It was a bit of a surprise for everyone when the Romulan Republic Intelligence Officer just appeared out of nowhere in sickbay before them but not as much as what Centurion Maec had to tell them. Saren had chosen for everyone to relocate to the bridge of the ship, he even had sent a message via comms to the two engineers in main engineering to rendezvous with the rest of them there.

While they had waited for the two engineers, Centurion Maec explained everything to them. About where the gas truly came from, who made it and why it is imperative that the gas becomes obsolete. With all that was said, Saren chose to back track, to ensure everyone, including himself, understood everything that Maec had said. Saren held up one finger, “The gas came from the Tal’Shiar in the Romulan Free State.” Then he held up his middle finger, which made it two now. “Which was created by a man named Soldar, and although he worked for the Tal’Shiar while he created it, he done so without their knowledge.” Then Saren rose another finger, making it three. “But after Soldar was removed from the Tal’Shiar, they went through his files, found the gas, and decided to test it on this ship that was under control by the Star Navy.”

Maec nodded at the recollection of her briefing to the crew. “That is correct, though the one thing I forgot to add was Soldar was invited back to the Tal’Shiar, which makes him an incredible threat to all of the Romulan Republic.” 

Saren sighed heavily as he rubbed his face a little before letting his arms drop to his side. “Well, that will certainly make things complicated.” Saren looked to the doctor. “Your antidote for the contagion that was in the gas. You have the complete formula, yes?” Saren asked her.

Looking at Saren “Right, the formula is completed yes. Though the information is not perfect as it is made on the go. If I had waited longer your hearts would have blown up” Hakona thought for a second.

“That’s reassuring…” Herrana muttered, crossing her arms and leaning against one of the consoles.

“I want the data sent to Republic Medical Institute on a secure frequency, to be perfected and hopefully they can come up with a vaccine to distribute to everyone, including the non-aligned worlds.” Saren ordered.

“Yes, sir” Walking to the medical console as Hakona started to get the formula together that she had brewed up. The information would be sent to Republic Medical Institute. Most likely they would give her a recommendation for finding the solution, “Urg public attention…” She mutters. 

Saren then heard footsteps and turned to look to see the two engineers. “Ah. N’Vek and Prar. Good for you two to join us. I hope nothing else is too damaged.”

N’Vek nodded once and offered a faint smile, “All is functional. The ship will continue to operate as expected, though normal degradation and repairs will be needed. I highly recommend going into a drydock for a complete repair within a few months time.” 

Thisbe just nodded when N’vek did. Her input wasn’t necessary; she was new and still trying to feel things out. 

Isha went to the pilot station and took a seat, where she began to fiddle with the terminal. She checked various systems before she turned in her seat to look at Saren and Orex. “Helm control is responding. We don’t just have functionality; we have full control of the ship.”

Herrana walked to Isha’s side and leaned over her shoulder. 

“I’ll be damned, we sure do. Power up the…” She paused for a moment, then looked back to Saren. It was going to take a while to get used to being on a Valdore bridge and not being in charge. “Commander, I recommend powering up the impulse engines and testing this bird’s response to helm input. We don’t know what the Star Navy remnant’s standards of maintenance are, it’s possible that she’s a bit sluggish or uncalibrated.”

Thisbe was pretty much in her element. Damage Control was her THING. She had, after all, managed to fix her own ship when the Breen had tried to shoot her down long enough to stay in the sky until she was rescued. All she’d need was a couple of thermal regulators, duct tape, and a lot of luck. On the other hand, her Romulan boss didn’t seem that impressed with her “winging it” skills. The Carjoran woman spoke up. “I can check the thermal regulations, if you need me too. Damage control is my favorite. What supplies do we have?” She had her own kit, but whatever the Republic supplied might also be helpful, even if all she had was plaster and duct tape, she’d make do.  

Saren took in everyone’s recommendations, giving some thought on their next course of action. He looked to Thisbe with a smile, “You’re the only engineering team member N’Vek has. So I’m certain you’ll be doing plenty of damage control until we get back to base.”

Then Saren looked at Herrana, and he knew the struggle she was going through. He could see it in her eyes. He couldn’t imagine what it was like to be a former Commander, to be on the bridge of a ship like the one she commanded. He’ll have to talk to her privately when he gets the chance. “I think that is a very sound plan, Subcommander. Do what you think is necessary.”

Isha already knew what Herrana wanted and began to power up the impulse engines, but before she could get far in engaging those engines, her panel started to light up. It was a communication indicator, and they were receiving a signal. Curiosity got the best of her, and she opened up the communications display to see what it was. Isha then looked at Herrana, and then at Saren. “We’re receiving a distress signal.”

