Hawkes resumed his post quickly, issuing orders to his teams on weapons readiness and internal security measures. Based on what the Star Wing had told them, it was unlikely that they would be boarded, but his Security personnel could still be useful performing other support functions during the battle. Some had been cross-trained as field medics, so could offer emergency aid, or technicians who could assist with damage control.
As the status reports arrived, he was gratified to see that his battle readiness program had been successful. Overall time to full battle readiness had improved by more than two seconds since the last ship-wide drill. Pleased by their performance, he noted commendations for several of his officers in his log.
The Captain strode onto the bridge alone. She paused just inside the hatchway, surveying the activity on the bridge around her. The hatch was closed quickly behind her. This confirmed that the Security team assigned to defend the bridge was at it station, as reported.
“Captain,” he informed Devereux. “All weapons are online and ready. Torpedoes are loaded in all launchers. Awaiting your authorization to arm them.”
Devereux nodded her acknowledgment. “Very good, Lieutenant,” she said. “Stand by.” She took two steps toward the Science station. “Lieutenant Gho, are we picking anything up yet?”
Gho consulted her console displays again before answering. “Still clear, Captain,” she reported. “No signs of any transition events.”
Devereux nodded. “Inform me immediately if you see anything,” she told the Science Officer. “Don’t wait to confirm it.”
“Yes, Captain,” Gho acknowledged quickly and turned her attention promptly back to her station.
Turning toward her First Officer, Devereux said, “Get me a report from Engineering. Have the Chief work with Lieutenant Hawkes to make sure we have enough damage control teams stationed around the ship.” Her mouth drew into a tight line. “I have a bad feeling we’re going to need them.”
“Yes, Captain,” Elizabeth responded. “I’ll let him know.”
“Good,” Devereux responded, nodding. “I assume Hope has the infirmary ready to go?”
The First Officer checked her tablet. “Yes, she does,” Elizabeth said. “She’s requesting these people be assigned as emergency medics.” She held out the tablet for Devereux to see.
The Captain scanned it quickly, nodding slowly. “I don’t think Perkins should be assigned; she’ll have enough to worry about. Otherwise, I’m fine with it. Okay it with the Chief and the Lieutenant, though,” she said, nodding toward Hawkes, “before telling Hope.”
“Yes, Captain,” Elizabeth replied, pulling the tablet back. She moved to the intercom at the secondary Science station and began to confer with Engineering.
“Lieutenant,” Devereux said, addressing the helmsman. “This could get . . . interesting.”
“Aye, Captain,” the helmsman answered. Tension was obvious along his jowls and the lines of his tightly-muscled shoulders.
“If you see that we’re about to get our nacelles shot off, don’t wait for my orders. Understood?” she told him, waiting for his nod of acknowledgment. “Take whatever evasive action you feel is necessary to protect the ship.”
“Aye, Captain.” His voice was barely audible beyond the helm station.
The Captain rested a hand lightly on his shoulder. “At a time like this,” she said, just loud enough to be heard, “there’s no one else I’d want at the helm.”
Hawkes noticed a sudden shift in the Lieutenant’s posture. Tension did not leave the young officer’s body entirely, but he sat with more confidence now.
Devereux removed her hand, but remained for a moment, studying the images on the main bridge displays. Her expression shifted slightly, as if she had come to some decision. Turning away, she headed for her station on the command deck.
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