Author's Note: You folks are fantastic. Thank you for your continued support with this series. All of your reviews, likes, kudos, and messages are wonderful!
Content Warning: This chapter contains scenes of violence as our beloved crew works to help defend this sector from a Cardassian advancement.
This story is AU. Please suspend your disbelief re: canon for a fun wee character cameo in this instalment.
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"The messages are sent," Tasha informed Captain Davies. "Now we wait and see if the blockade begins to break."
"What is this for?" Davies asked as Tasha handed him an older style hand communicator.
"I reworked the system and adjusted the frequency," Tasha explained. "It only has a range of about 350 metres but that should be enough between here and the runabouts."
"And we can use the sensors on the runabouts to see if any of the Cardassian ships took the bait," Davies said as he finished Tasha's train of thought.
During the preparation, Davies had assigned three of his crew to monitor the Cardassian patrols. Unfortunately, they had observed the Cardassian patrols were operating on a sweep pattern that varied.
Sometimes, there were six-minute intervals between sweeps. Other times, almost fifteen minutes would pass. In some instances, it was as little as four minutes or as long as twenty minutes.
It would make getting the survivors to the runabouts a difficult task.
Tasha and Davies decided it would be best to take the survivors in small groups to avoid Cardassian patrols. They could duck into rooms or access points along the route as needed.
They only had five of the communicators. Davies decided one would remain in their hiding space, and one would go to the runabout with Commander Elliot.
Commander Elliot would remain on the runabout and watch for any patrols from that position.
Two of the crewmen were stationed in hiding positions on opposite sides of the deck. They'd report in as the patrols passed to ensure they could safely shuttle groups to the runabouts.
Finally, the last communicator would be carried by the person shuttling the groups to the runabouts.
Davies felt it was his responsibility to leads these groups.
"Commander," Tasha said as she caught Elliot's arm on the way out of the hiding space. "Thank you."
"My pleasure, Lieutenant," he replied.
Tasha flashed him a warm smile. Elliot wasn't a soldier – he was a Starfleet officer trained in legal scholarship, not defence. He was taking a great risk in stepping outside of his comfort zone to help them.
"Good luck, sir," Tasha said before Davies and Elliot set off with the first group.
It took nearly twenty minutes for the first group to reach the runabout.
As soon as they slipped inside, Davies and Elliot set to work at the sensors.
Davies handed Elliot his phaser rifle.
"Watch the door," Davies said as he slipped into the helm and began to type away at the sensors.
Before he had lost communication with his First Officer in the Operations Centre, Davies recalled they'd advised there was a blockade of eighteen Galor-class ships.
Using the sensors from the runabout, Davies was able to scan the area and determine the size of the Cardassian blockade.
Davies activated the handheld communicator.
"It worked," Davies said, informing Tasha and the team back in hiding. "It looks like ten of the ships took the bait."
On the other end of the communicator, Tasha was beaming.
Their plan had worked.
They'd halved the blockade.
"Let's get the next group loaded," Tasha replied.
It was now shortly after 18:00 hours. In the span of two hours, they had managed to get the majority of the survivors loaded onto the two runabouts.
Commander Elliot was going to pilot the first runabout and Ensign Ke would pilot the second one.
There was just one more group of survivors to get onto the shuttle before they could launch.
At the recommendation of Colonel Davies, the team decided it would be best to take the final group from the base-camp hideout in three trips.
There were approximately fifteen of them left – plus the two children – to get down to the runabout.
"Are you going on the Tyne or the Thames, sir?" Tasha asked Davies. "I assume you'll want me on the other ship?"
"I won't be joining you," Davies said. "This is my Starbase. And I'm staying behind to take it back."
"Sir, if the Cardassians find you-" Tasha started to say.
Davies smiled softly.
"I can't ask my crew that are on lookout duty to remain behind while I fly off in a runabout," Davies explained. "Besides, someone has to release the docking clamps."
It wouldn't feel right. He needed to remain behind.
There were likely thousands of civilians and Starfleet personnel trapped throughout the base with other groups and Davies wasn't going to give up his Starbase without a fight.
"Then I request permission to remain here," Tasha said. "You're going to need the help."
Davies shook his head.
"I want you to lead the runabouts," Davies ordered. "One of the Federation ships that's inbound should pick you up in a few hours. And you'll have vital information for them."
Suddenly, the communicator clicked.
It was a message from one of the lookouts.
"Sir, we're going to need to speed this up," the crewman said. "The Cardassians are bringing in extra sweep patrols. I just had two pass through section forty-nine G."
With a phaser rifle in hand and the two kiddos in tow, Tasha set out with the last group of survivors including Counsellor T'Pyxis and Captains Bradbury and Crozier.
As a much larger group, it took them longer to navigate down to the docking bay – ducking into storage areas and hiding in turbolifts to avoid the passing patrols.
The docking bay was a largely exposed area. Because of their large glass windows open to several docks, it presented their greatest risk of exposure.
As a result, whenever a group reached the area, they would temporarily stage in an Engineering subcommand panel access. It would be tight given the size of the group, but it was necessary.
It was an approximate fifty metre dash from the access panel to the runabouts and it offered zero cover.
Sending folks one or two at a time was best to keep the Cardassians from noticing too much movement.
"You've got about two minutes before the next patrol," the lookout advised.
"Alright, Counsellor. You're next," Tasha said as she guided Counsellor T'Pyxis to the door.
The Counsellor made her way quickly to the runabout and Tasha breathed a sigh of relief that she managed to make it there safely.
They sent Commander Cole next and Captain Crozier immediately afterward.
Tasha was grateful that despite the heat and cramped quarters, tempers had seemed to remain in check as they worked to get everyone loaded.
It had taken nearly an hour just to get twelve of the survivors onto the runabouts.
Tasha was about to send Captain Bradbury when the communicator went off.