Saren’s cheerful look on his face turned into a frown. He looked at Herrana and knew they were in no condition to answer any calls for help. But curiosity is a fickle thing. “Where is it coming from?”

Isha checked the display and traced the signal. “It’s coming from a colony only a few lightyears away from here. The message says they urgently need help but doesn’t say what exactly. It’s a neutral colony, formerly under the Imperial Star Empire before they went under.”

Still standing there, mute, Thisbe heard the SOS call from the hallway. Her ears perked up-a neutral colony was always a fun find. The Carjoran spoke softly. “If I am not needed immediately, I’ll head back to Engineering, get some stuff prepped in case we take fire or something.” She might be a little wet behind the ears but at least damage control was something she DID know, even if, as she’d told N’Vek, her idea of damage control was duct tape and a lot of thoughts to gods she wasn’t sure she even believed in.  

“Commander, I don’t think we have any business chasing down a distress signal,” Herrana spoke up with a grimace. “Even if this bird was in tip-top operating conditions, a Valdore takes at least fifty people to perform at bare-minimum, and substantially more if we want to have any sort or operational flexibility. We should notify the Republic Navy of the signal in the same communique that we send to report on the status of this ship. I’m sure they’ll have someone come inspect.”  

Saren looked to N’Vek and then at Hakona. “You two have the right to voice your opinions on this.”

N’Vek nodded slowly, “We are capable of running on a skeleton crew, yes. But within limited capabilities. If we get engaged with combat, it would get very… Ugly.”

Looking at Saren “Well at first I am in agreement that we are running on a skeleton crew, but then N’Vek said that it could get ugly” Hakona smirks “I say we go for it, what could possibly go wrong” The idea of doing emergency operations under pressure did excite her. 

Saren looked at Isha and at Herrana. “Even while we are in the process of claiming this ship for the Republic, it is still an Imperial warbird. Isha, the colony that is calling for help, as you said, it used to be an Imperial colony.”

Isha knew what Saren wanted and began pulling up information on the colony. “It’s a farming colony, minimum defenses. It had a troop contingent, but I highly doubt they’re there anymore, or perhaps they joined the colony. No way of finding out.”

“Any specifics on their distress?” Saren asked.

Isha looked over the message again and looked to Herrana, then at Saren. “Just that they’re in trouble.”

“Subcommander. If you don’t mind checking our long-range sensors, look for other Imperial warbirds, Republic, and other vessels in the range of the colony and us.” Saren requested.

“Aye, sir,” Herrana nodded, striding over to the sensor console and powering it up. After a moment of scanning the sensor logs, she turned back to the Commander. “As is usual when receiving distress signals, we’re the only ones in range to respond in a reasonable time frame. Figures.”

Saren grumbled loudly as he placed his hands on the backrest of the command chair as he stood behind it. He had thought of sitting down in it but resisted the urge. Saren then turned to N’Vek. “As the Subcommander stated, this ship requires a bare minimum of fifty people to operate this ship. How much of it can you get automated to operate on a very small skeleton crew?”

N’Vek cracked an amused grin. A challenge. He loved it. He looked forward to it. His mentor in engineering was a computer genuius and Taval had learned quite a bit from him. He straightened up his posture at the importance of the task. He inclined his head, “I will see what I can do to the best of my ability. I should be able to automate a good majority of the systems.”

Saren looked at Isha. “What would our ETA be at warp five?”

Isha ran the numbers on the console before she looked back at Saren. “Twelve hours.”

Saren looked back at N’Vek. “That’s the time I’m giving you to do your best work. Time to see how much of a miracle worker you are.” Saren smirked.

N’Vek returned the smirk, “Challenge accepted, sir.”

Saren looked at everyone else. “I’m making the call.” He then looked at Herrana. “Of course, the Subcommander has the right to overrule me, if she so believes that my judgment is impaired or misplaced.” He looked back at everyone. “Nevertheless, I will contact naval command and inform them of the situation.” He then looked back at Herrana. “And I won’t leave out any detail.” Which meant he would include her objection.

Saren then turned to Maec. “What is your opinion on this? You’re Republic Intelligence; any help would be nice.”

Teri had been listening closely and was interested to see the actions the crew would take. “I can’t really say anything about the colony, but I can say as part of the Republic it would be good to see if we can incorporate another colony.” She didn’t show any emotion and knew she was only partially telling the truth, but sometimes even Intelligence officers has to test the mettle of the crew.

Saren nodded his head in agreement. “Then that settles it. Isha, plot a course at warp five.”

The story continues to Part 2!