Save Solaris

Unofficial Literary Challenge 6, Prompt 2
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The ship rocked to one side and Anslow Dorvin was thrown against a wall of the Jefferies Tube. He didn’t have far to go from his previous crawling position, but the pain in his shoulder felt like he fell down the entire saucer turbolift shaft of Solaris. He rubbed his shoulder then wiped sweat from his brow. Looking around he found his repair kit. Anslow cursed under his breath and began crawling again toward his destination: deck four, section eight-alpha, plating four-seven-five-bravo, conduit seven, panel one. As a maintenance engineer, that made sense to him.

His combadge chirped. Anslow tapped it as he crawled. "Dorvin here." The gruff and stern voice of the Chief Engineer responded. "Dorvin, we need those circuits rerouted. How much further?"

Anslow sighed as his hand slipped from another jolt from the ship. "At this rate, another two minutes. Any chance to keep the ship from moving?"

"No."

Raising his eyebrows at the simple response to his joke, Anslow nodded and kept crawling.

Three turns and he was under the panel. Feeling the warmth of a fire nearby, he wiped his hands on his uniform to dry them. He pulled the kit open and began unscrewing the plate to access the conduit from below. Once the circuitry was revealed he whistled at the complexity. He tapped his badge.

"This is Dorvin, I'm at the conduit. What now?"

"Standby."

Anslow chuckled. He had spent the previous ten minutes burrowing his way through the guts of the ship because none of the Engineering Team could be spared. Now he was faced with rerouting the ship's nervous system and the doctor just told him to wait. "Damn it, I'm a maintenance engineer, not a -"

The combadge chirped again. "Dorvin here."

The ship rocked again and his head bumped against the frame of the hallway flooring. He held his head as if to keep his brains from oozing out and grimaced from the pain.

"- did you get that?"

Anslow was surprised by the female voice. "I'm sorry, I was interrupted by pain."

"Not funny crewman."

The engineer frowned as he looked up at the multi-colored entrails of technology. The female continued, "Remove the second gel-pack from the right and splice the blue cable to the red cable. Got that?"

Anslow saw what the officer was suggesting and started getting out more tools from the kit. "Confirmed. I'll need thirty seconds." There was no reply. He shrugged and dropped the spanner to free one hand. Using the fuser, the two cables melted together.

Extinguishers activated above him and the heat diminished perceptibly.

"Well done, crewman. Brace yourself."

"What?"

Anslow was thrown against a wall of the Jefferies Tube as Solaris launched into Transwarp and his world went dark.

---

Cast:
Anslow Dorvin - Owen Wilson
Heard but not seen: Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Heard but not seen or named: Female voice - Jennifer Aniston

Surprise Gets You Nowhere

Literary Challenge 13 - The Void

Kathryn put her fingers to her lips as she vaguely recalled her Academy days. She slowly nodded and whispered to herself, "I've heard of this before." Then recollection hit her like lightening and she snapped her fingers. Looking from the blank viewscreen to her Science Chief, Omazei, the Trill knew the look from Kathryn.

"Red Alert, raise shields." The crew moved as if on instinct. Omazei's fingers flew across her console. When she finished, Kathryn's command chair beeped. She sat into it and pulled up the data Omazei sent. After scanning the report, Kathryn said, "Helm, evasive maneuvers, flight pattern Thunder Two." Ian acknowledged and the ship lurched to port.

Blue-hued beams shot at the space Solaris emptied.

Kathryn continued the orders. "Thel, get an emergency shield up around the Deuterium tanks and modulate through the spectrum. That's for precaution." The Chief Engineer replied as Solaris changed vector and more beams raced past the ship.

"Omazei, open a channel, all frequencies." A beep was lost in the rumble of the ship's engines as they pushed the massive cruiser into twists directed by Ian McKinnon's controls. "Attacking vessel, this is the Federation warshipSolaris. We are on a diplomatic mission and was pulled into The Void. Cease fire or we will be forced to retaliate." The bridge crew turned to Kathryn as she spoke, surprised by her choice of words.

