Episode Two: Federation - Part One
Captain's log - Stardate: 52210.4: The Farseeker has set out on our mission to explore the Unilar sector, just outside of Federation space. Since it will take us several days to reach the border I have taken the opportunity to work closely with Lt. Commander Walker in holodeck drills. I have found many reasons to be impressed with my Executive Officer. Although she is human she seems to have the spirit of an Andorian inside her.
Chapter One
Just outside of sickbay two officers were enjoying
each other's company for a few minutes. Both smiled shyly as they
spoke.
"I really had a good time last night, Janos."
Ensign Emerson smiled as he lingered in the door way.
Ensign Janos Marciniak smiled back. "So did
I."
"Can I see you again?" Emerson asked eagerly.
"You'll be seeing her from the med couch if you
don't get out of my sickbay, Ensign." Lt. Krell Bravor glared at
the eager young man. As if to emphasize her point the intercom activated.
*Ensign Emerson, report to the bridge at once.*
Ryan nodded as he flew down the hall. He waved
farewell to Janos as he tapped his comm badge.
"On my way, sir."
As he entered the turbolift he nearly flattened
Lt. Gookan who was exiting. Gookan steadied the young Ensign and
hurried toward the science labs. Ryan hurriedly ordered the turbolift
to the bridge, and grew dismayed when it stopped to pick up another passenger.
A young Caitian female in a dirty engineering uniform stepped into the
lift. She regarded him momentarily then ordered the car to the bridge.
A few short seconds later Ryan stepped out and observed
Lt. Commander Alton glaring at him as well as the Assistant Security Chief
Lieutenant (jg) Torkon. Ryan straightened his uniform tunic and stepped
forward.
"Ensign Ryan Emerson reporting for duty, sir."
Alton looked at him incredulously. "Ensign
do you remember what time your duty shift is to start?"
Emerson groaned inwardly. "Yes sir.
It is to begin at 1200 hours, sir."
"Ensign, when you are late for your duty shift it
causes other officers to have to cover for you."
Ryan fidgeted nervously. He licked his lips
and started to speak. Alton silenced him with a glance.
"Would you prefer another duty assignment instead
of bridge duty?"
Ryan felt his stomach lurch. All security
personnel wanted the bridge assignments. Being yanked off rotation
this early in his posting to Farseeker would not enhance his reputation.
"No sir."
"Then perhaps you should demonstrate that to me."
Alton frowned. "If you are late to duty one more time for any reason
less than a Borg take over of this ship, you will spend the rest of your
duty time here guarding the ship's armory. Am I understood?"
"Yes sir. It won't happen again."
Alton nodded and headed for the command chair.
Torkon stepped close to the young Ensign.
"I say, chap. You need to watch the time closer."
The Klingon officer's british accent always caught Emerson off guard, as
it did so many others. He fought to contain a chuckle.
"Something funny?" The Klingon added.
Emerson remembered that it was a Klingon who was all of five inches from
him.
"No sir."
"Carry on then."
Emerson turned to the security console and checked
the duty logs. A thin bead of sweat drying on his forehead.
Commander Verionius R'Ashiera and Lt. Commander Katya
Walker made their way through the thick bramble, moving silently as could
be expected. As they crested a hill Verionius signaled Walker to
stop. He gestured ahead and Walker spotted the Commander's target of concern.
Just ahead three Jem'Hadar soldiers were moving in on a small type 7 shuttlecraft.
Walker could not read all of the details of the shuttle from here, but
could just barely glimpse the damaged access hatch. The access hatch
that the Jem'Hadar would be able to enter the ship with.
Walker signaled to Verionius, and began making her
way toward the crippled shuttle. Verionius drew his phaser, and followed.
As they moved closer, Verionius began detecting sound from the shuttle.
He twitched his antenna forward, and could hear the ragged breathing of
the shuttle's occupants.
*This is Ensign Maggie Wilson to anyone in range
of my signal. My shuttle has crashed with major damage, and I am
surrounded by Jem'Hadar soldiers. If there is anyone in range of
this signal, for the love of God help me!*
Verionius aimed his phaser at the Jem'Hadar, and
rose from the brush.
"Move away from the shuttle by order of Starfleet!
This is the only warning you will get!"
The Jem'Hadar whirled around, immediately firing
at Verionius. He dove into the bramble, firing as he rolled.