"Hold," the lookout advised as another patrol rounded the corner in the corridor that overlooked the docking bay. "Two patrols incoming. You're going to need to sit tight."
All of a sudden, a voice in the docking bay caught Tasha's ear.
"Hurry up, they're coming," a familiar voice said.
"Let's go, let's go," another said.
"This is a brilliant plan," a third voice said aloud.
Tasha opened the access panel and bit back the urge to scream.
"Get in here, now!" Tasha called out in a hushed whisper.
The three men froze.
They were the last three people Tasha wanted to encounter during an emergency situation – Ensign Walsh had stepped onto the docking bay with Lieutenant Harris and Ensign Gomez in tow.
"We're taking a runabout and getting out of here," Lieutenant Harris said.
"You don't understand, you need to get in here now," Tasha replied urgently.
This was no time for arguing – not when there were two Cardassian patrols closing in on their location.
"You may have been able to order us around before, but now you've been stripped of your rank. Isn't that right, Natasha?" Ensign Walsh hissed. "And your tin can can't help you now."
"There are two Cardassian patrols that will see you before you reach the runabout. Please," Tasha insisted as she waved them over to the hidden access panel. "Please, trust me."
Walsh scoffed.
"Ensign, please," Tasha repeated. "We'll get you out of here. But you need to hide."
"Oh? Can you guys believe this? Now she wants to get in a Jefferies tube with me?" Walsh said sarcastically. "Since my grandfather's going to ensure you and that sentient toaster never see each other again, now you're ready to play ball?"
Tasha looked at Lieutenant Harris and Ensign Gomez for help.
Did they really not understand the gravity of the situation?
"What are you willing to do, Tasha? How far are you willing to go to beg me to spare your boyfriend?" Walsh laughed as he strolled over to the access panel.
"You don't understand," Tasha said pleadingly. "You're going to expose the entire plan if the Cardassians see you. Please."
"Maybe we should listen to her," Gomez suggested.
He made a move toward the panel, but Walsh put out a hand to stop him.
"You can't order us around anymore. And since you're no longer my Commanding Officer I can finally say this," Walsh snarled. "You're a plucky little cunt and I'm sick of your icy attitude toward me. I warned you what would happen. But you just didn't want to cooperate. No one refuses Drew Walsh."
"They're almost to your position," the lookout's voice said over the communicator.
"Now, we're going to get on one of those runabouts and get out of here," Walsh said firmly. "And if you ever want to see your boyfriend again, you'll get on that runabout, spread your legs, and ask me nicely to have my Grandfather drop the charges against you."
Tasha was dumbstruck.
Time and again, she had feared these three were not cut out for service in Starfleet. And time after time, they had proven her instincts correct.
Now, their reckless attitude was going to result in blowing the entire plan to save the survivors.
"Get in here. Now," Captain Bradbury ordered sharply as he emerged next to Tasha.
"U-u-uncle Prescott," Walsh stammered.
"That's an order," Bradbury replied coldly.
The three men scrambled into the access panel and joined Tasha, Captain Bradbury, and a handful of remaining survivors that were yet to be loaded onto the runabout.
It was not a moment too soon.
A few seconds after they were safely inside, two Cardassian scout patrols looped by the docking bay.
"You will listen to any order she gives you, is that understood?" Bradbury whispered menacingly to the three men.
"We've got a problem," the lookout informed them. "It looks like they've stationed one of the patrols in the docking bay now."
Tasha looked down and closed her eyes for a moment as she considered their options.
"How many?" she asked quietly.
"Six ground troops, standard disruptors," the lookout replied. "But by my count there are now four patrols circling this area now. You'd never make it."
"I'll create a distraction," Captain Davies's voice said, coming across the communicator.
"Can't let you do that, sir," Tasha said sharply. "The base needs you. Besides, it will take you at least thirty minutes to get down here. The risk of discovery in that time is too great."
With great care, Tasha delicately unwrapped the baby sling and handed the Bajoran child over to Guinan who was waiting with open arms.
The young boy had been waiting patiently next to Guinan.
Tasha was impressed with how well-behaved he had been.
He was shy around most of the crew. Despite everyone's efforts to help, he'd formed an attachment to Tasha. She suspected it was likely because she'd been the one to find him.
Still, he had barely said a word since being rescued.
They didn't even know his name.
Somehow, he seemed to sense Tasha was leaving.
He threw his arms around her leg and hugged her fiercely.
Tasha felt torn. She knew she had a responsibility to other survivors.
However, her heart went out to this little boy. She knew, intimately, how painful it was to experience this kind of violent takeover and just how hard it was when adults left and didn't come back.
He was feeling alone – even if he were too little to fully comprehend what was happening.
"Come back," he said tearfully.
"Be a good boy for me, alright?" Tasha whispered and she knelt down and pulled him into an embrace. "Can you do that?"
He nodded shyly and Tasha flashed him a broad smile.
Tasha wanted to promise she'd return, but she knew she couldn't make that guarantee.
And even though she had only known this little boy for a short time, she wasn't prepared to hurt him like that.
Fortunately, it seemed whatever calming aura Guinan provided Tasha, also seemed to affect the children. The mysterious barkeep was ready with open arms for the crying toddler.
After a few soft words, it seemed he had settled in.
With Davies's blessing, Tasha laid out the plan for the other survivors.
It wasn't a popular proposal with the group.
"We aren't leaving anyone behind," Commander Elliot said through the communicator.
He was piloting the runabout and was prepared to wait as long as necessary to ensure everyone's safety.
"We can't let perfect be the enemy of good," Tasha argued as she stood up.
It wasn't a great plan, but everyone understood it was their best option – everyone except Ensign Walsh and Lieutenant Harris.
"You're gonna leave us here," Harris said desperately. "We're going to die!"
Tasha could recognise the signs of panic in his body language.
And she could empathise.
