“Doing the right thing has to be enough in itself.”

James S.A. Corey, (2022)

My grandfather went to War to risk his life to save complete strangers and I always wondered what strength of character it must take to do such an extraordinary thing?

To put aside any personal fears or moral doubts that, doubtless, must haunt such a decision. To say farewell to those you love and every night climb into the skies to face almost certain death in order to safeguard the futures of those you do not.

People you did not know and likely never would. People of different nationality, race, language and creed. What internal fortitude and clarity of vision must it take to put all other considerations aside and turn to face insurmountable odds in the ultimate service to a central ideal?

It’s impossible to comprehend for those who have never been placed in such a position, but without the actions of such people the future will surely be consumed by the darker hearts of our past.

Which is why, as I watch Lieutenant – Commander Lane Hanley listen to the remaining survivors of the Selquar relate the awful series of events that befell their party, once their Free State captors had destroyed their ship and marooned them on the Hellworld to die, I can see from the grimly-determined expression forming on her face that she is at such a moral crossroads.

And I’m afraid because I know what she’s going to do next…..

Those that had survived their enforced exile to the surface of Hectate#7b had not fared well.

Drawn to the remote Hellworld by an erroneous energy signature from its northern pole (erroneous because there should be no such emission from a world so long-dead), picked up on their long-range scans, Sub-commander Thecal had ordered the Selquar to deviate from her mission of stellar – cartography to better investigate this conundrum.

What they found was death.

At some remove it is not unexpected to find death on a world where that absence of life had been the only constant for ten millennia, but the scientific imperative and the persistent will to explore an unlock secrets drove the Romulan Republic scientists on.

What they discovered was a broken city on a poisoned world, evidence of a once great civilization lost to some unknown natural disaster or folly of action. Within this world of death, the presence of the energy signature was anomalous in the extreme so, despite the attendant risk posed by the planet’s murderous surface conditions, an away team was dispatched to the unforgiving polar region in the northern hemisphere, where temperatures approached absolute – zero and the arctic tundra as scoured by cruel winds in excess of 100 miles an hour.

In that frozen – hades, the team encountered the remnants of an ancient, fortified structure. It’s form and function obviously militaristic in origin and initial hypothesis formed around its purpose being some sort of command-and-control facility.

Initial attempts to gain access to the structure all met with resounding failure and the importance of the bunker and its presumed contents became lethally apparent when these attempts began to activate a series of automated defense mechanisms and all contact was lost with the away team.

That was also the moment when the RFSV Rihanhansu melted from the darkness and fell upon the Galas – class research vessel with sudden ferocity, the element of surprise so calculated that they had disabled and boarded the Selquar whilst their former countrymen were still reeling from the initial assault and their control of the vessel was absolute.

=^= “They tortured us, of course.” =^= Professor Venrax recanted grimly, the thin Republic scientists face looked drawn behind the protective screen of his encounter – suit helmet. Of all of the survivors that were present in the partially collapsed chamber that housed the Repository, Venrax appeared to be the one who had suffered the least physical decline due to exposure to the Hellworld, although his eyes told of a different kind of trauma.

Of the twenty souls marooned in this pitiless place of perpetual death, only three survived. Venrax himself, a female planetologist who was unconscious and whom the tricorder told Hanley was nearing  the end of her life and the man they had encountered hooked up to the alien machinery that this forgotten spaced had been created to accommodate.

Researcher V’Ren was clearly suffering advanced symptoms correlating to exposure to extreme amounts of radiation yet seemed strangely at peace and claimed that his affinity with the machine that he called “The Well of Souls”, was partly responsible for this demure peace of mind (although Lane thought this was just a symptom of his severe illness).

