The bridge science console beeped.

“Haia?” said Captain Matt Kirby.

“We’ve detected an object at extreme sensor range,” said Ohtani.  “This could be it.”

“Confirmed,” said Iziraa at tactical.  “Size and mass readings…  This is the sphere.”

At the word sphere, Kirby’s stomach churned.  He could also sense the already tense atmosphere among the bridge crew getting thicker, like soaking a wool blanket in water.  There were scattered and unconfirmed reports that a Borg sphere was in the sector at the edge of Federation space.  Sent to investigate, the Eagle confirmed the reports were accurate.

“Tactical analysis,” said Kirby.

Iziraa paused for a few seconds, her antennae moving in slow circles.  “It’s heading for the Calus system, a free Romulan colony.”

“Is there anything special about that system?” said Kirby.

“Nothing out of the ordinary in the database,” said Iziraa.

“Helm, follow the sphere, but keep our distance.  Don’t do anything aggressive.”

“Aye, Captain,” said the officer at the helm.

Kirby glanced at Doctor Weaver who was standing nearby to his right.  A reassuring smile from her made him feel better, but not by much.

At the mission briefing with the senior staff after being given this assignment, his officers took it in stride, but it was easy to see they were deeply concerned and troubled.  They wanted to do more than run humanitarian aid missions, but when they got something different, why did it have to be the Borg?

Lieutenant Commander Roger Allen

Roger had been quiet since the briefing, speaking only when his XO duties required it.  He felt guilty about that, as he was responsible for setting an example to the crew.  At that point in his career, he was satisfied with his accomplishments and career track to one day captain his own ship.  Deep within, a bitterness was growing that this mission could put an end to all of that.

Lieutenant Haia Ohtani

Haia was normally so laid back, nothing bothered her.  In fact, people often joked that she might be part Vulcan.  In reality, her mind was so ordered and focused, she learned early to not worry or fuss about things she couldn’t control or change.  If they were going to face the Borg what could she do about it?  She would do her duty with her usual efficiency and whatever came of it would be what it would be.

Though no one truly wanted to face the possibility of a direct encounter with a Borg ship, even a smaller one like a sphere, Haia was fascinated at the opportunity to study them.  Concerned, but not afraid, she waited patiently to see what would happen next.

Lieutenant Iziraa

When Izi heard the captain reveal the nature of their next assignment, her mind, emotions, and passions were racing.  She was prepared to do what needed to be done, but she also thought about everything in life she would miss if something terrible happened to them.  Though her refusal to enter into marriage with her bond mates, they were now all she could think of.  If the mission ended badly, she would never get to see them again or tell how much she loved them.

Lieutenant Nick Saunders

Nick was carefully observing the others on the bridge.  He was nervous about what lay ahead, but he found himself more concerned for the others than for himself.  Unsure why, as he had no desire to die or be assimilated.  He just found his thoughts going in that direction.  His thoughts moved to Delvis IV and what Mara was doing that very moment.  He smiled.

Lieutenant Doctor Lori Weaver

The Eagle had a crew compliment of ninety-five and had no dedicated counselor, so in addition to being chief medical officer, Lori took on that role as well.  Hearing their next mission was searching for a Borg ship, then shadowing it if they discovered one, she first had to deal with her feelings and emotions.  Scared, concerned, and overwhelmed didn’t do it justice, but she had to be strong for the others, especially for the captain.  After confirming there was a Borg ship, Matt looked to her.  She gave him a smile of assurance she didn’t feel.

Captain Matt Kirby

The bridge was silent, an eeriness Matt never felt before.  Only the ambient sounds of the bridge functions were heard.  He was deep in his own thoughts, so he allowed everyone else to do the same.  There wasn’t really anything else to say or do.

At least for now.