Missing Ship – USS Hertimus

Cody sat in his ready room aboard the USS Wolf. Near him, his fiancé Zyvia looked over a PADD with the orders that had been given to the Akira Squadron. Granted it was a brief summary of the orders but nonetheless it was detailed enough that it sent her mind into a spin.

“Borg?” she said in a questioning manner as she looked up from the PADD to Cody. Her antenna’s had moved from their normal upright and slightly back position to straight forward.

Cody nodded his head as he rubbed a two-day-old stubble on his chin. He hadn’t slept a wink during their departure for Trill as this fact played on his mind. Normally, he wouldn’t have questioned orders from the Fourth Fleet, but the mentioning of the ‘borg’ was playing heavy on his mind. He looked at Zyvia without moving his head and connected with her eyes.

“Find out what you can about the ongoings of the Fourth Fleet,” he said as his eyes returned to stare at the dull grey bulkhead of his ready room.

Zyvia nodded as she set the PADD down and stood up. She paused by her fiancé’s side leaned over and gave his cheek a quick kiss before exiting the room. Earning herself a prickling from his stubble.

As the last hiss from the door closing echoed into nothingness and silence crept into the room, Cody sat there, his mind ripping apart every aspect of the orders that the squadron had received.

Cody’s mind churned with a mix of concern and curiosity. The mention of the Borg always carried a weight of urgency and potential danger. The dull hum of the USS Wolf’s engines seemed to echo the gravity of the situation. Cody knew that dealing with the Borg was never a straightforward mission.

He reached for the PADD that Zyvia had just put down, scrolling through the summarized orders again. The details were intentionally vague, a common practice when dealing with sensitive information. The Fourth Fleet’s directives seemed clear on the surface, but the underlying questions lingered.

Cody’s thoughts drifted to his crew and the Akira Squadron. They were a capable group, but the Borg posed a unique challenge that required careful planning and strategic thinking. As a captain, he felt the weight of responsibility for the safety and success of his crew.

His ready room, usually a space for briefings and planning, now felt like a chamber of contemplation. The stark grey bulkheads seemed to close in on him. The soft glow of the console illuminated his face as he delved deeper into the available information, searching for any clues or additional context.

The ship’s computer, always ready to assist, remained silent as Cody mulled over the situation. The door hissed open again, and Zyvia re-entered the room, her antennae still angled forward in concentration.

“I’ve requested additional information from Fourth Fleet Command,” she informed Cody, her voice steady but tinged with concern. “It might take some time, but we should have a clearer picture soon.”

Cody nodded, appreciating Zyvia’s efficiency. He knew that the more information they had, the better they could prepare for what lay ahead. As the USS Wolf continued on its course, hurtling through the vastness of space toward the unknown threat, Cody couldn’t shake the feeling that the calm before the storm was slowly dissipating.

One Month Earlier…

Aboard the USS Hertimus, Captain Elara Talin stood on the bridge, her gaze fixed on the viewscreen as the ship hurtled through the vastness of space. The bridge crew worked diligently at their stations, ensuring the smooth operation of the starship.

Lieutenant Commander Marcus Reynolds, the ship’s first officer, approached Captain Talin with a concerned look on his face. “Captain, we’ve detected a strange subspace distortion on the sensors. It’s not matching any known phenomena, and it’s getting closer.”

Elara furrowed her brow, her instincts alert. “Red alert! Shields up, and plot an evasive course. Helm, take us away from that distortion, maximum warp.”

The crew responded swiftly to her orders, the ship’s systems humming with activity as the red alert klaxon blared through the corridors. The viewscreen displayed the mysterious distortion growing larger on the screen.

“Captain, the distortion is taking a humanoid form. Borg signature detected!” reported Lieutenant Commander Ava Rodriguez at the tactical station.

Elara’s heart skipped a beat. Borg encounters were never to be taken lightly. “Evasive maneuvers, full power to shields. We can’t afford to engage directly. Communications, send a distress signal to Starfleet Command. Inform them of our situation.”

