Mines of the Lost, Part 1

Posted on 21 Aug 2026 @ 8:04pm by Lieutenant Ryan Collingway

1,015 words; about a 5 minute read

///Holodeck Three///

Ryan arrived at the holodeck with the intention of continuing his leadership training. Not one of Commander Boren's this time, which usually proved to be more interesting and insightful than the textbook ones. It had to be done, however, and so far he was making steady progress.

At least, that was his intention.

When he arrived, however, he decided to do something different.

"Computer, load the setting of an underground mine. Randomized location."

The computer obliged. The area around Ryan simmered for a moment. Then he was standing in a rocky passageway.

No, this wasn't right. He wasn't standing in a passageway. "Computer, adjust visuals."

"Specify parameters."

"Underground mine, open chamber. Passageways to the side."

The computer obliged, and he was suddenly in a more open, empty area. It looked more right.

But not perfect. The chamber wasn't empty.

Doctor Emerson didn't want him to go down the rabbit hole. She wanted to help him with this.

It was still good advice.

One that Ryan still ignored.

He needed to see. He needed to remember.

"Computer, insert a metal support beam. Three meters in front of me."

It appeared in front of him. Ryan touched it briefly.

Still not right.

"Decrease illumination by thirty percent."

The area dimmed.

He knew he shouldn't be doing this. He should let Commander Batenburg help him.

He couldn't help himself. He had put it off for too long. His mind was screaming at him. Demanding answers.

"Computer, play sound file m58004m.f."

He could hear the sound of a pickaxe striking rock in the distance.

It still wasn't right.

"Computer, place a computer console five meters to the right. Starfleet design."

The computer appeared in front of him. It *still* wasn't right.

"Replace Starfleet design with Orion design."

The console changed. Ryan touched it.

"Display an Orion in front of me. With a weapon."

A large, Orion figure stood in front of him.

Ryan closed his eyes. And finally remembered.

////Unknown World////

Seventeen-year Ryan Collingway was bored out of his mind. He played a handheld game while sitting in the back of the shuttle.

His security detail, Seth, smirked at him as he piloted the shuttle. "Cheer up, Ryan. At least you're finally out of the house."

"It's my birthday tomorrow," Ryan pointed out. "And instead of parties or going to see Risa for the first time I get to look at another planet that has benefited from NewFrontiers."

"You're too young for Risa," Seth said.

"Am not." Ryan sighed. "So where are we going this time?"

"Are you going to remember if I tell you? Be honest."

"Sure, I will," Ryan said, fighting a particularly tough battle on his handheld.

"What was the name of the last one we went to?"

Ryan thought about it, and came up blank. He shrugged. Seth laughed.

After a few minutes of companionable silence the shuttle docked. "We're here," Seth said. "Lose the game."

With an exaggerated sigh Ryan put it to one side. Seth gave him a pat on his shoulder.

"I know you hate these. But NewFrontiers is doing some good work in the engineering field. He wants you to see how it benefits people. After this one I promise we will go somewhere fun on the way back, okay?"

Ryan nodded.

"Here." He handed him a small box. "Open it later. And don't tell your father."

Ryan nodded, and pocketed it. They both stepped out of the shuttle pad. Wherever he was, it definitely wasn't on Risa. The entire planet looked depressing, with stormy skies and a rocky path which led to a mechanical complex of some kind. A man approached them. He was tall and pale, with a thin smile. His beady brown eyes stared at Ryan hungrily, like a predator.

Ryan had seen that look before. Many times. They always thought the son of a wealthy investor could bring a lot of fresh revenue to their business.

Ryan wished he had kept his game.

"Welcome, Mister Collingway," the man greeted. "I'm Director Hallsworth. I am very pleased to meet you." He extended his hand.

Ryan could feel Seth's eyes burning in his back. Checking a sigh, he took the hand. "Director. Thank you for taking the time to see me."

"No problem, young man. I am excited to show you what impact NewFrontier technologies is having in our work." With a gesture they walked into the cavern, towards an elevator.

"I would advise not getting too excited, Director. New Frontiers has just branched out in the technology field."

The Director's smile didn't change. "Well, if that's true, then they are very off to a promising start. One that will surely benefit when you join that field as well. That is what your father mentioned, I believe."

Ryan didn't respond, trying to meet the Director's gaze coldly. Now he really was wishing he didn't come here.

Seth cleared his throat noisily. "Don't we need respirators?" he asked.

Hallsworth glanced at him. "No. That's one benefit already. Enhanced air filtration make them unnecessary. Of course we have them for emergencies."

They exited the elevator and entered a passageway. "We've been wanting to mine Kemocite for quite some time, but couldn't use more than basic tools due to the potential combustible materials. Fortunately, New Frontiers worked with us to provide the adequate machinery to get the job done in half the time."

They entered a large chamber, where Ryan saw a large machinery tearing apart the rock, then projected a scanning field to find the mineral deposit. "Isn't Kemocite highly regulated?"

"Correct, Mister Collingway. Yes, the Federation has its permits and its...requirements," Hallsworth said with an air of distaste. "We would be mining considerably more otherwise. Most of those deposits are deeper underground. Of course we mine for other materials as well."

"And the miners?" Ryan asked. "Who are they?"

"Paid very well, I can assure you," Hallsworth said. "Shall we move on?"

He flashed Ryan another predatory smile. Ryan was really not liking this guy. "Sure."

TBC

Lieutenant Ryan Collingway
Acting Chief Engineer
USS Arawyn

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