Deliverance

Posted on Sun Jun 21st, 2020 @ 4:29am by Captain Nycolas Temple & Captain Tobias Rao
Edited on on Wed Jun 24th, 2020 @ 7:57am

Mission: New Moon Rising
Location: USS Palatine

Having reached a significant distance from Tzenkethi space and returned to the relative safety of the Talarian border within the Carnwennan Corridor, the USS Pandora and USS Palatine had slowed down to rendezvous with each other once more. It was due to be a brief reunion, as the Pandora would soon travel onwards to the Inconnu Region and the Palatine continued her service in the Corridor.

Commander Nycolas Temple was on the Palatine, watching solemnly as medics prepared for Lieutenant Kolbeck's arrival. The injured former CMO was being transferred back to Carnwennan Station on the Vesta class vessel and Nyx wanted to oversee his friend's transfer personally. He stood in quiet reservation as the medics set up a special bio bed for the Lieutenant. Though he knew Van would be safe and recieve the highest care, he was still nervous about the transfer and sad to see him leave.

Tobias found Nycolas and walked up beside him, he nodded to him as they both waited queirly.

"Nycolas, I'd say its good to have you aboard but I know this isn't a good time or reason for you to be here," he offered. Losing an officer for Tobias was a hard thing, let alone any CO in the service. However if you could support his colleague and friend, Tobias was there.

"Thank you, Tobias," Nyx replied with a half-hearted smile, "I just wanted to come and see Van off personally. And to thank you for the Palatine's help against the Tzenkethi."

Tobias nodded in acceptance. "My pleasure...its what we're here for," he said, knowing that his crew had performed to his orders. "We're here to help, however my fear is the trouble you could run into when we're not around or even out of the sector..." he said. With the Palatine as a support vessel for the Pandora, he knew there would be times they wouldn't be around to keep the odds even.

"With that in mind, I've contacted Starfleet about assigning another starship in the area to try and make sure you have some cover, should the situation get any worse out there..." he paused. "With this recent action by the Tzenkethi, I suspect a war isn't far away and we need the Pandora to keep pushing ahead before the situation escalates."

"Aye," Nyx replied gravely, "This skirmish was certainly an eye-opener for myself as a Captain. Especially how quickly we seemed to get suckered into this conflict."

Temple paused for a moment as medics arrived with Lieutenant Kolbeck and he was transferred over to the bio bed without issue. Nyx still looked on impatiently as all vitals were checked and a nurse thankfully confirmed Van was still sleeping comfortably in his medically induced coma. Relieved, Nyx turned back to Captain Rao and sighed.

"I believe your suspicions are correct," Nyx finally answered, "The Carnwennan Corridor is like a powder keg. I can only imagine how the Expanse has changed during the Federation's absence. Hopefully you won't be too far out of reach, or that Starfleet can send us another support ship."

Tobias patted Nycolas on the shoulder. "We'll not be far away," he said. "Should you need us, for anything...just call and I'll make damn sure that The Palatine shatters some local speed records to get to you and your crew," he swore. Tobias made sure he was understood.

"Thank you, Captain," Temple replied, "You folks really were our guardian angels out there."

As the medics departed, Nyx sighed, "I should really get back to the Pandora. Thank you again, Tobias. As much as it hurts to see Lieutenant Kolbeck like this, it could have been much worse without your intervention."

Tobias turned to face him. "Its my pleasure to serve and protect, now go home Nycolas...spend some much needed time with your family."

"Oh yes!" Nyx cried, suddenly remembering the other reason to be eternally grateful to the Palatine. "Thank you also for bringing Emilie and Katrine to us and getting them here safe. It means everything to me to have them onboard."

Tobias smiled as he could see the relief for Nycolas to have his family on board safe and sound with him. Knowing of how good it was having his own family nearby, he could understand his reaction. "My pleasure good sir," he repsonded. "I'd made it my highest priority to make sure that they got to you safe and sound."

Nyx just nodded, and his face beamed with happiness. "Thank you, again, Tobias. I hope we will see you again soon.'

Tobias nodded as he shook hands with his fellow Captain and friend before heading back off to continue his duties on board.

Nyx gave one final look to Van before leaving, reaching out a hand to touch him gently on his resting shoulder, "Sikker rejse hjem, min bror."

OFF