“You need to prepare your people,” Percy told Alyra.

Nodding, Alyra pressed a control on one of the consoles at the edge of the Committee chamber. A synthetic voice intoned, “Attention. Attention.”

“Citizens,” Alyra began. “Due to the actions of High Keeper Kaedric, our city is facing certain destruction. Power is feeding back into the city’s power generators. When it reaches critical levels, the generators will explode, destroying the city. The outsiders have offered to evacuate us to their ship, and I have accepted their offer.

Alyra looked at Percy and Yamada with a soft smile. “I trust these people. As you should. We will be in safe hands. I will not allow Kaedric’s actions to doom our people. This is the end of a dark chapter in our history, and the beginning of a new one, filled with hope and opportunity. Good luck to us all. Prepare for transport.”

When she was finished speaking, Alyra approached Percy. “I wish to be the last person transported to your vessel.”

“Of course,” Percy agreed with a nod. He quickly relayed the instruction to the Challenger.

Ithara stepped towards him. “Are you sure you will be able to transport us safely to your ship?”

“We believe it’s safe,” Yamada assured her, rubbing her arm.

Percy opened his mouth to speak, but Alyra spoke first. “Perhaps we should transport a test subject first.”

“I’d like to volunteer,” Ithara announced.

Captain Rix’s voice echoed around the Committee chamber. “Challenger to Montague. We’re ready to proceed.”

“Captain,” Percy began. “The Kaelani would like to test the transporter before we begin beaming their people up.”

There was a momentary pause. “There isn’t a whole lot of time, Doctor. The generators will overload in just over eight minutes.”

“I understand, sir,” Percy replied. “But they’d like to perform a test first.”

Rix’s sigh could be heard over the comm. “Understood. Prepare to beam up, Doctor.”

“Not me, sir,” Percy plucked the commbadge from his uniform and placed it on Ithara’s clothes.

She launched herself into Percy’s arms and held him tightly for a moment. Though he was mindful that time was not on their side, Percy allowed himself to squeeze her as tightly as he dared, given the effects of the Wasting.

When he pulled back, they looked at each other through eyes shining with unshed tears.

“I’ll see you soon,” He told her before addressing the Captain. “Challenger, lock onto my commbadge and energise.”

They watched as the dematerialisation began. Ithara’s body dissolved in the typical shower of light and sparkles, though Percy felt the sequence lasted longer than normal. The look of concern on Yamada’s face suggested she thought the same thing.

Seconds later, Ithara rematerialised in front of them. Her voice quivered as she spoke, “What happened?” 

“Standby,” Commander Bradshaw instructed. “Energising.”

The transport cycle started again, this time it seemed to go smoothly, much to Percy’s relief. The next few seconds felt more like minutes as they waited for a report from Challenger. Percy reached out and placed a hand on Alyra’s shoulder. 

“We have her,” Bradshaw reported.

The relief Percy felt was reflected in Alyra’s features when they heard Ithara’s voice. “I have arrived unharmed.”

“We’re ready to go on this end, Doctor.”

Percy took a deep breath and gave Alyra what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Energise.”

Five minutes had elapsed since they began beaming people up and Challenger’s corridors were teeming with people. Sebastian had never seen so many people crammed into such a confined space. As soon as the Kaelani were materialising on the transporter pad, they were shepherded out of the transporter rooms and led to the nearest medical facilities and lounges, where teams were assisting the refugees. Meanwhile, temporary accommodations were being set up in Challenger’s cargo bays where the Kaelani would be made as comfortable as possible. 

Sobs pierced the air as people searched desperately for loved ones, consoled by friends. Parents gripped the hands of their children tightly. Others tried to soothe crying infants. Young people assisted the elderly. Most of the faces Sebastian saw were fearful, some were confused. 

Sebastian spotted a young boy, no more than five years old standing off to one side, screaming. His red face had tears streaming down it. Sebastian moved closer but before he got close enough, the boy was lifted by what seemed to be his mother and instantly began to calm, his screams becoming a whimper. It was difficult not to be affected by what he was witnessing.

He couldn’t even imagine how he would react if he were in their shoes.

The Kaelani had just been suddenly ripped from the only surroundings they’d ever known with little warning, but they followed the instructions of Sebastian’s officers remarkably well. There was a real community spirit among these people, helping each other navigate their unfamiliar surroundings.

“This way,” Sebastian called. “Just follow the guide.”

In addition to the guide displayed on the wall panels, security officers were stationed at regular intervals along the corridors to help direct people. Moving against the flow of people, like a salmon swimming upstream, Sebastian eventually reached the transporter room.

“How’s it going?” Sebastian asked.

Chief Petty Officer Jaska Del didn’t look up from her console. “Four minutes, thirty-three seconds until the city’s generators overload. We’ve beamed up less than half the city’s population so far.”

