"Doctor, I assure you I am able to return to my duties," Tumock argued in an impatient tone.
"I still think you should rest, the crew will be able to cope without you for a little while longer," argued the doctor.
"The Kelvan moon is approaching. I believe I will benefit the crew more by being at my station," Tumock quickly replied.
"If you really feel that you must go I will let you...."
Tumock headed for the door.
"....on one condition. You will not work more than you have to and I don't think you should go on any more away missions."
Tumock nodded and once again headed for the door.
"Oh, and you must wear this." The doctor reached over and attached a medical device to Tumock's neck. "This will monitor your vital signs and will tell me if you are getting worse."
"Thank you doctor. Now if you don't mind, I must be going." Tumock walked out.
"Damn Vulcans. Always think they're invincible," the doctor muttered.
As the turbolift doors once again slid open to reveal the bridge, Tumock was greeted by the sight of some of the senior officers coming out of the conference room. As some of them headed to the turbolift, Tumock noticed Lieutenant Carter was among them. He stopped her. "Lieutenant, what is the next step?" asked Tumock.
"The Commodore has ordered a group to scan the approaching moon and look for any weakness," replied Carter.
"Can you wait here for a moment?" asked Tumock.
"Okay Tumock, but I can't stay long," replied Carter.
Tumock walked round the bridge and stood next to the Commodore. "Commodore, I wish to join the away team to scan the moon."
"I don't think you're in any condition for an away mission, Mr. Tumock. Why do you want to go?" asked the Commodore.
"I wish to make up for the previous away mission," replied Tumock.
"What for? The previous mission was a success," replied the Commodore.
"I didn't manage my away team correctly, leading to casualties. I believe I will be able to learn from Lieutenant Carter's away mission."
"If you feel you must go, then you may," replied the Commodore.
"Thank you sir." With that Tumock walked around up to Carter, and they left for Shuttle Bay 1.
When everything was ready, they left in another runabout. The runabout had been upgraded for the mission, the back half of the ship and all non-essential rooms were filled with generators that were directly connected to the shield grid.
"Raising shields and arming weapons," said Carter as they approached. "Bringing generators on stand by."
As they approached, the sensors revealed more bad news. "The sensors indicate smaller gun turrets," said Tumock.
"We obviously aren't the first to make a run at the moon in a small ship," replied Carter.
"We are in weapons range," said Tumock. "We are being targeted." All the smaller turrets and phaser banks started firing continuously at the runabout. The runabout took a few hits and a control console close by exploded.
"There's too many to dodge!" shouted Carter.
"The shields are dropping. I'm bringing the generators on-line," replied Tumock.
"It's working, the shields are holding!" shouted Carter.
"Sensors indicate a communications link between the planet and the moon!" shouted Tumock. "The moon might be controlled from the planet."
"Set up a dampening field," replied Carter.
"Dampening field activated," replied Tumock. "It's working, the connection has been weakened and the weapons are now firing slower."
"I think I've located the receiver. Its shield appears to be fluctuating. I believe a few shots should weaken it enough for me to beam some of you on!" shouted Carter.
"Firing phasers!" shouted Tumock.
"The shields are severely weakened. Tumock, Haakon, Beckett, MacLeod get to the transporter pad," ordered Carter.
Soon the small group found themselves in a small room on the moon. The team drew their phasers and looked around. "Where is everyone?" asked Beckett.
"It seems the moon is automated more than we previously thought," replied Tumock.
They lowered their guard and headed for the control panels. Then three Kelvans rushed in, but were soon taken down by the away team.
"It's only a small group, I believe they are here to maintain the moon's systems," said Tumock as he walked towards them. At that moment the lights went out and all panels turned off.
[ Carter to away team. ]
"Tumock here."
[ The connection is gone and all systems have been shut down, including life support. ]
"Prepare to beam us aboard. Energize."
When they were all aboard the runabout, Carter turned around and greeted them. "Welcome back. The moon will soon be passing the ship; I believe we should wait for the moon to completely pass before heading back."
The away team sat and waited and stared at the Knight until the moon had passed out of weapons range.
"I believe it is safe to head back," said Tumock the moment they moved out of weapons range.
"Agreed," replied Carter. As they docked, they were congratulated by the Commodore. "Welcome back team, come to the bridge as soon as possible."