Pushing Forward

Posted on Mon Apr 13th, 2026 @ 7:11am by Captain Andre Hunt & Ensign Emily Douglasdale & Lieutenant Commander Mattys Plaatjes & Major T'Ria & Ensign Kynian Th'kyrheth

1,498 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: The Grid

Captain Hunt walked the outer grounds of the Grid, alongside Governor Vorren. Over the last five days, the team of Starfleet Engineer, Medical and Science personnel had assisted and trained the L'Diran people on how to counter and heel the damage the Grid had been responsible for. The Grid had to be completely shutdown for three days, before it was ready to get up and running again. Two days later, it was running smoothly and the radiation issues had been resolved. The medical setup on the grounds had been taking in people by the thousands, and the sick were already seeing the results of treatment. When the Meridian had arrived, they had the sole goal of ending piracy against the Trill. But instead, they had accomplished so much more. The crew of the Meridian brought stability to a world on the brink of collapse.

"Captain Hunt, I want to thank you and your people for what you all have done here," Vorren spoke with a bit of regret in his voice. "My people and I were desperate. Making decisions, which weren't a true reflection of us." He looked among the crowd of those receiving treatment. His people were getting better. There was so much that he ignored. All in the name of progress. It was at that moment, that he felt shame.

Placing a comforting hand on the Governor's shoulder. The Starfleet man felt empathy for him. Upon first meeting him there was a different feeling, but over the last few days with discussions, Andre had gotten to know him a bit. Vorren and his people were desperate and trying to hold onto to past glory. "This will all be just a page in the history of your world. Like Earth, this world has been through somethings. But it will pull through."

Vorren simply smiled as they proceeded to continue walking. Spotting the away, they moved in closer. Today was the day, if everything was officially in order, the team would return back to the Meridian. Which would lead to much deserved R&R.

Approaching the staff, Hunt smiled. "Is everything for us to begin clearing out?"

'The last of the Engineering teams are packing up now,' Plaatjes piped up as he read from his padd updates. 'There was a fluctuation in Section 7 Gamma team wanted to monitor and check out before we left. Looks like nothing so far, and the Grid is holding strong. Looks good for the future, eh Cap.'

"Yes, it does indeed. Looks like you and your people will have this place running smoothly for the next few years."

'Let's hope - I've drafted a report to Command to expect a call for help if anything false down once we're on our way. I'm sure they'll oblige, though,' Plaatjes responded good naturedly.

"I'm sure the big wigs will implement your ideas," Andre replied with a sense of hope in his voice. "Keeping this moment going is key."

Major T’Ria stood just beyond the main treatment canopy, the sleeves of her uniform jacket rolled once at the forearms in a manner that would have horrified a stricter quartermaster but had become a practical necessity over the last several days. A medical padd rested in one hand, its display filled with recovery curves, toxicity regression charts, and discharge figures that were finally beginning to trend in the direction everyone had hoped for.

She looked up as Hunt approached, and for perhaps the first time since they had made planetfall, there was no strain in her expression that needed hiding.

“Greetings, Captain,” she said, stepping forward to meet him and the L'Diran Governor, Voren. Her voice carried its usual crisp professionalism, but there was unmistakable relief beneath it. “The acute treatment phase is complete. We still have a handful of patients under observation for delayed systemic effects, but they’ve all stabilized. The L’Diran physicians have been fully briefed on follow-up care, dosage intervals, relapse indicators, and the revised decontamination protocols.”

"Excellent job you've done here, Doctor," Andre spoke.

"Yes, thank you Doctor T'Ria," Vorren acknowledged. "Your medical staff and you have done wonders getting my people back on their feet. I've heard nothing but great things. There have those in the medical group who have inquired about receiving some training from your people. Which has brought up talks of extending beyond just trade agreements. But the exchange of medical and scientific ideas."

"Ooh, that sounds like fun," Kynian couldn't help but add. "It's been very interesting working here, and I for one would love to learn more from your scientists one day. Speaking of, Captain, the science team has... we haven't resolved all the damage, not yet, but we've got a plan in place that should allow the L'Diran scientists to keep things moving in the right direction. They seemed excited about it when I left, sir."

Andre figured it would take long after they left this world for the people of L'Dira to fully recover. "Are you requesting some additional time, before we head out Kynian?"

Plaatjes pulled out his padd, and had a look at their timeline. 'We have a few hours, Captain if that's what the Ensign would like - I'm not sure it's much for them, but the sciences team could work right up until we're scheduled to leave.'

Kynian considered this. “It’s not strictly necessary, sir. The L’Diran scientists are capable of handling matters from here on out. That said… if we have the time, I certainly wouldn’t complain. I doubt anyone on the science team would.”

"Alright, I suppose we could spare four additional hours," Hunt responded with a sigh. "Next stop is Denobula to pick up some supplies and some much needed R&R."

Emily Douglasdale joined the group. "R&R sounds amazing about now. Speaking on behalf of the crew, sometime off the ship would be good for everyone. Especially with New Years approaching."

Thinking for a moment, the Captain smiled. "I just might see about putting together a New Years celebration."

"Of all people, you're throwing a party," the Warrant Officer replied. There was clearly some reservation in her voice.

"Emily, I am more than capable throwing a party," he countered. "And with the assistance of Chef, it will be quite the success."

Kynian watched the discussion with scientific curiosity. “I can’t speak for the rest of the science department, but I would participate if you did, sir. It sounds interesting.”

Hunt placed a hand on the Andorian's shoulder. "And I appreciate the support. Round your people up. Little do most of you realize that back in my Academy days, I was known for putting together a party. Of course this won't be anywhere near as wild as those."

"So, you're more than just a diplomat, Captain," the Governor spoke up. "Throwing gatherings for your people as well?"

"Governor, I have the finest crew in all of Starfleet. Being away from family for months to sometimes years. You find that your crew becomes your family. I appreciate what they all bring to the table to make this whole thing work. And its good to let your hair down every now and then."

Vorren had the most confused look on his face. "Let your hair down. I'm confused by the statement."

The Captain simply smiled at the tall L'Diran. It's a human phrase for simply relaxing and taking it easy. Which my people clearly deserve. And from the looks of things, your people will be in need of when this all wrapped up."

Looking around at all the people gathered to carry on this operation, Vorren allowed himself to smile. This operation had proven to be a success, at least at this point. The Grid had been stabilized and was no operating safely. Illnesses that had plagued locals were being addressed. And the crops situation was being handled. Not only here, but on other spots located near smaller grid networks throughout the planet. This was going to save a lot of lives across the globe. "We still have many years ahead of us. The work here over the past week, along with this agreement with the Federation, Trill and even the Orions is what's best for my people. Even long after I retire from this position."

"I'm look forward to that day for your people as well, Governor, Andre assured him. "Let's talk a bit more privately before I head back to Meridian."

'Alright, let's load the shuttlepods up - we're heading back to the Meridian in five,' Plaatjes told his Engineering team merrily.

"I'll go check in with the rest of the science team and make sure we're ready to leave on schedule," Kynian said, already on his way.

=================
Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Lt. Commander Mattys Plaatjes
Chief Engineer
USS Meridian

Major T'Ria
Chief Medical Officer
USS Meridian

Ensign Kynian Th'Kyrheth
Science Officer
USS Meridian

Warrant Officer Emily Douglasdale
Helm Officer
USS Meridian

 

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