Returning the Prisoners - Part IV

Posted on Wed Dec 31st, 2025 @ 10:12pm by Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Commodore Samantha York

1,290 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Broken Mirror
Location: Pridwen

[PREVIOUSLY]

"I'm... uhh... sorry to hear that." Damion said softly, finally seeing the man in front of them as completely different from the one they encountered. "So... Risa is under Terran Empire control?"

[CONTINUED]



"Yes." Thayne replied, with a heavy sigh. "The planet is a pleasure planet which is used to gain profit for the Terran Empire. Money. Drugs. Prostitution. Even the weather system is under the control of the Empire. The areas where my people have been relocated to see little sun and dangerous weather as punishment. A beautiful day is only given to us as a reward when they saw fit. Every day is a constant struggle between us and them." He took another sip from his tea and added. "My people's history and culture have been scattered and nearly lost. Buried under Empire occupation. Many of us have learned to practice it in secret due to fear. That's why, when I am able, I scavenge what I can from that history and try to preserve it as best as possible." He said as he gestured around his ready room which had several items tied to the Risian heritage. "To save it for the future and remind them of their past. Our culture."

"I'm glad someone is doing that. History--real history--deserves to be preserved. Perhaps..." Sam hesitated for a moment. "If you could send some of it to the Knights, I know someone who would be happy to help you preserve it in a place that isn't accessible to the Terran Empire. Or at least a copy of it."

Thayne looked over to Sam and nodded his head, giving her a pleasing smile. "Before they leave for your ship, I'll be sure to send everything I have over to them. I know there is still much more to find, so I'll make sure to find a way to get it to them the next time they come around." He took another sip of his tea. "There is still so much to preserve and so many people to help." As he placed his tea cup back down on the saucer, he cleared his throat and continued. "Now then, Captain... Commander, is there anything else we can do for you?" He paused for a moment, a bit hesitant in his next request, before ending with. "If not, there is something you can do for me, but only if you are willing. I don't want you to feel obligated in anyway."

"I think we have all we need for now," Sam replied. "What would you like us to do for you?"

"Supplies, mainly." Sheridan replied. "We aren't capable of being resupplied like you all are. Our people can gather what they can, but it's never enough when it has to be divided amongst so many. The depots that we do have are far from each other. We were on our way back to a main colony before we got your call. So, if you can spare some for us to use and maybe give to the colony we are going to, it would be much appreciated and we would be grateful. It's not much, but you would also have an ally for life. For whatever that means coming from someone in another universe."

"What are you looking for? Weapons?" Damion questioned quickly.

"No. No." Thayne replied quickly, holding up his hands, worried he gave them the wrong impression. "Commander, I am talking about food. Medical supplies. Extra parts for repairs. Rations if you prefer. We try to use our weapons sparingly and keep a record of any torpedoes we fire. I am sorry if you got the wrong impression. We plan on using what we need, storing what is necessary, and passing on what is left over to a colony or base that needs it. We have replicators, as you have seen, but we try to limit their use after so many uses to maintain power for essential areas."

Damion nodded his head. "Maybe you should consider that the next time you jump into a fight and take on more people."

Sheridan put his head down for a moment, before looking back up. "Believe me, the thought has occurred to me, Commander. However, my flaw, is I can't just walk away from people who are in danger. Consider it a result of my upbringing. It also doesn't help that Terran Empire territory is constantly in a state of flux and it’s difficult to keep track of when we are going into their space. Again, this is simply a request and there would be no offense if you decline. This isn't your fight. I get that. I only ask because your ship is in a better position to replace what you would give away. We aren't in that same position, or else, we wouldn't be asking."

Sam looked at Damion for a moment, then turned her attention to Captain Sheridan. She wasn't sure Damion would like what she was about to say. "I understand. I don't think I could walk away if I were in your shoes, either. Since our orders were to find out who was stealing supplies to take back to your universe and stop them, our job here is done. I'll give you everything we can spare. I can even send some back with the Knights next time they come your way. As you said, we have a lot more resources at our disposal."

Damion seemed to let his guard down a bit. This version of Kilgore seemed to be genuine. His want to protect his people and maintain loyalty to them. Going out of his way to help them. He knew it might cost them, but he still did it. The Kilgore they knew would have stood aside and waited till it benefited him to jump in. Damion has seen how he treats his own people, like extensions to be used, until they made a mistake. Then eliminate them to serve as an example for the others who failed. This Kilgore... Sheridan, would sooner suffer than harm one of his own. Sacrifice his own safety to keep his people safe and feed.

With a small smile, Damion added. "All the same, if you find yourself lacking in weapons, I can see what I can arrange for you. We have plenty and, as the Captain said, we can always resupply what we give you."

Sheridan smiled, nodding his head, as he brought his hands together. He bowed his head and said softly. "Thank you both, very much. I will have my yeoman make a list of what is needed." He tapped his hand on his combadge. "Mister Gibbs? Please join me in the Ready Room?"

"Of course, Captain." Came a soft voice on the other end.

A few seconds later, a Ferengi in ruffled clothes walked in, a smile on his face. He nodded a greeting to the Captain and Security Chief of the other ship before looking over to Captain Sheridan. "Captain, Sir. How may I be of assistance?"

Thayne let out a big smile as he straightened up from leaning against his desk. He placed his hand on Gibb's shoulder and said happily. "Nerant, my dear friend. Captain York and her Chief of Security, Commander Wolfe, have agreed to give us some supplies to hold us over till our next port."

"Wonderful, Sir." Gibbs replied, before looking to Sam and Damion with a large smile, bowing his head repeatedly. "Many... many thanks. Our people are most appreciative. How ever can we repay your generosity?"

(To be continued...)

Commodore Samantha York
Commander
USS Calypso

Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Calypso

Captain Thayne Sheridan
Commander
Pridwen

Nerant Gibbs
Yeoman
Pridwen

 

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