Chapter IIa: Absolute Disaster

@Marbo (this is still in the meeting, before Darcy dismisses you):

Darcy leans over these new schematics. "Let's hope you're right. But those test results do make me a bit more confident in the plan. Good work, doctor. You can take how ever many rifles you need but leave a few intact at least. We won't be able to stock up on them again until we get to another starbase."

A while after the meeting in the stargazing lounge finished, just in time for the scheduled rendezvous, the USS Potential falls out of Warp over Kyndar, the only inhabited planet in the Temran system. Immediately, you are met by the imposing sight of the USS Antarctica, an impressive Solar class starship, more than fifty times the size of the Potential. Its shining and immaculate hull makes it look brand new and even more impressive compared to the much smaller and slightly damaged Potential.
Lt. Mezron brings the Potential to a halt very close to the Antarctica.

Cass, you are on the bridge, Zlam, RC, you are probably also there since the arrival in the Temran system had been announced prior.
Except for the three of you, there’s also Cassandra Darcy, Dr. Mokk and Lt. Mezron present. Without consulting or informing Cass, Darcy has given the order to every other member of the bridge crew to change into dress uniform, so that is what she, Dr. Mokk and Lt. Mezron are wearing. Let me know about the PCs.

Only seconds after you have reached orbit, Darcy speaks up: "Hail from the Antarctica, Commander. Should I put them on the screen?"

I laughed

Darcy shows no reaction to your speech and puts the Antarctica hail through to the screen.
Immediately, you are greeted by an almost identical mirror image of your bridge, only slightly larger, slightly cleaner and slightly better equipped technologically. In the captain's chair, you see Captain Tulak, looking exactly the same as in the picture in the file. Next to her, her first officer, Commander Lewis Archer. There are other crew members on the bridge, none of whom you recognize right away. None of the people on the Antarctica bridge are wearing dress uniform.

Captain Tulak gives you all a serious look. She puts her right hand on her left shoulder where it remains for a second, the customary greeting of her species. Then she starts speaking, her voice is slow, serious and slightly metallic sounding. "Commander Cassano. It is good to meet you. I apologize for my lack of formality but there is no time for that. We have been briefed about the situation by Admiral DeLeary and informed that you have already devised a plan to recover your crewmates. I would like to beam over to the Potential asap to discuss these plans."

Captain Tulak nods and the connection cuts without any more words said. They're going to get ready and beam over in a few minutes.

You have some trouble with the modifications especially with the triggering mechanism but you're fairly confident the rifles are going to do their job well.

You three and Darcy gather in ops and shortly after, receive a message over comm: "Commander Cassano, the Antarctica is asking permission to beam three people over."