Starbase Bravo – 0800

Ambrose sat outside the personnel office, waiting.  The last two days had been filled with transferring belongings to storage and filling time on the expansive starbase with some downtime.  He admitted it had been helpful to have some time to rest from the adventures they’d had on the Erigone.  The time for rest had come to an end and he was desperate for something to do, and somewhere to go.

“Commander Harris, you’re next up.”

He entered the conference room and was pointed to a seat at the head of the table, which he took.  And waited.

A woman in command red spoke first, “Commander Harris, we wanted to extend our thanks and congratulations on the success of your various missions.  The information and data you’ve gathered have been a great help.  The work of you and your crew impressed us.”  Harris didn’t think he was supposed to speak at this point, so he simply gave a nod of thanks.

A man in operations gold activated the console on the table as the screens around the room activated, “As you were made aware, the USS Erigone suffered significant damage and will need a short refit and repair time in our docks.  You were also informed that your mission is being continued – you and your crew uncovered something that demands further investigation and action.”

An older officer in blue leaned on the table, “The ongoing Romulan situation continues to evolve and shift on a daily and even hourly basis.  We need uniquely suited crews to be able to respond with whatever is needed at the time. We need a ship and a crew that can be whatever it needs to be wherever it is.”  He nodded to the man in operations gold who tapped the console, and the image of a New Orleans Class starship filled the room.

The woman in command red glanced at Harris as she spoke, “You have shown an excellent heart and mind for command, Mr. Harris.  Therefore, it is the decision of this panel that your command be transferred to the USS Edinburgh, a New Orleans class starship.  She has recently had a refit and refurbish, and is being delivered here by an interim command team later this morning.” She tapped the console once more, “Most of your officers will be transferred with you.  Mr. Phillips has been requested by Bravo command and he has accepted.  You will be receiving a chief engineering officer who we expect to arrive later today.  Everyone else, including your Emergency Command Hologram, will transfer.”

Harris gave a nod.  He wondered if Philips would have stayed had this opportunity presented itself.  He was pleased the remaining crew was coming along and would be with him.

The operations officer tapped at the console himself and a list of crewmen and officers slowly scrolled, “The standard crew complement for your ship is 200.  You will be assigned a mostly recently graduated cadet crew – given how fast the Romulan events occurred, we’ve had to draw up many bodies across the various fleets.  They will be arriving over the next two days and be officially transferred through this office.”  He cleared the screens and turned his attention to the CO of the Edinburgh.  “Do you have any questions?”

Ambrose was mostly in shock and awe.  A full-fledged starship?  And he was her commanding officer?  He had studied the New Orleans design over the years and had slowly grown to like the look of it, and how much of a utility workhorse she could be.  He cleared his throat, “Uh…uhm.”  He took a second to think and then tried again, “I am…humbled.  I didn’t expect such a possibility.”  He thought for a moment, “I’m thankful.”  Harris gave a meek smile, “This might sound like a naive question…but how do I take command of her?”

The command officer chuckled, and her smile was genuine, “We have a PADD for you to take on board that will walk you through everything, Commander.  Your rank remains, I should note.  In time and with continued success, this panel will be proud to award you your next rank pip.  Good luck…and godspeed, Mr. Harris.”

He stood and thanked them.  An aide at the door handed him his entry PADD which included the ship’s arrival time and the steps to take command. He stood out in the hall for a moment realizing he was in command of a ship.  A starship.  An 18-deck starship.  His smile was wide.  He was the commanding officer of a starship.  He tapped out a message to the crew to meet him at his quarters at 0900 hours.  He had some very good news. 

Starbase Bravo – Quarters –  0845

Harris glanced over the PADD once more to review what he was going to say to his command crew.  It was a momentous thing to go from a Raven Class to a New Orleans Class – he was still reeling over the assignment.  She was due to arrive at 1000 and he hadn’t really sat down since he’d been given the assignment.  He’d met his new Chief Engineer and had been impressed he’d found a fellow strong engineering officer to steward the insides of the Edinburgh.  The chime to his quarters rang and he called out, “Enter.”

Jordan Reid stepped through the door and stalked over to her CO as the door closed behind her, “Please tell me we get a bigger ship.  I can’t handle being back in the crammed sickbay again, Ambrose.”  She let out a sigh, “Sorry…been a morning.”  He gave her a cocked to the side look and held out his arms.  She bit her bottom lip and folded into his arms where they held an intimate embrace in the silence.  She whispered, “It’s going to be real weird when Prentice walks in and sees this.”

Harris chuckled and released his first officer, “He’d lose his mind.”  They looked at each other for a moment before he broke the silence again, “You ok with…whatever this is?”  They met for drinks the past few nights and enjoyed being able to let down their guards and dispense with the uniform and the rank.  It had led to them feeling closer to each other and trying to sort out what that meant for either of them.

“I think when we give it a name…I think that’ll complicate things.”  She shrugged at his curious look, “Look, I don’t know Ambrose.  I like you.  You like me.  We’re not teenagers, so we’re gonna have to figure this out like adults.”  Reid paused, “I don’t think I can be your first officer with…whatever this thing is between us.  Might make things…complicated.”

“Complicated?”

“I don’t think Starfleet likes it when the command team kisses.”  She threw herself down on one of the couches.  Harris stared at her.

“We haven’t kissed yet, Jordan.”  

She rolled her eyes and was tempted to run up to him and plant on on his pretty little face, but decided that scene would be even more awkward to Allen or Prentice.  Instead, she rolled her eyes, “Well, we might.  It was a hypothetical scenario.”

Her CO opened his mouth to respond but the chime of the door broke in and he composed himself quickly, “Enter.”

Prentice stepped into the room, not in uniform and looking very confused.  “Uh, good morning sir..and ma’am.  I think I didn’t get the memo about uniforms.”

Ambrose chuckled, “This isn’t a formal mission thing…we’re in my quarters, Mr. Prentice.  Replicator – drink.” The young helm officer gave a thankful nod and snagged a beverage as Harris continued speaking, “Come sit.”

They were seated and Harris stood in front of them, a display screen behind him.  “Good morning.  I know you were wondering if we’d ever get to do this again…and to be honest, I wasn’t sure.  I’ll start with the obvious – Phillips was requested for Bravo operations and he accepted late last night.  He wishes he could be here, but they already put him on a duty shift this morning.”  Harris let that sink in for a moment.  He continued, “The other news is that my command was transferred to…this.”  He tapped the PADD in his hands and the large screen was filled with the USS Edinburgh in all her New Orleans class glory.  “That is our new ship.  You’ve been assigned to the USS Edinburgh, effectively immediately.”

Prentice let out a whoop of joy and then clapped his hands over his mouth and muffled a “Sorwy.”

Reid’s eyes went wide, “You’ve…this is joke?  She’s…incredible!”

Harris smiled, “No joke.  This is our future.  I offered the Chief Engineer gig to someone earlier today and she’ll be on board as soon as her transfer paperwork transfers.”

“When do we leave?” said Prentice.

The CO turned off the scene, “She’s slated to arrive before noon today and I’ll step on board with our Chief Engineering Officer to get command and control established.  What is more important is…”,  he snagged a pile of PADDs and handed one to each of them, “We’re taking on a crew of 200.  Most of them are recent cadet graduates who will be coming in over the next two days and transferred aboard.  Our departure day is May 16th, 2400 at 1200 hours.  As soon as we get the Edinburgh online, I’ll send you a message to step onboard and claim your quarters, and offices, and explore the ship.”  He paused, “You’ll need to familiarize yourself with your crew.  Prentice…”

He gave a knowing nod, “Yea, I figured.  Making Chief Helm at ensign given my history is a bit much.”

“The thing is, you prove yourself, the job is yours.  There’ll be some other helm and navigation officers coming aboard.  Work with them, teach them…mentor them in doing the right things – you know what that looks like now.”  The young officer nodded and returned to his PADD.  The CO glanced around at his command team, “Congratulations to each of you for what you’ve done to get here.  You deserve this command.  I’m proud to call you my command team.”  Harris gestured to them, “You’re dismissed.  I’ll let you know when the ship is ready for boarding.”

Starbase Bravo – Docking Bay – 0700

“This ship took a pounding.”  Okada walked around the USS Erigone inspecting the damage wrought upon the girl.  

The supervising master chief walked along beside her, a PADD in his hand.  “Walk me through your process for repair and refit, Lieutenant Katsumi.”

She walked around the Raven class ship once more, picking up a tricorder which she took with her on the third trip around the workhorse starship.  She started talking as she rounded home, “We’d need to examine the warp core – the previous commander reported repeated breakdowns in their attempts to get home.  The various power problems, EPS conduit concerns, assorted shield repairs, and more – that’s all gonna depend on the warp core being stable and consistent.  You gotta get the heart to pump regularly on the old girl before you can hope for her to stand on her own two legs.”

Master Chief Christopher Grace gave a nod of appreciation, “Good start, lieutenant.  High marks for process, and marks for metaphor use.”

Okada smiled widely, “Engineering’s all about framing what you’re doing, Master Chief.”  She looked over the ragged ship once more, “When can I get dirty?”  

Grace tossed her a bag of engineering equipment, “Get to it, lieutenant.”

Starbase Bravo – Docking Bay – USS Erigone – 0830

“Come on girl.”  She kicked the EPS conduit forcefully and it flickered before snapping online.  “You’re gonna have to do better than this for someone to want to take you back out there.  They gotta have confidence in you.”  She scanned the conduit and pronounced it complete.  She moved on to the shield generator system, tracing the problem to a Jefferies tube just outside of main engineering.  It took her a moment to get the door open and slide up in, but she was soon checking conduits and relays.  The airflow issues still weren’t resolved so she’d resorted to changing into shorts and a t-shirt.  She’d isolated the power fluctuations when she heard a voice down below.

“Lieutenant Katsumi, I have someone here to see you?”

She growled, “A little busy here! Is it the quartermaster with my fan replacements?  I swear to God I’m going to strangle the bastard.”  As she griped, she inched back down the tube and unfolded her petite frame, and stood up, facing a dock officer and a…commander in full uniform. “Oh…God.”

Harris smiled and dismissed the dock officer with a nod, “Between you and me, I’ve got my issues with the quartermaster too.  I’ve got plenty of words for him.”  He extended his hand, “Commander Ambrose Harris.”  He looked up the Erigone, “You’ve been working on my former command, I see.  She’s pretty tore up.”

Katsumi followed his gaze and then snapped back to him, “You were on board for this?  Damnity damn.”  She questioned, “You’re not here to reminisce about your command, are you?  That’d be a little weird, sir.”

“No, lieutenant.  I’m here because I need a Chief Engineering Officer.  Had two other interviews today…and I’m coming up empty.  You’re my last interview for the day.”

Her eyes went wide, “Me?  Who put me up for the position?”

A shrug, “Master Chief Grace.  He said he’s kinda getting tired of you staying on this station.”

She shook her head in disbelief, “That…well, you know.  I’m plenty happy here.”  As she said it, she realized she didn’t quite believe it.  She watched Harris catch her eye as she sighed in recognition.  “OK…so maybe I’ve been needing a change.”

Ambrose pulled out his PADD, “You’ve consistently excelled at your knowledge checks.  You’ve got a file full of recommendations from everyone you’ve served with about the work you do and how effective you are it.”  He paused, “They talk about how you’re one of the best team players in the business, lieutenant.  You get along with damn near everyone…and I mean everyone.  Including the two others I interviewed.”

She chuckled, “I’m going to guess…Jones….,” Harris gave a smile and nodded, “…and Pastero?”  Again, he nodded.

Harris explained, “They’re acceptable engineering officers…but you’re the exception.  You’ve got something they don’t.  Something I need onboard my ship.  Someone willing to be a part of a team from start to finish.”

Katsumi met his eyes, “You offering me a job, Commander Harris?”

He put out his hand, “Lieutenant Okada Katsumi, I am extending an offer for Chief Engineering and Operations Officer onboard the USS Edinburgh.”

She eyed him and his extended hand for a moment before grasping it in her own, “I accept your offer, Commander Harris.”

“Good.  I’ll start the transfer paperwork.  Be ready to transport aboard for start-up operations around 1100 hours.  Welcome aboard.”  He turned and was off down the decks, leaving the newly promoted Chief Engineer to take one last look around her home.  Change was good, she kept telling herself, even if she felt like she was going to throw up.  No, she actually was going to throw up and made a beeline for the bathroom.

USS Edinburgh – Bridge – 1110

The doors swung open and revealed the bridge of the USS Edinburgh…his ship.  Ambrose took the first step into the expansive bridge as his First Officer Jordan Reid followed behind with the new Chief Engineer in tow.  The bridge was in low power mode as it had arrived earlier than expected and the interim command crew had taken most of the main systems offline when they deactivated their command and control functions.

Harris walked down to the center chairs and stared at the command chair.  Reid came up behind him, “Commander…this is a beautiful ship.”

Okada walked over to the side of the bridge and tapped at a console, “You’ll need to authenticate before I can do anything, sir.”

Harris took a deep breath. Time to take command.  PADD in hand, he stepped over to the command chair and began to follow the directions.  Step by step, he input his command codes and enabled the roster transfer from the USS Erigone.  A moment later the computer beeped, =^=Please state your name, rank, and command entry code for the record=^=

Harris felt his heart pick up speed, “Commander Ambrose Harris, Entry Code LimaAlphaRunamuk497.”  A moment passed.

=^=Codes accepted.  Welcome aboard, Commander.  Roster transfer is complete.  Crew access verified and complete.  Ships logs updated to reflect command and roster changes.  The ship is yours.=^=

The lights flickered for but a second but soon the bridge was full of light as each station sprang alive, and the viewscreen warmed to life, showing the space around them.  They took in the ship’s command center for the first time and all three were in awe. Harris chuckled as he marveled at the bridge, “I don’t think the New Orleans class came standard with this kind of a bridge.  Our bridge on the Raven was tiny in comparison.”  There were plenty of seats and an alcove with stations behind the main tactical station and he pointed them out to Reid.  “She’s a working ship – not someone who just wanders.  She’s meant to do some digging and swinging…while also pushing the bounds of science.”  

Reid sat down in the chair to the right.  She leaned back and closed her eyes to soak in the moment.  It was surreal to her and the moment would stay in her memory forever.  Okada sat back in the chair at the console, “This is my first ship…never been in charge or worked on one.”

Ambrose stared at the center chair, not wanting to sit in it quite yet, “This will be the first for a lot of us, Lieutenant.” He glanced over to her, “A lot of the crew you’ll be overseeing…this will be their first ship out of the academy.”  He nodded to Reid, “Your medical staff is going to be needing guidance…mentorship…and lots of patience.”  A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, “What’s that old saying…there’s a first time for everything?  Lot of that going to be happening over the next few days.”

Reid stared at him, “You gonna sit in it or not, Commander?”  Okada laughed out loud then clasped her hands over her mouth, eyes wide and face reddening.  

Harris faux glared at her but threw up his hands in defeat and slowly lowered himself into the chair.  It was far more comfortable than the Erigone’s, but the bridge of the Edinburgh was more comfortable.  Everything was more comfortable. He quietly wondered if that was entirely a good thing.  The ambient noise of the bridge held their silence until he stood, “Right.  Enough sitting.  Lieutenant…how do you want me to call you?  Chief?  Chief Katsumi?  How we start out is how it’ll be.”

She considered for a moment, “Chief or Chief Katsumi will do just fine, Commander.”  She danced a little on her two feet, nervous energy threatening to take over.  “Do I have your permission to go inspect my engine room?”  She smiled wide as he nodded and gestured to the turbolift which she gleefully ran to and entered.  She waved excitedly as the doors closed, leaving Reid and Harris alone.  

He turned to her, “You have permission to inspect your sickbay, Doctor Reid.”  She eyed him and resisted the urge to kiss him on the bridge.  The discussion from earlier was still rattling around in her brain…they would need to finish that conversation.  She gave him a half nod and made her way to a turbolift and was on her way.  Ambrose Harris stood in the middle of the bridge, his eyes soaking in every detail…as if it would fade into memory if he looked away.  He had found his new home and a new family to grow with.

The future looked bright, indeed.

USS Edinburgh – Captain’s Quarters – 2000

The old Earth music played over the speakers in his quarters as the day ended.  Harris sat on the couch, sipping his chilled apple cider.

“It was a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished them well…You could see that Pierre did truly love the mademoiselle…And now the young monsieur and madame have rung the chapel bell…”C’est la vie”, say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell…They furnished off an apartment with a two room Roebuck sale…The coolerator was crammed with TV dinners and ginger ale…But when Pierre found work, the little money comin’ worked out well…”C’est la vie”, say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell…”

The door chime sounded and he lowered the volume while he said, “Enter.”  

Jordan Reid stepped through the door and let out a long sigh as it closed behind her, “I take it all back.  I don’t this ship.  It’s too big and I hate it.”  She gave an approving smile to the cup of chilled lemon tea on the end table and snagged it on her way to slowly lower herself onto the couch opposite his.  For his part, Harris remained silent and sipped at his cider.  Reid lay back and let out another sigh, “You didn’t warn me how big my sickbay was.  Good god, Ambrose…”

The CO chuckled and ambled over to his couch, “I thought you’d be excited.  It’s not as big as Bravo, but they did some nice work in the refit.  Okada is damn near thrilled with engineering.  They took the best of Voyager’s design.  She couldn’t stop talking about it.”  He sat back, “Prentice wouldn’t leave the helm station.  He just kept staring at it and running hands over the console.”

Reid sat forward, “How’s Thasaz doing?” 

“She’s…adjusting.  Says she hates having to wear a uniform…but she’s happy to have a purpose in finding out as much as we can.  I think that I was able to assign her to Chief Science helps.  Starfleet seems to think she tips the scale on the smartness. I don’t doubt it.”  He took another sip.

“You said we had some late assignments…”  She turned the cup in her hands, appreciating the cooling sensation on her hands.

Harris leaned forward and tapped at his PADD on the coffee table, Ensign Kondo De La Fontaine, a recent Starfleet graduate is heading up our security and tactical.  I haven’t heard a word about a counselor or anybody else.  I think Starfleet wants us out there as fast as we can get out there.”

She regarded him for a moment as they silently stared at each other, drinking from their respective glasses.  She leaned forward and refilled hers, “We gonna talk about things now?”

“We can.”  He also refilled his cup, “We also have to play by the rules.  Fraternization…” 

Reid waved him off, “I’ve read those too.  And there’s is a surprising amount of leeway given from situation to situation given how long the crew spends together in space.”  She caught a look in his eyes that vanished but she picked up on it, “You feel the same, don’t you.”  It wasn’t a question.  She rotated her cup in her hands, “You’re afraid, Ambrose…what are you afraid of?”

He stared at the floor and sipped absentmindedly while he thought of the right answer.  The truth?  The lie?  Or a combination of the two?  He chose carefully, “It’s not fear…it’s uncertainty, Jord.  I’ve had my share of relationships…but something that’s deeper…more involved…that’s the part I don’t quite know how to do, you know?”

She understood, “When you grow up…you have to work at it more than in those younger days.”  She shrugged, “You have to work at it.  Maybe that’s part of it?”

Ambrose raised his eyebrows, amused, “You don’t think I can work at it?”  

Jordan chuckled and laid back on the couch, “You know what I mean.”

The CO stood and moved over to where she sat on the couch and plopped down beside her, “I think we’re probably going to have to work out this anyway – we seem to get along way too good for our own good.”

Jordan set her head on his shoulder, the warmth of the moment releasing the stress of the day.  “I like us like this for now.  Does that work for you?”

