Story:Star Trek: Helena/Death of a Neutron Star/Teaser

The Helena approaches a Neutron Star.

''Captain's Log Stardate 48349.5. We have entered a spectacular double star system in the Kavis Alpha sector on a most critical mission of astro-physical research. Our eminent guest, Doctor Lenara Khan, will attempt to study the decay of globules of neutronium expelled at relativistic speeds by a massive stellar explosion which will occur here in a matter of hours. It is virtually a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as dictated by the forces of nature. But frankly, Doctor Khan seems much calmer about it all than those of us who are simply charged with the responsibility of delivery and observation.'' On the Bridge Commander Martin is in command while Captain Taylor is in her ready room, as Doctor Khan is standing above the Captain and XO chairs.

"Standard orbit Ensign Kaye but keep us from being dragged into the gravity of the star," Commander Martin says as he looks at the main viewer.

Ensign Kaye inputs commands into her console.

"Aye, Sir," Ensign Kaye says as she looks at her console and then inputs commands into the console.

Doctor Khan walks down to the steps and looks at the viewer as she turns to Ensign Kaye.

"Spectacular, isn't it, my young friend?" Doctor Khan says as she looks at Ensign Kaye.

She looks at the Trill Doctor.

"Yes, ma'am it is," Ensign Kaye says as she looks at Doctor Khan.

Doctor Khan looks at the viewer.

"Over and over again, the intense gravitational pull of the little neutron star sucks up the star material from the red giant, and it builds up on the surface until it explodes... every one hundred and ninety six years. Like clockwork. And it is but eighteen hours away,"

Doctor Khan says as she looks at the viewer.

Ensign Sito looks at her console and reports.

"Eighteen hours, seven minutes, and ... ten seconds, Doctor, Ensign Sito says as she looks at her console then at Doctor Khan.

She acknowledges the young Bajoran.

"The interstellar counterpart to Earth's "Old Faithful". The only predictable burst of energy in the universe that can accomplish our goal," Doctor Khan says as she looks at the viewer.

Then all of the sudden the ship jolts as lights dim and klaxon blare and red lights flash, and Captain Taylor walks out of the ready room.

"Report?" Captain Taylor says as she stands next to Commander Martin.

Ensign Sito looks at her console.

"One Orion Interceptor bearing 184 mark 13," Ensign Sito says as she looks at her console and the ship jolts and a shower of sparks erupt from the back console of the station.

Lieutenant Crusher looks at his console.

"Damage to secondary hull before we raised our shields Captain," Lieutenant Crusher says as he looks at his console read out and then at Captain Taylor.

Ensign Kaye reports as well.

"Warp drive is down," Ensign Kaye reports as she looks at her console.

Commander Martin goes to Doctor Khan who is down on the floor from the first attack.

"Medical team to the bridge," Commander Martin says as he tapped his combadge.

Captain Taylor goes to her chair.

"All hands battle stations," Captain Taylor says as she sits in her chair.

An Orion Interceptor fires at the Helena hitting it's dorsal shields.