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// Written by Jonathan Lau
Chapter 3
Shras sat down on the
couch and motioned for his guests to do the same. He rarely often
had guests in his ready room. The last time he remembered having
this many people inside was during their mission in the Mberayal
System. It was out of necessity as his ready room was the only
source of light available after the ship was forced to land on the
surface of a planet. The other times guests ventured into his ready
room occurred when reports were being handed to him or given
verbally. Ambassador Graves sat down, while Admiral Crenshaw
remained standing. Crenshaw cleared his throat and began his
briefing. “Captain, a few months ago we assigned Ambassador Graves
to Sesmaru IV as a liaison for the Federation. A few weeks ago,
threats were made against his life as well as his daughter’s.”
“In my many years as a diplomat,” said the Ambassador. “I have
received many threats.”
“Really? So what changed this time?” asked Shras inquisitively.
“This time, someone tried to make good on the threat, Captain.”
Admiral Crenshaw answered. “The housing complex where the Ambassador
stayed was destroyed. We discovered traces of an explosive compound.
It is still under analysis as we speak.”
“Fortunately, I was no where near the complex. I had a last minute
conference at the Sesmarian Ministry,” recalled the Ambassador. “My
daughter was out in the market.”
“So where does the Geneva come in?” Shras wondered.
“I was getting to that,” grumbled the Admiral. “Your orders are
quite simple. You are to transport the Ambassador and his daughter
to Earth where they should be safe. Once you reach Earth, you and
your crew will receive your well deserved R&R. You have permission
for the duration of this mission to exceed warp five as you see fit,
Captain.”
“When do we leave?”
“Immediately,” said the Admiral. “Once I disembark, you are to leave
immediately.”
“Understood, Admiral,” acknowledged Shras.
“I’ll take leave of you now,” announced the Admiral. “Good luck and
god speed, Captain.”
Shras stood up and walked the Admiral out the door and turned his
attention back to the Ambassador as he made his way for the bridge
as well. “Do you have an idea who might do this?”
“Captain, I have made as many enemies as I have friends working as a
diplomat,” explained the Ambassador. “I couldn’t begin to tell you
who may have a grudge against me.”
Shras let out a disappointed sigh and walked up the steps onto the
bridge.
“Ambassador, could I offer you a beverage?”
“That’s very generous, Captain,” said the Ambassador, “However, I am
not thirsty.”
Shras sat down and motioned for the Ambassador to sit beside him on
his right. The Ambassador nodded his head and sat down. Shras turned
to his left, “Mr. Lashbrook, inform me when the Admiral has
disembarked.”
“Yes, sir.”
Shras waited patiently for Lashbrook’s signal. The assignment seemed
simple enough. However, he knew there was a chance something could
go wrong. He hated surprises.
“Captain? The Starbase has received the Admiral,” reported Lashbrook.
“We are free to depart.”
“Thank you, Ensign,” he replied as he turned to the conn. “Helm,
undock from the Starbase, lay in a course for Earth and engage at
warp eight.”
Ensign Goldberg’s resolute voice responded. “Yes, Captain.”
Shras watched the viewscreen as the ship slowly departed from the
inside of the Starbase. He knew they were required to use only
thrusters, but still feel as if precious time were being wasted.
“Captain, we have cleared the Starbase,” reported Susan, “Course for
Earth laid in. Engaging engines at warp eight. Now!”
Shras watched the viewscreen again as the stars began to zoom by.
The sight of which never ceased to amaze him. He looked over his
right shoulder at his fellow Andorian Lieutenant, Kizlev.
“Lieutenant, keep an eye out for any vessels that come within one
light year of us and report it to me immediately.”
Kizlev looked up from his console and back at the Andorian Captain.
“Are we to expect any trouble, Captain?”
“We are to expect the unexpected, Mr. Kizlev,” replied Shras.
“Hopefully, that means nothing will happen.”
“Yes, sir.”
Shras looked back at the Ambassador who continued to stare at the
main viewscreen. The Ambassador turned his head to face the Captain.
“Captain, I sure hope for my sake and the sake of my daughter that
nothing happens.”
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