seem to want to listen to me,” Riahya said rudely and annoyed by the situation.

Raising an eyebrow at the woman looking at the Cadet for a moment before she turned her attention back to the Lieutenant. “She is supposed to be here, she is on her medical cruise,” Teila replied as she looked at Riahya before turning her attention to Linha giving her a nod that she can continue her work.

“Oh really, she is only a second-year cadet why is she on her cruise this early in her studies?” Riahya asked not wanting to believe or accept that a lowly Cadet would be serving with them. This was a place for real doctors not doctors in training. In her eyes, they would just get in the way.

“That is none of your concern, if there is a problem I suggest you take it up with Starfleet Medical. Now I suggest you meet me in my office!” Teila replied as she would not tolerate that kind of attitude in her department.

“Humph,” she said as she stormed off towards Teila’s office.

Teila sighed as she looked at Linha, “I apologize for her behavior.” Teila said with a smile.

“It’s alright,” Linha replied with a smile as she continued her work.

Teila walked off back to her office to deal with Riahya, she didn’t appreciate her attitude towards other crewmembers. This wasn’t her first time having an attitude towards others. There had been many complaints about her with her attitude towards other members of the medical team as well as patients that would come in.

Deza Airje was sitting at her station quietly as they traveled, they were due to arrive at Starbase Bravo in the next few minutes. Everyone was busy preparing for what would await them once they entered the Paulson Nebula. 

“What do you think caused these strange ion storms in the Paulson Nebula?” Odan asked breaking the silence that befell the bridge.

Shrugging her shoulders as she turned to face Odan “I am not sure,” Airje spoke up looking back at the Commander.

“It seems that it’s also creating weird subspace rifts to form where an ion storm originates,” Chon’al spoke up looking at the rest. Chon’al had been to the Paulson Nebula a time or two throughout his Starfleet career and these ion storms were very unusual for that nebula.

“Hopefully we will get to study one as we make our way to Aarius IV, or at least be able to get a quick scan of one at a safe distance,” Damir spoke up from the science console as Atur nodded from the secondary science console. 

“Will just have to wait and see, we might just very well get caught in one of the storms on our way,” Dazra replied as everyone just rolled their eyes, she always seemed to find the bad in every situation and exploit that before looking at the positive side of things.

“Why do you have to be so negative?” Airje asked looking back at Dazra as she shook her head before turning back to her console as they were approaching the station.

“Why sugar coat things? We don’t know what will happen so why say things will be positive when we all know it can go one of many different ways.” Dazra replied standing there looking at Airje, they haven’t been on the best of terms since the beginning. She didn’t care she was just here to do her job, she wasn’t worried about pleasing anyone else.

Airje was going to speak up but decided against it and just kept monitoring the area as they traveled. 

“What do you think the new Executive Officer will be like?” Odan asked quickly changing the subject hoping to stop any more confrontation between the two women. 

Shrugging, “she’s a Vulcan so I am sure she won’t be that interesting.” Dazra replied as Airje just rolled her eyes at the comment though she didn’t respond.

“Well that wasn’t nice,” Odan spoke up. “Just because she is Vulcan doesn’t mean anything.” He added as he stood there looking at Dazra then at the others who just shrugged. 

They continued to chat while they worked, time went by as the ship came out of warp right by Starbase Bravo just as Azras walked out of her office. “Report,” Azras asked looking at Airje.

“Sir we have arrived at Starbase Bravo, and we have been given clearance to dock,” Airje replied looking back at the Captain.

“Bring us in,” Azras replied as she took her seat.

Airje nodded turning back around to begin docking procedures which would take a few moments. Once they finished they sent word to the Starbase that they were ready to receive the remaining crew and supplies that were requested.

“Sir, might I suggest that you head down to the docking port to meet the first officer,” Deza suggested looking at her. “To make a good first impression,” Deza replied as the others looked up.

Azra nodded in agreement as she would be arriving with them, “good idea Commander.” Azras replied as she made her way toward the turbolift and gave her destination as the doors closed shut behind her.

“May I have a cup of coffee light cream and sugar,” T’Prel asked the barista that was at the bar area.

