Fragments of Truth

Posted on Sat Oct 24th, 2026 @ 9:33am by Ensign Emily Douglasdale & Lieutenant T’Lanna

1,456 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Ashes of Vega Colony
Location: Various Location

Ensign Douglasdale had returned back to the Meridian to pick up additional personnel and supplies to bring down to the surface. In the briefing they were warned that things were bad but seeing it in person was different. And she technically didn't even see the worse of it. Just glimpses during the brief transport and then back to the shuttle. The Captain had requested that Lieutenant T'Lanna join the away team on the surface. With everything picking up like it did after shoreleave, Emily personally hadn't had the chance to meet with T'Lanna. But from what Andre told her regarding his meeting with her. The helm officer was definitely curious.

T’Lanna was ready and waiting for the shuttle, she’d done some quick research now she was set to go. Boarding the shuttle she gave Emily a warm smile.

Noticing the Vulcan smiling at her, Emily couldn't help to return the smile with one of her own. "Welcome to the Meridian, Lieutenant. I'm Emily Douglasdale."

“Thank you Emily, I’m T’Lanna. Please feel free to call me by my name it saves having to keep rolling out the ranks.” She offered a wry smile.

"No problem," said the Ensign. "Have you been briefed on what's happening on the surface?"

“I had a quick read up on what I could, but an up-to-date view would help. How are things down there?” T’Lanna asked.

Watching the last person enter the shuttle, Emily began closing the doors. "It's absolute chaos down there. People trapped in the mines still, so no idea what the final casualty count is will turn out to be."

T’Lanna nodded. “That’s awful, people are no doubt upset, fearful, angry, a whole mix of heavy emotions that could, if allowed to go on too long, turn into a powder keg. I’ll do what I can to help calm the situation.”

"I'm assuming that's where you come in counselor," Douglasdale mentioned as she guided the shuttle out of the bay. "Have you ever found yourself dealing with a situation like this before?"

T’Lanna shook her head. “No, but I like a challenge. Fingers crossed I can help diffuse the situation. No matter I’ll find out soon enough.”

"From what I have gathered most of the people running things down there, aren't too happy with Starfleet showing up. Don't get me wrong, they want the help and resources. But they clearly feel as if we're going to take over. Which is kind of true, now that I say it out loud."

“Well if they want our help they need to allow us to be able to get on with it, time is of the essence for any trapped people.” T’Lanna added. “We should be able to come to an arrangement that suits everyone.”

"Let's hope they give into reason," Emily agreed. "Hold on." There was some slight turbulence as the shuttle entered orbit. After a little less than a minute rocking, things proceeded smoothly again. In the distance smoke rising into the clouds could be seen from the site.

T’Lanna shook her head at the sight ahead of them. “Do they know what caused the explosion? Or is that just sheer speculation right now?”

"Everything right now is speculation. The main priority has been search, rescue, and treatment. Our people are currently working at figuring out the cause. Personally, I don't really know anything about the mining industry. Other than StellarCore Mining Corporation is responsible for multiple sites like this on various worlds."

T’Lanna nodded. “Have there been any other accidents or explosions that we know of on other worlds? If there have it could lead to some interesting questions.”

"Not that I am aware of any accidents on other world," the Ensign as she pondered the question. "That would correlate more with the sabotage theory." Reaching the landing port, Emily brought the shuttle down for a smooth landing.

“So people are thinking sabotage? If that’s the case it’s going to stir up a lot of fear, and anger.” T’Lanna added.

"I also overheard someone mention faulty equipment. But public opinion isn't actual evidence. But it can be dangerous."

“Very true” T’Lanna nodded. “Until we have actual facts there’s no point in speculating.”

The hatch opened as everyone began to exit. "It's probably best to start off where medical is set up. Not really sure if the colony has any counselors established out here."

“If not then I’m seriously going to have my hands full.” T’Lanna added. “Who do we currently have on the surface?”

"The entire senior staff, including the Captain," Emily answered. "Along with a lot of personnel from medical, engineering and the armory department. All hands on deck here."

“Of that I’ve no doubt” T’Lanna nodded. “I’m surprised were the only starship dealing with this to be honest, such a disaster logically requires more than one for maximum efficiency.” She replied some of her Vulcan heritage shining through in the comment.

"The Meridian was the closest available vessel. Plus we were scheduled to deliver medical supplies. Which was supposed to be brief. Probably be a few days before another ship can get out here."

T’Lanna nodded. “Which leaves us with all the work to do in the meantime. I certainly hope I’m not the only Counsellor on this planet, I can only help so many at once.”

The Ensign couldn't help but to laugh. "I doubt that you would be the only counselor on the planet. But you might be the only working in all of this mayhem. While others will show up after the fact."

“That did sound a little silly, I meant Fleet Counsellors not that it really matters.” T’Lanna smiled.

A transport bus pulled up which unloaded various personnel from the site. Those who been awaiting to be taken out, began stepping on the bus once cleared. The group that arrived on the shuttle followed T'Lanna and Douglasdale on the bus. Observing the Starfleet officers getting on with the enlisted personnel, the bus driver smiled at them with the look of gratititude.

T’Lanna offered a warm smile in return, she intended to prove that she would be there for any who needed her no matter how much some people may dislike Starfleet’s presence. Right now their presence was very much needed here. She looked at Emily. “Do we have far to travel?”

"Its about eight minutes from here by vehicle," Emily answered. The bus began moving and proceeded to its destination. Among the enlisted crew, there was quite a bit of chatter regarding everything they saw as they moved closer to the accident site. Emergency moved past them while heading in the opposite direction. There were people who walked on foot, moving away from the site. Outside the perimeter of the site were protesters.

“So many emotions written all over their faces” T’Lanna observed as she looked out. “It’s a nightmare for these people, and I don’t blame them for being angry. It’s one way to cope with what’s happened instead of battling the depths of despair.”

Douglasdale nodded in agreement as they made it through the first checkpoint. "I wouldn't recommend stepping into the crowd and trying to calm them down. Law enforcement clearly has their hands full."

“I most definitely won’t” T’Lanna offered a brief smile. “I’ll stick with those in need when we reach our destination.”

The bus came to a stop when they reached the makeshift medical center. "Here you go everyone," the bus driver announced. "Thank you all for what you're doing here and stay safe."

"That's us," the helm officer spoke as they exited. "I'll hang around for a bit, until they request anything from me regarding transporting."

“Okay great, I guess I just figure out where I need to go now.” T’Lanna added feeling a little out of place being the new arrival.

A nurse could be seen talking to staff getting off the bus. One of the men turned pointing towards T'Lanna and Emily. The nurse proceeded to rush over to them. "I here that one of you is a counselor?"

"That would be Lieutenant T'Lanna here," Emily pointed.

"I have a patient who claims they witnessed something that may have caused all of this. But she has a mild concussion and is a bit out of it. But insists on speaking with someone right away."

T’Lanna nodded. “In that case please lead the way” she looked back at Emily. “Thank you for all your help.”

=================
Lieutenant T'Lanna
Counselor
USS Meridian

Ensign Emily Douglasdale
Helm Officer
USS Meridian

 

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