Tapping the side of his chair, Adrián studied the wrecked freighter’s remains on the viewscreen. He didn’t need a report to know something had torn this ship apart with brute force. Theories rushed through his mind about potential dangers lurking out there. He had seen plenty in his career, but this unknown threat challenged his engineering expertise. His thoughts were cut short when the ship started to shake.

“Report!” Adrián snapped, sitting up straight.

“I’m not sure yet,” Aneesa called from her science console. “Attempting to get clearer sensor readings.”

A fresh jolt rocked the Himalaya, the main screen revealing asteroids shifting erratically. “Lieutenant Vos, pull us to a safe distance now!” Adrián ordered, seeing the vessel was too close for comfort.

Ariana struggled at the helm to maintain control. “I’m detecting gravitational spikes in the Grim Wall. They’re affecting our navigational systems. I can barely keep us steady, let alone move us somewhere truly safe.”

“Shields are up, and tactical systems are ready, Captain,” Thal announced. While this phenomenon could be natural, it might just as easily be engineered by a hostile force. He wasn’t about to take chances.

“I’m having trouble sorting this sensor data,” Aneesa added, eyes fixed on her console. Subspace disruptions were everywhere, and then she saw a fleeting signal, vital but vague. “It might be artificially amplified, but I can’t confirm that yet!”

The turbulence only worsened. “I want a damage report. Lieutenant Quinn, gather that data. We need to focus on getting any survivors out,” Adrián said, then turned to Thal. “Lieutenant Revek, how is the away team?”

Thal tapped his console. “They’ve checked in. They’re speeding up rescue operations and requesting we stay close for potential emergency transport.” He didn’t like the growing list of uncertainties that accompanied these sudden events.

“The more I look at this data,” Aneesa said, echoing Thal’s doubts, “the more questions I have. The evidence suggests an artificial influence. Someone, or something, is causing these anomalies, Captain.”

Another violent shudder rocked the bridge as Ariana fought for stability. “I’m adjusting course to remain aligned with the wreck, but the surges are intensifying by the minute. I’m not sure how long I can hold this position.” Worry crept across her voice, reflecting the risk faced by both the away team and the Himalaya.

Another spike in subspace interference jolted the ship, making lights flicker and overloading the inertial dampeners. “Ah, hold on!” Ariana exclaimed, her professional tone slipping as she struggled with a sudden gravitational shift that nudged the Himalaya toward an asteroid cluster. She swiped at the controls, executing an emergency maneuver that yanked them back to safer ground.

“Divert emergency power to thrusters if needed. Pull from non-essential systems,” Adrián ordered, using his engineering background to guide Ariana’s efforts.

Thal confirmed the shields were holding but frowned at the readings. “We can’t spare too much power. Internal shields are also taking a beating from these waves.”

“Have a little faith, Lieutenant Revek,” Adrián said, trying to bolster Ariana’s confidence. “Our pilot can handle this.”

The Himalaya pivoted away from the cluster and returned to the freighter’s position. “Excellent work, Lieutenant Vos,” Adrián praised. “You saved us a great deal of damage. I told you she was up to it,” he added with a grin in Thal’s direction.

Ariana blushed slightly but kept her focus on the helm.

“Short-lived celebration,” Aneesa interjected. “The irregularities in these wave patterns are definitely not natural, Captain. We could be facing a serious threat.”

“It’s the Klingons,” Thal said, slamming his console in frustration. “They’re probably testing some new weapon. We should pull the away team back and investigate. They’re gathering data on how to hit us, and they could use it against Hecate Station!”

Adrián leaned back. “Calm down, Lieutenant. We can’t assume anything yet. Don’t let suspicion blind your judgment. We’re not recalling the away team until they finish rescuing everyone. We have to give them time.” He paused, clearly uneasy about the possibility of a hidden adversary. “Ask them to assess the wreck’s structural integrity again.”

Thal exhaled, tapping his console. “Contacting Lieutenant Kane now,” he said, still smarting from Adrián’s remark about Klingon discrimination. “We should remain at yellow alert just in case.”

“Duly noted,” Adrián answered, his gaze returning to the screen, relieved that the turbulence had temporarily subsided.

The Himalaya held position as Ariana nudged them deeper into the corridor, near the epicenter of these anomalies. “We’re back in position, sir,” she reported.

“I might be able to determine the source,” Aneesa offered. “If we triangulate the wave patterns, we can locate their origin, and possibly uncover who’s behind it.” She no longer believed it was a natural event.

Adrián nodded in her direction. “Then get on it, Lieutenant.” Right on cue, Thal’s console beeped urgently.

“There’s a large gravitational spike forming nearby,” Thal warned. “We need evasive maneuvers, now!”
The ship lurched again as a powerful wave surged toward the Himalaya at high speed.