Beneath the Surface

Posted on Sun Nov 8th, 2026 @ 7:26pm by Captain Andre Hunt & Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Lopez

1,233 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Ashes of Vega Colony
Location: StellarCore Transport

It had been an hour or so, since their meeting at the Governor's office and right now Andre wanted to be a part of the rescue effort. Even though Sergeant Lopez was clearly against and had been adamant about the commanding officer returning back to the Meridian. Looking out the transport window, Hunt could see various personnel at work which also consisted of many of the Meridian's crew brought down to assist.

"The protestors don't seem to be big of a threat, Sergeant."

Antonio stared out the window as he continued silent assess for all possible threats mentally. "There's no threat, until someone in the crowd decides at crazy. Which will ultimately causing an issue for all parties involved."

"Protestors are the least of your problems," Matthew Cole replied from the seat in front of them. "They're peaceful the majority of the time and have not caused any damage since all of this took place. They are the symptom of the problem. Take a look at this."

The Captain accepted a PADD and began going over the extensive report. Going through it, he raised an eyebrow. Looking back up from the PADD, Hunt was now face to face with Cole while leaning forward. "This is an internal maintenance report. How did you get a hold of this?"

"Let's just say a miner who doesn't feel safe at his job. And is highly worried about the conditions his fellow workers are subjected to. If you think this is fake, then your people should be able to authenticate it."

Turning his attention back to the PADD, sscrolling through several entries. There was a certainly great deal of information, but a few concerning aspects that immediately caught his attention. Several maintenance requests had been submitted over the past six months with specific recommendations that mining operations be suspended until the necessary repairs could be completed.

"According to this, there were concerns about structural integrity in several of the excavation sectors," Hunt commented. "Along with malfunctioning safety equipment and ventilation systems."

"That is absolutely correct," Cole spoke up. "And those very concerns were brough to the attention of management of multiple occasions."

Looking among the group, Andre watched their reaction. "Yet, according to these records, corrective action was taken."

Matthew shook his head, making a sarcastic chuckle. "Captain, that's where things get interesting. StellarCore claims that those issues were addressed. But I have spoken with several miners who say otherwise."

Hunt looked back down at the PADD. "Either the workers are mistaken, or someone has been falsifying maintenance records."

"These workers are not mistake, I can assure of that. These miners have invested their whole lives and families to see this place work."

Antonio has remained silent throughout the entire exchange. Looking out the window of the transport, something had caught his attention near the perimeter of the rescue operation. There was a man wearing a StellarCore maintenance uniform standing some distance away from the other personnel, and he wasn't participating in the rescue effort. As the Gunnery Sergeant continued to observe, he noticed that the man was more focused on the movements of the Starfleet personnel.

The maintenance man raised up a small device, directing it toward a group of Meridian crew members who were unloading equipment. Raising an eyebrow, Lopez immediately too concern. "Captain," Antonio interrupted.

"What is it, Sergeant?"

"Don't look right away. But there is someone outside the perimeter taking a special interest in our people."

Resisting the urge to turn towards the window. "You think it might just be security?" Andre questioned.

"That could be a possibility," Lopez replied. "Or it could be someone who doesn't like our prescence here."

Cole glanced toward the window. "StellarCore has its own security personnel on the ground. Could just ne them keeping an eye on things."

"That wouldn't be unusual," Hunt responded.

"No Sir, it wouldn't be. But most security personnel would be trying to conceal what they're doing." The Sergeant continued watching the individual who eventually lowered his device and started to mown away from the perimeter. "I request that we have one of security teams identify him.

Considering the request, Andre nodded. "Discreetly Sergeant. The last thing we need is to create more intention right now."

"Aye sir."

Reaching for his communicator, Lopez relayed instructions to the nearest Meridian security detail near that check point.

Returning his attention back to Cole. "Mr. Cole, I 'm going to the names of the workers who can verify these claims. Going to be honest, that I can't promise the investigation will uncover anything. But I can promise that the evidence will be properly examined."

"There are some who are afraid that they will lose their jobs."

"I promise that we'll take the appropriate precautions to protect their identities."

Before Matthew could respond, the tranport's communication system activated. "Rescue Command to Captain Hunt."

Hunt reached for the communication panel. "Hunt here, go ahead."

"Sir, we have new information from one of the search teams. Sensors are detecting possible life signs beneath the eastern excavation sector."

"How many are we talking?"

"That has been unable to be determined yet. The surrounding minerals are causing interference with our scans. But we believe there may be survivors underneath the collapsed support structures."

Thinking briefly about the information relayed to him, he sighed. "What's currently preventing the team from reaching them?"

"Structural instability, Captain. Our engineers are highly concerned that attempting to clear the debris would possibly trigger another collapse."

"Eastern excavation sector," the Captain repeated to himself. Taking another look at the PADD, he began scrolling rather quickly. Going over the maintenance reports, he face became even more serious. "According to this report that section of the mine was recommended for closure three months ago."

Leaning forward, Cole out his hands together. "That was one of the area the workers had been complaining about."

"And according to StellarCore those repairs had been completed," Hunt replied.

Antonio looked toward his commanding officer. "Sir. if those repairs weren't actually made..."

Activating the communication device again. "Rescue command, this Hunt. Suspend all attempts to enter the eastern sector until engineering has reviewed the structural assessments. I want all available options for reaching those survivors explored."

"Understood Captain."

"And have the senior rescue coordinator and Commander Plaatjes meet me when I arrive."

Ending communications, Hunt turned toward the front of the transport. "What's are ETA?"

"Five minutes, Captain."

"Make it three."

Antonio looked over at Hunt who was determined to make his job even more difficult. "Sir, I am still certain that you could be coordinating all of this from the Meridian."

Giving the MACO a brief glance. "Your objection is noted."

"With respect, sir. I don't believe you have fully considered the security situation on the ground."

"I have considered the situation, Antonio. Which is why you're here."

The Gunnery Sergeant wasn't really satisfied with that answer but felt it best to let it go. In his experience, once the brass had their minds made it up, there was no changing it.

Returning his attention back to the PADD, Hunt studied the diagrams of the eastern excavation sector. Somewhere beneath the surface was possible survivors. And if the information in his hands was accurate, then their situation could have possibly been preventable.

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

Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Lopez
First Sergeant
USS Meridian

Matthew Cole (NPC)
Miner's Union Representative

 

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