“Coming right up sir,” came the woman’s reply as she walked off to prepared the coffee for the customer. After a few moments, the barista had returned setting the cup in front of T’Prel, “here you go sir.” the woman replied with a smile as T’Prel picked up the cup, smelling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

“Thank you,” T’Prel replied picking up the cup she turned around spotting a seat that was near the window. Walking over she sat down she began to look out the window watching the ships come and go from the station. 

Ritru had a long day, she was pulling some hours on the starbase while they waited for the Saratoga to arrive, assisting with getting things ready for refugees. Once her shift was over and she knew the ship would be here soon she decided to head down to the coffee shop to get some tea.

Ritru had walked in, getting her cup of hot green tea she noticed that T’Prel was sitting at one of the tables. They had served together for the last few years over a couple of ship assignments, “Is this seat occupied, Commander?” Ritru said with a smile standing there.

Looking up at the Romulan women standing there she gestured towards the open seat. “Please,” she replied as Ritru sat down taking a sip of her tea. “So looks like we are waiting for the same ship to arrive,” Ritru said with a wink.

“Indeed Commander,” T’Prel replied knowing full well that they had been assigned to the Saratoga together. They had developed a deep friendship over the years, which turned into a romantic relationship over the last couple of years.

Just as Ritru sat down did they see a ship drop out of warp and begin docking with the starbase. “Well looks like our chat has been cut short,” Ritru replied with a small chuckle.

“So it would seem,” T’Prel replied as they both got up from their table and headed out towards the docking bay. 

“Care to have dinner with me tonight?” Ritru asked as they walked down the corridor of the starbase.

“That would be agreeable,” T’Prel replied.

“Wonderful,” Ritru replied with a smile. “I heard there is a nice bar and grill aboard the Saratoga that would be a perfect place,” She added as they made their way to the docking port. Though they made it a point to walk slow as they knew the rest of the crew would be arriving as well, there were some things that Ritru wanted to talk to her about along the way.

“There is something I have been meaning to talk to you about,” Ritru admitted as they walked.

T’Prel stopped walking for a moment and looked at her, “what is it?” She asked as it has piqued her curiosity.

“We have been seeing each other for the past couple of years,” she began looking at T’Prel. “I think it would be agreeable if we move in together,” she stated as her heart was pounding as she never brought it up before.

T’Prel looked at her in thought for a brief moment, “that would be agreeable.” She replied as Ritru was halfway expecting her to reject, she was happy that she agreed. “I will talk with the quartermaster about you moving into my quarters as they will be a decent size for our needs,” T’Prel replied as they began to walk down the corridor again towards their destination.

“Wonderful,” Ritru replied with a smile.

They finally made it to the docking port making it onto the ship to be greeted by Captain Azras Dex. Ritru nodded to the Captain before turning towards T’Prel, “I’ll see you later Commander.” She replied before walking off to get things settled into their new quarters, then to meet with her department head.

T’Prel nodded towards Ritru before turning her attention back to Azras, “you didn’t have to come down here just to greet me, Captain,” T’Prel said raising her eyebrow.

“It’s alright Commander, we can discuss what is going on while we walk,” Azras replied as they turned, beginning their walk down the corridor towards the turbolift. 

“I have already taken the liberty while I was waiting to catch up on the current situation as well as the Saratoga’s current mission,” T’Prel said which caught Azras a bit off guard, she wasn’t expecting a first officer who was as proactive as she was. Though it was a nice change from the norm.

“Great,” she replied as they entered the turbolift. “Bridge,” she ordered as the doors closed shut behind them and began to move towards its destination. “Once the remaining crew and supplies are on board we will depart along with the convoy that will be tagging along to assist with the evacuations. Though we will be taking the brunt of the refugees since we are a larger vessel and can handle the load.” Azras began before she paused for a moment to catch her breath. 

“We will be heading towards the trailing part of the Nebula before entering going towards the center,” Azras added looking at the Vulcan woman standing next to her.

“Understood,” T’Prel replied as the lift came to a stop with the doors swishing open as they both exited and took their places.