As the Hertimus maneuvered through space, the Borg signature continued to advance. The tension on the bridge was palpable. Elara couldn’t help but think of the countless reports of Borg assimilations she had studied at the Academy.

“Captain, the Borg entity is hailing us,” announced Ensign Jason Miller, manning the communications station.

“On screen,” Elara ordered, her expression resolute.

The viewscreen flickered, revealing the cold, cybernetic face of a Borg representative. “We are the Borg. Your biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own. Resistance is futile.”

Elara took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. The fate of her crew and the Hertimus rested on her decisions in the coming moments. The countdown to a confrontation with the Borg had begun.

“Navigation, locate the nearest class 2 nebula,” the captain ordered as she stood up from the chair that she was in. Her eyes narrowed as she stared out into the abyss of space.

“Aye, Captain,” a voice replied. “I have found one, two light years from our current heading,” the voice continued as the nebula was displayed on the main view screen.

“Ava, prepare a sensor sweep for any anomalies within the nebula. If there’s a chance to lose the Borg in there, we’ll take it,” Captain Elara Talin commanded, her gaze unwavering.

“Aye, Captain. Initiating sensor sweep now,” replied Lieutenant Commander Ava Rodriguez, her fingers dancing across the tactical console.

As the USS Hertimus altered course toward the designated class 2 nebula, the bridge crew worked efficiently to execute the captain’s orders. Elara remained standing, her hands clasped behind her back, eyes fixed on the viewscreen as the ship approached the swirling gases of the nebula.

The ship entered the nebula, its exterior shimmering as it encountered the unique particles within. The Borg signature, once clear on the sensors, became distorted and elusive within the nebula’s interference.

“Captain, the nebula is providing significant interference. The Borg signature is fading from our sensors,” reported Lieutenant Commander Marcus Reynolds.

Elara nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. “Maintain course through the nebula. Let’s put as much distance as we can between us and the Borg. Ava, keep scanning for any signs of pursuit.”

As the USS Hertimus navigated through the nebula’s swirling gases, the bridge crew remained vigilant, ready for any unexpected developments. The class 2 nebula proved to be an effective sanctuary, shielding the ship from the relentless pursuit of the Borg.

The captain’s decision to seek refuge within the nebula demonstrated her quick thinking and adaptability, qualities essential when facing the unpredictable nature of encounters with the Borg. The crew of the USS Hertimus could now catch their breath and strategize their next moves within the safety of the cosmic haze.

On the USS Hertimus bridge, tension hung thick in the air as the crew watched the Borg vessel’s abrupt change in behavior. Captain Elara Talin leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the viewscreen, trying to discern the Borg’s intentions, the image of the cube was distorted and flickered as the interference from the gases within the nebula played havoc on their sensors.

“What are they doing?” muttered Lieutenant Commander Ava Rodriguez, her fingers hovering over the tactical controls.

“Unknown,” replied Lieutenant Commander Marcus Reynolds, his gaze narrowing at the peculiar energy formation on the Borg ship.

As the green energy continued to swirl and charge, the atmosphere on the bridge grew more tense. The crew, experienced but facing the unknown, exchanged uncertain glances.

“Captain, I can’t determine the nature of that energy buildup. It’s unlike anything in our database,” reported Ensign Jason Miller, manning the science station.

Elara’s mind raced, considering the possibilities. The Borg were notorious for their adaptability and unorthodox tactics. The Hertimus remained concealed within the nebula, but the threat outside was palpable.

“Shields at maximum. Prepare for evasive maneuvers,” Elara commanded, her voice steady despite the underlying tension. “Ava, keep scanning. I want to know if that energy is a prelude to an attack.”

As the crew braced for potential confrontation, the Borg ship unleashed the charged energy. A brilliant green beam shot out from the Borg vessel, slicing through space with unnerving precision. It struck a nearby asteroid, causing a cataclysmic explosion.

