Chapter 3

On the Bridge of the Enterprise 1701-C there were flames and charred bodies across consoles. The away team beam in.

"Captain Garrett?" called Riker.

"Yes," Garrett replied.

"I'm Commander William Riker. Our emergency teams are on board your ship. Doctor?" He turned to Doctor Crusher.

"The rest of the bridge crew is dead," replied Crusher. She examined Captain Garrett. "She has a bad fracture and has serious internal injuries. I'm going to have to get her back to the Enterprise."

"To where?" asked a confused Garrett.

"We'll explain that later," replied Riker.

"You'll explain now, Commander," demanded Garrett.

"We're from a Federation starship," Riker evaded. "We answered your distress call. Your ship is in good hands, but we need to get you to our Sickbay."

"Very well," Garrett conceded.

"Crusher to transporter room. Two to beam directly to Sickbay."

"Stand by for transport."

Crusher and Garrett are beamed away.

"It's pretty bad, Commander," said Laforge. "Looks like they were in a hell of a fight."

"If you can't stabilise the life support, we're going to have to evacuate the ship," said Riker.

"I think we can do it," said Laforge. "I'll have to get to Engineering though. La Forge to damage control team alpha. Meet me on Engineering level three."

"Commander," said Tasha.

A sound of coughing. They move some debris and find another survivor.

"Thanks."

"Commander William Riker."

"Lieutenant Castillo, helmsman."

"Where are you taking us?" asked the Doctor, as they were being led along a corridor.

"To the captain's Ready Room," replied Worf.

On the Bridge of the Enterprise 1701D

"Away team reporting in, sir," said Data.

"On screen, Mister Data," said Picard. "Go ahead, Commander."

"We've stabilised life support," said Riker. "Mister La Forge is working on restoring the main power couplings, but that'll take time. It's a real mess down here, sir."

"Survivors?" asked Picard.

"One hundred twenty five," replied Riker.

"Recommendation?" asked Picard.

"I'd hate to have to scrap her," replied Riker. "Starfleet could certainly use another ship, even if she is old."

"Agreed," said Picard. "But we can't stay in this area too long. You have nine hours. If you can get her underway by then, we'll escort her back to Starbase one oh five. If not, we'll evacuate the survivors and destroy the ship."

"Understood, sir," said Riker.

"Keep me posted, Picard out."

Guinan enters, looking around a lot.

"Guinan?" asked Picard.

"We need to talk," said Guinan. "Somehow this, this is all wrong. This is not the way it's supposed to be."

At that moment Worf entered the bridge with the Doctor, Ace and Nita.

"Ah, Doctor, just in time," said Picard. "Please come to my Ready Room. You, too, Guinan."