She knew Harris had seen action in the Border Wars and Tasha understood he suffered lasting trauma from the experience.
Despite his betrayal, she grasped just how terrified he was.
"We're going to keep you safe," Tasha said reassuringly as she gripped his hand. "But there's a lot of people on those ships. And this is our best chance to save them."
Tasha stood up and looked to Captain Bradbury.
"Follow this passage until you reach section nineteen Y," Tasha advised.
It was going to be a long climb for the group, especially with the children in tow. However, it would lead them to the safety of a security storage locker where they could exit the tubes.
"It will kick you out into a relatively safe location," Tasha explained. "Captain Davies will meet you there. Once it's safe, we'll move everyone back to the junction."
"Lieutenant," Captain Bradbury said as he gripped Tasha's forearm. "For what it's worth, I think you have performed above and beyond the call of duty."
Once the survivors in the access panel were clear of the area, Tasha radioed to check in with Commander Elliot.
"You're going to need to wait two minutes before launch once the decoy ship has been destroyed," Tasha advised. "Likely under fire. Be sure everyone onboard is prepared."
"Acknowledged," Commander Elliot replied. "We'll be ready."
"Ensign Tully, are the charges in place?" Tasha asked.
Tully, who had been one of the lookouts, had placed an explosive charge down the corridor from the docking bay. It would lure the Cardassians away so Tasha could make a run for the shuttle bay control console.
Once there, she would be able to release the docking clamps and launch the decoy ship.
"All set," Tully replied.
"On your order, sir," Tasha said.
"Alright, go," Davies ordered.
In the distance, the explosive charge blew.
From his lookout spot, Tully watched as the patrol leader ordered four of his troops to investigate.
"Dammit, not enough," Tully said into the communicator. "Two left. Do you want me to engage?"
"No," Tasha replied.
Gripping her phaser rifle, she took a deep breath and slowly opened the access panel.
Sneaking along the wall, she got close enough behind the Cardassians and took aim.
Firing two quick shots, they dropped to the ground.
Tasha raced across the docking bay to reach the panel as fast as her legs would carry her. She was feeling slightly unprepared to run like that given her legs had been cramped between Jefferies tubes and small hiding spots for the last day.
As soon as she reached the control console, Tasha closed and sealed the main docking bay door.
The Cardassians had no doubt heard the phaser fire and would be sending another patrol back.
Next, she released the docking clamps on the three runabouts and launched the decoy ship.
Up in the Operations Base, the Cardassian troops noticed one of the runabouts had launched.
"We have a runabout launched from docking bay Charlie on deck thirty-one," the Cardassian at the operations panel advised.
"Main docking bay overhead door has been sealed," a second soldier informed them. "Attempting to override."
"Send two patrols in," the Gul advised. "And alert the Rei'pa to destroy any ship attempting to leave."
As predicted, the Cardassians destroyed the decoy ship approximately 300 metres from the docking bay.
Tasha watched as it threw debris everywhere.
"Close hatch," Tasha ordered into the communicator.
"We won't leave without you," Elliot replied.
"Close your hatch, Commander," Tasha repeated. "Start your timer now."
The console screen began to flash, the docking bay overhead door controls were being overridden.
"Dammit," Tasha said aloud as she saw it begin to rise.
Cardassian troops began to flood into the docking bay with disruptors drawn.
Tasha ducked behind a storage crate for cover.
"The docking clamps on those ships have been released!" one of the Cardassian advised.
"I want those ships searched," the patrol leader ordered.
From her hiding spot, Tasha saw one of the Cardassian troops access the panel.
"They've sealed their hatches," the Cardassian shouted. "I've been locked out."
"Open fire!" the patrol leader commanded.
The Cardassians began to open fire on the runabouts.
Tasha knew they would be able to withstand the handheld disruptor fire for several minutes without taking serious damage.
Without warning, Tasha watched in horror as two additional Cardassian troops entered the docking bay carrying a disruptor cannon.
"Launch, launch now," Tasha whispered into her communicator.
Although the smaller disruptors wouldn't cause any significant damage to the ships, a disruptor cannon would be capable of tearing through the light armament.
"But the timer," Elliot protested.
"Now, Elliot. We can't wait, you need to launch now," Tasha said desperately.
She said a silent prayer to the universe that there had been enough dispersal to provide coverage for the two vessels to escape.
"We've got two runabouts attempting to escape!" the Cardassian patrol leader said in his communicator.
Up in the Operations Centre, the Cardassians were scanning for any sign of the vessels.
"We're not detecting any ships," the Cardassian at operations replied. "Nothing on scanners."
"What is their position?" the Gul demanded.
The Cardassian troops worked quickly to try and amplify the sensors.
"It's no use, Gul," the Cardassian at operations said. "The interference from the first runabout we destroyed is blocking our sensors."
Displeased, the Gul ordered the patrols down in the docking bay to report back to the Operations Centre for discipline.
"You failed in your duty," the Gul said. "And now two ships have escaped. Someone helped them escape. And they're still on this base somewhere."
From behind the storage container, Tasha watched as the Cardassian patrols were ordered to report back to the Gul. She knew they would likely be executed for allowing two runabouts to escape the blockade.
Looking back out into the stars, she observed as the two runabouts jumped to warp and disappeared. To her relief, it appeared their deception had been successful in blocking the sensors.
None of the Cardassian Galor class ships had been able to detect the vessels so they were not pursued.
"Both ships are away," Tasha said into her communicator. "No pursuit."
"Alright, I want all of you to get back here," Davies ordered.
"Unacceptable," Captain Picard said. "Surely, there is something you can do Mr La Forge."
Geordi shook his head.
Geordi, Data, Worf, and most of the operations team had been working round the clock to try and stay ahead of each breakdown.
But the truth of the matter remained, the Enterprise wasn't meant to operate at maximum speed for such an extended period of time.
