Space around Hecate Station was hectic, pretty normal for a trading outpost on the border. Various Starfleet ships, part of the Hecate Squadron, were preparing for their assignments. However, an Intrepid-class vessel named the USS Gemini began moving away from the station as its warp engines lit up. With a flash, it jumped away from the safe zone it called home.

“We are officially en route to Dhaillak, Captain,” the Benzite stated in a monotone voice as Padgok stayed focused on the controls as the Chief Helm of the Gemini it was his duty to steer the ship. “ETA is three days. We’ll pass the Betreka Nebula, then Starbase 84, 184, and Deep Space Station K-7, then move past the Archanis Nebula toward the Elgatis Belt. We should arrive on the third day at the Azure Nebula, where we’ll leave Federation space and reach Dhaillak in a few hours.”

Looking at the information, Silina patted Miki on the shoulder before looking at Padgok. “Good. Keep an eye out for any anomalies. Senior staff, report to the observation lounge in five minutes.” Silina picked up her PADD and walked toward the observation lounge to prepare for the briefing.

Observation Lounge

Most of the senior crew arrived, with the last few hurrying in. “Please take a seat,” Silina announced as she sat down after pacing around the room for a few minutes, reviewing the latest data. She saw both familiar and new faces and smiled nonetheless.

“We’re all up to date on the mission parameters, but I’ll give a rundown of the situation. Dhaillak, a Romulan Republic colony, is under siege by House T’Vagh.” She slid her finger up from her PADD, causing an image of the planet to appear, with a few red blinking dots in orbit.

“The latest intel from the Romulan Republic and Starfleet confirms additional ships are on their way.” Two more dots appeared at the edge of the map. “Based on calculations, they left a Klingon starbase only a day away from the border. Miki?” Silina looked in his direction.

Miki, the Chief Security Officer, looked up from his PADD and nodded. “House T’Vagh favors low-orbit strikes followed by targeted ground incursions focusing on infrastructure sabotage, specifically colony shield generators, turrets, or power plants that bolster the colony’s defenses. Further intel confirms, as we suspected, that House T’Vagh is loyal to House Konjah. They will not negotiate unless they see a clear benefit or face overwhelming odds.”

Taking a deep breath, he zoomed in on the planet, showing several cities. “The most recent message from the colony states that their makeshift medical stations are overwhelmed, with limited supplies. The city’s defensive shields won’t hold for more than three days; one settlement might already be partly overrun. The Romulan militia is holding the line against the Klingons, but they’re limited in resources.”

Silina tapped her finger on the table and nodded in Miki’s direction before looking at the rest of the group. “The situation is dire. Starfleet has already stated we’re not to provide direct military support, but we’ll offer humanitarian aid. Based on this intel, our objectives are as follows.” She raised a finger. “First, protect primary population hubs from ground assaults and sabotage.” Another finger. “Second, work with local engineers to keep the shield generators running.” A third finger rose as she looked at Ibrix. “Third, medical staff must coordinate large-scale triage; in the worst-case scenario, set up an evacuation pipeline with security’s support.” She raised a final finger. “Fourth, if House T’Vagh escalates, it’s our job to de-escalate diplomatically. The Federation doesn’t want a full-blown war with the Empire.”

The room grew quiet as everyone absorbed the severity of the situation. Viamame took a deep breath. “With the updated intel forecasting heavy ground combat, I’ll need to tweak my plans. I’ll organize more triage drills and update my deployment supply lists.” She leaned back in her chair feeling the weight of the Chief Medical Officer duties. “But I’m concerned we lack sterile facilities on Dhaillak to handle disruptor injuries from Klingons.”

“How will you handle Klingon wounded?” Drata asked, giving Viamame a pointed look.

She shrugged. “The Hippocratic Oath hasn’t changed, Lieutenant. We care for all injured. But you’re right, it’s worth discussing further with the medical staff so we’re prepared. I’m not in the mood to deal with conflicts in the field hospitals while the wounded pour in.”

Before Drata could object, Silina raised her hand. “How about operations? What’s your perspective on this?”

Drata’s eyes still burned with the desire to debate medical ethics, but he looked at his new captain and shrugged. “The near-failing city shield systems are a concern. I might be able to redirect the deflector systems to the planet, but I need time to consider the engineering possibilities, Romulan tech is a challenge.” The Chief Operations Officer glanced at Cezs, their new Chief Engineering Officer.

