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Posted on 03 Jan 2017 @ 5:52am by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Greg Mitchell
Edited on 03 Jan 2017 @ 5:54am

793 words; about a 4 minute read

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REPORT OF SHIP ACTIVITY

SHIP: SS R. Scott
TYPE: NCC F2020
DESCRIPTION: Privately Owned Freighter
OWNER: Hawk Freight Transportation
COMMANDING OFFICER: Captain Samuel Mitchell

CURRENT MISSION: Deliver dilithium cargo shipment from Feros colony to Starbase 513 in orbit of planet Erusia. Course plotted through Federation space. Estimated time of arrival to Erusia: 72 Earth Hours.

ADDENDUM: Course close to territory of Paulson Nebula. Location known for pirate activity. APPROACH WITH CAUTION. Federation starships may be requested as escort, but may not be available. RECOMMENDATION: Avoid at all costs.

ADDENDUM: Request sent to Hawk Freight Transportation for course deviation near Paulson Nebula for sensor sweep. Request sent to Federation flight control for starship escort. Result: Hawk Freight Transportation denies close inspection of nebula. Ship to proceed on course. Federation flight control approve request to dispatch Akira class USS Bay (NCC 78766) as escort.

ADDENDUM: Request re-sent to Hawk Freight Transportation for course deviation near Paulson Nebula for sensor sweep. Reasons as follows: contact lost with Federation Nebula class USS Galileo (NCC 80010). Intention to search on pass for signs of life. R. Scott closest vessel already on course to investigate. Captain promises quick investigation. Captain promises caution. Captain assures Federation escort. Captain declares insubordination and course deviation regardless of answer. ADDITIONAL: Captain's family member identified on board missing vessel: Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Greg T. Mitchell, NCO Security Officer.

REPORT SUMMARY: Hawk Freight Transportation approves quick pass of Paulson Nebula on three conditions. 1: Freighter allowed one pass with no attempt to directly enter the nebula or engage in combat with pirate ships. 2: Freighter to be escorted for duration by Federation starship. 3: Should freighter, cargo, or crew be damaged or destroyed, Captain to be terminated from employment (considering Captain remains alive after possible incident).

END OF REPORT
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Sam read the report one last time before closing down his LCARS panel. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and walked out the door and onto the bridge of his freighter. The Scott was lightly armed and shielded. It wasn't a combat ship. To enter into a fight would be suicide, which is why he requested the escort. Regardless of the outcome, however, he knew one thing for certain.

He had family on that ship, and he was going to find him.

Greg would never be late to reply to any message sent to him. Something had gone terribly wrong. Sam felt the strong need to investigate. However, even he knew the chances of finding the ship were slim to none. He also knew he had his crew that he had to worry about. And while they were fully willing to assist in the search for a missing Federation vessel, he knew it would not be appropriate to put them into too much danger, even to find his family. Should they not find the Galileo, Sam would return on his own time for a more thorough search.

He walked onto the bridge and sat down at the Captain's chair.

"Sir, calculations complete," His helm officer responded, "We plot to rendezvous with the Bay in twenty two hours. At cruising warp, we should make it to the nebula in an additional 41 hours. This is gonna add about three more days to our current estimated mission time."

"We shouldn't be long. Since we are in the area, I want to see if we can get anything." Sam stated.

"Sir," His tactical officer replied, "All weapons and shielding online, but if we get into a long fight, we won't last long."

Sam rubbed his eyes, "I understand. The Bay should be the only one to worry about combat. We will leave as soon as possible."

His Vulcan science officer spoke: "Sensors ready for scanning, Captain. However, I must remind you that the odds of finding the Galileo are...."

"Yes, thank you Lieutenant. I will keep that in mind. But I'm not about to leave the people responsible for protecting us behind." He turned to his Executive Officer, "Are we ready?" he asked.

"Aye sir." The officer responded solemnly, then whispered to Sam, "I hope we find them too, Captain. But don't let your need to rescue a loved one cloud your judgement."

Sam looked at him. "Trust me, Commander. I know what I'm doing."

"Aye sir."

Looking at the view screen, Sam took a moment to pray for the safety of those aboard both his ship, and the Galileo. Then he gave his order: "Take us in, engage warp drive."

"Aye sir," The helm responded, "Jumping to warp in five...four...three...two...one....engaging."

In a split second, the R. Scott sped forward faster than the speed of light and disappeared in a bright flash.

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