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Chapter Text

Alarms blared, filling the interior of the shuttlecraft with klaxons, adding to the sense of distress as the craft banked violently, the structural integrity field working hard.

“I’m re-routing power from non-essential systems to the structural integrity field.” Chu’lak said matter-of-factly.
“I can still pull us through.” The pilot protested.
“With what Pilot Reid? Your skills got us into this mess.” The Vulcan’s voice took on a sharp tone, the pilot fell silent, “I will do what I can do to ensure our survival.”
“Alert. Descent velocity exceeding safety limits. Thrusters, communications and main power offline. Reserves at 47%.” The computer said.

Electric discharges streaked the think clouds outside the shuttle, removing any sense of distance or scale from the already formless worldscape. Faint shadows hinted at the ground coming closer, but it was impossible to see where the ground began.

“Everyone brace, this will be bumpy” Chu’lak shouted to the rest of the passengers over the creaking and tossing of the shuttle craft.

Without any more warning they impacted.

Chapter Text

“First Officers Log, Lt. Commander Yazawa Nico.

Nico is determined to be the best first officer in Starfleet. Of course, Captain Sonoda sets a good example, but Nico knows an approachable first officer will lead to more crew confidence. Working with Nico will also help the Captain become more flexible. Captain Sonoda respects the traditions of Starfleet but also sees them as ceremonial, but Nico knows practical and Nico needs to be moved into the first officer’s quarters, which is not a ceremonial upgrade but a way to get Nico to the bridge faster when the Helicon needs her.

Pause recording.”

Nico took a deep breath. Her log should not become a series of complaints. That was not how Nico intended to serve, even when there were frustrations. Umi had been very generous with her time and advice, but was still stumbling over little things, out of excessive respect for Captain Camisa and how things were done under his command. Nico understood that grief put people on different paths, but her first duty as first officer seemed to be to get her Captain confidently settled in the position.

Nico took her practice sword off its stand, in the ready position. She thought better in battle.

“Computer erase previous recording. First Officer’s Log, Lt. Commander Nico Yazawa.

The Helicon has successfully completed repairs and has left Utopia Planitia. Crew has more energy, making Nico happy. Chief Engineer Hoshizora has everything purring at 112% of its former effectiveness. Nico is impressed by her fellow officers.”

A pause. Nico completed the kata. What to say about her Captain?

“Captain Sonoda is quiet but determined, a leader the crew looks up to. Nico looks forward to working as a team on making the Helicon the best crew in Starfleet.”

That sounded right. Nico nodded and slid into another kata.

“Some of the new pilots are creating friction being on board a ship as small as the Helicon, and their extra duties that they have been assigned. Lt. Kousaka seems to be dealing with them herself, but Nico is keeping an eye on the situation.

And now Nico has to meet Lt. Commander Nishikino on the phaser range. Time to test the doctor’s aim.

End log.”

--

Lt. Shidou Misaki stepped to the side as the newly arrived Flight Operations Supervisor came out of the briefing room, where he’d had a viewscreen chat
with Captain Sonoda. Commander Parzka was a weathered Bajoran and Starfleet veteran, legendary for flying a damaged Bajoran interceptor through a Cardassian blockade to escape with his family and several others.

“Greetings, Lt. Shidou. I’m impressed by how immaculate the Helicon’s hangar bays are. No trace of the attack or the separation.”

“Chief Engineer Hoshizora always improves a situation if she can. And neither of our Captains discouraged that.”

Parzka hummed, nodding at his young executive officer. The Flight Operations Centre was a ship of its own, with Parzka serving as the Helicon’s second officer, but commanding the operations of the fighters, runabouts, shuttles, and their support crew, in conjunction with Captain Sonoda’s general orders.

“The pilots have all onboarded,” Shidou began but was interrupted by a raised voice coming from one the shuttle bays.

“Man, these shuttles are butt ugly, they should put them all in one bay and not let them mingle with the fighters. Why is this ship so small?” A harsh laugh. Shidou recognized it. Senior Pilot Guy Reid.

“Grouping all your fighters together is dumb.” Shidou muttered, reaching for the com.

Parzka held his hand as a barrier.

“Our XO’s been encouraging me to identify teachable moments.” Shidou pulled back a fist.

“Lt. Commander Yazawa gives solid advice, but that pilot’s just mouthing off to his buddies and if you embarrass him, he’ll challenge every order we give him to save face. Teachable moments only work with people willing to listen.” He tapped the comm for the hanger bays, “Commander Parzka here. All pilots are to return to their quarters unless scheduled for their medical intake session. A briefing about your current duties is being prepared so take this time to unpack and learn about the Helicon from the computer’s resources.” He cut the comm, “Now, if you’ll take over here, I want to meet this Chief Engineer and see who she’s assigning us.”

“Show her a picture of Poteen.” Poteen was Parzka’s snowy white cat, still with his family.

“Will do.” Parzka grinned, “Thanks, Lieutenant. Flight Ops is yours.”

“Yes, sir.”

Chapter Text

The quiet chirps and beeps from the various consoles on the bridge were their own little symphony of the cosmos with point and counter points.

I wonder what music she likes... probably mathematically perfect harmonies. Nozomi thought, her eyes temporary resting on the stoic blonde science officer next to her. Moving her eyes back to her console she filtered through the usual spectra of ghost transmissions in sub-space they were picking up. The enhanced sub-space array was really amazing, but it required more than just the computer to filter through the amounts of signals especially what was left when all the known and catalogued transmissions and frequencies. It required the human touch, or least an organic.

A set of transmission pairs, probably a doppler, caught her attention. With a few swift control touches she applied filters to the signal, cleaning it up and enhancing that she began to pick up words in her earpiece.

“… colony… disaster… help… destroyed” she heard. On a partly scrambled sub-channel she could make out a name. The message began to repeat.

“This… we have... We requ---"

A distress call!

She tapped her com-badge.

“Tojo to Captain Sonoda. We have a distress call.”

The answer came back directly, “I’ll join you shortly.”

The ready room door opened, and Captain Sonoda strode out, Lieutenant Kosaka behind her.

“But Um—Captain. This could really show them the ropes.” The Lieutenant argued.
“Ho---For the last time Lieutenant. Just because the asteroid field is there is not a reason to stage a race to prove that you’re better than them.”
“But….”
“End of discussion.” Umi turned to Nozomi, “What do we have Lieutenant Tojo?”

Nozomi turned around.

“Distress call from a federation colony. It’s experienced a massive natural disaster, destroying its food stores.”
“No replicators or trade?”
“No. Unclear why at this point.” Nozomi added gravely.
“Do we have communications?” Umi wondered.
“The call is automated and repeating. Maybe they had to abandon the transmitter.”

“I see.” Umi turned to Eli, “Let’s put the enhanced sensors to use. Commander Ayase. I want a briefing on the situation in 10 minutes.” She turned back to Nozomi, “And try to raise them, Tojo.”

Umi walked over the captain’s chair and sat down.

“Helm, you have the coordinates?”
“Ay, Captain.” Wakefield nodded and tapped a few controls, “Course laid in.”
“Warp 5. Execute.”
Umi tapped a control on her chair, “Senior officers, report for briefing in the conference room in ten minutes.”

--

Maki had a great deal of respect for NCOs. Their precise skills and polished confidence brought huge value to whatever department they served. The Medical team was fortunate to have an NCO Counsellor and Chief Nurse on staff, both of whom were very willing to share their wisdom with the younger officers and enlisted crew. Before their scheduled time on the range, Nico had set up a meeting for Maki with one of Security’s NCO’s, the Master-At-Arms, Gunnery Master Chief Petty Officer T'nith.

“Good morning, Lt. Commander Nishikino. Lt. Commander Yazawa apologizes but there was an emergency briefing on conflict resolution. She will join us shortly.”

"Good morning, Gunnery Master Chief Petty Officer.” Maki wondered if there’d been any trigger for the briefing.

“Lt. Commander Yazawa has ordered me to issue you a personal weapons locker and a hand weapon. You will also have access to a phaser rifle for target practice, but that will not be in your personal weapons locker. Any weapons you bring back to the Helicon with you must be registered immediately and stored as required by regulations.” The solid, buzzcut Vulcan waited for Maki’s nod of acknowledgement before continuing, “Please follow me.”

A forcefield surrounded the two levels of the armoury. T’nith led them to the lower level, where security crewmembers were repairing weapons and the banks of weapons lockers could be seen.

“I took the liberty of setting aside a few for you to try.” T’nith chuckled, “it might be illogical to think that there are differences, even minute, but practically, people like to choose their own tools.”

Maki picked up the first phaser in the row. It felt heavier than the one Nico had handed her on the away mission.

“That’s a type 2. We start with Type 1, which are smaller.” T’nith picked up a chunky square, “And some Type-2’s are designed with Type 1 nesting in them.” She clicked the phaser into a larger body and handed it to Maki. “Remove the Type-1, please, Lt. Commander.”

“I have had basic weapons training.” Maki snapped. “It didn’t involve museum artifacts.”

“You’ve never been in my armoury before.” T’nith had moved to the rifles, doing visual inspections.

“Don’t feel bad, Doc,” Nico’s voice drew Maki’s attention to the stairs the Executive Officer was hopping down, “Nico had to redo every qualifying test for every Star-Fleet weapon for Gunny when Nico first came on board. Hey, T’nith, did you set up Nico’s Old West program?”

“First, you and Lt. Commander Nishikino will be qualifying on the standard targets.”

As Nico chose a phaser, she bumped Maki in a friendly, confidential manner. “Gunny’s a tougher audience than Nico’s mom and that’s saying something.”

Maki had dressed for the gym, in grey workout leggings and a black t-shirt with the StarFleet Medical Logo; Nico was in uniform. This was a more formal proceeding than Maki had expected.

“So what caused a conflict resolution emergency?”

“Nothing to worry about, Doc.”

“Maki.” Maki gritted out her name. Nico deciding to call her Doc was starting to grate as a dismissive gesture.

“Maki.”

Much better. Maki smiled.

Nico decided on a phaser, “Nico has it under control. Basically, we just went over how to de-escalate a bar brawl. The new pilots are causing some friction. NCOs are getting worried. And when they worry, Nico listens.” Nico nodded at her Master Armorer.

“I get that.” Maki made a note to ask her own staff if there’d been any problems. Nothing big enough for a report, obviously, since none had ben turned in, but enough to make them start paying more attention.