=^= “Predictably, we knew little more than they did about this place, but they tortured us anyway.” =^= Venrax laughed bitterly. =^= “They had a Tal Shiar agent aboard. A monstrous woman and wholly typical of that monstrous regime. It became quickly apparent that we had nothing of worth to offer them, yet she tortured us one by one, a testament to callous bureaucracy and the single-minded sociopathic intent one has come to expect from the Tal Shiar.” =^=

The Professor shifted uncomfortably against the wall where he was propped and adjusted his position on the dusty floor. Despite their injuries, encased in the protection of their suits and surrounded by an environment that would spell instant death to any attempts to take them off, there was little that the Starfleet away team could do to treat or make them comfortable in these circumstances.

=^= “What happened to your commanding officer?” =^= Lane asked gently as she steadied the ailing Romulan scientist and Chief Harvey did what he could for the others.

Venrax shook his head dismissively.

=^= “I’m not sure, but I think they probably still have him aboard their vessel. He wasn’t one of those killed when they boarded us and he wasn’t transported to the surface with the rest of us. I can only conclude that they still have him and that the Tal Shiar agent presses him still for answers about what we found.” =^=

Hanley had listened to the Professor as he had told her about their discovery of the energy signature and the mysterious bunker – complex to the north, but there were so many things about their current situation that she did not understand. If they were all to survive this ordeal, there were pieces of a puzzle that she did not comprehend that had to be located and arranged into some logical order, if she was to lead them to safety.

=^= “This complex you describe? What could be so important about it that the Free State is willing to risk open warfare to control?” =^= Hanley pressed the man, as she squatted on her haunches.

Her own suit persisted in continuing to inform her of its slowly failing integrity, so she had turned the audible alarm off – yet the ominous countdown to loss of integrity persisted in the corner of her eye from the faceplate HUD. It was an ultimatum she could not ignore forever.

It was Researcher V’Ren that broke in with a sardonic tone, between torn by hacking, wet coughs.

=^= “War itself, Captain.” =^= The dying Romulan sent and indicated the great apparatus that they had found him connected to.

 =^= “Or rather the collected compendium of annihilation so comprehensive that it ultimately eradicated its makers.” =^=

Hanley frowned at this sudden outburst and turned back to Professor Venrax with a quizzical look on her face.

=^= “The original inhabitants of this world, the Garsedi, managed to perfect the science to preserve their mind – states in the form of memory engrams within a positronic – matrix.” =^=The Theoretical Scientist explained when he saw her confusion. =^= “The sum knowledge and lived experiences of nearly an entire population of the city that once thrived here, preserved in – eternity. A sort of virtual Elysium, if you will. As V’Ren is our Historical Anthropologist, he has been delving the archives of the Repository and we have been able to infer much about the culture that used to predominate the planet.” =^=

=^= “I had wondered how you’d managed to establish such a level of context.” =^= Lane admitted as she turned her head to take in the machine that crowded the chamber.

=^= “More dumb luck that we happened upon this place looking for shelter, than anything else.” =^= Venrax allowed dryly. =^= “With the prospect of certain death as our only companion, the scientist in us welcomed the opportunity to do something constructive with the little time we had left.” =^=

Lane could fully understand the need to parse some sort of explanation for the dolorous situation they all found themselves in. Sometimes it was easier to accept your fate if you had some context within which to inhabit.

=^= “This world descended into hubris and Civil War, Captain.” =^= “The dying Researcher V’Ren warned tellingly. =^= “The faction known as the Northern Compact was successful in the eventual victory over their opponents, the Southern Alliance, destroying their command structure entirely, although ultimately they sealed their own fate as they oversaw the annihilation of all organic life on the planet.” =^=

From his voice, Lane could tell that the Researcher did not have long, so she respected the importance of what the man was trying to say and let him continue unchallenged.

=^= “It’s reasonable to assume that the Compact had access to technologies contemporary to the repository here. =^= Professor Venrax proceeded with the theory, so Lane knew that this matter must have been discussed amongst the academics prior to her ‘Rescue’ team’s arrival.

=^= “We theorize that its entirely probable that, faced with their own demise, that the military leadership of the Northern Compact would have used such a Repository to record and store their own memory – engrams as proof against final oblivion, maybe hoping their legacy would live on in some way.” =^= The Professor cautioned.

