RESEARCHER RESCUE
Volume 1, chapter 7
Published: 8 December 2013 (revised: July 2018, February - March 2019)
Word count: 5,371


A/N: I'm in the process of implementing much-needed and long overdue updates to chapters 1-12 to fix continuity, dialog, story flow, and grammatical errors, among other things.

Chapter 7 revision completion: 100%


The USS Leviathan was docked at Starbase 24, about to receive some new personnel.

"Cap'n, the starbase is ready to transport the new officers aboard," Charlie Morgan said, turning to face Jason Fredricks.

"Acknowledged. Tala, Lucas, please accompany me to the transporter room," Jason replied, standing from his chair.

The three of them entered the turbolift.

Lucas Wells looked over at Tala Jones. "So, what do you think they'll be like?" he asked.

"Hmm? Oh... I don't know," Tala responded, as if being interrupted from deep thought. "I'm sure they'll be efficient, hard-working people who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty now and then."

"I already don't like 'em," Lucas scoffed.

Jason shook his head. "It'll be a sad day for me if they're anything like you, Lucas."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Oh, of course, one hero is too much for you. I forgot."

"Lucas, I told you to drop the business at Bomari. It's been settled; it's done. Let it go."

"I don't know, Jas… from the way you act, I think it's you who needs to 'let it go.'"

Jason sighed angrily, and Tala put a hand on his shoulder to tell him not to do anything irrational.

He glance at her before returning his gaze to Lucas. "You did a good thing in exposing the Undine, but you still should've consulted me or Tala first. Now, drop it."

The turbolift arrived at its destination, and they walked out into the corridor. They continued until they reached the door of the transporter room, and they entered.

"Energize," Jason told the transporter chief.

"Aye, captain," he responded.

Two figures began to materialize on the transporter pad. When the transport had completed, two officers – an Andorian male and a Trill female – stepped off the pad.

Jason's mouth dropped. "Dear Lord, no."

The Trill looked at him with an angry gaze. "Hello, Jason," she said sternly.

Lucas and Tala looked back and forth between the two, puzzled.

Jason let out a large sigh. "Hey, Len."


ACT I: GETTING ACQUAINTED


Jason was seated on the couch in his quarters, his facial expression indicating he was absorbed in deep thought. The doorbell chimed, bringing him back to the present.

"Come," he said.

Tala entered the room. "You mind explaining what happened back in the transporter room?" she asked, somewhat concerned.

"I'd rather not talk about it," he responded, frowning.

"Jason, what's the problem? This isn't like you."

"The problem is that she's here," he snapped back. He sighed and looked up at her. "I'm sorry, Tala. I'm not mad at you. It's just... her..."

"What are you gonna do about it? She's been given official transfer orders by Starfleet."

"I'm gonna give Admiral Quinn a call and see if he can get me another bridge officer." He picked up a PADD with a duty roster on it.

"Whatever issues you two have with one another, can't you put them aside and act like professionals? You don't need to interact at all during off-duty hours."

He shook his head.

"You really are stubborn, aren't you? If I might speak freely..."

"Go ahead."

"You're acting very childish. If you can't be professional around your subordinates, why bother being in command at all?"

He scowled at her after that remark. "I think you've made your point."

She stepped back. "I guess I'll leave you to your thoughts." With that, she left his quarters.

Jason stared off into space again. "Should I try to forget the past? Should I forgive her?" he thought. "I don't know."

...

The new Andorian officer entered the bridge and approached the ops station. "I am here to relieve you, sir," he said to Charlie, who was seated at ops.

"That so, eh?" Charlie asked. "And where the hell does the cap'n fig're on sendin' me?"

"I do not know. I am still unfamiliar with the crew manifest on this vessel. I was simply told to report to operations and relieve you, sir."

"Quit actin' so bloody proper, mate! You're an Andorian, not a damned Vulcan."

The Andorian officer raised an eyebrow. "Indeed."

Charlie stood up. "Well, guess there's no sense in carryin' on. Ops is yours… eh… I didn't quite catch yer name."

"Dylyp Azeli." The Andorian offered a handshake.

"Charles Francis Morgan V, but you can just call me Charlie."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"I'm Ernie," Ernie Hauser introduced himself.

"Hello," Dylyp replied, nodding. "So, you are the helmsman?"

