Vanren allowed the conversation to continue for another moment before she returned her attention to the forward viewscreen.

The Tomal remained at warp 5.9. Holographic panels cast translucent green and amber light across the pale bulkheads. A soft mechanical hum accompanied the warbird’s steady passage.

At Tactical, T’Parr’s expression changed. Her brilliant lavender eyes narrowed as he touched the edge of a holographic panel.

A series of symbols appeared above the console.

She examined them, then she straightened.

“Commander, I have a target contact.”

The conversation about the prior night came to a sudden conclusion.

Vanren turned to the tactical station. “Details, Sub-Centurion.”

T’Parr enlarged the sensor information.

“We have identified a vessel whose correspondence code matches one reported during a convoy raid approximately two weeks ago.”

Mrian leaned forward. “The Arythridian convoy?”

“Yes, Sub-Commander.”

T’Parr brought up the original incident report.

“The raiders disabled the shields of one merchant vessel after a sustained attack. They subsequently transported a considerable quantity of valuable cargo before they withdrew.”

A holographic image appeared above her console. It depicted an older Orion commercial vessel.

The ship possessed a broad central hull with an elongated cargo section beneath it. Two heavy engine structures extended from its aft quarters. Smaller thruster assemblies protruded along the rugged starship’s sides. Its exterior was scarred by years of modifications, repairs and replaced hull plating.

“The vessel is registered as a commercial transport,” T’Parr continued. “Its design is several decades old. The current configuration suggests that the original cargo capacity has been modified to accommodate additional equipment.”

Vanren studied the image. “Armament?”

“Unknown. The external configuration includes several structures that could conceal weapons installations. I would not assume it is unarmed.”

Sevok looked over the display.

“Has the vessel been positively identified as a participant in the raid?”

“Indeed it has. The correspondence code matches one recorded during the attack. Its registry information is inconsistent with several previous port records.”

“Where is it?”

Zei expanded the system map. A moon appeared above her workstation. Its surface contained broad blue oceans, green landmasses and extensive chains of tropical islands. Artificial orbital structures surrounded several of the larger settlements.

“The vessel is docked at a commercial port on the third moon of the system’s outer inhabited planet.”

Mrian studied the projection.

“The moon is known for recreational travel. Resorts, private retreats, entertainment complexes. It’s popular with wealthy travelers who prefer to remain away from the larger commercial centers.”

Fethraie studied the image.

“That would make it a convenient place to sell stolen valuables.”

“Or arrange a transfer,” Mrian replied. She turned to Vanren as she continued. “There may still be time to secure the cargo if we arrive under cloak. They may not be expecting anyone to connect their vessel with the raid.”

Fethraie looked up from the systems station. “That’s assuming the cargo hasn’t already been sold.”

Mrian nodded. “Correct.”

T’Parr continued to examine the contact. “Their shields are down.”

Vanren met the tactical officer’s gaze. “Are they docked to a station?”

“There is a link to an external mooring platform. The vessel is connected through a service umbilical, but the docking arrangement does not appear to prevent immediate departure.”

Sevok studied the tactical projection.

“Are there civilians aboard?”

“Unknown.”

“Then any assault must account for that possibility.”

T’Parr nodded. “I have been considering a transporter-based intervention.”

Vanren turned as she listened closely. “Explain.”

T’Parr enlarged the vessel’s internal layout.

“The commercial design is sufficiently well documented that we can identify its principal compartments. If we approach under cloak and establish transporter locks before they raise their shields, we may be able to remove the bridge crew without engaging in a conventional exchange of weapons fire.”

She highlighted the command compartment as she continued.

“Their command personnel would be transported directly into the Tomal’s brig.”

Another section of the vessel illuminated.

“Additional personnel could be transported into a cargo bay modified for this mission. I have already ordered security teams to begin preparing the containment area.”

Vanren glanced over to Mrian.

“Xaxxas?”

“They’re supervising the arrangements,” Mrian replied. “Cargo Bay Two has been divided into secured holding sections. We can separate prisoners according to their identification and any immediate security concerns.”