Thel spoke after a few seconds of silence as the attack seemed to stall. "Captain. A warship?"

Kathryn nodded and spoke quickly. "I'm hoping the bluff will work. Can you get your teams to work on a polaron modulator? That's how Voyager got out and we'll need to as well; history will be our guide in the dark. S'Rel, are there any records of vessels disappearing near our previous coordinates? We may need to go on a rescue mission before we save ourselves. Omazei, find a way out."

The ship shook from multiple strikes and the crew grabbed onto anything nearby to keep their balance. Thel reported, "shields down to 65%, the Deuterium tanks are still at nominal levels."

Kathryn growled, "Strong guns. Anthi, return fire at will, go for crippling shots for now." The Andorian First officer affirmed the order and several banks fired into the void, out of view from the main screen.

Anthi raised a fist and pumped it slightly near her chest. "Target shields down to 20% and engines offline."

"Good shooting. Aim for weapon points next."

A blue beam landed onto Solaris' shields, illuminating the invisible barrier briefly. The answering volley shredded the enemy ship, sending debris in all directions. The hull stayed intact but it was obvious power within the ship was shut down.

Kathryn smiled. "Well done, everyone." She walked over to S'Rel's Operations console and asked, "any luck?"

The Vulcan shook her head. "Nothing has been reported within the last six months. Based on this, I perceive our attackers have been here for at least that long. I'd recommend we find a way out of The Void with celerity."

"Agreed. Anthi, beam aboard any survivors and put them in the brig for piracy. I'll need to ask some questions from them anyway."

---

The Devore stood as Kathryn and Anthi stepped forward. "I am Captain Enaos. It's ironic, you placing me and my crew in the brig. You've just made living in this dark hole in the universe better for us as our own supplies were running low." He smiled. "You, like us, are trapped now. Consider the Void your own prison.

Kathryn placed her hands on her hips. "Interesting way to start a conversation. I'm Kathryn Beringer and welcome aboard, for what it's worth. You may not know this, but the Federation has entered and left The Void before. You only had to ask for help; we would have assisted without prejudice or reciprocity."

The pompous smile evacuated Enaos' face. Kathryn continued, "we will wait for another funnel to allow us to leave once our astrometrics team finds one nearby. As for your fate, I'm sure the Devore Imperium will be interested to learn how you have spent your time here."

Enaos seemed to bristle at the concealed threat. "We had to do what we could to survive or die."

Kathryn ignored the defense. "How many more ships are in The Void?"

"Does it matter?"

"No. I suppose not. Well then, Captain ... enjoy your stay on Solaris." She looked around the sparse brig and grinned. "Unlike you, I do not plan on staying any longer than necessary."

Kathryn turned and started walking away from the cell. Looking to Anthi, she said loud enough to be heard by Enaos, "Commander, please destroy Captain Enaos' ship to star dust and take you time doing so. Just in case anyone watching decides we are easy prey." Kathryn turned on her heels and looked back at Enaos sternly. "Starfleet doesn't take kindly to surprise attacks."

The doors to the brig closed.

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Enaos - Bryan Cranston

What Goes Around ...

Literary Challenge 12 - Intruder Alert

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Kathryn sat down.  With a smug look on her face, she looked at the person sitting on the other side of the table. He was middle aged with short blonde hair and clean shaven, with high cheekbones and a square jaw.  She smiled to appreciate the man across the table. Looking to the guard that escorted her into the room, she nodded. The guard turned and exited the Spartan interrogation room. Turning back to the prisoner, her smile disappeared.  She acknowledged the scowl from his otherwise handsome face, then cleared her throat.

"Please believe me when I say I am sorry for what's happened."

The man looked away for a few seconds before replying. "Under normal circumstances I would be curious about it all. But this time I don't care. Fix it."

Kathryn nodded. "It won't be easy, Captain."