“Nico got a 90% ratio on Level 24 last time Nico tested.” Nico winked, “But don’t be intimidated.”

“How many levels are there?”

T’nith answered, “25. But non security personnel usually don’t go beyond 14.”

“Nico’s a pro.”

Maki suddenly wanted a solo session to see where her abilities were. But this was a collaborative project, Nico helping her on the range; Maki giving Nico some extra medical training.

“Let’s do this so that the Master-at-Arms will eventually let me see this Wild West set up of yours.”

“You’ll have to let Sheriff Nico call you Doc.” Nico winked.

“We’ll see.”

T’nith, phaser rifle in the easy carry position, headed for the range, “This way.”

Captain Sonoda’s voice interrupted, “Senior officers, report for briefing in the conference room in ten minutes.”

Nico and Maki exchanged a glance.

“Do you know anything?” Maki asked.

Nico shook her head, “I need to get going. Sorry, Maki. We’ll do this another time.”

“Sure.”

Nico hurried to the stairs.

Before Maki could follow, T’nith put the rifle down on the nearest table and intercepted Maki, her hand out, “Phasers, please, Lt. Commander. I’ll put them away for you this time.”

“Thank you.” Maki handed them over. She’d have to hurry to get into uniform.

Chapter Text

As the officers settled in the conference room, Tojo and Ayase took positions next to the big viewscreen on the short wall.

Tojo activated the screen.

“Approximately twelve minutes ago, we received a distress call from the colony Ecos Prime. It was automated and included a text version of the distress call on a sub-channel. What we know is that some disaster has befallen the colony that have destroyed their food stores. It seems they lack capability or opportunity to either replicate or receive outside help. We have yet not managed to send an acknowledged response. So, we have no idea about the present situation. Commander Ayase.”

Eli stepped forward.

“The planet where the colony is located is Class K. Some areas have been terraformed with varied success, but the population lives in domes as there are also the majority of their stores are located. This is a discrepancy from the initial colonization records that list the planet as L-class.”

Maki raised her hand.

“Yes doctor?”
“Incorrect classification?”
“Unlikely. Also, the initial survey was confirmed by two other Starfleet vessels. If the purpose was to receive additional resources, stating a more advantageous condition would yield such a result. Emphasizing the negative rating would.”
“True.”
“Continuing…” Eli changed the display to a spinning planet with clouds with a wireframe model next to it sporting numbers and symbols, “At this range we can detect the planet, but nothing more due to intense electromagnetic interference in the atmosphere. I would like to note that with regulation equipment we would not even be able to detect it at this distance.”

Nozomi continued, “We are the closest Starfleet vessel, so we are to render assistance in any way possible. As we’re still very much in the dark, Commander Ayase and myself will keep monitoring inform the respective department heads when we learn anything new.”
A silence punctuated the pause. Umi stood up.

“Then let’s get to it. We have people to save.”

A collection of ays were followed by a brief nod in Umi’s direction as everyone left the conference room.

--

“Captain’s Log. Addendum.

Our mission to scan a protostar formation has been put on hold as we answer a distress call from the colony on Ecos Prime. Details are still few, but what we know is that a disaster has left them without food and that they are unable to produce or procure more for reasons, presently unknown.

As we get closer to our destination, we will no doubt learn more so that we can render assistance to the best of our ability. “

--

Petty Officer Boutros felt watched as she was working on her console, but every time she turned around, no-one apart from the other engineers were to be seen and when she walked over to the location, the corridor4 was empty, so she did what any sensible engineer would do; thought of a technical solution. She had a vague idea where whoever was spying on her was, so she brought up the deck plan and put a series of force fields on standby. They would move in, making much of a show of it, while being harmless in themselves. She continued, for all eyes, to work as usual, but the second she felt the presence again, she activated the forcefield cascade.

It too only seconds until she heard a desperate cry:
“Somebody, save me!” and she knew her trap had worked. Leisurely walking to the affected section, she saw… Diplomatic Aide Koizumi, on the floor, clutching something with her arms, looking absolutely terrified.

“Computer, deactivate forcefields.”

The forcefields disappeared. Boutros knelt next to Koizumi.

“Miss, are you alright? The forcefield shouldn’t have hurt you.”
“They... the came at me... and there was this noise… it was so scary…I... I just…”

Boutros quickly realized she needed to divert the thinking of the aide.
“Did you want to walk to the Chief?”
“Rin? I mean Miss Hoshizora… yes… I… I didn’t see her… so I… I was waiting…”

How in the gods names did she ever get into diplomacy? Boutros thought.

“She’s probably on the second level by the warp core. She likes to tinker just to try to get that last atom of purr from the engine. I… I can take you to her if you like?”
“That… that would be nice… Thank you.” Hanayo looked at the collar, “Petty Officer.”
“It’s just Boutros to you ma’am.” She stood up and held out a hand, “This way please.”

--

Waveforms and shatter graphs filled Nozomi’s screens. Rapid tapping on controls changed them for every stroke, elongating, pulling together, stretching out, increasing amplitudes, everything. In her earpiece, static came and went, another word coming in the clear, adding to the complete message. She was beginning to feel the fatigue pulling her into darkness, but she would not give up.

Suddenly, the static cleared, and Nozomi knew she had a clear channel.

“This is the federation star ship Helicon. Do you receive Ecos Prime?”

Silence.

“Ecos Prime. This is the federation star ship Helicon. Do you receive?”

More silence. Then…

“Hello? Is anyone there?” a voice said hesitantly, static trying to distort the words to unintelligible sounds.

“This is Lieutenant Tojo of the USS Helicon. We heard your distress call.”

“You did? Thank the gods. We… I… ehh. You better talk with our mayor. It was just my shift… “

“What’s your name?” Nozomi softened her voice.

“Me? My name is Mia.”

“Mia, I’m Nozomi. You’re doing great. I think my captain would like to talk to your mayor. Do you know if you can transmit visually?”

“Yes, but the interference… “

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I’ll… I’ll get him.”

“I’ll call my captain. Hang in there, Mia.”

Nozomi heard the acknowledgement and tapped her badge.

“Bridge to Captain.”

“Sonoda.”

“Tojo, ma’am. We have communications.”

“Nicely done. Get some rest.”

“Sir?”

Umi exited the ready room and walked over to Nozomi.

“I know you’ve been pulling multiple shifts to stay on this.” She looked sternly at Nozomi, “Get some rest. That’s an order.” A small smile accompanied the order.

Eli stood up.

“Permission to leave the bridge. I’ll make sure the Lieutenant gets some rest.”, Eli’s expression was hard to read.
“Granted. “Umi nodded, “Report back when you can.”

Eli took hold of Nozomi’s arm and walked with her to the turbo lift.

“For lil’ol’ me? You’re too nice Eli.” Nozomi smiled as fatigue took hold.
“I’m merely concerned for the efficiency of your duties.” The Vulcan sternly replied.
Murakami and Zelt stepped out of the turbo lift as it opened.

“Take our stations. I’ll return shortly.” Eli ordered and the Ensigns sat down at the science and communications bridge stations.

“Zelt?” Umi said, “Raise the colony. On Screen.”
“Ay. Sir” Zelt replied, almost bellowing the acknowledgement across the bridge.

The viewscreen flickered as the computer compensated for the signal distortions, then it stabilized on the image of man in a brown, dusty jacket. Nico silent slid over to the ensign as Umi began to speak to the mayor.

“This is Captain Sonoda of the Helicon.”
“Frank Henderson, I’m the mayor of this colony.”

“First time on the bridge?” Nico whispered to the now petrified Ensign.

She nodded, “I was assigned at UP.”

“Nico gets that you’re nervous. Remember, you earned to be here, so relax.”
Zelt nodded again and focused on the conversation between the Captain and the Mayor.
“We’ve received your distress call and are en-route. We have the necessary supplies and equipment on board, but I am curious as to why you are, as per your message, unable to either produce or procure them yourself. Perhaps you could explain?”
“I wish I could. All I know is that the replicators have a hard time with this planet’s atmosphere. Same applies to transporters and space craft. The storms in the atmosphere can fry any transport, causing it to crash if you’re unlucky. And it’s getting worse.”
“Why not resettle?”
“These are some hardy people Captain, not to mention stubborn. They don’t want to call it quits over some bad weather… or call for help.”

Umi nodded.

“We should arrive within 30 hours at present speed.”
“I’ve already ordered rationing of the reserves we have, not a too popular action.” A sarcastic smile crossed his face, “Won’t win me the next election, but this way we might have one.”
“Mayor, your people…”
“I was joking.” He said tired, “But it should buy you the time to get here. Some folks will be pretty happy to see you.”
“Some?”
“Some came here after a brush with Starfleet that didn’t go well.”

Umi paced on the bridge.

“I hope that we’ll be able to rebuild trust at the same time. Can you tell me what happened?”
“I don’t really know. I was out inspecting the fields when we heard a boom. My second informed me and told me that there’d been an explosion in our storehouse and that a dome was cracking. We’ve been too busy evacuating and providing shelter to send any investigation parties.”
“I understand. Please hold out. We’re coming.”

Henderson nodded.

“Captain, one question. If you’re that far off, how can we hold a stable channel? The storms make it hell to get a signal out.”
“I… I’m afraid I can’t answer that on an open channel. I’m sorry.”
He nodded again.

“Well, I don’t care as long as you get your butt here with supplies. With the stores gone and rationing we could keep going for a few days but with everything else… let’s just say, it ain’t gonna be fun.”
“In case there is a need to evacuate, another star ship is en-route, but they won’t arrive for another four solar-days.”
“I see.” Henderson seemed in thought, “I need to get back to my people. We’ll keep someone stationed here, and the transmitter on standby.”
“Very good. We’ll see you soon. Helicon out.”
“Later’.”

The viewscreen returned to its warp star pattern.

--

I am impressed she is still standing and coherent. Though coherent is probably a matter of subjectivity. Eli thought as she and Nozomi arrived at the latter’s quarters.
“Can you manage on your own Lieutenant?” Eli asked as the doors slid open.
“You won’t come in?” Nozomi asked with a sly tone, “I might sit down and continue from my workstation.”
“I very much doubt that you will be able to stay awake as you sit.” Eli stated.
“I might have stimulants in here… legal ones of course.” Nozomi teased.

Eli sighed, but part of her welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the friendly communications officer. Another part reviled at the thought of being so unprofessional.

“If… it is just to ensure that you rest, I will comply with your request.” She acquiesced and, still supporting Nozomi, entered.

