Danger Close

Posted on Thu May 16th, 2024 @ 5:04pm by Lieutenant Commander Rhiana t'Aegis & Lieutenant Jackson Smith
Edited on on Sun May 19th, 2024 @ 9:22pm

1,272 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Mission 1: A Long Hard Road Ahead
Location: DS18
Timeline: 24 August, 2396- 0030 Hours

[ON]

Before the different away teams had beamed onto the station, the Firebird had provided them all with a scan showing the position of life signs aboard the station. Of course, by the time the away teams would get to these locations, the life signs could have moved. Or, as the command away team had just found out, attackers could be in locations that had not shown life signs before.

Since the scan was not reliable anymore, Jackson and Rhiana had to rely on their tricorders to hopefully determine that the room they were about to enter was devoid of surprises. Progress was therefore slow, but until now, they had not encountered anyone else.

Their target was a large area on the other side of the station that, at the time of the scan, had shown several dozen life signs. While power had been restored to some degree and the lighting situation had improved, it could not help with destroyed light sources and debris from the attack that also hindered their progress in places.

"Area is clear," Rhiana announced, holstered her tricorder and, with her phaser still in hand, climbed over a larger piece of bulkhead that was obstructing passage into the next hallway. They were getting closer to their target, but the station was huge and they still had a few hundred metres to go.

Jackson, scanning the surroundings with his tricorder, acknowledged with a nod. "It's been unexpectedly quiet since we left the command center. I was anticipating more obstacles." Carefully, he navigated through the entryway, dodging debris. After ensuring the area was secure, he glanced back at Rhiana. Their partnership had weathered numerous challenges, and despite their differences, he valued her presence in these perilous moments. For a brief second he almost made a nostalgic comment, but then held back as he was sure Rhiana would chastise him to remain focused. He gave her a knowing look and redirected his attention, he began to edge along the left side of the room. "We're closing in on our objective. Considering the size of the group of lifesigns, they might be captives, which implies a heavy guard presence. How do you want to approach this?"

"Ideally with a strike force of more than two people," Rhiana replied wryly and closed the short distance to Jackson. "The attackers do not seem to have enough presence aboard the station to prevent us from approaching our objective. I agree with you that we are likely facing a hostage situation. While we are gaining control of the station, they may be driven into desperate reactions, therefore I suggest a prudent approach. We might be able to get a better visual impression of the area via Jeffrey's tubes."

Jackson agreed with a nod, surveying the room—littered with debris and remnants of destruction. His eyes caught sight of a Jeffrey's tube entrance, subtly concealed at the room's left corner. "I'm going to wish Harlan or Gant were here; navigating these won't be easy." With swift movements, Jackson opened the hatch and clambered into the Jeffrey's tube, where he was greeted by a ladder extending upward. Before ascending, he peered out, "This could work in our favor. It appears to ascend, potentially offering us a strategic overview of the target area."

"That would also make our detection less likely," Rhiana agreed. She holstered tricorder and phaser and, once Jackson had a good headstart, followed him. But without forgetting to close the hatch after them. They might not have encountered any adversaries until now, but that was no reason not to remain prudent.

Several meters higher, the ladder ended in a set of access doors, leading in three directions, one of them being further up. They chose the horizontal direction leading in the general direction of their target area and began crawling. There was no debris here, though some of the lighting was damaged and merely flickered. There were stretches of the tubes that were only illuminated by the dim lights of some work station. At least it was impossible to get lost, since there were no other crossings for several dozens of metres.

Feeling fortunate for the absence of branching paths, Jackson navigated the tubes with a sense of urgency. Shortly, he spotted an exit panel to his left. Pausing, he retrieved his tricorder to scan for life signs, discovering that their objective lay just beyond this panel. Signaling to Rhiana, he indicated they had reached their destination. Together, they approached the panel quietly. Jackson nodded to Rhiana to take a look as he prepared for action. In a seamless motion, Jackson stowed his tricorder and drew his phaser, ready to provide cover. Their focus was intense, knowing the critical moment to reveal the situation on the other side was imminent.

---

It was moments like this that Aabros Esai was grateful his empathic talents never fully developed, otherwise, he would like be overwhelmed by fear, pain, and confusion. And likely anger, given the expressions on their guard's faces. There were three different types in the room: There were some that felinoid, but not Caitian. They patrolled amongst Esai and the other captives, who were all seated on the floor with just enough space to allow the guards to weave through. There were very tall, wispy aliens guarding the door, and something that looked like a jellyfish hovering away from everyone on the far side of the room.

He wasn't sure what was happening at the moment, but he had observed a change in the guards' demeanor a couple of hours ago. If he had to guess, Aabros was certain that help had arrived. Hopefully, it was working its way towards them.

Jackson turned to Rhiana, his voice barely a whisper, "The scans suggest a significant number of guards in this room. It's going to be intense, but ... I have a plan." He gestured towards a tunnel overhead. "That passage leads directly above the room. I'm carrying a few small explosives—enough to create an opening. If I set them off on the far side, it should distract the guards long enough for you to drop in and neutralize some of the threats. Once they refocus on you, I'll come through the opening and help clean up the rest." His smile was casual, as though he were proposing a simple stroll rather than a risky tactical assault.

Rhiana looked at Jackson and blinked. Twice. "The high vantage point should be enough for me to neutralise the guards," she whispered back. "No 'dropping in' should be required, for that would attract their attention even quicker than a few well-aimed shots." Besides, that idea sounded ludicrous. "There is a more peaceful solution that is more in line with Starfleet protocol: Commander Leed should negotiate the release of the hostages. The attackers know that they have lost. Negotiating with them may save the lives of the hostages. We could still use your plan in case they refuse to negotiate."

Jackson nodded, "I will follow your lead."

The Romulan's left eyebrow twitched, then she nodded once and tapped her combadge. "t'Aegis to Leed," she whispered, knowing that the microphone would pick up the sound perfectly. "We need your help with a hostage situation."

[OFF]

Lieutenant Commander Rhiana t'Aegis
Second Officer / Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

Lieutenant Jackson Smith
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

Ensign Aabros Esai (NPC by Baxter)
Counselor
USS Firebird NCC-88298

 

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