Chapter 25. Set out for rescue
Noah nodded silently. This makes the whole situation completely different. Now they must mount a rescue operation, no matter the consequences. And the first armed action was obviously initiated by Demon Yan. But that doesn't mean they have to respond in kind. It is morally unacceptable. But they couldn't leave the Mandela crew behind. No one will be left behind. This is very important for morale on the ship. He must take this into account as well. Of course, safety remains a top priority. It doesn't help anyone if everyone loses their lives during the rescue operation. He firmly told Charles, "Nevertheless, I will not risk the lives of my crew members pointlessly."
"Pointless?" Charles was angry. "It's meaningless? Are you trying to say that rescuing other prisoners is meaningless? How can you be so arrogant? Your noble spaceship makes you forget everything?" he said excitedly.
Noah tried to respond calmly, "Please understand, I must consider the safety of the crew. We will seriously consider the rescue operation, but will not blindly take risks. We must ensure that the rescue plan is feasible and can guarantee the safety of the crew." Safety."
"Doable?" Charles scoffed. "What are you talking about? Your ship has so much advanced technology, and you seem to be invincible. You are just a coward who only knows how to brag. Why should I expect so much from you?"
Noah put away all his emotions and tried to stay calm. "I understand your anger, Charles. But you need to understand that I cannot expose my crew to unnecessary risks without certainty. We need more information before we can make informed decisions. We will We will do our best to rescue the survivors of the Mandela, but we will also protect ourselves. This does not mean that we do not care about the fate of others."
Charles shook his head violently, obviously very dissatisfied with Noah's explanation. "You wouldn't understand. You would never come to the rescue, I should have expected that."
"I understand his anger," Dr. Celia said, although she was clearly unhappy with Charles's attitude. "In his case, I probably would have felt the same way."
"Yes, I understand." Noah sighed deeply. "We have to proceed with caution. We will try to rescue the crew of the Mandela but also ensure the safety of the crew. We need more information."
"If we all die in the rescue, it won't help those in captivity. We have to wait for the data from the detector." However, he thought to himself, maybe Charles was right. Is he being too conservative? Do we have an obligation to help others, even if the chances are slim? If two hundred crew members die in exchange for saving two thousand people, is the mission a success? No, he made up his mind. He has a duty to save lives, but not at any cost. Weighing lives against each other is the wrong way to go.
"Then how do you prove that the risk is too great?" Charles' tone became more and more provocative.
"The Mandela is the best proof. We can only wait for the data from the detector before making a decision." Noah responded firmly, not being swayed by Charles.
"But it may take days or even weeks to find the data." Although he seemed weak just now, Charles now showed great fighting spirit.
"Even if it takes days or weeks. I will not let my crew die. My decision has been made." Noah's tone was unambiguous. For him, the discussion was over.
Charles stood up and looked down at the captain. "My expectations for you are too high. But obviously, your federation is the same as Demon Flame." Then he left the conference room, and Dr. Celia followed him, looking back again and shrugging helplessly.
In the room, silence reigned. Everyone else was silent. Everyone knew what a difficult decision the captain had just made. He must choose between the lives of his crew and the hundreds of prisoners he might save. However, they still lack the data to make a final decision.
"Mr. Ted, make sure our guest always has a security officer with him when he leaves the infirmary," Noah ordered his security chief. "The performance just now made me feel that he was not so helpless."
"Understood, Captain," Ted replied immediately.
"He must be crazy," Ingmar burst out. "Does he really think we can easily visit the Demon Flame and free the prisoners? Does he really think we are the avenging angels of the universe?"
"Mr. Ingmar," Noah warned in an understanding tone. "If there are indeed survivors of the Mandela out there, then we must save them. However, we should seriously consider whether other living species have the same right to save. If our motives are based solely on a few Starfleet officers, then we I don't have very strong moral values." He paused to calm down before continuing. "But without rescue capsule data, any further discussion is meaningless."
"This is a human, illogical, useless discussion. Totally counterproductive," replied a completely calm and rational voice that should have belonged to a Martian. But everyone's eyes turned to Ingemar, who had just spoken.