=^= “Your saying that these, what? Generals? Could somehow be preserved their own ‘Well of Souls”? =^= Hanley wondered aloud, trying to frame the concept in her mind.

=^= “Just think about it, Captain?” =^= V’Ren managed with some difficulty. =^= “The minds of the same people, long-dead for millennia, the same minds that were able to conjure up such horrors of abject destruction that ultimately destroyed this world. Centuries of knowledge regarding tactics, strategy, weapons systems, drone technology, devices of mass destruction, all there for the taking. Can you imagine what the Free States would be able to do should they come into possession of such a prize?” =^=

Hanley could well imagine how irresistible such amoral spoils would be to the Free States. The Tal Shiar would stop at nothing to attain such a vital technological edge upon the Republic and their allies. The  advances gained from the Borg Reclamation stood testament to the splinter faction of the former Romulan Star Empire’s desire to return to a place of primacy amongst the galaxies involved species.

The Tal Shiar would not hesitate to risk open warfare to gain such an advantage.

It became clear and apparent to Lane that this goal could not be permitted to be achieved by the Free State vessel in orbit, at any costs. With a certainty and clarity of action that was synonymous and typical to her, Lieutenant Lane Hanley decided on her course of action and rose to address all assembled.

=^= “Then it’s clear what has to be done.” =^= Hanley dusted her suit down and commanded. =^= Ensign Phorrel, you will transport and accompany the survivors back to the Kirk. Ensure that Dr Voe does all that he can to stabilize their condition. You will give Lieutenant Nil a situation report on the progress of our mission and do what you can to assist with repairs to the ship.” =^=

The slightly young CSO himself stood and began to protest.

=^= “Commander, I must protest. My skills will be of far more use…” =^= But he was silenced by a deft flick of Hanley’s gloved hand and the iron in her voice that brokered no further insubordination.

=^= “Ensign. You absorbed a level of radiation from the weapons discharge of the Drone we encountered in the plaza that, if left untreated will soon see you in the same state of these survivors. I mean to progress to the location of the Northern Compact command & control bunker and ensure that the Free States do not gain control of the Repository there. I will need your insight and scientific acumen to help me achieve my mission and this is something that you can do remotely and can’t do if you’re dead. You’ll return to the ship and that is my final word on the matter.” =^=

=^= “Aye Captain.” =^= The young Denobulan conceded and began to prepare the survivors for transport, yet Lane was proud for the bravery that Orvid had displayed. This world was intent on killing them all and in all good conscience, Lane saw it as her duty as CO to ensure that, if death came, it visited as few as her crew as possible.

=^= “Hope you don’t think that you’ll be going on this trip alone? =^= Lane was suddenly aware of a wash of suit lights from behind and turned to see the imposing bulk of her Chief of Security behind her.

=^= “Chief, there’s no way that I can order you to accompany me.” =^ Hanley protested.

=^= “Captain, there’s no way that you can stop me.” =^= The big Chicago native rumbled, unmoved by her authority. =^= “No way I’m letting my CO venture into harms way without her Chief of Security. Never live it down, I’m coming with you and that’s all there is to it.” =^=

Lane was forced to smile, despite her annoyance. Of all the people that she could wish to have at her side for what would surely come on such a desperate mission, Chief Lucius Harvet was that man.

=^= “Very well Chief. Glad to have you with me.” =^= Lane nodded curtly.

=^= “Ma’am? You doubtless remember that Six… that Lieutenant Petrovna cautioned that the Transporter aboard the USS Kirk may fail from continued use?” =^= Orvid warned. =^= “This will be our second such transit. The system may fail and we might not have another opportunity to beam you back aboard. Worse still, the pattern buffer may malfunction and then what arrives would only wish that they were dead.” =^=

Lane nodded as she checked her suit and equipment and checked the remaining charge in her handphaser. Whatever fate faced the Chief and herself out there amongst the ruins, a part of her was unsure that she’d ever get to see the Kirk again.

=^= “Those are the odds; Ensign and we just have to play the hand we’ve been dealt.” =^= She dismissed Phorrel’s perfectly legitimate concerns. There were many bridges to cross before she’d have to consider extraction.