Charlie put an arm around Dylyp's shoulder. "Dylyp, you're lookin' at the best navigator in the whole bloody fleet."

Ernie blushed. "I wouldn't say that exactly. I do my job, and I enjoy it at the same time."

"And you're damn good at it, too!"

Dylyp chuckled. "Modesty is a virtue, Mr. Hauser."

"Do you have any other interests, Mr. Azeli?" Ernie asked.

"I am somewhat proficient in engineering systems, but it is not my specialty."

"Oh, I meant non-profession-specific interests."

Dylyp nodded. "I enjoy reading. I have recently taken an interest in Earth literature. It is quite… stimulating."

Ernie chuckled. "Definitely depends on whose works you're reading."

Dylyp nodded. "Indeed. If you have any suggestions, I am open to trying new things."

"Of course."

Tala entered the bridge. "Mr. Morgan, a word please."

"Well, gents, it's been fun," Charlie said to Dylyp and Ernie before turning and walking to the back of the bridge with Tala.

"You may be a bit perplexed at your sudden reassignment. I figured I'd fill you in," Tala said.

"Would'a been nice to know a little in advance, sure. This Dylyp fella seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders, though. So, where you sendin' me?"

"The captain is considering you for the position of transporter chief. You'll be the overseer of all transporter rooms, as well as the cargo bays," she replied.

"Not a bad offer. Tell 'im I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Jason walked in. "Mr. Morgan, I trust she's given you the news?"

"Aye, sir."

"You think you're up for it?"

"Aye. I've been in charge of ship operations for weeks now. I think I can handle a few transporter rooms and cargo bays, sir."

"Good. I'll expect nothing less than an exemplary performance from you, ensign."

"Aye, cap'n." Charlie bowed his head politely and entered the turbolift.

"Tell me more about yourself, Mr. Hauser," Dylyp said.

"Let's see… before I took over as the flight controller, I was assigned to Science Lab 6 as an astrometrics scientist," Ernie replied.

"You're a science officer? Fascinating. Have you always aspired to be a pilot?"

"Most of my life. I never dreamed I'd get the chance to be the conn officer on a starship, though. That's why I majored in science. The need arose when we lost most of our senior staff to the Klingons, however, and I inadvertently ended up with my dream job."

"Quite impressive. I do believe that you are the first scientist I have met that would rather pilot a starship than study in a laboratory."

Ernie chuckled. "I suppose you're right."

"Captain, here's the new duty roster you asked for," Tala said, handing Jason a PADD.

"Thanks," he replied. He set it in his lap and looked over at Dylyp and Ernie. "Oh, Dylyp. It's good to see you."

"A pleasure to see you once again, Jas— ahem, captain," Dylyp replied.

Jason chuckled at Dylyp's hesitation to use his first name. "It's alright, you can call me Jason. Things are pretty casual here. How was life on the Montreal?"

"It was... adequate. I look forward to my stay aboard the Leviathan, Jason."

Jason smiled. "I hope you like it here. We've got a lot of interesting people onboard."

Dylyp nodded.

"Sir, we're getting a message from Admiral Quinn," Lenerea Mendel, the new Trill officer, spoke up.

"Put it on the main viewer," Jason replied.

Admiral Jorel Quinn appeared on the viewscreen. "Hello, Jason. I trust you and your crew are doing well?" Quinn asked.

"Yes, admiral. We actually just received several new officers."

"Good, you'll need them for your next mission. We've lost contact with our science station in the Kassae system. It is possible that their communications array is in need of repair; however, I wouldn't rule out sabotage. We need you to take the Leviathan to Kassae II and check it out."

"Understood, admiral. Leviathan out."

The channel closed.

Jason turned to Ernie. "Helm, set course for the Kassae system, Warp 4."

"Aye, sir," Ernie replied.

The Leviathan went to warp.

"I realize some of you are just settling in, but I expect no less from you than the officers who have served alongside me already," Jason said. "If we all focus on the task at hand, we can complete this mission without fail. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" several officers replied in unison.

...

The Leviathan dropped out of warp in the Kassae system.

"Science station, report," Jason said.

"I'm not detecting anything out of the ordinary," Lucas replied. "No enemy vessels on sensors."

"Very well. Helm, take us into transporter range of the station."

Ernie engaged the impulse engines, and the Leviathan approached the science station.