The Tellarite woman noticed his look and exhaled. “Given the situation, I’ll have my hands full. I’m no fan of these band-aid solutions, and I’d prefer more time to put a proper fix in place.” Cezs hated the time crunch looming over her. Quick fixes often meant bigger problems down the line.

The chief engineer’s words weighed heavily. Time was precious, and the three-day travel delay didn’t help. “I’ll try to buy more time through diplomacy,” Silina said. “I’ll do my best to handle House T’Vagh. Miki, how is security? Do you need anything?”

“I’d love more intel on the planetary or sector situation,” Miki replied. “But based on what we have, I’ll focus my teams on close-quarters combat and infiltration drills. We can reinforce key planetary positions and remain within the defensive-only policy, if they fire first, we’ll defend ourselves. But be quick on your diplomatic end. These orders might become a handicap if we’re actively being shot at.”

“Scott, you’re quiet. What’s on your mind?” Silina asked, turning to Suto.

Hearing her name, Suto Scott, the Chief Science officer, looked up from her fidgeting hands. She admitted she hadn’t really been paying attention, combat wasn’t her department. “Sorry, Captain. What was the question about?”

Same old Scott. A typical captain might have scolded her, but Silina owed her life to her. She remained calm and smiled. “What can the science department do about the colony’s plea for help? Remember, the faster we finish this assignment, the sooner we can explore the unknown.” Silina knew exactly which button to press.

“Hmm.” It worked. Suto thought for a moment. “We can handle a variety of smaller tasks. We’ll assist with long-range scans for any unwanted guests. We can provide planetary condition reports to Engineering and Security, and help Medical analyze Klingon weapon residues to anticipate burn types or toxins.” She tapped her chin. “We could also dig into intercepted Klingon transmissions and decrypt them. Even do some cultural research on House T’Vagh’s anthropology and linguistics. Just a few ideas.”

Silina’s smile didn’t fade. “That’s excellent, Lieutenant. So, Science will offer support to the other departments. Great thinking.” She looked at the rest of the group. “I know these aren’t ideal conditions for a rescue mission, but I believe our crew is up to the task. Get it done. If you have questions, my door is always open. Dismissed.”

Silina took the same encouraging approach she’d seen from Sazra, motivating and supporting her team’s ideas. There was a lot of work to do, and everyone began preparing for the challenges ahead.

While everyone else was leaving, Ko stayed behind and looked at her captain. “I can provide support to the security forces on the planet and prep them for the mission, and” But she saw Silina raise her hand to stop her.

“No. Your task is to focus on the ship’s readiness, get progress reports from all departments, gather the critical intel about House T’Vagh, and make sure our teams aren’t blindsided by anything. I can’t have you focusing on just one department, Commander. You need to see the bigger picture.” Silina explained, holding the PADD in her hand.

Ko shrugged, already sensing this clash would come sooner or later. “Ma’am, I believe everyone should focus on their strengths to make a mission successful. My strength is security.”

Silina shook her head. “You’re not just security anymore; you’re a command officer. Because I’m a medic by nature doesn’t mean I should take over Commander Ibrix’s duties, right? My responsibility is to every single soul on this ship, and so is yours. You need to manage crew morale, handle conflicts, mediate where required, plan the mission on the ground, and act as our communication pillar with the colony.”

Taking a deep breath, Silina noted how much work lay ahead for Ko. “Look, I was an XO for years. I know what it’s like to want to go back to your roots… but your roots are tainted, and you have to prove yourself not just to me, but to the whole crew.”

“Tainted?” Ko blinked at that comment, while tiighten her jaw and averting slightly her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean. You went rogue with your ship. While your morals compelled you to save your crew members, and I’m genuinely glad you saved them, it was against Starfleet orders, and you shouldn’t be in this position at all. I hold no personal grudge against you… but I’m the only person who’s giving you a second, and final, chance. So do your job: learn from your mistakes and improve yourself.” Silina walked to the door feeling a pinch of regret for the harsh words, stopping to glance over her shoulder. “I don’t need a yes-man, so challenge my decisions if you think they’re wrong, but do it professionally, not personally.”

With that, Silina left Ko behind to prepare the ship. Her words were harsh, but they were what Ko needed to hear.