We need to be up there. If for no other reason than to gather more data on that thing. Close up scans would go a long way toward formulating a good idea of what it is.”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Victoria left his section and boarded the elevator, considering the next steps. The rest of the ships didn’t require as much time to prepare for departure. Medical already had what they needed and the tech labs were just battened down computers.

Weapons, on the other hand, needed to be checked. She pulled out her tablet and made a note to ensure she got it on the list. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, a rush of overlapping conversations assaulted her senses. At least fifteen people were crowding the bridge, a section that was meant for only five.

Panels were off the walls and technicians used wiring diagrams to check and recheck information. Nicolas was at the helm, speaking into his com while tapping away at the console. His black hair looked wet from whatever he used to slick it down. Of all the people around him, he seemed the most at ease, the most at home in the chaos.

Ensign Madeline Blanchard sat at the communications console, looking harried. Her blond hair was in a tight bun but her expression was one of frustration. “I’ve already explained, we’re in a preflight check status. I can’t authorize you to offload those terminals.” She paused. “Because we’re in lockdown! Does that seriously not make sense to you?”

“What’s the problem, ensign?” Victoria asked.

Madeline looked up, her expression turning to one of relief. “Commander. I’m dealing with one of the tech lab leads. He’s got a bunch of computer equipment that was supposed to be removed from the ship yesterday but it didn’t get done. He wants it out of here now but the regulations state that during preflight check, we don’t offload equipment.”

“In this case, make an exception,” Victoria said. “I doubt weight will be a factor but let’s err on the side of caution. Tell him he has twenty minutes to get that stuff off the ship and I want a report of why it didn’t get done yesterday. I already know the answer but if he’s going to push us to be lenient, he can pay for it with some documentation.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Madeline replied, returning to her work.

Victoria approached Nicolas. “Lieutenant, would you mind telling me what all these people are doing on the bridge?”

Nicolas didn’t look up from what he was doing as he replied. “Apparently, they were scheduled to secure the protective panels on the console over there. I told them to be quick about it. I’m not excited about a bunch of exposed wire and conduit. They said it wouldn’t take very long.”

Victoria raised her voice. “I want those panels installed in the next fifteen minutes and you off the bridge. If that’s a problem, explain it right away. Otherwise, hurry up.