"We're in range, captain," he reported.

"Tala, Dylyp, Ernie, you'll join me on the away team," Jason announced.

Dylyp stood up from his chair. "Captain, Starfleet regulations clearly state that a commanding officer shall not lead an away mission into a presumably dangerous situation. In the event that something were to happen to him—"

"Dylyp... I know the regulations," Jason interrupted.

"But yet you choose to disobey them? Most... illogical."

Jason sighed and looked over at Tala.

She smiled at him. "We'll be alright, sir. When we get back, I'll describe the mission in great detail to you."

"Fine. Take Vance with you. He's a good officer," Jason said, sitting back down.

"Aye, captain."

Tala, Ernie, and Dylyp entered the turbolift.

"Wow, this must be really hard for you," Lenerea said.

Jason glanced at her. "You have no idea. I never wanted to be the captain who stays on the ship when everyone else is out discovering new lifeforms and exploring strange new worlds."

"There are things to be done here, too," Lucas responded.

Jason frowned. "Like what?"

"Well, we could start with the two of you apologizing to one another," he said, indicating Jason and Lenerea.

"What's there to apologize for?" Jason asked, slightly annoyed.

"You're crazy if you think I'm apologizing to this bastard!" Lenerea snapped.

Jason scoffed. "Just like old times, eh, Len?"

"What happened between you two that made you hate each other?" Lucas asked. "I know you guys had encountered some rough patches, but that's to be expected in a—"

"It's nothing that needs to be brought up here," Lenerea interrupted, turning back to her station.

"She's right, Lucas, this isn't the time or the place for this," Jason added.

"Fine, then. Be mad at each other. See if I care," Lucas said, crossing his arms.

Jason and Lenerea both looked over at Lucas, and then briefly at each other before retreating to their own thoughts.

...

Vance L'eher joined Tala, Dylyp, and Ernie in the transporter room.

"Reporting for duty, sir." He nodded at Tala.

Tala tapped her combadge. "Captain, we're ready to transport over."

"Understood," Jason replied. "Have fun without me."

She chuckled. "We'll do our best."

The four of them stepped onto the transporter pad.

She looked over at Charlie. "Energize."

Charlie initiated the transporter sequence, and the group dematerialized.


ACT II: FORGIVENESS


"Personal log, Jason Fredricks, stardate 83224.1. Tala, Dylyp, Ernie, and Vance have transported over to the science station without me. Meanwhile, Lucas has tried to get me and Lenerea to settle our differences, but I find being in the same room with her to be... difficult. A single question continues to resonate in my mind. Should I forgive her for what she did so long ago?"

Jason entered the mess hall and walked to the bar.

Crusoe, the bartender, walked up to him. "Hello, captain. Would you like the usual?" he asked.

"No, not today. I need something strong; really strong."

"Well... I do have a case of Romulan ale, vintage 2360."

Jason nodded. "That oughta do it."

Crusoe set a glass in front of him. "I'll be right back." He walked into the storage room behind the kitchen. A few moments later, he emerged with a bottle of Romulan ale. He opened it and filled Jason's glass. "If this isn't strong enough for you, I would suggest you try some Klingon bloodwine."

Jason chuckled. "Cheers." He raised the glass before gulping the blue drink down. He winced as the flavor set in.

"How is it?" Crusoe asked, smiling.

"Strong."

"Didn't I say it would be?"

Jason nodded. "I believe you did."

"If I may be so bold as to ask, what's got you so depressed, captain?"

Jason paused for a moment. "What would you do if your old girlfriend got assigned to your ship and the two of you couldn't even stand to be around each other?"

"Oh, I see. Lost love can become an issue when work enters the picture. Well... I would try my best to patch things up and make do."

"She would likely rather kill me than try to talk things out."

Crusoe chuckled. "I can't tell you what you should do, only what I would do."

Jason nodded. "Thanks."

"Anytime, captain." Crusoe walked over to another patron and began serving her.

Jason sat in his chair, thinking. He lifted his glass to take another drink, but remembered how strong the taste was. "I don't think so," he said to the half-drunken glass of ale. He put it down and then walked out of the mess hall.

...

Tala, Dylyp, Ernie, and Vance materialized inside the science station.

