Before you could instruct your helmsman to scan the wreckage for survivors, the ship shook and all the electronics sparked and shivered. It was as if a massive discharge of something had hit the ship and knocked it off course.
"Captain! There's an unidentified object behind us and it's charging its main weapons!" The helmsman said.
"Sensors can't see the target but visual sightings can confirm its existence!" Someone else cried out.
"Captain, we've lost the main railgun for now, but three point weapons are still active"
"Fire!" You yelled. "If you cant target them with the computer, bring up a camera and shoot them out of space!"
Your weapons officer wasnt hesitant to bring all three guns to bear. They began spinning and firing volleys of bullets at the rogue ship, which was caught unawares and didnt have enough time to raise its shields. The bullets tore through the hull, moving form the front right down to the rear. They must have hit a critical system, because the engines suddenly exploded in a massive cloud of yellow and blue fire. There was nothing worthwhile of the ship left to scan.
"Everyone okay?" You asked, still tense.
"Damage reports still coming in" An officer said.
"Captain? What the hell was that?" Osman in engineering came over the comms.
"Another ship that we didnt expect... It's dead now"
"Well could you warn me next time you expect something like that?"
"Will do"
"Minimal physical damage to the ship. The weapon was an EMP weapon designed to knock us dead in the water. Fortunately their targeting was off a little so we got lucky. Most systems are coming back only but the EMP also caused a few electrical shocks to occur throughout the ship. Minor burns are being treated in the medical wing. Except for one person."
"One person? Who?" You asked.
"Lt. Quentus Markuss"
Your eyes went wide. Your best friend had been hit by an electrical blast.
"Helmsman, set course for Ceaser Station, activate Translight Drive. I'll be in medical"
"Aye Sir"
You walked slowly out of the bridge. You didnt know why Q hadnt come to the bridge yet, but he must have been busy with something. You arrived shortly in the medical bay, but two marines refused your entry.
"I'm Captain here, let me in" You instructed firmly.
"We're aware sir. Under any other conditions, we'd let you in" One of the Marines replied. He almost looked scared to disobey your order.
"We'll then why wont you let me?"
"Lt. Quentus asked us to stop you"
That was as good a reason as any.
"Have his doctor send me the medical report"
"Will do Captain"
Two hours passed as you headed to Ceaser Station. The medical report came in, though the doctor was hesitant to give it. Apparnetly Q was adamant that you couldnt see him in this state.
"I'm sorry Captain, but it doesnt look good. The electrical dischage hit him directly in the face. There's a lot of burnt skin and although he'll recover just fine, there's going to be permanent scarring on his face, both arms and his left leg.
"How big was the discharge?" You asked.
"Honestly? I'm surprised he's alive. I'm not sure what speech you gave to inspire him, but it sure must have been a good one"
"Mhm... Thanks Doc"
Another hour passed before Q's Doctor called you back.
"Lt. Quentus is awake now, he's asked to speak to you"
"Put him through - though I'd like to know why I cant see your camera"
"He asked for it"
You sighed. There was no point in fighting Q on this - especially after what happened to his family.
"How you doing?" You asked, trying to fake a smile. You knew he could see you.
"Glad your okay" Came a hoarse voice, followed by a large cough.
"Apparently your going to make a full recovery"
"Your okay and still a terrible liar. I know what happened to me." He said.
Your smile faded slightly.
"Looks like I'm already out of the game" Q said. "Havent even seen out of the front of the bridge yet"
"I'm not giving up on you"
"Oh don't do that. Once I can walk again we'll see if I can come back" He said. The coughing returned, this time even worse and his doctor hung up.
----------
After arriving at Ceaser Station, the techs there had a quick look at the ship and then said it was fine. After sending your report to Earth, Commander Horst quickly phoned you.
"I'm sorry about what happened to Q" He started. "We are aware of the type of ship you encountered but didnt have any confirmed reports until now. We honestly didnt expect something like this to happen so far from the front lines"
"I know" You said, biting your lips.
"High command has decided to rule heavily in your favour on this, due to the unusual circumstances. Unfortunately, you'll need a new second-in-command until Q is back on his feet"
"Something tells me I wont like this"
"There's only one person nearby who can fit the job. And to top it off, she's currently sitting in the brig of Ceaser Station." Horst said.
"This is all almost too convenient" You muttered.
"If you dont want her, your welcome to come back to Earth and find another. I want to warn you though, she's literally one of the best out of the academy"
"If she's so good, why's she in the brig?"
"How about we make your next mission to tame her? She's a wild girl, hates the chain of command but is a bloody good tactician and incredibly smart."
"Whats her name?" You asked.
"Lt. Alanna Jamieson" Horst said, biting his lip   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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