The man paused long enough to purse his lips as if holding back from saying something.  When he spoke again, he did not change tone or demeanor. "Let me say it another way: I don't care. Fix it."

Kathryn reached into her left sleeve and pulled out a small finger-shaped cylinder. Pressing a button and placing it on the desk, it hummed faintly. "This is creating a localized dampening field, blocking every signal transmission within ten meters. We have about a minute at most. Your name, well mine, is Ulric Solask. I don't want to be in your body any more than you are in mine. The transfer was an accident."

Ulric's demeanor soured. "So, what's the plan?"

Kathryn raised her eyebrows and shifted in the seat. "Well, if I can get to the artifact, then I can try the transfer aga-"

Ulric raised a finger to interrupt. "Do not try, Ulric. Do."

"Right. Can you ... I ... get you ... me ... out of here?"

Ulric crossed his arms. "You are a Starfleet Captain now. You have certain discretions. Yet, the truth will set you free, so to speak. Just tell them you need the confiscated artifact. We'll change bodies and go our separate ways."

"I must admit, Captain," Kathryn looked down and patted herself just below her breasts. "I would rather hope to get to know you more. But I realize this is not a good way to start anything."

Footsteps could be heard coming toward the door. Kathryn exchanged glances from Ulric to the door. Ulric snapped his fingers. "Stay with me. Just tell them the truth. There are stranger things that happen in the galaxy."

The Captain looked into Ulric's eyes. "I stole the artifact from the Zurich, can you promise me some form of asylum or immunity to help you?"

Ulric nodded quickly as beeps were heard as if to activate the door to open.

Kathryn stood and grabbed the dampening device, shutting it off. As the door opened, she tugged at the uniform jacket to smooth any creases then cleared her throat. Two station guards entered the room and flanked the doorway to allow a third officer to walk in. He surveyed the room quickly.

Before he could say anything, Kathryn spoke up. "Forgive me Commander, I needed a moment of privacy with Solask." She stepped toward the officer and presented the dampening device. 

The Commander accepted the device and inspected it briefly. "Why the concealment, Captain?"

Kathryn sighed. "Actually, Commander I can explain that. But first let me say -", Kathryn pointed to Ulric. "That is Captain Kathryn Beringer."

---

The artifact was carefully placed on the table in the interrogation room and the guards stepped away not hiding their relief. The device was an equal-sided box, sand-colored, with a stylized dodecahedron on top. The side panels were blank, yet the eleven visible sides of the round-ish shape were iridescent, like the surface of a soap bubble.

Kathryn placed her hands on two sides of the box, then looked up to Ulric. "We'll need a little help because all you will do is touch any side of the 'hedron.  A guard will need to push you toward the device, without telling you when it will happen. We should try to think of something else -anything else - than what we are doing now. That should replicate the accident." A guard reluctantly volunteered and stood behind Ulric.

"Okay, Captain. Whatever meditation techniques you know, I recommend employing them." She looked to the guard. "Give us about two minutes. After that, push him toward the device. He'll need to touch it before he knows what is happening, so be forceful." She looked to Ulric. "Again, I'm sorry."

"This had better work." He closed his eyes.

Everyone in the room was silent and waited. The guard seemed to be counting seconds. After a few minutes, the designated "pusher" shoved Ulric toward the table. He was surprised as he collapsed onto the artifact and grunted as he recovered to stand. Everyone looked toward each other, wondering if anything had changed as if expecting an alien-inspired lightshow to reveal the life-energy transfer. Yet, there was nothing.

Kathryn stood away from the artifact and looked at her hands. She smiled and looked to Ulric who returned the smile. "It worked." She turned to the Commander. "You may arrest him again."

Ulric Solask was shocked. "What?! You promised!"

"Your right. Forgive me. Commander, Ulric Solask's charges should not include impersonating a Starfleet officer. Clearly, he did not do so with intent."

The Commander nodded. "Understood, Captain." he nodded and the guards grabbed Solask to escort him away.

