Part 2
Rommie's POV
"Andromeda, report," Dylan barks.
He's edgy. Stressed. I can hear it in his tone. My hologram will comfort him. I coalesce in front
of him and his pupils widen ever-so-slightly. "We have located the Eureka Maru on Cata Monje,"
I tell him.
He frowns. Obviously, he does not recognize the name.
"It's a tiny ice planet in the Uncharted Territories on the outer reaches of the Monje Void. Beka
was off course for reasons unknown. Cata Monje has no native population, no vegetation, no
discernible seasons -- only mild winter and deep winter."
Behind my hologram, Harper snorts as he paces the Command Deck.
"Life signs?" Dylan asks.
I hesitate. In his current state of agitation, Dylan may react harshly. *Automatic alert sent to
Trance in Medical to prepare a calming solution for the Captain.* "No, sir. No life signs. And it
appears the Maru may have sustained weapons fire."
He pales.
*Internal shunt. Comm open.*
"Rommie."
"Yes, Andromeda?"
"Prepare cold weather gear, medical supplies and injured evac kits."
"We're going to the planet?"
"The order hasn't come yet, but it will."
"How is Dylan dealing with the loss of Beka?"
"Badly, as he should since he ordered her on the mission."
Rommie's fear and compassion are palpable within the matrix. *Cordoning off the emotions.*
Suddenly the door to Command whooshes open. Tyr strides in with blazing eyes and a snarl on
his lips.
This can't be good.