A soft cough broke Sala and I out of our reverie. I awkwardly pulled away from her out of embarrassment, concerned in case a member of my crew or some planetary functionaries saw me like this. Though I did keep a hold of one of her hands for reassurance. Commander Foro appeared from the dark, nervously clutching at the hem of her uniform. The blue light caused the tear streaks on her cheeks to sparkle, and I at once knew she had overheard us.

“Captain, is it true, is the ship gone?” I swallowed. It was time for me to shove my own feelings down and lead. I squeezed Sala’s hand for a moment before letting go and walked down off the bridge towards my science officer.

“We don't know for sure Yamina, but there's a chance. We have to rely on each other right now. I’m going to need you to be really brave, ok? Can you do that for me?” I was doing my best to reassure her without sugarcoating as all my best leaders had done when I was a junior. I needed everyone at their best right now. I took her hands and looked directly at her, trying to project confidence and hoping that she would be able to take strength from what I was trying to project, even though I felt hollow inside.

“I’ll try Captain.” She replied after taking a moment to collect herself. I smiled. It was a fake smile, but it would have to do.

“That's all I can ask for. You can be scared, just don't let the fear beat you.” I let go of her hands and stepped back so I could face both Yamina and Sala. “Alright, we need to take control of this situation. That means I need to find a comm terminal.”

“There's one in the Administrator's office. I can take you there.” Sala replied and I swallowed hard. The colony's administration had been on my ship. They were likely just as dead as the crew I had abandoned up there. Well, what was another charge on my court martial if I survived this? I could only serve one life sentence. I followed her in silence as she led us through the building to Rator’s actual office. I was surprised at how spartan it was. Aside from a standard prefab desk and terminal there were very little indication of who the person who owned this room was, or that they ever used it. A few framed personal holo photos covered the walls, most holding the Administrator alongside other Bolian’s. Their family no doubt. I took a seat behind the desk, sighed and keyed in my colonial override code. The screen blinked to life, the blue light of the displayed Federation emblem cascading over me. Yamina sat across from me in one of the room's few chairs while Sala opted to lean against the wall behind me. With another sigh I keyed in the Starfleet emergency frequency into the transmitter but found my thumb hovering over the send button unwilling to push it.

“Niah?” Sala spoke from behind me. I turned to look at her and she put her hands on my shoulders.

“What do I tell them? How do I tell them?” I heard my voice crack as I looked back at her. “This was all based on the idea that help was coming but now I don't know. I might have killed all of us and doomed your people slavery anyways.” I leaned my head on her right hand. I didn’t even care if Commander Foro noticed our physical contact anymore. I needed comfort right now. As embarrassed as I was to be seen in such a compromising position in front of my crew, I wanted Sala’s reassurance more.

“Just be honest with them, let them know the danger and tell them that you're still counting on them to do their best. That will be enough.” She wrapped her arms around my neck from behind, putting her weight on my shoulders and resting her chin on my head. I actually found this quite grounding. With a sigh, I thumbed the transmission switch and spoke.

“Crew of the Resolute and people of New Jerusalem, this is Captain Niah Zh'kaarrin.” I took a deep breath before continuing. “What I am about to tell you is very difficult to share, and will no doubt be difficult for you to hear. Both the Resolute and the Aurora have suffered massive systems failure and were not able to leave the system to summon reinforcements. We do not know the cause, but signs currently point to sabotage or attack.” I paused again to collect my thoughts and give that a moment to sink in. I could lose this fight right now if I wasn't careful with what I said next. Digging deep, I continued.

“We have also learned the Klingons are using Orion mercenaries rather than their own troops to conduct this attack, no doubt in an attempt to deny their culpability in this. We cannot allow that. I will ensure that Klingon involvement in this crime will be recorded for all of history and that the guilty parties will face Federation justice.” I had no actual way of guaranteeing this aside from a log I planned to record, but I knew there had to appear to be some hope even if our chances of rescue were negligible. With another deep breath I carried on.

“The situation on the ground remains unchanged. We will resist this unprovoked attack on a Federation planet with all of our skill, all of our courage and with our very lives if need be. Starfleet, Brotherhood, Suliban, people of New Jerusalem, all of us are Federation citizens and all of us are needed right now. If you would like to help, please report to the nearest Starfleet officer, otherwise all civilians are asked to make their way to emergency shelters. No one will think less of you if you do not volunteer.” I needed to end this on a high note. I wracked my brain for anything I could use before inspiration struck.

“An ancient Human admiral once said that ‘England expects every man to do his duty.’ Well, today the Federation expects and while I know it is a lot to ask, I know you won't let me down.” I released the send button and slumped. “I hope that worked.” I said quietly.

“You did great, Captain!” Commander Foro spoke up and I realized she had been staring at me the whole time I had been speaking. “Also, this is very cute.” She pointed at Sala and I and laughed. My antennae would have completely flattened had Sala’s chin not been blocking them, but I did still flush. She continued, her tone light.