"Wait! Captain Beringer, you promised immunity," Ulric pleaded.

Kathryn raised a hand and the guards stopped. She walked up to Solask and leaned in closer to whisper in his ear. "If you hadn't made a pass at me using my own body, then I wouldn't be whispering in your ear. I'm sorry, Solask." She stepped away and nodded to the guards.

Ulric Solask was visibly stunned as he was escorted out the room.

+++

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Ulric Solask - Dominic Colesco
Commander - Vlad Ivanov
Two Guards - random street extras

Hidden Agendas

Literary Challenge 11 - Hidden Agendas

A certain measure of righteousness
A certain amount of force
A certain degree of determination
Daring on a different course
--- RUSH, "One Little Victory", Vapor Trails

Kathryn sat in her ready-room chair and squirmed to be comfortable. She looked to the desk comp, a United Federation of Planets logo looking back at her. Under the logo an icon blinked. Turning to the viewport on the right, she patted her regulation-bun coif as if pushing down a stray hair, then pulled at her jacket to straighten out non-existent wrinkles. Sighing heavily, Kathryn decided to wait a few more seconds to gather her thoughts. The man she was about to talk to had given special orders for her to follow. She was about to give him bad news and he had a reputation for not appreciating such news from captains of the fleet.

Pressing the activation icon, a human male appeared with distinctly Asian features. His skin was darker than expected without the wrinkles that would normally define his age. Yet the silver streaks in his otherwise black hair above his ears betrayed his seniority. Another shock of silver washed over the front crest of his hairline and flowed toward the top of his head. The man's eyes were steel blue and his lips perpetually frowned. He shifted in his chair and brought both hands together to intertwine his aged hands. The skin on his hands suggested he worked manual labor for several decades, but Kathryn knew he had been an Admiral in Starfleet for over half his life.

"Admiral Kurita, I am ready with my report."

The Admiral simply nodded. A small part of Kathryn's soul wanted to say anything else than what she knew had to be said.

"Camus II needs to stay quarantined."

Takashi Kurita's frown deepened. "Your orders were to find a way to lift the quarantine." His baritone voice, coupled to his thick Japanese accent, pierced Kathryn's resolve, but did not destroy it. She knew she was right and that confidence shielded her from Kurita's persona.

Kathryn nodded. "Yes, sir. As you are aware, Camus II was an archaeological survey site of an ancient civilization. Then Captain Kirk's revelation of events from the survey team's mysterious deaths in 2269 prompted the planet to be quarantined. Per your orders, I accompanied the Away Team to corroborate the last reports Starfleet received and to determine if Starfleet can use Camus II as an evacuation destination from, or counter-offensive launch point to, the Bajoran Wormhole.

"It's been over a century since Kirk's visit. What did you find?"

"The Federation site experienced heavy damage from environmental factors and neglect. The life-swapping alien artifacts were still intact and functional." Kathryn cleared her throat. "I lost my Tactical Chief in that discovery." She bit the inside of her lower lip just enough to feel it without showing Kurita. He would not be interested in the details, but Karl Melango was a good officer. Although his handling of the artifact may have been reckless, the visual state of the artifact betrayed it's potential. His life force was literally drained from his body and the event did not look peaceful.

Kurita responded as Kathryn expected. "So the loss of one life suggests a continued quarantine around an entire star system." It was not a question.

Kathryn sat back into her chair, more relaxed with her position in the discussion. "Yes, sir. The artifacts and surrounding ruins seemed inert and ancient enough to be safe. Orbital and local scans did not reveal any active energy source. Karl ... the officer acted with reasonable precautions based on that data. His loss suggests further items, and possibly the entire site, is dangerous enough to require highly sensitive attention. More than Solaris is equipped to handle."

"But a whole star system?"

"Admiral, based on my experience, locally the risk is too great."

Takashi 's affect was blank. Kathryn sensed he was expecting more information and she breathed quickly. "Furthermore, I suggest it will be easier to maintain the current quarantine instead of changing it based on this mission."