The shockwave rippled through the surrounding area, and the USS Hertimus jolted as the shockwave reached them.

“Shields holding, Captain. We’ve avoided the worst of it,” Ava reported.

Elara’s mind raced with possibilities. Was this a warning? A demonstration of power? The Borg’s actions remained inscrutable.

“Continue monitoring. Let’s not take any chances. Helm, keep us hidden within the nebula. We’ll wait and see what the Borg does next,” Elara commanded, her eyes still fixed on the viewscreen as the crew prepared for the unpredictable dance with one of the galaxy’s most formidable adversaries.

The urgency in the air intensified as the Borg cube’s weapons charged once again, this time targeting the very nebula that had been providing sanctuary to the USS Hertimus. Alarms blared, and the crew on the Hertimus scrambled to respond.

Elara’s eyes scanned the viewscreen as Lieutenant Commander Marcus Reynolds delivered the concerning news. The nebula, previously a refuge, was now in the crosshairs of the Borg’s devastating weaponry.

As panic threatened to settle in, Captain Talin’s authoritative voice cut through the chaos. “All right, people, snap out of it and get back to work. We must survive this next assault; otherwise, no one will be the wiser for it.”

The crew, shaken but determined, refocused on their stations. Ava worked swiftly at the tactical controls, trying to devise a strategy to mitigate the impending threat. Ensign Miller at the science station monitored the nebula’s readings, searching for any potential weaknesses.

“Helm, plot an evasive course. Take us deeper into the nebula, use its interference to our advantage,” Elara commanded, her eyes never leaving the viewscreen. “Ava, can we modulate our shields to absorb the energy from the Borg’s attack?”

Ava nodded, her fingers dancing across the controls. “I’ll do my best, Captain. Modulating shield frequencies now.”

The USS Hertimus maneuvered through the nebula, seeking refuge within its dense gases. The crew held their breath as the Borg unleashed their destructive force. The green energy beam struck the nebula, causing violent reactions within its swirling masses.

The ship rattled as shockwaves reverberated through space. The crew maintained their composure, trusting in their captain’s leadership. As the nebula absorbed the brunt of the Borg’s assault, the Hertimus navigated through the chaos, emerging on the other side battered but intact.

“Shields holding, Captain. We’ve made it through,” Ava reported.

Elara exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “Good work, everyone. Maintain course but keep a close eye on the sensors. We can’t afford any surprises. And Ava continue modulating the shields. We may not have seen the last of the Borg.”

Ava sat there in silence, her hands in her lap. She looked down at the console before her. Nothing shown on the now darkened controls. She turned and faced the captain.

“I am afraid that all systems are now down.”

Captain Elara Talin felt a chill run down her spine as Ava delivered the disconcerting news. The bridge, once alive with activity, now hummed in an eerie silence. Elara’s eyes narrowed as she took in the gravity of the situation.

“Can we restore power? What’s the extent of the damage?” Elara asked, her voice steady despite the growing tension.

Ava shook her head, her expression grim. “It’s not just a power outage, Captain. It’s as if the Borg’s attack bypassed our systems entirely. I can’t even access the backup controls. We’re completely offline.”

Elara’s mind raced as she considered the implications. The USS Hertimus, once a formidable starship, now drifted defenseless in the cold reaches of space. The crew exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of their predicament sinking in.

“Life support systems are still functional, Captain, but we’re vulnerable. I recommend initiating emergency protocols,” Ava suggested.

Elara nodded, her thoughts focused on the safety of her crew. “Initiate emergency protocols. We need to assess the damage and find a way to restore our systems. Communications, send a distress signal to any nearby Starfleet vessels. Let them know we’re adrift and in need of assistance.”

As the crew hurriedly implemented the emergency protocols, Elara couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that the Borg’s actions were calculated, designed to disable the Hertimus without outright destruction. The nebula, once a refuge, now seemed like a trap.

