Harper had transported aboard the unidentified vessel shortly after she received the communication from Commander Brady. She had been eager to find out exactly what he had found aboard the vessel and left as quickly as she could. She now stood beside Commander Brady looking down at the body slunched in the Captain’s chair. 

“It sure is ugly, isn’t it Cap?” Ensign Jablonski blurted out. 

Harper lifted her head and looked in his direction with a small smirk on her face. Commander Brady did not have the same response and shot a glaring look at the Ensign. 

“Sorry, Commander.” Ensign Jablonski apologized and then stepped back away from the Captain’s chair.

“Have you ever seen this species before, Captain?” Commander Brady inquired. 

Captain Harper had seen this species before but only in very brief readings in the Academy. When she had received her promotion to Captain, she had reviewed a lot of the material Starfleet had on different cultures and species Starfleet had come in contact with but had not seen for some time. She recognized this species but didn’t know much about them. 

“It’s the Vaadwaur. I’m afraid I don’t know much about them and what little I do know suggests our finding this ship here to be a very bad sign. From what I recall, the Vaadwaur are ruthless and aggressive. This ship’s presence here means we need to move quickly and get out of here before any ships may return. We will not have the means to fight them, I’m sorry to say.” Harper stated matter of factly.

“Understood, Captain. I think we are all aware that the Sausalito is equipped to be a science vessel and not a vessel of combat. We will work efficiently,” Commander Brady responded.

It took a few short hours, but Commander Piya gathered what samples he deemed he needed for research and collected the Vaadwaur body for “study purposes.” The team had just gathered to prepare for transport when Captain’s tricorder sounded with a report from LtCo Sili. It looked like Captain Harper had someone she needed to meet. 

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Captain! This man over here has nothing but nice things to say about you. Did you pay him to say that?” Captain Bernard McCauldy pointed to Lt Redrol with his right thumb and gave her a small wink.

“I can assure you that the pleasure is all mine, Captain. How are you feeling?” Harper asked while retracting her hand from the firm handshake McCauldy had pulled her into. 

“I’m feeling better thanks to your doctor. I am ready to go now!” McCauldy yelled much too loudly for the small sickbay they were in.

“There is still time for that, Captain. We have much to discuss, it seems. My First Officer has informed me of what occurred. I want to offer my condolences for the crew members you have lost today. Please know that my crew is here to help with whatever you may need.” Harper said genuinely. 

“Thank you, Captain. Your crew has been the most gracious hosts. What I need is to get my Diplomatic Officer back. I’m not sure why they took her, but I can’t stand the thought of them having her and what they might want from her,” McCauldy replied hastily. 

“I understand. My Chief Engineering Officer, T’Penne and her engineering team are aboard the Bell Rock now working to restore your life support systems and engines. According to her, you and your crew will need some help returning to Starbase 47. From there, we will be able to make the necessary repairs to your ship and make plans to get your Officer back. I promise you that we will not rest until we help you locate her,” Harper placed her hand on the top of his right hand while she spoke hoping to reassure him.

“Thank you,” McCauldy offered. “When will we be leaving?”

“We are making the necessary arrangements now. LtCo T’Penne and her team will stay aboard your vessel during transit. We plan to leave in an hour barring no unforeseen circumstances.” Harper provided.

“Very well. Thank you, Captain. I will owe you one for this and I keep my word.” McCauldy squeezed her hand in response.

Captain Harper had held her emotions in check up until this point, but McCauldy’s hand squeeze had sent her over the edge apparently. She tried to hide it and dismissed herself from the room. She made her way towards her Captain’s quarters when she heard someone call her name from behind her. She turned back and looked to see Commander Brady following behind her. Apparently, she had not hid her emotions as well as she thought.