ST: The Endurance of Jesse Yeager
- Thread starter TheLoneRedshirt
- Start date
Yes, Boats is there. And no, Klepp won't win any personality contests.
It's a promising crew that Starfleet and Yeager have assembled, and saying that their mission is going to prove historic is something of a gross understatement. Quite the cast of characters, but they've got one hell of a starship to support them. As for the captain... well, that's yet to be seen. 
His dog beats the hell out of Archer's.
His dog beats the hell out of Archer's.
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Chapter Six
USS Endurance
25 February 2377, 1342 local time
Spacedock 67
As the senior staff meeting broke up, Commander Tamura tapped Yeager on the shoulder.
"Got a minute, Captain?"
"Always, for my first officer. Let's go check out the ready room and talk there."
The two officers exited the conference room and crossed the bridge to the Captain's ready room on the opposite side. Technicians were still working on some of the bridge systems and no bridge crew was yet in place.
Tamura looked around Yeager's office with an appreciative eye. "Nice! It's bigger than the one on the Axanar."
The Captain nodded. "Yep. Everything seems bigger on this ship. Hell, the head in my quarters is bigger than some of the cabins on the Axanar." Yeager walked over to the replicator. "Coffee - Colombian dark." A steaming mug shimmered into existence. "You want anything?"
"Nah, I'm good."
Yeager went around the large, black desk and removed a protective, plastic cover from a high back desk chair. He sat in it gingerly, testing it out. He frowned thoughtfully, than nodded in approval. Tamura unceremoniously plopped into a comfortable looking chair opposite Yeager. "Love that new starship smell!" said Tamura with a grin.
"What's on your mind, Osamu?"
Tamura's smile faded and his face became somber. "Klepp. Do you think he's going to be a problem?"
Yeager took a sip of coffee. "Why? Do you?"
"He challenged you pretty heavily in there - well, at least the mission, which amounts to the same thing."
Yeager set his mug on the desk and leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the desk. "Klepp didn't say anything that I haven't thought myself."
Tamura looked surprised. "You have doubts about this mission?"
Yeager nodded. "Sure. Haven't you? Klepp's right - we're placing a hell of a lot of faith in K'Lnthra. I'm not overly thrilled about that."
Osamu frowned. "Then . . . why did you accept this assignment - Hell, why are you dragging me along if you had doubts?"
Yeager didn't say anything for a moment. He leaned back in the chair and laced his hands behind his head. "My gut tells me K'Lnthra is on the up and up. And, of course, there is this opportunity to explore another galaxy."
Tamura stood and shook his head. "I sure as hell hope your gut is smarter than your head!"
Yeager smiled. "Up yours, Commander. Now, get out of here. I want to drink my coffee in peace."
* * *
USS Endurance
25 February 2377, 1615 local time
Spacedock 67
Captain Yeager's sleeveless t-shirt was soaked through with sweat and his breathing was labored but steady. His bio-synthetic leg itched and throbbed, but he maintained his pace through the hilly terrain as Max trotted alongside. They picked up speed as they ran down a grassy hillside, then splashed through a shallow stream before attacking the next hill.
As he reached the crest of the hill, his new leg suddenly stiffened and he stumbled, lost his balance, and hit the ground awkwardly. The holo-deck's safety protocols softened the landing so at least nothing was hurt but his dignity.
Yeager sat in the grass, massaging his recalcitrant leg while Max licked his face.
"Is there a purpose to this activity?"
Yeager turned, startled by the intrusion. K'Lnthra stood in silhouette, backlit by the light from the holo-projected sun. He held his hand over his eyes to better see her.
"Well, the part where I fell down doesn't serve much purpose except to keep my humble. The running is good for my cardio-vascular system and it's relaxing - keeps my stress level down. I also enjoy running with Max. He needs the exercise and we enjoy each other's company."
K'Lnthra knelt down and stroked Max's head. He wagged his tale and gamefully endured the alien's somewhat awkward ministrations.
"No, no," said Yeager with a chuckle. "You're rubbing his fur the wrong way. Do it like this." He showed her how to stroke the dog from front to back.