“Status report,” Azras asked looking back at Commander Odan at the Ops station.

“We are ready to depart, remaining crew and supplies are on board,” Odan replied looking at the Captain.

“Systems status?” She asked while she remained to look in his direction.

“All systems are ready to go,” Odan added.

Nodding she turned towards Deza, “do we have clearance to disembark from the starbase?” Azras asked.

“We are cleared for departure,” Airje replied.

“Bring us out,” Azras replied as she sat there watching as the Saratoga began to disembark from Starbase Bravo, moving away to a safe distance. Once they were clear Azras had sent the coordinates to the other ships.

Azras had given the coordinates to Airje, “set a course warp eight.” She ordered as they would only be going that speed until right before they reached the entrance to the Paulson Nebula from the trailing side.

“Aye sir,” Deza replied tapping a few buttons. “Course and speed laid in sir,” she said looking back at the Captain.

“Engage,” she ordered as the Saratoga as well as the other ships accompanying them went to warp. “Estimate time to arrival, fourteen-hundred hours tomorrow sir,” Deza replied.

“Very well,” she replied looking at T’Prel. “You have the bridge, I will be in my ready room.” She replied as she stood up, T’Prel just nodded as the Captain walked off the bridge and into her office to go over some reports.

The Saratoga had already entered the nebula a few hours ago, they still had about an hour or so before they arrived at Aarius VII. Long-range sensors in the nebula were shot, short-range sensors were being shortened due to the ion storm interference that is happening throughout the nebula. 

Jeesa Atur was sitting at the science station going over readings that kept coming in as they traveled. Something appeared that had piqued her curiosity, looking up from her console. “Captain, I am picking something up on sensors that is a bit interesting, can we stop the ship to investigate? I think this is something of importance to our mission,” Atur inquired looking at Azras.

Azras looked at her for a moment before nodding before looking at Deza giving her the all-stop order, the ship had then come to a complete stop, “What have you found?” Azras asked looking at Atur who was turned around at her station.

“We picked up some unusual readings with what limited sensors we have, it seems that an ion storm had just passed through this area not that long ago.” Jeesa replied before continuing, “we are also picking up what seems to have also been a subspace rift which by accounts should still be in the area through sensors or what limited sensors we have, it’s no longer there. From what reports we that we know of that none of our ships have entered this area as of recently other than us,” she replied looking at her.

“With your permission, I would like to take the USS Oneida out to the area to get more readings,” Jeesa asked as Azras pondered the request. “I believe that the information will give us an idea where it’s traveling and how long we have to evacuate Aarius VII if it is indeed the one that is traveling towards our destination,” Jeesa said.

“Granted,” Azras replied before turning towards Ritru who was sitting at the communications console. “Send word to the convoy to move on ahead, we will catch up once we are finished here,” Azras ordered.

“Aye sir,” Ritru replied before tapping a few buttons on her console. A short time later the convoy began to break away from the Saratoga and move on towards its destination.

“Take what officers you need from your team but I would request that you please also include Arzin Varen who can be of assistance.” Azras replied before turning to Lieutenant Th’rikrir, “I would like you to pilot the Oneida,” Azras ordered.

“Aye sir,” Rass replied as he stood up.

“You got it, sir,” Jeesa replied before contacting her science team and Arzin to meet her down where the Oneida was docked.

As they left the bridge Azras tapped her commbadge, “Bridge to Commander Dilucca please send an engineering officer to accompany the science team on board the Oneida.” Azras ordered as she sat there in her chair.

“Aye sir,” Jheria replied.

After the lift came to a stop the doors opened and both Jeesa and Rass exited heading towards the docking bay that held the USS Oneida. “This is going to be exciting,” Rass replied with enthusiasm.

“Indeed,” Jeesa replied as she looked at the young Andorian Lieutenant. A few minutes had passed before they arrived to meet Damir, Azrin, and C’Riia waiting for them. “So looks like our little team has made it,” Jeesa replied with a smile as they all nodded almost in unison before they boarded the Onedia.