The captain rose from her chair, her gaze fixed on the viewscreen that displayed the desolate expanse of space. The Hertimus, adrift and vulnerable, awaited its fate in the aftermath of the Borg’s relentless assault.

“Tell me that we still have sensors,” Elara said as she stared at the hole at the center of the nebula.

“Passive only,” Ava replied.

As Elara continued to stare into the black void of space that was now being shown through the whole in the nebula her eyes fixated on the area suddenly widened as the outline of the Borg Cube started to materialize within the whole.

A collective gasp swept through the bridge as the ominous outline of the Borg Cube materialized within the breach in the nebula. The crew, already on edge, now faced the daunting presence of the cybernetic menace. Elara’s jaw clenched as she observed the massive vessel, its imposing form a stark reminder of the relentless pursuit they now found themselves in.

“Ava, can we get any systems back online? We need to defend ourselves,” Elara demanded, her eyes never leaving the looming threat on the viewscreen.

Ava frantically worked at the controls, her fingers dancing over the unresponsive console. “Captain, it’s no use. The Borg’s interference has crippled our systems. I can’t even initiate a warp core restart.”

Elara’s mind raced, contemplating their limited options. The Borg Cube, now fully visible, moved with calculated precision. The crew felt a sense of vulnerability, their once-mighty starship rendered powerless before the might of the Borg.

“Captain, they’re hailing us,” reported Ensign Jason Miller from the communications station.

“On screen,” Elara commanded, her expression resolute.

The viewscreen flickered to life, revealing the cold, emotionless face of a Borg representative. “We are the Borg. Your vessel is disabled. Resistance is futile. Prepare to be boarded.”

Elara’s grip tightened on the railing of her command chair. The crew exchanged tense glances, knowing the dire situation they were now in.

“Captain, we can’t let them take the ship. We have to find a way to fight back,” Marcus Reynolds urged, a sense of determination in his voice.

Elara nodded, her eyes never leaving the Borg representative on the viewscreen. “We may be disabled, but we’re not helpless. Initiating self-destruct sequence. We won’t let the Borg have the Hertimus.”

As the crew hurriedly carried out the captain’s orders, a sense of grim resolve settled over the bridge. The fate of the USS Hertimus and its crew hung in the balance as they prepared to make a final stand against the relentless advance of the Borg.

The bridge fell into a tense silence as Elara issued the commands for the self-destruct sequence and the deactivation of the escape pod beacons. The urgency in her voice reflected the weight of the decision she had just made.

“Activation of the self-destruct sequence confirmed. Abandon ship initiated. Homing beacons deactivated,” the computer responded in the calm, automated voice.

The crew on the bridge moved with a mix of urgency and somber determination. The red alert klaxons blared, signaling the critical state of the ship. Commander Reynolds swiftly relayed the abandon ship order, and throughout the USS Hertimus, crew members rushed to evacuation points, prepared to abandon the vessel that had become their home.

As Elara watched the Borg Cube looming on the viewscreen, her thoughts raced. Abandoning their ship was a hard decision, but it was a desperate measure to prevent the Borg from assimilating their technology. The sacrifice was evident, and the crew faced the harsh reality of losing their starship.

“Captain, all crew members have evacuated the ship,” reported Lieutenant Commander Ava Rodriguez.

Elara nodded, a mix of relief and sorrow in her eyes. “Computer, finalize the self-destruct sequence. Authorization Beta-5-6-2-4-9-Alpha, Alpha one Priority.”

“Authorization accepted. Self-destruct sequence initiated. T-minus five minutes,” the computer responded.

The bridge crew, now reduced in numbers, faced the countdown with a heavy silence. The Borg Cube continued its advance, seemingly unfazed by the impending destruction of the USS Hertimus.

Elara, with a final, determined look at the viewscreen, turned away. “Let’s get to the escape pods. We’ve done all we can for the ship. Now we ensure the survival of the crew.”