"Captain, we're going to burn up the engines if we don't let them cool," Geordi replied.
"Sir, we have exhausted all possible options to maintain our current speed. If we do not reduce our speed, we will cause a core meltdown in thirty-four minutes, eighteen seconds," Data added.
Captain Picard sat back in his chair as he considered their warning.
The senior staff were assembled in the Observation Lounge for a briefing at Geordi and Data's request.
"Then we have no choice," Picard said, acquiescing to their recommendation.
He trusted Data and Geordi completely and he knew just how hard both of them had worked to try to keep the Enterprise running at maximum warp.
The Shepard, Admiral Walsh's Galaxy class ship had already been forced to drop off two hours earlier down to warp four to cool their own engines.
"Lieutenant Hawk," Captain Picard said as he tapped his combadge. "Reduce our speed to warp four until further notice."
"Aye, sir," Hawk acknowledged.
"Data, situation?" Picard asked.
Data nodded, understanding the Captain wanted an estimate on their new arrival time.
"Captain, reducing our engine speed to warp four for the next seventy-eight minutes will allow sufficient time for the engines to cool," Data advised. "We would be able to safely resume a speed of Warp nine point two after that."
"ETA Data," Picard said shortly. "ETA."
"Accounting for our cooldown, the Enterprise is ten hours, fourteen minutes, and three seconds from reaching Starbase 118."
"Bridge to Captain Picard," Lieutenant Hawk's voice rang out from the Captain's combadge.
"Go ahead," Picard responded.
"We just received word the Cardassians have destroyed a runabout attempting to flee Starbase 118," Lieutenant Hawk informed them. "Starfleet has also advised that it appears the number of Galor class ships surrounding the Starbase has dropped to eight."
Worf grinned.
Data and Geordi shared a knowing look.
"It would appear Lieutenant Yar's plan to break the blockade has been successful," Worf said.
"What about the runabout?" Deanna asked, sensing a shared feeling of trepidation from the room.
"Tasha would have known the Cardassians would shoot down any ship attempting to leave," Commander Riker said.
"Right you are, Number One," Captain Picard said in agreement.
"Unless that was the plan," Worf added.
"Deception," Data said with a nod. "But for what purpose?"
They all looked around at one another as they tried to determine what reason the survivors would have to blow up a runabout.
"Perhaps they want the Cardassians to think they've killed the survivors," Riker suggested. "Maybe get them to stop looking for them."
"If that is the case," Captain Picard said. "Then let us hope it is enough so that our people will be able to survive the night."
Back at Starbase 118, the remaining survivors were once again back in the Jefferies tube junction they had nicknamed 'base camp.'
Tasha and Captain Davies were in the far corner, their heads dropped as they spoke in low voices to one another.
"Seems Captain Picard ordered those two back onto the base before the Enterprise took off to join the fleet," Davies explained as he indicated to Harris and Gomez. "You know anything about that?"
"I've got an inkling," Tasha said darkly.
If Picard had ordered Harris and Gomez back to the Starbase, it was likely he had reason to believe they were behind the information leak.
Walsh had already been ordered off the Enterprise, pending the outcome of his hearing.
Suddenly, Ensign Tully came out of one of the Jefferies tubes looking concerned.
"Sir, we've got a problem," Tully said.
Tully had been making routine scouting trips through the tubes to keep an eye on the situation.
He explained that he had witnessed the Cardassian patrols planting a series of small, rectangular containers throughout the corridors.
A dark look passed between Tasha and Davies.
"Up to their old tricks," Davies said with a sigh.
"We need to move," Tasha replied.
"What's going on?" Bradbury asked as he noticed the worry etched onto Davies's face.
For a moment, neither Tasha nor Davies spoke.
Finally, Tasha decided she should field the question to let Davies have a moment to think.
"Our situation just got a lot more dire," Tasha said in a slow, even tone.
She didn't want to alarm the group.
"Cardassians have a chemical toxin called Saark gas," Tasha explained. "It's dispersed through ventilation and lingers for about fifteen minutes. While it's not toxic to Cardassian physiology, it is lethal to most humanoids."
Tasha took a deep breath.
"They use it to flush out people that hide," Tasha went on. "Which means they're probably waiting at the access points for when people flee. We need to find somewhere hermetically sealed in the immediate area. We can't risk travelling through any main corridors or turbolifts. And we'll need to move fast."
Davies snapped his fingers.
"The medical storage locker in subsection J," Davies said brightly. "The environmental controls operate and filter independently."
Captain Davies turned to the group at large and clapped his hands together softly.
"Alright folks, we need to move to another location, and we don't have much time," he said as he addressed the survivors.
In the end, the team agreed it was the safest option – and would assure the best chance of survival – if they were to go in small groups.
They were able to use the Jefferies tubes from 'base camp' to reach the corridor where the medical storage locker was located.
However, there was still an exposed gap of corridor that was approximately 100 metres between the Jefferies tube exit and the door to the locker.
Captain Davies went first just in case things got hairy.
To his relief, the room was abandoned.
Using his communicator, he signalled for them to send the next person.
One-by-one, the remaining survivors were shuttled to the safety of the locker.
To Tasha's relief, Guinan had offered to take the young Bajoran boy with her.
It just left Tasha and the baby.
"Alright, next," Captain Davies radioed in.
Tasha slipped out of the Jefferies tube access point and resealed the panel.
Carefully, she crept down the corridor.
She was almost halfway to the medical storage locker when Davies radioed again.
"Go back, there's a patrol coming," Davies warned.
Tasha turned and doubled back quickly.
As she rounded the curve of the corridor, she came up behind two Cardassian soldiers.
Fortunately, their backs were turned away from her.
Tasha froze as she looked around.
Tasha padded back across the carpet. She could hear the voices of the other Cardassian patrol growing closer.
With no other option, Tasha turned into the closest room and held her breath, hoping the Cardassians hadn't heard the door open.