"Explain."

"To be blunt, Admiral, the quadrant has known to avoid this system for over one-hundred years ... nothing needs to change officially. Unless other actions are ordered, of course."

A smile grew on Takshi's face, to Kathryn's surprise. "Captain Beringer, given what you know, do you have any recommendation you did not place in your report?"

Kathryn sighed and looked away to think. Camus II was a dead planet and the civilization was utterly ruined, presumably by their own technology. The life-energy transfer devices were abundant and looked inconspicuous like a vase or other decoration. Without an energy signature, Karl's death from the mechanism was a shock to the team and they evacuated without further investigation. If Kurita was fishing for out-of-the-box thinking to lift the quarantine, then Kathryn would oblige.

"Captain Cortez with USS Zurich has experienced staff with the best archaeology suites equipped. I didn't make the recommendation officially because it's more appropriate for others to order Cortez to Camus II." Kathryn shrugged casually as she reached past reasonable alternatives, "that or destroy the ruins using the experimental javelin lance weapon on board the USS Titanicus. But that would cause extreme destruction to the surface."

Kurita nodded. "Interesting suggestions, Captain." He lifted a finger briefly from his clasped hands. "The Titanicus is still field testing and any non-classified reports should be disregarded."

Kathryn knew what that meant and the Admiral was not subtle. "Yes, sir."

The Admiral unclasped his hands and leaned back in his chair. His demeanor suddenly became relaxed. "Your insight to the matter is appreciated. We have new orders for Solaris. Expect them within the hour. Command out." The image suddenly switched to the logo of the UFP.

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Takashi Kurita - Ken Watanabe

A Green Lie

Literary Challenge 68 - STO Halloween
---

"And that's why we call it 'Halloween'". Kathryn smiled, then sipped from her short glass.

Staza Murai returned the smile then looked out the window of Headsail Lounge. Located on Deck 15 to starboard side, the large windows revealed streaks of light as Solaris traveled at a lazy Warp 3. The majority of the ship's crew was due for shore leave and Risa was their destination. As the Diplomatic Attaché for the Klingon Empire on board the ship, Staza made effort to learn from the crew of a Federation vessel. Her association with the Captain of the vessel was expected and Kathryn was very approachable, rumors in the Syndicate notwithstanding: the "Scarlet Scorpion" was not the crazed rogue captain Staza was told would be at the helm.

Kathryn lowered her drink. "What about you? Any traditions from your culture to share?"

The Orion casually shrugged. "Oh, I'm sure there is plenty in the Federation's cultural records."

"Reading about it from an anthropologist is not the same as hearing it from a direct source. Wouldn't you agree?"

Staza looked back to Kathryn and thought for a second. "Yes, I agree. Good point." Sitting straighter and facing forward, Staza reached for Kathryn's drink and took a sip. Kathryn did not blink, as if she expected it.

Smiling a little then looked at her arms, Staza said, "tell me, Captain, do all Orions have green skin?"

Kathryn sat straighter, surprised at the question. "I ... I've seen different shades of green. But, yes,"

"Ah, then you would be wrong."

Leaning forward, Kathryn was wide-eyed.

The Orion leaned forward and lowered her voice as if telling a secret. "Orions were once three sub-races: Green Orions like me, Grey Orions and Ruddy Orions."

"Ruddy?"

Staza looked around as if Kathryn spoke too loud. "Yes. Yellow to dark red skin tones. They were created by the Preservers to be the leaders and administrators. To accomplish this, they enslaved the Green and Greys as they needed. Also, biased and unjust laws kept them in power until uprisings and mass exodus left them with no labor force. They didn't know how to 'do' the things needed to maintain a civilization. With enough time, they became extinct because of their greed for power and control at the cost of the resource they exploited."

"And what of the Greys?"

