Out of Harm's Way

The Dinaqa, followed by the other four Bartokian cruisers as well as the two Starfleet vessels, dropped out of warp at the pre-arranged point.  It had been close.  There had not only been a Khalindarian super-destroyer, but two battle cruisers as well.

Cerina sat in the command chair, silently contemplating that.  The Khalindarian ships hadn't had sufficient time to send a distress signal.  And the Khalindarians had no reason to be this far into Federation space.  Much less three ships.

Korrine Blail noticed her commanding officer's look.  "What's on your mind, Cerina?"

Cerina glanced over.  It wasn't common practice for a first officer to address her superior by first name on duty.  However, the two Bartokian women had a long history.  They grew up together, on the shores of Lake Milazzo on Bartok VII.  They had been roommates at Loczni.  When the fleet mobilization began en masse, Korrine had even been offered her own command.  She declined, preferring to work with her long-time friend.  Leaning over, Cerina said, "Korrine... how did a super-destroyer and two battle cruisers get this far into Federation space undetected?  And how did they know where to find a supposedly top-secret meeting?"

Korrine's face darkened.  "You don't think... that the Federation had something to do with it?"

Cerina shook her head.  "I don't know what to think.  But I think it's high time we got some answers."  She turned to Sub-Braize Tamara Udeski-Rillit.  "Open a channel to the Starfleet ships."

"On screen, ma'am."

Cerina stood as her mother's face appeared before her.  "Captain... we're ready to turn over the survivors of the Tokyo."

"You're doing the right thing, Cerina."

"And while we're at it... you wouldn't happen to know how three Khalindarian ships got this far into Federation space unchallenged, would you?"

"I have no idea."

"Or how they knew where a top-secret meeting was supposed to take place?"

"Just what are you suggesting?"

"I find it convenient that they knew right where to find us.  And how easily they got this far.  We had to pass through three Starfleet check-points... and we were expected."

"Cerina... I give you my word... I know nothing."