After arriving on the bridge Rass had begun his preflight checks to make sure things were in order and ready for departure. C’Riia had made sure all the modifications they had made were operational and online.

Jeesa sat in the command chair while Damir sat at the science station with Arzin at the secondary science station. “Sir, everything is online and we are ready for departure,” Rass replied looking back at Atur.

“Wonderful,” she replied as she tapped the console next to her chair. She had rerouted operations to her console before opening a channel to Captain Dex. “Sir we are ready for departure,” Jeesa said over the comm.

“Very well, you are cleared for departure Onedia,” Azras replied as she looked at Odan to release the docking clamps from the Aquarius-class escort. A short time later the Onedia departed from the Saratoga heading out towards the area where their sensors or what little they had was picking up something unusual.

Looking at her team, “so I had detected that an ion storm had recently passed through this area as well as a faint detection of where a subspace rift was.” Atur said as she looked at them, “what piqued my curiosity was the fact that there is no indication that a ship closed the rift from what I could gather, we are to gather more data to be able to determine if this is the storm that is heading towards Aarius VII. If it is we need to know how much time we might have before it arrives.” Jeesa finished while looking at the others.

“That does seem a bit odd that a subspace rift would open and close on its own, not that it wouldn’t be possible especially if it’s a rather small one unable to stay open for long,” Azrin replied from his station.

“That’s why I asked to investigate this more because with our limited sensor rage I need more data.” Jeesa replied as the others agreed, “this will give us a good idea of how long we have to evacuate the planet if this is the same storm,” she replied.

“Sir we have arrived at the coordinates,” Rass replied.

“Great,” Jeesa replied before turning her attention to the engineer. “C’Riia can you give us a little more power to the sensors?” Atur asked looking at the engineer.

“I can give you a little bit more, though I can’t do much more without taking away from other critical systems that we need at the moment,” C’Riia replied as she tapped a few buttons on her console. “There that should help get what you need,” she replied.

“Thank you,” Jeesa replied as they began their scans of the area around them little by little. This would take about twenty minutes to complete before they would head back to the ship to compile all the data collected.

“I think we got what we need, lets’s head back to the Saratoga,” Jeesa replied as Rass nodded tapping a few commands in his console and the Oneida turned around, heading back towards the ship.

Once they had docked with the Saratoga they felt the ship begin to move again towards Aarius VII. Once they exited the Oneida, Jeesa and her science team went towards the science labs to begin to compile the data they had collected for a report to the Captain.

“Commander Atur to Captain Dex,” Jeesa said as she tapped her commbadge.

“Go ahead Commander,” Dex replied.

“We got what we needed, I should have a complete report by the time we arrive at Aarius VII,” she said.

“Understood,” Dex said before the channel ended as they continued on their way as the science team began to study what they came across. She hoped that they would learn something that would assist them with their upcoming task.

“Sir we have arrived at Aarius VII,” Deza replied as the ship came to a stop above the planet. The other ships within the convoy had arrived about thirty minutes before they did. Jeesa came out of the turbolift like she was on a mission that concerned Azras as she looked at the Commander as she came to a stop right in front of her.

“Everything alright Commander?” Azras asked as she saw a look on her face that meant she found something.

“I request that you call a senior staff meeting?” Jeesa asked while she stood there catching her breath as she rushed to the bridge with important information that would impact their mission.

Nodding she tapped her commbadge, “All senior officers please report to the observation lounge immediately.” Azras ordered before ending the comm channel, those that were already on the bridge had stood up from their stations and headed for the observation lounge.

The rest of the senior staff arrived shortly after and all took their seats around the table, Jeesa had gotten the screen set up with her information. “What have you found Commander?” Azras asked once everyone was seated, she knew something was going on that prompted a senior staff meeting.

“Things are going to get more complicated here,” Jeesa began as she showed the information on the screen. “That storm that had passed through the area back there is indeed the one that is moving in this direction.” Jeesa began as she pulled up the calculated path that it is taking. 

“We believe that it is traveling in this direction, though  with it traveling this way it might buy us some time to evacuate that planet but not as much as we originally thought.” Jeesa continued while taking a breath before she continued.

