The Ukiah’s bridge was bathed in dim yellow-alert lighting, the quiet hum of ship systems filling the space. The viewscreen flickered between fragmented sensor data and a tactical overlay, attempting to isolate the elusive warp trails. Outside, the derelict freighter drifted further into the void, now little more than a fading reminder of the attack.

Sarin’s console beeped as he refined the sensor data, attempting to get a better lock on the fleeing vessel. He frowned, adjusting the algorithms. “I’m detecting a very faint warp trail leading away from the crime scene, one veering off toward the Grim Wall’s outer borders.”

Koro leaned forward against his console, his Tellarite features set in determination. “Captain, I urge immediate pursuit. If we wait any longer, the criminals might escape!”

Likika’s sharp green eyes flicked to Amar before settling on Koro. Before she could respond, Amar spoke with his usual measured calm. “Cool down, Lieutenant. We need to approach this situation with caution.” He gestured toward the viewscreen, where the Grim Wall loomed ahead, a swirling mass of unpredictable energy distortions. “While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Lieutenant Rixn, keep in mind that the Ukiah is not a combat ship. We’re functioning as a logistics vessel, not a pursuit craft.”

Zoe, at the helm, studied the readings carefully. She let out a breath, tapping the console before her. “I hate to be the party pooper, but I’m really not sure if I can track the fading trails through the hazards of the Grim Wall.” She brought up the navigational map onto the main screen, highlighting the dangerous path ahead.

Likika arched a brow at Amar, whispering, “Party pooper?” in confusion.

He chuckled under his breath. “I’ll explain later.”

Likika returned her attention to the discussion. Both approaches had merit, Koro’s push for action and Amar’s call for caution. Yet neither felt entirely right. She needed a third option.

“We will tail the trail, discreetly.” She raised a finger for emphasis. “Avoiding direct engagement.”

Zoe tightened her grip on the helm controls, her eyes flicking between her console and the looming Grim Wall on the viewscreen. The asteroid field swirling gases disrupted long-range sensors, flickering like spectral phantoms. Warp pulses throbbed like heartbeats, making each course correction a test of precision.

She adjusted her approach, smoothly guiding the Ukiah through the gravitational distortions, keeping their pursuit subtle but persistent.

At operations, Sarin’s fingers moved swiftly over his console, adjusting the sensor filters. “Modifying the sensor algorithms now,” he muttered, refining the energy patterns associated with Klingon warp cores and feeding the data to Zoe for easier tracking.

Amar observed their progress, nodding with approval. “Lieutenant De Soto, Ensign Nnedi, good work so far. I haven’t even felt a bump from the distortions.” He glanced toward Koro. “Lieutenant, give us an update on the tactical readouts.”

A low growl rumbled from Koro’s throat. “I’ve got nothing,” he muttered, frustrated. “This slow approach is letting them slip away.” His fists clenched against the console, irritation evident in his posture.

Likika exhaled, her tone cool but firm. “Then perhaps you should be on a border patrol ship, Lieutenant.” She turned her gaze toward him. “You were just reminded of our limitations, charging in with weapons blazing won’t help anyone.” She let her words settle before adding, “Especially us.”

Koro backed off, clearly unhappy but recognizing the chain of command. Likika let her gaze sweep across the bridge, ensuring her crew remained focused.

The pursuit continued cautiously, but soon, Likika, Amar, and Koro relocated to the ready room for a private discussion.

Captain’s Ready RoomA holographic tactical display flickered in the dim lighting, showing the updated warp trails mapped across the sector. The Grim Wall pulsed faintly in the distance, its gravitational disturbances twisting unpredictably.

Amar traced the projected course with his finger. “I recommend we continue shadowing the warp trail, keeping a safe distance. This ensures we gather intel without exposing ourselves to unnecessary conflict.”

Koro shook his head sharply. “If we keep playing it safe, the Klingons will vanish into the Grim Wall. It’s the perfect cover,the border between Klingon space and the Grim Wall is their wild card.” He gestured toward the map, pointing at the navigational dead zone where the trails converged. “They can slip through before we even realize it.”

Likika leaned against the edge of the table, tapping her fingers against her hip as she weighed the risk versus reward. If she had more experience, would she be more decisive? Was she too hesitant? The wrong move could either provoke a diplomatic incident or allow their one real lead to vanish.

The weight of command settled heavily on her.

Finally, she looked up, making her decision. “Lieutenant Nisari,order Ensign Nnedi to maintain stealth pursuit. Keep distance, remain undetected.”

Koro exhaled sharply, jaw tightening. Amar gave a satisfied nod. “Understood, Captain.”

As Amar left to relay the orders, Koro hesitated before following, his frustration evident in his heavy footfalls.