Harris leaned in, “That’ll do, pig.”  He wasn’t surprised when she whacked him with a pillow but at least she was laughing.

USS Edinburgh – Bridge Observation Lounge – 2000

“I didn’t think that day would ever end.  Goddamn.”  Jordan Reid had walked into the observation lounge on deck 1, picked up a drink, and walked straight down to the couches that faced the massive windows.  She sipped her drink softly and glanced at her CO, “What?”

Harris chuckled, “No one could ever accuse you of being anything but honest, Jordan.”  He filled his drink with his chilled cider and sat down near her, “The rest of our command team is due any minute.  I’m sure they are as tired as you are.  It’ll be our first real meeting.”

She snorted, “I’m reading between the lines. ‘Be nice’ is what you’re slipping between the lines.”

He was half tempted to fire back, but the door to the lounge opened, revealing the tactical and security chief, Ensign Kondo De La Fontaine.  He looked around and found his CO and FO down below.  Harris waved to him, “Get a drink and come sit with us, Ensign.”  

He soon arrived with a sparkling drink and sat down roughly, a sigh escaping his lips, and immediately apologized, “I am sorry Commander.  That was…”

Harris put his hand up, “Ensign, don’t apologize.  It’s been a long day of getting our crew on board and we’re all a little south of tired.”  He toasted him with his glass, “There are a great many sins forgiven within the circle of the command team.”  The CO took a drink and returned his attention to the man, “I ask this of everyone – how would you like to be called?  Chief De La Fontaine?”

Kondo cocked his head to the side, “I am more familiar and comfortable with ‘Mr. Kondo’…it is far easier to navigate linguistically…plus it is what everyone has called me since birth.”  Harris made a mental note as he took another sip.  

The door opened and Prentice stepped in, his face showing how he felt.  He spotted the commander and walked towards the gathering, “Drinks?  Drinks.  Good.  I’m…yea.”  

Harris waved him on and returned his attention to his newest officer, “What do you think of our crew so far, Mr. Kondo?”

There was a pause as he gathered his thoughts, “They are young and excited. I  cannot tell you the amount of crew and officers who stepped onboard with stars in their eyes, commander.  I confess to being among them.  It may not be a flagship posting, but it is a remarkable vessel.”

Reid agreed, “There is something special about her.  My sickbay is glorious.”

Kondo grinned and was about to say something when the door opened and Thasaz stepped in, hesitantly.  Prentice was still working on his drink and waved her over, “Subco…I mean Lieutenant Thasaz!  Come make a drink with me.  I’m not sure what I’m doing here if I’m honest.”  The Romulan glanced at the gathering down below by the windows and gave them a nod as she headed to assist Prentice.  He was trying to choose the right mixer and looked at her with mild panic in his eyes, “I…was never a drinker, ma’am.  I mean, it’s synthetic alcohol so it’s not gonna have an effect, but…I don’t know what to make.”

She took pity on the boy – well, young man, but he was a boy to her.  “I’ve spent some time studying the humans and their drinks.  I’ve heard of a delightful drink…”, she punched a few buttons on the console and a fizzing drink with red elements appeared.  She handed it to him and he took a sip.

His eyes lit up, “What is this?!  It’s so good.”

She smiled quietly, “It is most often called a Shirley Temple.  It is a simple drink but enjoyed by many.”  She tapped an order for another and soon was sitting in the gathering, sipping at her straw.

Harris enjoyed watching the two interact.  Prentice had warmed to the former Romulan sub-commander as a mother figure and by all appearances, Thasaz was relishing the attention and relationship that allowed her to be something other than an officer or spy.  The doors opened one final time and revealed a smiling but tired Okada Katsumi who did not ask about drinks but went straight to the replicator and arrived with a huff as she sat and took a long sip from her fizzing drink.  He stood, “Welcome aboard the USS Edinburgh.  You’ve all met off and on throughout the day as we brought on our new crewman and officers but tonight I wanted us to share some time together outside of the hustle and bustle of the corridors and bridge.”  He went through and introduced each officer and as they stood talked about what great thing he’s seen them do that day as he’d been running and gunning from place to place to help support them in getting the masses on board.  “Each of us is here for a reason.  Some of us are searching for justice for those we encountered on the Erigone.  Others of us are looking for the next big thing…or just the next thing.  The most important piece of the puzzle of this ship is you,” he gestured to the gathered officers, “…and how we pursue our missions.  The 200 men and women who are aboard are going to be looking to each of you – even if you’re not their department head…they’ll be watching each of us.”  He took a sip of his drink, “What we do in the heat of the moment…in the everyday duty…in the passing through the corridors…that matters.  You matter…and I’m certain with you onboard we’re going to be able to do some incredible things.”  He held his glass aloft, “A toast to us as a command crew – may we be the best of ourselves for the rest of the crew.”

The gathered command crew held their glasses aloft and repeated his words.  Harris sat and sighed, “Thus endeth the lesson.”  He gestured to the shelves and cabinets around the room, “There are games and activities to take part in.  This room is for command and bridge crew only…use it when you need.”  He was delighted when Katusmi stood up and ran for the cabinets waving the rest of the crew to join her looking at all the options.  

Reid remained, rotating her cup as she stared at the floor.  She looked up at her CO and thanked him, “I don’t think I’ve felt a family with a crew like this before, Commander.  I felt it as they came in…and I felt it as you spoke.  I’m glad you chose to remain in command.”  There were shouts and loud conversations at the games area and she chuckled, “I suppose we should go make sure the children don’t kill each other with whatever game they’ve chosen.”

Harris laughed, “I don’t know about you”, he said as he stood up, “…but I play to win.”

Reid glared at him as she followed him, “We’ll see about that.”  They joined the group as the games were passed around.

The CO stood at the back of the group and couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.  Tomorrow, they faced the galaxy’s darkness.  The light from today would guide them, he thought.

USS Edinburgh – Bridge – 1145

“We’ve got 95% of the crew reported in and we’re working on finding the remaining 10 crewmen, Lieutenant.”  Ensign McCafferty showed the first officer the remaining names as she stood by him in the alcove station at the rear of the bridge.  “We’re reliably informed where 5 of them are, but the last 5…we’re still trying to track them down.”  

Reid thanked him, stepped back onto the bridge, and soon sat in the chair to the right of her CO.  “We’re down to five missing without any kind of clues.”  She handed him a PADD, “Five are most certainly stuck in an infirmary and detained by security.  We’re basing that on injuries sustained in a bit of a scuffle last night on the promenade.  All five are crewmen and are part of the security team.”

Harris glanced over the PADD. “See if we can get the charges transferred to us along with the offenders to our sickbay. I suspect Mr. Kondo will have plenty to say to them and punishments to hand out.”  She accepted the PADD back and returned to the alcove stations.  The CO stood and walked to the front station where Ensign Prentice was busy working his console, “How are you feeling about this, Ensign?”

Will glanced up, “I’m feeling…good.  Been practicing with the command sequences on the holodeck and programming commands as I go so I can work the board better.  I appreciate you putting me on the duty roster for the first shift, sir.”

“It seemed the right thing to do.  Check in with engineering and see where we’re at.”  The ensign slipped on his earpiece and tapped at his console.  Harris returned to the center chair but did not sit.  He’d made a habit of waiting to take the seat, and he wasn’t sure what it meant or if there was a purpose…it just seemed like the thing to do as the ship’s commander.  The morning had started off well enough but the remaining crew missing bothered him.  They’d probably get the five idiot security officers moved, but the remaining five mystery wasn’t as easy to shake off.  What had happened to them?  He finally sat in his chair, and tapped at the consoles on the arms.  He still had work to do.

Reid had moved to sit next to McCafferty as she worked with him to track down the remaining five.  “It says here they were scanned onto a Raven class transport yesterday morning here,” she pointed at the screen as the map traced their departure point and calculated the distance to Starbase Bravo.  “They should have arrived six hours ago.”  She returned her hands to the console and drew up sensors reports, communications reports, and wherever else she could find.  “Ships don’t just disappear like that…especially in Federation space.”

“Lieutenant? I have something.”  The Romulan Chief Science Officer called from her station and Reid saved her scans and walked to the science station back on the bridge.  Thasaz pointed to a map section and the various readings she was able to extrapolate, “You see here, and there?  Those are faint warp signatures.  Romulans are notorious for masking signatures and hiding things from prying eyes.” She let out a dry chuckle, “Thankfully, I don’t care a damn measure about them, so their secrets are yours now.”  She tapped the console once more, “You see?  The signature of that Raven class is still faintly detected…and right there…that’s a Romulan ship’s signature.  They’re getting better at hiding these things.”

Reid felt her mouth drop open, “You’re saying a Romulan ship went into Federation Space and…did what to our crew?”  Harris overheard the discussion and stood beside his FO.

Thasaz sighed, “Whoever is doing this isn’t part of the main Romulan Empire…or even the Reman.  There are plenty of governors, commanders, and more that have ships of their own, even fleets.  When the Empire broke apart, everything scattered.”  She tapped at the console, “Something happened to that Raven and my gut tells me they’re not going to make it on time.”

Harris felt his stomach sour and gestured to her ongoing screen, “Lieutenant, compile that information and send it to my console.”  He returned to his chair and asked Prentice, “Hail Starbase Bravo Command and mark it priority one.”  A nod was his response and a moment later a fleet admiral filled the screen.

=^=Commander Harris.  Report=^=

Ambrose took the report from Thasaz and sent it to the Admiral, “Sir our Chief Science Officer has reason to believe that our remaining five officers who were in transit to Bravo have been compromised by an unknown force.  We have a theory but we’d like to investigate the matter.”

The grey-haired Admiral pulled up the date on his console and his frown deepened as he read.  “This is not good news, Commander.  Your request is granted.  You have my personal clearance to depart as soon as we’re done speaking.  Keep us updated with regular transmissions.  Bravo out.”

A science officer next to his chief muttered, “Shit,” and then immediately reddened.

“I’ll forgive that one, ensign as this is our first day on this bridge together.”  The officer, properly chastened, turned back to his station with a look of thanks.  Harris returned to his center chair, “Mr. Prentice, plot an intercept course to the location our science chief has identified.  Lieutenant Thasaz, task your team with every single sensor record both historical and real-time you can get your hands on…dig into it.  Everyone else – we didn’t expect to be in it this quick…but as we trust in each other as a command team, we trust in you to follow our lead.”  Heads slowly nodded across the bridge and into the alcove.  “Mr. Prentice, maximum warp – get us on our way.”  For the first time, the USS Edinburgh surged forward to warp speed and into whatever was coming next.

USS Edinburgh – Bridge – Alcove Stations – 1400

The lights on the bridge had faded to a mild yellow and Lieutenant Thasaz stood in the back alcove stations, a group of her newly assigned science team facing her from each station.  They had arrived at the intercept point.  The search was to begin.  The Romulan Science Chief held a PADD before her as she spoke, “I’ve shared with each of you the algorithms that are most used by Romulans in their attempts to cover up warp trails, signals, and the like.  I’ve loaded into the ship’s computer a further complete list as well.  We’re trying to identify the entry point, attack point, and exit point with the bonus of identifying where they were going or a general direction.”  She tapped at her PADD, “I’ll be working with you to see what we can find.  Flag me down if you see something.  Questions?”  There were none, just anxious faces ready to find their missing crewmen.  “Let’s get to work.”  Harris stood at the threshold of the space, watching and listening.  Thasaz caught his eye and stepped over to him, “Anything I can do for you, Commander?”

The CO leaned against the support beam, “You and your crew are doing what is needed.”  He looked around the alcove, “You think we should name this part of the bridge?”

She frowned, “I am not sure I understand the context or the meaning, sir.”

“The name of this ship is the Edinburgh.  There’s a lotta context but the two important ones are the capital of Scotland is the city of Edinburgh…and there’s an Edinburgh castle in the city that dates from 11th century in Earth’s ancient history.”  He thought for a moment, “We could call this area, ‘The Tower’.  He looked back to the bridge, ”Call that ‘the ’Castle’.”

Thasaz thought for a moment, “It would help…enhance the relationship the crew would have with the ship.  Naming something unique to the history of the vessel is something all alien races do in some way.”

“I’ll make a note in the ship’s log.  Keep me updated,” he gestured to the four stations in The Tower as he returned to his chair.  

She returned her attention to the crew as one of them, Ensign Sadie Fowler caught her attention.  She walked to stand behind the officer, “What do you have?”

Fowler bobbled her head a little, “I’m not quite sure, Lieutenant.  See here”, she identified several warp trails and various other readings, “and here…”, she compared them on the screen, “My brain is telling me what I’m looking at…but I’m not sure I believe it.”  She waited for her chief to respond.

Thasaz leaned down and grumbled, “No, that looks like…what is the human equivalent…breadcrumbs.”  She stood and looked to the other three, “Anything to report?”  One of them raised a hand, “Yes, Ensign Wolfe?”

Sebastian tapped at his console, “There’s no weapons fire…at least that the computer recognizes.  There is an unusual power reading here…”, he tapped at the console which showed an unusual pattern reading.  “I don’t remember seeing something like this in the academy.”

She stepped forward to get a better look from his screen and nodded, “You wouldn’t because it doesn’t exist…at least technically.”  The science chief grumbled, “I’d heard they were working on something like this.  It’s a weapon that manages to disable a ship completely from top to bottom – shields, weapons, communications…everything.”  Thasaz looked closer, “Trouble was the power requirements of something like this would be astronomical – whatever you attached it to there would be no chance for shields, weapons…nothing but a barebones attack sled with maybe a weak cloaking device attached.”  She turned her attention to the gathered science officers, “Focus in on the power readings.  We might be able to see if we can track it or search it out somehow.  I’ll take this to the commander.  Good work, everyone.”

Harris looked up as his science chief sat to his right, a PADD in her hands.  “What are we dealing with?”  She handed him the tablet and he read, frowning every so often, his eyes searching for hope in the not so hopefully report.  He handed the PADD back, “So they’ve given us a map to wherever they want us to go with the breadcrumbs…and they’ve got a weapon that’ll knock everything out.”  Ambrose grumbled, “I guess credit to Romulan ingenuity.”

Thasaz shrugged, “The design wouldn’t allow rapid-fire.  It would need time to charge up again…or even get the energy from a sun or something.  That much power isn’t going to come easy.  The obvious trap is a trap…but what choice do we have?  Not much in the way of your Starfleet task forces able to split off to assist.”

The CO sat back in his chair, “You make good points.”  He considered for a moment longer, “We go in with both eyes open.  Get your team looking every which way they can for anything that even twitches wrong out there on the sensors.” She gave a nod and returned to The Tower.  Harris stood, “Mr. Prentice, go to Red Alert.”  The klaxon rang out and the lights dimmed as the ancillary lights flashed the customary red.  He waited until officers had reported to their stations on the bridge before ordering, “Mr. Prentice, set us a course to follow the path outlined by science.  Start us off at warp 1.”  He glanced back at his tactical chief, “Mr. Kondo, you and your crew need to work with science.  We’re going into a bit of the unknown.”

The Edinburgh slid forward to warp.

The Praetor – Bridge – 0800

“The Commodore hails, Colonel Rexin.”  The CO of The D’deridex-class Praetor stood from his chair.  Patra was a fearfully made leader who had been instrumental in his life and his rise to the heights of Romulan politics and intelligence.  The fall of the Empire had been unnerving for most, but Patra had made it clear they would come out on top. There was no other way.

“Put him on the viewer.”

=^=Have you made any progress with them?=^=, Patra demanded.  He was impatient.  They had found out on a lark about the crew being transferred to this new ship, and with Rexin’s help managed to capture five of them.  Now he wanted the use of these humans for his purpose. Rexin wouldn’t dare stand in his way.

“We have, Commodore.  One of them swears he has Romulan blood now and that he would anything for us.  He has told us of friends on this new ship and even of a woman he is relational with.”  Rexin chuckled. The boy had broken easily compared to the other four.  “We will keep him and one other…the other three we’ll drop on the path of the…”, he looked at his tablet, “…the Edinb…how do they say this word?” One of his protocol officers stepped up and glanced at it.

“It is pronounced Edin-bur-oh, Colonel but it is spelled in a rather…weird manner.  Humans and their spelling.”  The officer returned to his station as Rexin faced his commodore once more.

“On the path of the Edinburgh.  They will find their three crewmen and they will feed them what we’ve told them.  Their rage for justice will drive them to us and we’ll wipe them away.”

=^=You’ve linked up with the Clawed Death, and the Sharpened Cutlass?=^=

Rexin gave a curt nod, “They arrived this morning and we’ve begun the process of discussing mission objectives with them.”

Patra shifted in his seat and considered his question.  Rexin was amused to a point – rarely did his commodore grow silent in a conversation about the destruction of an enemy.  He spoke his question at last, =^=The status of Bloody Lance?=^=

It was the colonel’s turn to consider his words.  He led with, “She is in secure orbit around a sun charging as we speak.  When last checked, she was at 50% charge.”

There was a flash of rage across Patra’s face, but it was not meant for Rexin.  =^=Those damn scientists assured me it would charge with haste.  As soon as it is ready, you must make yourself ready for this…Edinburgh and her crew.  Let them feel like they are winning something in the fight to come…then crush them with the raging fury of their own hell.=^=

Rexin gave a slight bow, “It will be as you order, Commodore.”  Patra gave him one last look before closing the channel.  The colonel let out a long sigh.  They would be clearing the board and dominating the stars.  He smiled quietly at the thought of the murder and madness he was about to undertake. It would be glorious.

USS Edinburgh – Ready Room – 1430

“Where is this trail leading us?” Commander Harris sat at his desk in his ready room while the others sat scattered on the long couch underneath the windows of the Ready Room.

Thasaz spoke first, “It will lead us into Romulan space commander, specifically back into the Velorum Sector.  This is not an accidental map left behind…this is an intentional path we are meant to follow.”

The tactical chief offered, “The New Orleans isn’t a Galaxy-class by any stretch, but she can hold her own for a little while.”

Reid shook her head, “I don’t think we want to dust off our gloves with just a few days under our belt.  Most of our crew are still finding their way around.  I’ve gotten lost three times…today!  Nothing against our damage control and repair teams, Chief…”  

Okada glanced from the PADD she was patiently working on as she listened, “No offense taken, Doctor.  I will freely admit that even with the drills we’ve been running…if we hit anything aside from a shuttle or a scout…response time isn’t going to light the world on fire.  Might light us on fire.  File that under ‘do not want’. Best we just avoid all fires in general…sir.”  She returned to her PADD.

The CO sat forward at his desk and looked at his Romulan Science Chief, “Where…exactly do you think they’re taking us?”

She stood and tapped the console on the coffee table, activating a holoprojector, “We think they’re pointing us here…” She circled a desert planet in a system of asteroids and space debris, “…it’s not a great ambush location which Mr. Kondo can explain.  The last survey on record in this system says we can transport down with minimal environmental suits if needed, but I’m not sure how much I believe that.”  She sat down and Kondo stood.

“There’s not a lot of places you can hide or prepare some kind of attack.  The sun is unique in that it affects most cloaked ships with interference.  So that’s something.”  He returned to his seat as Harris contemplated.

“I think it’s worth the risk to at least see what it is they want us to see.”  He looked to each member of his command team who nodded.  

Reid was the last and she sighed as she gave her assent, “Let’s not make too much of a bumpy ride.  My nurses and orderlies won’t fair well in a game of pinball.”

