Lt. Cmdr. Gogigobo Fairhug - De-cloak and Dagger
griz86
((Bridge, Deck 1, USS Enterprise NCC-1701))
By this point, Madison had made her way to where Gogi was now sitting and was leaning in over his shoulder.
Marsh: And how long can that freighter hold up in its current state?
Gogi turned to make eye contact with her. Attempting to get Starfleet backing was a good idea, but this was the Kobayashi Maru. They were on their own.
Fairhug: Eight minutes at the most, Captain.
Although quiet, Madison’s proximity to Gogi meant that the woman’s sigh was audible. Gogi suppressed a chuckle. He knew exactly how she felt. It was the same way everyone who took on this simulation felt. Luckily for Madison, she wouldn’t be judged on whether she was successful or not (since nobody ever was), but rather by how she coped with the pressure of a no-win scenario.
Marsh: Alright, so command is out on this call. Give me a time line for success number one.
Fairhug: Approximately three minutes to intercept, which gives us five minutes at most to evacuate those on board. It can be done, Sir, but only if we act now.
At that, Madison stood up straight and walked back to the Captain’s chair.
Marsh: Plot an intercept course for the Kobayashi Maru. We need to get in and out of the neutral zone quickly before being detected by the Klingon Empire.
Fairhug: ::turning back to his console:: Aye, Sir.
As Gogi’s stubby, yet surprisingly graceful fingers danced across the console, Madison pressed the ship communications button on her arm rest.
Marsh: Engineering, prepare the transporter pads for mass transports for the evacuation of the crew of the Kobayashi Maru. Medical, have first responder teams staged and prepped at each transporter room for the injured.
Gogi couldn’t help but perk a brow at Madison’s orders, although he made sure not to turn around, so that she couldn’t gauge his response.
As it transpired, the perked brow was a quietly impressed one. As much as anyone could in this program, the Doctor was doing all the right things, so far.
A couple of tense minutes passed, before the comms officer spoke up again.
Comms: Captain, we are approaching the Neutral Zone, but I am losing the Kobayashi Maru’s signal.
Marsh: Number one, what do the data results indicate being the cause of the signal loss?
Fairhug: Inconclusive, Captain. Should we maintain our course and speed?
Another pause, no doubt as the “Captain” considered her options.
Marsh: Run a sensor sweep for the Kobayashi Maru. Is it still out there and in tact? They could just be losing power with their systems shutting down.
Without turning, Gogi acknowledged his orders and quickly implemented them.
Fairhug: It’s there, Captain, but it’s fading fast.
Marsh: Proceed forward to intercept, let’s get them out of there swiftly. Time is not on anyone’s side here.
Fairhug: ::swivelling his chair to look at Madison:: What about the Klingons, Captain?
The Centauran glanced at him with an expression of curiosity evident on her face.
Marsh: Are we picking up any Klingon ships in the vicinity at this point?
Fairhug: ::turning back to his station:: Nothing as of yet, Sir, but this *is* the Neutral Zone. They’re bound to be out there somewhere.
Marsh: Response
Gogi nodded, inputting the necessary commands.
Fairhug: Aye, Sir.
But at that exact moment, an alarm sounded from the helm.
Fairhug: Two K’t’inga-class battle cruisers decloaking off our port and starboard bow, Captain!
Marsh: Response
Fairhug: No response!
Marsh: Response
Suddenly, without warning, the Enterprise was rocked by a direct hit, sending the science officer flying from his seat as sparks exploded from his console.
The mournful tone of the red alert klaxon sounded and the ominous red light bathed the bridge.
Gogi ran to the science officer and felt for a pulse.
Fairhug: ::looking up at Madison:: He’s dead, Captain.
Marsh: Response
TAG/TBC
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First Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
E239411GF0