“We fought hard, and if a promotion isn’t approved after this for most, I don’t know what will be.” Jetta let out a rare chuckle. “By the way, Captain, I’d like to arrange a meeting with you and your head Security Officer about a more personal matter. We have a. . .interesting case of a Vaadwaur still remaining on our ship.”

“I’d like to be present for that.” Amira commented, side eyeing Jetta. “He saved our lives.”

“He is still a Vaadwaur and is still complicit in their crimes.” Jetta says almost robotically, like she’s had this conversation before.

“I—“ Runt just took a deep inhale. No use fighting it. “Uhm, Captain Raku? A question, sir, do you have a M’Row on your ship? Caitian, two different colored eyes?”

“M’Harak, this is not the time.” Jetta glanced at the cat. “I apologize, Captain. We’re all looking for people and looking for a chance to relax.”

Raku’s eyebrows raised at the mention of the Vaadwaur. His mind raced with thoughts, contemplating how they may have saved the lives of that crew.

M’Harak’s voice pulled the Captain’s glance towards his direction. “Why yes, actually. Mister M’Row is patching up microfractures in the hull at the moment. He was among my first choices to send to help assess the damage on the Morro Bay.”

Mobra’s eyes softened. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see a familiar face. Captain, Expect myself and Commander M’kath to join you shortly.”

“OHHEIS??” Runt suddenly got much wider eyed, jumping up from the seat, causing everyone else to jump. “He—wait, seriously?? I’ll keep my com on!”

“*M’Harak..*” Amira side eyed him. “Don’t—“

But before she could even finish, the turbo lift doors had swung open and Runt was gone. Jetta just let out a chuckle while Amira facepalmed, rubbing the ridge of her nose.

“I’m assuming a guest will be down there soon. I’ll be in my ready room, if that’s an alright meeting spot.” Jetta looked at the screen, tilting her head to the side. “Very handsome earring, by the way. Beautifully made.”

The officers of the Brawley watched almost stunned at the Caitian’s sudden exit. Warmth took over Ikastrul’s facial features. Captain Raku rubbed his earring with his thumb and forefinger.

“Why yes, thank you. It represents the family history of a pilot’s D’jarra. Long ago, ancestors of my clan guided some of the first sailing ships across Bajor.”

Mobra turned to study his crew. “Now here we are, stuck out here. If our ancestors made it through the past, we can get through today.”

He took on a solemn expression. “Your crew is very brave. I believe the Prophets brought us to you in this time of need. Hopefully they can help us find a way out of this mess. My senior staff is working up ideas on a way forward. I’ll fill you in after we arrive.”

Mobra felt more at ease after talking to Jetta. There was a calming, reassuring presence about her.

“It was. . . .” She paused. Jetta covered her mouth as she tried to convey her words—losing a crew member was hard. A crew at this mass?? Even worse.

“Our crew acted with honor and bravely.” Amira finally chimed in, putting a hand on Jetta’s shoulder. “But we’re getting a little off track. I’m hoping you all can be here soon so I may transfer over to the Brawley and aid with the medical staff.”

Mobra nodded. “Of course. We don’t have the largest medical staff. Doctor Dowa is ready and standing by. As a matter of fact”, the Captain tapped his commbadge.

“Raku to Dowa, Doctor… Standby for incoming triage. The Morro Bay has injured that need your care. Expect them momentarily.”

=/\= “Send then our way, Captain. I’ll call every shift in.”=/\= The doctor’s voice was tense but measured.

He tapped again. “Raku to M’Row, report to Transporter Room One for an away mission to the Morro Bay.”

=/\=”Right away, Captain.”=/\= M’Row’s voice was accompanied by an excited chirp.

Captain Raku returned his attention to the screen, dark brown hair glinting with his movement. “Is there anything else you need from us at the moment?”

Amira stood up, letting out a heavy sigh. “I need you to be ready for a lot of tragedy, Captain.” She looked down at Jetta. “They did damage–genuine evil damage to us.”

Jetta just gave a solemn nod, looking back at the screen. “I cannot thank you enough for this, Captain. Truly. At the moment, all I can think of is a drink…but, no. Just your support. I’ll be seeing you soon. Dowe, over and out.”

Jetta put her head in her hands as the screen clicked off, taking only a mere moment to let some tears fall.

“How are you holding up, Captain?” Amira asked, her voice soft as she put a hand on her back.

“I’m alive.” Jetta wiped her tears and quickly stood up. “That’s all that matters. C’mon—we have a ship to repair.”