You think over your options while the Cambrian and the Aegis enter orbit of Vrenna and match velocities. The Cambrian has managed to get the atmosphere leaks on the starboard side patched, and the port side isn't leaking as badly, but that might be just because all the atmosphere in that section has already vented. You scratch your nose and make a final set of decisions, "Morrigan, get fireteams Leroy and Jenkins ready, they will provide cover for the Enginseers. Also prep four more fireteams, including one of the support ones and yourself, for a follow on wave or extraction mission. Jace, put together a crew to help weld shut whatever needs sealed off over there, but don't include yourself. As much as I dislike saying it, we have no real idea about what is going on over there, so I'm not risking anyone of rank in the first wave. Simo, stand by the Sunsears as a last resort. I don't anticipate needing them, but if we do need them, we will need them fast."

Five hours later the repairs are well underway without any noticeable mishap. the damage surveys are complete, and it is clear that the Cambrian won't be able to re-enter the warp any time soon. So you decide to contact Robert to see if you should go fetch assistance. His reply surprises you,

"No need Aegis, this was a one-way trip for the Cambrian anyway. The unusual design was to try and let her land on Vrenna, where she would form the core of the new colony. But with the Starboard side so heavily damaged, that is not really an option anymore. We'll have to shuttle everything down instead, which will take about two weeks if you stay to assist."

"Stand by Cambrian while I check with my Enginseer Primus to see if there is anything we can do to accelerate that." You mute that connection and open a new one to Jace, "Jace, mr. Pierre says that the Cambrian was modified to land on a planet, and can't do so anymore due to the damage. I'm smelling some bullshit, what say you?"

"If the Cambrian was made to land on a planet, I'll eat my own omnitool. Those 'seashells' are completely un-aerodynamic, and the Cambrian is simply too massive to go below Vrenna low orbit without setting off monsoons from disrupting the atmosphere. In her damaged state, that is even more true."

"Right, start getting your Enginseering crews out from under then. I'll buy time by running my mouth if I can. Tristan, clear." you close that connection and open another one to Morrigan, "Morrigan, stand by. Something is up with the Cambrian, and things may be about to go pear-shaped. I've told Jace to work on getting his Enginseering teams out quietly, and you should do the same for your armsmen. Tristan, clear." With that done, you sit back and kill another six or seven minutes twiddling your thumbs, about the amount of time you would need to do an actual consultation with Jace. At the end of that time, you re-open the channel to the Cambrian, "Aegis here Cambrian, I've some good news and some bad news. Which one do you wan't first?"

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Cambrian here Aegis. Bad news first I guess."

"Bad news is that we need to pull our crew back. Good news is that by doing so, we can probably free up an extra cargo shuttle or two to help with the landing. That may be able to shave a few days off your estimate. Possibly a few more if we forget about getting the Cambrian repaired aside from what she needs to land her cargo."

"Sounds good Aegis. Any time frame as to when we can have them back?"

"Not at this time Cambrian. We've got some nuts and bolts for them to put back in place from that warp transit, and my Enginseer Primus could use the extra hands. He has finished all of the small stuff that he can do without them I guess."

"Confirmed Aegis, Cambrian Clear."

You think for a moment, then open a channel to Vir, "I think we may need to get a report for Lord Pyrus together. Coordinate with Jace and Morrigan, and with the crew members that went over to the Cambrian. Someone had to have seen something, more than what our sensors could tell us anyway."

"Can I say that I have your authority in doing this? I don't want to come across like I was going behind your back."

You blink and think it over for a moment, "Yes, of course. I'll let Zheeves know, and I'll even countersign it if you want."

"That's something of a relief Sir. I'll get right on it.”

Twelve Days Later...

The last shuttle runs are complete and your are preparing to leave the system. Vir has sent the report to Lord Pyrus with your collective findings, as well as the system coordinates and all of the information on the Cambrian, her crew, and her passengers you have. It is nowhere near as much as you would like, but you managed to gather all of it without tipping your hand, you think. You give the orders to set course for Viking and head out. Something may come of the report in time, but for now you have other things to look into.