A Cry in the Darkness

Posted on Sun Jul 19th, 2020 @ 11:14am by Commodore Jacob Kane

Mission: The Shadow of Arachne
Location: USS Athena - Bridge
Timeline: MD-01
359 words - 0.7 OF Standard Post Measure

It had been a return to a semblance of normality after the events with the Paratans. Kane was relieved; returning to their designated patrol routes was more familiar and felt more appropriate than sitting on their hands while the diplomats shook theirs. Having given Lt Commander Taeler some more time to herself lately, he'd also started to enjoy the day-to-day runnings of the Bridge. The sounds and sights of his crew hard at work were comforting.

"Updated patrol routes from Starbase 50," Thy'lissa remarked, passing over a PADD. "Nothing particularly unusual. We're heading a little closer to the Cardassian border this time."

"Should be relatively peaceful," Kane replied. There was usually a lot less tension there compared to the Breen and Tzenkethi regions.

"Aye, Commander."

"Commander?" The Ensign at Ops spoke up. "We're receiving a very faint distress signal over subspace. Starfleet emergency channel."

Kane glanced at Thy'lissa, recognising the irony of his last statement. "Put it up."

The viewscreen crackled with static, the figures appearing there barely visible. The flash of a crimson Starfleet command uniform was just about there, with a masculine face faintly coming through.

"This is the USS Pico on emergency channels..." the sound was distorted, but audible. "Attacked by...unknown vessels...engines disabled. Requesting immediate assistance...a lot of casualties..."

"Pico?" Kane murmured. He recognised the name and her Captain. A man he'd served with years ago on the Lexington. "That's Captain Munro's ship. What's their location?"

"Triangulating. The signal is weak and bouncing all over...there! Looks like they're about ten parsecs out of the usual patrol zones. Bearing 056 mark 4." The Ops officer seemed pleased to have found them.

"The Badlands..." Kane remarked. "Not a great place to break down, Marc. All right, signal our intention to assist. Helm, lay in a course." He looked at Thy'lissa. "Inform the crew that we're deviating for a search-and-rescue operation. I want medical ready to support the wounded and Engineering teams prepped." He paused. "Make sure tactical are monitoring for those attackers, too."

The Andorian woman nodded and took her leave. Kane turned back to the crackling screen.

"Hold on Marc. Cavalry's coming."