“How long do you think we have?” Azras asked looking at her with concern that they might not have enough time to evacuate and get out of there in time.

“From our calculations about eight hours give or take,” Jeesa replied as everyone else looked at her with concern. “Previously it was believed we would have twelve hours to evacuate,” she added with a sigh.

“While we were there we found that there was also a subspace rift, what we thought was strange was that it had closed with no assistance from any starship. After some investigation, we found that the rift was so small that it couldn’t stay open on its own for long and closed by its own accord. By our calculations, the storm is going to be very intense and deadly to those that are on the planet below.” Jeesa added looking around the room, not something they wanted to hear.

“How so?” T’Prel asked looking at her.

“Once the storm starts and hits the planet’s atmosphere will make it toxic, killing everyone within a matter of hours.” Jeesa said in response, “it is imperative that we get everyone off before that happens.” She added before turning to Chon’al who looked like he had a question.

“Do you think that they will ever be able to return?” Chon’al asked looking at Jeesa.

Her face was that of concern of the unknown, “right now it’s really hard to tell, I have run some simulations of different possibilities with the information about the storm, if my calculations are correct it’s a high possibility they will be able to.” She said taking a breath before she continued, “once this is all over we would need to return to do some more investigation to see for sure.” Jeesa replied with a sigh as it wasn’t sounding very promising.

“What will we tell these people if they ask?” Dazra spoke up after listening to what was being said.

Jeesa was about to open her mouth to speak but Azras decided to answer that question, though she didn’t want to be heartless giving false promises was probably not the best idea in this situation. “We will just let them know that we will try our best but we are unsure at this time.” Azras replied taking a breath, “we will not make idle promises but in the same sense will do all we can so they can.” Azras finished speaking before turning it back over for more questions.

Dazra was going to say something more but decided to keep her mouth shut, which has gotten her into more trouble than she could count. She rather not get demoted yet again for something stupid.

“Can we force them to leave if they don’t want to?” Teila asked looking at Jeesa as she didn’t want to watch thousands of people die because they didn’t want to leave.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that but I don’t believe we can just force them to leave if they are unwilling,” Jeesa replied with a sad look in her eyes.

Teila sighed without saying much else, she knew they would be in a rock and a hard place if it were to go that way. She just hoped that they would listen and willing to leave to save everyone’s lives.

“Any more questions?” Jeesa asked looking around the room, no one else spoke up they seemed to understand what was at stake here.

“Alright, since you are all here I will go over assignments,” Azras replied while she had them all in the room. “T’Prel you will be commanding the Oneida during the evacuation. Rass and C’Riia will be accompanying you,” Azras ordered.

“Understood,” T’Prel answered.

“Deza I need all shuttle pilots preparing all shuttles to be launched to assist with the evacuations,” Azras said to Deza.

“Aye sir,” Deza replied.

Azras then turned to Jheria and Piyu, I know this is going to be difficult but I need you two to make sure that both transporters are ready when evacuations begin.” Azras said looking at the Andorian woman.

“Understood,” came both of their replies.

“Make sure that there are no issues once we begin,” she added as they both nodded in response.

 Turning to the others “I need the rest on standby to assist with evacuees once they are on board,” Azras replied.

“Understood sir,” the rest said almost in unison.

“Dismissed,” Azras replied as they all left the observation lounge to get busy with what was about to take place. She had walked to her ready room and contacted the other ships with orders before she would place a call into the planet below.

Instead of talking over a comms channel, Azras thought best that they meet in the conference room of the Saratoga. They had made sure that there were plenty of refreshments available to their guests. Once everyone had arrived and taken their seats she began the meeting.

“I am sure you know what’s been going on within the Paulson Nebula and that Starfleet has declared it a state of emergency,” Azras began looking at the parties that were sitting in her observation lounge. 

“To get straight to the point we need to evacuate the planet as an ion storm is due to hit here within a matter of hours,” she finished looking at them. Jeesa was at the meeting to be able to present the current facts of the situation at hand.