There were fewer than five minutes before the city’s power generators overloaded, destroying the only home these people had ever known. It was going to be tight. Even using the transporter of every shuttle and runabout onboard, time may best them.

“Has Doctor Montague beamed up yet?” Sebastian asked.

Jaska shook her head. “No, sir. He’s requested to remain on the planet until the last minute.”

“What!?” Sebastian snapped.

Looking up from her console for the first time, Jaska slowly said, “Doctor Montague has requested to remain with the Kaelani leader, Alyra.”

“That stupid little fucker.” The words left Sebastian’s mouth before he realised what he was saying. The wide-eyed look Jaska gave him caused his face to heat. “Sorry, chief. Thank you.”

Following the latest group to beam up, as another one materialised on the pad, Sebastian allowed himself to be carried along by the thronging Kaelani crowd. His mind raced. What was Percy thinking? He should have been one of the first to beam up. No doubt Percy had some noble reason for remaining behind, but that didn’t assuage Sebastian’s concern.

“Sebastian!”

The sound of his name caused Sebastian to stop and turn, the crowd flowing around him as if he were a large rock in the middle of a river. The source of the voice was Lieutenant Commander Tristian Drake, Challenger’s chief diplomatic officer. 

Moving against the flow, Sebastian made his way to where Drake was standing with a Kaelani man standing beside him. “Commander Sebastian Montague, I’d like to introduce Lethan. He’s a member of the Kaelani leadership committee.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Sebastian greeted him politely with an outstretched hand.

Lethan grasped Sebastian’s hand with a loose grip and gave it an enthusiastic shake. “You’ve saved my people twice. I fear we may never be able to repay the debt we owe you.”

“You don’t owe us anything,” Sebastian assured him. “Though I’m a little unclear. What do you mean we saved your people twice?”

Glancing from Sebastian to Tristian and back, Lethan replied, “Not only did you rescue us from the destruction of our city, but Percy discovered the cause of the Wasting. He believes it will be easy to treat.”

Though Sebastian’s chest swelled with pride, it was tempered by worry. “Do you know why Percy is still on the planet?”

“He elected to remain with Chairwoman Alyra,” Lethan told them. “She wishes to be the last to leave the city.”

Noble fool, Sebastian grumbled silently.  “We should get you to sickbay.”

“I appreciate the offer,” Lethan said with a shake of his head. “But the safety and security of the Kaelani is my responsibility. I’d prefer to make sure they are settled and being looked after before I rest.”

A smile tugged at Sebastian’s lips. “Then you and I have something in common. If Commander Drake doesn’t mind, perhaps I could accompany you?”

“I have no objections,” Drake said.

Lethan bowed his head. “Of course.”

“We’ve set up a triage facility in a nearby cargo bay,” Sebastian explained. “Why don’t we start there?”

“Lead the way.”

Sebastian motioned in the direction the rest of the Kaelani were going and followed closely behind Lethan. Worry continued to eat at him, but he ignored it as best he could. There was still time for Percy to be beamed up. Wasn’t there?

The perception of time was a funny old thing, Percy decided. Minutes could feel like an eternity, or like seconds. The time since Ithara was beamed up was very much the latter as far as Percy was concerned. Their time was almost up.

The city’s power generator was rapidly reaching critical levels. When it did, it would explode, destroying the underground city and leaving a gaping crater on the face of the planet. That knowledge was at the forefront of Percy’s mind. He was bathed in sweat as he listened to Captain Rix.

“As soon as the generator goes critical,” Rix said authoritatively. “We’re pulling you out.”

Alyra set her jaw before asking, “Make sure you wait until all of my people are safely aboard your vessel before you transport me.”

“Ma’am,” Rix’s pause caused Percy’s heart to drop. “We’re not going to be able to rescue all of your people.”

Nodding slowly, Percy marvelled at how calmly Alyra absorbed that news. “Then I won’t be leaving.”

“Chairwoman,” Percy said before correcting himself. “Alyra. You can’t stay here. You-”

“As long as there are people left in this city, I will remain,” Alyra said serenely.

Percy took a deep breath, “If you’re staying, I’m staying.”

“Doctor.” 

The warning tone was clear in Rix’s voice, but Percy ignored it. “Standby.” 

Alyra scowled at him. “You should return to your ship.”

Percy stepped closer to Alyra. “Your people need you.”

“A new leader will emerge,” Alyra told him.

With his heart thundering in his chest, knowing he didn’t have time to stand here and argue, “In time, perhaps. But we are ripping your people from the only home they’ve ever known and thrusting them into a strange new environment.”

“Even with our help, settling on the surface will be difficult. Your people need an experienced leader,” Percy continued. “Someone they can trust, something that’s in short supply now that two of their leaders have betrayed them and destroyed their home.”

Percy could see the internal struggle play out on Alyra’s face, but the disembodied voice of Captain Rix cut through the tension. “Doctor, the generator is going critical.”