Harris stood from his desk, “Then we’re agreed.  Doc, get Prentice to set for maximum warp to our new target.  Remain at red alert.  Thasaz?”  The rest of the crew left, leaving them alone.  He looked at her and gestured to the couch where they sat.  “How are you doing?”

“I suppose you wish to hear the truth, Commander Harris?”

Ambrose sat back against the couch, “Truth grants us freedom to be who we are and will be.”  He shrugged as she raised her eyebrows, “It’s a saying in my family…based on an old quote from an ancient time on Earth.  Yes, the truth will do.”

“What happens to me once I find the justice for my dead friends?  What do I do with an empty purpose?”

Harris gave her a curious look, stood, and ordered a drink from the replicator.  He looked to her and she waved him off.  He returned to the couch and asked, “You’ve been sitting in and on this for a bit, haven’t you?”

Thasaz played with her hands, nervously fidgeting, “For all these years, I have had purpose..meaning.  That station brought me joy and a community of believers in the ways of experimentation and determination…not war, blood, and bones.” Spitting out those last words she stood and stabbed at the replicator, returning with a Shirley Temple.  Taking a sip she sighed, “We Romulans are a messy people…and yes…you would protest humans are…but we…,”  She thought for a moment longer, “Some of us desire to bleed others as instinct.  That the blood of our blood would give us a sense of…power.  That if we can control it, beat it within an inch of its life…it can be ours.”  She sipped again before finishing with, “I went to that station to get away from the darkness that sits inside my people, Commander Harris…and I’m back in the damned mess again.”

He leaned forward and met her near tears eyes, “Hear me now, Chief Thasaz.  As long as I draw breath and wear this uniform, you will never have to face the possibility of going back.  You have done the good and strong thing to stand with us.  We’ll get justice…but we’re not going to stop until we find a way to bring some sense of peace in the trails we travel.”  

She gave him a nod, “Thank you, Commander.  I will do what I can to meet such lofty goals.”  

Harris was about to respond when his badge beeped, =^=Commander Harris to the bridge=^=

He headed for the door, his science chief behind him.  The bridge was unusually tense and Harris was sure he was about to find out why as he made his way to the center of The Castle and asked, “Report?”

It was Prentice at helm who responded, “As soon as we dropped out of warp, sensors detected a Romulan signal in the sector…it was leaving at a high rate of speed.  We’re following its course as best as we can but…”

Thasaz jumped in to continue, “Sensors are picking up a Raven Class ship on the surface of that planet, sir.  The storm and interference in the system are affecting our sensors but at least three life signs are being detected intermittently.”

Harris now understood the tension.  Their missing crew, or at least some of them were within reach.  Still standing he tapped the console on his center chair, “Harris to Chief – what can we send down from our shuttle bays that’ll manage the planet and the interference?”

=^=We’ve got shuttles, but I got us on better. They gave us a New Atlantic Runabout…we can rig it up with the medical module…=^=

He interrupted her, “Get it ready.  Doc and Chief Kondo are on their way.”  His security chief stood at the mention of his name and headed for the turbolift.  Things were moving quickly so he tapped his communications badge, “Harris to Doc, we found the ship and some crew.  Kondo will meet you in the shuttle bay and Chief is going to the runabout ready for medical operations.”  A click was her response and he turned his attention back to the screen.  “Lieutenant Thasaz, shift over to the tactical station in case I need you.  Mr. Prentice, get us into standard orbit of that planet.  Maintain red alert.”

The red lights on the walls continued to flash as The Castle remained bathed in a blinking ruby glaze. They were so very close to finding their crew.

USS Edinburgh – Shuttle Bay – 1450

Doctor Jordan Reid had never run faster in her life than she had to get from Sickbay to the shuttle bay.  The orderlies had followed behind her with the equipment she had determined they would need and as they arrived in the bay, she got her first look at the Atlantic class Runabout.  Much like her impression of the Edinburgh, she found it beautiful – the bright white exterior and the reimagining of both impulse and warp engines were impressive.

“Doc!  We’re almost ready.”  The voice of the Chief Engineer brought her out of the momentary reverie and she headed to the new ship.  She stepped inside and continued to be impressed.  A mass of engineering crew was working in the back part of the runabout, installing the medical equipment and beds quickly.  Okada pushed to the front and handed Reid a PADD, “Here’s the standard loadout for the medical operations.  The cabinets are preloaded and we just shift them in and out of storage based on the needs.  I dreamed of one day getting to play with one of these.  Engineers really outdid themselves with it.”  Kondo stepped on board and gave a wave to them as he headed to the pilot seat, his security bag hanging on his back.

Reid read the PADD, “The ship is called Robert the Bruce?”  She looked at the CEO.

She chuckled, “It has to do with the history of this ship.  The Edinburgh.  Apparently, Robert the Bruce was the king of the country for which this ship is named or something.  We’ve just been calling him ‘The Robby’.  Kinda cute, if you ask me.”

Jordan heard the engines warming up as the Chief of Security started up the runabout.  She gave Okada a look, “Don’t engineers usually call ships ‘she’ or ‘her’?

A laugh followed by, “Robert the Bruce is a king and we’re gonna respect his name.  I’ve heard stories of ghosts from the old country haunting people who disrespect them.  Something about a Scottish Play…or something.  I should probably read up on this, you know?”

Reid chuckled, “I would highly recommend doing just that, Chief.”  A final check from the engineers and they departed, securing the door behind them.  Reid did a quick walk through the medical setup and returned to the front control area impressed, “They really gave us a gift with this ship.”

Kondo nodded as he tapped the console to continue his setup and launch procedure, “Eventually all of this will be old hat for us, you know…but for now, it’s something magical.”  A chirp from the control panel and he accepted the incoming hail.

Chief Katsumi’s voice came through, =^=Runabout Robby, you are cleared for departure from Shuttle Bay.  Keep us appraised of all…the stuff.  Edinburgh Shuttle Control out.=^=

Jordan keyed into the console and glanced at the security and tactical chief, “He’s all yours, Mr. Kondo.”  The Robby rumbled and then lifted into the air, and smoothly left the shuttle bay, and fell into space.

Runabout Robby  – 1500

Kondo frowned as he plotted the course of the runabout into the atmosphere, “This will be a little rough…”  The ship rattled and the automatic seat belts activated, securing them both in their seats.  “Clever…”, Kondo observed as they pushed through the various levels, the ship shaking and even dropping down heavily a few times as he navigated the various air bursts and jet streams that careened through the atmosphere.  Reid grunted as they smashed through four more rough patches of turbulence and then…it was calm.  He tapped at the console, “Location locked on the crashed Raven.  Intercept course set.”

Reid put her hands on the console and began to gather as much as she could.  The life signs were stronger and she focused the scanners on their conditions.  “They’re holding on, but I’m going to jump out as soon as we land.”

Chief Kondo steered them carefully, “I’ll be running alongside – sensors are not showing anyone else out there but…you never know what the enemy will do to catch you unawares.”

Reid nodded and then sat up in her chair, “Chief Kondo…something isn’t right here.”  She tapped her console and sent him her data.

He glanced at it as the Robby sat down softly, “What am I looking at?”

She aligned the life signs and biological readings for Crewmen Gilberto Febo, Gilad Can, and Afya Ismael and stacked them up against the injured readings.  “Febo and Can check out…but that…that’s not Crewman Ismael.  It doesn’t correspond to anyone onboard.”

“They must have known we’d check.”

Reid shrugged as she slipped her seatbelt off and began gathering her equipment, “This runabout is equipped with some serious sensors based on the medical template they installed.  A normal shuttle or another runabout wouldn’t detect it.”

The security chief pulled out his body armor and strapped it on with ease.  He lifted the phaser rifle up and clicked the power to maximum stun, “And you’d be too close with the tricorder…and the trap would be sprung.  Do you think they can copy DNA and fake it as well?”

Doctor Reid paused and sighed, “Damn…hadn’t thought about that.  I think we’re going do this your way.”

Desert Planet  – 1520

=^=Understood away team.  Keep us updated.=^=  Kondo closed the channel and advanced on the still smoking wreckage.  The bodies were splayed a few feet from the Raven Class, and his phaser rifle was pointed up as his eyes searched the world around him for any kind of movement.  Reid walked cautiously behind him, peeking out from behind his imposing frame every so often.  She was a doctor and patients – good or bad – still needed healing.  He motioned, “Which one is our outsider?”  She checked her tricorder and pointed to the one closest to them.  She wasn’t moving.  He advanced carefully on her, keeping his rifle aimed at her and staying far enough back to avoid any immediate fire.  “Name and rank!”, he shouted, breaking the relative silence of the desert surroundings.  The woman startled and opened her eyes, widening at the sight of a rifle pointed at her.

“Uh…Afya Ismael, Crewman.  USS Edinburgh.”  Kondo didn’t move.  He kept his eyes on the sight, and his finger in the combat position on the trigger.  “You should look at them first…they are worse than I am.”

Reid remained in her position behind her escort, “The gig is up, whoever you are.  Your readings don’t match our Afya Ismael.  Mr. Kondo here doesn’t have much patience…far less than I do.  You can see his finger’s distance from the trigger.  Whatever you had planned today…isn’t going to happen.”

The woman looked from Ried to Kondo and back again.  She didn’t speak for a moment.  It looked as if she was contemplating pulling whatever weapon she had out and firing.  Kondo spoke quietly enough for her to hear, “You can choose to die today, Romulan…or you can choose to live with a chance of something else in your future.  Choose.  But do not doubt my aim or my intent.”  

She seemed to be weighing his words until she sighed, “Damn Starfleet.  She raised her hands and Kondo advanced on her in a flash, stepped behind her, and pulled the hands down and into cuffs behind her back so quick the woman shouted in surprise.  

He glanced at Reid, ”Now I am satisfied.”  Doctor Reid quickly ran to the two others and began to scan them as Kondo circled the scowling Romulan woman, “I expect you won’t be telling me who you are?”

She spat at the ground, “Starfleet scum won’t get anything from me.”  She glanced at him, “Who says my mission is over?  What if this was the way to get on board?  What if this is how I take your ship from you and spill your blood?”

Reid scanned the two and found they were indeed who they were supposed to be.  She activated one of the pop-up bed transports and carefully laid Crewmen Gilberto Febo on it and secured him for transport.  He was the more stable of the two.  Crewman Gilad Can was bloodied and beaten – his path had been harder than the other.  She lifted him and placed him on the next pop-up transport.  She pulled out her PADD and connected to the Robby.  The transporters would get these two young men home and she’d get to work.  She glanced at Kondo, “You need me?”

He shook his head, “She’s not going anywhere yet.”  He glanced down at her, “She thinks she’s got a mission still to do.”  Reid frowned but didn’t respond.  Tapping at the PADD she remotely transported them back to the Robby, leaving Kondo with his prisoner.  He pulled out another set of cuffs and slipped them on her ankles to her protest which he summarily ignored.  Then he rolled her over, snagged a powered restraint cable, and connected her handcuffs to her leg cuffs, tightening it just enough to secure her and prevent her movement.  She cursed him out throughout the entire process and he rolled her on her side so that she could at least be comfortable.  “Your mission ends here.  You can imagine a future where you break free or seduce one of us or talk one of us into turning the ship over to you…I do not know what your imagination had attempted to imagine….but you must know – I am the security chief.  You took part in this injury to our crew.  You will be put in a hole to wait until your turn at the wheel of justice.  Then you will pay,”  He leaned in, his stare causing her to flinch slightly, “…one way or another.”  He stepped back and slid his rifle onto his back and turned to the Raven class ship.  There was an investigation to begin and he needed to find out what had happened.  The woman hadn’t said a word as she watched him go about his task.  She had a sudden thought – why had they put her to this task?  Was she supposed to return alive?  She had been so blinded in service to the Commodore that she had firmly expected to be onboard a warbird being celebrated.  She closed her eyes, defeat inching its way into her heart. 

USS Edinburgh – The Castle – 1500

=^=Crewmen Gilberto Febo and Gilad Can are stable, but they will need sickbay and transfer to Bravo for treatment.”  Reid shook her head, “They endured much, Commander.=^=

Harris leaned forward, “How long until you’re able to return?”  His science chief was nervously watching the sensors in case the Romulan ship they had glanced on her way out decided to return.

=^=Mr. Kondo is still doing his investigation on the Raven class ship.  I’ll have these two ready to return on the Robby in about half an hour.=^=  Reid tapped at the console and the screen returned to the planet before them.

Harris stood and soon stood behind his helm officer, Prentice.  “Hail Mr. Kondo.  Let’s see what he knows.” Will tapped at the console and moments later the face of Ensign Kondo De La Fontaine filled the screen.

=^=Commander, I’m using this ship’s communication console…my apologies if this shorts out.=^=  He tapped at the console, =^=This ship was attacked by a device similar to what Lieutenant Thasaz described…it did not occur here.  The wreckage was transported here and left for ruin with the injured.=^=  He continued, =^=I’m sending you ship’s logs, sensors reports – everything I can pull out of the damaged computer banks.  It looks like they did not take the time to erase the records or even affect an edit upon them.  I am not sure if this is due to hubris or ignorance.=^=  Another tap of the console on his side, =^=My prisoner is not saying anything but I have made it clear her mission in service to whoever sent her is over.  We shall see if she is willing to speak.=^=

The CO frowned as he glanced at the data stream coming through on Prentice’s console, “Was this a suicide mission for her?  I can’t imagine a scenario where she escapes after she kills one of ours.”

=^=My guess is that she believed she was going to be transported away from us somehow – the reality of her situation only began to sink in once I put her into custody.  She may have been…or still is a true believer in whatever orthodoxy was being practiced.=^=

Lieutenant Thasaz spoke up from the center tactical station, “Mr. Kondo is on the right track.  There is almost a religious side to some of the more… influential governors, commodores, or even sub-commanders.  I do not doubt this is the case here.  The level of brutality and force present is an indicator that someone is leading a group as if they are the savior…or king.”  Harris felt a chill in his bones at her words. What in the universe had they stumbled onto and into?

=^=I will have my inspection complete within moments.  I will return to the Robby and we shall make our way back to you, Commander.  Kondo out.=^=

The CO contemplated further, “How far were we able to track the Romulan ship?”

Thasaz reported, “We tracked it for fifteen minutes before it left our sensor range.  There are far too many planets in range of that data point to make a guess.”

“Keep an eye out.  I’ll be in my ready room.  Alert me when the Robby returns.  Thasaz, you have the CONN.”

USS Edinburgh – Ready Room– 1515

He stood at the windows that lay above the long couch, an iced cider in his hands.  There was so much happening and the day had been moving at such a fast clip…he felt his mind slow enough to begin unpacking the threats and actions that had occurred against his crew.  Reid could have died.  Three more of their crew were still out there somewhere in the hands of someone who seemed intent on drawing them further. He swirled the contents and took a light sip.  The sweet cider dug into his mouth.  He was starting to consider that whoever ‘they’ were – it was starting to feel connected to the distress call from the Pentax.  The data was in the hands of Starfleet, but they had their own copy in the science department and a team had been assigned the job of digging further.

He took another sip as he stared out into the stars that sparkled through the darkness.  He remembered as a kid going with his parents out of the massive Denver area to find an empty field in the country and just lay and watch the stars, ships, and stations that glittered above.  Harris had spent enough time in his own holodeck programs in middle school and high school to know the sky was once empty of these ubiquitous vessels…that it once only held the stars blinking back at those on Earth.  The desire to seek out The Final Frontier had powered humanity to the greatest height where they careened through The Undiscovered Country, seeking to understand and explore.

“What fools these mortals be…”, he muttered.  They had stretched out their arms into the skies and gone beyond the imagined and found the reality of a universe of friends, enemies, and monsters.  He stood on the shoulders of those that had come before and his shoulders would eventually be stood upon as time hurtled on and life continued to find a way.  He refilled his cup and found the book he was looking for.  He opened it and found the first lines,

To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to: ’tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep; To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there’s the rub: For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, 

He read on into Hamlet until his badge chirped, =^=Commander, the Robby has arrived.  Mr. Kondo is transporting our guest to the holding cells with a security escort.  Doctor Reid has her patients in sickbay and will have a full report for you soon.”  He tapped the badge and drained the cider.  He glanced at the book and decided to take it with him.  He figured some Shakespeare never hurt anyone.

USS Edinburgh – Holding Cells – 1545

“She’s not in the system.”  Kondo spoke with his commander at the door to the holding cells, “She’s young…maybe 20 years old.  She was armed with a pretty powerful disrupter – set to kill.  Wouldn’t have taken much from her range to end us both.”

Harris muttered, “The careful is what wins the day, and it certainly kept us in one piece.”  He turned to his Romulan Science Chief, “You sure about this?”

A mild growl, “Commander, as I’ve told you – I am old enough, tired enough, and furious enough to not worry about whatever it is that you think should be preventing me from stepping into that room.”  A side glance, “Your thoughtfulness is somewhat endearing, if not annoying.”

“I’ll take thoughtfully annoying on my officer survey forms any day of the week, Lieutenant.  Shall we?”  He stepped forward as the security chief led them into the room and into the light, facing the sole occupant of the cells.  Harris stepped up and sat in one of the chairs.  Thasaz remained in the darkness.  He pulled out his PADD and tapped at it as he spoke, “Good evening.  I’m Commander Ambrose Harris of the USS Edinburgh.  You are currently in our custody for a variety of charges that I believe you’ve been advised about by my security chief.”  He looked up and met her glance, “I’m here to ask you a simple question – where are the rest of my crew?”

The Romulan Officer looked like she should – they had removed her disguise by erasing the genetic modifications and returning her ears to their standard state.  She was dressed in a simple tunic, and her eyes darted from Harris to Kondo and back again.  “They are hopefully dead, Starfleet scum.”  There was a fiery rage that littered her words, Harris decided.  But there was a second thing he felt looking at her…she was alone and behind a force field.

He leaned forward, “I don’t believe that for a second.  Whoever’s playing this game isn’t going to let whatever power they imagine they have over us simply be taken off the board.”  He took notes on his PADD, “They sent you to kill my doctor – and you might have managed it.”  He looked up at her, “But Mr. Kondo here would have either killed you or heavily stunned you as quick as you had fired.  So what was the endgame?”

She worked her mouth trying to find the words to fire back.  It took her a moment to say, “They were going to transport me out.  I was going to escape…and celebrated for killing a Starfleet officer.”

Thasaz chose that moment to step forward into the light and stood beside Harris.  “They left as soon as we arrived.  We tried to follow them, but they fled into the inner sanctum of this system.”  She sat, and crossed her legs, “You must know they threw you to the Starfleet dogs.”  Turning to her CO, “No offense.”

Ambrose shrugged, “I’ve always thought of myself as a Golden Retriever, so I’m not mad about it.  Now, if you said mongrel…I’d have to disagree.”

“You…are in their uniform?  You sit next to them?  You serve with them?”  The young woman stood against the forcefield, her once fading quiet rage now inflamed and burning, “You are a disgrace to us.”  She cursed Thasaz and spat at the floor.

Harris shrugged, “Lieutenant Thasaz is on a revenge tour, one that we’re kind of joining up with at the moment.  You’re never going to see the light of day or probably see home again.”  He stood and approached the barrier, “You are our only link to our missing crew…and to the attackers who murdered everyone aboard the Pentax…and to the attack on our previous ship.  You will live in darkness while we bring light to your group and bring justice for the dead and dying.”  He nodded back to Kondo, “He’ll ask you questions every day, maybe more.  It’ll be a standard list.  He will abide by the conditions that govern prisoners of war and the like.  You won’t be mistreated while in our care, I promise you that.”  He gave her one last look, “But you’re not going to be celebrated.  You are going to answer for your part in this.”  He stood and handed the PADD to Thasaz, “You may have more luck with her.”  He left the room and headed back to The Castle.