Green lips curled as if disgusted. "They were pitiful in their own existence. Genetically altered by the Ruddy's to be smart and inquisitive, they handled the technical and scientific aspects of our culture. Ironically, their intelligence was their doom: to keep them in line, the Ruddy's also modified their genes to be very vulnerable to disease and illness. Some Greys were born so susceptible, they were confined to live in hermetically sealed housing their entire lives. Oh, there were a few lucky ones, but they were extremely rare and faked illness so not to stand out and be 'special'. Staza shook her head. "Needless to say, they are extinct because their genetic malfunctions simply eroded their ability to successfully reproduce."

There was a moment of silence as the two women stared at each other. Kathryn took a sip from her drink. "I had no idea."

Staza traced an infinity loop absent-mindlessly on the table while smiling. "No one does."

"What do you mean?"

"As I'm sure you are aware, Orions, by our nature, are secretive and revel in playing 'the long game' in everything we do. So it was the Green Orions that orchestrated the other's demise. Nordell The Calculating, a Green, laid the framework for the genocide of the Ruddys and Greys in his apocryphal 'Gri Ando Meli Entro', or Plan of Grand Revenge. You see, Nordell considered the Green Orions as the superior race, so he created a plan that, over thousands of generations, have led to the Orion culture as you know it."

Kathryn's jaw dropped. "That's incredible!'

The Green Orion shrugged. "Well, the truth is actually less colorful."

"Wh ... what?"

"Orions are just another space-faring race, that has an eccentric way of doing business. From a certain point of view."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind

Out in the Cold

Unofficial Literary Challenge 2, Prompt 3 - Out in the Cold
---

She released the trigger and the phaser beam stopped its continuous burn. The Breen soldier collapsed and fell into the river, shattering the thin layer of ice. He was quickly swallowed by the water and disappeared.

Kathryn released her breath and the puff of hot air quickly dissipated into the biting wind. Lowering the rifle, she looked back to the Breen campsite. Destroyed crates littered the area and the single temporary structure was covered with snow. Three Breen soldiers lay where they were shot down, their injuries still smoking from phaser blasts. Ian McKinnon appeared from the shelter with the third member of the Away Team. Travis Mechols was barely conscious and his face was bruised and bloodied. The crewman was also without cold protective gear. Kathryn grabbed an arm to help carry Travis away.

All three shuffled quickly and quietly up the snow bank back to their own camp. It only took three minutes until they were in the cave. Kathryn fired her phaser rifle to a rock pile that turned red hot from heat. The injured crewman shuddered uncontrollably as they covered him up with a thermal blanket. Kathryn and Ian looked to one another then both started removing their field kits.

"Ian, go watch the entrance." She started working on the straps to her boots.

"No, sir. I think it would be more appropriate for me to-."

Kathryn’s look interrupted Ian. "You are the sharpshooter between us. I don't know how many Breen are still out there. Go watch the entrance, that's an order."

Ian stood silent as Kathryn unzipped the field jacket. She wiggled out of it then noticed Ian had not moved. Sliding under the covers she purposefully cleared her throat. "Ian?"

He was startled at the sound of Kathryn’s voice. "Right. Yes, sir. Right away, sir." He shuffled away. "Of course, sir."

Kathryn huddled next to Travis and embraced him. His chattering teeth subsided as her body heat added to the blanket and steaming rocks. She started to shiver as his body sapped heat from hers.

After several minutes, both Kathryn and Travis were warm again. She started to crawl away when she realized Travis was aroused. He moaned a little. Kathryn quickly wiggled from under the blanket. She pulled up her pants and knelt to grab her jacket when Travis said, "Captain?"

Kathryn quickly responded, "Get some rest. You're safe."

Travis was still groggy and winced from the bruise to his cheek. "How long was I out?" He looked around briefly. "Where is Ian?"

"Guarding the entrance." She pulled the field jacket over her shoulder and noticed Travis was looking at her. "Crewman?"

"Uh, sir ... did we ... you know ..."

