The Lucky Penny

[Zapp]

"What am I seeing?"

Commander Paul Hopkins was straining his eyes at the main viewscreen of the LNS Chicago, at what appeared to be the scattered remains of some sort of trade convoy. Beeping computers announced the retrieval and interpretation of sensor data, and a young Ensign read it off.

"That would be Universal Convoy Gold 11, sir, lost two days ago. Weapons fire on the hull suggests lasers, therefore Rogues are suspected. Their cargo manifest is registered as 'classified', but apparently they were moving government goods. Top-priority stuff."

Hopkins stroked his chin, deep in thought. "Set a waypoint at its coordinates and call for a SAR ship on the double. We'll guard it until-"

"Sir, we're picking up more readings." The interruption threw Hopkins off his beat, but he recovered quickly enough.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure... something's not right with that wreck..."

"Call for SAR, but take us in closer for a better look."

"Aye sir," from the helmsman.