The shot went wild, and the Jem'Hadar advanced on him. Verionius
tapped his comm badge. "Now!" Walker suddenly flew upward, her phaser
rapidly firing at the Jem'Hadar. In seconds it was over, and Verionius
and Walker surveyed the scene.
"Very nice Lt. Nice indeed. Next time
we might have to set a higher difficulty rating."
Walker shrugged. "Fine by me, I want to break a sweat."
Verionius opened his mouth to reply, when he was interrupted by the
intercom.
*Bridge to Commander R'Ashiera.*
Verionius sighed as he tapped his comm badge.
"R'Ashiera here."
*Sir, Admiral Hunter is on the comm channel for
you.*
"Can you transfer the signal down here?"
*He is sending this message as Priority 2, sir.*
"Understood. I'll take it in my ready room
in five minutes. R'Ashiera out."
Verionius turned to Walker. "Same workout
later?"
Walker smiled. "Yes sir. See you on
the bridge."
Verionius exited the holodeck and the heavy doors
sealed behind him. Walker took another moment to look around the
scene. She smiled as she replayed the action in her mind. Then
with satisfaction she turned to exit.
"Computer, save program as Walker 15, and end."
*Acknowledged.*
The scene vanished and was replaced by the familiar
black walls with yellow gridlines as the doors slid shut behind her.
Verionius stared at the screen without any emotion
on his face. He had just uploaded his report to Admiral Daniel Hunter,
and was now watching the Admiral read it. Verionius sat quietly while
Hunter finished reviewing report. He nodded and looked up at Verionius
with a pained expression on his face.
*Commander, I am rather disappointed with these
reports. They seem rather incomplete.*
Verionius blinked. "In what way sir?"
*In the fact that there is information missing.
I think you need to have a talk with your Executive Officer. If this
is the manner of report she is going to have you upload, then you should
reconsider her posting.*
"Admiral, if you could at least tell me what you
mean..."
Hunter glared at him. *Commander, if you ever
want to make Captain then you will learn when to obey orders.*
Verionius fought back the urge to tell the human
off. "Yes sir."
*I expect better. Starfleet wants full data
on the regions you travel through, not assumptions and incomplete data.*
Verionius nodded numbly. "Admiral, I will
review all the reports once more. If there is additional data that
we can put together for you, then I will send it." He checked his
desk console. "We should be reaching the Federation border in four
days, Terran standard."
Hunter nodded. *All the better that we find
this hole in your information now, eh?* Hunter pulled up a display
of explored space. He indicated a point beyond the Federations borders.
*You are ordered to take the Farseeker out beyond Federation space and
catalog these three sectors. Of particular interest is along the
perceived Cardassian border. Upon completion report back here for
a de-brief. The specifics of your mission are being uploaded to your
console.*
Verionius frowned. "Sir, I thought we were
just going to be surveying one sector for now. This new assignment
will keep us out of Federation space for months."
Hunter cleared his throat. *Commander, Starfleet
feels that sending you out that distance for a mere sector is a waste of
resources.* He consulted a console to his left. *According
to this report on your ship's stores, you have sufficient materials to
last you for up to two years without redocking.*
"Yes sir, but...."
*Then is there another problem with this assignment
that I should be aware of?*
Verionius sighed. "No sir. Farseeker
will complete the task."
*I shall expect updated reports from you in 48 hours.
Hunter out.* The screen went black and then was filled with the Federation
emblem.
Verionius departed his ready room, and looked around
the bridge. He crossed to his command chair and hit the comm switch.
"All senior officers, report to the bridge level
briefing room." He turned and exited the bridge. "Helm, continue
on course but increase speed to warp factor 7."
"Aye sir." Lt. Ramses said as he entered the
changes. As the ship continued to her destination her mighty nacelles
flared up. The ship began thrumming with energy and suddenly leaped
forward.
Lieutenant (jg) Faerun slid into the helm seat as
Ramses followed the other senior officers into the briefing room.
Counselor Brakkis Andor stopped his typing as he
prepared to go to the briefing A silent calm overtook him and he
whispered to himself, "Promise fulfilled mother, life's journey underway."
Chapter 2
Later, in his ready room, Verionius re-read the mission
assignment again. It only confirmed his thoughts that there was something
odd about the Farseeker's assignment. Verionius was not sure what
made him feel that way, but something nagged at his suspicions.
Verionius sighed deeply as he continued to sip his
water. It was against his nature to question his personal loyalty
to Starfleet, but he found his mind creeping inexorably to that point over
and over. Verionius' solitude was broken as the door chimed.
