[Galaxy] 2161.11.08 - Captain's Log - Capt Spearling

[Anna H.]

//  Challenger  \\




"Captain's Log, Stardate 2161.11.08, Captain Sasha Spearling reporting.  The Romulans have been defeated.  We tracked the remnants of their fleet to the edge of Alpha Quadrant where they disappeared across the border into Beta Quadrant.  True to their philosophy of secrecy, they destroyed their dead and their severely damaged ships so that we could not examine them and learn anything about them.  It's galling to think that we still have not seen the faces of our enemies, those enemies who have cost us all so much."

On the screen, Sasha took a sip of her coffee and then continued.  Behind her, the open door to the Ready Room showed sparks showering down on the Bridge as repairs were ongoing.  She continued.  "The entire Coalition fleet is currently enroute to the Sol System.  Ships that were too battered to make the trip -- but not destroyed -- have been taken inside the largest of our ships.  The Vulcans' Suurok-class vessels are good transports in a case like this -- their flight decks and cargo holds are enormous, the Challenger would fit inside one with ease.  Thankfully, due to the timely help of the Andorian and Vulcan engineers, we were spared that indignity."

Sasha paused for a moment, looking out the port as the stars streamed by in the typical warp blur.  "We all took heavy losses, both in lives and materiel.  Even now we still don't know the full extent.  We lose more severely-injured in the various Sickbays and Infirmaries every day -- even though the medical staff are working borderline miracles.  Some were just hurt too badly."

She studied her monitor for a moment, then spoke again.  "Best estimates at this time, place us back in the Sol System in two days.  We've COMM'd ahead and told Command to expect us, and told them the outcome of the Battle of Cheron.  The other Captains and I will give a full and complete debriefing once we've arrived at San Francisco."  Another sip of coffee.

"The ship will be docked for repairs and upgrades.  As will the Meridian.  So many vessels need work -- I think Space Dock will have to work overtime for months to get us back up to speed ... but the Romulans have it worse, and that's what counts.  They won't be willing to start anything with us for quite some time, I'm thinking.  Or with any of our allies."

Yuki Masahiro, Ensign, Captain's yeoman, entered the ready room.  Sasha held up one hand and he immediately backed out with a little bow.  "We still have our Klingon prisoners in the brig.  Neither was injured during the battle -- well, outside of a few abrasions, which they discount as nothing."  Her face tightened when she thought about Han, waiting patiently for her to come down and talk.  It would have to wait.  Too many other things took priority.  "Commander Hanley went down and checked in on the prisoners and did a partial debrief.  SoghHom Toq, of the House of T'var, did respond and answer some of Vic's questions about their Romulan ties ... but as to whether that information is viable or not, we can't say.  When I get to talk with the other prisoner -- Han'Zek of House Morug -- I will attempt to verify the information.  All information will be turned over to Command, and Star Fleet Intelligence, as soon as we get to debrief."

Another sip of the rapidly-cooling coffee.  That's probably what Masahiro was coming in for, Sasha thought -- the man had a sixth sense for the cooling properties of coffee.  "We've been dropping subspace buoys at intervals along our homeward route.  Soon we'll be at the edge of the established network, we we'll tie in the new buoy line.  Communications to the Coalsack Dark Nebula has been established, hopefully that will help keep it in the patrol route so no further trouble can come from that direction unawares."

Sasha thought for a moment, pausing the log.  What else? Nothing right now.  "Computer, save and file Captain's Log."

++Working.  Captain's Log saved and filed.++

Sasha got up carefully, mindful of her cracked ribs.  Ooh, she ached all over, /still/.  But there was no time to worry about it.  She'd go check on the repairs with Rick, check on the wounded with Liza, and then compose more communications for the families of the deceased.  (She insisted on doing those herself, for everyone.)  After that, perhaps there'd be some small amount of time wherein she could go see Han.  She'd put it off long enough.


Captain Sasha Spearling
Commanding Officer
FCL-04 Challenger         

 		 	   		  
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