Minutes ticked by as the warbird orbited the planet in search of the Federation runabout. Despite her greed to command the Algeron, Sub-Commander Rhea remained professional and remained the ever polished Romulan.
She was also very suspicious of the young Tal Shiar officer, who promised her the universe.
"Helm scan for the runabout." commanded Rhea.
"Scanning for debris, negative. There is a natural form of stealth on the planet." replied the Centurion.
Which meant they were probably hiding in one of the caves.
"Tyvek prepare a landing party. I will lead the party once the commander returns to the bridge." Rhea suggested.
Perhaps he wouldn't die with the ship after all.
The Romulans had been taken hostage by the natives and led to an under ground layer. There they discovered an ancient city of amphibians in the sewer type fantasia.
"I am a member of the Romulan Tal Shiar. If you know what's good for you, you will surrender this world at once."
Croaking and gulping followed.
"It is you that shall surrender. You are the interlopers and you shall die." a large toad replied.
With two security officers, Rhea and Tyvek entered the transporter. The very one containing the Amphibian, Smith and Gunney. The very minute they entered the amphibian shot out a sticky tongue at the security officers, rendering them unconscious. Rhea however, ducked behind Tyvek.
"Who are these people?" she demanded.
"They are my crew and you are now my hostage. Smith set your phaser on kill and if she moves shoot her." Tyvek ordered.
"You're not from the Tal Shiar. You're from Star Fleet."
Gunney then interrupted.
"Sir I hate to break this up but we are running out of time."
"Right you are Gunney. Sub Commander if you'll be so kind as to get up on that platform." replied Tyvek.
Doing so despite the protest, Rhea and the crew once again vanished in the transporter beam.
The Commander had all but accepted the fact that they were going to die. But hope rebounded when two of the engineers awoke. Arousing the others that had been knocked out, soon the engineers had stopped the warbird's engine from imploding.
The Commander was able to return to his bridge only to discover that his first officer, Sub-Commander Rhea had escaped with the saboteur.
"Commander I'm detecting life form on the planet. Six are Romulan, and another set of two are Human." reported the helmsman.
"Recall all personnel on the planet, except for Sub Commander Rhea. Once they are aboard prepare to activate the plasma torpedoes."
If I can't have this planet, no one shall. concluded the Commander.
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