Ernie pulled out his tricorder and scanned the area. "I'm detecting multiple life signs ahead; Human, Vulcan, and... Gorn."

"Set phasers to heavy stun," Tala ordered. She led the way as they walked down a corridor.

They came to a branch-off with corridors to the left and straight ahead and a room to the right.

"Let's check in here," she said, pointing into the room.

Three Gorn were holding a Human scientist captive. One of them heard the away team coming and fired a shoot at them, nearly missing Dylyp's head.

"Ssstarfleet! Jussst like we exsspected..." one of the Gorn said in a slithering, reptilian voice.

"You have one chance to recall your forces on this station, or we will open fire on you and your men," Tala replied, pointing her phaser at the lead Gorn.

"Sssorry, my dear, but we are here to ssstay. It isss you who will leave." The Gorn raised his disruptor pistol to fire.

Vance did a quick tuck and roll maneuver, placing him adjacent to the Gorn and in prime firing range. Before the Gorn could react, Vance opened fire and incapacitated him.

"Kill them!" another Gorn shouted.

The other Gorn quickly reacted, opening fire on the away team. Dylyp stunned the first one as Tala dodged a blast from the second. She shot at the ceiling, blowing out a power conduit above the Gorn's head. He stumbled backward, and Ernie stunned him.

Dylyp approached the scientist. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Oh, yes, thank you! These Gorn were about to kill us and string us up by our boots," she said gratefully.

"Where are the others?"

"They're being held in the main lab, down that corridor," she replied, pointing down the corridor in the opposite direction the away team came from.

"Alright, stay here. We'll come back for you once we've secured the area," Tala told her. "Let's go, guys."

...

Lenerea was walking down a corridor toward her quarters.

"Lenerea," Jason called to her from further down the corridor. "Mind if I talk to you for a minute?"

She stopped walking. "Uh... sure. What is it?"

"Look, I know we've had our disagreements and problems and overall hatred for each other for a while, but I was hoping that maybe we could talk things over civilly..."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Alright, but not here."

She continued walking to her quarters, Jason following. They reached her quarters and entered them, taking a seat on her couch.

Jason sighed. "I'm... sorry, Len. After I heard rumors that you were sleeping with Jeff Philips, I got really upset that you would go and do that behind my back. To be honest, I was so angry I didn't want to hear anything you had to say, until now."

Lenerea shook her head. "Jason, I told you before, I never slept with him. We dated, but that was before I met you. If you had given me the chance to explain, none of this may have happened."

"I know, and I believe you now. Back then I was too immature to listen. I'm sincerely sorry."

She gave him a half-smile. "I'm sorry too, and I forgive you."

He grinned. "Remember all those days at the Academy when we would just lie down in the garden and look up at the clouds?"

"Yeah, and we'd talk at length about the life we'd have together… I miss those days."

"Me too. Life seemed so much easier back then."

She leaned in toward him and kissed him on the cheek. He blushed and leaned in to kiss her on the mouth when his combadge chirped.

"Captain, please report to the bridge," Lucas said through the intercom.

Jason tapped his combadge. "On my way." He squeezed Lenerea's hands lightly before walking out. "Thanks, Len."

She smiled and nodded.

...

Jason entered the bridge. "What is it, Lucas?" he asked.

"We've just gotten word from the away team. They said the scientists on the station have been taken hostage by the Gorn," Lucas responded.

Jason sighed. "Are they still on the station? The Gorn, that is."

"Yes. Tala wants to know how to proceed. She's standing by."

"Open a channel to the away team."

"Channel open," the stand-in communications officer responded.

"Captain, I trust Lucas has updated you on the situation?" Tala asked.

"He has," Jason replied.

"What are your orders?"

"Bring those scientists to safety and use whatever force is necessary to ensure their safe return."

"Aye, sir. Away team out."

The comm channel closed.

"So… how did things go with Lenerea?" Lucas asked.

"Mind your own damn business," Jason retorted. He paused for a moment. "Sorry, that was rude. It went pretty well, actually."

"Do my ears deceive me or are you actually apologizing for abusing me for once?"

Jason scoffed. "Forget I said anything."

"Nope. This one's for keeps!"

Jason frowned. "Get back to work before I toss you out an airlock."

Lucas gave an unamused look back at Jason, but he complied.

...

