“Fifteen dead. Two hundred and fifty injured.  We transported the most severe cases here – one hundred.  The Dragonfly has taken custody of the remaining one hundred and fifty.”  Captain Leopold Halsey handed the PADD across the desk to the station commander, Fleet Captain Geronimo Fontana.  “Captain Pantuso has taken command of the clean-up and repair operation.  Her chief engineer reports it could take a week to get the remaining fires under complete control in the mines. Repair work will take time as well.”

Geronimo grimaced as he read the report, “This was bad, Leo.  This was really bad.  Prelim report on their permits?”

“Fifth page on the report.  It was approved here, but the officer who reviewed it and sent it up the line has gone missing.  Commander Thasaz isn’t happy about that – he took leave of his office in the finishing stages of construction – before she was aboard.”

“Clever.  I’m guessing she’s completing a full roster review and inspection?”  A nod from his Director of Medical Operations.  “Let’s hope that work comes up clean and shiny.”  He added his signature to the report, “You’ve got another PADD in your hands, Leo.  Is this about the Tholian artifact?”

Doctor Halsey handed it over, “We’ve secured both the body and the capsule in isolation rooms with security overseen and organized by Commander Thasaz.  We’re still short a director for science operations.  My wife is head of the civilian side and could help bridge the gap until they arrive.”

Fontana held up a spare PADD. “We should have that problem solved within the week.”  He answered Halsey’s frown with an explanation: “Commander T’saath.”

The man’s frown didn’t fade. “Her last posting was on the Mackenzie—she was the XO when Captain Harris was murdered. She was then posted as operations chief with…mixed results.  She’s been out of the rotation for two months.”

“You’re concerned?”

“I’m more concerned that you aren’t, Ger.”

Fontana sat back in his chair.  They had worked together in the Fourth Fleet and interacted before their assignment to this wing of Starfleet.  “She’s passed every test the Federation and Vulcan doctors could throw at her.  Not a lot of other ways to test her competency.”

“You open to suggestions?”  Halsey remained impassive in his question.  He’d be reviewing her medical and personal records after this meeting.  Fontana motioned for him to continue.  “You’re going to need Theodora to handle science until she gets here – she could mentor T’Saath for a few weeks.”

“You’re really worried about her, aren’t you?”

“I know Vulcans, Ger.  Her struggles with her emotions could become ours quickly.  I’d rather know how to help her cope while doing the Director of Science Operations job.”

“When you say it like that, it’s hard to ignore your argument, Leo.  I’ll start the paperwork.  You’ll talk with Theodora?”

“She’s my next call.”

“She as difficult as I remember?”

“Only if you make it difficult, Fleet Captain Fontana.”  He said with a broad smile, standing at attention.  He turned around and headed out the door, chuckling as he went.

Theodora Walker-Halsey led the Director of Diplomatic Operations, Lieutenant Grace Albright, down the corridor leading to the secure area where the body had been moved.  Albright did her best to keep up with the Human Vulcan.  Noticeably absent was the Perseverance’s Science Chief, Hazel Wallaker.  “Ms. Walker-Halsey, I was wondering…”

Theodora cut her off as they rounded a corner, “Lieutenant Wallaker’s duties are to her ship – her discovery and actions to preserve the body will be noted in the final report.  You’re the ranking diplomatic officer.  Any guidance you can offer when it comes to handling the Tholians within this situation will be appreciated.”  Albright blinked, stymied by the forceful nature of the civilian science director.  Theodora continued into the turbolift, waiting for the door to close behind them as she tapped for the floor, “You don’t agree with my decision.”

Grace felt the ground underneath her shifting. She knew little of Walker-Halsey.  Her reputation was that of a tough and challenging.  ‘A force of nature’ was what someone had told her that morning.  She was starting to agree with it all.  “I wouldn’t presume to think I knew better than you, ma’am.”

“That’s not a denial, Lieutenant.  Speak – I have no pride or ego to injure or bruise.”

“I…I admit I did not get along with Lieutnent Wallaker in our first meeting or conference to prepare for this transfer.  But…she’s a strong science officer and is well-versed in many of the topics needed….”

“You do not think that I am in possession of being well-versed in the topics needed?”

“I…did not think about that part, ma’am.”

“You would do good to think more, Lieutenant Albright.”

Having been rebuked, Grace could only manage a “Yes, ma’am.”