The hum of the warp core serves as a steady undercurrent, while the bridge of the Ukiah is bathed in the soft glow of the console lights. The main viewscreen displays the star-strewn expanse of space, with the faint outline of a derelict cargo vessel drifting in the distance. The crew is tense, their focus sharpened by the potential threat. Koro stands at the tactical station, his Tellarite features set in a determined scowl, while Jhaerys adjusts the science console, his antennae twitching with concentration. Likika sits in the command chair, her Romulan composure masking her unease, while Amar observes his station, his Betazoid empathy picking up on the crew’s anxiety.

Seeing a weak beep appear on his console, Jhaerys narrowed his eyes. “Captain, I am picking up a faint transponder signal from that derelict. It matches one of the missing shipments from Hecate Station.”

Koro tapped on his console without waiting for his Captain’s orders. “Let me scan for disruptor residue. If this is Klingon work, we’ll know soon enough.” He looked at his console as he got the scan ready, locking onto the derelict object in front of them.

While Likika wanted to respond immediately, she didn’t see any danger. “Proceed, but keep our distance. I don’t want to walk into a trap.”

“Make sure to log everything,” Amar addressed everyone on the bridge. “Starfleet will want a full report.”

The bridge falls into a tense silence as the Ukiah’s sensors sweep the derelict vessel. The faint beeps of the science console punctuate the quiet, while tactical readouts flicker with data. Jhaerys leans forward, his antennae quivering as he analyzes the readings. Koro’s gruff voice breaks the silence, “I am detecting disruptor residue on the hull. Also, there is an indication of forced entry.”

Nodding in response to Koro’s report, Jhaerys followed up, “This is indeed the derelict’s identity as one of the missing shipments that Hecate needed.”

Leaning back in her chair, Likika’s expression hardens, her Romulan instincts screaming danger. “Perhaps we should send in an away team for further investigation.” She looks sideways at Amar. “Or take the cautious approach and continue scanning?” She is trying her best to adapt to Starfleet ways.

A glimpse of pride crosses Amar’s face as he gives a soft nod, sensing her internal conflict. “A cautious approach would be best in this situation. We need more data to know what we’re heading into.”

“Number one, brief rundown,” Likika signaled, “and everyone else, hold your position and keep an eye out.” With that, she stands up and walks to the ready room, followed by her first officer.

Ready Room

The ready room is a stark contrast to the bridge’s tension, its soft lighting and personal artifacts offering a brief respite. Likika stands at the window, taking a deep breath as she notices the door close behind Amar. “We need to send in an away team to gather more evidence.”

Amar stands behind her, his expression calm, but his Betazoid senses pick up on her frustration. The weight of the decision hangs heavy in the air, risk sending an away team or play it safe and report it to Starfleet. “And risk walking into a Klingon ambush? We don’t even know if they’re still out there.”

Turning to face Amar, her posture relaxes and her expression becomes neutral. “We’ll send a small team, heavily armed and ready for anything. But we need those answers.”

Amar agrees, “Agreed. But let’s make sure they follow protocols to the letter.” He is a bit unsure about this approach, it could risk a lot, especially with Klingons being trigger-happy these days, but he follows the word of his Captain as he accompanies her back to the bridge.

Derelict Ship

The derelict cargo vessel looms on the viewscreen, its hull scarred and lifeless. The away team, Koro, Jhaerys, and Sarin, materializes on its darkened bridge, their tricorders casting eerie glows in the dim light. The air is stale, and the silence is unnerving.

Koro takes point, his phaser drawn. “I will secure the area,” he states, his gruff demeanor masking his unease at the setting they have just entered.

Meanwhile, Jhaerys scans for energy signatures as he looks in a certain direction. “I’m picking up disruptor signatures. Definitely Klingon,” he announces, a word that puts the whole team on high alert.

“The logs mention cloaked ships,” Sarin states while reading the partial logs. “They took the cargo and left in a hurry.”

Returning to the group, Koro looks at them both. “We’ve got what we came for; let’s get back before they decide to return.” A plan that everyone on this bridge could agree on. Koro taps his badge, “Away team to Ukiah, three to beam up.” With that stated, the three disappear as soon as they arrive, not taking any chances with luck.

Bridge

Back on the Ukiah’s bridge, the away team delivers their findings. Likika listens intently, her Romulan instincts urging her to act. “We have to do something about this, but the only two choices I can come up with are to pursue the Klingons or to report it to Starfleet.” Likika leaves the floor open for any suggestions or perhaps a third option.

“It’s the Klingons, no doubt about it. They’re behind it,” Koro asserts, his tension evident as he looks at his Captain. “I would suggest pursuing them with caution.”

Leaning on his console, Jhaerys shrugs, “But we don’t know if it’s a rogue faction or something bigger.” He feels they might be dealing with something beyond their level and skills. “I would suggest reporting it to Starfleet.”

“I tend to agree; we risk a diplomatic incident. We should inform Starfleet now,” Amar emphasizes, stressing the need for backup or further instructions.

Letting the words sink in, Likika looks at them all and nods softly. “Not yet. We’ll gather more intel first,” she orders, delaying the report to Starfleet. The bridge crew exchange glances at this risky decision. “Let’s follow the breadcrumbs and see what we find,” Likika states.