Sorrry for the short length of these first two chapters, things will pick up soon. I apologize for any continuity/terminology errors you may find in this chapter, I've been away from Star Trek: The Next Generation for quite some time.
Captain Picard of the starship Enterprise sat in his Ready Room, regarding the monitor of a large computer on the wall opposite him. Admiral Simmons, a figure seldom seen out of his ever freshly pressed military attire, occupied the screen, his expression grim. "We have received word that Star Base 73 has exhausted its supply of fuel. As it happens, the power cells purchased by the Base officials were not properly filled and expired just as the Base was passing through the Neutral Zone to find a less crowded Warp pathway. If the Romulans find out that a Federation Class Star Base has invaded their territory…." Picard nodded solemnly. "… That base would become an all too convenient target."
Admiral Simmons swallowed loudly. Clearly, he was anxious. "Precisely. Therefore, given your past experiences with the Romulans, we would like the crew of the Enterprise to handle the situation." Again, Picard nodded. "We will resolve the matter." He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his desk and wove his fingers together under his chin. "It would appear that our time is short. So, if there is nothing else, Admiral…" Simmons nodded and performed a salute. "Of course. Godspeed, Captain." He said before the screen went dark and again reflected the vastness of space.
Picard lightly touched the Starfleet communicator insignia on his chest twice, opening the intercom frequency. "Attention. All senior crewmembers are to assemble in the Briefing Room at once. That is all."
Picard stood at the head of the Briefing Room. "These are the circumstances," He said, turning to his crewmates, "A Federation Class Star Base is currently stranded in Sector 37B of the Romulan Empire. They are out of fuel and have no method of escape. We cannot afford to lose this Base, therefore the only way we can help them is to personally deliver to them enough fuel to return home and guard them until the Base's engines are in working order." He sighed. "I understand that I am asking very much of you just with holding off the Romulan Military, but I must ask if there is a way this mission can be completed short of outright hostility?"
The betazoid Counselor Troi spoke first. "Well… These are the Romulans we are dealing with. In my experience, I have found them to be a most disagreeable race geared towards brutality. I am not certain there is a peaceable way to rescue the crew of that Star Base." The Klingon Lieutenant Worf nodded. "I'm inclined to agree that there is no way out of this other than battle. I would suggest we prepare for the worst." Geordi LaForge spoke next. "I'm not convinced fighting is the only option we've got. Perhaps some sort of agreement can be reached?" The android Data shook his head. "It is highly doubtful. The Romulans have never been known to negotiate when it comes to matters such as this. The fact that we are members of the Federation does not help the situation. Loathe as we may be to the fact, battle may be the only opportunity present." First Officer Riker stroked his bearded chin. "It's a difficult situation to be sure. But I suppose, for now, being prepared to fight is the only strategy we have." Captain Picard sighed in resignation. "Very well. You are dismissed."
He stepped through the metallic doors the turbolift waited for them to close again. Riker joined him before the doors shut and turned to face forward. "Bridge." Said Picard, and at once, the turbolift began to move. "I'm not convinced fighting is the only answer to this problem, Captain." Said Riker, still facing forward. "To be frank," Replied the Captain, "I did not expect you to be. But, until we can find a more feasible solution, it's the only answer available." He exited the turbolift and entered the Bridge. "This situation must be handled delicately. As of late, the Romulans have been looking to expand the boundaries of the Romulan Empire and have been waiting for any reason to execute a direct strike at the Federation to achieve this. A single misstep could result in a territorial war. The only hope we have of avoiding it is to go down the path of peace. We will request that they allow us escort the Star Base out of the Empire. If they refuse and open fire on us, as they likely will, we will fight back. At least that way, we aren't the ones starting the battle. It's a small consolation, but it will have to suffice." He sat down in the Captain's chair and looked out the massive view port of the Bridge. "Mr. Sovar, set a course for Sector 37B of the Romulan Star Empire. Warp six." "Aye, Captain." Replied Sovar, keying in the coordinates on his keyboard.
Soon, the millions of dots of light outside the Enterprise lengthened into long glowing stripes, the stunning visual effect of going to warp. "Estimated travel time is three hours, Captain." Said Sovar. This did not please Picard, as while it left him much time to think on the coming task, it was also three hours in which Star Base 73 could be destroyed. He could only hope that the Romulans would show some civility, for the sake of the Base's crew.