A few hours had already passed, and the Morro Bay had been stabilized enough to not be abandoned.

Captain Yuven had taken himself, and ever other Vaadwaur, out with that single shot. The bodies were still littered in space if there was anything left of them, and barely any starfleet were injured in the explosion; but they were still injured heavily by other invaders.

Jetta Dowe sat in her chair, her wrist and hand in a wrap—she had broken her left hand completely. Sylvester was in intensive care, and thus Amira was taking on the role of XO until he returned. She sat in the chair next to her, with Runt in the other seat next to Jetta as well. He was there as an informant and busboy for the time being. She looked up at the front screen, a channel between the two ships on.

“Captain Raku. I cannot thank you enough for coming to our aid and rescuing us. On behalf of the Morro Bay, *thank you.*” She gave a weary smile. “Our long range comms are down, do you have any idea on the state of the rest of starfleet?”

The Bajoran’s solemn figure was framed by the silver-blue alloys of the Brawley’s bridge. Heavy, low eyelids hung over Raku Mobra’s dark irises.

“We haven’t had contact with the fleet since an aperture appeared near our system.. Not far from Izar and Sevury. We eventually chased a few Vaadwaur through an opening and took out some kind of… Construct. It seemed to take out a portion of Underspace but…”

Mobra paused in thought. His mind contemplated the state of the Federation. “I have no idea what’s going on outside of the Vaabanth system. We were blinded too. There appear to be similar effects happening here.”

Raku shifted the conversation. “The question is, how can we help you now? You must have a massive amount of damage after that breech. How about wounded? Let us know what teams to send over to help.” Mobra felt his anxiety spike as he wondered about the Morro Bay.

“We’re transporting our most injured to you now.” Jetta let out a sigh as she looked back on everything. “Our only counselors were unfortunately slaughtered in the taking of the Morro Bay, so I may have to lean on you for some counseling for our crew.”

Amira cleared her throat, speaking up. “Hello, Captain. My name is Doctor Sullivan. Medical wise, I need everyone you can spare.”

“Yes, the doctor and my head engineering officer, Plimmitt, has top priority in their words, even over mine.” She rubs her face. “My left hand is shattered right now, but I’m not concerned about that. Runt?”

“Yes ma’am?” The cat perked up, slowly coming into view.

“This is an ensign who saved many lives today, Ensign M’Harak.”

“Or runt!” He squeaked out.

She gave an approving smile, before turning to look at him. “I need you to be on the Brawley’s comms as long as you can for the next few days. You’re the messenger for us, considering everyone else is injured or working in their specialties..”

“Yes Ma’am. Will Williams be with me?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Ensign Williams is going to be working with Lieutenant Torres to help head the security department.”

“Got it.” Runt frowned, sitting back down.

“Now,” Jetta turned back to the screen. “Repairs wise, it’s looking severe. Until we can get a new warp core, we aren’t moving anywhere.”

Raku Mobra gave a look of exasperated relief as he thought of Lt. Sar’s reporting during the explosion. “Not under your own power at least.” For the first time, a weak smile formed under the Captain’s ridged nose.

“The Brawley here is the premiere response and recovery vessel on this side of the Quadrant… Parliament class notwithstanding. If we can find a way to get out of this darkness, we’ll tow you to the nearest starbase.”

Mobra turned to Lt. Ikastrul Zaa, sitting behind him. She spike as she stood. “Hello Captain Dowe. I’m Counselor Zaa. I’ll report to the Morro Bay alongside the medical team. I sense your crew is very resilient. This battle has still taken an incredible toll. I’d love to help offer support in this tough time. ”

“Your crew did a fine job, Captain Dowe”, Commander Smythe added as he stepped forward. His rich brown skin glowed with ruddy undertones as he sweat from the tension. “With officers like Ensign M’Harak, I’m sure the Morro Bay gave the Vaadwaur a tough time.”

His voice reverberate with bass, corners of his lips turned up into a rare half smile.

Raku’s eyebrows raised at the mention of the Vaadwaur. His mind raced with thoughts, contemplating how they may have saved the lives of that crew.

M’Harak’s voice pulled the Captain’s glance towards his direction. “Why yes, actually. Mister M’Row is patching up microfractures in the hull at the moment. He was among my first choices to send to help assess the damage on the Morro Bay.”

Mobra’s eyes softened. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see a familiar face. Captain, Expect myself and Commander M’kath to join you shortly.”