Deep booms could be heard coming from somewhere below them as the generators overloaded, exploding with force. The ground beneath them rumbled violently, and Alyra and Percy reached for each other. 

Looking Alyra in the eyes, Percy pleaded, “Please.”

They looked down the tunnel that led away from the Committee chamber and watched in horror as a fireball raced towards them.

“Very well,” Alyra finally relented.

“Challenger,” Percy shouted. “Two to beam up!”

The fireball sped ever closer, and Percy closed his eyes, preparing for the end. In the instant before the fireball struck them, he decided that if he was going to die, this was how he wanted it to be.

The deep rumble was replaced by the almost imperceptible vibration of the Challenger’s warp core felt through the deck plates. Cracking an eye open, Percy found himself standing in one of Challenger’s transporter rooms, being watched by a group. While the others were a blur, he could make out Sebastian clearly.

“Welcome home,” Sebastian said as he stepped onto the pad.

Percy stumbled towards his brother and fell into his arms, hugging him tightly as a sob escaped and tears pricked at his eyes. The weight of what had just happened was too much. Sebastian tightened his grip as Percy squeezed his eyes shut.

A split second later, and they would have been dead. Percy’s chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath. The gentle rub of Sebastian’s hand on his back grounded Percy and helped to bring him back to the present.

He slowly extracted himself from Sebastian’s hold and wiped his eyes. Sheepishly, he said, “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Sebastian assured him. “Cheating death the first time is pretty heavy.”

Percy nodded at his brother’s words as he swallowed in a vain attempt to clear the lump from his throat. 

With a watery smile, Ithara stepped forward, threw her arms around Percy, and whispered, “I thought you were going to die.”

“So did I,” Percy told her. 

When he closed his eyes, he could see that fire, still coming towards him. He knew that was going to haunt him for some time.

“Thank you,” Ithara said earnestly. “You’ve saved our people.”

Percy shook his head as he pulled back and looked Ithara in the eyes. “I didn’t do anything. You did. Your bravery and Alyra’s leadership saved your people.”

Ithara’s face brightened with an embarrassed smile, and her pale face turned red.

Looking around the room, there was a notable absence. “Where’s Yamada?”

“She’s assisting the refugees,” Sebastian replied.

To his right, Percy found Alyra similarly pulling away from Lethan’s arms. “How many of my people didn’t make it?”

Sebastian told her, “We estimate one hundred and forty-nine people were still on the surface when the city was destroyed.”

“The residents in the Rhaena district were still down there when the generators exploded,” Lethan’s explanation was subdued. “We believe many of them were families with young children.”

The atmosphere in the transporter room changed in an instant.  Jubilation became sadness, grief. Percy could see the tears forming in Alyra’s eyes, and Lethan reached out to comfort her. Those families, especially their children, were the future of her people. Now their lives had been snuffed out, cut short by Kaedric’s actions.

Alyra closed her eyes and bowed her head. “May they find peace in death, and their souls live on in the great beyond.”

Watching these people mourn their dead, Percy’s heart felt like someone had reached into his chest and slowly tightened their grip on it. The Starfleet officers remained silent, giving the three Kaelani space to grieve. Percy gently rubbed Ithara’s back as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

Minutes passed before Alyra smoothed her clothes and straightened her back, though her stoop seemed more pronounced. “Are my people being taken care of?”

“They are,” Sebastian assured her, and Lethan nodded in agreement.

Alyra nodded and looked at Lethan. “Where are Kaedric and Saelith?”

“Commanders Hayes and Tanner have secured them in their detention facility,” Lethan replied. “Commander Montague has offered to hold them for us until we are ready to take them back into our custody.”

Turning back to Sebastian, Alyra asked, “What of the cure for the Wasting that Percy spoke of?”

“Our chief medical officer, Doctor Jorin, has confirmed Percy’s diagnosis,” Sebastian said, the ghost of a smile pulling at his lips. “It’s a vitamin D deficiency.”

Percy stepped in. “We won’t proceed with the treatment without your express permission.”

“Thank you, Percy. For everything.” Alyra said with a warm smile. “I would like a chance to address my people before we begin administering the treatment.”

It was understandable. They’d already been through a lot. Having strangers inject you with strange treatments with no preparation would frighten Percy.

“We should get the three of you to sickbay,” Percy announced, motioning for the door. “Get you checked out.”

Alyra shook her head. “There will be time enough for that, Percy. I wish to check on my people first.”

“Of course,” Percy replied with a smile.

Leading the three Kaelani out of the transporter room, he couldn’t help but admire not just Alyra, but all of these people. They’d endured years of pain from the Wasting, and now were looking at difficult years ahead as they re-established their civilisation on the surface of the world. 

But Percy was in no doubt; they would thrive because of the leadership of Alyra and Lethan. It wouldn’t surprise him if Ithara proved to be a future leader in the making, given what he’d seen.

Percy was optimistic about the future of the Kaelani, which was more than he could say about himself.