A Question of Responsibility

Posted on Sun Sep 27th, 2026 @ 8:02pm by Captain Andre Hunt & Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Lopez

1,210 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Ashes of Vega Colony
Location: Vega Colony

The last two shuttles had been on standby until they were finally given the green light by the team on the first to proceed down to the planet. Captain Hunt made it point to be on shuttle pod two, that was bringing armory officers and medical staff to the surface. In the shuttle as well was Gunnery Sergeant Lopez and two other MACOS. Everyone had their directives, but he had a directive of his own. And that was to meet with the Colony Governor and the StellarCore Mining Corporation Director. What was last reported is that the two were at odds on how to handle things. The Director felt that due to the accident taking place on their property, then they should be solely responsible for investigating. But the Governor felt otherwise.

Making their way down to the surface, they briefly passed by shuttle pod one that was making its way back to the Meridian to bring down more support. The two shuttles passed over the mine, landing in the designated area for the first responders. The doors opened as the additional personnel quickly exited, carrying equipment. Stepping out last was the two MACOS and Lopez, followed by Hunt. The First Sergeant had one task and that was keeping the Captain safe from whatever was going on around them. MACOs were solely responsible for protection detail, while security was maintaining control of the scene.

Governor Elias Venna and Director Mara Kessler observed as the Starfleet personnel exited the shuttle. The two was quiet for the first time, since this whole incident took place. Watching as Captain moved in closer flanked by MACOS, they looked at each other as Elias took the initiative. "Captain Hunt, welcome to Vega Colony. Though I wish it was on much different circumstances."

"I wish that to be true as well," Kenneth answered.

"Allow me to introduce you to Regional Director Mara Kessler," Venna spoke up. "She is the representative from StellarCore Mining Corporation."

Mara smiled as she extended her hand to the Captain who immediately accepted it. "I can you assure you Captain and Starfleet that your presence isn't really needed. All of this I can assure you is an accident."

Hunt raised an eyebrow as he looked between Venna and Kessler. "Perhaps that might be true. And its way too early for anyone to make that assessment."

"I whole heartly agree that its much too soon for that assessment," the Administrator agreed. "Not too mention that have been plenty of concerns that Starfleet should be looking into and not leaving the investigation solely in the hands of the corporation responsible for this mess."

"Elias that would be slander," she countered.

"Before we proceed any further," the captain interrupted. "Perhaps it would be best to take this conversation in doors to a secure location among prying eyes and the media." Nodding his head, he indicated a few journalists standing not to far from where they stood.

Lopez watched as the two shuttles took off, heading back to the Meridian to bring down additional staff. The equipment was being transported down to the surface as needed. In the back of his mind, he wondered if Starfleet would ever get truly comfortable with putting people through that thing. Personally, he would stick with the shuttle.

Both simply nodded with the Captain agreement as they moved towards the transports that would be bringing them to this Venna's office. The fifteen minute ride was extremely silent. No one wanted to speak on the matter in the front of the MACOs or security personnel that Elias and Mara had assigned to their detail. Kenneth simply looked over locking eyes with Antonio who seemed to be keeping his head on the preverbal swivel as he observed everything they passed through the window. Clearly, he was remembering their path and all possible avenues of escape in case something was to go wrong.

Arriving at the larger building that was located in the center of the colony, everyone exited moving into the building. Once they reached Venna's office, the three entered leaving everyone else outside. The Governor moved behind his desk, sitting down as he directed his guests to have a seat in the chairs in front of his desk. "I would be lying, if I didn't say that StellarCore has not brought business, value and their presence have increased our population the last ten years. But there have been rumors of safety concerns from those working in StellarCore Mining Complex 12."

"All those rumors have been unfounded," Kessler countered. "Through much investigation our doors and plant have remained opened. Whatever caused this catastrophic event, it's no fault of StellarCore, Captain."

Hunt looked at both individuals who clearly had a history between them. "My crew is involved now and we will heading the investigation. I suggest you both instruct your people to give us whatever access necessary to find out what happened here. People have died and others have suffered injuries that they will deal with for the rest of their lives I imagine."

"That's all that I asking," the Governor spoke up. "Ultimately I am the one responsible for the well being of my people. If StellarCore Mining is dangerous, then shutting them down is a must."

The Director had a look of concern on her face. "All operations have been shut down until we can contain the situation and figure out what happened."

There was a knock on the door that broke the tension in the room. One of Venna's security staff poked her head in the room. "Governor. Mr. Cole has arrived and he wishes to speak with you all."

"Send him on in," Elias approved with a wave.

Matthew Cole entered the room. The man was dirty and pointed a finger at the Director. "We warned you all for months that something like this was going to happen. Us miners reported various maintenance issues. From failing equipment, power fluctuations, ventilation problems, and overdue maintenance for months."

The Govenor held up his hands. "Calm down Matthew. Captain Hunt allow me to introduce you to Mathew Cole. He is the Miners Union Representative. And as you can tell, he has a few grievances."

"What is Starfleet doing here?"

"Well Mister Cole," Kenneth spoke up. "We're here to assist and run our own investigation to what happened here."

"Really now," the rep spoke with a smile. "It's about damn time."

Mara rolled her eyes. "I can admit that there may have been a few maintenance issues. But nothing that would have caused an explosion of this magnitude."

Squinting at the Director, Hunt frowned. There was clearly much going on than what he was being revealed. But his people were good and they would soon discover everything this corporation was trying to keep swept under the rug. "Mister Cole, go ahead and meet with my Chief of Security Commander Carey. Present him with a list of those concerns ASAP."

"Thank you, Captain."

"If there's nothing else," Hunt spoke up. "I would like to see the accident site."

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

Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Lopez
First Sergeant
USS Meridian

Governor Elias Venna (NPC)
Colony Governor
Vega Colony

Director Mara Kessler (NPC)
Director
StellarCore Mining Corporation

Matthew Cole (NPC)
Miner's Union Representative

 

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