Looking around, it appeared the room was part of the exobiology lab. Tasha had spent enough time with Data to recognise some of the tools.
"T?" the radio clicked.
"I had to duck into a room," Tasha said. "We're trapped between two patrols here."
There was a pause.
"I've still got a few charges left," Davies said after a moment. "I can plant one on the-"
"Sir," Tasha said as she tapped her communicator.
Davies stopped babbling.
"There's no time," Tasha replied simply.
Her calm demeanour belied just how panicked she was actually feeling.
"Tasha," Davies responded slowly. "I'm not going to-"
"I'll think of something," she said.
Tasha wrinkled her nose as an unpleasant odour began to fill the air.
Her eyes went wide as she realised she had to come up with a plan immediately.
Glancing around the room her eyes settled on the seed storage box on the ground. It was tight and there wouldn't be much oxygen – but it was their only chance.
Tasha set the communicator down on a nearby console.
Tasha rushed over and began to throw the seed storage packages out of the box.
A hazy green gaseous substance began to flow into the room.
Without a second thought, Tasha climbed into the box and closed the lid, sealing herself and the baby in the dark.
As soon as she was inside the box, Tasha realised she'd left her communicator out on the console.
Just my luck. She told herself.
Without a watch, Tasha had to keep time on her own.
She knew that it would take about fifteen minutes for the toxin to disperse from the air. Most importantly, Tasha understood it was critical that she kept track of the time carefully.
Emerging even a moment too soon could result in their deaths.
Alone in the dark with the baby, Tasha wished she had Data's chronometer to keep the time.
Actually, you just wish Data was here. A little voice in her head reminded her.
"Just you and me, little one," Tasha said softly.
She just hoped the oxygen in the box would be enough.
When the appropriate amount of time had passed, Tasha quietly pushed the sealed lid of the storage box open and crawled out.
The rotten smell of the gas lingered, but the air was once again safe to breath.
Tasha picked up her communicator and radioed Davies.
"Captain?" she asked as she tapped the device.
There was no response.
"Captain?" Tasha tried again.
"You are the luckiest damn sonofabitch," Davies replied with a sigh of relief. "I swear the universe couldn't kill you if it tried."
Tasha grinned.
"Glad to hear your voice, too, sir," Tasha responded.
Davies radioed that he and Ensign Tully would make sure the corridor was clear before Tasha headed out to re-join the others.
Tasha pulled back the wrap on the sling and looked down at the infant.
"You are quite a lucky girl," Tasha said softly and was rewarded with a big, toothless grin from the wee lass.
Once it was safe, Tasha joined the others in the medical storage lockers.
Captain Lee deactivated the door function, sealing it with a level one security lock. Using a reworked laser scalpel from one of the kits in storage, they focused the beam and welded the door shut.
Next, they barricaded the door with one of the metal storage cabinets and waited.
It had been over forty-eight hours since the base had first been attacked.
Captain Davies, Tasha, and his crew had not slept for over two days.
Everyone was exhausted.
With Guinan's help, they located supplies they had been lacking in the 'base camp.'
There were medical pads to sleep on, fresh water, and much to Tasha's relief – baby formula and additional nappies.
Guinan popped open one of the pre-designated formula packed bottles and handed it over to Tasha.
"That's my girl," Tasha encouraged as the baby took the bottle with aplomb.
"You know I was supposed to grab dinner with an old friend before all this started," Guinan told her as she watched the baby feed.
They sat down on the floor in the corner.
Tasha leaned back against the wall.
"I was really looking forward to it," Guinan confessed as she unscrewed the cap from one of the canteens and took a long, welcome swig of water.
"I'm sorry, was your friend on the base?" Tasha inquired. "Perhaps they are with one of the other groups of survivors."
Guinan shook her head.
"No, they were on the Enterprise," Guinan explained. "I've never been aboard, but I hear she's a great ship."
Tasha smiled.
"She is," Tasha said. "She really is."
They continued talking for a time as Tasha fed and burped the baby.
After a while, the wee lass began to fuss.
"I think someone's ready for one of those fresh nappies," Tasha said as she reached for the supplies they'd gathered.
Tasha grabbed a flannel.
"Here," Captain Davies said as he took it from her hands. "Allow me."
The toddler had fallen asleep on her lap and Tasha really didn't want to wake him.
Davies spread it out on the ground and then reached for the baby.
Captain Davies took hold of the wee child and gently set her down on the flannel.
"It's been about twenty years, but I think I still remember the basics," Davies said with a grin.
"Thank you, Lee," Tasha said sincerely as she handed him the supplies.
Momentarily, she felt bad. She hadn't asked after Davies's family.
"Lee, Gwen and the kids-" Tasha started but Lee waved her off.
"They're at home on Earth. Safe and sound," he replied, anticipating her question.
Tasha felt a wave of relief at the news.
"Jack graduated from Starfleet Academy and took a position with the Arctic Research team," Davies explained. "The twins turned eighteen last month. Lily wants to join Starfleet like her dad. Liam is preparing to go to the University of Betazed."
"Betazed?" Tasha asked.
Davies shook his head as he took hold of the baby's legs and hoisted her up to slide a fresh nappie underneath her.
"He's got a knack for psychology," Davies went on. "I think he also likes the idea of spreading his wings a bit."
"He'll be much closer to you though," Tasha said as she did the math between Betazed's position relative to Earth and Starbase 118.
"Funny, I haven't mentioned that to him that yet," Davies replied with a sly grin. "And Margo is still at the Vancouver Research Institute, and she is expecting my first grandchild in exactly twenty-nine more days."
Despite the danger of the occupation and the violence of the last two days, Tasha felt the thrill of excitement at the news.
"Lee!" she said in an enthusiastic whisper. "Congratulations."
"There we go," Davies said as he refastened the legs on the baby's onesie.
