Chapter Text
Captains log: Stardate 2371. During a protracted expedition into deep space, the Enterprise received a targeted band S.O.S. from a scientific research station owned by TranStar industries, a private company with a long list of incredible scientific advancements under their belt. We are currently en route to the station in order to provide relief, but something about this doesn't feel right. Why send a targeted message when a broad wave would be much more likely to gain attention? Why wasn't the nature of the problem detailed in the message? Why have the records of this stations crew been scrubbed from all available public networks? I contemplate these questions as we make our way, and the cold shadow of unease pulls at my nerves.
The occupants of the conference room went silent as the recorder crackled to life. A mans voice, tinged with worry and sleeplessness could be heard.
“To anyone who receives this message, My name is Alex Yu, CEO of TranStar and current director for Talos Station. My team and I are in dire need of assistance. A dangerous xenological experiment has broken containment in one of our research wings and is quickly spreading throughout the station. We are safe for now but need to be beamed off station as soon as possible. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to dock or beam on board, you may risk losing yourselves, or your ship if you do. Please respond, we may be safe for now, but I'm not sure how long supplies will last.”
The message cut off abruptly with a squeal of static and Picard looked around to those present.
Riker seemed contemplative, an odd hesitancy for one normally so bold. He scratched his chin as he spoke. “Well, it certainly seems authentic.”
Picard raised his eyebrows. “You have doubts, Number One?”
Riker straightened, as if realizing he had spoken out loud. “Sorry, captain. I just can't say I've enjoyed interacting with TranStar in the past, and it would be just like them to use an actual emergency as a political ploy for their relationship with Starfleet. During my time on the Potemkin, we had run-ins with them over the smallest issues that usually ended in extremely draining legal battles.” He held up a hand and shook his head. “Don't get me wrong, we need to respond to this. If there's even a small chance someone is in danger, I'm all for going out of our way to check it out. Just keep in mind that they're known for intentionally stringing Starfleet along.”
Picard nodded “Noted. What does everyone think about this man, Alex Yu?”
Troi raised a hand and when Picard nodded, she spoke. “While I cannot testify to his truthfulness, I have heard false emotions many times, and this- was not false. Mr. Yu was in a panicked state, though there was a hint of something beneath it- He seemed hesitant, as if unsure what he should say, and what he should not.”
Geordi nodded. “Makes sense considering he's the CEO of a private scientific research company. I doubt they're thrilled to give Starfleet any kind of look into the skeletons in their closet.” He looked to Picard, excitement evident below the concern. “The Yu's are infamous in the science and tech communities. Their exploits have almost become urban legend in certain circles.”
Picard's curiosity was piqued. “In what way, Mr. La Forge?”
“Well, the siblings, Alex and Morgan, are well known for getting down and dirty with the companies research. They're 'results driven' in the same way a cultist is fanatical. Alex is a legitimate genius, studying right alongside the men he employs and writing incredibly far-out papers on neuroscience and experimental brain-mapping- that are usually proven true during experimentation. Morgan on the other hand, while also incredibly smart, is more hands-on, unorthodox and... extreme. She demands to be the first person in line for experimentation during human trials, refusing to let anyone take part until she survives the tests. Not all of their experiments are successful either, she's sacrificed limbs in the name of science before.”
He paused a moment to let it sink in, at which point Dr. Crusher spoke. “They are both unhinged in their own way, definitely not the kind of role models I would want in the scientific community.”
Geordi shrugged “I guess it just depends on how you look at it. Some people see them as martyrs, others see them as greedy opportunists with hero complexes. Me? I just know they make a lot of cool tech.”
The more Picard learned about the company, the less comfortable he became. Regardless, they were on their way and would not deny help to those asking for it. “Very well, thank you all for your input. We will evacuate the station as efficiently as possible, no unnecessary interaction with the crew. Scientists are pragmatic individuals, I'm sure they will understand the precaution. Number one, with me. The rest of you are dismissed. Prepare for arrival to this 'Talos station'.”