The quarters were, surprising to Eli, sparsely furnished and decorated, with each piece apparently serving a specific function and purpose in the grand scheme, whatever it might be. As she continued to support Nozomi though the hallway and into the bedroom section, moving thin cloth aside that acted as dividers. She stopped in front of the bed.

“Just wait till I’m in it.” Nozomi teased.
“What? No… I was just… “Eli did a nervous cough, “What is that?” she pointed with her free arm at a small plushie head that was sticking out between the pillows.
“What?” Nozomi followed the arm, tensed up and jumped away from Eli, in the direction of the plushie.
“It’s nothing really. It’s just… I… “she stammered, looking at the plushie, “I think you scared her.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said I think you scared her. I don’t get visitors in my bedroom.” Nozomi held the plushie that Eli had now identified a Japanese racoon dog, colloquially called a tanuki.

“I did not... I assure you… I… “Eli took a breath and bowed slightly, “I’m sorry Miss Tanuki, my intention was not to scare you. I was merely concerned for my companion to get some rest.” She straightened up again.

Nozomi was lying down, smiling with the tanuki held tightly against her chest which was heaving with a slow, steady rhythm. Eli quickly looked around, found a set of covers and carefully draped it over the sleeping communications officers. As she adjusted it by Nozomi’s arms, her eyes suddenly opened, the deep emerald colour catching the ice blue of the science officer.

“Companion sounds nice doesn’t it… Eli-chi.”

Before Eli could reply, the eyes closed again, a slight blush spreading on the cheeks. Eli stayed frozen for several seconds until a voice inside her told her to get back to the bridge. Before she exited, she glanced quickly at the main room and saw something curious, a tea pot standing close to the replicator accompanied by several metallic containers. She made a mental note to ask about this after their next meditation session.

As the doors slip closed behind her, she steadied her breath. The Lieutenant always had this effect on her.

--

Rin turned and tilted the device she was holding in her hands. It had things sticking out at odd angles and when it was activated there was a slight hum accompanying the slight vibration she felt.

“So, this is…” she looked quizzingly at Koizumi.
“it’s the transmitter you built. Well, it’s not the transmitter, it’s better one. Smaller, more energy efficient. And it will cut through most known jamming frequencies and protocols, even employing its own ECM. I rigged up this PADD to control the finer aspects as I couldn’t fit a good display without using a holographic interface and those are too inexact. Not to mention how much power a single emitter uses, and I needed as much I could to power the miniaturized sub-space array inside it so it would also allow to it to host its own isolated network.”

Rin listened as Koizumi kept explaining the inner workings, scanning the device with the tricorder. Some of the components the tricorder couldn’t identify, or they came up as classified when she tried to scan them specifically. She really liked to see Koizumi like this, energetic, bursting with intensity. It was a total opposite to the shy and reserved Diplomatic Aide she saw otherwise.

“You’re amazing Kayo-chin.”
“Ehh me?” Koizumi was back to her quiet, unsure self.
“You built this, it’s amazing. I can’t even scan half of the things inside it, but I can tell by looking at it, and by your explanation that it is much better than what I put together then.”
“But… but if you’d had the time…”
“No, no.” Rin shook her head, “This is remarkable. It improves the design in so many ways and is smaller to boot. How long can it operate?”
“About four days on a power cell.”

Rin whistled.

“Wow!” Rin looked down, “Say… Kayo-chin… I… “
“Huh?”
“I wanted to ask… when the rescue mission is completed… would you… I would… I would like to show you something. Something very special to me. Just the two of us.”

Koizumi felt… something rise.
“Mmh. I’d love to.”

--

Shidou looked out over the briefing room. The fighter pilots had settled down, keeping mostly to themselves, with some of their number talking to the shuttle pilots. The flight deck was a small world onto itself, there to enact the will of the Captain, but nothing happened that did not pass though Flight Ops.

She looked over the latest information from the science and communications departments regarding the mission and she knew that a lot of space on the deck was already being taken up with crates of supplies and technology that the engineers kept tinkering with as more information came in. She took a deep breath. Showtime.

“Ladies and gents and everything in-between. As you are probably aware, we’re diverting the science mission to perform a rescue mission to the colony on Ecos Prime. You’ll to assigned as pilot and co-pilot to shuttles and your job is to ferry supplies and personnel to the surface.”

A hand went up.
“Yes, Mitchell?”
“Can’t we transport, Lieutenant?”
“No. The atmosphere is… let’s say moody. Spontaneous ionic disturbances, static discharges, you name it. If you transport, you can’t be certain if you arrive or in what shape.”

Mitchell nodded.

“You’ll fly atmospheric after entry and listen to your co-pilot who will act as navigator. Shields are next to useless, so you’ll have little to no wiggle room.”

Another hand. Reid. She’d already recognized him as trouble.

“Just some bad weather? What are we,“ he gestured at the fighter pilots, “doing here then?”
“We have a lot of supplies to ferry and I don’t want to burn out anyone. The bad weather is something that can down you, Pilot Reid. Is that understood?”
“Yeah yeah.” He said dismissively. Shidou held in the urge to remind him about the chain of command, now was not the time.

--

“Hey, Honoka…” Senior Pilot Guy Reid’s voice boomed across the hanger deck.

“Lt. Kosaka.” Honoka sighed. She rarely twitched about rank, but this new pilot made her appreciate Umi’s oft repeated opinions on the armour provided by respecting the chain of command.

“Okay, Lt.” Nasally sarcasm.

Ignoring that, Honoka smiled. “Do you need something?”

Reid pointed to the piles of supplies, “Why am I flying this clunker? It barely moves. My reflexes will be thrown off for a real crisis.”

“Starving people is a real crisis. They need to eat. They need medical aid. And we need every pilot available running supply runs. We can’t waste time.” Now go away, Honoka thought as the taller pilot stomped a foot impatiently.

“Is there a problem, Lt. Kousaka?” Nico asked, striding up between them, helmet under her arm, padded tactical gear a solid gray in the waves of colorful uniform tunics.

“No, Lieutenant Commander. Just answering a question for this pilot.”

“Senior Pilot Reid, right?” Nico had overheard all of the conversation and knew as well as Honoka that he’d been assigned to her team because no one else wanted to deal with either his bragging or his aggressive attitude. She held out her hand. “I’m your XO, Lt. Commander Yazawa Nico. You’ll be flying my team in to the secondary distribution point. It’s a little rougher than the the main dome, so Nico expects your best.”

Reid shook her hand, his response and handshake both non-committal. “Sure.”

Now Nico might let a slight like that pass from an attractive equal but certainly not a from a pilot the NCOs had already started a pool on how long before he got punched and who by.

Her voice took on the resonance of her full command tone, “Senior Pilot Reid, you will complete your mission, as ordered, without further complaint. Am I clear?”

Reid hesitated, only briefly, but Nico’s glare and squared shoulders made him feel smaller, nervous, “Aye, Aye, Lt. Commander.”

Nico’s nod of acknowledgement was curt. “Thanks, Lt. Kousaka, you can return to your duties.”

Grateful to Nico for taking over the Reid situation, Honoka kept her best military posture. “Yes, sir.”

“Reid.” Nico snapped.

“Yes, Lt. Commander.”

“Better get to your shuttle and do your pre-flight check, pilot. Any problems might cause a delay, which would further endanger these colonists and neither Captain Sonoda nor I will tolerate that kind of mistake.”

“Noted, Lieutenant Commander.”

“Good. We’ll be loading in our gear.” Nico nodded and hustled off toward the cluster of gray surrounding a different shuttle.

Chapter Text

The Security cluster, all in tactical armour, was cheerily transporting weapons cases under the supervision of the more stoic Master-At-Arms. No excess motions, sleds loaded in the Armory and unloaded into the shuttle, inventory counts double checked, cycle repeated. Nico’s approach interrupted the pattern on the last run, as Lt. K’doga Pennyworth slid the case she was holding into its temporary home and then stepped next to Nico, “So how’d you like my mom’s battle muffins?”

“Hey! Are you trying to bribe the boss?” Lieutenant Inger Grahn picked up two cases, glaring at her friendly rival for Nico’s respect. “I can deliver a stack of breakfast pancakes as tall as you are and so light, they float to the plate.”

“Please continue to focus on your tasks.” T’nith snapped. “The Executive Officer is not a deity requiring tribute.”

Nico grinned. “Yeah, don’t get Nico in trouble with Gunny.”

With a chuckle, Grahn carefully placed the cases in their berths.

The job done, Grahn and Pennyworth playfully bumped shoulders while Senior Chief Petty Officer Thetora signed off on the paperwork. Ensign Abe Emmanuel, newly assigned to the Helicon, glanced around the hangar with excited curiosity, while the more experienced Petty Officer Shyrazen, an Andorian, took advantage of the break between tasks to mingle with the medical unit, where one of her three spouses, the surgical specialist Dr. Lyras was chatting with departing members of the medical team.

Nico pulled Grahn aside, “You’ll be in charge of security for the med team. We’re not bringing a large force, it’ll be you, Shyrazen and Thetora so you’ll have to coordinate with local authorities and use the pilots to fill in gaps. Nico is relying on you to lead this, make sure the medical team is supported and food is distributed at your location in a safe, orderly fashion. Hungry people may make rash decisions. Medical supplies are valuable. You’ll need all your crowd control skills.”

Gunny T’nith and Lt. Pennyworth broke off their conversation to join Nico’s.

Gunny’s voice held years of command steel. “These weapons are locked in non-lethal mode but DO NOT lose control of any of them.”

“Weapons in hand are a last resort. What Nico needs is the security teams in both locations being calm and making sure people feel safe as we distribute food. K’doga, you and Abe will be with Nico at the secondary distribution point.”

“Have they run out of food yet?” Grahn asked.

Nico shook her head, “On the last of the rations. The mayor has made smart decisions.”

Pennyworth relaxed into a ready position, centre balanced and set to easily move either right or left. “That’s good. Trust in authorities makes situations less chaotic.”

Nico winced, “Maybe Nico spoke optimistically. Planet leadership has been hearing chatter about riots.”

Pennyworth and Grahn exchanged a glance. Neither of them had dealt with anything like this before.

“Just trust your instincts.” Nico glanced to T’nith, “I need to talk to Thetora.”

Stepping forward, T’nith’s response was immediate, “All right, Lieutenants, you’re going to take these sleds back to the armoury and I’m going to give you my crowd control secrets.”