He picked the baby up and began to rock her back and forth in his arms in an effort to try and calm the child.
"I can't blame her," Lee said. "She's been an angel since you found her. Probably has a lot she wants to say now.
Regardless of his efforts, she was inconsolable.
"Here," Tasha said as she offered to take the baby back.
"Tasha, you need some sleep," Davies protested.
"Pot, meet kettle," Tasha replied.
Davies handed the baby back to Tasha.
After a few moments, she began to calm down as Tasha rocked her to sleep.
Davies shook his head.
"I'm telling you, you've got a way with kids," Guinan said.
"I've had a lot of practice," Tasha replied dryly.
Guinan studied the blonde security chief.
She didn't need her powers to understand where Tasha's head was at in that moment.
Guinan could tell Tasha was anxious – deeply concerned that the children they had rescued were all alone in the world.
And Guinan wasn't the only one to notice this.
"T?" Davies asked.
He knew Tasha well enough to know subjects like family touched deeply. He knew Tasha had grown up an orphan and the idea of finding two possibly orphaned children had likely ripped the emotional scab off a wound that had festered for too long.
Davies looked around to ensure their conversation was private.
"Once we retake the base, I'll do everything I can do to find their parents," Davies said softly.
Tasha took a deep breath.
"Can I ask you a question, Lee?" Tasha asked.
"What's on your mind?" Davies replied.
"Do you think it's worth it?" Tasha asked without looking up from the baby. "Knowing all the danger. The risk. Do you still think it's worth it?"
Tasha knew that among the millions of Starfleet officers in the universe, there were tens of thousands of children orphaned each year.
Between the conflicts, training accidents, freak events, and vessels that went missing – Starfleet presented a serious risk to families.
Tasha considered how much it had hurt to almost lose Data.
She couldn't imagine what it would feel like to lose a child.
"I've only spent two days with these kids, and I would do anything if it meant keeping them safe," Tasha confessed.
The toddler shifted and snuggled against her.
Tasha brushed his hair back out of his face.
"How do you do it, Lee?" Tasha asked. "Is it worth the risk?"
"Absolutely," Davies replied quietly. "Tasha, my family is the best thing that's ever happened to me. There were times that were, and are, terrifying. But I wouldn't change it for anything."
Tasha smiled to herself.
Lee Davies suddenly realised that perhaps Tasha's comment had been deeper than just her own orphaned experience.
He knew about the hearing – it was a hot item of gossip all over the base.
Starfleet had only ever pursued charges against a handful of people for violating Regulation 118. So the news that two officers aboard the Federation Flagship were facing a disciplinary hearing for that reason had sent panic through the hearts and minds of many of Starfleet's personnel.
Davies didn't know all the details of the situation, but he knew Tasha well enough to know she wouldn't break the regulations for just any old reason.
And as he observed his former Second Officer watch over these kids, he reasoned her mind was mulling over some serious internal conflict of her own.
"You must be pretty serious about this guy," Davies commented.
"Yeah," Tasha replied absentmindedly as she let the baby grip her tiny hands around her finger.
"Sir, we're picking up two ships approaching at Warp 6," Wesley Crusher said from the helm.
"Lieutenant Worf?" Picard asked.
Worf adjusted the sensors to amplify their signal as he analysed the reading.
"Two runabouts, sir," Worf informed them. "The Thames and the Tyne. Both vessels are from Starbase 118, Captain."
"Open hailing frequencies," Picard ordered.
"Ships are approximately twenty minutes out, sir," Data advised.
As his fingers danced across the Operations console, Data was practically giddy.
If two runabouts had managed to escape, it was likely Tasha's plan to send the fake messages had been part of the effort.
It also meant she was likely on board.
When the runabouts responded, they advised they had taken some fire from Cardassian disruptors during their escape. Their video feed was disabled, but they had managed to retain audio communication.
"Commander Elliot, we'll be happy to bring you aboard," Captain Picard informed them. "It is good to hear your voice."
"Sir, request to join them in the shuttle bay?" Data asked as he turned around in his chair.
It wasn't entirely out of line.
However, the request was certainly unusual and bordered on crossing the personal and professional.
Deanna looked at the Captain, wordlessly encouraging him to honour the request.
Data had managed to focus his energy and perform his duties without allowing his personal feelings for Tasha to interfere – despite the fact they had been separated for days in the middle of a high-stakes hearing.
It certainly couldn't hurt to let the two have a brief moment together before resuming their duties after such an ordeal.
"Of course, Mr Data," Picard said. "We'll both go. Number One, you have the Bridge."
Data and Captain Picard joined a security team in shuttle bay two.
Deanna and Beverly were also on hand to provide any medical or mental healthcare needed as they began to beam to survivors off the runabouts.
As the ships landed, it was evident they had escaped under fire. The scars of disruptor blasts marked the hulls of both vessels.
Once the hatch doors opened, people began to pour out of both ships.
Beverly's medical team saw to physical injuries while Deanna began to get a feel for what they had experienced.
As the survivors stepped out into the shuttle bay, Deanna was overcome with the emotions pouring out from the group.
Relief, comfort, and safety were all mixed with guilt and fear.
Deanna reasoned those who survived and escaped were likely feeling guilty for having made it out alive. Furthermore, she knew they had friends, families, and businesses back on the Starbase.
Their homes had been invaded.
And it was causing a complex blend of feelings among everyone involved.
Last to emerge from the vessels was Commander Elliot.
Data greeted him pleasantly and then looked over his shoulder expectantly.
Commander Elliot and Captain Picard exchanged a knowing glance.
Picard closed his eyes.
"Commander Elliot, where is Lieutenant Yar?" Data asked.
Data felt like his throat had grown tight.
Across the room, Deanna turned toward Data as she felt a sudden, strong growing panic radiating out from her android friend.
"Commander?" Data questioned.
"Data, perhaps we should step into my ready room and Commander Elliot can fill us in on the situation," Picard advised.