The science chief crossed her legs, “So, you have a name?”

The woman spat at the ground again, her eyes boring into the traitor that sat before her.  “You don’t deserve to hear it, swine.  Traitor.  Faelirh ch’susse-thrai.”

Thasaz chuckled, “Oh dear child, there is no combination of the Romulan, English, or even Klingon language that I have not heard the worst of in my lifetime.  You can call me all the names in all the books you wish, but you won’t escape this prison.  They must think you dead already.”  She leaned back, “I’ve seen your story more than I care to count.  They take the young meat and toss them in the grinder to get what they want…be it power, influence, or just to scare the hell out of their enemies.”

Silence from the cell.

“I wish you could have lived the life I lived…the one where I escaped this dogma, this…faith of death.  Only those that are willing to stand on the bodies of their friends, family, and fellow officers can get to where you aspired to get.  Influence is bought with blood and guts.”  She crossed her legs the other way, “They wouldn’t have chosen you if they thought you had something bigger than a meaningless death.”

“I am not meaningless.  I have meaning.”  There was more pout than power in her words now and Thasaz resisted the urge to smile.  Sometimes it was a matter of finding the right word, or the right memory.  In the case of this young woman, it was her ego and hubris.

The science chief waved a dismissive hand, “You may think those things…but they did not.  You want to have meaning?  You want to live beyond these four walls?  You want to see what this universe has to offer?”  She rose from the chair and stood inches from the barrier, “You must make a choice to save what time you have left.”  

The woman stared at her but something had shifted in how she looked at Thasaz.  Something just below the surface.  “I…will need time to think.”

She chuckled, “You have plenty of that.  Let me know when you’re ready to talk.”  Thasaz turned and motioned to Kondo who tapped at the console.  The secure walls shifted back in place over the forcefield and secured the woman behind walls once more.

Kondo turned to her as he tapped the button making the cell soundproof and the window to her cell became opaque.  “You think she will talk?  She seems pretty set in her ways.”

The science chief stopped at the door, “I was once like her, Chief Kondo.  I had murder in my eyes and hate in my heart…someone changed my eyes and adjusted my heartbeat.  It feels like so long ago…but every species is capable of change.  She may surprise us yet.”  She left and headed back to the bridge.  

Ensign Kondo De La Fontaine looked from her departure and back to the ensconced cell muttering, “Here’s hoping you’re right.” 

USS Edinburgh – Ready Room – 1700

“They remember enough, but there’s enough missing to suggest something deeper.”  Reid sat on the couch sipping her chilled raspberry tea as she hit the important points in her final report to Harris at his desk.  “I’ve made a note to the medical team that receives them that we need to get a better understanding of what they did to their minds.”

Harris tapped at his console, sipping at his cider as he continued to read the exhaustive report, “The Romulans that did this…I think the expression ‘particulary talented’ is understanding it.”  Shaking his head, “There’s a lotta rage in what they did to these two men.  I know I keep asking this, but what have we gotten ourselves into, Jordan?”

Reid scrolled through the report, “Hell if I know, Ambrose.  Based on my scans of our guest, she’s got her own share of battle scars.  From what, I can’t begin to imagine.  Her bones show signs of trauma and her head shows a history of concussions. I’d need to get a closer look, but either she’s a battle-hardened fighter or she endured some kind of abuse.”

Harris turned to face her, “You have any theories?”

She did, “Sometimes in fundamentalist or separatist groups, the use of violence imbues within the daily practices in order to condition their followers to well, follow.  It could be violence against the follower or violence against other followers as a means to enforce whatever needs enforcing.”  She took a drink and sighed, “Medicine goes both ways – mind and body.  Trying to untangle this woman, if that’s even possible, is going to take some work.”

“Lieutenant LT Thasaz stands a chance.  You watch her interrogation session?”  Reid nodded as Harris continued, “I’m of the mind not to rush it.  If she turns to us, or gives up her commander…we might be able to get this sorted before anyone else gets hurt.”

Reid sighed, “From your lips to God’s ears.”  

The door chime rang and Harris turned towards it, “Enter.”  Ensign Prentice stepped into the room, gripping a PADD in hand.  The CO looked up, frowning.  The officer’s face had gone all shades of white, and his hands trembled.  Reid stood and pulled him towards the couch, giving Harris a warning look.

Jordan spoke gently, “Ensign Prentice…”,  His eyes stared ahead, blinking every few seconds.  She tried again, “Will.”  He slowly came out of his moment and focused on the first officer.

“I…um…Tha…Lieutenant Thasaz headed off shift and had me working on short-range and long-range scans since I needed to work on my own reports…that’s not important…what is important is what I…um…found.”  He handed the PADD, the trembling in his hands lessening slightly.  He fell back against the couch as Reid read his report.  

She swore and glanced up at her CO, “Commander…”, she stood and handed him the tablet and returned to speak softly to the helmsman.

Ambrose read the report three times before muttering, “Well…shit.”  He glanced up at Prentice, “Anyone else knows about this?”  Prentice shook his head as he commenced breathing exercises that Reid was walking him through.  He tapped at the console on his desk, “Lieutenant Thasaz, report to my ready room.”  He sat back in his chair as the only sound was Reid quietly talking the troubled Ensign through calming exercises.  The door chime rang a minute later, “Enter.”

She entered the room and quickly sensed something was up, “What’s happened?”

Harris handed the PADD over, “Ensign Prentice in his efforts to scan long-range has located what is probably the body of Crewman Afya Ismael.”

“The body is in space?” She growled, “This madness cannot continue.”

The CO sighed, “I agree.  I know you’re off shift…but I need you to handle her transport and care once we arrive.  This will stir up feelings across the ship.”

Reid pointed out, “We need to ask for a counseling officer or even a counseling department at this point.  These are kids, Ambrose.  My nurses and orderlies had some counseling training…but not enough to handle this full time.”

Harris agreed, “I’ll make our needs known.”  He turned to Thasaz, “Have Ensign Del Castillo plot an intercept course.  Notify me when we’ve safely returned Crewman Ismael.  Find out if she had friends on board.” The CO paused, “Thank you for this, Lieutenant.”  The Romulan Science Chief nodded and departed.

Reid stood and put her hand on Prentice’s shoulder, “Let’s go to sickbay for a little bit, Ensign.” They walked out slowly, Prentice’s face wet with tears. Soon it was just Harris, alone in his ready room.  The silence echoed as he realized he would have to write his first notice of death for a member of his crew.  He sat in that realization as he waited for word from Thasaz.

USS Edinburgh – Holding Cells – 1900

“You said you wanted to talk?”  Harris sat in one of the chairs outside the holding cell, the forcefield shimmering in place.

The woman sat, picking at her fingers.  She didn’t look up but muttered, “I wanted to talk to Thasaz.”

The CO glanced back into the darkness and motioned the science chief forward to sit beside him.  “I ask again.  You said you wanted to talk?”

She glanced up and stared into the Romulan in the chair, “You gave me a lot to think about, Sub-Commander.”

Thasaz chuckled, “You at least know my former rank.  Those days are behind me, child.  My station is gone…my path follows a different heading.”

“I am called Saho.”  She bowed slightly from her seated position.  “They had their eyes and ears on you.”  She returned to picking at her hands.  “You did something to remove that capability two months ago.  They were very unhappy.”

Thasaz felt her blood chill as she thought back two months.  She gasped, “Well, that is fortuitous.  I fired Jetux for violating our processes on scientific experimentation and laboratory policy.”  She thought for a moment, “He was unusually interested in things that did not pertain to him.”  She leaned forward, “Is that why they attacked?  They feared what we were working on?”

Saho looked up, “They attacked because of what Jetux told them.  He told them you had figured them out. That you had identified them.”

A sigh from the older of the two, “He lied.”

“He was angry.  It doesn’t matter.  He’s dead.  They put him on a ship to attack these fools…they failed to destroy the Starfleet threat.  They were killed for their incompetence when they returned.”

It was the CO’s turn to feel his blood drop temperature, “All of them…the entire crew?”  Saho nodded, her hands still in her lap.  Harris leaned back, “Shit.  He turned to Thasaz, “Any idea who this might be?”

“There are too many players…high level, mid-level…to even begin to approximate who this is.  The brutality of this could be the work of any of them.”  She looked at Saho, “What do they call him?”

The young Romulan woman glanced at Thasaz, “I only know his nickname.  I…I only listened to the stories that were told by others.”  She jumped up and stood as close to the field as she dared, “They have people everywhere.  They have someone from the Tal-Shiar working with them.  I…”, she tried to find the right words, “I…know I must answer for my actions.  I must also ask for your protection if I…share this with you.”

Harris felt his science chief glance at him.  He narrowed his eyes, “What part did you have in Crewman Afya Ismael’s death?”

She flinched and took a half step back, “She’s…dead?”  A look of horror filled her face, “No…I…I only met her to get a sense of her and to model my modifications.  I…they said they would…”  Saho sighed and felt the last twenty years of life shatter in every corner of her soul.  “What have I become?”

Thasaz got up from her chair and stood at the barrier, “You became what you wanted to become Saho.”  She looked back at her CO who nodded, “I’ve lived my life believing anyone can change.  Sometimes I’ve been wrong.  Yet…those times where my gamble paid off…the hope of a restored soul can be a beacon in the darkness.”  She put her hand up to the force field, “You can choose to change.”

Saho’s eyes had filled with tears as she stepped forward to stand inches from her.  “I am…putting my trust in you, Thasaz.  They call him The Eagle Commodore.”

Thasaz bowed her head, “Thank you Saho.  I will leave you to rest.”  The younger woman nodded and wandered back to her bed in the corner and slumped onto the mattress.  She turned to Harris, her eyes sparking the urgency of her request, “Briefing room.  Everyone.”  He gave a nod.

USS Edinburgh – Briefing Room – 1945

The command team had filtered in and as they quieted Thasaz stood.  “Our guest has given us a name. Initially, I did not recognize it, but I remembered something a few months back.  A mention of an Eagle design on some flags that were being prepared.” She tapped the console on the table and a fuzzy image of a young Romulan in dress uniform.  “His name is Patra…and the last I had heard, he was a Commander in charge of a couple of colony operations. I warn you, my information is from a few years back and our various intelligence agencies weren’t particularly free with information.  Saho provided information on his brutality which you will see in your briefing packet on your PADD.  I would estimate he has several fleets of Warbirds – mostly the older D’deridex class but given Saho’s statements regarding the rumors he was expanding his fleets, there are probably a few of the new models in his service.  We know of one of his colony operations on Larakas.  At last report, it’s a massive planet-based operation with a large military presence  along with civilian workers in mines, manufacturing, and factories.”

Kondo asked, “How many planets would you estimate he’s got in his grip?”

“It’s impossible to know. Starfleet has little information on him or his operations.  My Romulan information is outdated by a year at best.  If he followed his pattern of growth and expansion, he could have up to seven planets or colonies under his direct control.”  She gestured at the screen, “That photo is from his time in the early Romulan Star Empire – it is at least thirty years old.  He’s rarely seen and there’s nobody on the inside – Romulan or otherwise that’s been able to get an idea of his operation.”

Harris leaned forward, “The obvious question is how do we get our remaining two officers out from whatever this is.”  He looked around the table, “I’m open to suggestions.”

Okada suggested, “His weapon of choice is still out here, somewhere.  What if…we managed to capture it?  We could point it at this colony and crash every system below.  Locate our people, maybe pick this guy up a bonus, and get out before everything turns back on again.”

The security and tactical chief turned to her, “You’re forgetting the massive fleets he controls.”

The chief engineer smiled slyly, “Not if we figured out how to adapt the cloak from their weapon to our ship…and slipped both through the walls of Warbirds.” Everyone turned to stare at Okada as she shrugged, “You can reverse engineer almost everything given enough time.  It’s a thought at least.”

It was Reid’s turn to lean forward, “What if we pulled the attention of the Warbirds somewhere else.  Got them far enough away that it gave us time to do what we needed to do…and if the Chief’s adapting project works…could be something.”

Harris let their conversation continue for a moment longer, “Whatever we do, we need to move quickly.  This Patra is no doubt keeping his eyes and ears on us – we are on his side of the fence.  Chief Thasaz and Mr. Kondo – get your teams working the sensors to find this weapon.  See if there’s a way to sort out the signature from the area we scanned before.”  He turned to his engineer, “Chief – start working on scenarios and simulations based on recent Romulan cloaking technology.  If we find this thing and it’s unguarded, we’re going to need to move fast.”  He noted, “Prepare several additional backup plans and ideas – be ready to present them at tomorrow’s staff meeting at 0800  We only get one shot at this.  Dismissed.”

USS Edinburgh – Bridge – 0600

The morning had come quickly for Commander Harris and he had a large cup of coffee in his hands as he stepped onto the bridge as the yellow lighting allowed his eyes to slowly adjust.  They had stepped down from red alert last night and he’d ordered them to break orbit and get into open space.  Starfleet had confirmed they were sending them a counseling team for permanent assignment.  The overnight crew reports had been his reading material as he’d rolled out of bed and started his morning.  He was just finishing the tail end of the report as he sat down in the center chair.  He read over the last few lines again and turned to the officer who was handling the science station, “Ensign Fowler…what do you make of the sensor results from this morning?”

Sadie tapped at the console and read the details, “They reported an inconsistent ion reading that was intermittent in nature…and that it was spread over a small area of a sector near us.”  Another moment of working the console, “They classified it as an ionic imbalance related to a recent energy storm in the area.”

Harris turned in his chair to face her, “What do you think?”  He took a sip from his coffee.”

She blinked and opened her mouth and then shut it again.  She faced the screen displaying the information and ran a few scenarios over the data.  She turned to him, frowning, “I think we’re looking at a minor ion leak from a ship or something.”  She considered the possibilities and settled on, “The reading is too high to be for the device we’re looking for…this has the look of a larger ship…cloaked.”  When she realized what she was hypothesizing she stared at the commander.

Ambrose pursed his lips, “That’s what I was wanting to check.  Where is this ion reading now?”  It took her a moment but ensign put the location on the view screen.

“An hour or so from us, sir.  You think this is intentional?  Trying to get us to move towards them?”

The CO stared at the screen, “I’ve known a lot of engineers in my time in Starfleet, Ensign Fowler.  Very few of them would let something like that happen beyond a few minutes…maybe an hour.  Letting that kind of leak spray out overnight?  Even the worst would at least lock that up.  Even a lazy engineer doesn’t want to die.”

The ensign at tactical spoke up, “I’m guessing there’s more than one ship waiting for us if we follow this trail.”

Harris turned and replied to Ensign Dalman, “You’d have a good chance of that guess winning the day.  We could probably hold our own against one Warbird but I think you’re right.  They’d overcompensate after the last group failed to knock us off the board.”

Dalman considered for a moment, “You said so yourself…we need to find the rest of our crew.  Whoever is on those ships would know.  How do we…level the field?”

Harris pushed himself out of his chair, “Good question.  Ensign Fowler – the planet where we found the Raven – the system it was in was notorious for causing problems with cloaking devices – probably why we detected them leaving when we arrived. What can you tell me about anything else around that might have some kind of kick like that…”

Sadie nodded along as she understood where he was going, “There are plenty of nebulas and anomalies around that could help us balance things a little more.”

“Get me a list.  Keep an eye on that ion leak.  Ensign Dalman, work with Ms. Fowler on figuring out the best place for us to craft a stand.”

USS Edinburgh – Ready Room – 0800

“So these are our top three suggestions.”  Fowler and Dalman stood before the command team having presented three areas in the surrounding sectors where they could give the Romulans a run for their money.

Harris sat at his desk and turned to the command team arrayed on the long couch, “Recommendations?”

Thasaz went first, “Whatever you do, it’ll have to be believable that we’re fleeing.  Given that these patrol groups often number up to three, that shouldn’t be too much trouble for us.  You’ll have to put us right up next to them so they can decloak and make their statement or move.  You may have to taunt them or do something further to pull them along.”  She examined the three choices, “Of the three, I’d recommend the Mosasbi Nebula Storm.  It’ll impact their shields and weapons intermittently – it’ll do the same to us so it’ll be balanced.  If it’s a place that causes only them harm, they won’t take the bait.”

Reid looked up from her PADD, “Sickbay is ready.  I’ve got all of them trained on triage.”  She looked to the other chief officers, “Appreciate you taking time with your assistants and crewmen as well in giving them the triage training.  I know it wasn’t easy given what other work we’re doing…but it’ll help us keep injuries to just that – injuries.”

Kondo was up next, “I’ll be at main tactical.  We’ve slotted Dalmen on the right tactical station and Webb on the left.  The extra eyes and hands on the stations should give us some extra help.”

Okada looked up as an awkward silence descended on the room, “Oh, yes.  Me.”  She scrolled through the PADD, “We’ve divided the engineering crews into damage control teams and repair teams.  We shifted a few science and helm officers into dispatch roles so they’ll handle organizing who goes where.  We’ve optimized everything we can when it comes to systems…but we’ve not really seen what she can do or take.”

Harris looked to each of them, “Thank you all for the reports.  This is the first time we’re taking this big of a risk with the Edinburgh.  I don’t intend to take unnecessary risks.  If things become untenable, I will get us out of here.”  He glanced at his chrono, “Let’s be ready to jump into action at 0830 – you’ve got fifteen minutes before we go live.  Dismissed.”

USS Edinburgh – The Castle – 0829

Prentice was back at the helm with Reid’s permission.  Harris sat forward in his chair, thinking of what more he could be doing.  They needed to draw them out.  And they needed answers.  “Mr, Prentice, lock in course and engage.”  The ship jumped forward.  Harris called for Red Alert and the bridge was bathed in a low ruby bath as the klaxons reminded everyone of the danger ahead.  Minutes passed as the officers kept their eyes to their stations, waiting…watching.

Soon, it was time.  Prentice announced, “Arriving at intercept point.  Dropping from warp…”  The New Orleans class slipped into regular space, the emptiness of the sector a stark reminder of the vastness of space.  It took thirty seconds for that to change.  It happened so fast.  Prentice announced, “Reading three power surges directly in front of us…”  Alerts and station klaxons were pinging across the bridge as the shadowy fade began to appear on the screen.

Kondo spoke quickly, “Sensors are picking up three Romulan Warbirds, D’deridex class.  All three are reading shields raised and weapons charged.”

Thasaz was last, “Sensors are not detecting the weapon in the area, Commander.  She glanced at her console, ”We are being hailed.”

Harris was surprised.  He had expected a lot more action and a little less conversation.  “Well.”  He stood and stared at the screen, “Let’s see what they have to say.  On-screen.”

An imposing Romulan officer filled the screen, the background the hazy bridge, “I am Colonel Rexin of The Praetor.  What is your purpose here?”

Harris held his face carefully.  First time talking to a Romulan face to face on his bridge.  The last time he’d tried talking to one they had opened fire on him.  “We are searching for our lost crewmen.  There was a Raven Class that crashed on a nearby planet and we were able to retrieve some survivors…but there are still three survivors we’re trying to locate.”  Keeping the man guessing was his only recourse.

“Interesting.  We are looking for one of our missing crew members as well. She was last seen on this planet you speak of as well.  She was assisting in a geological survey.”

Harris fought to control his face and won, for the moment.  It begat the question – what did this Rexin know about Saho?  He suspected where the officer intended for this conversation to go, and he needed to be ready.  “It seems we share a similar conundrum, Colonel Rexin.  We did not complete an exhaustive search of the planet…your crewmember may still be there.”