“Aye Aye, Gunny.”

Thetora had heard Nico and drifted nearer. Nico pulled him behind the shuttle, making sure they weren’t being overheard.

“Is there a problem, Lt. Commander?”

“Nope, sorry to be so mysterious, Chief, but Nico needs you to keep an eye on Grahn.

Thetora frowned, “They are an excellent officer.”

“They are. And they might be in line for promotion. Captain Sonoda agreed to let Nico continue at Tactical, but Security needs a full-time head. We just finished Lt. Pennyworth’s eval and now Nico needs your input on Grahn.”

Thetora, who had served with Nico on her first assignment, was familiar enough with her to tease, rumbled with laughter, “You want me to flip the coin?”

Nico looked scandalized, “No, Chief. I want your honest review of Grahn’s crisis leadership abilities. I trust you, Thetora.”

“You were always a charmer, even as a cadet, convincing people to do your work for you.”

Nico frowned dramatically, “Hey, Nico’s still your XO, so no slander.”

A deep rumble of laughter, matched by Nico’s giggle. A very private moment between two trusted colleagues before they threw themselves into the uncertainty of the day.

--

The shuttles were loading, pilots completing pre-flight checklists. Soon it would be the Medical Department’s turn. They were just waiting for all the cargo to be secured before they boarded.

Maki ran over the plans in her head. Nurse Nisar had broken down the calorie requirements by age, weight, and medical conditions and all the medical staff had been thoroughly briefed on the details that were known about the colony’s residents.

“Ready, Doctor?” Sensing Maki’s nervousness, Crewman McCrory was by her side, wide, dark eyes concerned.

“Of course. We’ve done all the prep we can. It’s just a matter of accomplishing our goals and dealing efficiently with any surprises. This team can handle the crisis.”

“Yes.” McCrory agreed as they both watched the activity all over the hangar. Maki was used to quiet nights and her steps echoing in the emptiness, but now the Helicon had a full complement of gear, vehicles, and crew.

Lt. Commander Yazawa, surrounded by five of the six largest Helicon crewmembers caught Maki’s eye. She was too far away for Maki to hear her words, but Nico spoke rapidly, her gestures ranging, her audience rapt. Nico was so tiny, Maki thought, and yet still had command presence enough to keep the five highly qualified officers and NCOs focused on her every word. Animated enough to draw attention from many eyes, Maki noticed other crew members watching Nico. Maki envied Nico’s seemingly natural confidence. She was working hard to present a confident command demeanour. In actual crisis situations, Maki acted with composure and coolness, but too often in conversation, her name or rank commanded attention rather than her presence.

"Lt. Commander Yazawa was a good choice for First Officer.” McCrory offered, watching for Maki’s reaction.

“Unorthodox.” Maki decided. “But competent.”

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with...”

“Hey, Lt. Commander Nishikino, everything’s loaded and locked. Permission to come on board granted.” Nurse Mañalac grinned at her boss, eager to land on planet. Her commission on the Helicon didn’t often allow her to utilize her paediatric specialty.

Maki pivoted, a sweep of her arm demanding that the rest of her medical team follow her into the shuttle.

Chapter Text

The shuttlecraft Ainur banked violently, the streaks of lightning outside the viewport passing too close for comfort. Atmospheric transition had been choppy, but nothing compared to what Nico had experienced on Klingon drop missions. Here at least the inertial dampeners were trying to keep up. From her position back in the shuttle, sitting with Nurse Nisar and Pennyworth and Emmanuel from her security team, being tossed around, she saw what only could be described as a battle of wills as the Chu’lak and Reid argued instructions as the Vulcan stoically gave directions on avoiding the worse of the storm as Reid ignored him and flew the shuttle on luck.

“Large front at 1 point 8 mark 9. We should redirect to 1 point 3 mark 2 to avoid it.” Chu’lak said, studying his readouts.

The shuttle continued its course.

“Pilot, did you not hear me?”
“I did.”
“We’re heading into the front.”
“I can get us through it.”
“Pilot, I…”

“Pilot Reid!” The voice of Shidou was filled with static and clicks, “You’re heading straight into a massive storm front.”
“I can get us through this.”
“Pilot, I…” a touch of a control by Reid turned off communications.
“Reid!” Chu’lak protested.

An arm of lightning arced forward and danced over the shuttle craft.

--

Shidou’s first indication that something was wrong was the shuttle’s altitude telemetry. It indicated a way lower altitude than the others that were on the same run to the colony. The second was the flashing of the shuttle’s icon and display line before turning permanently red.
She pressed a control on the display.

“Ainur, come in!”

Static

“Ainur. Please respond.”

Static.

“Computer are we receiving any telemetry from the Ainur?”
“Negative. All telemetry went offline four point seven seconds ago.”
“And communications?”
“Negative. No subspace transmissions detected from the Ainur.”
“Anything else? Gravimetric? Ionized gas? Matter-Anti Matter explosion?”
“Affirmative. Ionizing radiation detected across the entire planet…”
“I know…” Shidou said exasperated.
“… originating from a centralized source.”

Huh?

“Repeat.”
“Ionizing radiation detected across the entire planet originating from a centralized source.”

That shouldn’t be possible… unless…
“Flight Ops to Bridge.”
“Bridge, this is Sonoda.”
“Captain, we just lost all telemetry and communications from the Ainur. There is no sign of a Matter-Anti Matter explosion, so it is likely that if they crashed, there was no containment breach.”

On the bridge, Umi turned to Murakami.

“Ensign. See if we can’t locate that shuttle or signs of it.”

When the acknowledgement didn’t come at once, Umi raised her voice just slightly only to soften it again.

“Ensign!”, Murakami jumped almost out of her chair, “How long have you been on duty?”
“This is… my ninth hour I think?”
“What about your relief?”
“I told Commander Ayase I could handle a second shift so she could rest… ma’am.”

Umi understood that the ensign was trying to impress her superior, but she needed clear heads, and Murakami had done well.
“Bridge to Ayase.”
“Ayase, Sir.”
“Please come to the bridge and relive Ensign Murakami. She’s done very well, but I need you up here now.”
“On my way.”

Umi turned to Murakami.

“Get some rest. And I’ll see you bright and awake next rotation. Understood?”
Murakami nodded.

“Yes Captain… and thank you for saying that to Commander Ayase.”
“I just stated the truth.”

Eli entered the bridge, nodded at Murakami, who entered the turbo lift. The Eli sat down.

“One of the shuttles went off the flight ops sensors. See if we can train the science sensors to find something.”
“Captain?” Shidou said on the comms.
“Yes, Lieutenant?”
“There is something else. When the computer found ionizing radiation around the planet, I wasn’t careful in my search parameters, it said that it came from a centralized location… but that shouldn’t be possible should it… I mean… not natural.”

Umi thought about this.

A central location… that sounds like… placed.
“We’ll look into it. Thank you, Lieutenant. Your query error might give us something new to look for.”

Chapter Text

The Security team had set up a perimeter, leaving a check in point for local authorities. Lieutenant Grahn was walking a local toward Maki’s position.

“Mayor, this is Lieutenant Commander Nishikino Maki. Doctor, this is Frank Henderson, the mayor. Dr. Nishikino is in charge of triage and dispersing rations.”

“Technically, Ensign Saeki is in charge of triage, with the assistance of Crewman McCrory. Do you need me to review our procedures, Mayor?”

“Lt. Grahn says children and elderly first and most of us appreciate that. We all have families. But there is a small group that is starting to talk about first in line, first to grab and go.”

“This is not grab and go, Mayor. All colonists will be scanned for health issues. It’s a simple process and affects what they need for their initial calorie allotment. After that we will have scheduled dining times. No one will be selling food.” Maki turned to scan the exterior barricade, noticing a group of unshaved men pushing forward, “Are those your problem citizens?”

Henderson hesitated, “Those are some of my hardest workers who feel like their needs aren’t being met.”

“Who does your childcare?”

“Often grandparents.”

“You think that’s not work?” Maki snapped.

Henderson rolled his eyes, “Look, Doc…”

“Lieutenant Commander.”

“Lieutenant Commander, every colonist works hard. It’s the gig. We put in the work to build the community we want. And many of us feel like the planet has turned on us suddenly. And we don’t know why.” Henderson sighed, “Scared and hungry isn’t a good combination.”

Maki nodded, her posture relaxing slightly, “You’ve kept tight discipline and made wise choices, Mayor, and that helps everyone’s survival. This will just be a temporary setback for people health wise, instead of life changing trauma. And our plan will ensure that.” Maki smiled at Grahn. “But Lt. Grahn will go make some friends; they’re good at that.” She handed over a rucksack of emergency ration bars and playing cards.

“Yes, ma’am.” Grahn grabbed the bag and loped back to the barricade, angling toward the men pushing forward.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Commander.” Mayor Henderson waited for Maki to indicate a direction.

“We have the best Science officers in Star Fleet aboard the Helicon; I am certain they will get information for you on why this planet has become so much more inhospitable.”

“That would be appreciated.”

Coordinate with local leadership, check. Time for the next item on Maki’s to do list: check in on triage. “I’ll walk you over to triage, Mayor Henderson. We need you at your best; these are your people. They look to you.”

###

“Please sit down, miss. I need to examine you.” Ensign Saeki Reine could have used a few more inches of height. How did Lieutenant Commander Yazawa do it, manage to make tiny into tremendous?

“No. I’m fine. Just let me eat.” The scrawny, fidgety woman wouldn’t stand still.

Saeki could tell the woman wasn’t fine, from the pallor of her skin and the increased rate of her breathing.

“My boss has ordered no food without a medical exam.”

“I don’t consent. I know my own health.”

“When was your last meal?”

“What’s going on, Ensign?” Maki was suddenly next to Reine. Now here’s a person who puts their height to use, Reine realized.

“This woman refuses to be scanned.”

“My name is Arla.”

“Arla insists she knows her own health…”

“I do.”

Saeki glanced meaningfully at Maki, knowing the doctor would pick up on the same signs she did.

Arla abruptly skipped around Saeki, shouting. “Jordak, they won’t let me eat.”

Maki heard a growl and turned to find herself being confronted by a bulky man, carrying a small boy. When he put the child down, the boy ran to the woman, arms out.

“MA!” Arla hugged her son. “They gave me these really good cookies.”

“Let my wife eat.” Jordak pushed into Maki’s space, fists clenched.

“I will. But first we need to know what she needs.”