The away team reached the main control room on the station, where the scientists were being held. Tala signaled Vance to sneak around to the Gorn's right flank, and she sent Ernie and Dylyp around the left.

"Please... don't hurt us!" one of the scientists pleaded.

"Don't worry, we ssstill have use for you. You will make fine ssslaves aboard our ssstarshipsss," a Gorn snickered.

"You're not going anywhere," Tala said, pointing her phaser at the Gorn.

"And who will ssstop usss? One puny Ssstarfleet officer?" the Gorn jeered.

Tala grinned. "How about a group of Starfleet officers?"

Vance, Dylyp, and Ernie emerged from their hiding places and attacked the Gorn, surrounding them. They took extra care not to accidentally hit one of the scientists. Two of the Gorn tried to escape, but Tala used a plasma grenade to subdue them.

"Good work," she told the rest of the away team.

"Is everyone alright?" Ernie asked the scientists.

"Yes, thank you," one of them replied.

"Ensign, I overheard the Gorn talking to each other. It seems they took some of our people to Kassae IV. I don't know why, or if they're even still alive, but you've got to try to find them, please," the lead scientist said.

"We'll do our best," Tala replied. She tapped her combadge. "Away team to Leviathan, we have seven scientists and four away team members ready to transport."

"Acknowledged," Charlie replied.

The scientists and the away team began to dematerialize.

...

Tala, Dylyp, and Ernie entered the bridge.

"How'd it go?" Jason asked eagerly.

"Fairly well, but one of the scientists told us that the Gorn took hostages down to the fourth planet," Tala answered.

"Lucas, scan the planet's surface. Do you detect any Human or Vulcan lifesigns?" Jason asked.

Lucas shook his head. "I can't get any clear readings. It looks like something – or someone – is blocking long-range sensors."

"The Gorn most likely have a ship in the system somewhere," Dylyp suggested.

Jason nodded. "Alright, we're going down there. Tala, Dylyp, you're with me."

"Captain... I must protest to your joining the away te—" Dylyp began.

"You got your way last time, Dylyp. I'm the captain, and I am going on this away mission, no questions asked."

"Sir, I do not advise—"

"Dylyp, the captain is permitted to go on away missions, provided he is with a proper security detail," Tala interjected.

"There, see?" Jason remarked, smirking.

"I still do not agree with this course of action," Dylyp answered.

"I know. I appreciate your concern for my safety." Jason turned to Ernie. "You have the bridge, Mr. Hauser."

"Aye, captain," Ernie replied.

Jason, Tala, and Dylyp entered the turbolift.

"Why'd he put you in charge?" Lucas protested.

"I don't know, but I'm not going to question his orders," Ernie responded.

Lucas sighed. "He still won't let go of what happened at Bomari. Damn it, Jason."


ACT III: GORN AGAIN


When Jason, Tala, and Dylyp entered the transporter room, Vance and two other security officers were already waiting for them.

"See, Dylyp? Vance is here to protect us. There's nothing to worry about," Jason said, patting Dylyp on the shoulder.

"You already know my feelings on the matter, sir," Dylyp replied. "That fact has not changed."

"Coordinates locked in for the planet's surface, captain," Charlie reported.

"I wish you'd just relax, Dylyp," Jason said. He stepped onto the transporter pad. "Let's go."

The rest of the away team followed suit.

"Sir..." Dylyp said.

Jason sighed. "Yes, Dylyp?"

"At least allow me to take point."

Jason chuckled, turning back to Charlie. "Energize."

A few seconds later, they materialized on the surface of Kassae IV. Dylyp took out his tricorder and scanned the area.

"Any life signs?" Jason asked.

"Yes, all Gorn."

Jason and Tala both looked at Dylyp in bewilderment.

Tala raised an eyebrow. "No Humans?"

"None that I can detect; however, I am reading a high-energy field emanating from that structure over there," Dylyp responded. He pointed at a building in the distance.

"Then that's where we'll look," Jason said. "Take the lead, Mr. Azeli."

"Aye, captain." Dylyp took point, and Jason walked closely behind him.

Tala took the middle position, with Vance and the two security officers taking up the rear. The group cautiously approached the structure, weapons at the ready.

...

Lucas entered the mess hall and noticed Lenerea sitting by herself.

"Hey," he said, approaching her.

She looked up at him. "Oh, hey."

"How come you're not on the bridge?"

