= USS Chimera - Astrometrics Lab =
Erik and a small group of science officers were hard at work in the Astrometrics Lab trying to find a way to reinforce the shields, perhaps using the navigational deflector to strengthen them against a similar attack like the shield inversion beam. But it was a difficult task with the unstable power supply and lack of access to several key systems. So far the lab had managed to sustain power by for how long was unknown.
They were busy analysing the data taken from the beam that had caused their shields to drop when the ship shuddered violently, causing most of the small team to steady themselves or fall to the ground. The large holographic wrap-around screen immediately went blank, followed by the consoles and the lights.
"Great," Erik muttered under his breath as he rubbed his fingers against his brow. He reached down for the plasma rod underneath the console he'd been working at and tapped it against the edge of the console to bring it to life. "I have a feeling the power isn't going to be coming on soon," he said to the officers gathered in the lab. "So let's just all stay calm and -"
Suddenly a group of security personnel burst through the door causing one of the female science officers to shriek loudly in fright. The man at the front of the group shone his light into Erik's face to check his rank.
"Do you mind not shining your light in my face?" the Task Force science officer said dryly.
"Commander, there has been an impulse reactor breach several decks down," the Vulcan corporal said, lowering his light slightly. "Transport inhibitors are proving to be ineffective and Romulan patrols are expected to come this way shortly. Please, come with us."
"No need to tell us twice," Erik said as he stepped forward, adjusting the phaser pistol at his side. "Come on everyone, you heard the man. Single file, no screaming please."
"Sorry, sir," Petty Officer Lanette said softly beside him as they stepped out into the corridor.
"Don't worry, Petty Officer. Under the circumstances it's quite understandable," he said as he patted her on the shoulder, trying to make light of the situation.
They hadn't gone far towards the turbolift when a massive explosion shook the ship violently. It was so sudden and powerful that it knocked the small group towards the floor and the last thing Erik remembered was seeing part of the deck plating tearing away.
= Some time later =
"Sir... sir."
Erik awoke to the sound of the voice and the hands that were lightly shaking him. Even before he opened his eyes he could feel the searing pain in his left shoulder. Squinting slightly, he peered up at Petty Officer Lanette who was leaning over him, her face concerned and smeared black from smoke.
"You're awake," she sighed in relief.
The next thing Erik saw was a gaping hole in the deck plating a few feet away from them. Though hole was two decks deep, and at the bottom of the last deck a large hull breach revealed the blackness of space.
"What happened?" he asked, trying to sit up but finding that his left arm was very weak and he had trouble moving his legs. He glanced at his shoulder and noticed that a blood-soaked teal-coloured piece of cloth tied around his bicep. "Did you...?"
Lanette nodded, and Erik saw that part of her sleeve was torn away. "I'm not sure what happened, but I think we fell through," she said, pointing upward. It was then that Erik saw the hole above them leading to the upper deck. "I don't know where the others are. I woke up and it was just the two of us on this... ledge. There doesn't seem to be anyway out. I tried climbing up, but it didn't work."
Erik looked around him and it was true. They were in a corner against two walls and a few spaces ahead the hole spread out below them. Above them the hole led up to the next deck and they could see the scorched ceiling of what must have been the deck they were on... Deck 9.
"I'm sure someone will come for us," the science advisor said as the petty officer sat back down next to him on his right. "Don't worry."
She smiled as she leaned back against the wall. "You're the one with the injuries and you're counseling me? Are you always this concerned with others, Commander?"
Erik smiled and then suddenly began to cough, unable to help himself, and thought he could taste blood at the back of his throat. "I try," he managed to say.
A large flash could be seen outside in space and it illuminated the dark inside of the deck, followed by the ship shaking and the emergency forcefield that kept them safe bristling with static. The petty officer grabbed his hand and he looked at her.
"It's all right," he said calmly. Death was never something that frightened him, and the possibility that they might meet their end was starting to become very likely in his mind. "What's your name?"
"Sara," she replied, suddenly aware that she'd grabbed his hand but not removing it.
"That's a lovely name, Sara," Erik said sincerely. For now they were just two people and not a commander and his junior.
"Thank you... and yours?"
"Erik," he answered. He held out his arm to her and she leaned closer, placing her head on his shoulders. "You know, I once dated a girl named Sara."
"Really?" she asked.
He chuckled softly. "No... but it would have been nice, I think. Romance was never very high on my priority list."
"Are you scared?"
"No," he said calmly. "Are you?"
"Yes," she replied after a moment.
"Don't be," Erik whispered as he looked at the stars through hull breach.
The ship suddenly began to vibrate beneath them and Erik saw the stars begin to streak. Sara let out a whimper and tightened her grip on his hand. And before they could realise the ship had jumped to warp, the Chimera completed her final mission, exploding in a brilliant flash of white light that lit up the darkness of space all around it for all to see.
= End Log =
Commander Erik Harker, MIA
Science Advisor
1st Task Force, SSF
-
1st Petty Officer Sara Lanette, MIA
Stellar Cartographer
USS Chimera NX 96899-B (Destroyed)
[NPC by Bren]