"Commander Elliot, where is Lieutenant Yar?" Data repeated louder, now unable to disguise the alarm in his voice.
Data was confused.
He didn't understand why Tasha wasn't onboard the runabout.
Furthermore, he couldn't comprehend why Commander Elliot was not answering his question.
His brain theorised there was only one likely reason for this behaviour.
Data knew humans avoided difficult conversations, particularly surrounding the subject of death.
"Has Lieutenant Yar been killed?" Data asked bluntly.
"I don't know," Commander Elliot confessed.
Data felt like his neural net temporarily ceased to function.
It was as if the entire universe had stopped moving.
He blinked slowly several times as he tried to focus.
In a way, it was as if he were simultaneously overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the shuttle bay while also feeling completely empty.
The hope he had felt hours earlier had evaporated.
Beverly's hand on his forearm brought him back to the present.
Data looked down at the hand clutched around his arm and followed it up to the Doctor's blue eyes – staring at him with deep concern.
Beverly had been there.
She knew intimately what it was like to receive this kind of news.
"The last time I saw her we were taking fire on the docking bay," Elliot explained. "She stayed behind to release the docking clamps so we could launch. The Cardassians managed to break through the overhead door. They were flooding the area with patrols."
"Commander," Captain Picard said. "What happened?"
"So, you see there's still eight of those ships surrounding the base," Elliot explained.
They were seated in the observation lounge as Commander Elliot and Ensign Ke filled the crew in on the situation on Starbase 118.
Before communications and computer access had largely gone offline, the Cardassians had assumed control of approximately sixty percent of the base. Ensign Ke estimated they had likely taken over full control at this point.
He advised that there were likely survivors scattered throughout the various decks in hiding.
However, everyone knew the Cardassians were renowned for their ability to drive out folks in hiding.
"We can't give them time to beam hostages up to their ships," Riker said. "If we drop out of warp without backup, there won't be anything to stop them from taking their sweet time."
"The Shepard is still approximately three hours behind us," Geordi added.
"And the rest of the fleet that's en route won't arrive for another four hours," Picard lamented.
"Too bad we don't actually have all those ships from the fake messages," Elliot commented. "That seemed to scare them."
Worf sat up.
"That's it," Worf said as he was struck by an idea.
"Worf, those ships are weeks away," Geordi said. "Some of those ships don't even exist anymore."
"But the Cardassians don't know that," Worf said as he wiggled his eyebrows.
Everyone looked to Worf expectantly for a clarification.
"So what? You're going to make a bunch of fake ships appear out of thin air?" Geordi asked.
"In essence, yes," Worf replied with a rare smile.
He went on to explain that they could modulate the holographic projection technology to make it appear as if there were other ships.
It was a tactic he had Tasha had been experimenting with.
"But the effect will not last long," Worf cautioned them.
"And the more ships we generate, the shorter the life of the effect," Geordi said as he considered the possibility.
"Not bad, Mr Worf," Captain Picard commented. "Not bad at all."
"And if we wait for the Shepard, that will give us twice the power to work with," Worf explained.
Captain Picard considered the possibility.
Worf had a point.
Having two Galaxy-class ships available to generate from would greatly increase their capacity for the fictional fleet.
However, it would also mean waiting for the Shepard to catch up.
And that would take hours.
"The question then is, do we wait for the Shepard or not? Are we sure the survivors have that kind of time?" Picard mused aloud.
"Based on our understanding of Cardassian military tactics, it is likely that any remaining survivors in hiding have already been captured or killed by the use of airborne toxins," Data said mechanically. "For any remaining survivors, it would be critical to ensure we have a sufficiently large enough presence to drive the Cardassians away quickly, so they do not feel safe enough to beam aboard hostages."
Deanna reached over and took hold of Data's hand.
She knew he was falling back on logic and reasoning to try and suppress the feelings that were threatening to bubble over.
"I'll get with Worf and see what we can do to amplify the holodeck projectors," Geordi offered.
"And I'll prepare the schematics for the ships," Riker added.
"Make it so," Picard said.
One by one, each of the crew got up to leave.
"Mr Data, I'd like to speak with you," Picard said.
Geordi gave Data's shoulder a squeeze.
"Tasha is resourceful," Deanna said, her eyes full of sympathy as she left the briefing. "Have faith in her abilities."
Riker slapped Data on the back.
"She's probably giving 'em hell," Riker said brightly, hoping to instil a sense of optimism into his friend.
Once the room was cleared, Captain Picard leaned forward in his chair.
"I don't know what's going to happen when we arrive, Data," Picard said seriously.
Data did not respond.
He was staring at the table.
"Data, I need to know if you've been emotionally compromised," Picard said honestly.
"I am incapable of feeling emotions, Captain," Data replied as if he were functioning on autopilot.
Captain Picard sighed and leaned forward. He folded his hands and rested his face against them.
For a moment he watched his android second officer – a man whom he had come to know as being more complex than he could have ever imagined upon their first meeting.
"Data, it's perfectly normal and human to feel emotionally overwhelmed during a situation like this," Captain Picard said gently.
"As an android, I am incapable of-" Data started again but Captain Picard cut him off.
"Data, please," Captain Picard said as he stood up. "You cannot expect me to believe that you are truly capable of turning off any emotional response to this crisis. I saw how disappointed you were when Tasha didn't step off that runabout."
Data remained silent.
"We all share your worry for her safety," Captain Picard went on.
"Sir, may I ask you a personal question?" Data said stiffly.
Captain Picard sat down on the edge of the table.
"Of course, Data," he replied sincerely.
Data looked out the window into space.
"As a human, how do you control your emotional output during a crisis?" Data asked.
Data's artificial breathing began to increase.
"It hurts, sir. It hurts here," Data said as he touched his chest. "I do not understand."
Data looked at the Captain, concern etched in his features.