She blushed. "Oh, dear. This is my shift, isn't it?"

"I mean, I'm on duty, too. Ernie sent me to find you, although I was hoping for any excuse to get away from the bridge."

Lenerea chuckled. "I hope I'm not in too much trouble."

"Don't worry about it." He sat down across from her. "So, what's on your mind?"

"Jason came to my quarters last night and apologized for what he did three years ago."

"And… did you forgive him?"

"Yes, but I feel like he and I will never have what we once had again." She sighed.

Lucas placed his hand on hers comfortingly. "Love is tough sometimes."

She gave him a half-smile. "Yeah…"

...

The away team had made its way to the structure and stopped upon finding that it was protected by a force field.

"How do you suggest we get through, Dylyp?" Jason asked.

"There are three power generators nearby," Dylyp answered, checking his tricorder. "If we shut them down, we should be able to get in."

"Right. Vance, you take one, Tala, you take one, and I'll take the last one. Leffler, Briggs, you stay here with Dylyp."

"Aye, sir," Don Leffler and Kevin Briggs replied.

Jason, Tala, and Vance spread out, walking until they each reached their respective generators. Upon briefly inspecting the device, Vance began rigging some grenades to his. Jason, not bothering to inspect his, immediately shot it with his phaser rifle, using the highest power level. Meanwhile, Tala attempted to disable hers via a control panel on its side. Vance backed up and detonated the grenades. His generator exploded violently. Satisfied, he headed back to Dylyp's group.

Jason continued to fire upon his generator until it coughed up smoke and caught fire. "Damn straight," he said.

Tala was unsuccessful at deactivating hers manually. "Oh, to hell with it," she said angrily. She pulled out her phaser and blasted it several times until it gave way. She then made her way back to the group.

The force field dropped, and Dylyp's group inched toward the structure. Inside were a large cache of crates, a single Gorn, and a dead Vulcan lying on the floor.

"Shit!" Kevin blurted out.

The Gorn turned his head and gave them a toothy grin. "You're too late, Ssstarfleet! The hostages are sssafe aboard my ship." He then heaved a crate at them, which nearly landed on Don and Kevin. The Gorn contacted his ship and dematerialized.

"Damn it! He got away," Don said, picking himself up after having nearly been crushed.

Jason, Tala, and Vance came running up.

"What the hell happened?" Tala exclaimed.

"The Gorn captain has escaped to his vessel," Dylyp replied. "The hostages are not here."

Kevin checked the Vulcan victim. "Oh, God. Seems that lizard chewed her up pretty good." He did his best to avoid vomiting at the sight of her mangled corpse.

"We'll transport her to the morgue so she can receive a funeral and burial," Jason said. He tapped his combadge. "Fredricks to Leviathan, lock onto Mr. Briggs' combadge and transport directly to the morgue."

Kevin placed his combadge on the Vulcan. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Energizing, cap'n," Charlie replied.

"Now, six to beam up," Jason added.

The away team dematerialized.

...

Jason, Tala, and Dylyp entered the bridge and took their seats.

"Sir, you're just in time," Ernie said. "We've detected a Gorn vessel orbiting the planet."

Jason nodded. "Just who we were looking for."

"Sir, I'm detecting multiple Human lifesigns aboard the Gorn ship," Tala reported.

"Hail them."

Lenerea attempted to hail the Gorn vessel. "No response, captain."

"Very well," Jason said, stroking his chin. "Ready phasers."

"Sir, the Gorn are raising their shields. They're locking weapons on us!" Tala called out.

"Shields up! Prepare to return fire."

The Gorn ship opened fire on the Leviathan, causing the ship to rock back and forth.

"Fire!" Jason shouted.

"Aye," Tala complied.

The Leviathan returned fire on the Gorn vessel. The Gorn responded with a volley of torpedoes that violently impacted on the Leviathan's shields.

Lucas gripped his console tightly. "Every damn mission…" he muttered to himself.

The Leviathan alternated phaser and torpedo volleys at the Gorn until finally landing a decisive blow.

"Their shields are dropping, captain!" Tala said with relief.

"Transporter room, get a lock on those hostages and transport them aboard!" Jason said over the internal comm.

"Working on it, cap'n," Charlie replied.

"Sir!" Dylyp called out suddenly.