“Jordy.” Arla’s voice shook, Maki imagined there were tears.

“We’re leaving.” Moving toward his wife and son, Jordak shoved Maki, and was about to do the same to the Ensign.

Maki reached out, using a wrist hold to twist his arm behind him. “Your wife will respect my Ensign. Do not touch me or any of my staff, sir.” Maki let her anger color her voice. “I am sure you want to set a good example for your son.”

Jordak winced as Maki twisted his arm higher.

Maki kept talking. “Mayor Henderson called us here to help. My team is doing that to the best of their exceptional abilities.” Maki released him, he caught himself before he hit the ground, “If your wife refuses to consent to an exam, I won’t force her, but please,” here Maki dropped to one knee, reaching out to the boy with one of the soft toys she kept on her, “Let us help you like we did your son. There’s nothing to be afraid of. This is completely confidential. The colony will not be receiving your records.”

Maki knew sometimes colonists with long term health issues were ‘encouraged’ to leave planets like this.

Arla looked to her husband, who glanced at their son, smiling at Maki and the toy he now held. Jordak took her hands in his gently, “They took good care of Jarl.”

Arla relaxed at the contact, and after a trembling pause, spoke. “Okay, Doc.”

Maki nodded, her hand on Ensign Saeki’s shoulder, “I’ll leave you to it then, Ensign.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Saeki smiled at the family, “So let’s take care of your mom, Jarl.”

“Okay!” Jarl listened to every tricorder beep with fascination.

###

Inger Grahn felt pain. A lot of pain. Throbbing. And everything was dark. They listened carefully, no chatter, so next step, open eyes, check surroundings. What looked like an empty alley except for the body of Lieutenant Inger Grahn, soon to be given Lieutenant Commander Yazawa’s “you have severely disappointed Nico and disgraced Security” lecture. Grahn sat up, pulling at threads of unknotted memories. Lt. Commander Nishikino sending them off, the raucous laughter of the troublemakers, the…they’d given her something to drink, that must have been it. Grahn suddenly reached to her waist. Because of the uncertainty of technology working in the current environment, old school locks had been used for the temporary storage of food and medicine. And those keys were gone. Grahn went from sitting to a full sprint, pinging their combadge, “Grahn to Thetora, we have a problem.”

###

“You all set in here, Doctor Nishikino?” McCrory asked.

“Yes, Malen, I’m fine. I just need some…”

“Solitude.”

Maki nodded, grateful as always for McCrory’s understanding. She’d gotten spoiled by the half Betazoid’s attention to her emotional state.

“I’ll be in the mess with the rest of the med team. I’m locking you in.” McCrory winked.

Maki grunted, quickly scooping her rations into her mouth so she could turn her full attention to the reports on the colonists. Collectively, they seemed to have been holding up well under the stresses of the current situation. Mayor Henderson’s leadership had been key factor, as was the sense of community that had been fostered by encouraging nightly storytelling and songs, staying together in family and neighbourhood groups, making sure no one was suffering in isolation. They had kept the children’s routines as normal as possible, adults not shielding them from the crisis but being positive about the things everyone was doing to help.

Maki heard a noise. Chains against the door. She’d ordered all the medical team to take a much-needed dinner break and Thetora had security on patrol after they’d finished their dinner break. No one should be accessing any supplies at this hour. Maki leaned forward, turning off the only light. If anyone entered, motion detector lights would flip on, but there weren’t any this far into the storage unit. Maki heard voices, still outside, and then the sound of metal clanging against the door and then the door being shoved open. The lights flashed on.

“What the hell…”

“Quiet. Motion detector. Close the door.” Command voice, obviously the leader.

Maki did not have a phaser to hand. Would Nico chide her for being unprepared? Security was supposed to prevent anyone from getting in. There must have been a breakdown somewhere. Nico had been on a shuttle to different part of the colony, investigating some irregularities.

A hand grabbed hers.

“What!” She knew her voice was too loud. She glanced to the side, someone she’d seen earlier, the man with the wife she’d had to use self-defence tactics on, was making the ‘shush’ gesture. Jordak. That was his name. Why was he here? More urgent was how many thieves had broken in. She’d heard two voices.

“Where’s Jordak?”

Three.

“Grabbing the good stuff. He spoils that wife of his.”

Four.

“Quiet.” Leader voice. “Go find him, Kimon. Get that grav sled over here.”

Maki heard the low buzz of the sled. Jordak had her arm and was pulling,

“I’m not leaving.” She hissed.

Jordak frowned. “C’mon, we have to go. They’re not nice.”

“Neither am I.” Maki didn’t have a phaser, but she did have canisters of anaesthetic gas. She couldn’t afford to use her combadge, the volume of the reply…

Maki paused, crouching, pulling Jordak down next to her, waited until she heard the sound of containers being moved, tapped her badge and whispered, “Open channel. Nishikino to Thetora, do not reply. Four men have broken into the supply shed. Repeat: robbery at supply. Assistance required.”

“Follow me.” Maki headed for the canisters, in the row behind the food supplies the burglars were currently shifting. She could lift down canisters without being seen. Silence was essential. She’d have to open the valve and position it under the shelves they were emptying.

“Here.” Maki slung down two canisters, handing both to Jordak. He proved an able assistant, silently putting them on the ground. Maki picked one up, he followed her actions, they turned the corner and crab walked down the aisle. Maki reached out and twisted the valve, “Slide that under.” She gestured to the shelving. “Then, can you close the door?”

Jordak, eyes wide with surprise and fear, nodded. Maki left him to it and placed the other canister at the far end of the shelves. When she looked up, he was gone.

“Jordak. Where did you go?”

“Checking for the medical stuff. All the good drugs are on the shelves behind this one.”

Maki heard the door close. Would two canisters be enough, valves full open?

“We need that open.”

Jordak sounded overconfident. “You’re too loud. I heard you all the way in the back. You want security on us?”

Yes, Maki thought, I do.

Maki heard a box drop.

“What’s wrong with you, Vobert?”

“Dunno.” Sluggish.

“Hey, what’s going on.”

Sound of a body hitting the ground.

Panicky leader voice, “Jordak, open the door.”

“No.”

“Jordak, get away from there.”

Maki heard a shot. Taking a deep inhale, she ran. Jordak was bleeding from a wound in his upper torso, probably nothing vital. The man who’d shot him was swaying and Maki just slid in with a tackle, taking him down. Another of them fell, the anaesthetic working and then the door was wrenched away from Jordak and Maki saw Thetora and Shyrazen before the anaesthetic blowing directly in her face worked as designed.

--

The door to the conference room opened.

Along with the Captain, Lt. Bron Calladar, and Doctor Lyras, Honoka saw two crewmen each from science and operations respectively that she didn’t recognize. Umi stood up.

“A short while ago, one of our shuttles went down outside of the colony. We have not been able to raise them, but the lack of a detected explosion leads us to hope that they crashed and might have survived. The sensors have also found something interesting.” Umi let the message sink in then continued, “So we need to safely ferry a science team as close as we can, “, she gestured at the crewmen Honoka didn’t know, “and to deliver a rescue team to the crash site and evacuate any survivors. Questions?”

Honoka raised her hand.

“Why am I here? I’m on medical leave.”

Umi looked troubled.
“Lieute… “Umi sighed, “Honoka. You’re our best pilot. I’m asking you to fly this mission. It’s request, not an order.”

Honoka nodded.

“Chief,”, Umi addressed Rin, “I need you to figure out how to provide as much protection as possible to the Ishikari. I hope the added power and equipment space will make it possible to bolster the defences against the elements.”

“Ay, Nya!” Rin exclaimed happily.
“You have two hours. I don’t want to leave them down there more than necessary.”

“Don’t worry Um… eeh Captain.” Honoka said.

“As for you…”, Umi addressed the crewmen from science and operations, “You task is this…”

--

Nico blinked and slowly opened her eyes. Her vision filled with smoke, small fires and sparks arcing across the control surfaces of the shuttle. Reid and Chu’lak sat slumped over the helm. No discernible movement. Next to Nico, Nurse Nasir, Pennyworth and Emmanuel still sat in their seats, eyes closed, but breathing. Nico let her hands check her body; she noted various cuts and bruises, but nothing was apparently broken or damaged beyond a good night’s sleep. She saw nothing out of the shuttle's windows, the storm casting a thick brown screen of dust and dirt across it. Even the occasional lightning was dimmed to be almost invisible. The ringing in her ears began to subside letting in the roar of the storm and the sound of the dirt striking against shuttle.

Nisar groaned next to Nico.

“Shit that hurts.”, She was feeling her ribs, “yeah... those snapped.” Her eyes darted around, “XO… you look like the other end of an ascension rite.”
“Nico is fine. Shower would be nice though. Can you move?”
“As long as I don’t laugh, I can walk.”
“Let’s check the others.”

Nico moved towards the cockpit while Nisar checked on Pennyworth and Emmanuel. She could hear the pfft of a hypo and the groaning that followed. Chu’lak’s head was on the control panel, a small pool of green blood covered some of the surface. Pulse and breath were steady, probably just unconscious, she’d have Nisar check him over. Reid looked worse, the panels to his side had exploded, probably because of an overload, and instead of getting pushed away, somehow, he had been pulled towards it. Nico would need a tricorder to be sure, but she was certain that he had internal bleeding and quite the amount of shrapnel in his torso. His breathing was a bit more laboured, but stable and unconscious.

Nico looked behind her, seeing Pennyworth slowly kneeling next to Emmanuel while Nisar let her tricorder do a scan. Nico gingerly stepped back.

“How is he?”
“Fine for now. But I don’t think we should set up a dom-jot table just yet.” She said with a snark.

“Nico agrees.” Nico nodded, “Please see to the others, wake Chu’lak if possible. We need to contact the ship.”
--

Too many repairs still needed to be done. Lt. Sloper Sibbern glanced up from his PADD. As one of the rotating duty officers in the restricted labs, any damaged equipment had to be inspected by him and any equipment leaving the labs had to be checked and signed out by him. So, he often got visitors. This time, it was another of the Science Department’s junior officers, Ensign Bato Naren, followed by the reclusive Specialist Galan.

“I need the most portable sensors we have, Lt.” Ensign Bato said, “We’re going hiking.”

“You sound enthused.” Sibbern called up the current inventory.

“Heck yeah, Commander Ayase has given me permission to gather samples of any plant life we encounter. All the ionization in the atmosphere might have led to new mutations.”

“I thought it was a rescue mission?”

