It wasn't enough but Gaheris refused to give up. Nietzscheans were not known to be optimistic. In fact, shortly before they had entered the Hephaistos system, Dylan had been joking about the toast Gaheris would have given. Ah Dylan, ever the optimist. Always seeing the good. It was a weakness and eventually led to his death. Still, it would have been nice to have the man here beside him. But what was done was done.

"Any chance someone picked up the signal?" He inquired.

Rommie monitored the small interface. Unlike the main ship, this barely had any sensors, barely any signal strength and was not directly tied to her. Technically she could interface with most ships easily, without managing the controls but even this pod was too simplistic for that. "Not that I..." She stopped.

"What is it?" Gaheris straightened, ignoring the slight pain in his side. 

"There's a ship. It just came into sensor range." The pod lurched. "It's got us in some sort of tractor beam." 

"Tractor beam?" Gaheris frowned. It wasn't very common. "What faction? Who is it?"

"I don't recognize the configuration. But we have very limited capabilities." The android looked back at the monitor. "But neither the Commonwealth or the Nietzscheans have it. Not in this purpose."

Gaheris quickly rose. Opening the compartment above him he pulled out a force lance and tossed it to the android. He grabbed the remaining three. "Set it to your bio-metrics." Even as an android, she had a unique pattern. He did the same. This way, whoever it was they wouldn't be able to use the weapons. If they tried, well... they'd be in for a nasty surprise. He keyed the remaining two to his DNA before putting them back. The third he placed in the holster. His original force lance was still on the bridge.

Rommie obeyed and placed the lance in her side holster as well. "You expect trouble?" She inquired.

"We don't know who they are." Gaheris was taking no chances. Technically, even if they were an independent faction, very few would dare try something against a Commonwealth ship - even if it was an escape pod. The Commonwealth had instigated law and order. They didn't tolerate wrongdoing or piracy. And they dealt heavily with any offender to keep it that way. Well, except for the Magog.

Gaheris pushed the thought away. That was for another time. "Let me lead," he commanded. "If they're adversarial than I don't want them to know what you are." Despite the fact that very few wouldn't mess with a Commonwealth commander, it could be very tempting even for an ally to get their hands on an android like Rommie. Not only was she extremely sophisticated and was true AI, she had the military knowledge, tactics, and the full database of a Glorious Heritage Cruiser. With only him here, it wouldn't be that difficult to attempt to kill him to get her. Not that she'd let them. Despite all he did, he was still her crew and the AIs were very loyal to their crews.

A banging on the panel as well a voice, caused them to look over. "Delete everything," Gaheris ordered. "We want no evidence of what transpired." It was wise considering they didn't know who this ship belonged. Not to mention, he didn't want any evidence of the Nietzschean betrayal revealed. At least not yet. If this was a Commonweatlh ship, it would come. Any captain outranked him and could get the information from Andromeda. But that would be something he'd worry about later. For now... He positioned himself between the door and the android even as she complied. The hatch opened. 

Having something pointed at him immediately flashed danger. He didn't strike though, despite the idiot being within easy range. You never knew who else was out there or how many.

Stepping out, he examined the individuals. Completely straight, he ignored the injury at his side as he not only estimated those in front of him but everyone around him. This was not a familiar class of ship but he really didn't know that many - outside the Commonwealth and Nietzscheans of course.

"I am Commander Gaheris Rhade of the Commonwealth. And this is Rommie. May I know who I address?" 

The woman stepped up beside him, also quickly scanning the room. Lips not moving she spoke so only he could hear. "I have no information regarding this type of vessel. The Commonwealth has not come into contact with this race - least not since we had our update."

"I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise. This is my first officer, Commander William Riker, and Lt. Worf - head of security. We represent the United Federation of Planets." He gave a slight motion for Will to put his phasor away. "We wish you no harm. We received your distress beacon." Picard frowned. "You're injured."

"It's nothing." Gaheris protested but the captain cut him off. "We'll get that seen to first. Then we can talk." He nodded toward Will to take over. When they were finished they could speak in the ready room.

"Captain," Worf's eyes nodded toward what appeared to be weapons. He was not pleased to have two armed individuals on the ship - neither of which he knew about.

"I'm sure they mean no harm." Picard said though there was slight firmness behind his tone.

Surprised they actually hadn't taken it away so far, Gaheris raised an eyebrow. "Would there be a reason to?"

"Captain, we're from the Commonwealth." Rommie stepped forward. "We mean no ill intent toward you."

Picard gave a slight nod. That was good enough for now. Besides, if they tried anything, Worf would undoubtedly react - quickly. "Number One," he said handing it over. "When you're finished in the infirmary we can discuss what happened in the conference room. Commander. Rommie."