“Captain Nitus,” Captain Jackson said, pausing as the screen flickered to life. The commander of TG58 was returning to Devron Fleet Yards when the veil started following across the galaxy. The Bridgerton and its two escorts were in the Alpha Mori system for a trade summit with the Klingons and the neighboring House K’thark. “I’m going to jump straight into it. The D’deridex system isn’t the only system that is being blocked out. We’re calling it the Blackout and it’s affecting everyone. The Romulans, the Klingons, the Cardassians, everyone in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants is being affected by it; and we don’t even know where it came from.” He had been trying to reach SBB for the past three days in hopes that one of his old friends would tell him what was going on. Being met with silence instead.

“It started just a few weeks ago in the peripheral regions and now it’s spread across the Quadrants,” he informed her. The Paramount wasn’t the only shop he had made contact with but she was the one further from Federation space. Jackson didn’t know what was going on and that scared him. Even if he would never admit it; he was terrified but he knew the people on his ship and under his leadership needed a steady rock to look to. And he would have to do it.

“Is there any way we can get through?” Nitus asked, the desperation evident in her voice. She didn’t understand what was going on, the last thing she thought she would have to deal with was some subspace phenomenon they didn’t understand.

“Negative, we are still trying to figure it out but as of right now we have nothing,” Jackson said as he sighed. He knew this wasn’t the end, she wasn’t the first and she wouldn’t be the last person she would have to call and give an update with such little information. But it’s all he had.

“Nitus, listen,” he said, his voice softening as he spoke to her. “We don’t know what’s ahead of us but you have to remember we are Starfleet. We may not be a dedicated military but we are strong. We will get through this. I want you to remain in the Dewa sector and try to reach D’Deridex. When you do, report back. Bridgerton out.”

Captain’s Log Stardate 2402.04. It’s been over four weeks since we last had contact with the D’Deridex system and it’s been three days since we’ve lost contact with Captain Jackson. The last we heard of the Bridgerton was that they were heading to Starbase Bravo to try and get a hold of anyone. We haven’t heard anything since. With no response from Archanis or Polaris, it feels increasingly like we are alone in an empty galaxy. But it’s as the Captain said ‘We will get through this.’ But I’m beginning to wonder if I even believe that’s true.

The corridors were silent, mid-alpha shift everyone knew what had happened and it scared them but they knew deep down whatever came next they would face it together.

Ensigns T’Vaya and Linton walked down the corridor side by side. The Vulcan hands clasped behind her back tighter than usual, her lips pressed into a thin line. She was tense. A seven-year event was happening and she needed help immediately. She abruptly stopped as she turned to Linton.

“Daniel,” she said hesitantly, her voice low barely above a whisper. Her normally steady breath caught for a fraction of a second as her posture fluctuated. “I need to ask you something… personal.”

Linton’s face scrunched in concern as he stopped walking to look at her. “Sure,” he said, his Texan accent sharp as he lowered his voice. “What’s going on?” He was heading back to sickbay to help Doctor Blix when he walked into T’Vaya who asked to walk with him.

“It’s about something unique to Vulcans. I believe you are aware of the term… pon farr?” she said her voice low, as she struggled to maintain control of her emotions. This had been going on since the start of their mission and she thought she could hold herself together until she could return to Vulcan but the urges have become too strong. Especially after watching members of the security department in the gym just last week.

Linton’s concern deepened. “I’ve heard of it. It’s… serious.” He had already noticed the signs. Elevated hormones, agitation, irritability, and difficulty concentrating to name a few.

T’Vaya nodded slowly as she tried to steady herself. “I am entering the plak tow,” she said trying to steady her emotions flared up. Her resolve deteriorated faster than she had expected. She needed to hurry. “The blood fever. I require a mate… or it will get worse then…,” she exhaled slowly as she regained control of her being. However fleeting that control was. “I will die. It is not a request I make lightly, but I require… assistance. Your assistance.”

Linton’s expression shifted from concern to surprise. “Are you asking me to…” he said, his voice trailing off. Surprise and concern laced his voice. Surprised he had been asked to assist in such a cultural and biological event and concerned over the safety of his friend.

“Yes, but there is more. If we proceed it is likely that a… bond will form between us. A telepathic link. I must warn you this connection is… permanent,” she said her breathing had become labored as her grip on logic slipped through her fingers once again. They stood in silence as Linton absorbed the information and T’Vaya tried to regain composure. No sound was made but the hum of the ship around them.

“Okay,” he said finally, his resolve set in helping his friend. “I’ll help you. Whatever comes with it. When do you need me?” he asked her. He knew he should be getting back to sickbay but Commander Blix would understand when he explained to him what happened.

“Now!” she responded harsher than either of them expected. “Before logic slips further from my grasp.”