Ingmar grinned at Jeffrey and said, "That's what we Martians would say."
The rescue capsule is relatively small and spherical in shape. While standing in front of it makes it look larger, the mere fact that it fits into this cargo bay points to its smaller size. Only large enough for a human-sized human to fit inside. However, the rescue capsule is only needed to save lives. The Republic's rescue module was also not significantly larger. And they are only equipped with thrusters. Despite its small size, this spherical rescue capsule has pulse thrusters. Therefore, it can fly farther than the Federation's rescue capsule. However, using it to reach other galaxies is still impossible.
Noah stood next to the unfamiliar rescue pod. Its sleek exterior gives away no clues about its maker or owner. There are no letters or other markings. Not the smallest clue as to the builder or owner.
"Captain, this structure is fascinating," said Jeffrey, as he walked up to the captain's side. "The material of the rescue capsule is the same as the spacecraft we found on Kuafu IV." He gave some information.
"Is it the same material?" Noah responded thoughtfully. "This means that Kuafu IV's spaceship was made by demonic flames."
"Both the rescue capsule and the discovered craft were probably built by the same manufacturer," Jeffrey replied hesitantly. He didn't like to say something without being completely sure. For perfectly logical Martians, they can only draw conclusions when they have incontrovertible evidence before them. But he also knew what the captain wanted to hear, so he said what he felt was responsible. for mere similarity of materials was not sufficient for him as conclusive evidence. Although this possibility is remote, it cannot be ruled out that there are other species that use this material.
Noah had become accustomed to this characteristic of Jeffrey. "What about the data recorded by the detector?"
Audio came from the control room, "We have found it, but it will take a few minutes to complete the data analysis. I will let you know as soon as we have the information we need."
Noah nodded curtly. "I'm on my way to the control room." Then he turned again and glanced toward the sphere. Something is wrong. Did he overlook something?
The flawless gray shell slowly blurred before his eyes. He turned quickly and put these thoughts behind him. No, he didn't overlook anything.
Yet, throughout the entire trip to the control room, these thoughts lingered in his mind like a constant, distant lament. No matter how hard he tried to focus on other things, he couldn't shake this feeling. It gnawed at him, as if trying to convey some message he didn't understand.
The turbolift door opened before him, revealing the control room. At that moment, the obstacles in his mind disappeared, allowing him to clearly see the overlooked details, the rescue cabin was perfect. But is this possible? A rescue pod without an emergency should stand out. Then, Demonic Flame will definitely take countermeasures. They'll probably open fire. Even if they couldn't destroy the pod, there would certainly be marks on the hull. Or Demon Flame will send a ship to intercept the escapee, and then it will be impossible for him to escape because the rescue capsule is not fast enough.
But obviously, nothing happened. What is going on here?
"Captain, Mr. Jeffrey just contacted us," Vader interrupted his thoughts.
"Transmit communications to the science station," Noah instructed the communications officer. He then sat down at Jeffrey's post and waited until Vader completed the connection.
Vulcan appears on the small screen. "Captain, the data has been evaluated."
"What's the result?" Noah asked.
"very meaningful."
"Get to the point," the captain urged.
"We have obtained the coordinates of the planetary body, not far from here. This planetary body has almost no defense facilities, and there are about twenty to fifty soldiers. Based on the available data, more accurate information cannot be provided. There are no stationed ships. This The mines don’t seem to be important to Demon Flame.”
"Do you think this is possible?" Noah's voice was filled with doubt. He felt the situation was a little too simple.
"Obviously, we are now at the very edge of the area controlled by Demon Flame. If the output of this mine is not particularly rich, Demon Flame may well decide that it is not worth spending more on defense."
Noah nodded. What he had just discovered seemed worthless. Apparently, the rescue pod managed to escape without leaving any trace. And if Jeffrey doesn't even mention it, it doesn't seem like it matters.
"Do you think an intervention can be carried out?" Noah confirmed again.
"You are aware that Starfleet General Order No. 1 does not allow this?" the Vulcan responded, sounding more like a statement than a question.