“It is. But we’re…” Bato paused, wondering how much information should be shared, “trying to figure out exactly what weather caused the crash.”

“Still, you have a chance to impress Commander Ayase. I haven’t been able to get much face time yet. I get stuck down here every third rotation.” Sibbern pointed to the fully stocked shelves and cluttered worktables.

“If you can sign us out some filters and sub-space enhancers I can bump up the sensitivity.” Galan, a backpack slung over xer shoulder, leaned over Sibbern’s shoulder, startling him. “They’re sturdy enough that taking them planetside won’t mess with the calibration.”

“Good to know.” Bato grinned at Sibbern, leaning into the flattery of audacious respect. “Can you help us out, sir? The Specialist here will take good care of things.”

“Not a problem. I’ll grab those for you.” Sloper double checked the shelf number.

Bato’s badge pinged. “Ensign Bato. Ensign Smith speaking.” A crisply professional female voice boomed into the space.

“We’ll be en-route to the Ishikari in a few minutes.” Bato knew they had at least a half an hour, but Ensign Smith had a reputation for always exceeding mission parameters.

“Please send me a list of the sensors you’re bringing; I want to complement your range, not duplicate it.”

Galan grunted and slid into Sibbern’s seat, swiping through screens on the PADD.

“Hey!” Sibbern returned with three padded cases.

“Used my sign in. Quicker than digging in my bag.” Galan shrugged in minor apology, “Didn’t mess up anything of yours, sir.”

Sibbern frowned for effect, then laughed, “Not a problem. Don’t get stranded on the planet; save your shore leave for somewhere friendlier.”

“Yes, sir.” Galan stood.

“See you at the next trivia night.” Bato waved and left, followed closely by Galan.

--

One hour forty-five minutes after the briefing, Honoka stepped onto the flight deck. She had spent her time looking through the telemetry from the shuttles trying to understand how the storms behaved, but it really didn't make any sense. The dynamics seemed to be reactive, not dynamic. More like chess than weather.

Walking, or more limping, towards the runabout she saw Hoshizora and Boutros exiting, uniform sleeves rolled up.

"Lieutenant."
"Chief. Any new toys?"
"Ohh, you're in for a treat, nya! Let me show you." Rin pointed at the instrument pod, "Looks like a standard sensor pod right? We pulled out the old sensor palette, put in the upgraded ship ones, changed the power-couplings and added a few more shield emitters and tuned them with the data from science and ops."

Honoka nodded, "So the storm won’t be a problem?"

"You have a few free hits, but you might not want to try your luck too hard. But the best thing is inside." she gestured inside.

Honoka stepped through the porthole and was led to the cockpit area. A slightly misshaped device was lodged in one of the chairs with ODN cables hooked up to it.

"What's that?" Honoka asked, pointing at the device.
"Here. check this." Rin pointed at the control surface, pressing a few options on the interface.

Voices started to come through the speakers. Honoka could her a dozen voices, most of them giving status reports and check-ins. She recognized some of the voices as the teams that were on the colony.

"Is this a recording?”
“Nope, nya! Live. This little beauty enhances communications and cuts through most of the interference like butter. Just got it online a few minutes ago.”
“You’re a miracle worker, Chief.”
“Well…”, Rin scratched the back of her head, “Kayo-chin made this… not me.”
“Kayo-ch… ohh… you mean Koizumi.”
“I… e… yeah.”

Honoka nodded, she understood what the Chief was saying, but refrained from asking further.

“Anything else?”
“As soon as you hit atmosphere you’ll be at warp.”
“Excuse me?”
“Huh? Ohh.. I mean the drive core will run at equivalent to warp 1 to feed power to the enhanced shield array. It will also feed into the IDF and the thruster array. Boutros,” who nodded, “is coming along to monitor and do any repairs should they be needed.”

There was a slight knock at the entry hatch.
“Permission to come aboard?” Lt. Calladar asked.
“Come in and strap yourselves in. This is going to be a quite the ride.” Honoka smiled.

--

“The runabout has left the flight deck.” Shidou's disembodied voice said on the bridge speakers.
“Understood, Lieutenant. Ops, on viewer please.” Said Umi, standing arms crossed behind the helm.

The viewscreen changed to the image of the Ishikari moving towards the planet. Umi closed her eyes and silently recited an old Japanese prayer, asking for good fortune and the safe return of her crew.

“Ops, keep monitoring their progress. Comms, have a channel open at all times.”

When the Ishikari began its decent Umi sat down in her chair, waiting.

--

Heart racing, Maki’s eyes snapped open. She saw Thetora pull the hypo spray away from her neck.

“Welcome back, Lieutenant Commander.”

Maki’s mind immediately went to practical things. “How did they get in? The wounded guy came to warn me, so he doesn’t need restraints.”

“Understood.” Thetora sighed, looking weary, “They took the keys from Lt. Grahn.”

“Is the Lieutenant all right?” Maki asked.

“Sent them straight to the med team. Some kind of drug.”

“I sent them to deal with the troublemakers. My mistake.”

Thetora shook his head, “Defusing that situation was something Grahn had the skillset to handle.”

Maki rolled to her feet. Shyrazen was directing local security forces to move the robbers. She didn’t see Jordak so she assumed he’d been moved to triage or surgery, if there was any internal damage.

Her combadge pinged with a very staticky. “Lt. Commander Nishikino?” Zelt’s voice barely escaped the static.

“Yes?’

“Captain Sonoda wanted me to give you a head’s up that the arrival of your next supply run will be delayed.”

“Is there a problem?”

“One of the shuttles crashed.”

One of the shuttles? Maki hadn’t heard anything. Which meant it must be the Ainur. Which had Nisar assigned from Medical. And Nico.

“Where? Who’s leading the rescue?”

“I do not have that information to share, Lt. Commander. Captain Sonoda would like a preliminary report on the colonists’ recovery trajectory at your earliest convenience.”

“Noted.”

A burst of static and the connection to the Helicon was gone. Maki needed the colony’s communication set up and a secure channel. She had to talk to the Captain. Ecos Prime was not a location to leave anyone exposed.

She glanced to Thetora, “Everything under control here, Chief?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. I’ll be in the administration building.”

Thetora nodded, heading over for a quick chat with Shyrazen. Then he followed Maki.

--

Maki had her secure channel. And a very implacable Captain Sonoda, ignoring the doctor’s frustrations.

“With a crash, there’s a high likelihood of injury. Ensign Saeki has the situation handled here. So put me on the rescue team. I can’t just sit here while my people, while our people are in danger.”

“The rescue team has already launched, Lt. Commander.”

“I can join them.”

“Time is of the essence, Maki. Dr. Lyras is more than up to the task. And thanks to his life experience on Andor, he is also used to inhospitable climates.”

Maki knew Lyras was certainly a person who could handle whatever a rescue mission might entail, but how could she sit here, adding numbers and smiling at children while...

“I can meet the team.”

“It is a very difficult flight, Dr.” Umi paused, Maki could hear worry, “I have put our best pilot on it. I intend to return every crew member to the Helicon.”

Honoka, Umi must mean Honoka. But Honoka was still on medical rest.

“I haven’t cleared Lt. Kousaka for duty.”

“Dr. Lyras cleared the Lieutenant for limited duty. She has been ordered to stay with the shuttle.

“I want to...”

“Lt Commander Nishikino, we all have our duties. Right now, I need to return to coordinating with Science and Engineering and you need to complete the preliminary report I requested. The Federation is waiting for an update on the colonists.”

Maki had no reply. It was probably best that Umi was not able to read her expression.

“Is that clear, Lt. Commander?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Good. I look forward to your report.”

“Yes, Captain.” Maki’s jaw was granite, words drilling through.

“Carry on.”

Maki heard a cough and spun to find Thetora leaning in the doorway. “Lieutenant Commander Yazawa would never let anything happen to Lt. Pennyworth, Specialist Nisar or anyone else.”

Adrenaline, worry, and frustration reminded Maki of how long a day she’d had. She leaned forward in her chair, head in her hands, “Crashes don’t care, Chief.”

Getting people fed was important but Maki had joined Star Trek to be active, supporting explorers, adventuring, learning, not babysitting people through bureaucratic procedures. If there was a crisis, her top line, tirelessly honed skills should be there.

“Have faith in your team, Lt. Commander.”

Maki sighed, lifted her head, and raised it share a resigned glance with the experienced NCO, “It’s hard to have people out there and wait, isn’t it?”

Thetora nodded, “Keeping faith is an essential command skill.”

“I’m a pragmatist, not an optimist.”

Thetora chuckled, a comforting friendly rumble. “I’m a cynic, Doc, and here I am after 18 years of Star Fleet, giving you a ‘chin up and look at the bright side” talk. Weirder things than you expect will always happen.”

Maki grinned. “I’ll remember that, Chief.” After a comfortable moment of shared silence, Maki stood and stretched. She could feel where the slide tackle had left a bruise. And her day was not over yet. “Now, let’s get back to work. How badly was Jordak injured?”

Thetora began to list details as Maki let the medical side of her brain take over. No time for things outside of her control. The people here needed her attention.

Chapter Text

Static crackled through the speakers in the downed shuttle drowning out the whine of the wind outside.

“I say again, this is Ensign Abe Emmanuel of the Ainur. We have crashed on the surface of Ecos Prime and request assistance. Do you receive Helicon?”

As static greeted him, he muttered a curse in his native tounge.

“Ensign. Direct your anger at wanting to survive. The equipment does what it can.” Nico said.
Emmanuel sighed, “You’re right Lieutenant Commander. Sorry.”
“Nico understands your frustration. But we will get out of here and back home.”

He nodded. A loud banging was heard from the closed ramp. Chu’lak quickly setup a force field and lowered the hatch, letting Pennyworth in while keeping all the dust confined. When the hatch was closed again, the forcefield dropped.

“Beacons placed around the shuttle, Sir” she said to Nico.
“Good, should make us easier to find.”

She wondered when help was coming, it had already been two hours and no sign. They had spent the time getting their bearings, however difficult that was, seeing to their wounds signalling the ship and getting a grip of the recourses they had to work with. All in all, because of the supplies carried, they could last comfortable for a while, but no one was particularly keen on staying.

Since communications were problematic, the beacons were to light a proverbial flame to attract attention. Pennyworth had volunteered to go out and plant them in the ground, making sure the storm wouldn’t take them away. Now everything was a waiting game, trying to keep morale up. Nisar came up to Nico.