The Romulan openly laughed, “I very much doubt you left her alive, Commander.  I suspect you had a part in her disappearance and think you know exactly what happened to her.  His eyes searched his bridge and came to rest on Thasaz, his eyes widening, ”You have one of our officers in your ranks, Commander.  A Sub-Commander, no less.  Did you kidnap Thasaz as well?  What kind of abuse have you put our people through?”

Thasaz stood, indigent and furious.  Harris snapped his head and met her gaze.  They shared a silent moment and she hesitantly sat down, aiming all her rage at the man on the screen.  He tried to stay measured, “I assure you, we have kidnapped no one.  Subcommander Thasaz is a willing participant onboard Edinburgh.  We can send you the scans of the planet as a show of good faith if it helps you locate your crewman.”

Rexin shifted in his stance, “You do not impress me, Commander Harris.  Not even a captain.  You will pay for what you’ve done to our people.  Enjoy death, human.” 

The channel closed and Harris quietly spoke to Prentice, “Move us, Mr. Prentice.”  The Edinburgh shot forward at full impulse and dove into a spiral as the three Warbirds opened fire into empty space.”  Prentice gasped as he pulled the ship out of the dive and sent them running away from the three aggressors.  He tapped in the course of the nebula and sent them into warp speed.  The three Warbirds sat, waiting…and then followed them.

USS Edinburgh – The Castle – 0845

“Captain…I have an idea.”  He turned to the right in his chair to face his science chief.  She continued, “I have traced the names of the other two ships.  The Clawed Death and the Sharpened Cutlass.  I know both of their captains from the old days.”  Taking a deep breath she explained, “I’d like to attempt to communicate with them, sir.”

Harris watched the distance to the nebula counting down on his console, ‘To what end, Lieutenant?”

“I think I can get them to retreat their ships.”  She accepted his incredulous look, “My research into Commodore Patra showed a rapid expansion in his power base over the last year or so.  This means he’s suddenly become flush with ships and crews…some of them he’s probably had to put in battle groups with his trusted sub-commanders.  There’s a chance these two men are not true believers.”  She tapped at her console and brought upon the images of the two men she’d identified, “Deldeel and Hansuth.  Both relatively new in the fleet and in the Empire.  They have family connections across the former empire.  Whoever they served before this was either conquered or bought out by this Patra.”

The countdown counter continued, “You suggest we buy them out?”  He gave her an even longer look.

“I suspect these men don’t want to be here doing the dirty work with Rexin.”

The counter clicked ever closer as the CO turned to the bridge, “Recommendations?”

Kondo glanced at his two other tactical officers and then to Harris, “I’m a fighter, through and through…but if this works – we get closer to our crew and closer to the madman and we save our powder and blood for another day.  I say we go for it.”

Prentice spoke with urgency, “Whatever we do, it must be quickly…we are nearly to the nebula.”

Harris drummed his hands on the arms of his command chair and grumbled, “Whatever plan letter we’re on, let’s do this.  Prentice, all stop.  Swung us around to face them.  Thasaz, find a way to talk to them…and quickly.  Get me a channel with the big ugly one.”  

Prentice chuckled, “Big and Ugly coming right up”, as he tapped at his console and soon the image of said big and ugly was on the screen.

“You cannot forestall your death, Commander.”

The CO grimaced for effect, “Actually, I can.  We surrender.”  The bridge crew snapped their heads at him in surprise and gasps were heard from the bridge of The Praetor.  Harris tapped the console and set them to Yellow Alert, “You can scan us…our weapons are no longer powered or trained on you.  We don’t stand a chance against the three of you…never mind one of you.  It’d be a bloodbath.”  Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Thasaz working her console with an earpiece hidden by her hair.

Rexin stared at Harris for a moment, his murderous brain trying to sort out what had just happened.  He repeated the commander’s words back to him, “You…surrender?  I do not understand.”  

The CO nodded, “We surrender.  We will coordinate with crew from your ships coming over to steward us to your leader for discussions with Starfleet.”  He leaned back in his chair, controlling both the fear and delight at how he had caused a short in the Colonel’s brain.

“You cannot surrender.  You will die.  As I said before, you cannot forestall your death.  Target their bridge!”

Harris felt his heart racing.  As he glanced around at the bridge crew he was not alone.  Eyes were wide and hands gripped consoles in anticipation of whatever was coming.  He muttered something about fools and their plans and hovered his finger over the red alert icon on his console.  

Then Rexin frowned.

And said, “They said…what?!”  Another pause.  “They…threaten US?”  He stared off-screen and then whipped around to face Harris once more, “I will deal with you in a moment.”  

The channel slammed shut and Harris turned to Thasaz, “Report.”

“They choked on the moment he was going to kill us even as we’d surrendered.  They’ve locked their weapons on Rexin’s ship and have agreed to fight with us and disable The Praetor.”

Harris stared at her, “That was the thing they choked on?  Not the murder of one our own…not the meaningless accusations, not the brutality of their adopted organization…it was our impending doom as a surrendered party?”

Thasaz shrugged, “There are plenty of stories in human history with which I could ask much the same questions, Commander.”

The CO turned his chair to face the screen, “Game, Set, Match to the Lieutenant.”  

Suddenly Kondo spoke up, “All Romulan ships are powering weapons.  It appears the two are targeting the one.”

The CO stabbed the Red Alert icon and the lights faded to red as the klaxons rang out once more, “Then let’s help our newfound friends out.  Mr. Prentice, let’s get the Edinburgh back on the board.”

USS Edinburgh – The Castle – 0900

“Shields at 80%”, announced Prentice as he pirouetted the Edinburg up and away from torpedoes from The Praetor.  Disrupter fire sprayed across the ship’s underbelly, sending shudders through the lower decks.  “Shields at 75% – she’s found a target in the shield harmonics.”  The Clawed Death and Sharpened Cutlass were doing their own dance against their newfound enemy.  It had become clear that Rexin was battle-tested.  The others were having their own troubles.

“Both ships have taken damage – their shields hold at 80% but he’s using his knowledge of their ship’s weaknesses against them.”  Kondo fired a barrage of torpedoes at The Praetor and reported, “We’ve knocked out one disrupter…her shields are at 60%.  Mr. Prentice, if you will.”  He transmitted a course suggestion and the helm officer nodded as he put it into practice.  The ship shuddered as the maneuver turned them into three incoming torpedoes and the bridge shook as they pounded on the saucer section, sparks flying from the lights as the power systems were pushed.

Prentice waited until Kondo had completed his phaser fire and then threw the ship into an evasive maneuver as he reported, “Shields at 70% – and holding.”

Harris gripped the arms of his chair, “Focus on his thrusters, Mr. Kondo – let’s take his movement.  Let’s get more…”  The sound of Romulan disrupters echoed as it impacted the shields and caused some consoles to flicker.  “Shields at 60%.  Let’s get more aggressive.”

The tactical chief retasked the targeting computers and let a smile reach his lips, “Shifting attack plan.”  The Edinburgh seemed to take a deep breath before she banked into a turn towards The Praetor, firing a barrage of phaser fire and torpedoes straight into the warp engines and impulse engines of the Warbird.  The Warbird let loose with its one working disrupter blaster and a bevy of torpedoes. 

The helm officer grimaced, “Oh damn…”, and did what he could but they were too close.  The combined close weapons fire from the Romulan ship slammed into the bridge and the floor dropped out from under them as the rest of the ship shuddered under the load.  The Tower consoles exploded in a hail of sparks, fire, and debris while the bridge lights summarily exploded, sending the crew into darkness.

Harris called out, “Emergency lights.  Sickbay to the bridge.”  The minimal lights kicked on as consoles remained powered.  He stood carefully, “Prentice, you with us?”

A cough as he raised his hand in the smokey darkness, “Shields are at 40% – they hit us pretty hard.  Looks like we disabled them pretty good though.  They ain’t moving.”  The doors to the bridge opened and Reid stepped through with a cadre of orderlies and nurses moving quickly to those that were on the ground or just getting up.  A second later Chief Katsumi bounded through the door with her own damage control team.

Harris stared at the screen.  They’d disabled Rexin and his ship…but at what cost.  He coughed as the smoke continued to fill the bridge, “Mr. Prentice, damage report?”

“Bridge, well you can see that.  We’ve got some corridor damage and fires that are currently being controlled and managed.  Transporters are offline for the moment along with the deflector.  Our phaser arrays were overloaded with that last attack.  Exhaust fans are offline…”

The Chief Engineer interrupted him, “Don’t say it!”  She had pulled out a chipset from the wall and was scanning, “I’ve almost got it…”, she accepted a tossed isolinear chip from a fellow engineer and clicked it into place.  Seconds later the fans kicked on and the bridge began to clear.  She turned to Prentice, “Exhaust fans are online.”  She smiled big and bounded off to the next thing that needed her expertise on the bridge.

Prentice chuckled, “I’ll have more as I get it, Commander.”

Thasaz spoke from her station as a nurse cleaned the blood from her head, “The Praetor is disabled. Clawed Death and Sharpened Cutlass report they are in progress with boarding her.  They are working to identify where our crewmen might be.”  She paused as the nurse ran a dermal regenerator over her skin.  Once done she continued, “They have asked us what we want to do with Rexin once they find him.”

Harris accepted a nurse scanning him as he moved to sit in the command chair, “It seems we could be in the business of collecting Romulan bad guys.  Do they want him?”  The nurse cleaned up the scratch and ran the regenerator over the wound before she moved on.

“They are indifferent.  With Rexin’s defeat, they’re calling their allegiance no longer valid.  They’re going to find a warmer port.”

The CO stood carefully, “Coordinate with Kondo and get him secured.  He doesn’t get to see or know that Saho exists.”  He glanced around the bridge.  The lights were slowly being replaced as the debris and wrecked consoles were getting swept up.  “Lieutenant Thasaz, you have the CONN.  I’m headed to sickbay.”  He entered the tubolift.  The doors closed but he didn’t select a deck.  He simply stood, leaning against the wall.

Deck, please?

He wondered what the Harris of the early days of the Erigone would be feeling now if their places were changed.  Would the doubting Commander have survived this encounter?

Deck, please?

The short months from Erigone to Edinburgh had changed him.  He’d come to understand death as a reality.  That the no-win scenario was ever-present with each mission they took and course they set.

Deck, please?

He sighed inwardly.  Command was a heavy thing…a complicated thing…and it was a life and death thing.

Deck, please?

He could only hope there was more life than death in the future of the USS Edinburgh.

Deck, please?

Harris growled, “Sickbay, you inpatient computer.”  The turbolift went into motion and the CO grumbled, “Sorry, computer.”

The computer beeped as if accepting his apology.

USS Edinburgh – Sickbay – 0920

“25 injured. 7 serious enough to keep them here and 1 critical.  The rest we confined to quarters until we could do a house call in a few hours to check their vitals and see how they’re progressing.”  They stood in Reid’s office as she handed him a PADD, “We were lucky, Commander.”  She waited as he read through the reports.

“We had help, Lieutenant.  It was chance that Chief Thasaz knew the history of the two other captains.  Hindsight being what it is…I don’t think we would have made it out of that nebula alive….or we’d be crawling out.”  He handed the PADD back to her.

“Not a believer in luck, sir?”

“Luck is a dangerous thing to believe in space.  I’ve seen enough people rely on it…or believe in it enough that when the moment comes where they need to cut their losses and run…”

Reid made the connection, “They think luck’ll get ‘em through…instead their luck runs out and that’s the end of their story.  Never thought of it that way.”

The CO shrugged, “These are the things you learn the hard way out here.  Let’s meet our patients, Doc.”  She led him out to meet the remaining crew in sickbay.  He met with each officer and crewman in the biobeds.  Reid watched as he pulled up a stool to each bedside and spoke in low and encouraging tones as he listened to the injured tell their story.  Harris made sure to find out more about each of them beyond just their wounds.  He had served under callous commanding officers in the past.  He’d always been told that trust was built in the trenches and with the survivors.  It mattered to him to do this sacred duty with each of them.  There could come a day where they would have a hand in saving the rest of the ship…or even himself.  Trust was a sacred thing among the souls aboard a starship.  He finished with the most critically injured – an engineer who’d been in the wrong place at the wrong time in the battle.  They returned to her office and they took their respective seats.  “They’re sending a chief counseling officer and five counselors.”

Reid glanced up, “That’s some of the best news I’ve heard in a while.”

The CO winced, “Well, that’s the good news.  She’s a lieutenant commander with years of experience…they reactivated her because of the needs of the fleet.  Apparently, they’ve started pulling in retirees willing…or unwilling.  That’s a rumor, mind you.”

Reid stared at him, “She’ll outrank me by a country mile, Ambrose.”

“Yes…yes she will.”

“Get to it then.”

He sat back and put his hands up, “Not sure if I want to do it with this version of Jordan Reid, Chief Medical Officer.”

She sighed and motioned for him to close the door, which he did.  A moment of silence held, “I know it’s probably the best move for…whatever our thing is or ends up being…it just…I was a first officer on a starship.  And not a dinky little Raven either.”  She grumbled, “Once you get a taste of something greater…it’s hard to adjust your diet.”  She looked away from him and dabbed at her eyes, “My parents were so proud of me for getting the brass ring at 25.”  A sigh and she turned her attention to him, “Tell me my bad news that I already know but you have to tell me anyway.  I’ll get over it eventually.”

He felt a part of his heartache for her as he did as she asked, “Effective at 1000 hours today, You will relinquish your title of First Officer of the USS Edinburgh to our Chief Counselor, Lieutenant Commander Blanchefleur Courtemanche.”

Jordan chuckled dryly, “I will stand relieved of my duties at 1000 hours.”  She glanced out the windows of her office, “My crew saved some lives today, Ambrose.”  She felt some pride in her heart build, “They weren’t perfect…but they were good.”  The doctor met his gaze, “Dinner tonight?”

The CO smiled, “I think that’s allowed.”  He stood and walked to the office door but stopped in the opening, turning to her for a moment, “Tell them they did well, Lieutenant Reid.  Let them know.  The miracles of praise for a job well done…it can affect future careers and lives.”  He gave her a wave and headed to the turbolift.  HIs badge beeped as he left sickbay.

=^=Kondo to Commander Harris.  They’ve located Rexin.  He’s locked himself in with our two remaining survivors.=^=

Harris stopped in the corridor, “That was a very pregnant pause, Mr. Kondo.  What’s going on?”

=^=Apparently one of the survivors is helping him hold the other hostage…with a charged phaser rifle.  They’re demanding passage off the ship and free travel.  Or they’ll kill the hostage and then blow the ship.  They’ve already taken shots at the Romulan rescue group.  They confirm that there is a very good chance Rexin could destroy the part of the ship they are in – and cause significant damage to us and the other Romulan Warbirds.  They want to kill the bas…him.  I told them they needed to wait for you, sir. =^=

The CO grumbled, “I’m sure they were as pleased as Romulan Ale about that.  Are transporters back online?”  Kondo answered in the affirmative and Harris replied, “I’ll change into an away team uniform and equipment in my ready room.  Have Chief meet me there as soon as possible.”  The channel closed and he entered the turbolift.

Deck, please?

Harris groaned, “Oh don’t you start again. Bridge, fast as you can.”  The computer beeped affirmatively and headed to deck 1.

USS Edinburgh – Ready Room – 0945

Chief of Security and Tactical Kondo De La Fontaine sat on the long couch in the ready room next to Chief Engineer and XO Okada Katsumi as he explained to Commander Harris, “We’d transport them out but as we just discovered…”

Okada picked up from there, “Rexin’s ship design deviates from most D’deridex class ships as he installed a prison unit that prevents any kind of transport lock or transporting.  Even if we get the reinforced door open, no dice.  The other two ship’s commanders have been busy…interrogating members of his crew for answers, among other things.”

Harris looked up from the reports he was reading, eyebrows raised, “Anything we should be worrying about?”

Kondo shrugged, “I don’t know what we could do about it if we needed to, sir.  We’re not in Federation territory, and this is their space.  Their rules.  Unless they step on board the Edinburgh, we’re on the sidelines.”  The security chief shifted in his seat, “There is one more thing, Commander.”  His CO turned his attention to the ensign.  “I am requesting to escort you aboard The Praetor.”

The CO signed off on the reports and stood, adjusting his away team gear, “Your reasoning?”

“I do not completely trust our new Romulan friends.  They assisted us in stopping a madman…but they will now have three D’deridex class ships to our one New Orleans class.  In any away team scenario with the possibility of a threat or possibility of danger to the command team crew or any crew, a security officer is required to be attached..and armed.”

Harris slipped his phaser into its holster and did another check, “I’m not going to argue with you, Mr. Kondo.  You get to come along – my chances of living another day go up exponentially with you around.  No offense, Chief.”  She smiled and shrugged. He continued, “Get your gear and meet us in Transporter Room 1.  Chief?” Okada stood and followed them out of the room.  Harris glanced at Thasaz, “Lieutenant, you have the CONN.”  She moved to the center chair as the group entered the turbolift.

The Praetor – Prison Wing – 1000

Harris walked behind two Romulan officers who were very armed.  Kondo was on his right and Okada on his left.  He could hear shouting from down the corridor and determined that things hadn’t really improved.  He reached the door where the two captains from the Clawed Death and Sharpened Cutlass were standing, arms crossed and furious.  They spotted him walking up and immediately turned on him, The Clawed captain started, “You need to let us do this our way.  Rexin is insane…you cannot reason with him.”

Harris held up his hands, “Look, I’ve got two crewmen in there…and I’d like to get them both home.   If my attempt fails, we yield to you.”

The captain of the Sharpened Cutlass stared at him, “You’re down to one crewman.  The other has been brainwashed by Rexin to believe him completely.”  He attempted an apologetic look, “He had enough time with the boy to destroy whoever he was before.”

Harris held his heart in his stomach and refused to react to the news.  Instead, Ambrose turned to Okada, “This is my Chief of Engineering.  I know you’ve done all that you could to get in there…but I’d like to see if she could shake something loose.”  They shrugged and an officer was told to take her wherever she needed.  He turned to Kondo, “Let’s see what we can do.”  The man’s face remained straight with a slight nod as they stepped up to the door.  There was a button to open the channel into the unit on the wall.  Harris tapped it.  “Ensign Carl?  This is Commander Ambrose Harris…USS Edinburgh.  I’m here to take you and Ensign Kranz home.” The open channel was silent, but he could hear whispered conversations over the channel until a voice spoke.

=^=”You aren’t my commander!  I know what you did to us…what you did to them.  I’m going to expose you, you murderer=^=

Harris raised his eyebrow, “Well.”  He tapped the button, “I understand how you might think that, Ensi…”

There was a screech as the other end interrupted him, =^=I’m not an ensign.  I am Centurion Carl.  And you will not tell me what to think.  I have seen and heard the truth…you lie like they all did when I signed up.  I was fed the false gospel.  You either let us off this ship…or we’ll take you all with us=^=

Kondo leaned in, “Commander…I do not think we can reprogram this man in the time we have left.  The Romulans were lacking in patience before we arrived.  I do not think it will change.”

The CO moved to speak but his communications badge interrupted him, =^=Chief to Commander Harris, I have good news and bad news.”

“Give me the bad.” He pressed his fingers on his nose, feeling the start of a tension headache at the edges of his mind.

=^=This Rexin is a real bastard and he hired a helluva engineer to protect that jail unit from anything and anyone.=^=

The CO glanced at Kondo who shared the same question, “What’s the good news?”

