Trauma...

FLASHBACK…

[Beacon System Malfunction]

Suki clenched her jaw, determined to keep her distress from Tisha.

"Launch, Tisha. I'll be right behind you," Suki said, her voice unwavering despite the dire situation.

"But..." Tisha began, her concern evident.

"No 'buts,' Tisha. Just go."

Suki's eyes followed Tisha's beacon ship as it successfully launched from the disintegrating wreckage of The Zlanov.

Alone now, she swallowed the lump in her throat and turned back to her console, the flickering light reflecting her gaze. "Okay, let's try this again," she muttered, fingers dancing over the controls in an attempt to override the malfunction.

The Zlanov, once a formidable ship, now laid in ruins around her, a testament to the ferocity of the battle they had barely survived.