“Sir. Reid is stable thanks to the supplies we had, but he sustained internal injuries from the crash that need to be treated in sickbay.”
“Understood. Sadly, there is no way the shuttle…”

The speakers came to life:

“Ainur, come in. This is Lieutenant Kosaka on the Ishikari. Do you receive?”

Emmanuel smiled and pressed a control.

“This is Ensign Emmanuel. It’s good to hear you, Ishikari.”
“Yey! How is everybody?”
“Bumps and bruises and one unconscious that we don’t dare to wake. Doc says there are internal injuries that need to be treated in sickbay. But he’s stable for now.”
“Understood. Pack everything up that you need, I need to make a drop-off a few klicks from your position, but I’ll swing back to pick you up. Just wait for my signal.”
“Ay. One question... how can we receive you so clear? Raising the colony, not to mention the ship, has been impossible.”
“I have a little special help.” Honoka laughed.

Special help?

“I’ll tell you later. See you in a few, make Reid ready for evac.”
“Ay. How did you…?”
“Just a hunch. Ishikari out.”

Emmanuel looked behind him at the others. Nisar was already unpacking a gurney from one of the storage boxes.

“And I was just starting to like it here…” she muttered.

--

Outside of the Ishikari’s windows the storm raged unabated. Visibility was practically zero and the sound of the shields humming with the impacts of dust and dirt was ever present. Boutros busily tapped away at her console, keeping the Ishikari in the air.

Honoka focused on her displays, showing the landscape below sans storm. An indicator showed that she had arrived at her first destination. She shouted behind her.

“Retrieval team, you’re up. Stick together, watch each other’s backs and don’t lose the communications booster. Send your signal for pickup, otherwise we will be back here in three hours. Use the cave for shelter if you must wait.”

She heard a round of acknowledgements.

“Team in air lock.” Ensign Bato Naren replied happily. The Bajoran’s excitement was all too obvious after the runabout had landed.

Galan pulled down a non-Starfleet issued ventilation mask, with enhanced optics, “Ready, Renegan?”

Ensign Smith nodded, the communications booster secured on her back, “There are at least two signals, one causing interference and one on a very low frequency channel that transmits data at seemingly random intervals. Normal Star Fleet comms equipment wouldn’t have picked it up.”

“That booster did?” Galan was suddenly much more interested.

“Airlock open” Bato announced, checking the sensor they’d keyed on the signal, “Our target is to the northwest. Make sure your ventilators are secure. Stay close.”

“Aye, sir.” Smith doublechecked her seal as Galan followed Bato into the storm.

As the team moved away, Honoka keyed the launch sequence, trying to spy the figures as they moved away from the Ishikari and the craft increased its altitude, orienting itself to head back to the crash-site.

--

Reid coughed. A thick paste of red spread across his chin and mouth. Nisar quickly wiped it away.

We need to get out of here. Serves him right, but I won’t let him croak here without giving him a few words…

She looked at Nico, eyes communicating without words. A shaking of the head punctuated the conversation.

“Doctor…” Emmanuel looked concerned, “how is…”

The speakers again came to life.

“This is the Ishikari. We’re coming in. Time to go home.”

Nisar, tapped her badge, “Negative Ishikari. Get us to the colony.”

For the longest moment there was silence.

“I say again. Get us to the colony. Reid is ruining the carpeting and I’m not having it.”
“Huh?” came over the speaker.
“Lieutenant.” Nico said, “Senior Pilot Reid’s condition has worsened, and we need to get him treated as soon as possible. The medical facility set-up at the colony should suffice, also….”, Nico took a breath, “I believe the CMO is on site.”

After a few seconds of silence, Honoka replied, “Got it. We’ll try to extend our shield to cover the shuttle hatch so there might be some shaking as we do. Lower the hatch on my signal and let’s get Reid to the med facility.”

A few moments later a slight rumble announced Ishikari landing. Honoka’s voice called over the comms: “Shields extended. Let’s go.”

--

The retrieval team stepped gingerly thought the tunnel system beacons lighting the way. According to the tricorder they had penetrated about a third of the system, but with only time as an absolute measure, they had been exploring for quite a while. The storm outside was inaudable, the air was, according to the tricorder, safe to breathe but Galan kept his ventilator mask on.

“We’re coming up to a large chamber, I’m getting some odd readings. Comfirm anyone?”

The others hummed acknowledgement; Bato added:

“Maybe our prize is in there.”

As they came through the opening, they saw dusted metal containers interconnected by pipes apparently feeding into a central device, about as high as any one of them.
“What is that thing?” Smith asked.
“Beats me, but I want to take it apart.” Said Galan and swiftly walked towards it. As xe got closer a sound like an alarm blared. Xe stopped and nothing more happened.
“Boobytrapped. Whoever put it here doesn’t want anyone to know.” Bato pointed out, “Just stay still.”
Galan looked at xer tricorder.

“Ehhm… guys… I think… I think I made it angry.”
“Huh?” xer tricorder started to beep an alert.

“Massive power build-up.”; “Anti-tampering?”; “Can we shut it down?” their voices intermingled.

Galan thought xw saw something like a control pad close to the central device, xe hurried over, ignoring the alarms. The xe heard a voice speaking… but xe couldn’t understand it, maybe the UT had fried. Xe wiped away the dust from the controls and tried to read them. The characters danced across the screen, garbled and distorted. The energy build up was now visible without the tricorder. Arcs of electricity moved around the device.

“Galan! Get back” he heard Bato’s voice cry, but xe ignored it. It was already too late. Xe closed xer eyes and… heard a fizzle and then nothing. Xe looked around, everything was as it was before. Xe lifted the tricorder and looked at the energy profile. The display showed the outline of the build-up but now… it was flat on zero.

“I… I think it… died. Let’s get it into a stasis field and out of here.”

--

“There’s a med team waiting to help with Reid.” Honoka announced, as she coordinated the Ishikari’s approach to the colony.

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Dr. Lyras’s smooth voice filled the now cramped space, “Does Lieutenant Commander Nishikino have a surgical suite prepped.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lyras turned to the pale Nisar, surreptitiously leaning a little into Nico, “You are relieved of any responsibility for this patient and will immediately take yourself to triage, Nisar. Is that understood?"

With more of a grimace than a grin, Nisar still managed a cheery note, “I was just beginning to enjoy swimming in endorphins.”

Nico snorted. Nisar winced at the movement that caused. Lyras rolled his eyes and prepared the gurney for movement. Reid’s distress was increasing.

“Brace for landing.” Honoka announced, but there was barely a bump. “Airlock opening.”

First into the shuttle was the CMO. Maki took a quick look around, noting every face, her trained eyes evaluating quickly.

“Welcome to Ecos Prime.” Maki caught Nico’s eye and nodded, then turned her attention to Lyras and the gurney, “You suspect subcranial bleeding?”

“Yes. And additional internal damage to the lungs.”

“We have a portable cryostasis unit available. What kind of sedation is he currently under?”

Nico bit back a groan and stood as the two doctors steered the gurney off the shuttle.

“Lt. Pennyworth, escort Crewman Chu’lak, Nurse Nisar and Ensign Emmanuel to the triage station. I want all of you thoroughly checked out. Then report back to Nico.”

“Yes, sir.” Pennyworth helped Emmanuel to his feet.

Nisar had a tricorder out and was headed for Nico; Nico knocked it away, “Nico is fine.”

“The Chief Medical Officer has issued very strict instructions about the reports we need to file if the XO is avoiding necessary medical care. I hate reports.”

“Does Nico have to do pushups or run a lap around the landing area to prove it?”

“Oooh, I bet I can do more pushups.” Honoka added cheerily, looking up from the control panel.

Nico sighed, looking back at Honoka, still sitting in the pilot’s chair, wounded leg propped up. “When your leg is fully healed, we’ll see. But I don’t need to be on Captain Sonoda’s bad list too.”

“One scan.” Nisar insisted, quick movements with the tricorder recording data.

“Fine.” Nico moved to the cockpit, standing behind Boutras, “Contact Thetora for me, Petty Officer.”

“Yes, sir.”

Nisar was still checking the results of the scan.

“Well?”

“You’ll be sore later and you should do something for the abrasions, but nothing broken.”

“Nico told you. Now get out of here. Nico has a briefing to get.”

“I have Thetora, Lieutenant Commander.”

“Hi Chief. Yazawa here. We just landed. Where are you?”

“Local brig.” Thetora’s rumble sounded aggravated.

Nico was immediately on red alert. “What happened?”

“It’s complicated. We should talk in person.”

“Agreed. Nico will be right there.” She rested a hand on Honoka’s shoulder, “All right, Lieutenant, it’s all yours. Fly well.”

“Aye”

Nico chuckled. Honoka’s irrepressible cheer was an excellent balm against the stresses and shocks of the day, “Thanks for the rescue.”

Honoka glanced over her shoulder, winking, “Any time.”

--

The runabout landed, shaking the ground slightly.

“Our ride is here.” Said Smith, looking back at the others and waving.

Bato and Galan grunted, carrying the carrier with device between them. The storm had started to subside, making movement easier. As they came closer, the airlock opened, the shimmer of force fields a welcoming beacon. Smith was the last to enter and keyed the communicator.

“Team onboard.”
“Gotch ‘ya.” Honoka’s voice echoed in their headsets as the force field deactivated.

A few minutes later, the whine of the wind was replaced with the silence of space as they cleared the atmosphere making their way to the Helicon.

“Galan to flightbay.” He tapped his communicator.
“Flightbay, Shidou.”
“We need a gravity sled with a stasis field generator to the Ishikari, when we land.”
“It’ll be there.”
“Thanks.”

Bato snickered.
“Tired of carrying it around?”
“I’m a scientist, not a grav-sled. Besides, I’d rather have a backup for the statis field.”

Smith was looking deeply into her tricorder.

“Seeing anything?” Boutros asked, having come back from the cockpit.
“Huh?” Smith jerked her head up from the tricorder, “I’m trying to figure out who made it. Look here…” she held up the tricorder to Boutros, “I think this is the power intake, but if you look at the energy profile, it doesn’t correspond to EPS tech, more like gravitationally accelerated plasma.”
“Hmm, yeah. The magnetic flux wave is way off. Any internal power sources?”
“Doesn’t seem like it… but we should keep it in stasis when we dissect it.”
“The engineering lab will be good.”
“Mm” Smith was continuing to dig through the data of her scans.