“We are not leaving,” replied an older Caitian man named S’Res who seemed to be their planet’s version of a governor. The others attendees nodded in agreement which bewildered both Azras and Jeesa.

“Sir, with all due respect you are going to be condemning everyone to death if you don’t!” Jeesa said with shock and confusion in her voice.

“How do you know that it will hit us and not just pass?” S’Res asked her.

Jeesa began to tap a few buttons on the controls padd in front of her on the table, she pulled up all the data they had on the storm. “As you can see here that it is coming straight here.” She replied while pointing to the map that showed the trajectory of the storm. “We have about eight hours give or take before the storm will hit,” she added before being cut off.

“That doesn’t mean anything,” S’Res replied.

“It certainly does mean something, once the storm hits particles from the nebula will mix with the atmosphere turning it toxic, you will all die within days if not hours.” Jeesa began taking a breath before she continued. 

“I don’t want to sound insensitive or anything but if you stay that will be a very slow and very painful death which can be avoided by evacuating the planet,” Jeesa replied pulling up the information on another such planet that this same thing happened.

“As you can see here, the same thing happened to Coronal just as these storms began, the only difference, in this case, is that no one got there in time to rescue them. Unfortunately, no one survived, we can prevent that from happening here!” she exclaimed in a pleading voice for them to change their minds.

“So you want us to leave our home, the lives that we have had over a century? Where would we even go?” Asked one of the other members of the delegation.

“To put it bluntly yes,” she replied which shocked the delegation a bit with her brut honesty. “Look, I know these are unusual times right now and we’re asking you all to leave what you have always known,” Azras replied taking a pause for a few moments before she continued.

“There is a colony world outside of the Paulson Nebula that has agreed to take on refugees temporarily.” Azras spoke up before Jeesa could, “our goal is to get you back here after all this is over.” She said looking at them then at Jeesa as well.

“If the atmosphere becomes toxic how can we return?” S’Res asked looking at them.

“Once we get the all-clear and the storms have ceased, we would return to begin the cleanup process so we can get you all back home,” Jeesa spoke as Azras was about to talk like she knew what she was going to say. 

“It will take a while but we will do all we can to get you back home,” Azras added looking at them, she understood that they were hesitant about leaving their world behind.

“What if you can’t what happens then?” S’Res asked looking at Azras and Jeesa.

“If it comes to that point we would then find you a more permanent planet to colonize,” Azras replied.

“So we would have to start all over, what supplies and buildings?” Asked another member.

“We would supply you with everything you will need, as well as assist you with the buildings. We will not abandon you, either way, we will get you either back home to Aarius VII or a new home.” Azras added as the others looked at each other for a few moments.

“Do you mind if we have a few moments alone to discuss this amongst ourselves?” S’Res asked looking at them.

“Of course, we will be right outside when you’re ready for us to return,” Azras replied as the two stood up and walked out of the conference room. The two security guards that were standing outside the door were about to head in until Azras held up her hand to stop them. They nodded and stayed where they were as Azras and Jeesa stood on the other side of the corridor.

Jeesa sighed as she looked at Azras, “do you think they will change their minds?” Jeesa asked with some concern in her voice, which she had every right to be.

“I hope so,” Azras said with a sigh hoping that they got their point across enough where they would change their minds.

“I understand that they don’t want to leave their lives behind, I do but to condemn everyone to die because of that is wrong,” Jeesa said in frustration. Jeesa could pick up a slight sense of fear of the unknown in the delegates and she understood why they were feeling that way.

“I just hope they will make the right decision,” Azras replied as they waited.

After what seemed like hours, which was only a few minutes the doors opened to reveal one of the dignitaries in the doorway. “We have finished discussing the situation, you may return,” came the response. The two nodded before walking back into the conference room taking their seats, she hoped they would see it their way.

“After much discussion and looking through all the evidence you have presented, we have decided that evacuation would be the only solution to this problem,” S’Res replied looking at the two who took a huge sigh of relief when they heard the news.

“So, what happens next?” S’Res asked as there had to be a plan in place or things were going to get chaotic.