Kathryn looked puzzled for a second before realizing the implication. She smirked and simply replied, "no."

Travis raised his hands as if to push her away. "Not that I would! I mean, I would." His eyes got wide. "I mean, you're the Captain and all." He gulped with embarrassment. "Sir."

Kathryn giggled at his attempt to save face. "It's okay." She picked up her rifle. "I think I'm going to relieve Ian. Get some rest. That's an order."

Travis watched Kathryn walk away. He sighed longingly and said, "yes, sir."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder
Travis Mechols -Freddie Prinze Jr

Kathryn's Maru

Unofficial Literary Challenge 1 - The Kobayashi Maru
---

Kathryn glanced at the operations display over her left shoulder. The image of the Constitution-class ship was dotted with red flashing lights, signifying damage. It was not a pretty picture. 

The simulation was putting her through the paces though and sweat dripped from the stress and from the heat of the controlled fires on the bridge. Her bridge crew was also in various states of smudge and sweat. One even played dead on the bridge after his console erupted in sparks, signifying a catastrophic EPS conduit failure.

"Target status report!" Kathryn refocused her attention to the task at hand. The Kobayashi Maru had taken damage from the Klingon attack and her crew was able to destroy one Klingon ship and cripple a second one, but the third was being particularly elusive, especially for a K'Tinga-class cruiser. Although Kathryn decided on the oft-used tactic of head-on combat, she was proud her flying orders had kept her ship alive and firing.

A Bolian from the tactical station replied, "shields down to twenty-five percent, port nacelle venting plasma, but he's still flying sharp."

"Thank you Nebar. Weapons, keep putting pressure, to stop that ship from getting closer to the Maru. I don't care for hits, just keep them away." Krysta'alin nodded as she waved off a puff of smoke from behind her. "Ops, status of theMaru."

Carranza quickly replied, "heavy structural damage, shields down, they are requesting emergency transport."

"Tell them we are on our -"

"New warp signature inbound!" Nebar’s interruption caught everyone on the bridge off-guard. Even the 'dead' crewman turned his head toward the viewscreen. 

The Kobayshi Maru was joined by a Brigand Cruiser. Carranza reported, "reading multiple transporter signals!"

Kathryn response was immediate, "Helm, take us to the Maru. Weapons, concentrate firepower to the engines, that ship is not going anywhere!"

"Captain, bogey three is turning for an intercept course to the Maru."

"Thank you, Nebar, but I'm sure we'll get there first."

---

The training commander tossed the PADD onto the desk. It slapped the surface without bouncing and slid toward Kathryn, resting for her to see the small script. She glanced at it to be formal but she knew what it read, then looked back to the wall behind the commander.

"I'm curious what you think of the results."

Kathryn swallowed a little before responding. "The test was unfair."

The commander rolled his eyes. "Please humor me, by telling me something original."

Clearing her throat and sitting up straighter, Kathryn said, "what I mean is a variable was introduced not typical for the test."

"Ah, yes. The Orions. Your tactic was to intercept their ship, disable the engines ... and then what?"

"Once the Brigand was immobilized, then we would attempt to finish off the K'Tinga. If that was done, then a MACO team would be sent to the Brigand to rescue the Maru crew.

The commander reclined in his chair "Attempt. If. You were taking chances on chance, wouldn't you say?"

Kathryn shrugged her shoulders. "Given the situation, those are all I had."

"I see. If you plan to sit in the command chair of a vessel in Starfleet, then I recommend not getting used to shrugging shoulders."

"I -," Kathryn cut herself short when she noticed the commander's raised eyebrows. "Yes, sir."

There was a moment of silence before the commander spoke again. "Cadet Beringer, I've read your dossier from Counselor A'Mand. Consider this experience a warning to you: don’t let your personal feelings get in the way of your duties. Duty to Starfleet before duty to self, do you understand?"

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Training Commander - Bill Murray
Bridge crew - random street extras
Mentioned but not seen - Counselor A'Mand - Lynn Collins