--

“Nice work, Doctor.” Lyras examined the monitor over Reid’s head.

Maki nodded. She’d pulled off some very delicate surgical miracles. Lyras was allergic to extravagant praise, one of the things Maki liked about the stoic Andorian.

“He might even get to fly again.”

Maki grunted. Speculation about this patient’s future beyond the operations’ success was something for a follow up visit, not right now when she was starting to feel how few calories, she’d eaten over the course of a day she’d spent mostly running.

“Have someone check on him every 15 minutes.” Maki glanced at the equipment surrounding Reid, “I’m not sure these will respond to warn us quickly enough if Reid takes a turn for the worse.”

“I’ll keep an eye on him.” Lyras pointed to the desk, “I can work on that report you wanted me to expand.”

“Thanks.” Maki had done a very rough draft, “I’ll be in ‘my office’.”

Lyras nodded, pulling out the chair and setting up his PADD.

–

“So, Lieutenant Commander Nishikino sent you to deal with a group of citizens about to riot and you handled it by ingested a drugged beverage, losing your keys, and assisting a break in.”

Lt. Grahn winced. Her actions sounded so stupid when Nico laid it out like that, in a voice as cold as an Andorian mountain wind, “I was not actually at the break-in.”

Grahn had not realized that her Chief’s eyes could remind them so much of phaser fire raking over the hull of unshielded ship, but she felt the glares cutting in.

“You will speak when asked and only then, Lieutenant.”

Grahn opened their mouth, Nico glared, Grahn nodded.

“You have severely disappointed Nico, disgraced Security, and endangered the Helicon’s Chief Medical Officer, our mission, and colony morale.” Nico paused, “Do you understand that?”

Grahn guessed that the direct question was permission to speak, “Yes, sir. I am sorry, sir.”

Nico waved a dismissive hand, “Nico doesn’t do apologies, Nico does improvement. You are going to become our best officer at crowd control and defusing dangerous situations.”

Nico paced right up to Grahn, gesturing, working out the plan as she talked, Grahn watching in awe. They’d heard about Nico Ni and her legendary time aboard the Klingon warship bIreQ, part of the reason they’d applied for transfer to the U.S.S. Helicon. Meeting Lt. Commander Yazawa had been a shock of scale until Nico had unleashed her full personality at her Security team, easily and confidently managing scores of crewmembers. And then Commander Ayase had suggested the Lieutenant Commander take over as Executive Officer and everyone who worked Security understood. Nico had stood multiple shifts with each of them, from the most dangerous duties to the most boring. Grahn, and the rest of the Security and Tactical junior officers, would fly into a Romulan armada for Yazawa Nico.

“Grahn?” Nico’s voice had eased its strict tone, “Inger?”

“Yes, sir.” Snap back into the conversation.

“It’s only one mistake.” Nico flexed absentmindedly, obviously recalling an incident, “We all make them. But…” Nico was once again at attention, full focused, phaser eyes locked, “you can never forget that you are a Star Fleet officer. In or out of uniform. But especially when you are in that uniform, Lieutenant, you are an officer with a job, and your conduct must be irreproachable. Do you understand Nico?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Nico is reassigning you to the armoury. Chief Gunnery Officer T’nith is creating both a remedial and advanced class in tactics for use with civilian populations. You will complete them both with high marks, understood, before Nico considers your next assignment.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

Nico’s grin was back to its cocky best, “Gunny’s gonna have you hand clean and polish every single weapon in the place to her standards so you might not want to thank Nico.”

Grahn dared a chuckle. Nico didn’t acknowledge it. But there was less glaring.

“Do better, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, sir.”

--

The storms had quieted. Still brisk, abrasive air, but no sense of the sky about to break open. Even here, inside safe areas, Maki could feel the release of pressure, the easing of worry.

Mayor Henderson was walking toward her, from the storage unit. “Lieutenant Commander,” his hand was extended, a robust shake, “your people brought their best.”

“We came to help.”

Henderson nodded, “It’s been a hard history and there are a few of us who believe Star-Fleet is only regulations, with no heart, but they’ll have a harder time getting people to agree with that now.”

“Good.” Maki released the mayor’s hand, “I joined Star-Fleet to make a difference. So did the Captain. I’m glad your signal reached us before things got worse. And with the comm boosters our engineers are installing, you shouldn’t have this problem again.”

“Is there any indication what caused all the storms?”

Maki shook her head, “I haven’t been updated; just got out of surgery. I’m sure Commander Ayase will give you a full briefing when Science processes all the data.”

“Mayor Henderson, Lt. Commander, Nico’s glad to see you.” Cheerful voice moving toward.

Nico. Maki spun a little too quickly, eyes scanning Nico for changes or damage. She’d been unable to see much in her brief visit to the Ishikari. Nico’s suit had some minor tears, darkened patches that might be blood all over her legs.

Nico waved a hand at them, “Nico needs some first aid.” She grimaced at Maki, “Nurse Nisar insists.”

“I can fix you up in my office.”

Henderson laughed, “You moved right in, eh, Doctor. Want to stay? We could use a good medic.”

Nico slid her arm through Maki’s, “You’re not getting the most talented medical officer in the fleet, Mr. Mayor, no matter how charming you are.”

Henderson nodded, “Figured. How long will the Helicon be staying?”

Maki had managed to control her blush at Nico’s touch, keeping her voice even, “Captain Sonoda wants to remain in orbit for at least another day, to make sure all medical and supply needs are addressed and in case Science needs any follow up data.”

“I’ll be sure to put my engineers in touch with your Commander Ayase.” Henderson waved, “Hope to see you at breakfast, Doctor, Lt. Commander.”

“Nico will be there, bright and early.” With a bounce, Nico started pulling Maki down the path toward the storage unit.

“I have a patient to watch over, bright and early might not be possible…”

“Are you that worried about Nico? Nico is fine.”

“Reid.”

“Oh.”

Maki spoke into the suddenly heavier mood. “Lieutenants Emmanuel and Pennyworth are both fine, we’ve accelerated their natural healing processes and they should be back up to full strength by tomorrow afternoon. They said the Ainur was completely wrecked.”

“Yeah, Reid did a number on it. Nico’s not impressed.”

Every time Reid was mentioned, Nico’s mood got darker. Maki needed a topic that didn’t loop back to there, but before she could think of one, Nico was laughing.

“Shyrazen couldn’t stop talking about your slide tackle. She wants to start up a soccer league.”

That seemed like another day, sometime last week. “Not tonight.”

“No.” Nico was still chuckling, “Where’d you learn that?”

“Academy. Played on the Medical team for a while.” Maki could hear her voice fading.

“Nico played rugby. Too fast to catch.”

I might remember that tomorrow, Maki thought through a yawn.

“Are you all right, Maki?”

“Hungry. Long day.” Maki glanced down at a concerned Nico, “Lots of activity.”

“Yeah, you did well.”

“I know.”

“Nico brought treats.” Nico pulled her backpack around as Maki put the key in the storage unit’s door. “Not rations. Soup. And some cake. Someone got happy and baked.”

Sounded normal. Like the colony would be going back to its routine soon. “That sounds great. Thanks, Nico.”

“Nico is the best.”

Maki snorted, “You just brought bribes, so I’d forget about your injuries.”

“Nico” Nico was right in front of Maki’s nose, “is in tip top shape. How many times does Nico have to prove it? Want to lose another push up contest.”

Maki grabbed the bag, dropped into the comfier chair. “I want to eat. Grab a chair.”

Nico leaned over, pulled a spoon and a thermos-container from the bag, handed them to Maki, “Maki eats, and then tells Nico all about her day, while…” Nico pointed to the largest patch of dried blood, “healing a few abrasions.”

“Okay.” Maki opened the container, inhaling a tempting mix of spices. That sounded like a calm end to a crazy day, eating, talking, and taking care of Nico.

Chapter Text

FIrst Officer’s Log, Lieutenant Commander Yazawa

Nico is very excited. Captain Sonoda has FINALLY taken Nico’s advice and moved into the Captain’s cabin, so Nico will be getting a larger suite, closer to the bridge. And the full recognition due Nico’s promotion to XO. But right now, Nico is tired, returned from Ecos Prime battered but as cute and confident as ever. Nico wasn’t much help on the planet. Pilot Reid, who will be in a lot of trouble when he wakes up, crashed the Ainur and our mission had to be completed by another team. But Nico got her team through the crisis. And then Nico made a couple of discoveries, one a good surprise, one a bad. Lt. Commander Nishikino has some moves, even before Nico’s security training. The Security Team didn’t stop raving about how Dr. Nishikino handled difficult colonists and a burglary attempt. So Maki gets top points for being ranking officer on the spot, unlike Lt. Grahn, who Nico is severely disappointed in, although they are showing some new skills in diplomacy since Nico..."

“… has taken point on what is best for the mission.

I must admit that Lieutenant Grahn’s choice not to press charges did surprise me, but I respect her choice and understand her reasoning behind it. For many colonists, the agitation against Star fleet is very real and if we can show the capacity for mercy and forgiveness then we can all move on and not get stuck in ourselves.

That said, I had to make the executive decision on how much of our findings regarding the device we found on the planet we shared. We have kept our speculations of the device’s origins off the report.

I am now facing a more… personal challenge. Something I’ve tried to put off, but I can’t do it forever.

End log.”

Umi sat on large box and looked out at space through the viewport. Around her the captain’s quarters spread out. In her peripheral vision she could see more empty floorspace than any quarters she had ever had, even when she was stationed on Utopia on Mars and space was not a premium commodity like on a star ship.

The quarters around her didn’t feel… right. As if there was something missing, a piece of her that she had left in the other quarters, just a few meters away. Her eyes skimmed

It’s just too big.

When she had first walked into the emptied quarters, she had walked around the rooms, her mind filling in the emptiness with vision of what a future could be like.

The door chime interrupted her thoughts.

“Come in.” she said as she turned towards the door, still sitting on the box.

Kotori entered.

“Umi-chan?” she looked quizzingly at her Captain as the door closed behind her.
“Kotori… what do I do?”
“Umi-chan?”
“These… these” she spread her arms, “quarters are mine now, but they are so big. What do I do?”

Kotori walked around. Captain’s quarters tended to be on the larger side, a step down from the diplomatic quarters, but still impressively large as they served a variety of functions.
“Want some help?” she asked hopefully.
“I… yes. Please.”

Kotori crossed over to Umi and took her hands, standing her up.
“Together.” And smiled.

Umi’s face brightened.