Your fingers closed around the abandoned data pad just as another alarm whooped through the corridor. The screen flickered weakly, showing only 23% power remaining, but the shield emitter schematics were still visible. As you studied the diagram, your academy training kicked in - you recognized the weak points in the forward starboard array where energy dispersion would be weakest.

A sudden jolt rocked the ship, sending you stumbling against the wall. The lights dimmed momentarily before the backup systems kicked in. Through the nearest viewport, you saw a sleek black vessel with jagged purple energy arcs along its hull. It looked nothing like any design in the known fleet registries.

An idea formed as you clutched the data pad. The schematics showed a secondary power conduit that, if rerouted, could reinforce the forward shields by 18%. But it would require manual adjustment in Engineering - exactly where you were supposed to report. The chrono now read 07:51, and you could almost hear Chief Oren's gruff voice already reprimanding you.

The intercom crackled to life again: 'All engineering personnel, immediate reinforcement of forward shields required. Oren to main power station.' Your stomach twisted as you realized you now carried critical information - and had to decide whether to follow protocol or act quickly to help save the ship.