Down the Rabbit Hole-Final Part

Posted on Sun Jan 19th, 2025 @ 9:22am by Consul Andrinn Orin

Mission: WHAT IF?
Location: SS Venturer/Cardassian Vessel
Timeline: 2355
1125 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

[ON:]

---Aboard the Venturer---

The asteroid field loomed on the viewscreen, jagged rocks spinning lazily in the void, illuminated by the faint light of a distant star. Andrinn stood at the center of the bridge, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. Louvois leaned over the tactical console, eyeing the readouts warily. The tension in the room was palpable, broken only by the quiet hum of the Venturer’s old systems struggling to maintain their delicate balance.

“We’ve reached the edge of the field,” reported Thraz from the helm. His antennae twitched as he glanced back at Andrinn. “If we’re going in, we’ll need to keep our speed low to avoid detection. The Cardassian ship is holding position just beyond the larger asteroids.”

Andrinn nodded. “Good. Take us in, Lieutenant. Keep us behind the largest formations to mask our approach. Louvois, coordinate with engineering to keep our emissions as low as possible. The last thing we need is for their sensors to pick up a stray energy spike.”

Louvois shot him a sidelong glance but moved to relay the orders. “You’re really leaning into this whole covert ops thing. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d done this before.”

Andrinn allowed a small smile. “Diplomatic missions don’t always happen in boardrooms, Phillipa. Sometimes, you have to operate in the shadows.”

---Cardassian Vessel---

The viewscreen flickered as Andrinn’s infiltration team materialized in a dimly lit corridor deep within the Cardassian ship. The air was stale and tinged with the metallic scent of the ship’s recycled atmosphere. Andrinn adjusted his tricorder, scanning for signs of Crusher and Picard.

“We’ve got minimal security on this deck,” he whispered, gesturing for the team to follow. Louvois was close behind, a phaser in hand and her eyes scanning for any signs of movement. “The detention cells are two levels up. We’ll need to find a maintenance conduit to avoid the main corridors.”

One of the Venturer’s volunteers, a wiry Bolian named Jorath, pointed to a panel on the bulkhead. “This should lead to the conduits. I’ll have it open in a minute.”

Andrinn nodded, keeping an ear out for approaching footsteps. As Jorath worked, Andrinn glanced at Louvois. “You’re awfully quiet. Second thoughts?”

She gave him a wry look. “Not at all. Just mentally cataloging all the ways this could go wrong.”

Jorath snapped the panel free, revealing the narrow conduit beyond. Andrinn motioned for the team to enter. “Let’s make sure none of those scenarios come true.”

---Detention Level---

The team emerged from the conduit onto the detention level, their movements slow and deliberate. Andrinn checked his tricorder again, pinpointing the life signs of Crusher and Picard. The readings were faint but steady, indicating that they were alive, albeit under stress.

“They’re in the third cell on the left,” Andrinn whispered. “Louvois, cover our rear. Jorath, see if you can bypass the cell’s security systems.”

As they approached the cell, Andrinn’s stomach twisted. Inside, Crusher and Picard were slumped against the far wall, their uniforms torn and faces pale. The two men looked up as Andrinn’s team arrived, a flicker of hope breaking through their weariness.

Jorath worked quickly, his fingers flying over the Cardassian control panel. After a tense minute, the force field flickered and dropped. Andrinn stepped inside, kneeling beside Crusher and Picard.

“We’re getting you out of here,” he said firmly. “Can you walk?”

Crusher grimaced but nodded. “Barely. They’ve been… thorough.”

Picard’s voice was hoarse but resolute. “We’ll manage. Just tell us what to do.”

Andrinn helped them to their feet, supporting Crusher while Jorath assisted Picard. Louvois’ voice cut through the comms. “We’ve got company—two Cardassians heading this way. We need to move. Now.”

The team retraced their steps, tension mounting with every step. Andrinn’s mind raced, calculating their dwindling options. As they reached the maintenance conduit, the sound of Cardassian boots echoed down the corridor behind them.

“Go!” Andrinn hissed, shoving Crusher and Picard toward the conduit. Louvois and Jorath provided cover, their phasers set to stun as they fired at the approaching guards.

Once inside the conduit, the team moved as quickly as the confined space allowed. Andrinn activated his commbadge. “Venturer, this is Orin. Prepare for emergency beam-out. We’re bringing guests.”

Thraz’s voice crackled in response. “Understood. Locking onto your signal. Get clear of their transport inhibitors.”

The team burst out of the conduit onto a lower deck, only to find themselves face-to-face with a squad of Cardassian soldiers. The leader leveled his disruptor at Andrinn, his ridged face curling into a sneer.

“You’ve gone to great lengths for a futile gesture,” the Cardassian growled. “Surrender, and we might let you live.”

Andrinn stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. “Let us go, and no one has to die. This doesn’t have to end in bloodshed.”

The Cardassian’s sneer deepened. “Your words mean nothing.”

Before he could give the order to fire, the corridor shook violently. The ship’s klaxons blared as the lights flickered.

“What was that?” Louvois demanded.

Andrinn’s tricorder beeped urgently. “An asteroid collided with their shields. It’s destabilized their power grid. Now’s our chance. Venturer, energize!”

---Aboard the Venturer---

The transporter beam shimmered, depositing Andrinn’s team, Crusher, and Picard onto the Venturer’s pad. Andrinn immediately turned to Thraz, who was waiting just outside the transporter room.

“Get us out of here,” Andrinn ordered. “Maximum warp.”

Thraz nodded. “Already on it. You’d better hold on to something.”

The ship lurched as it jumped to warp, the aged engines straining against the sudden acceleration. Andrinn helped Crusher and Picard to the medical bay, where the Venturer’s medic began treating their injuries.

Louvois leaned against the wall, exhaustion etched into her features. “I can’t believe that actually worked.”

Andrinn allowed himself a small smile. “Diplomacy is about finding the right leverage. Sometimes, that means knowing when to take a risk.”

She shook her head, a hint of admiration in her eyes. “You’re insane, Orin. But you’ve got guts.”

Andrinn’s expression turned serious. “This isn’t over. The Cardassians won’t let this go lightly. We need to get back to Federation space and prepare for whatever comes next.”

As the Venturer sped toward safety, Andrinn couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger conflict. But for now, Crusher and Picard were safe, and the Federation had shown that it wouldn’t abandon its own. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

[OFF:]

Andrinn Orin
Junior Diplomat-Starfleet Command