=^= “Then I will share that hand, Commander Hanley.” =^= Asserted Professor Venrax as the Romulan scientist rose to his own feet. =^= “I may be able to balance those odds and you may have need of my expertise to penetrate the bunker.” =^=

Lane shook her head emphatically.

=^= “Absolutely not, Professor. My orders were to locate the Selquar and ensure the return of her crew. You’re going to beam back to my vessel with Ensign Phorrel and that’s all there is to it.” =^=

The tall Romulan laughed dryly and returned defiantly.

=^= “With all due respect, Commander, I am a civilian, not a member of the Republic Navy and therefore not bound by the combined forces charter or by any chain of command to be compelled by your authority. I have lived to see the Tal Shiar enslave our people and more recently murder my friends and colleagues. I was the one that determined the function of the Repository and awoke V’Ren’s ‘Well of Souls”. That makes me your best chance at ensure that the Free State doesn’t succeed in securing the secrets of the Northern Compact. You need me and I’m coming; whether you choose to extend your protection to me or not.” =^=

Lane sighed. There was truth in what Venrax said and if the Tal Shiar agent was indeed trying to access the Bunker, then she would be well served by the company of another Romulan to level the playing field. Despite her misgivings, she was fast running out of options and was forced to agree.

=^= “Very well Professor.” =^= Hanley smiled grimly. =^= “Although you may come to regret your decision in time.” =^=

Venrax began to busy himself gathering what scant supplies the survivors were able to take into exile and commented dryly.

=^= “Believe me Commander, I already am.” =^=

Lane opened up a comms channel to the ship.

=^= “Away team to USS Kirk. This is Actual.” =^=

The reception was poor, but through the haze of angry static, she could just about make out Bohrigm’s voice.

=^= “Go ahead away team, it’s good to hear your voice Captain.” =^=

Lane thought of her friend sat aboard their wounded vessel, sunk far below the black waters of the poisoned caldera-lake and thought that, on balance, Bo’ still had the best seat in the house all things considered.

She summarized all that had befallen them, in short order lest they lose comms altogether.

=^= “We’ve sustained three fatalities. Malem, Alba & Lin. Hostile contact with autonomous combat drone. Target neutralized. Have located and secured three survivors from the Selquar requiring immediate medevac. Ensign Phorrel accompanying two survivors. Three to beam immediately to sickbay for emergency treatment. Chief Harvey, myself and the last survivor proceeding to secure secondary mission objective. Confirm ?” =^=

=^= “Copy your last Captain, but did you say ‘Secondary-objective?” =^= Bohrigm’s voice sounded uncertain.

=^= “Affirmative. Ensign Phorrel will give you a sitrep. Am proceeding North. Will try to check in every three hours. If contact is lost your priority is to restore power, try to make orbit and signal Starfleet for help.” =^=

There was a long, protracted hiss of static on the comm channel. At first Lane wasn’t sure if they had lost contact with the Kirk, but moreover she knew that her friend would be inwardly digesting the implications of what she was telling him.

=^= “Kirk here, Actual. Copy your last. Standing by to beam three aboard. Good luck and God – speed, Commander.” =^=

Lane smiled sadly. It was a heavy duty to place upon her comrade, but she knew that Bo’ would do his duty no matter the cost. She nodded to herself in the near darkness and wondered if she would ever see him again and if the cost of her conviction would prove to high?

=^= “Thank you Kirk. Energize. Actual Out. =^=

The darkness of the chamber was suddenly illuminated by a gentle golden glow as the ailing – transporter from the USS Kirk acquired the forms of Ensign Phorrel and the two Romulans, the attendant energies swirling around their bodies as they gently teased apart their component atoms and transformed them to a stream of photons that took wing across the dead city.

When the glow faded to darkness again, Lieutenant – Commander Lane Hanley rounded her shoulders and with a determined set to her jaw, she commanded;

=^= “Away team. Stand to. We walk from here.”=^=