Phoenix and Alma went on a routine patrol together around the solar system. At most, they'd only be gone a few days.
Reaching Pluto, Phoenix slowed as the suns rays hit her. At this distance they were weak and almost unwelcoming but Phoenix closed her eyes appreciatively.
Beside her, Alma paused. "Phoenix, I don't think I've ever seen a ship as beautiful as you, especially against that sun." He whispered.
Phoenix smiled. "You flatterer." She growled, nudging him playfully. They continued on, unaware that something was watching them from the shadows.
A little while later, Phoenix and Alma were ready to head back to earth when suddenly Phoenix paused.
"Phoenix, what is it?" Alma asked. "Something's watching us." Phoenix whispered. She looked around, seeing a pair of eyes staring at her from behind the Triton moon.
In a flash, their owner leapt at Phoenix, teeth bared. Alma snarled and intercepted him before he could hurt Phoenix.
More appeared. "Phoenix run!" Alma shouted. Phoenix hesitated, baring her teeth at the nearest vessel which appeared as a bird of prey.
Poor Alma was pinned down by five warbirds. "These are Klingon warbirds, you can't fight them. Get out of here Phoenix! Get back to earth and warn the others!" He shouted.
Two of the warbirds turned on Phoenix. "I'll come back for you." She whispered to Alma and raced off as fast as she could. She accelerated to warp speed. She was soon at warp 2, faster than she'd ever gone before.
She almost ran into Salma as she slowed near earth. "Whoa!" The Vulcan yowled. "Phoenix, what is it? What's wrong?" She asked. "Where's Alma."
Phoenix managed to reply in between gasps. "Klingons Salma, they captured him. I don't know where they're taking him." She whispered.
"Come on, I'll get you back to earth. You need to rest. I promise you, we will find Alma." Salma said.
Very gently, she guided the pregnant starship home. Safely in New York, Phoenix raised her head to look at the stars.
"I will find you, Alma. I promise, I will find you." She whispered.