If Prime directives were followed. We would never have set foot on this planet. As a race we can never find forgiveness for this.

A rock and a hard place. There seemed no easy option. Leaving these people here. Was not an option. Taking them with him also not an option. There is just too many to fit on his runabout. How many in total he did not know. Or even if this was the only room with captives. He did not open the door, Just peered through the one way glass pane. There had to be at least 20 plus people. A cargo transporter would do the job.

Second in command, Lou. Decided to return with a few selected crew to search the rest of the level. Totalling 217 captives were location in various rooms. Possibly a few more that were missed in the head count. This was done through a window, while people were moving around in some cases.

A trip to the planet surface would be needed. Talking down there would be safer from prying ears.

Taking back the ship. This idea was dismissed quickly. The captain had the military under his wing. The best they could do would be to free the captives and alert the rest of the crew to the situation. This might get the reformation of a committee and its control over operations.

Not knowing which part of the planet the people have came from. They would bring them all to the small continent they were already on.

Free the captives. Inform the crew. That was the plan.

Two cargo ships would be needed to transport all captives to the surface. A request for medical research equipment, farming machinery and some basic supplies would remove suspicion on the cargo ship movement.

Everything, ticked off like clockwork. Until the tock didn't come.
Although, there was no way to understand the language of the people we are trying to free. A few of them have picked up on some of our language and able to understand or are familiar with the meaning of those words. It has also come to light that, some sign language seems to be universal. A finger on the lips, is a universal "be quiet".

A firm grip on his left arm. Lou turned to see one of the captives with their finger covering their lips. Also this was across the lips and not straight up. The shh sound that accompanied it, made it clear what it meant. Pointing down one of the corridors showed the direction to be careful of.

Unaware of any danger. He still took heed of the captive and retreated with his party to a safe room.

Lou had to make a choice. Free the one captive being escorted by one soldier. Or risk all of his party and free this one. He chose to free the one.

The escorting guard was neutralised and restrained in an unused room. Medical doctor had given him a sedative and said it would keep him out for 12 hours or more. That's how long they had now until the alarm got raised.

TBC...