"The purpose of the Prime Directive is to avoid interfering with the development of civilization. I don't think it applies here." Noah said.
Jeffrey retorted, "Captain, I cannot agree with your interpretation of the Prime Directive."
"I don't need your permission." Noah quickly interrupted Jeffrey to prevent him from making any other logical arguments. In this case, the Prime Directive didn't matter to Noah because it was about saving lives, and lives were more important to him than any law. "I just want to know whether it is feasible to free the prisoners and whether this action will put us in irresolvable danger."
"Based on the available data, rescue should not be particularly difficult. But you should be aware of the consequences," Jeffrey warned.
"I know." Noah nodded. "This may be interpreted as the Federation's declaration of war on the demonic flames."
"Indeed." Noah had to confirm Jeffrey.
"I don't want to cause a war. But if it goes against my moral principles and the principles of the Federation for political reasons, how can I continue to wear this uniform?" Jeffrey knew that this was not a question raised to the captain, but to Noah Problems within oneself. He has lived among humans long enough to understand the inner conflicts of humans, the battle between logical thinking and emotion.
"Captain, I will pass you the coordinates of the mine. The decision is in your hands." Jeffrey felt that he could not help the captain any more, so he continued, although this was not his usual way. "Per Starfleet regulations, the situation is clear. We will do nothing. But the Federation is built on mutual aid and trust. If we intervene, races that may be oppressed by the Demonic Flame will see that as a good sign. Even if we don’t achieve anything, we may find friends and allies here.”
"Thank you, Mr. Jeffrey," said the captain.
Jeffrey just nodded, even though he felt like Noah wasn't listening to him.
Noah turned off the screen but continued to stare at the dimmed display. He faces the toughest decision of his career. Maybe he'll start a terrible war. A war far more serious than the conflict with the Romulans and Klingons.
"Captain." Vader stood up and walked behind him. she whispered to him. "I know you have to make a decision now. But before you do, I want to give you some advice." She paused, obviously unsure if she could give him advice. But Noah is fine with any opinion now. So he turned and looked directly at her. "Please say."
"One of the reasons I joined Starfleet is because their policy is to help other races. The Mizzari Fleet only represents the interests of our planet. And I want to help other people. Even if it means risk to me. But if I can Help others, it's worth it. For me, Starfleet is the best choice because they help selflessly, without any reward or personal gain. Please show me that I am not being deceived."
Noah looked through Vader. His thoughts were complicated and his eyes were deep. He felt the pressure and responsibility on himself. But he had always known that the day might come when he would have to make a big decision if he joined Starfleet. Despite this, he chose a career in Starfleet.
Vader wasn't entirely wrong. Starfleet is supposed to help creatures in distress. But could he risk an all-out war? If it could trigger a war, would he be responsible for it? After all, Demon Flame attacked first, destroying the Mandela.
"Mr. Hogan," he finally turned to the helmsman, feeling all eyes on him, "direct course to that planet. Speed Wa
p4. "
"Yes, Captain," Creeper Hogan said in a deep voice.
Vader nodded slightly to the captain, his gratitude beyond words. Most of the other people also had expressions of relief on their faces. Partly because of his decision, partly because there was at least one decision. However, he himself was not entirely convinced of the decision. But now, he has no way out if he doesn't want to lose the trust of the crew.
"Ms. Vader, send a report to Starfleet Command on our current situation, including our current coordinates and the coordinates of the mine. Along with my decision."
"Yes, Captain. But waiting for a reply may take hours," she reminded.
"I know," Noah replied seriously. If he could get an immediate response, he wouldn't have to decide for himself. He could then leave the decision to the generals. But now they are so far away from Earth that even subspace transmission would take more than ten hours. He couldn't wait that long. He preferred to put the facts before the generals. "By the way, send this information to Commander Carol," he ordered again. "She should know that it will probably take a few days for our team to return." Then, he slowly stood up from the science station and walked to the command chair.
Vader watched him, and she noticed how heavy this decision was for him. And his confidant, chief engineer Daisy, is not on board. So he must face it alone. Besides, he has his own daughter who can definitely help him.