As the remaining crew members filed out of the bridge, leaving behind the vessel that had become their home, the countdown to the USS Hertimus’s self-destruction continued, a stark testament to the sacrifices made in the face of an unstoppable force.

The escape pods dispersed from the USS Hertimus, gliding away from the disabled starship like a flock of small, metallic birds. The saucer section, now adrift in the vastness of space, served as a silent witness to the unfolding events.

Inside the escape pods, the crew members braced themselves for the uncertain journey ahead. The coldness of space enveloped them as they moved away from the Hertimus, each pod carrying a handful of individuals who had once served together on the now-doomed starship.

Captain Elara Talin, now in one of the escape pods, monitored the situation through the small viewscreen. Her eyes remained fixed on the USS Hertimus, a vessel that had faced the Borg head-on and, in the end, chose sacrifice over assimilation.

“Let’s hope the Borg Cube sustains enough damage to deter pursuit. Keep monitoring their movements,” Elara instructed the crew members in the escape pod.

As the escape pods drifted into the cold darkness of space, the crew’s hopes rested on the Borg ship encountering difficulties or damage that would prevent it from pursuing them further. The odds were uncertain, but the crew of the USS Hertimus remained resilient, fueled by the determination to survive against the relentless threat of the Borg.

The saucer section of the USS Hertimus, a once-mighty starship, stood as a silent sentinel in the void, its sacrifice a testament to the indomitable spirit of its crew. The crew in the escape pods faced an uncertain future, but the glimmer of hope burned within them as they navigated the cold expanse of space, their destination unknown.

The USS Akira and USS Wolf emerged from warp, their powerful warp signatures fading into the fabric of space. Starbase Seventy-two materialized in the distance, a beacon of hope against the backdrop of the vast cosmic canvas. The starbase, with its sprawling arms and docking bays, stood as a symbol of refuge and resupply in the deep reaches of space.

Captain Cody of the USS Wolf and his crew, having navigated through the challenges posed by the Borg threat, felt a mixture of relief and weariness as they approached the starbase. The journey had been perilous, but the sight of the starbase brought a sense of security.

“Open a channel to Starbase Seventy-two,” Cody ordered, his voice calm yet filled with the weight of recent events.

A communications officer nodded and initiated the hail. “Starbase Seventy-two, this is Captain Cody of the USS Wolf. Requesting permission to dock for resupply and personnel transfer.”

The response came swiftly over the comm system. “Captain Cody, permission granted. Welcome back. Docking coordinates have been transmitted to your navigational systems.”

As the USS Akira continued its approach toward Starbase Seventy-two, Captain Vausees maintained her focused gaze on the structure ahead. The familiarity of the starbase brought a sense of reassurance, a reminder that within its walls lay the command structure of her Task Force.

“Incoming message from Captain Bettencourt,” Debrah announced, drawing Vausees’ attention away from the viewscreen.

“Put it through,” Vausees ordered, her posture attentive.

The viewscreen transitioned to display Captain Cody Bettencourt of the USS Wolf. His message brought confirmation that they were cleared for docking, signaling the next step in their journey.

“We’re cleared for docking,” Cody announced from the viewscreen.

Vausees nodded in acknowledgment, her pale blue eyes meeting Cody’s on the screen. “Proceed, Captain, and we will see you on the other side. Comm’s contact the Dock Master and request docking procedures,” she ordered before giving a final nod to Cody. The viewscreen returned to the image of Starbase Seventy-two as the USS Akira continued its approach.

The communications officer swiftly initiated contact with the Dock Master, relaying the request for docking procedures. The process unfolded with practiced efficiency as the starbase prepared to welcome the USS Akira and its squadron.

Vausees remained in her command seat, a sense of anticipation mingling with the relief of returning to the familiar embrace of the Starbase. The next challenge was to uncover why the Akira Squadron had been recalled so soon.