Captain Murphy,  Commander Torin, and Lieutenant Shrin say around the captain’s desk with the holographic display from the captain’s computer terminal relayed information.

“You’re telling me that blood dilithium has the souls of Brenari in it?” Shrin exclaimed her blue skin turning a shade lighter.”

“That’s what the Discovery’s report indicates,” Órlaith replied,  “as crazy as it sounds. Though,  I’m not sure if ‘soul’ is exactly the right word.”

“Telepaths can communicate with the Brenari inside the dilithium,” Shrin replied.  “I don’t know how else you would describe it. That explains where those eerie screams came from when she destroyed those samples.

Órlaith shrugged she couldn’t argue the logic even if it was a logic she thought she would never hear from a science officer. “I may have acted a bit hasty by removing all the telepaths from the crew.”

“I don’t think so captain.   You were acting in the best interest of your crew and ship.   It was a decision I support and one I still support,” Torin replied. 

Órlaith sighed and rubbed her temples to stave off a headache she felt coming on.

“Should we head to the Discovery’s last known location?” Torin asked. 

“Rescue ships are already en route,” the captain said. She sat back in her chair collecting her thoughts and organizing the events of this whole mission.   “It’s time to go home.”

“Aye captain,” Torin replied. “I agree.  And as much as I would like to give the Devore a black eye for the Discovery and the Brenari that is not something for us to decide.”

“Nor would we likely survive the fight,” Órlaith added, “but I do understand the impulse. Where are we with the dilithium mining?”

“As of this morning we have collected thrity tons of dilithium,” Torin replied. 

“That ought to make Starfleet happy.  Okay commander let’s go ahead and shut everything down.  We can leave the structures incase Starfleet wants to make a permanent colony out of it, but let’s get all our equipment back to the ship.”

“Aye captain. And the blood dilithium we owe the Devore?”

“To hell with the Devore,” Órlaith said bitterly.  “There’s places I’d like to tell Inspector Otren where to shove it too. Lieutenant Shrin you have the specifications for the probe correct?”

“Aye ma’am,” she replied.

“Get one built.  Use whomever you need to get it done.  We’re launching it tomorrow at 10:00.”

Torin raised an eyebrow at that.

“I’m done with the inspections, the Devore,  the Vidiians,  and sitting here waiting on bad news to come across my desk,” Órlaith answered Torin’s unasked question. 

Torin nodded. He didn’t care for the Devore, and he certainly wasn’t happy with the news that came out of the Discovery.   Both the destruction and origins of the blood dilithium. 

“I just wish I could communicate with the Brenari,” Shrin said suddenly. 

“Maybe you don’t l,” Torin said thoughtfully.  “For what I can tell from the reports they were suffering. It’s a depressing thought as is, I certainly am glad that I don’t know the details.”

Shrin shrugged,  “Their story needs to be told, and their… whatever… they should be remembered.   They should be honored.”

Órlaith sighed. Shrin wasn’t wrong, but there wasn’t much they could do about it.  “Let’s focus on freeing them, sticking it to the Devore at the same time.”

“The Devore won’t be happy,” Shrin replied. 

“Let’s us worry about the Devore,” the captain said giving the science officer a weak smile. “Okay, you two there’s a lot of work to do. You better get on it.”

Her two officers stood solemnly the news weighing heavy on their hearts.  And for Órlaith, it weighed on her as well.  She couldn’t help but feel like the fate of the Crazy Horse very well could have been the same as the Discovery after her initial defiance towards Inspector Orten. Sighing she rotated her chair to face the window behind her. With her cup of tea cradled in her hands she sought solace in its warmth.