“I could tell something was up based on how you reacted to her showing up. Once you suggested going for a walk back in that arboretum I knew, but I figured I’d give you some privacy. The only reason I intruded earlier was I think I’ve found something that can help us, but I didn’t want to embarrass you, so I was going to leave you alone. But then I heard you shouting into your communicator and I had to know what had happened. I’m sorry about eavesdropping. I’m happy for you Captain honestly, you have so much weighing on you but you're always making time for me and the rest of the crew. I’m happy you have someone making time for you.” I felt Sala smile above me. Commander Foro was right of course, but I still didn't want to be this obvious in front of the crew.

“She's pretty great at that isn't she?” I heard Sala say above me and felt her shift to plant a kiss on the top of my head. I opened my mouth to speak, but the two of them were happy to speak over me.

“Did the Captain tell you what she did for me earlier today? Despite all of this,” Yamina waved her arms around herself, gesturing to what I imagined was the situation we were in. “She sat down to check on me, make sure I was feeling alright and find out why I was so interested in the colony’s gardens. Not from a tactical perspective, or even as a mission report. She was genuinely interested because it mattered to me. I was scared out of my mind because all of my previous commanders had reprimanded me because they said I waste time oversharing instead of getting to the point, but the captain said she didn't care about what they had written in my file. She just wanted to genuinely know why I was so interested.” She was beaming by this point, as if she had forgotten the situation we were in. I was embarrassed but also proud that I could make such a big difference for her by doing what I felt was the bare minimum. A thought struck me suddenly, what had Commander Foro said?

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“Wait, what did you say earlier Commander? Something about being able to help us?” I asked, trying to get a word in edgewise and save myself from more embarrassment.

“Oh right, sorry Captain, I did find something that can help us. So, while I was cataloging that garden earlier, I found they have a sizable crop of Peradan Nightshade, likely for the beautiful multicolored flowers that plant produces. When it's burned however it releases a powerful halothane anesthetic. We could burn the crop and release the gas against the Klingons, the Orion’s or whoever's coming for us. It isn't lethal, so it might only buy us some time, but I figured it could help.”

“That is a hell of a find, Commander!” I replied, rising to my feet and breaking Sala’s embrace. “Ok you have my full support, pull whoever you need to produce the gas and build me a delivery method. I don't have to tell you we don’t have much time.” I knew this might skirt the line on the Federation provisions against chemical weapons, but I didn't care at this moment. Another thing for the prosecution to use at my court martial, if I even live to have one. I gave my seat to Commander Foro, so she could use the terminal to begin her work.

“I need to meet with the rest of my officers Sala, you’re welcome to come, or go to one of the emergency shelters.” I didn't want her to feel like she needed to put herself in harm's way.

“I’m sticking with you.” She replied and took my hand. Together we set out to find my senior staff and finalize our plan to save this world. This proved to be easier than I had expected, the Savitskya was just setting down in the central square as we exited the building, kicking up a cloud of dust. To my additional surprise most of my senior staff, minus Lieutenant Risi stepped off the shuttle. I momentarily considered letting go of Sala, but decided not to, my crew would see us together soon enough and I was feeling emboldened by Commander Foro’s response. Commander Fane noticed us and waved in salute before leading the rest of them over to us.

“Report Marcus.” I shouted over the whine of the shuttle's engines powering down.

“Your speech had one hell of an effect, we have Suliban showing up at every post to volunteer. Your people have a lot of courage ma’am” As he said that he turned his head to Sala and at the same time noticed our hands. A smile lit up his face and he smacked me on the shoulder before continuing. “We even have colonists volunteering, which I didn't expect.”

“Has the Brotherhood given you any trouble?” I asked.

“None so far, but I think they will once the shooting starts. They don't seem the bravest sort. Risi is doing his best.” He replied. Sala frowned

“They were plenty brave when they were beating my people.” She said, darkly. I squeezed her hand in response. By this point the rest of my officers had clustered around us in a loose half circle. I took a second to look my officers over. From their faces I could tell they were scared, but there was something else. A confidence maybe, at least I hoped it was. I decided to break the happy news of Commander Foro’s discovery.

“Commander Foro has found something, apparently they possess large quantities of a plant, when burned produces an anesthetic gas.” I shared. Doctor Truong at once perked up at this while Commander Glov Gronnahk’s face split in a wide grin.

“Peradan Nightshade?” Doctor Truong asked, his expression changing to one of interest. “That's a hell of a lucky find. She's going to need a hand to make sure that she gets the concentration right. Where's she set up?”

“In the Administrator's office, inside.” I gestured over my shoulder with my thumb. As he started to move towards the building, I held out a hand to stop him. “Allan, this is Yaminas' project. This matters to her, and I want her to lead it ok?” He met my eyes before responding, and I could tell he understood the implications behind what I meant.

“Understood Captain.” with that he walked past me back into the administration building. I turned to the rest of my senior staff.

“I assume the transport inhibitors are online Bray?” I asked.

“They are, we have a security team defending each one. Plus, we have a pretty good idea where these bastards are going to come from.” He replied, his grin still plastered across his face. Commander Fane elaborated.