=^=I’ve cut all power to anything in there that he could use to blow us up.=^=

Kondo nodded appreciatively, “I had hoped to avoid death today.  Looks like my track record continues.”

Harris spoke to his engineering chief, “Appreciate it Chief.  Find your way back to the Edinburgh and take the CONN.”  He tapped the wall button once more, “Centurion Carl…what would it take for this to end peaceably?”

The line remained open and silence descended upon the gathered Starfleet and Romulan officers.  A second later the voice of Rexin spoke, =^=You and yours immediate deaths, Commander.=^=

The former Starfleet Ensign spoke up, =^=I will kill you myself, Commander.  You just wait.  I will make you pay.=^=  The channel squelched shut and the CO sighed and stepped away from the gathered Romulans with Kondo.

“Suggestions?”

The security chief was somber, “I knew Ensign Carl in the academy.  He was talented…kind.”  He sighed, “But he was a follower, Commander.  He got himself in trouble a few times for falling in with some foolish cadets…nearly drummed him out.  He stuck around because that’s what he was supposed to do, you see?”  Another somber pause, “I do not think we can save him.  Our only chance is to let the Romulans try and save Ensign Kranz.  Her life still has possibilities.  I do not see redemption in Ensign Carl’s future.  We had time with Saho.  We don’t have time here.”

Harris knew his security and tactical chief was right.  There was only so much you could do.  His heart was heavy from the one loss he’d endured as a commanding officer.  He had desperately wanted to avoid another.  He returned to speak to the two Romulan captains, “Can you promise me the prisoner lives?”  

The Clawed Death captain frowned, “You no longer care about the convert?”

“It’s not that I don’t care…it’s that I have to choose the life that can be saved.  If he dies…please ensure his body is transported to us for care and transfer.”

The Romulan captain nodded, “We will do everything in our power to honor this, Commander Harris.  You’ve earned our respect today.”  He gave the human CO a last look and returned to the group and began ordering them into place.  Kondo and his CO stepped down the corridor and waited.  It didn’t take long.  The door exploded in a fiery curtain, shaking the deck.  Shouts and a barrage of disrupter fire echoed down the corridor as Harris bowed his head.  A moment later the Clawed Death captain returned, “Come with me, Commander.”

The walls of the room were pockmarked with blaster fire and a fire was still burning in the corner.  The bodies of Rexin and Ensign Carl lay beside each other, splayed out.  The captain of the Sharpened Cutless led a shivering sobbing figure to them, “Commander, your ensign.  Alive, as promised.”

Harris turned to Kondo, “Get her to sickbay as fast as you can.  Ensign Kranz…”

She spoke through the sobs, “I know who you are, Commander Harris.  Thank you for saving me…”  She jumped out and hugged him heartily.  He wasn’t sure at first but returned the favor as she openly sobbed into his chest.  Her uniform was bloody, tattered, and sweat-stained…but she was safe.  She trembled in his embrace for a few more moments before pulling back, her eyes still spilling the evidence of her pain, “You did the right thing, sir.  Please don’t think you didn’t try.”  Kondo gently took her hand and escorted her out the formerly secured door.  Harris heard the symphony of the transporter beams a second later.

He turned to the two captains, “You have my personal thanks for what you did here today.”  He extended his hand to each and after hesitating, they each shook his hand.  “I’m not asking this officially…”, he looked around and found they were alone in the corridor at last, “But any information you are able to share with us about Commodore Patra or anything related to him…we would do everything in our power to seek justice for those he’s hurt.”

The Sharpened Cutles captain narrowed his eyes for a moment, “We have yet to finish a full inventory of The Praetor.  Once that is complete…we may find that some databanks have gone…missing.  We will of course investigate but come up empty.”  He stared long and hard at the Starfleet CO, “That is what I see in the near future.”

Harris gave a quiet nod to them both, “There is hope for the galaxy yet if we can accomplish what we did today.  Until we meet again, Captains.”  Harris accepted their slight bows in response and headed out the door and tapped his commbadge, =^=Harris to Portas, Transport me the hell home, now.=^=  He felt immediate relief as his favorite symphony played him home.

USS Edinburgh – Ready Room – 1030

“We have her in a medically induced coma in the intensive care bed.  Her injuries are numerous and extensive.  Her arms were broken at least twice.  There are multiple hairline fractures on both legs, not to mention her shoulders being dislocated multiple times.”  Reid shook her head, “We’re still evaluating her skull, brain, and the number of concussions she suffered at the hands of Rexin.”  She turned to the new member of the crew, Lieutenant Commander Blanchefleur Courtemanche.  “Dr. Court, your experience and knowledge will be extraordinarily helpful with Ensign Kranz’s recovery and ongoing diagnosis.”

Harris watched the two women carefully.  He hadn’t had a chance to welcome the new Chief Counselor officer aboard.  They’d started this briefing with her walking in the door.  The older officer gave Jordan a thoughtful nod, “It will be paramount that I or one of our counselors work with her as you treat her.  The level of the trauma she has experienced…what she’s seen, heard, and felt – will grow and multiply within her if we don’t start our work as soon as possible.  If she is to remain a member of this crew…we’ll have to work hard at ensuring her treatment plan is complete.”

Harris spoke up, “I think that we make that official.  You will both work together to ensure our ensign is able to eventually return to duty physically, mentally, and emotionally stable.”  Both women gave slight nods and he moved on, “We’re working on getting the shields repaired and our power issues that surfaced during the attack understood.  We’ll be in this sector for a few days.”  He looked to both of them, “Questions?”  There were none.  “You are dismissed.  Doctor Court, if you can hang back for a moment.”

Reid stood and left the room quickly and Blanche turned to her new CO,  “Me being the first officer isn’t going over well with her, is it?”

Harris sighed and leaned forward at the desk, “I’m sorry we didn’t have a proper introduction when you came aboard.  I would have liked to have given you the head up on a few things.  One, Lieutenant Jordan Reid was my first officer since about March.  Your arrival and your rank determined the change was needed.  Two, she took great pride in being assigned that role…and even though she held the title for but a few months…the lieutenant doesn’t have a shortage of passion and feelings.”

The new first officer scoffed, “So…what, I’ve bruised her ego?”

“Dr. Court – we’re a young crew.”  He glanced up from his notes to look her in the eyes, “You won’t find many long-serving chiefs in our command crew and our assigned officers and crewmen are all recent graduates from the academy.”  He didn’t look away from her as he continued, “I hope that you will remember your early days in Starfleet…and what that felt like.  I’ve only held the center chair for three months…but in my previous positions I’ve seen where the path of an unhealthy crew culture goes…and I’ve seen where one officer remains stuck in their ways…and the unintentional harm it can cause.”

She met his gaze and held it as he spoke.  “You’re telling me I’m a guest in your house.”

The CO shook his head, “No.  I’m offering you the chance to be adopted into this crew and run with us as long as you want.  Adoption means full access and full acceptance.  That goes both ways.  You’re here to help our crew grapple with the loss of two ensigns some of them knew pretty damned well. They’re going to be looking to you for help, bruised egos and all.”

“I think I know how to do my job, Commander.”  She went to stand.

Harris cleared his throat, “You are not dismissed.”  He stared at her and she leaned back into the couch.  “You know how to do your job, Dr. Court.  What you don’t know is our crew…and what we’ve been through.”  Waving off her offering the PADD with the mission reports detailed, “Those reports are just the start.  My main helmsman isn’t able to return to full-time work because he discovered the body of Crewman Ismael floating in space.  Do you remember the first body you ever dealt with?”

Blanche felt her temper fire but tempered it as she listened.  As much as she didn’t want to admit it, the commander was starting to make some sense.  “I do.  It was our second officer.  He’d gotten stuck in engineering trying to prevent a coolant leak.”  She bit her lip as the once-dormant senses of that day flashed.  “I was just a junior counselor then…helping with the search and rescue teams.”  She glanced up, “Commander…I’m sorry.  Stepping back aboard a starship…I haven’t done this command crew thing in five years.”  A chuckle, “Being retired meant I could say what I wanted when I wanted and to who I wanted.”

Ambrose accepted her apology, “You shouldn’t feel like you can’t say what you need to me.  First Officer is my sounding board…the one who talks me down from storming the castle or making a bad call.  I need you to feel free to say what you need.  The puzzle piece to all of that…is that you need to know the audience you’re stepping in front of today.”

A moment of silence passed between them and she replied, “I can do that.  Any advice with Doctor Reid?”

“Be yourself with her – seek her guidance with this ship and crew.  She doesn’t put up with pretense.  Good luck, Dr. Court.  And welcome aboard the Edinburgh.”

She stood and stopped as the door to the bridge opened, “You should give her a nickname, Commander.  Edinburgh is a mouthful.  Maybe The Eddie.”  The door closed behind her as she left.

Harris let out the breath he’d been holding and leaned back in his chair.  The console beeped, =^=Bridge to Commander Harris…I have a priority one message from…a USS Polson?”

The CO tapped the console.  He wasn’t familiar with the ship or its captain, “I’ll take it here.”  The screen on his desk displayed the logo of the Olympic class USS Polson and then the image of her captain filled the screen.  He frowned, “Mom?”

Rachel Harris grinned widely from her own ready room.  “Ambrose!  I’m sending you updated orders from Starfleet.  We’re passing through with our task force and they’ve given us a bunch of equipment and templates for your modular pods – mostly medical and weapons based.  We should be in your area by 2000 hours.”

Ambrose wasn’t sure how to respond.  His mother had made captain somewhere in the last six months and hadn’t told him.  She was a part of the Diplomatic Corps which gave him questions he was most certainly not going to ask his mother.  He found his response, “Appreciate the heads up, mother.  You have a habit of crashing the party.”  She rolled her eyes and closed the channel.  Harris thought about everything he’d need to get ready for a visiting captain and then his mind found the one thing that he hadn’t put a name to.  Well, that they hadn’t put a name to.  He muttered, “Shit,” as he tapped out a message to Jordan to meet him in his quarters for lunch later.

It rained, and it poured on the Edinburgh, he decided.

USS Edinburgh – Morgue – 1130

Jordan worked in complete silence as the two bodies rested on the frigid slabs.  She had known colleagues over the years to play music in the background as they went about the process of preparing the dead for burial or transport.  It had always caused her great discomfort – as if she was offending the dead with the music of the living.  It was a sacred thing to care for the lifeless – they could not protect themselves or speak in protest.  The silence helped keep her mind focused on the care for the body.  She had started with Crewman Afya Ismael.  Her report was filled with the injuries the young woman had gone through before being thrown into space.  Reid’s heart had dropped to her toes when she made the discovery that Ismael had been alive when they’d tossed her out into the vacuum.  Her lungs bore the telltale signs of asphyxiation in an oxygenless environment.  As the doctor had continued to examine her body she didn’t want to imagine what her last moments had been like floating away from the ship, realizing her last glimpses of life would be that of her captors. She still did – it was hard not to uncover what had happened without understanding what it would have felt like to die in space.  An orderly shuffled in with the metal coffin and helped her gently place Ismael in her resting space.  Reid secured the body within, and slowly lowered the lid.  She set the lid down and tapped at the console…the final six clicks securing the cover to the coffin echoing loudly in the emptiness.

She turned her attention to Ensign Klaus Carl and repeated her steps.

USS Edinburgh – Seven-Forward Lounge – 1230

The tables had been cleared from the crew mess and the chairs arranged.  The two caskets were arrayed in the front with the UFP and Starfleet flags draped on either side.  Various crew had been filtering into the seats and soon the room was filled.  An officer at the front played gently on a piano.  Commander Harris sat in the front, scrolling through the notes he had made on his PADD.  The loss of two crewmen was hard in any season…but for such a young crew who had spent four years in the Academy together…the losses were cutting harder.  He had spent much of his time before this service meeting with friends of the two and hearing the things that mattered.  He checked his chrono and got a nod from Reid.  He had elected for a dress uniform and the entire command team had agreed.  Much of the gathered crew had followed their lead while others had chosen black to mourn the lost. He stood and stepped to the podium.

“Good afternoon.  We gather here today in order to try to understand why.”  He paused, looking over the crowd.  Several were already leaning into each other or dabbing at their eyes.  “Today we give our last farewell to Crewman Afya Ismael and Ensign Klaus Carl.  You knew them better than anyone.  Each of you here built friendships and relationships with them over four years of learning, understanding, and facing the challenges of becoming a part of Starfleet.”  He took a sip of water, “Understanding loss can feel an impossible task.  Grief is a monster who waits in the shadows…a monster you think you’ve slain only for it to rise from the shadows once more.  You must know this – you are not alone in this struggle.  Each of us in this room has felt the stinging pain of sorrow…of reaching for that empty place at the table or sending a message that will never be opened.  You are not alone on this path.”  He looked from his notes, “Serving together on this ship is unique – we become more and more like a family.  A crew bonded together by success, failure, and loss.”  He took another sip. “I spoke about understanding why…it is the question you have asked yourself over and over.  It is the part of the grieving process that is the hardest at times.  We live in an age of understanding, of answers – of knowing so much about our universe and what happens within it…that when we wrestle with the why in moments like these – we can exhaust ourselves.”  He looked out and let the words settle before he continued, “Because the why eludes us…is hidden from us or is never fully understood.  The answer to why may never be fully explained to us…we must find a way to accept such things.  Our hearts and souls can only travel down the endless road of questioning without answer for so long.”

He paused and looked out to the gathering, “I wish I could bring them back.  I wish you could have made it longer and farther along without this moment.  There were some friends of the deceased who wish to speak.”  He stepped and gave them space to speak.  Each of them spoke of memories, of conversations, of inside jokes that caused ripples of laughter to course through the shared tears.  Moments of levity in class and off duty were given context and there was more laughter, a bright lamp in the midst of the fog of sadness.  The last officer finished speaking and returned to his seat.  Harris returned to the podium and let the conversations between friends continue as more scattered chuckles weaved through the gathering.  Silence soon fell.

“You have taken the first step in dressing the wound of loss.  You have the memories of your friends and the light they brought to our lives.  Cling to that. Remember that.  Remember them.  And find ways to honor them as you go forward.  They are gone…but they are not forgotten.”  He stepped away as the piano player played one of the favorite songs of the gathered officers.  Their grief-strained voices sung along softly at each chorus until the song had faded and silence returned.  Slowly the gathered crew stood and made their way to the caskets to say their final farewell.  Soon it was just Harris and Reid standing by the caskets.

“You spoke well of them, Ambrose.”

He put his hand on Afya Ismael’s coffin, “They deserved more.  They deserved to live, Jordan.”

She gave a nod and slid up next to him, “You’ll make sure the others get that chance.  I know it.”  She kissed his cheek, “I’ll see you for lunch a little later.”  She left the room and Harris stood, silently standing sentinel over the dead.

USS Edinburgh – Quarters– 1300

“Your mother?”  Reid raised her eyebrows, “Well, that’s something new.”  She swirled her plate of spaghetti in contemplation.

Harris put his soda down, “She’s always been a high-level diplomat going from here to there.  I learned never to ask what she had been up to or where she’d gone.”  He took a bit of his burger, relishing the pickle.

“But Captain of an Olympic class starship?  That’s big, Ambrose.  Do you think she made some moves to make sure she was the one to come this way?”

“There are a great many things that I doubt about my mother.  The one thing I never doubt is her reasoning in whatever she does.  There is always a purpose in her moves on the chess board.  Quite literally – she’s a monster of a chess player.”

They ate in silence until Jordan finally put down her fork, “You gonna introduce me?”

He paused, the burger halfway to his mouth before he gently put it back on the plate, “As my Chief Medical Officer?”  She gave him a long look and he relented, “I think if we can figure out what,” he gestured from him to her and back again, “…this is before she arrives, yeah.  I think we can have dinner tonight…and I would introduce you to her…whatever we decide you are.”  He retrieved his abandoned burger and resumed his meal.

Jordan played with her noodles for a moment, “Are we…friends with benefits….or are we…boyfriend and girlfriend?”  She stared at her plate for a moment before looking up at him.

He thought for a moment about the answer.  She’d just recently kissed him on the cheek at the funeral service.  They’d snuggled, hugged, and flirted fairly heavily in the last months and more recently.  He leaned forward, his elbows on the dining table, “We’re not 16-year-old star-crossed lovers anymore…we’re both adults.”  He stared into her eyes, “We both clearly like each other.”  He let a breath of a moment pass before, “I think we could settle on girlfriend/boyfriend.”  Her smile at his admission was enough to power his hopes for the future, never mind the next few minutes.  It was a dangerously cute smile with impish implications and whole-hearted care wrapped together.

She returned to spinning up her spaghetti, “We’ll need to go on more dates, you and I.  Get to know each other.”  Before she took a bite she wondered, “She gonna have a problem with our age difference?  To some people out there, ten years is a canyon.”

Harris chuckled as he finished the last of his burger, “I think my mother will be thrilled that I’m actually seeing someone this time around.  She will ask if we’ve slept together.”

Reid dropped her fork, “What?!”

He stood and cleared the plates back to the kitchen, “She’s particular with certain things, I’ve learned and permissive of others.”  He returned to her staring at him with a great host of questions swirling around her face.

“So are we going to sleep together?”  It was her turn to put her elbows on the table and he chuckled nervously.

“One step at a time, Jordan.  When we get to know each other better…and when my mother isn’t within a few hours of arriving…we can tackle that question.”

Reid smiled slyly, “Oh there is going to be tackling, that is a promise.”  She cackled at his reddened face and clapped her hands.

=^=Commander Harris to Transporter Room 1.=^=  

Harris tapped his badge quickly, thankful for an exit, “On my way.”  He stood and kissed her on her head, “Let’s do this more often…without the interruptions.”  He left out the door leaving a very happy Jordan Reid behind.

USS Edinburgh – Transporter Room 1 – 1320

Harris stepped through the door and found himself facing the two Romulan captains standing by the transporter pad.  “Welcome aboard the USS Edinburgh, captains…what can I do for you?”  One glanced at the transporter officer and Harris dismissed him, “Mr. Jones – go find yourself a meal in the mess…and have a dessert while you’re there.”  The man looked at Harris and then gave an understanding nod as he hastily left the room.

The Clawed Death captain handed him a small case, “We were never here.  You will erase any trace of our transport aboard.  You found these data chips and cards upon searching the body of Rexin without our permission or authorization when we were outside of the room on The Praetor.”  He looked to his fellow captain, “We will deny any kind of association attempt by you or Starfleet Command.  Do not attempt to contact us.”

The captain from the Sharpened Cutlass handed him another case, “You found this in the wreckage of The Praetor upon its destruction.”

Harris looked from one to the other, “You’re going to destroy her?”

The Clawed Death CO gruffly answered him, “The Praetor and its weapon must be destroyed.  They went too far…too fast.  The powers of the Galaxy must be in balance with each other…we do not wish to be responsible for annihilation and genocide beyond our borders.  We know the length of most humans’ memory.  You hold grudges as good as any species in the known universe.”

Ambrose raised his eyebrows, “You found the weapon?”

They both made no move to nod but the Sharpened Cutless captain assured him, “We have located it and will be destroying it within the hour.”

He couched his next question carefully, “You’ll understand if I ask if I can trust your word on this.”

The Clawed Death captain spoke plainly, “It is a weapon of elimination, not battle…not war.  It is offensive.”

Harris gave a nod after a moment of consideration, “You were never here.  And we never spoke about any of this.”  They gave a quiet bow and returned to the transporter pad as Harris tapped at the console and watched them vanish into the light.  He sighed as he went about the business of removing the records of their visit.  He quietly wondered if they would ever meet in the blackness of space again…and what would be the terms of their engagement then?  The question rested on his mind as he picked up the cases and headed for Thasaz’s office.

