Star Trek The Laredo Crystal Pt4

Chapter 4

The Andorian Battleship is only about 5,000 meters away from the Laredo. It is obvious from the chard markings, missing armour and other exterior damage that this ship has been in a serious fight for life
On the Laredo, Captain Reyes and Lt Commander Fabyana return to the Bridge.

“Sorry about the yellow alert Captain.,” Says Renner, “but as you can tell from the view screen, this ship may have an enemy on its tail.”

Reyes says., “My goodness. Who were they fighting and why? Fabie put their Commander on screen!”

The view screen switches from the exterior view of the damaged ship to the Bridge where the Andorian Commander Haano is standing in the foreground, Bruised and battered. The antenna located on the Andorians foreheads are usually in motion, even if just slightly. Haano antenna are stationary and limp!

“Haano” Reyes says as she is heartbroken to see her friend and former Commander so roughed up. She served on his ship for three weeks as a trade officer when she was a Lieutenant aboard the USS Destiny.

“Hello Rosalind.,” the Commander says., “While I have to get used to not seeing you by the side of Willard Cove, it is still nice to see you again.”

“Who were fighting Haano?” Reyes ask.

“Klingons Roz.,” he replies., “But we don't have time for that right now. I need you to beam the survivors of my crew on to your ship. The reactor on this ship was badly damaged and will explode soon!”

Captain Reyes then orders., “Renner oversee the evacuation of Haano’s ship. I will head to the transporter room!”

Commander Renner says., “Yes Captain. Bridge to Doctor Toscani..?”

In sick bay, we find Dr. Toscani, who herself has the most deep space experience then anyone else on the Laredo.

“This is Toscani!”

Renner over the com.,
‘Prepare to receive several injured Andorians. The most severe we will beam directly to sick bay’

“Understood Commander!”

We turn our attention back to Captain Rosalind Reyes. She exits the turbo lift and starts running down the short corridor to the transporter room. Of her many accolades gained during her time as a Cadet and then Lieutenant, she was considered hands down the best transporter operator in starfleet. Her ability to think on her feet and to be decisive is what caught the attention of then, Commodore Willard Cove of the USS Destiny, who is now Rear Admiral at starfleet.

She enters the transporter room...

“Chief Brown” She calls the attention of the transport operator., “When you begin to beam multiples of four or more, your senors will warn of ‘Feedback in the transport beam’. Ignore it! Its the antenna on the Andorians heads that causing that reading. You would only waste time trying to compensate for what cannot be corrected.”

“Yes captain” She replies.

The evacuation begins with the most critical patients beamed directly to sick bay.

On the Bridge...

Sims calls out., “Commander, we need to pick up the pace. According to my sensors the Andorian ship has only about three minutes before it goes boom! We are going to need at least 15 seconds of that to come about and warp out of here!”

“Five seconds is all I need!” Replies the Commander.

Taking her seat at the Helm, the First Officers face shows that she is completely focused on her task at hand.

“Ok O’Leary” she says to the Navigator., “I’m backing us off from the Andorian ship at 50 meters per 30 seconds in lock step with bringing us completely about. Lay in a course for DS7, so when the last passenger is aboard I can punch it right away.”

“Aye Commander.” He replies.

Sims face shows he is Impressed with the ingenuity of the first officer. He glances over to Fabie, hoping to see similar appreciation. Fabie only briefly glances upward in his direction, pretending she does not see him. So he goes back to focusing on work.

In the Transporter room...

Now somewhat cramped and crowded with Andorian troops and Laredo Medical and Security personnel. They are trying their best to separate the non injured and escort them to the Officers Mess Deck as well as Triage those who are injured as they are beamed aboard.

“Captain this is the last group coming aboard now!” Chief Brown shouts over the noise.

The Captain turns to the Transport pads as she is helping an injured Andorian to a nearby bench. As the figures begin to materialize, the Captains wide, nutmeg colored eyes gaze in anticipation of her friend Haano.
He and two of his officers fully materialize and the Captain and Haano smile at each other.
Reyes walks over to the transport control to use the com to call the Bridge...

“Renner I know you already have this ship turned about face so punch it!”

On the Bridge Commander Renner Obeys the captains Command. The Laredo Warps out only seconds before the Andorian ship explodes!

About two hours later in sick bay, Dr Toscani is treating her last patient, Haano.
He is sitting upright on the exam table and the antenna on his head are displaying some animation.

“Ok Commander.,’ the Dr says., You have a concussion that will take one more treatment and several days to heal. I want you back in here in six hours for your next treatment. Don't be late!”

“Feisty Rhonda” He says in Reply to the doctor.

“Why, thank you. And how is your son?” The Dr. inquires.

“Well you know., “ Haano says., “rebellious as ever. In his own mind.”

The two laugh and begin to talk about old times.

Just then Reyes and Renner enter sick bay. The two of them walk over to the Dr. and Haano.

Haano says., “Ive seen that grim look of death on your face before Roz.”

Captain Reyes then says., “I just spoke to Admiral Cove Haano.”

Haano then says., “Then you know this was not a chance encounter that our ships met up in this sector. Is there somewhere we can talk so that I can give the real facts?”

“Real facts of what?” The Captain asked in an irritated voice.

Haano pauses and looks into the eyes of the three women he has known for sometime. Then he says...
“The real facts of your mission. And why you, in particular, are headed to the Selcundi Drema sector! “
To Be Continued...