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The announcement rousted HKR. It raised itself to its full height (7 feet and 5 inches) and started to consider its options. If it wanted to leave, now would be its last chance. That would be unlikely, however, as the ship was still in orbit and it was damaged. It could steal a shuttle and return to Wintreath, but the risk of detection in its current state was high and it doubted everyone on this ship was as hapless as that original guard. So it had to stay on this ship.

It scanned the corridor outside the room. Empty. Stepping out, it moved quickly, if not silently, down the corridor, stopping to make sure the way ahead was clear every so often. Fortunately, most of the crew seemed busy in the bridge from what it had heard. It finally reached what looked like personal cabins and it slid into the nearest one. Seeing a computer, it started to hack into it. It took a while, but finally it was in. "My hacking protocols definitely need an upgrade." It thought to itself. Most of it was garbage data, like a personal log by a "Commander Tomalek", which told HKR that there were Vulcans aboard. HKR had had few dealings with Vulcans before, so best to steer clear.

Finally, HKR found the data he was looking for: ship name, destination and purpose. The data intrigued him. A long voyage away from here? Away from the UGC? Perhaps... perhaps this wasn't such a bad place to be after all. Perhaps here, things will be different....

HKR closed the computer and did its best to wipe all traces of its presence. Exiting the room, he started back toward the storeroom, running scenarios through its processor. How to best use this situation?

"Yes, we are both pilots," James responded. "I'm more specialized in navigation, though."

Now, where have I heard this name before? James thought. Ah, of course.

"I studied warp drive engineering for a while before I decided it wasn't for me," James told Tomalek. "I think I've read some of your published works before. Very interesting."

Zerick stood there, confused by the last thing Tomalek said. At what point did I say my problem with him was because he's Vulcan? He just nodded to the other officers and started making his way to the engine room.

Tomalek supressed a small feeling of pride.  This is some pilot—perhaps I could get his help reviewing a few of the modifications to the warp drive.

"I'm impressed that you know my work.  You must have seriously considered warp engineering to have read it.  I'm glad that you have, though.  It really is a fascinating field, though, as you said.  Modifications may always be made to increase the speed, safety and reliability of the drives.  Might you be willing to review a few modifications that I have for the engines to see if I have overlooked anything?"  he said as they entered the main bridge.  "Hello, Captain.  Shall I power up the primary sublight drive, sir?"

"Yes, you may, but first I would like everybody to meet here as we discuss the future of the Expedition."

Alexsandr took a seat in the Council Room which was next to the bridge and consisted of a long table and chairs around it.

"Come take a seat as I explain the situation."

"Very well, sir."  Tomalek, along with James and Hendrik, sat down with the rest of the senior staff in the Council Room and waited for the Captain to speak. 

David stood up from his seat and strode toward the group in front of him. He thought of answering the Vulcan's question, but seeing how he was engrossed in a conversation with both Hendrik and James, he decided against it. Instead, he could use the few minutes to deviate from course a little, to get to know the ship.

His curiosity got the better of him, and he took a left where everyone else went forward. He noticed a storeroom to his right, labeled "Non-Perishable Foods." This might be useful in case of an emergency, he thought. He slowly opened the door, when he heard footsteps behind him...

Alexsandr looked around and noticed David was missing.

"Where is David? Please someone find him, but let me explain first."

The Captain looked around at the senior staff and then continued speaking.

"As you may all know, we are leaving Wintreath and explores the Cosmos."

The Captain paused for a second.

"I do not know how long this mission will take, but we must perform our duty to the nation. We are missing one member, who can hopefully catch up to us before we reach the outpost. Anyways, our first plan is to reach the outermost outpost of Wintreath which is about 5 systems away. There, we will stock up on any supplies before leaving and losing communications."

Alexsandr activated a hologram which showed the navigation pathway.

"Also, command wants us to signify if a planet could be colonized. We are not looking if it has an environment like our homeworld, but whether if its too dangerous or not. They will set up oxygen equipment if needed. Another objective is to search for other life out there, other nations. They did not say how to approach them."

The Captain remembered reading in the ship's network on how the crew got along.

"Please make sure you guys get along and make friends as well. It'll make the ship run more efficiently. Speaking of efficiently, we will need to research artifacts or technology we find out here, possibly integrating it into our ship. Hendrik will fly our explorers down to the surface. I will also accompany you guys. Now that we have our plan, do we have any questions?"

"Yeah, I have a concern, captain. I think it might be prudent to elect a second-in-command for if things get hairy. I'm not stupid. This much weaponry is simply not equipped to a ship that isn't made for combat."

"Okay, you can decide that among yourselves, then you can tell me."

"I also have a question, sir.  Could you give me permission to get Engineering started on overhauling the FTL to create a more efficient and sustainable drive?  I have the personnel necessary and could relatively easily call back the IDW Aggressor back for additional supplies if they're necessary." 

"You may. Meanwhile, can someone check on our missing staff?"

HKR was a bit hurried, which is why it did not scan the final corridor leading to what had been its hidey-hole. It rounded the corner just in time as the human turned to see what the noise behind him was. In the second that their eyes (or photosensors) met, HKR considered 3 different options.

The first was to run. If it ran, however, than this human would tell others and a hunt would begin. HKR did not think that it could stay hidden that long, so running was out.

The second was to play dumb, pretend to be an independent service robot. It had done it before to great success, always killing his targets when the time came. However, this to presented problems. It did not have a make or model and any crew worth their salt would immediately figure out that it was no mere service robot. So that to was not an option.

So that just left one option. It pounced on the human, knocking him down before he could comprehend what was happening, and jabbed its staff precariously close to the humans neck. A slight push and this human would be no more. It took a few more seconds to consider what to do with this human.

"Human." It said through its vocal emitters. "Your name. My location. Who is in charge. Answer, and you live."

"Very well, Captain. I shall go locate out curious crewman on the way to engineering." Tomolek the stood up and left the room, eager to give the news to the engineers that the modifications had been approved.

Hendrik was surprised.

"Wait, are we dismissed?"