USS Edinburgh – Quarters– 2030

Ambrose sat at the table, an amused look on his face.  His mother and Jordan had hit it off immediately after he’d introduced her as his, ‘girlfriend’, for the first time.  Rachel’s eyes had glittered and the two had been talking for the last half hour as he’d quietly served dinner, drinks, and dessert.  Jordan glanced at her chrono and realized she had an early morning report.  Harris hugged her goodbye and gave her a kiss on the cheek.  The door closed on her and his mother hit him playfully, “Took you long enough.  I like her.”  He rolled his eyes and tapped at the replicator.  Moments later they were sitting on the couches, her coffee steaming and his chill cider swirling in his cup.  She leaned back and let out a long sigh, “If I ever suggest becoming a captain again, tell me no.”

Her son chuckled, “Not your speed?”

She raised her head and scowled at him with a slight smile, “Don’t you start.  I outrank you.”  A pause, “I’m happy working the lines, navigating behind the scenes, pulling and cutting strings…running a starship is a lot of work.”  Nodding to him she took a sip, “How has that been for you?”

He took a drink, “It’s been a hard few days.”  He related the discovery of one of their crewman in space and then explained what had happened with the ensign on board the Romulan ship.

She leaned forward, her motherly instincts taking over, “I’m so sorry, Am.”  She shifted over to his couch and sat next to him, “It never gets any easier.”  They sat together for a long time, sharing in the moment and the memories of loss.  Rachel spoke of her first loss as an officer and Ambrose shared his frustration at the loss so early in his command.  They continued like this until they both fell silent.  Ambrose turned to her, “You’re not just here to supply us and catch up with your son, are you?”

Rachel’s face was grim and she nodded carefully, “You know me too well.”  She accepted a refill as she spoke, “I’m been ordered to brief you and your command crew on the next stage of your mission.  Starfleet has grown more and more concerned about Commodore Patra and his goals.  Your mission is to learn more about his plans, infrastructure, fleet status…as much as you can.”

Ambrose swirled his cup, “I’m going to take a stab in the dark – under the cover story of a humanitarian mission aided by our modules being outfitted with additional medical beds and crew.”

“Your reading of the situation is correct.”  She finished off her drink, “Call a command staff meeting at 0800 hours tomorrow – I’ll brief your team.”  She stood and they embraced tightly before she stepped back and put her hands on his shoulders, “I don’t often tell you how to do your job, Am…but be careful with this mission.  We’re pulling you into the shadows a bit because we need to know what we’re dealing with.”  Another hug and she kissed him on the cheek before she headed out the door and was gone.

The silence of the room was deafening as he considered what the future held.

USS Edinburgh – Briefing Room – 0830

“…you’ll be working with additional medical staff who have also had training in operative work to assist you in continuing the mission.  Doctor Reid, you’ll be briefed by our team in full detail on what part you’ll have in working with the additional officers.”  Reid nodded as Captain Rachel Harris spoke next to the security chief, “Mr. Kondo – we’re placing a small group of officers under your command as well – they are primarily there to support your efforts but should things become challenging they will step up to assist.”  She looked around the table and the seated command team of the USS Edinburgh, “Any questions?” There were none.  She nodded to them, “Dismissed.”

Soon it was just mother and son.  Ambrose leaned against the wall, “You warned me last night…and you warned them in the briefing…what’s got Starfleet worried about Patra?”

Rachel looked at her son.  He’d always been a thinker who liked to ask questions – it had given him an edge as an engineer climbing the ranks to becoming a Chief.  It was a benefit to a commanding officer in that asking questions of your crew and about the situation usually helped solve whatever puzzle the mission presented.  She was proud of him, but worried for the same reason – he hadn’t stopped poking the Patra question since it had come into his orbit.  Starfleet was taking advantage of his persistence in trying to bring justice and peace together in the end.  “He’s not a known element to us, Am.  He’s shown up in reports from other sectors in the Romulan Star Empire in the past but mostly as a passing mention or an unusual action that brought him a benefit.  Before the collapse, his name was starting to show up more regularly with ties to Tal Shair operations and even some separatists.  Romulans and Remans alike started taking note of him after the collapse but it sounds like they were all a little late to the party – he’s been seizing control and consolidating his power.  To what end…we’re not sure.”

He nodded, “But his pattern and reputation suggest he wants to play with the big bad ugly boys…”

“Or he wants to be The Big Bad Ugly Boy.”  She stood and walked to where he leaned against the wall, “The thing about Patra…and those like him – they are true believers.  You saw what Rexin did to your officer.  They see the future of the Romulan Empire as one that needs to be ready to spill blood and pile bodies – within and outside their borders.”  Rachel took his hand in hers, “Son of mine – I’ve never stopped them from sending you wherever you were needed.  This time…I was tempted to try and divert you elsewhere…but you found your way into the mess anyway.”  She pulled him closer for a hug, “I love you, son.  I want you back in my arms when this is all over.  I want to be able to hear how your girlfriend has changed your life and you can’t live without her.”  She looked up from their hug, “I want you to live, son.  I want you to see the future.”  She stepped back, “You’ve got a command to run…and a mission ahead.  Good luck, Am.”

Ambrose felt the pride of his mother shining in his heart, “We’ll have dinner together again when this is all over.”  He leaned down and kissed her cheek, “Love ya, Mom.”

A final smile before she straightened her stance and looked a little more like a captain and less like a mom, “You have your orders and your heading, Commander.  Godspeed.”  She gave a strong salute.

He returned the salute, “We stand so ordered, Captain Harris.  Safe travels.”  She gave him one last look before heading out the door.  Ambrose let the moment hold.  Then he headed for his bridge…and his command crew.

USS Edinburgh – The Castle (Bridge) – 0900

The bridge was alive with activity as he stepped through the doors.  The Tower stations were manned by Lieutenant Thasaz’s science team who were poring over the chips and data the two Romulan captains had not given them.  His new first officer, Lieutenant Blanchefleur Courtemanche sat in the center chair and glanced at his entrance, and quickly stood and shifted to the right-hand seat. They exchanged nods and he sat, turning to her, “Report?”

“The USS Polson and her task force are in final preparation for departure.  Long-range sensors are clear for the moment.  Engineering has completed repairs and the work on the three modular units.  Our additional staff have been assigned boarding and worked into the shift schedules for their departments.  All departments and stations report ready for departure, sir.”

“Thank you, Dr. Court.”  He glanced at the helm station.  Prentice was still not in the seat.  He made a mental note to visit with him in short order.  The young woman at the helm turned in her chair.  They needed a heading.  He tapped at the console on his arm, “Ensign Del Castillo, plot us a course to this Romulan Colony.  They’ve recently struggled with an outbreak within the mines and we’re suited to respond.  Set maximum warp if you please.”  She smiled quietly as she turned in her chair and tapped into the commands on the console.”

“Course laid in and ready, sir.”

Harris felt that feeling that every commanding office talked about…that feeling when you’re about to take a leap into the next big thing…the next waypoint…the next clue…the array of unknowns that laid ahead.  The mystery.  The danger.  The challenge.  Another running jump forward into the Final Frontier.  He made a note to use that in a future log.  “Let’s get on our way…put us in motion.”

The Edinburgh flew into the future.

USS Edinburgh – Prentice’s Quarters – 0945

Harris tapped the button outside and waited.  He frowned and hit the button again.  Further silence.  Another tap.  At last, a tired voice, =^=Ensign Prentice’s quarters.”

“Ensign, it’s Commander Harris.  I’m here because you said this was a good time?”

=^=Oh…oh…shit.  I mean…crap.  I mean…give me a moment…sir.  Be..uh…right with you.=^= It took five more minutes before the door opened revealing a panicked and sweating Ensign Prentice.  “Uh, Commander…come in.”  The room had been hastily cleaned and smelled of an unshowered ensign who was scrambling to make a place for his CO to sit.  He cleared off the couch and pulled a chair over.  Harris nudged Prentice to the couch and took the chair.  Prentice didn’t speak and looked as if he might pass out at any moment.

“Ensign…I wanted to check in with you and see how you were doing.”

Prentice gave an energetic nod, “I’m doing well, sir.  I’m feeling better and ready to return to duty.  I’m doing much better.”

Ambrose shook his head, “Bullshit.”  

He watched the ensign’s face go through several reactions from startled to shock to amusement and back to shock before going with, “I’m sorry sir?  I said I was doing better.”

Once more, “Bullshit.”  He held up the PADD he had brought with him, “You’ve missed your appointments with both Doctor Reid and Doctor Court and have missed the rescheduled appointments.  They’re not going to let you back on the bridge without talking with them.  Ens…Will.  You…you’ve gone through something.  You don’t get to wake up the next day and come back to work.  Something in you changes…and you have to figure out what.”

Prentice looked ready to fire back at Harris but thought better of it.  He sank back into the couch, “Damnit.  You’re right…it’s just…I don’t think I can ever get it out of my head.  It’s there – the long-range picture of her body just…tumbling through space.  What if I can’t ever stop that nightmare?  I…I can’t lose this position, Commander.  It’s all I’ve got left.”

Harris stood and sat down next to him, forcing the younger officer to scoot over.  “You ever hear about what happens when you put a bunch of crabs in a bucket?”  The helm officer shook his head and Harris told him, “Crabs in a bucket…one tries to escape, and might make it…but for whatever reason, the other crabs pull ‘em down.  No matter which of them tries to get out, they always pull ’em back down so they can’t escape.”  He touched the side of Prentice’s head, “You’ve got a crab mentality brewing in there, Will.  This thing…this experience – it’s not wrong to feel what you’re feeling.  What you do with it…how you handle it…how you ask for help…that’s what matters.”  He tapped his head again, “Don’t let the crab mentality tell you it’s over and pull you down to the bottom of the bucket.  With help, you can climb out of that bucket, find your way to cope with your experience…and find a way to put your mind and body back to work with the rest of us.”

Prentice thought on his words, “You talk like this ain’t your first rodeo, sir.”

His CO nodded, “We all have our scars, Will.  I’ve been through it before in my own way.”  He leaned his shoulder into Prentice, “I’ve been down in the hole where you’ve been…a couple of times.  I know the way out.  Dr. Reid knows the way out.  Dr. Court knows the way out.  You should never do this alone, Will.  Don’t ever try.  You’ll end up here.”  He smelled the air, “And you do not want to be here again.  I don’t want to be here again.”  

For the first time since the commander had entered, Prentice smiled, his voice thick with emotion, “I…don’t like it here, sir.”  

“Nobody does, Will.”  He stood, “Take a shower.  I’m gonna walk with you to Dr. Court’s office.”

Prentice cringed, “Uniform?”  Harris shook his head.  “Will…you…stay in there with me?”

The CO nodded, “I’ll stay until Dr. Court kicks me out.  She’s my first officer and I’ve got to listen to her.”  The helm officer chuckled and enjoyed the warmth that came from that moment.  He went to the bathroom and went about following his CO’s orders.

USS Edinburgh – Counselor’s Office – 1015

“I don’t think a shower has ever felt that good, sir.”  Prentice and Harris stood outside the office of the counselor.

“On the plus side, you smell better.” Prentice felt the smile return, and it felt good.

“Sir…you called me Will a few times in my quarters…why?”  It had shocked him out of his funk when the CO had done it.

Ambrose looked him in the eye, “My mom taught me about that, if you can believe it.  The speech she gave me every so often went something like this”, he thought for a moment trying to remember it all, “…in the end…we’re all just humans and aliens traveling through the vacuum of space playing at trying to make some order from the chaos.  Rank matters at most times…but in our shared moments of need…our moments of hurt…you can’t let rank and title get in the way of helping someone.  The shared experience of the galaxy is in the humbleness of helping others without pretense…without devotion to rank…just sitting next to someone who needs you.”

Prentice let the words soak in him for a moment.  A second later the door opened and Dr. Court stepped out, “Ah, yes.  Will Prentice, I presume.”

Prentice accepted her handshake and turned to his CO, “I…think I need to do this on my own, commander.”  The counselor entered the room and he went to follow her but stopped and turned to Harris, “Your mom’s…a smart lady, sir.  Wish I’d had someone like her.  Thank you for the kind words, sir.”  One last look and he vanished behind a closed door.

Harris stood there a second longer before heading to the bridge.

USS Edinburgh – The Castle (bridge) – 1100

“Approaching the Rivax Colony and Planetary Operations.” The voice from the helm officer brought Thasaz’s mind back to the present as she sat in the center chair holding down the CONN.

She tapped the console on the chair, “Commander Harris to the bridge.”  She returned her attention to the helm, “Drop us out far enough away to let them know who we are, ensign.”  The ship slowed and the forward viewer displayed the planet ahead.  The doors behind her opened and the commander soon stood behind her as she relayed the report.  

Harris thanked her and remained standing.  “Helm, let’s get closer.  Open hailing frequencies.”  The sound of an open channel whistled through the bridge.  “This is Commander Ambrose Harris of the Federation starship USS Edinburgh.  We’ve been asked to offer your medical and engineering assistance.”  He waited for a response.  Moments passed.  He turned to his science chief, “Preliminary sensor reports?”.

Thasaz tapped at her console and found herself running the scans again, “I’m…not sure what I’m looking at, Commander.”  The CO left his chair and stood behind her at her station as she pointed to what long-range sensors were showing, “These life sign readings are…anomalous.”

Ambrose read through the readings several times before tapping his badge, “Harris to Sickbay – Dr. Reid to the bridge.  Need your eyes on something.”  He pointed to the various data points, “That looks like loss of life signs here…and here.”  She tapped through the sensors further and he pointed at the screen, ‘There…you see?  Something is happening to both the mammal life and plant life…in real-time.”

Reid stepped on the bridge and joined the two at the science station.  She glanced at the screen and frowned, “What in the hell…where is this from?”

The Romulan Science Chief was in shock, “The Rivax Colony.”  She switched to short-range sensors as the Edinburgh closed the distance.  She began running a rolling set of scans and several beeps started sounding on her station as the sensors began to take a closer look.  “Detecting multiple high casualty areas in the colony, industrial area, and outlying locations…”

Reid slid into the station next to her and quickly moved to assist, reporting as she reviewed, “There is a fading aerosol presence on the surface…it is registering at extraordinary levels of toxicity…”

Thasaz picked up with, “Life signs are limited and fading…there are no transports in the system…showing all ships are grounded…no, ships on the ground are reading disabled…computer is still cataloging…”

Reid turned to her CO, “Commander…”

Harris stepped away and spoke to the helm, “Go to Red Alert.  Notify all medical personnel to report to emergency stations and activate biohazard teams with protective precautions.  Power up the medical modules.  Dr. Reid…”  She was already on her way to the turbolift.  The lights on the bridge transitioned to ruby as the klaxon alerted all hands to the situation.  He returned his attention to his science chief, “Are we getting any communication signals from the colony, operations, or otherwise?”

She shook her head as she adjusted the earpiece, “I’m getting a lot of static.  There are some signals but they’re buried beneath the main channels…it’s going to take me a moment.”

“Helm, get me an open channel to the USS Polson, priority one.  Encrypted.”  A moment passed until the officer gave a nod and the screen shifted to Captain Rachel Harris on her bridge.

“Report, Commander.”  He related all that they knew so far and had their scans and reports sent to her.  She pulled them up on her console, her frown deepening.  She turned her attention to her son, “Proceed carefully.  This is likely something planned but quickly put in place.  We’ve had a report from Bravo regarding something similar…we’ll keep you updated.  Polson out.”

Harris stood in the center of the bridge, his mind spinning.  Justice was starting to feel harder and harder to attain.

USS Edinburgh – The Castle (bridge) – 1115

Harris stood in the center of the bridge with PADD in hand, reading updates from the various departments as the reality of what had occurred on the Rivax Colony.  They had entered orbit as Thasaz’s science department continued to examine the data from the continuing sensor scans while his Chief Medical Officer was finishing the process of organizing the biohazard teams.  Every piece of evidence suggested some kind of biological attack but there was uncertainty as to what specifically had been involved.

“Commander, we’ve got the files from Bravo.” His Romulan Chief Science Officer waved him over and he soon stood as she shifted the data on her display screen, “The confirmed diagnosis from their patients on a Starfleet ship was a highly modified Teplan Blight viral infection.”  She explained the effects and who it impacted as she played the highlights on the screen.  “Highly contagious and if not treated death resulted within a minimum of 72 hours.  The infection report states they came into contact with it on May 10th via a group of refugees who had been infected on their planet.”  She tapped the console and the sensor reports from the surface now played across the screen, “This is the preliminary scan showing the viral presence that we were able to identify.”  Another tap of the console and the image from Bravo displayed.  “That’s what was in play eight days ago.”  She turned to Harris, “It’s still the Teplan Blight…but in eight days they found a way to accelerate the infection and transmission to a point where the computer is estimating based on our sensor readings – death takes less than an hour.”

Harris was speechless.  What madness had taken the creators of this virus?  What darkness resided in their hearts that they would willingly craft a disease with the intent to kill as many as possible?  He found his words at last, “Is there anyone alive down there?”

She nodded, “There are some significant life sign readings here, here, and here.  Given their location I suspect those groups are underground and were spared from the initial dosing.”  She turned to him, “If we physically open those doors or whatever is keeping them safe – we run the risk of exposing them and killing them.”

“Can we transport them?”

The Science Chief wasn’t sure, “It won’t be too hard to get a lock on them, but it’ll take some work transporting them as a group.  My fear is if we do it one at a time – there’s going to be a panic and we’ll lose them the moment someone breaks whatever’s keeping them in and safe.”  She added, “There are a number of limited life signs in the colony, the industrial area  – we can pinpoint those locations for the biohazard medical team to investigate.”

“Get two of your best working with Chief Jonesey in transporter room 1 – we’re going to transport the survivors to the cargo bays.  Have them signal when they’re ready.  How many do you estimate?”  She pointed to the numbers the computer was calculating.  50 total.  He tapped his communications badge, “Commander Harris to Doctor Reid.”

A pause and she responded, =^=Reid here, go ahead.=^=  He relayed the survivor’s situation to her.  =^=Transport them to Medical Module 3 – we’ve got enough beds and staff there to do intake and examinations on those.=^=  Harris asked her when she and the teams would be ready. =^=”We’re doing final checks and suiting up.  Chief says we’ll be ready for transport in five.=^=  He wished her luck and closed the channel while advising Thasaz of the change in plans.

He walked to where his chief of security and tactical sat, “Mr. Kondo – any trace of who did this?”

Kondo tapped at the console, “There are warp signatures from Romulan ships that would align with when this attack took place, but as for identifying the specific ships in play – that is not something I can begin to connect.  I would need to see an existing reading to compare…and well…”

Harris finished it for him, “…Starfleet hasn’t been able to build a very robust database when it comes to the Romulan Navy.  Anything on long-range?”

A shake of the head, “It is strangely quiet in this sector, sir.  I would even say oddly.  My suspicion is that someone realized we were coming to lend a hand and they wished for no one to be left alive to tell us of their overlords.  Yet, given what Lieutenant Thasaz has found – they may have had to move too fast to ensure their genocide was complete.”

The CO contemplated on that for a moment, “She mentioned how fast he had expanded his control and power in the last year or so.  He didn’t trust these people to keep their mouths shut.”

A mournful sigh from Kondo, “So he shut it for them.  I do not like this Patra…and my hatred for him grows with each level of darkness we uncover.”  He grumbled, “Men like him should be shot repeatedly until they are dead.” Harris raised his eyebrows at the particular violence and the man chuckled, “Metaphorically, of course.”