T’Parr continued.

“Once the personnel have been transported, we could disable the Orion vessel with a targeted strike against its propulsion systems.”

Vanren considered the plan.

“The transport operation would require us to briefly lower the cloaking field, depending on the final approach conditions. We would need to coordinate the transport sequence carefully.”

Sevok leaned forward. “An attack against the propulsion system must also account for the vessel’s proximity to the docking platform.”

“Agreed.” T’Parr rotated the holographic model. “A precision strike against the external propulsion assembly should render the vessel incapable of departure without causing catastrophic damage. I would prefer to disable its maneuvering capability, then disable its weapons.”

Mrian looked over the projection. “If we can remove the bridge crew quickly enough, they may not even have time to understand what’s happening.”

Fethraie studied her own display. “The transporters are available. We’ll need updated internal scans before we can attempt simultaneous locks on that many people.”

“How many are there?” Vanren asked.

T’Parr examined the available information.

“We cannot establish an accurate crew complement yet. The ship’s design would ordinarily support several dozen personnel, although its modifications may have altered the internal capacity.”

Vanren nodded. “Then we shall plan for more than we expect.”

“Yes, Commander.”

Sevok turned to T’Parr.

“I would also recommend isolating any armed personnel from the civilian crew once they arrive aboard the Tomal. It may be difficult to distinguish participants in the raid from individuals hired afterward.”

T’Parr considered the suggestion.

“That is consistent with the containment procedures Xaxxas has prepared.”

Mrian looked to Vanren. “We may be able to take the vessel without firing at all if the transporters work quickly enough.”

“Perhaps,” Vanren replied. “But I don’t want to let an armed raider escape because we hesitated to disable its engines.”

She looked towards the Tomal’s senior system’s officer.

“Fethraie, contact the Trenton. Inform them that the Tomal has located a target whose crew appears unaware of our presence. We’re going in to capture the vessel’s leaders and attempt to recover the stolen cargo.”

“Yes, Commander.” Fethraie turned towards her communications display. “I’ll send an encrypted transmission with the vessel’s identifying information and our intended approach.”

Vanren nodded. “Keep it brief. I don’t want a transmission that compromises our cloak.”

“Understood.” Fethraie started to prepare the message.

Mrian focused on the holographic image of the Orion vessel. “The question is whether the cargo is still aboard.”

Vanren shifted her glance to Sevok.

“Major, you reviewed the original convoy manifest.”

“I did.”

“Can we identify the collection without opening every container on that ship?”

Sevok activated his armrest display. “The Arythridian ivory carvings possess a distinctive natural mineral signature. The ivory contains trace elements that occur in unusually rich concentrations within the biological environment of its homeworld. Those elements became incorporated into the material during the organisms’ development.”

Zei studied the figures. “That should produce a recognizable spectral profile.”

“Indeed.” Sevok continued. “Individual pieces might be difficult to distinguish from other cargo without a close-range scan. However, the collection is substantial. If the carvings remain together in a sufficiently large mass, the Tomal’s sensors should be capable of detecting the combined signature.”

Vanren looked to Zei.

“Can you prepare a scan?”

“Certainly.” Zei quickly input the relevant parameters.

“I’ll configure a passive survey first. Once we’re close enough, we can determine whether a more focused scan is necessary.”

Mrian looked at the display.

“Hopefully they’re still holding onto it.”

Sevok folded his hands. “The collection is considered priceless.”

Kortt glanced over her shoulder.

“That usually makes something easier to sell, doesn’t it?”

“Not necessarily.” Sevok looked to her. “An ordinary valuable object can be sold to a relatively broad market. A collection of this historical and cultural significance requires a buyer with extraordinary resources and a willingness to accept the legal risks associated with its possession.”

Mrian nodded. “Anyone wealthy enough to purchase it might be cautious about becoming involved in a highly publicized theft.”

“Correct.” Sevok continued. “Finding a buyer for the entire collection may prove difficult. The raiders could attempt to divide it into smaller groups, but doing so would reduce its value as a complete historical assemblage.”