"Enter", Verionius looked up to see Katya Walker
enter the room. "Yes?" He asked impatiently
"Sir, we are close to the Federation border,"
Walker started. "the crew is awaiting your presence on the bridge."
Verionius looked at her before nodding. "Very
well, drop us out of warp and proceed outside of Federation space.
Tell Mr. R'Mlek to begin sensor sweeps of the area." He turned back
to his PADD.
Walker continued standing there. "Sir, permission
to speak freely?"
Verionius nodded. "Go ahead, Number One."
"Sir, I can buy being sent to catalog a single sector
of space. That would take us a few months and would allow Starfleet
to have a preliminary report on this ship. But three sectors?"
She had a near perplexed look on her face. "That will take us better
than a year and a half, uninterrupted." She sat down.
"You must feel the same way. I can see it in your eyes."
Verionius stood and headed for the door. "I
don't know what you mean, Commander Walker."
"Sir." Her voice made him stop and turn to
her. "If we are going to be able to work well together in all situations,
we need to have total trust, right?"
Verionius nodded.
"Then why don't you trust me?" She was almost
pleading.
Verionius sighed. "Katya, have you ever had
a time in your life where you find yourself questioning fundamental beliefs
to the point where you don't know what is right anymore?"
Walker nodded.
Verionius smiled. "Then you do understand
what's in my mind." He headed for the bridge entrance and crossed
to his chair.
"Report."
"Sir, we are approaching the edge of Federation
space. Awaiting your command to proceed." Ramses said barely
masking the excitement in his voice.
"Continue on course, but drop us out of warp."
He sat in his chair. "Ahead at full impulse power."
Verionius noticed Ramses looking at him. "Yes,
Lt.?"
"Sir at full impulse power it will take us at least
10 hours to pass beyond the borders." Ramses stated picking his words
carefully.
Verionius glared at him. "Are you in a hurry
Lt?"
Ramses stiffened in his chair. "No sir."
"Then carry out my orders or let someone else take
the conn."
Ramses turned pale and punched buttons on his console.
"Full impulse power, sir."
Verionius stood and ignored the looks the crew was
sending him. "Commander Walker, you have the bridge." He entered
the turbolift and disappeared.
A few moments of silence passed then Brakkis stood.
"Commander Walker, I need to speak with Commander R'Ashiera. Permission
to leave the bridge?"
Walker nodded slowly.
Brakkis stepped over to the turbolift and Walker
sat back in the command chair heavily. Her and Commander R'Ashiera
had been starting to bond and suddenly his whole disposition had changed.
Walker knew that he would be irritated when the counselor caught up with
him but she also knew that there were times that you needed to irritate
others. Even if they didn't agree.
The turbolift doors slid open, startling Brakkis
out of his thoughts. A young Orion woman entered the lift and nodded
greetings to him.
"Deck Nine," she said an almost purring voice.
She turned to fully stare at Brakkis.
"Can I assist you?" He asked her in a polite
tone.
"You're the ship's shrink?"
"I prefer to be called 'Counselor', but yes that
is my duty assignment."
"Can non-Starfleet personnel meet with you also?"
"Of course," Brakkis nodded. "My office
is open to anyone on the ship. Would you like to set up an appointment?"
She laughed. "Not right now, but thanks.
I meant for later in case I need someone to talk to."
"Ah!" was Brakkis' response. "I understand."
"But perhaps you wouldn't mind answering a question
for me... what's wrong with the Commanding Officer? He was in Nine
Forward last night for almost three hours not speaking to anyone, and acting
really different. Almost agitated."
"That's what I'm hoping to determine," Brakkis told
her as the turbolift whirred to a halt and the doors opened.
"Thank you again, Counselor." The woman winked.
"I'll be seeing you." The doors slid back shut, but not before the
young woman saw the smile on the counselor's face.
Chapter Three
Walker leaned over the console in the ready room,
working the console feverishly. She fervently hoped that whatever was bothering
her about Hunter was totally unfounded. She hacked her way into a few secured
files, and finding nothing related to what she wanted, opened a direct
link towards Federation territory.
*Who... AAAAGHH! Oh lord! You!!! What are you doing
contacting me li-*
"Shut up and relax," Walker snapped. "This is important.
This channel is secured and encrypted."
*You always were paranoid... Even back in the service...
