Órlaith stepped into the transporter room. The transporter tech looked up from his console, “The G’Rath reports they are ready for transport.”

Órlaith turned to the man and simply nodded before turning to face the transporter pad. Moments later the hum of the transporter cycle deposited Commander Hur’agha. The Klingon smiled at seeing Órlaith and she stepped off the pad to warp her arms around her. “It has been too long my friend.”

“It is good to see you,” Órlaith said grinning and pounding Hur’agha on the back as the two women hugged. “Captain McKenzie is looking forward to meeting you.”

Hur’agha grinned,  “I as well. She seems to have the heart of a warrior to stand tall against an enemy and face certain death. You too my friend.  I am honored that you asked me to come.  I only regret that I could not convince the Council to send more ships, but I brought what I could.”

“We are grateful,” Órlaith replied.  “Thank you crewman,” She announced as she headed for the exit with Hur’agha at her side.

The man at the controls nodded, “You’re welcome ma’am.”

As the pair stepped into the corridor Hur’agha gave the man one last look. As the doors slid closed behind them the Klingon woman sighed, “Is it just me or are they getting younger?”

“No, not just you. And we’re getting older too.  I still can’t believe it’s been 27 years since I came to this reality. It seems like it’s only been ten. Time has been called a thief,” she shrugged,  “I don’t know about all about that, but we don’t live forever.”

Hur’agha grunted,  “And to die in battle bringing horor to one’s House and the empire has no greater significance.”

“Maybe for you,” Órlaith quipped. “I plan to die asleep in my bed after meeting  my great-great grandchildren.”

Hur’agha laughed,  “They say you humans are weak. Death is easy compared to facing a body that increasingly fails you. A mind that becomes riddled with dementia.  Perhaps we Klingons are the cowards choosing death in our prime.”

Órlaith shrugged as they entered the turbolift at the end of the corridor,  “I think we are all cowards when it comes to death. We just approach it differently is all.  Deck One, main bridge.” The computer beeped and the lift shot upwards.

“Perhaps,” the Klingon said thoughtfully. “And you my friend? How are the kids and Cory?”

Órlaith let out a heavy sigh, “The kids are fine. They are here on the Andromeda with me.”

“Good! Family is everything.”

Órlaith cocked an acknowledging nod, “As for Cory and I… We separated.  We were oil and water. Just too different.”

Hur’agha nodded, “I can see that.”

“I know you did.  You called it too.  I should have listened to you.”

Hur’agha laughed,  “Some can learn from other’s mistakes. You and I… we must make our own.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Órlaith muttered.  “I got too much of my parents in me.”

“Órlaith you are nothing like your parents. They were murderous and dishonorable petaQs. You turned your back on them and that shows your honor and I am honored to know you… even if you are Starfleet!”

Órlaith gave Hur’agha an amused look as the lift slowed to a stop and the doors parted to reveal Andromeda’s bridge. Commander Hayden was seated in the Captain’s chair when they entered.  Standing,  she approached Órlaith and Hur’agha.  “Commander Choi reports the final repairs will be completed within the hour, and the last of our portion of the colonists have been brought on board.  The Val’s at about fifty percent.”

“Understood,” Órlaith replied. “Commander this is Hur’agha, daughter of M’ress of the House of Lu’poq.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Erin replied. “Lieutenant Commander Erin Hayden. Ship’s XO.”

“Qapla’!” Hur’agha responded. 

“Is the enemy still on the move?” Órlaith asked now that the introductions were out of the way.”

Erin nodded, “Yeah.  Direct intercept course moving at warp five.”

“Why so slow?  That puts them ten hours out.” Hur’agha observed. 

Órlaith shook her head, “I don’t know.”

“It does make for a smaller warp signature.  They may not know we’ve been observing them and are hoping to catch us unprepared,” Erin suggested.

Órlaith shrugged. “It’s as good an explanation as any.”  Nothing about this mission has gone to plan and ironically the Andromeda had taken the brunt of it.  Twenty of her crew were killed when the Kat Changeling detonated that torpedo in the tube. Now, they were using a lottery to evacuate a mere 1,050 colonists from Arkan II before they bombed their own citizens.   But, if they didn’t sacrifice 19,000, billions if not trillions of lives in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants were at steak.

“I never thought I would have to play out the trolly problem in real-life,” Erin said echoing Órlaith’s own thoughts. 

“This trolly problem. What is it?” Hur’agha asked confusion etched on her face.

“It is a…” Erin started and then looked to Órlaith for help.

“It’s a philosophical thought experiment where a trolly is rolling out of control.  On one track you have one victim, and on a separate track you have several victims. You could do nothing and the trolly will kill multiple people,  or you can throw a lever and be active in one person’s demise saving the group.”

Hur’agha grunted,  “The Vulcans would say that is simple. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”

Órlaith sighed, “True. I’m just glad I don’t have to make that call. I do not envy Captain McKenzie.”

“Nor I,” Erin agreed. 

“Captain,” Lieutenant Wheeler announced from operations. “Sensors are picking up a ship entering extreme sensor range.”

“Can you put it on screen?” Órlaith asked approaching the station.

“Still too far out, but I am detecting a transponder signal.” There was a pause as Amanda tapped out the controls and relief washed over her. “NCC-97604, USS Sojourner.”

“One ship isn’t going to turn the tides of this, but it’s one more that can help. Commander Tarken is one hell of an officer too.”

Hur’agha and Erin both nodded, but Erin’s expression showed considerable foreboding.  They really were in a pickle and this was truly unplesent work.