Zei spoke next.

“It would also make the individual pieces harder for us to detect.”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

Vanren considered the words before she replied. “Then let’s hope they haven’t found a buyer.”

Fethraie looked up from the systems station.

“Transmission sent to the Trenton, Commander.”

“Any response?”

“Not yet.”

Vanren nodded. “Keep monitoring.” She turned to the helm. “Lieutenant Kortt, maintain warp 5.9. I don’t want to risk exposing our cloak by pushing the propulsion systems any harder than necessary.”

“Maintaining five point nine, Commander.” Kortt adjusted the ship’s course slightly. “The target system is ahead. We’ll approach from outside the main commercial traffic corridor.”

Mrian looked ahead to the viewscreen. “Can we avoid the established approach lanes entirely?”

“Yes, Sub-Commander. There’s a route over the system’s northern orbital plane that should keep us clear of most civilian traffic.”

Vanren studied the navigational projection. “Use it.”

Kortt entered the revised course. “Aye, Commander.”

T’Parr looked over her tactical display. “I recommend that we prepare the security teams now rather than when we arrive.”

Mrian nodded. “Agreed.” She activated her armrest controls.

“Xaxxas, this is the bridge.”

A moment passed. Then the security officer’s voice answered.

“Xaxxas here, Sub-Commander.”

“We have a probable raider contact. Prepare the modified cargo bay for prisoner containment and have your boarding personnel ready for deployment.”

“Understood. How many prisoners should we expect?”

“We don’t know yet. Prepare for several dozen.”

“I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

Mrian glanced over to T’Parr.

“The tactical officer is developing a simultaneous transport operation. Coordinate your teams with her.”

“Very well. Xaxxas out.”

T’Parr transffered her preliminary tactical plan to the security department.

Vanren looked to Sevok.

“Major, I want you to review the legal and diplomatic implications of seizing that vessel while it’s docked at a civilian destination.”

Sevok inclined his head.

“Of course, Commander. The local authorities may object to a foreign warbird conducting an armed intervention within their jurisdiction.”

Mrian answered as her mind analyzed the scenario. “Especially if we arrive without announcing ourselves.”

“That is the plan.”

Vanren rested one hand against her armrest.

Sevok considered the situation.

“I recommend preparing a formal explanation for the local authorities after the operation concludes. It may not eliminate their objections, but it would demonstrate that our actions were directed towards recovering stolen property and detaining suspected raiders rather than asserting jurisdiction over their territory.”

Mrian nodded. “That seems reasonable.”

Vanren looked to Fethraie.

“Add that to our preparations. Once we have the vessel secured, we’ll notify the local government.”

“Yes, Commander.”

The bridge settled into a quiet rhythm.

Zei refinined specific ship sensors for the upcoming mineral scan.

T’Parr reviewed internal diagrams of the ship model they were rapidly approaching.

Fethraie monitored the encrypted communications channel and monitored shipwide systems.

Kortt maintained the revised course.

The holographic displays shifted through translucent shades of green, teal and amber against the warm beige bulkheads.

Vanren leaned back in her chair. She glanced towards Sevok.

“One more thing, Major.”

“Commander?”

“I’d like you to select the next text for the reading room.”

Sevok raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a particular subject in mind?”

“Something equally controversial.”

Mrian turned towards her. “You’re encouraging this?”

Vanren smiled. “I thought last night was productive.”

“It was certainly lively.”

“Then perhaps we should continue.”

Sevok considered the request. “There are several suitable works.”

Kortt spoke from the helm. “Could we find one that doesn’t take four hours to discuss?”

T’Parr replied.

“The length of the discussion depends upon the complexity of the text and the willingness of the participants to examine its arguments.”

Kortt sighed. “So that’s a no.”

Sevok’s eyebrow rose again.

“I will attempt to select something that can be discussed within a reasonable period.”

Vanren smiled. “Thank you, Major.” Her attention returned to the forward viewscreen.

The stars continued their distorted passage across its surface.