Whaddya want then?*
Walker grinned slowly. It wasn't a pleasant grin. The man she was talking
to winced and shook his head slightly. Walker gestured towards the screen
to get his attention and spoke softly.
"This is what I want you to do..."
For the tenth time in the last minute, Ramses checked
his console. They were still moving exceptionally slow. Whatever this mission
entailed was obviously not a matter of desperation. Any outposts under
attack would be fossilised by the time they arrived....
Stifling a fidget Ramses glanced about the bridge
to see if anyone shared his look of abject boredom. Everyone else
seemed to be settled into their duties, or at least giving the illusion
of it. Ramses sighed. He missed his old days working in Stellar
Cartography at times like this. At least there he could look bored
and not have to worry about hiding it. Just as he was about to resign
himself to spending the next twenty-four hours on the bridge with Torkon
leering over him, Walker re-entered the bridge. Katya noticed the sigh
of relieve from Ramses, and blinked in surprise.
"Problem Lieutenant ? " She asked as she eased herself
back into the captain's chair.
"Yeah. We keep this speed up, and I'm gonna be retiring
before we get there." Ramses turned back to his controls. "Can't
we at least go to warp one?"
"You heard the Commander." Walker said sharply.
She caught herself and toned her voice down a notch or so. "I think
he's testing our working relationships."
"I hope I don't fail." Holbrock muttered from
the Ops station.
Me too. Walker thought to herself.
She moved over to her own chair to work on the larger console mounted next
to it.
*Sensor room to bridge!*
"Bridge, go ahead." Walker replied.
*Sir, we have detected four starships in our rear
quadrant. They appear to be Cardassian Galor class battleships.
At their current speed they will close on us in ten minutes.*
"Understood, bridge out." Walker stood.
"Red Alert! Captain to the bridge." She turned to the tactical
station.
"Mr. DeLanthri?"
Lt. Commander Marcus DeLanthri nodded his head.
"Sensor information is on my screen. Energy signatures match as Cardassian
ships." He tapped a few buttons on his console. "Shields are
at full strength, phasers and torpedos are ready to arm."
The turbolift opened as Verionius and Andor practically ran in.
Verionius walked over to tactical.
"Report."
"Sir, we have 4 Galor class ships closing on us.
Their range and trajectory indicate that they were hidden in a small asteroid
field."
"They are definitely in Federation space."
Walker did not meet Verionius' eyes.
Verionius stepped around to his chair. "It's time to see what
this ship can do. Verionius to Enginnering."
*Nathaniels here.*
"Commander Nathaniels, are we ready to test these
new warp engines in combat?"
*I've been ready to test them in combat since we
launched, sir.*
"You're going to get your chance. Stand by,
we are going to need full warp in a few minutes."
Verionius turned to Brakkis. "Sorry for the interruption, counselor
Did you have something to speak to me about?"
Brakkis nodded. "But it can wait for now sir."
Verionius turned to DeLanthri. "Open a channel to the Cardys.
Let's see what they have in mind."
"Channel open sir."
"Cardassian ships, this is Commander Verionius R'Ashiera
of the starship Farseeker. You are in violation of Federation space."
"We are being hailed." DeLanthri stated.
"On screen."
The viewscreen showed an older Cardassian male with a fierce sneer.
*Commander R'Ashiera, I am Gul Vendat. Beam
over the person we seek and we shall withdraw from Federation space.*
Verionius' eyebrows raised. "Beam over who?"
*Your First Officer, Lt. Commander Katherine Walker.
We have orders to take her in for questioning.*
Verionius turned to look at Walker in shock. She glared at the
Cardassian and clenched her hands into fists.
"Stand by, Gul Vendat." Verionius signalled
DeLanthri to mute the channel. "Katya, do you know what this is about?"
"An old vendetta sir." Walker continued to
glare at the screen. "But I am not allowed to speak of it."
"What?"
"It's a classified matter, sir."
"Right." He looked at her somberly before
signalling DeLanthri to reactivate the speakers. Once he was given
the acknowledgment he turned back to the screen. "Gul Vendat, I invite
you to try to take her. Close channel."
Verionius turned to Ramses. "Lt., you were
complaining that we were going too slow? Go to maximum warp, now."
Ramses grinned as he entered the command. The ship's engines
hummed louder as the mighty ship prepared to leap away.
"Sir, Cardassians have fired on us!" DeLanthri
shouted from his console.
The Cardassian torpedoes exploded against the ship, throwing it to
the side, as it leaped into warp.