Ten Weeks Ago

Enterprise

Commander Una called up a map of star system 3XAB9847 and addressed the assembled officers. "The early reports are true. Serenity was invaded by their nearest neighbor, the eighth planet in the system."

"Serenity is our colloquial name for the planet," Spock corrected. "In the indigenous language, it is known as Noohra, meaning light. This ancient term derives from the cyclic phenomena the original first contact team named Fireflies." Enterprise's science officer looked perplexed. "Which is an imprecise term. Actually it is a luminescent event in their eastern sky."

"But Fireflies is so much more … I don't know … romantic. It evokes the nostalgia of a warm summer's night from childhood," Trina Mann mused.

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps Ensign, but hardly accurate as no space insects are involved." Boyce almost suppressed a chuckle. Spock continued without missing a beat, "Rather radiation is refracting off of ice flakes formed from the condensation of a comet trapped in high orbit by the planet's gravity well."

"See it's already lost it's magic," Trina countered.

"All right guys let's move on," Pike intervened. "Number One, please continue."

"It's a typical scenario, Noohra is resource rich, with large deposits of a rare and valuable industrial mineral, primarily found in the mountainous region of the northern hemisphere. Aschask Prime is experiencing an industrial boom and its resources are nearly drained. About ten years ago, the Aschaski perfected the propulsion required to reach their nearest neighbor."

Una continued, "Noohra's population is clustered in the northern hemisphere, equally divided between cities near the oceans and small agricultural communities. Travel outside those cities is laborious and typically via a domesticated animal similar to a horse. Their technological capability is equivalent to the Asiatic region of Earth in the early 20th century prior to World War II."

"Why was first contact made? It violates the Prime Directive." Louvier, the Chief Engineer asked.

Pike answered, "It was accidental, a mistake made fifteen years ago which led to an encounter with the crew of the medical ship Jonas Salk. Since then we have walked a thin line trying to limit additional contamination of Noohra's culture while repairing the damage from that meeting. Their central government has asked for humanitarian assistance from the Federation as well as help negotiating a cease-fire. Enterprise, along with the Shenzhou, will respond."

"How will the Aschaski feel about that?" Amin, the navigator asked.

"Unknown," Pike replied. "Phil, aid stations at the front lines and mobile hospitals in the hardest hit areas are our first priority. Any crewmember crossed trained as a medic is available to you."

Una spoke next, "Ensign Mann, we will pick up supplies at Deep Space 5. Coordinate with the Shenzhou for their distribution planet-side. Amin, plot a speed run to the space station and then to Noohra. Spock, prepare a briefing on Aschask Prime for the bridge officers. Dismissed."

Boyce, Louvier, the Security Chief, and Una remained. "And?" she asked.

"And what?" Pike asked, though he already knew the question.

"If the Aschaski blockade Noohra?"

"We help them, even if we have to shoot our way in," their Captain answered.

Nine Weeks Ago

The Aschaski wisely decided facing down both the Enterprise and the Shenzhou, both Captains Georgiou and Pike, was foolhardy and they allowed supplies and medical personnel from the Federation safe passage while also opening talks to negotiate a cease-fire.

Heavy fighting continued.

Eight Weeks Ago

"I need an interpreter in the mobile hospital near the Har mountains." Boyce told Pike.

Pike crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned against the wall of Phil's office. "I thought Lieutenant Commander Saru from the Shenzhou programmed our universal translator for the local language."

"He did for the predominant language. The mountain villages speak various versions of that. The universal translator is missing at least fifty percent of what someone speaking one of those dialects is saying. That's deadly in a hospital setting."

"Request Saru."

"Already did. He's willing but unsure he can learn the variations quickly enough. Says he has memorized many languages but that that is different from having an ear for them." Boyce responded. "We've got a better fit for the need on board Enterprise."

"We do?"

"The most recent addition to our crew. The one you offered a commission to last month. Ring any bells?" Boyce prompted.

"Aalin … I mean Lieutenant Matthews?" Pike shook his head. "She has a great deal of training to complete. It would be irresponsible to send her into the middle of a conflict."

"We cannot decipher these patients' description of their symptoms. Many won't even come to the hospital because they are afraid of off-worlders. Having someone who can speak their language directly to them will help with that. Chris, women and children are dying."

"Who's in charge of the group in Har?" Pike asked.

"Spock. He will look after her."

Pike considered. After a few moments he said, "OK. I'll authorize it."

Heavy fighting continued.

Forty-Eight Hours Ago

Pike spoke to his Security Chief. "We've reached an agreement and the cease-fire will commence in two days. All Starfleet personnel must leave Noohra by then. Coordinate the evacuation."

As the chief turned to leave Pike added, "Isak, I don't expect the Aschaski will fully comply with all the terms of our agreement. At the very least, they will infiltrate and raid the sites where Starfleet personnel were working. It's vital none of our equipment is left behind."

Heavy fighting continued.

Five Hours Ago

"Captain, Shenzhou reports all of their personnel have returned to the ship. They are exiting the no-entry zone and heading to the rendezvous point," the communications officer reported.

"The last team from Enterprise is now on board and Mr. Spock is en route to the bridge," the operations officer announced.

"Prepare to leave orbit," Pike ordered. When he heard the turbolift doors swish open he asked, "Status?"

"Site secured Captain. But …" Spock started and then hesitated.

"Go on Spock, Helm set course for the rendezvous point," Pike said as he glanced over a status report on a PADD handed to him.

"Lieutenant Matthews is still on Noohra."

"Tell the transporter room to beam her up now," Pike ordered operations.

"That won't be possible Captain," Spock interjected.

Pike looked up from the status report. "I suggest you explain Lieutenant."

"She stayed behind. And I do not know her exact location." Spock replied, his voice getting quieter with each word.

Heavy fighting continued for the next five hours until the cease-fire began.