“Captain’s log stardate seven-eight-seven-zero-zero. While on patrol along the Cardassian border, the Columbia encountered what can only be described as a flotilla of alien ships that had been damaged after traversing over forty thousand light-years. Each ship has come from the Delta Quadrant region known as the Gradin Belt. Their sudden arrival in Federation space is alarming. Though heavily damaged or disabled, their presence near the Cardassian Union has made me want to ensure we can take control of the situation quickly. We are assembling away teams to assist in repairing their ships. The science department is analysing how they arrived here, and I am also opening the ship to give so many of their crews shelter from their damaged ships. The crew have been ordered to make nice with our visitors.”

Captain Corbin stood in the centre of Columbia’s bridge, arms crossed against his chest. He was almost glaring at the image before him on the viewscreen. The sizeable alien armada would have caused more alarm bells to ring across his bridge. However, none of them posed a significant threat to the Galaxy-class ship. Most of them were small ships, no bigger than an Intrepid-class starship. The only one that was the largest was the Malon freighter. He had encountered a few of these races before, back when he commanded the previous ship named Shackleton while they scouted out parts of the Gradin Belt. What also helped him feel calm was that most of them were damaged. None of them could take on the might of a Galaxy-class ship. 

“Damn it,” Nelson said under her breath.

Corbin smirked. “Problem, Number One?” He asked as he looked over his shoulder and saw Nelson rising from her chair where she usually sat on the bridge.

Nodding, she approached him. It was apparent she didn’t want everyone to hear what she was about to say. “Starfleet can’t send anyone else.” She mumbled.

“Why not?” Corbin questioned.

“Apparently, we’re not the only ones dealing with something similar,” Nelson answered.

Sighing and shaking his head, Corbin knew it would be down to his crew to hold the line once again. He looked over at the science station. “Velesa, any ideas on what brought them all here?”

“I’m still examining the sensor records now, sir; my best guess is some sort of wormhole,” The Denobulan woman answered.

“Would asking the other ships to provide us with a copy of their sensor logs help us?” Nelson suggested.

“That would be helpful; we could run a comparative analysis,” Velesa said. “I’ll get some of my best minds on it.”

“Good,” Corbin said, “In the meantime, let’s ensure our guests feel welcomed.”

“And I suggest we remain vigilant so close to the Cardassians, sir,” Lieutenant Rowal suggested at tactical.

“Definitely, let’s launch a few probes as early warning systems,” Corbin agreed as he returned to his chair. “Counsellor, any ideas on how to keep a vast group of aliens calm and happy while they find themselves stuck on the opposite side of the galaxy?” He asked Counsellor Merrindis.

She smirked at him. “If we were back on Risa, I would suggest a hoverboard competition or a round of Risian mai-tais.”

“Maybe a few themed evenings wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Nelson offered.

“I feel like we’re going to end up having our own Delta Quadrant summit,” Corbin remarked. “However, we must be sensitive to them all and welcoming.”

“Promoting our diversity should help, sir; I’m happy to take the lead on this and get some of our junior crew involved,” Merrindis stated. “Though it may mean turning the Columbia into a Risian pleasure cruise.”

“If it stops them from shooting at each other and us, then I’m all for it, counsellor,” Corbin said with a grin.

Nelson looked over her shoulder towards their chief engineer. “Stefanie, are we going to be able to help with so many repairs on so many different ships?”

Ortega nodded. “I think so, but it may put a strain on our replicator systems.”

“I’ll make sure we’ve got the power,” Alkos remarked from ops.

“Then let’s get to it,” Corbin ordered his senior staff.