Azras closed what was currently up on the screen tapping a few buttons she pulled up the layout of the planet below. “I have taken the liberty of getting the layout of the land as one needed to have a plan in place,” Azras began as they watched the screen change to that of the planet below.

“Alright, we have four ships in orbit, with my ship taking the majority of the evacuees due to its size. I will be sending several of my officers down to these key areas to assist with evacuations.” Azras began pointing to each of the areas both shuttle and transport areas.

“As you can see here, the red dots are the transporter sites, we will be setting up transporter enhancers at these areas,” Azras said pointing to the dots on the map, she then pointed to the blue dots on the screen. “These are where the shuttles and runabouts will land, with this one here,” she pointed to the larger dot on the screen. Being the USS Oneida an Aquarius-class escort that will be able to handle 50 people at a time,” Azras replied before taking a breath looking at them.

“I would suggest making sure that all families stick together during the evacuation, as each transporter site and shuttles areas will be going between the different ships that are currently in orbit,” Azras said before continuing. 

“I don’t want anyone to get separated if we can help it, though we’re all going to the same place I rather keep them together as much as possible during this time of crisis.” She finished speaking, she covered everything that she needed as she looked at Jeesa to see if she had anything more to add. She shook her head before Azras turned her attention back to the others.

“What would you need us to do to start the evacuation process?” S’Ress asked looking at them.

“I would like you to send out an alert to everyone to the situation at hand, sending them to the evacuation sites.” she began pausing for a moment, “Our teams will start landing the shuttles and runabouts as well as setting up transporter enhancers,” Azras replied looking at them.

“Understood, is there anything else?” S’Res asked before they all stood up, they were ready to get back down to the planet to start the process.

“No not at this time, one of my officers will escort you all back down to the transporter room,” Azras said as an officer walked into the conference room to escort them. Once the delegates had left the conference room Azras let out a huge sigh of relief, “I am glad they came around.” Azras said to Jeesa who was still sitting there at the table.

“You and me both, I don’t think I could have lived with myself if they had refused,” Jeesa replied as they sat there for a few more minutes before standing up.

“Well, let’s get this show on the road shall we?” Azras asked looking at Jeesa who just nodded in agreement, they both headed back to the bridge. Once they arrived she turned to Ritru to open a channel to the three other ships and explained the plan of action. Once she finished she ended the channel before turning to Odan.

“Open both shuttle bay doors,” Azras replied.

“Aye sir,” Odan replied tapping a few buttons as both shuttle bay doors opened. “Attention all shuttle crafts you have your coordinates, disembark from the ship immediately,” Azras replied as the shuttles began to move out of the shuttle bays heading to the planet below.

Once the shuttles had left the Saratoga she tapped her commbadge, “Dex to Oneida you are clear to for departure.” Azras replied over the comm channel to Commander T’Prel.

“Understood sir,” T’Prel replied as the Odan released the docking clamps on the Aquarius-class escort. The ship slowly started to back out of the Saratoga, once it was away from the ship they began their descent to the planet below. The other ships had also launched all shuttles as well.

Within the hour things were beginning with the evacuation, teams that were aboard the Saratoga in their designated place with security at key locations that would be off-limits to civilians as a precaution. As they began to come on board either by transporter or shuttle they were directed on where to go by guides, some will be in the vacant quarters where others would be spread out throughout the ship.

Some were taken to sickbay for treatment due to injury while leaving before going to where they would wait. “Sir, the USS Oneida is on her way back with her first group, looks like the governor and his dignitaries and their families are on board,” Ritru said monitoring communications.

She turned to Dazra at the tactical station, “go down and escort them to the VIP section of the ship.” Azras replied as she nodded leaving her station and headed down to where the Oneida would be docking any moment now.

She sat there looking out of the viewscreen watching shuttles coming and going, she couldn’t help but look at the time. Sighing heavily she knew that they would be cutting things very close, she hoped that they would be done and gone before the storm started.

The bridge was quiet no one was saying anything but watching things unfold, meanwhile down in the infirmary things were getting a bit hectic as people came in with broken bones, concussions, and other injuries from people pushing and shoving their way to the shuttles or transporter sites.

