“I am sorry, Captain. I do not know what to do anymore.”

The heavy silence that followed Una’s statement was both deafening and oppressive, even though most of those present had expected them to reach this point sooner rather than later. Brennan folded her arms in front of her chest, and stared down at the PADD that contained the very information that the usually so controlled half-Vulcan on edge. 

Captain Ceix, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair and reached for his cup of coffee. The usual aura of calm that surrounded him hadn’t faltered, but considering the situation they were in, it seemed utterly misplaced. 

“We can’t keep them here against their will.”, argued their Chief Counsellor, a middle-aged man who Brennan knew was trying to omit the fact that she was part of the problem rather than the solution. But then most of the crew were. 

Sydin, seated next to him, gave a nod. 

“I can confine them all to quarters…”, said Una hesitantly “But it is only a matter of time until they are no longer content with this. Should they revolt, we no longer have the manpower to keep them subdued.”

“And neither should we.”, the Counselor piped up once more. 

Brennan’s lips pressed into a tight line. “And they all want to leave?”, she asked, once more staring at the list of names that had only grown longer since they had last discussed the matter – a mere few hours ago. 

Una gave a single nod. “Yes.” 

Brennan shook her head in disbelief. “If this keeps up, it doesn’t really matter whether they beam down to Asada or simply remain locked up. With so many crew unable or unwilling to fulfil their duties, the Callisto will be stranded here.”

“We should leave the Asada system and figure out what is happening.”

At that suggestion, Ceix shook his head. “That would mean leaving the crew of the Givens behind. I am not willing to do that.”

“But Captain…”, said Brennan. “If there is something about Asada that makes people want to abandon their ships and beam down to the planet, leaving the area might just be the cure. We can return once we’ve gathered more information. I know it isn’t ideal, but…”

“We are not leaving.”

Ceix’s voice had not risen in volume, but its usual warmth had dissipated entirely. Brennan swallowed the words that threatened to break through her lips – the accusation that he too was affected, and that he was unfit to make decisions. 

They still had not come any closer to answering the question who or what Naeric was, but they knew that Ceix was part of it. 

Deep down, she knew that she had to speak up. But… she was the new First Officer, he was a well-liked and trusted Captain, with a track record of successful missions and his crew’s wellbeing as priority. 

Brennan decided to remain silent. For now.

“Then what do you want to do, Captain?”, asked Una after waiting for Brennan to say something.

“I think this might be an opportunity.”, argued Sydin.

Una straightened in surprise. “An opportunity?”

“Yes.”, Ceix nodded slowly. “ Both our own crew and the crew of the USS Givens and that of the Qualle seem to be enthralled with this planet. If we allow them to go and send our own away team with them, we might find out what makes Asada so appealing.”

“And what if the team doesn’t return? What if that pull is even stronger on the surface?” Brennan protested. 

“We have come to the conclusion that whatever is happening does not seem to affect the ship’s telepaths.”, Una divulged reluctantly. “You should send people according to these findings.”

“That does not mean that they won’t be affected when you are down on the planet.”, the Counselor chimed in. 

“I agree with Lieutenant Una. If we do not move the ship, our chance of getting out of here is running slim. If this keeps spreading, the Calisto will not be able to navigate anymore. We will actually be unable to leave.”

“You’re not wrong, Commander Brennan”,  said Ceix. “I, as of yet, have no interest in abandoning the Calisto. I will lead the away team.”

“You can’t leave the ship, Captain.”, Brennan exclaimed. Her voice had risen to a high pitch, the panic in it evident. 

It was true that the captain had said that he wanted to follow the others down to the planet, but that does not mean that he didn’t harbour this wish.

“I can.”, Ceix reminded her.

Brennan bit her lip. “Understood.” she sighed. “I would like to come with you.”

The Captains thought about this, and leaned forward. For a moment, it seemed that he was going to decline her request. But after a moment of silence it seemed that he did not have any suitable argument against it. 

“Very well” he said “Make preparations. Dismissed.”

Brennan’s legs felt heavy as she rose from her chair and left the ready room, closely followed by Una, while the other two officers remained with the Captain. 

It didn’t feel right. None of this did. 

“I regret to inform you, Commander, that this…  is a bad idea.”, Una noted once they were out of earshot. 

Brennan gave a slow nod. “I know. But I don’t know what else to do. Have we made any progress on the shields?”

“With the number of people we have on it, no. Not yet.”

“Then I think that .. well, in this, Captain Ceix is correct. Beaming down to the surface might give us a hint at what is going on. Just make sure you get us out of there before we decide to stay.”

“I will do my best.” Una gave a curt nod, and turned towards the turbolift, leaving Brennan a moment to regain her composure before heading into the opposite direction to assemble the away team.