Aboard the USS Escort, the mood was tense. Having received transmissions from Mr. Proteau regarding the serious nature of Mr. Jeffy's injuries, Mr. Schultz had summoned Nurse Yahbo
to the bridge. He relayed the information in with trademark monosyllable inflection, and awaited the standard, human emotional breakdown.
"Will we be able to lift him out soon?", she inquired professionally, forcing Mr. Schultz to reassess his opinion of the young medical officer.
"Lt. Krashaki is standing by for evacuation", he replied, "but the situation is still rather tense, given our inability show our true colors."
She sighed somewhat forlornly. "I understand, sir. Please keep me advised."
Schultz nodded sympathetically as she left the bridge en route back to sickbay. He was not the only one to watch the nurse go. Lt. Schrader's eyes followed her near hypnotic departure. He longed
to go to her, to provide her comfort, but knew in his heart that there was nothing he could do for her just now. He chastised himself for allowing his selfish emotions to override concern for a fellow crew
member, but was unable to deny them nonetheless.
"...Wouldn't you agree, Lieutenant?"
Schrader shook himself from his thoughts, trying to recall what Mr. Schultz had just said. "Excuse me, sir", he said, turning to the science officer, "I guess I was a little distracted."
"I was just saying", Schultz continued, "that it's a shame we can't just drop this charade and complete our mission. Instead of leaving Jeffy down there to die."
Schrader nodded thoughtfully. "I reckon I do agree with that, sir", he remarked, considering their other options, "but if they see us now, there's no tellin' what would happen. We might just
end up erasin' everything we done worked so hard for."
"You're right of course, Lieutenant", Schultz admitted, "but we've suffered more casualties than I am comfortable with." He shook his head. "It's enough to frustrate me, which is not
a common thing among my people."
Their quiet conversation was interrupted by a squelch of static, followed by the Reed's authoritative voice.
"Send the shuttle in now, Mr. Schultz.", he barked over the communicator, "Our position is secure."
"Aye-aye, sir", Schultz replied, "help is on the way."