"It feels as if my emotions are controlling me," Data confessed. "It is a failure of-"
Captain Picard put out his hand to stop Data.
"Emotion is not a failure, Data," Picard said sympathetically. "Emotions are natural part of life. Your ability to experience emotion is a significant step forward in your development."
Data's system was racing as he tried to prioritise his thoughts. For some reason, he was having difficulties in explaining himself to the Captain.
"You have enormous responsibilities on this ship. And in the last two weeks you have had to endure a series of traumatic events," Picard said. "And now the person you love is trapped somewhere in the middle of a Cardassian invasion."
Data squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to shut down the biofluid ducts that lined the lacrimal sac along the duranium maxilla that constituted the skeletal structure of his face.
In short, he tried to fight back the tears that were threatening to leak from his eyes.
"I made a promise, sir," Data said in a broken whisper. "We made a promise that we would not permit our personal feelings to interfere with our duty."
Captain Picard couldn't help it.
He chuckled.
Leave it to those two.
Captain Picard surmised this was a situation in which both Data and Tasha's unusual relationship to Starfleet left them in a unique position to take their interpretation of Regulation 1138 in such a black and white manner.
Both Data and Tasha were officers that followed the regulations. They were keen to play by the rules and took their responsibilities to the Enterprise seriously.
"I'm sorry, Data," Picard said apologetically.
"Sir?" Data asked, confused by the Captain's response.
"Data, when Starfleet asks that officers separate their responsibility and their personal relationship," Picard explained. "It means that an officer is expected to not allow their relationship to interfere when it comes to things like discipline, scheduling, promotions, or decision-making."
Picard gripped Data's shoulder firmly.
"It doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have feelings," Picard said warmly. "And it certainly doesn't mean one cannot be permitted time to process those feelings."
"I am afraid, sir," Data said simply. "I am afraid that our efforts will not be enough. I am concerned that if I do not provide assistance, my failure to do so may, in some way, contribute to any casualties."
"We're going to find her," Picard assured him.
In truth, he wasn't just assuring Data.
Jean-Luc also needed to assure himself.
"While I am struggling to maintain my emotional composure, I am concerned that in light of the hearing," Data explained. "If I were to recuse myself for being emotionally compromised, it would result in the panel ruling against us when the hearing resumes."
Damn his android ability to theorise and speculate. Captain Picard cursed himself internally.
He knew Data's hypothesis held merit.
"They will reassign her to the USS Helios," Data said sadly. "On a long-term three-year mission to the edge of the Beta Quadrant in Klingon space."
"Data, while I agree the panel wouldn't look favourably on you recusing yourself," Picard replied. "You cannot know that Lieutenant Yar would be reassigned to that specific mission."
"Yes, I can," Data responded.
He turned and locked eyes with the Captain.
"Starfleet offered her a deal during recess to take the assignment and a demotion to Ensign in exchange for dropping the charges against me," Data said. "And to spare her from the new witness list."
Captain Picard frowned.
"New witness list?" Picard inquired.
He had not been informed of any new witness list for the hearing.
Data nodded tentatively.
"Commander Elliot was informed during the recess that Starfleet is planning to call a series of witnesses," Data said, vexed. "All of the names on the list are individuals with whom Lieutenant Yar has previously engaged in an intimate relationship."
Data was still simmering about the 'offer' that had been proposed.
His own personal openness about relationships and sexuality aside, Data knew many humans did not share such an uninhibited attitude.
He understood Tasha was discreet about her personal life - she wasn't ashamed - she didn't like to discuss it openly.
Airing the intimate details of her personal life in a public hearing was simply another act of abuse at the hands of Walsh.
"I have deduced it was the intention of Commander Cole to attempt to use this information to cast Lieutenant Yar in an unfavourable light in front of the panel," Data explained. "I believe their intention was to threaten humiliation in order to achieve their end goal."
Captain Picard looked aghast.
"Tasha rejected the offer. But I have calculated an 83.7% chance that should the panel rule against us, that is where she will be reassigned," Data concluded.
Captain Picard sat back and folded his arms.
"Data, I think under the circumstances it would be best if you were to return to your quarters," Picard advised. "I will send Counsellor Troi down to meet with you as soon as we rendezvous with the Shepard."
Data froze.
"No, sir," Data insisted. "Please. I have to be on the Bridge."
Data took a shaky breath.
"I do not believe that I could continue activation if I did not do everything in my power to help," Data said uncomfortably.
For the second time in less than three days, Data was struck by the idea of being both enraged and devastated by what he felt was the injustice of time.
He knew that he would likely outlive all of his friends.
He understood that in the grand scheme of the universe, the lives of his human friends would be but a blink of an eye compared to his own existence.
But could this really be it?
There were so many things he had wanted to say.
Things left undone.
Their final moment wasn't even a happy memory – Tasha being stripped of her rank in a summary judgement followed by a brief goodbye snuck in a hidden corridor of the JAG office on Starbase 118.
Picard could see Data's eyes begin to glaze over as the android was clearly lost in thought.
"What do you love about her?" Picard prompted, attempting to redirect Data.
Data cocked his head to the side.
"Would you prefer me to order my response alphabetically or in priority order?" Data inquired genuinely.
Captain Picard gave Data a rare, small smile.
"Sir, I have perfect memory and am capable of recalling every moment I ever spent in the presence of someone," Data explained. "Furthermore, my sensory receptors are capable of picking up far more-"
Data could see he did not fully grasp the Captain's request.
"The list could be considered extensive, sir," Data replied in summary.
"What I adore about Lieutenant Yar is her sense of duty, above all else, to protect others." Picard said simply.
Captain Picard stood up.
"Data, I don't know what we're going to find when we reach Starbase 118," Picard said seriously. "But I know that right now the best thing we can do to honour Tasha's commitment to others is to help liberate Starbase 118."