Star Trek: The Fall: Peaceable Kingdoms by Dayton Ward

Author:Dayton Ward
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Star Trek, Fiction
ISBN: 9781476718996
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2013-12-31T08:00:00+00:00

Twenty-one

U.S.S. Enterprise

Stepping out of the turbolift and onto the bridge, Picard took in the image displayed on the main viewscreen, getting his first look at the Andorian freighter Cereshta. The image was less than ideal, with signs of interference or other disruption visible as the picture wavered or was inundated with static every few seconds. He noted how it listed to starboard, its bow oriented down and away, and its engine ports facing the Enterprise. Like other classes of Andorian military and civilian vessels, the freighter was long and narrow, its warp nacelles mounted on support struts to either side of its primary hull. The struts themselves had been constructed so as to carry additional cargo pods, and Picard saw that the vessel had two such sections. No running lights or other signs of energy output were evident. Picard’s first thought was that the vessel had to have been abandoned. In the distance, the brilliant red-purple haze of the Drazen Nebula contrasted against the utter blackness of open space.

“Report, Number One.”

Worf, occupying the captain’s chair at the center of the bridge when Picard arrived, already had risen from his seat. “We have closed to just outside transporter range and are maintaining yellow alert with our deflector shields up.” He nodded toward the screen. “The nebula is interfering somewhat with our scans, but so far we are able to compensate.”

Turning from the engineering station at the rear of the bridge, the second officer said, “Sensor scans are showing that their warp core’s sustained serious damage. Shields and other safety protocols look to be holding, but I don’t like it, Captain.”

Picard made his way to the command well and moved to stand in front of his chair before glancing over to his chief of security, Lieutenant Aneta Šmrhová. “Any luck hailing them?”

From where she stood at the tactical console to Picard’s left, Šmrhová said, “We’re received no response, sir, or any indication that our message is being received. Life signs are faint and indeterminate, perhaps due to environment suits or something else they’re wearing to protect themselves.” Pausing a moment to consult her console, she shook her head. “I’m picking up two life signs, but I’m not even able to confirm that they’re Andorian.”

“I’ve run a search of our data banks,” Worf said, “and according to the available information, the Cereshta has no non-Andorian crewmembers. However, as it is a civilian vessel, such information may not be up-to-date. That, or they took on passengers.”

Picard eyed his first officer. “I presume you’ve already looked into their flight plan?” Worf looked to Šmrhová and nodded.

“Yes, sir,” she said. “A cross-check of its registry shows that the Cereshta departed the Kondaii system eleven days ago, bound for Arcturus with a shipment of erinadium. They’re scheduled arrival date is the day after tomorrow.”

La Forge said, “I don’t think they’re going to make it.”

“Indeed.” Picard began pacing the perimeter of the command area on his way toward the viewer. “Even with their difficulties, it would seem they’re a bit off course if they’re headed for Arcturus.

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