“Of course, Mr. Kondo.”  He walked away from tactical and into The Tower where the science teams were scavenging through the data looking for patterns or anything that could be traced back to who had done this.  He walked from station to station examining the screens as the four officers worked silently in search of answers.  

Suddenly Ensign Fowler turned to him, “Commander, I think I’ve got something.”  He stepped to her station as she gestured to her screen, “There’s a navigational buoy just inside this sector here,” she then tapped at her console and it showed another waypoint, “…and there’s another one here at the other end.”  Another tap of the console, “If we can access the systems of the buoys, we might be able to download and then sort out what ships came through around the time of the attack. The buoy’s systems are passive so they simply record who passes by and file it away somewhere…but this might help us get some evidence.”

Ambrose gave a nod, “Take it to your chief – she may have some ideas.”  Sadie stood and went to speak with Thasaz.

Ensign Del Castillo stood at the entrance to The Tower section, “Commander, Dr. Reid and her team have been transported to the planet.  She’s hailing us.”

He followed her up the slight stars and back to his center chair, “Put her through, ensign.”

Her voice rang through the speakers, =^=Commander, we’re getting readings on the ground that are out of control.  Whoever did this meant for it to last for more than just a day…the manner of application is similar to that of a heavy impact bombing of some kind.  Soil samples are coming back highly contaminated and I have a feeling the water isn’t going to be much better.  We’re working our way through the colony buildings.  Many dead…too many.  Signs of survivors are showing up on the tricorders so we’ll update when we can.  We’ve got more scans to complete.  I’ll send images and videos for evidence and evaluation.=^=

“Stay safe, Doc.”

=^=Always, Commander.  Reid out.=^=

Harris leaned forward in his chair, “Lieutenant Thasaz – any luck with the buoys?”

She turned in her chair, “We’ve managed to get some data.  Looks like one Warbird came through and exited around the time of the attack.  It’s coming back to Patra’s fleet.  Pulling the registry data to see what else we can find.”

He shook his head.  Every turn more brutal than the last.  What was the end game?  What level would this madman take his cause?  More questions than answers.

Rivax Colony – Colony Buildings – 1130

The bodies were the worst part.  There were so many to catalog, scan, and place into secure containers that the Edinburgh had transported down a few moments ago.  Jordan’s heart had grown heavier the more they traveled into the colony as more and more bodies were discovered.  Whoever had done this hadn’t given thought to the women and children who had come to call this place home as families had taken to settling and growing.  She scanned body after body, offering up a silent prayer for each of them as she made her way from one to another.  Samples were taken, scanned, and then transported to a secure lab onboard the ship.  This went on for hours as the team worked their way towards the industrial operations.  

Body after body, scan after scan, report after report.  

They had found no one alive, despite the scans showing some life signs in isolated pockets.  It became frustrating to run down a possible life sign only to discover a group of bodies splayed on the ground.  She found herself going through the motions as the day wore on and it became more of a step-by-step process and less of a search and rescue operation.  The faces of the dead blurred together as the containers filled with each passing hour.  The suns above began to fade as the last of the remains had been scanned and moved.   They had attempted to investigate the mines but found they’d been blown and collapsed.  The life signs that had trilled on the tricorders when they’d arrived had faded to nothingness.  

The Edinburgh had deployed sever probes across the planet and found the answer Reid had feared – everyone had died.  The exception had been the fifty uninfected survivors.  

Reid stood in the middle of the colony square, her shoulders aching along with her heart.  They had been counting on the ground and the computer had been counting along with them.  5,000 dead.  Jordan repeated the number in her head once more.

=^=Harris to Doctor Reid=^=

She sighed and tapped the side of her helmet, “Go ahead, Commander.”  She hoped he had some good news.

=^=The Polson and her task force are slated to arrive in a few hours to take over for us here.  They have the space and the equipment to continue the investigation.  Chief’s managed to get a transporter pad set up in the cargo bay with proper isolation precautions in place to get you and your crew on board and decontaminated.=^=

“Understood, commander.  We’ve done as much as we can here, sir.  Transport when ready.”  The channel clicked closed and the various officers began to vanish in the lights and sounds of the transporter beam.  Reid looked around once more, her heart heavy with sorrow but also on fire with the righteous indignation about what had happened here – no one deserved the death these people had forced on them.  The transporter took her as she reflected on the land of the dead.

USS Edinburgh – The Castle (bridge) – 1600

“Doctor Reid and her teams are on board, sir.” Thasaz tapped at her console, “Module 3 teams are reporting the fifty survivors have completed the isolation and examination process and are cleared of any virus-related issues.”  She glanced at him, “USS Polson updates they will be arriving at 1600.”

Harris turned in his chair to face her.  Her face didn’t betray her feelings, but he knew it had not been a good day for her.  The reports and details of what had happened on the planet had hit her harder, even as good as she was at hiding her truth.  He stood, “Sounds good.  Can you bring the data you had on the chips and files to my ready room?  We haven’t had a chance to go over them.  Mr. Kondo, you have the CONN.”

USS Edinburgh – Ready Room – 1610

He entered first and gestured to the long couch under the windows, “Grab yourself a drink if you’d like.” She snagged a Shirley Temple from the replicator and sat down on the couch and started working on the PADD to organize the report.  She looked up to find her CO watching her.

“Sir?”

He stood from his desk and walked over and sat about a foot from her, “I do want to hear the report…but I also need to ask how you’re doing.”  He leaned back his chilled cider swirling.

A frown crossed her face before she nodded in recognition of what he was asking, “It is not easy witnessing a genocide of your own people, Commander.”  She set the PADD on the couch and grimaced, “I was foolish to want expedient justice.  It seems every turn of the corner more of my people are dying at the hands of this…monster.”  A glance at him, “You humans have a saying about revenge…a dish best served cold.”  Harris nodded and Thasaz grunted, “Romulans do not have such a saying.  Revenge is not even a dish.  It is an aggressive act foisted upon the fool who committed the heinous act.”  She took a long drink from her cup, “It feels like we’re being hurtled towards this Patra figure.  As if we have no choice but to confront him.”

Ambrose swirled the chilled cider in his mouth and swallowed, “Humans have a great many sayings…the one I think fits here is, ‘The immovable object will meet the unstoppable force’, and I’m not sure which of us which.”

Thasaz smiled quietly, “I have researched our ship’s name. Edinburgh is a city in a country called Scotland…and it is also a castle in that city that has remained standing for generations and generations.  The spirit of that castle that refuses to fall is in us, Commander.  We are the immovable object that will not allow the unstoppable force of evil to continue.  It will be a spectacle for the ages.”  Her eyes glittered and she couldn’t help letting a small smile loose.

He replied, “Let’s hope the spectacle ends with us in one piece, Lieutenant.  Now, let’s get to the reports from what our friends…didn’t give us.”  Thasaz nodded and began her report.

USS Edinburgh – Briefing Room – 1800

Captain Rachel Harris stood at the far end of the table as the command crew of the USS Edinburgh filed in quietly and took their seats.  Her son, Ambrose, sat at the head.  He spoke first, “Good evening everyone.  We’ve completed our review of the data that was not turned over to us along with the interviews of the survivors of Rivax Colony.  Together with our science and medical department, the USS Polson’s science and medical teams have finished their evaluation of the colony attack.  We have determined that Commodore Patra was behind this attack as well as the recent incident that occurred a week ago at Starbase Bravo.  Given the depth of the threat and the lengths he has gone to up to this point, the decision has been made to confront him directly.  As we speak, our engineering teams and those from the Polson’s task force are equipping the three modules with additional weapons support.  The top two of them will be outfitted with forward and rear torpedo bays while the third that is under us will be equipped with an additional phaser array.  Additional power supports are being installed as well.”

Rachel jumped in, “Your mission directive is to focus on a diplomatic solution to the situation.  Any and all options are on the table for the Commodore – up to and including exile.”  She tapped at the console on the table as the images of the Larakas Colony appeared on the screens, “There has been some movement of his fleet in the last 12 hours that has given us an indication he may be attempting to shift his center of operations deeper into the sector.  The number in his fleet has not changed, but where they have been deployed – many of them have gone beyond our long-range sensors.  At this time, there is only one Warbird at Larakas.  It suggests we need to move quickly. As of an hour ago, that ship was still there.  You will depart immediately to the Larakas Colony to ascertain the status of the colony, Patras, and whatever else you can find.”  She looked around the table and nodded at the tactical and security chief who had raised his hand, “Yes Mr. Kondo?”

He sat forward, “The possibility of a trap exists within this.”

Rachel looked around the table, “He is right.  There is a chance it could simply be a way to draw you in and eliminate you.  What we’ve observed of the Commodore so far is that his plans seem to have more spectacle involved – the three ships he sent and the intended use of a unique weapon being an example.  His murder of the people on Rivax – was a public and explosive statement to those that stand against him.”  She turned back to Kondo, “I appreciate your concerns, Mr. Kondo…don’t ever stop voicing them.  We have confidence in this situation that a trap is not in the cards.”  She glanced around the table once more, “You have your orders.”

Ambrose stood, “Dismissed.”  He waited until they had left to turn to his mother, “I know…come back from this so we can hug again.”

A quiet smile was on her lips as she embraced him, “I didn’t know we’d be back together so soon, Am.  I feared the worst.”  She pulled back, her hands grasping his shoulders, “Patra blew my worst fears out of space and time…the danger level here has gotten dramatically more challenging, Am.  A mother is always going to worry and fret.”  He leaned down and kissed her cheek and she gave him a nod, “Good luck Commander.”  He followed her out to the bridge and watched the turbo-lift doors close on her.

Harris noticed Prentice was back at the helm as he sat in his chair, “Welcome back, Ensign Prentice.  Go to yellow alert.  Set a course for Larakas, maximum warp.”

Will ran his hands quickly over the controls, feeling a sense of cool ease settling into his heart, “Thank you, sir.  Glad to be back with you.  Course laid in.”

“Get us on our way – put us in motion, ensign.”

USS Edinburgh – Bridge – 1900

Prentice grasped onto his console, “We’re being fired upon!”  They had just dropped from warp and the ship was shaking.

Harris shouted, “Red Alert!  Get us clear.”  The Edinburgh’s shields held under the barrage of disrupter fire.  Prentice slammed the Edinburgh into a dive and swerve.

Kondo held onto his chair, “I have one Romulan Warbird on sensors – looks like they were getting ready to leave and we got in the way.”  The console trilled with further tactical reports, ”We have two scout ships that are headed towards the colony…sir, they’re armed with…”

The CO was reading the same from his console on the arms of the command chair, “Prentice, emergency intercept those scouts…now!”  Prentice quickly redlined the impulse drive as he adjusted their course.  Harris stood and spoke with Thasaz, “Try and hail them…warn them we’re going to stop them if they don’t surrender.”  He turned further to Kondo, “Target their engines and shields systems – we need them disabled but alive.”  He returned to the center of the room and watched as the scouts slowed for but a moment…but then their impulse engines fired red and moved perilously closer towards the planet.  He looked to his science chief with her earpiece.  She shook her head.  No response.  “Then we have no choice.  Open fire, Mr. Kondo.”

The Edinburgh rushed after the scouts and fired phaser shots with a torpedo chaser, targeted by Kondo on tactical who reported, “First scout’s engines are disabled…second…working on it.”  The ship shook as the Warbird woke up and began to let loose, trying to let the scouts complete their nefarious mission.  Harris gripped the arms of his chair as the ship shuddered under the intense fire until Kondo confirmed, “Both ships disabled and drifting.  They will drift into open space.”  The ship shook again and he glanced at his CO, “Shields at 75%, sir.”

Harris growled, “Helm, turn us around and face the Warbird.  Thasaz, open a channel.”  Another shake as disrupter fire continued.  She turned in her chair, “I have Commodore Patra, sir.”  The bridge went quiet as Harris stood and stared down the empty view screen.  The weapons fire had halted, for now.

“On screen.”

USS Edinburgh – Bridge – 1900

“On screen.” The bridge crew seemed to take a deep breath as the image of Commodore Patra appeared before them.  He was greying and his face was worn but his eyes were brightly shining with living fire and rage that unsettled each officer, including Commander Harris.  He had been young once in the photo they had all become used to seeing, but age and time had affected the monster in ways both physical and emotional.  He scanned the bridge in silence, settling on the only other Romulan, Thasaz.

Harris remained standing, “Commander Harris, Federation Starship USS Edinburgh.”

The Romulan kept staring at the science chief, but spoke to the CO, “We’ve been chasing each other for quite some time, Commander Harris.  You’ve survived surprisingly long.”  He shifted in his chair and turned his attention to the center of the bridge, “I have you to thank for the loss of my Security Chief, Rexin.”

“He kidnapped our crew.  Tortured them.  Murdered one.  Our attempts to solve the matter diplomatically were met with further violence, Commodore.  I’m sure you can appreciate a proportionate response to being attacked without provocation.”  Harris tried to tread carefully with his words.

A quiet sigh, “You Starfleet officers are all the same.  You wish to talk and solve troubles over the…what is the phrase…breaking of bread.  The Eagles of Patra solve troubles very differently.”  He leaned towards the viewer, “We do not wish to break bread with you, Commander.  We wish to break you.”  Patra returned his attention to Thasaz, “I do have to wonder about the logic of allowing a sub-commander amongst your ranks, Commander.” A menacing grin filled his face, “She was not trustworthy in our service…I cannot imagine she is in yours.”

She had stood before Harris had a chance to stop her and stared dead at the screen, “You speak of trust, Commodore Patra?  You speak of the 5,000 of our people who must now be examined, scanned, and cut into to discover what you did to them?  You speak of trust?  You soil the very word with your attempts to impune me amongst my crew.  Trust?  Urru Areinnye, fvai.” (Go to Hell, worm)  She glanced at her CO and returned to her seat, her face hot from the emotions finding release.

Patra stared at her, his face a statue.  He leaned back in his chair, “You allowed the sub-commander to speak directly to me…I would not have allowed her to stand in my presence.  Her words would have condemned her to an immediate death by my hands.”

Ambrose replied, “My command crew has my trust.  While I’ll speak to her later about her actions, I will support her right to speak out against you…and your own flagrant accusations.  She is welcome among our crew.  It is perhaps good, then, that she is here and not there.”

The Romulan Commodore sniffed at the air and shrugged, “Either way, she will die by my hands.  Be it here on my ship…or on yours.  Make peace amongst yourselves.  The Eagle of Death comes for you.”  The channel snapped closed.

“Mr. Prentice, evasive!”, he spoke as he found his way into his chair. The helm officer threw the Edinburgh into full impulse and dodged half of the disrupter fire from the Warbird.  Harris turned to Kondo, “Activate your two additional tactical officers and stations – let’s put those modules to good use.”  He nodded and tapped his communications badge as the CO tapped at his own console.  “Helm, get us just out of range of those disrupters…let’s make him work for it.”  A nod from Prentice as the two tactical officers took their stations on either side of the bridge.

Kondo De La Fontaine powered up the three modules and smiled quietly.  The Romulan Commodore would not have seen the additional weaponry on the initial scans but now there would be no mistaking it… Edinburgh’s battlements had filled with a few more teeth.  He fired phasers from the new array on the underside in addition to the saucer banks as well.  As soon as they were in range, he would rain down the fires of Edinburgh upon them.

Harris tapped away at his console as he advised Prentice, “That’s a good distance, helm.  Turn us about…Mr. Kondo, let’s see if we can bloody their nose a little to remind ’em who we are.”  The tactical chief nodded and coordinated with his two auxiliary officers.  The Warbird let loose as well as the shields took a pounding.  Kondo waited and then signaled to the two others.  The phasers sprang forth as well as the normal torpedo bay…but then they were joined by the two modules firing in quick succession, inflicting powerful hits on the Romulan attacker.

The bridge shuddered as the Edinburgh’s shields struggled to handle the disrupter and torpedo fire that was slamming into the ship.  A shout of “Shields at 70%” was followed by sparks from a console or two.  Another thunderous rumble on the shields and the console lighting flickered but held.  Harris tapped his console, “Shields at 65% – Mr. Kondo – we need to do more than bloody their noses.  We need to take out their legs.”

Kondo tapped at his console and sent a course suggestion to Prentice who gave a shout, “Engaging your course, Mr. Kondo!” The ship swerved hard out of the path of the oncoming fire and arched above the Warbird as if jumping over it but instead of over, they came down behind it as fast as anything.  The inertial dampeners were once more protesting the work Prentice was asking them to do and Harris started to think his helm officer was worth the risk – he was the only one who pushed the Edinburgh’s limits.  

Kondo De La Fontaine smiled wickedly and signaled the other two to engage.  The entirety of the Edinburgh’s weaponry ignited and bashed into the Warbird while the return fire buffeted the ship and shook the bridge a little more than usual and a report of, “Shields at 55%” was heard.  Kondo moved to engage the weapons again, but the Warbird was moving off at a great speed.

“Commander…”

Harris saw it and stood up, “Helm – intercept…”, he didn’t get a chance to finish the order as their target went warp.  “Helm – track them as best as you can.”  He turned the back of the bridge, “How badly did we bloody them?”

He read, “Shields were reading at 50% – we had shorted out their disrupters for a moment…I detected possible hull damage near the bridge with our barrages but they left before I could complete the scan.”

“Status of the colony?”

Thasaz spoke up from her station, “The scout ships remain disabled, life signs on the craft are positive…the colony is unharmed.  I’ve made contact with the administrator and informed him of what has happened…I don’t think I’ve ever heard a Romulan shout with as much joy as he did…sir.  He’s asking for our help in addressing the remains of Commodore Patra’s forces.  They’ve holed up in the commissary. “

Harris turned to his security chief who gave a nod.  “Tell them we’ll begin transporting support down shortly.”  She spoke into her station as Harris turned his attention back to the bridge, “Damage report?”

Prentice tapped at the console, “Chief reports we’ve got minor hull damage where they focused their fire.  Several conduits in engineering exploded but they’ve begun repairs…two decks nearest the hull damage areas will need inspection and repair. Shields will need repair Doctor Reid has 20 injured…with 5 in serious condition from engineering.  Reports still coming in as well, sir.”

A chirp from Thasaz’s station and she swore in Romulan, “We have a hailing frequency…from the Commodore.”

Harris frowned and stood, “Let’s see what he has to say.”

The screen brought back the visage of Patra.  The background was smoke-filled and there were muddled shouts in the background.  He stared hard at Harris, “You will not see me coming when next we meet, Commander.  You will not even feel the wind move as we fly down upon you.  We…are not finished….your crew and I.  Your death will come…and I will deliver it.”  He snarled and the channel cut.

“Trace?”, Harris asked hopefully.

Thasaz shook her head, “A general area a few sectors over…but nothing specific.”

Silence filled the bridge as the command crew watched their captain.  He looked around at them, “We’ve done a good thing here…we’ve found a way to bring freedom to a corner of this galaxy.” He glanced at the planet-filled screen, “There will always be monsters like him…and we have to be ready to stand up against them.”  He caught Thasaz’s glance, “The Edinburgh is the immovable object…we don’t stand down for anyone…or anything.  You did good work today…but it’s not done yet.  We’ve got a colony to help.  Lieutenant Thasaz, you’ll take point on the planetside operations  Coordinate through her.”  He looked at their faces.  There was still worry at Patra’s words and at what lay ahead…yet there was the hope shining back in the eyes of his crew again.  Harris clapped his hands together, “Let’s get to work.”

And they did.