. "It's small, looks like a freighter, I think. Possibly a D-300 class," Den answered. "The signal isn't much. I'll try putting it on speakers." He glanced over at Relok and then Tabby. "Can you boost the signal?"
. Zak added, "Tabby, see if you can hail them."
. Tabby said, "I'll try."
. Patterson asked, "Carter, can we get a heading on that vessel?"
. Carter answered, "I can get a course to it, but it's hard to get an exact heading. Least I can get us in the right direction."
. Tabby boosted the signal strength and sent the hail. Zak called, "This is the USS Penumbra calling the ... Canteen of Sparkles? What do you need?"
. A voice came back, audio only, "A lift maybe? I'm floating dead in space here. I ... think something blew."
. Zak glanced at his Helmsman. "Carter, take us closer." He spun his chair, "Den, be on the alert but not Yellow Alert ... just ... cautious."
. Den nodded and said, "Charging deflector shields, just in case, around the Bridge and Engineering."
. The voice spoke again, "Yeah, something definitely blew. I can smell smoke. Putting on a respirator now."
. Zak ordered, "Tabby, use a regular Tractor Beam ... when we get close enough. We can pull her into the Hangar Bay."
. "Aye, sir," Tabby called, "Prepping now. On your order."
. Zak turned again, "Den, make sure we secure any sensitive craft and cargo from prying eyes down there."
. "Aye, sir." Then he added, "This is way too convenient, considering we just left the station and run into this."
. Zak hummed, "It is a bit odd, isn't it?"
. Den nodded, "It really is. I'll try a more extensive scan."
. Patterson nodded, "Agreed." He tapped his commbadge, "Security Alert. Hines, get a detachment down to the Hangar Bay for a vessel inspection."
Sickbay:
Fighting what you cannot see.