“The coast is blocking the entire southern approach while the forests and foothills to the north and east contain fairly high concentrations of kelbonite, which will scatter their targeting scanners just as well as our inhibitors will. That leaves the open plains to the west. We have the civilian volunteers building defenses there as we speak. The possibility that they may attempt to land troops from shuttles right on top of us exists, but if Bray would stop smiling and explain, we have a solution for that.” He motioned to Commander Glov Gronnahk to explain further.

“Captain, if I asked you what arms and equipment we were bringing for this colony, would you believe someone in Starfleet saw fit to grace us with an entire crate of man portable photonic launchers? Because they did! We can shell their drop zone or shoot down any shuttles the Klingons try to send at us.” My eyes went wide. He was right, I didn't believe him. In my defense I hadn't read the detailed cargo manifests of supplies we carried, and I was very surprised that someone had considered providing civilians with such firepower. We might actually have a chance with more than just our hand phasers.

“We just need your permission to set up some fireteams inside of the colony to provide anti air fire. Sally here has volunteered to lead them.” Commander Fane interjected. I hadn't actually noticed the case that Lieutenant Whitman was carrying until Marcus drew attention to it. It must have been one of the launchers. She waved her free hand when Commander Fane said her name.

“That's an excellent idea.” I finally replied to the barrage of information. “Lieutenant Whitman, I trust you to oversee this, and I know you won't let me down.” I clapped my free hand on her shoulder before continuing. “Take anyone you think you need, I want the best team on this.”

“Aye-aye ma’am.” she beamed at me. I let go of her shoulder and turned back to Commander Fane.

“Alright take me to the front, I need to see what we’re working with.”

It turned out we weren't working with much. Once the threat of a surface battle had been realized we had transported all of the relief cargo from both the Resolute and the Aurora to the surface. While it meant we had more than enough phasers and medical supplies for anything that might happen, aside from that single crate of photonic launchers and the photonic grenades our security teams had brought we didn't have any heavier firepower. Even with the addition of the Resolute’s four armed shuttles to provide extra air cover, we still felt under-gunned. One of those shuttles would be tied up serving as my command center near the S.M.A.S.H tent I had met Sala in so many hours ago. After a brief stop there to issue a few remaining orders, I spent the next few hours touring the defenses we were constructing along the colony's western approaches as the sun rose.

The flatter terrain here was composed primarily of farmland and low native vegetation, broken by the odd copse of scraggly trees. It presented a battlefield of long open sightlines and sparse cover, for both us and the Klingons. Our emplacements weren't much by fortifications standards, primarily composed of earthen berms and slit trenches but it would serve better than the open parks and streets of New Jerusalem proper. My security teams had placed these defenses at regular intervals and occupied them alongside other Resolute personnel who didn't have duties in the command center or the hospitals we had set up. Lieutenant Risi informed me he had ordered the Brotherhood to guard the aforementioned hospitals and command center. I agreed with his logic. Their lack of experience and lower morale would be a bigger risk on the front lines. Plus after everything I had seen and heard here, I did not respect them. Something I was very surprised by, however, was the sheer amount of Suliban at the front line acting as stretcher bearers, medics and runners. Some even lay in slit trenches next to my security teams, clutching phaser rifles issued from the stores we had brought for the colony. I admired their dedication to fight for their own lives and for the colony that had done nothing but mistreat them. If I survived this, I was going to fight to get these people an actual home and damn the consequences to myself. They deserved it.

Sala and I had been joined by Lieutenant Risi and Commander Fane for my tour and the three of them followed a few paces behind me. I had pulled Sala aside before beginning my rounds to discuss decorum around acts of public affection while I was in front of my crew. Though I could tell she was saddened by what I had said, she seemed to understand the need for me to project the authority of a Starfleet Captain. She had, at least publicly, decided to remain with me so she could ‘represent the Suliban,’ but I knew neither of us wanted to be apart at this time.

Walking the bare, windswept scrub line that formed the center of our perimeter we arrived at a small copse of trees where a trio of security officers and a pair of Suliban were relaxing and maintaining their weapons. The two groups sat a few feet apart and I couldn't help but notice both the literal and metaphorical distance between them. These were two separate groups, not one unit. While I was impressed at the speed at which my officers had been able to integrate the Suliban and Brotherhood into our defense, rifts clearly existed between the three disparate groups. Unfortunately I had neither the time or skills to bridge this gulf. As one of the security ensigns jumped up to greet us, their shouted words were drowned out by a pair of sonic booms that meant spacecraft were entering the atmosphere. The Klingons were coming. As the sounds faded I could hear the ordered shouts of “stand to” echoing down the line as my orders were carried out. Searching for cover, I found myself crouched next to a now occupied slit trench.

“There Captain.” Lieutenant Risi called out, pointing to the sky. A pair of Ki’Tang raptors were streaking towards us. Not much larger than Federation warp capable shuttles or the tiny Archer class scout ships, many Klingon captains used these as their personal shuttles or as close air support in ground engagements. Indeed, the former seemed to be their current purpose as they rapidly decelerated from attack speed and maneuvered to land in the fields ahead of our position.

“Hold your fire, they may just be here to talk.” I called and I heard the order echoed down the line. “So, Marcus, do you want to meet Captain Klaugh?”