Linha was just finishing treating a patient when the doors to the infirmary opened revealing a couple of officers carrying someone who seemed to have been stabbed. Teila rushed over to assist with getting him up on the biobed, “what happened?” Teila asked as things have only been minor, this was her first stabbing patient.

“From what we were told by witnesses that someone told him to get out of the way and when he didn’t he was stabbed” one of the security officers replied. “We will find out more once we question him, he’s currently being held in our brig as it happened while on the ship.” The officer replied as Teila nodded.

“Thank you,” Teila replied as the security officers left and she began to help the man on the table. Taking a hypospray she pressed it against his neck, “this should help with the pain.” She said as the guy nodded, as she began to work.

Linha looked at Teila, “do you need assistance?” She asked as the patient she had just finished with hopped down from the biobed and walked out.

Looking over, “I am good just keep going with the line of patients.” Teila replied as Linha nodded moving on to the next one.

Meanwhile, Dazra had made it down to the docking bay where the Oneida had just docked as people were making their way off. The officers that were there currently would lead the refugees to where they needed to go, Dazra would be escorting the dignitaries and their families to the VIP section along with a couple of her security officers.

“I am Lieutenant Commander Dazra Loian, we will be escorting you to the VIP quarters,” Dazra replied as they nodded and began to follow them out of the docking bay just as the Oneida finished unloading and disembarking again.

“Thank you, Commander,” S’Res replied as they followed their escort down the corridor.

Dazra nodded as they made their way, this would take longer as they walked the longer way avoiding the other refugees that were filling most of the corridors as they were arriving on board the ship.

It was a pretty quiet walk, Dazra was not much for small talk but the dignitaries seemed to be talking amongst themselves anyways. After a while of walking, they finally arrived at the VIP section of the ship.

“We have arrived,” Dazra replied as she showed everyone to their quarters. “You will have access to the replicators, there is a kitchen in each room. There is also a small restaurant area down the hall if you like to go there as well,” Dazra said.

“These two will be here if you have any questions or need assistance,” she added as the two security officers took their places.

“Thank you,” S’Res and the others replied before she headed off back to the bridge.

                                                                        ****

A few hours had passed, “Sir the other ships are reporting that they are at full capacity and heading off towards the refugee world.” Ritru reported from her console looking at the Captain.

“Understood,” Azras replied before turning her attention to Jeesa.

“How many more people do we have left to evacuate?” Azras asked as things were getting closer.

Jeesa was at her console and began scanning, “it looks like they are loading the last of them aboard the shuttles now.” Jeesa replied still scanning to make sure everyone was evacuated.

“Once the shuttles and our people are back onboard, set course for the refugee world,” Azras ordered as Deza nodded.

“Sir,” Jeesa pipped up as her console beeped. “The storm is almost here,” she replied with urgency in her voice just as the last shuttle docked.

“Sir, all shuttles and personnel are on board,” Odan replied as Deza pulled away from orbit and went to warp, they were out of the area just in the nick of time as the storm hit the area and the planet began to be hit.

Azras sank in her chair with a sigh of relief as they had cut it too close, T’Prel walked onto the bridge and took her seat next to the Captain. “That was too close for comfort,” T’Prel replied as Azras nodded in agreement.

“You have the bridge,” Azras replied as she stood up and walked into her office. Grabbing a cup of coffee she walked over to the window, standing there she looked out with a sigh. She was glad that their mission was successful and they were able to rescue everyone before the storm made its appearance to wreak havoc on the planet.

“You alright my love?” Azrin replied walking in.

Looking over at him she smiled, “now I am.” Azras replied as her husband walked up to her and they both sat down enjoying each other’s company alone for a while as the ship traveled to their destination.

“I am just glad we were able to save everyone,” she said looking at him who nodded in agreement.

“To think things could have turned out way different,” Arzin said.

“Indeed,” she replied taking a sip of her coffee. “I am glad things went the way they did, they are safe and out of danger,” Azras added as they continued to talk for a while before Arzin kissed her and walked out of the office so she could finish some paperwork before turning in for the night.