Jason looked up just in time to see another volley of torpedoes heading right for them. "Brace for impact!" he yelled.

The ship shook wildly, and a console exploded in the back of the bridge, incapacitating two crewmen. Another round of torpedoes speeded toward the Leviathan. Ernie's console exploded in front of him, knocking him backward onto the floor.

"Ernie!" Lucas yelled, running to his side.

Ernie was unconscious and had some burns on his face and hands.

Lucas looked him over, and he was still breathing. "Thank God."

"Lucas, start triaging people," Jason said.

"Yes, sir." He stumbled over to a console with medkits and retrieved one.

"Captain, our shields are down to 41%," Tala reported. "We can't take much more of this!"

Jason sighed. "Are their shields still down?"

"No, they were able to raise them a moment ago. Sir, there are still hostages on board."

"Damn." Jason punched his armrest.

"Sir, might I suggest we initiate attack pattern omega two?" Dylyp asked.

Jason turned to Tala. "Do it!"

The Leviathan moved into an attack position and opened fire on the Gorn once more. The Leviathan's phaser banks sent out several orange pulses of energy at the Gorn ship, landing multiple direct hits.

"Their shields are dropping again, captain," Tala said.

"Target their weapons array," Jason replied.

The Leviathan expelled a volley of torpedoes that disabled the Gorn's weapons at last.

"Transports complete, sir. The remaining survivors are aboard," Dylyp reported.

"Sir, the Gorn are diverting power to their engines," Tala said worriedly. "They appear to be attempting to ram us."

Jason frowned. "Fire all weapons!"

The Leviathan spewed more torpedoes and phaser beams at the Gorn ship. It exploded several kilometers away from them, leaving a large debris field behind.

Everyone on the bridge breathed a sigh of relief.

Jason tapped a button on his chair that opened the internal comm. "Doctor Cromwell, please report to the bridge. We have wounded up here."

"On my way, captain," Dr. Julia Cromwell responded.

...

"Captain's log, stardate 83224.1. We have rescued hostages from the Gorn ship orbiting Kassae IV and are returning to Earth Spacedock for repairs and to await new orders. On a personal note, I have decided to cancel my request to Admiral Quinn about finding a replacement for Miss Mendel."

Jason entered the mess hall. He noticed Tala and Lenerea sitting at a table and gazing out the window.

He walked over to them. "What are you two ladies talking about?" He smiled.

They both turned and looked at him. "Nothing," they said simultaneously, smiling mischievously.

"Okay," Jason replied in a suspicious tone. "Len, I hope there are no more hard feelings between us."

"No, Jason, no hard feelings. Actually, I had been hoping for a while that we could mend things between us. I just never worked up the courage to contact you. I never imagined I would end up serving on a ship with you."

"Same here. I'm glad we were able to work things out."

She smiled back at him. "That doesn't mean we are back together, though. I have my eye on somebody else."

"Really, who?"

Lucas walked up to their table. "Hey, hon, you ready for our dinner reservation?" he asked. He extended his arm, which Lenerea took.

"Of course, sweetie." She blushed.

"Have fun you two," Lucas said to Jason and Tala. "Don't get too naughty while we're gone!"

Lenerea laughed. "Make wise choices. Use protection!"

Jason stared after them, mouth agape. "What the hell did I just witness?"

Tala blushed. "I'm… not sure I have an answer for you."

"And to insinuate that there's something going on between you and me…" Jason rubbed his forehead. "My best friend and my ex, together… I give it a week."

Tala twitched. "You're right. Our relationship is strictly professional. Forgive me for even entertaining the notion—" she began.

"Whoa, what?" Jason asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tala looked down at her hands. "N-nothing, sir. I'm sorry."

"Tala, if you wanna talk about it—"

"No, it's fine. Anyway, I'm sure Lucas and Lenerea will make a cute couple."

"I know, but… what could she possibly see in him?"

"Maybe something she never saw in you."

"Okay, now you're just being hurtful." He stood up. "Come on, let's go enjoy some time on the holodeck." He held out his hand for her to take.

She smiled and took his hand. "Sure."

They walked out of the mess hall. The Leviathan continued on its course to Earth Spacedock.


A/N: If you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a review! Find out more about the story at federationlegacy. wikia. com.

NEXT CHAPTER: "The Kuvah'Magh"