Her glow seemed to brighten. "These are interesting creatures, these canines. Such variety in types and sizes. Yet most all seem to have a close attachment to humans. Do you have a symbiotic relationship, such as Commander Pralax?"
"I never thought about it in exactly those terms," said Yeager. "It's not exactly symbiotic, but humans do tend to form strong emotional bonds with dogs."
She straightened. "Most interesting."
"Do you have pets back home?"
"No, not in the sense you do. Though our home worlds have an abundance of animal life, none are domesticated. Other races we know of do domesticate animals for various purposes." She looked around the holo-deck for a moment, her glow diminishing somewhat. "Captain - I have sensed that there are some of your crew that do not trust me."
Yeager gingerly stood, favoring his gimpy leg. He brushed the grass and dirt from his running shorts. "That is true."
She regarded him with her wide, golden eyes. "What of you? Do you also mistrust me?"
He pushed the ball cap back on his head and scratched his chin. "You are direct, aren't you? Okay - here's my answer: I do have some misgivings about this mission and wonder if we'll ever see home again. But my instincts tell me to trust you, even if I don't understand you."
She inclined her head slightly, her glow intensifying once more. A small smile formed on her face. "Thank you, Captain, for your honesty and your trust."
* * *
USS Endurance
3 March 2377, 2030 local time
Spacedock 67 - Five days until lauch
Yeager walked into the ship's forward lounge and observation area located on deck nine. While officially known as "Nine-Forward," the lounge had been nicknamed "Camelot" after Commander Pralax had repeatedly regaled fellow bar patrons with monologues from Monty Python sketches. As the Captain walked in, Pralax was in a corner, lustily singing a song about lumberjacks. Shaking his head, Yeager went to the bar.
Shenvir, the Andorian bartender came over and placed a bottle of dark beer in front of the Captain. "Good evening, sir. You look like you could use a bottle or two."
Yeager rubbed the ice-cold bottle across his forehead. "You're a mind reader, Shenvir. Are you sure you're not Vulcan."
The Andorian snorted. "No need to be insulting sir! Do you want a sandwich or anything?"
Yeager took a long pull on the bottle and shook his head. "No, thanks anyway. Got any peanuts?"
Shenvir reached under the bar and placed a bowl of nuts on the counter. Yeager nodded his thanks and turned back in the direction of Pralax, who had finished his song and was bowing to a small group of crewmen who were clapping and whistling. Pralax straightened and noticed Yeager at the bar. He moved quickly and joined Yeager.
"'Evening, sir!"
"Hello yourself. Inflicting ancient British comedy on the locals again, I see."
Pralax grabbed his heart in mock dismay. "You cut me to the quick, sir! The 'Flying Circus' was the absolute zenith of 20th century culture on your world. Look it up!"
"I'll take your word for it," Yeager said, drily. "Now, you said earlier you needed to tell me something?"
The Trill's smile faded somewhat. He motioned with his head for Yeager to follow him to a secluded table.
They took a seat by one of the large viewport with a not-exactly spectacular view of one the space dock gantries. Pralax was much more subdued than usual.
"I was going through our inventory of torpedoes this afternoon," he began without preamble.
"And?" queried Yeager.
"And . . . most was what you'd expect - a full complement of photon torpedoes, Mark VI through Mark IX, a hefty supply of quantum torpedoes, even some Mark 22's for non-lethal work."
"And?" Yeager pushed with a degree of impatience.
Pralax leaned forward, speaking in hushed tones. "And . . . one torpedo that didn't belong." He turned his head to make sure no one was listening. "It had the serial number for one of the quantum yields, but the casing was just . . . wrong."
Yeager frowned. "Wrong? What do you mean, wrong?"
"Like I said, the serial number indicated a standard quantum torpedo. So did the markings and coloration - you know, the bronze casing with red stripes? But I accidently bumped it with my tri-corder. The sound it made was dull - like the casing was more dense than normal."
"You noticed that because you bumped into it?"
Pralax nodded. "Right. Anyway, I tried to scan it with the tri-corder. Here's where it gets weird! It reads like there's a quantum warhead, but . . . the density is all wrong. So, I decide to open it up, check it out, y'know." He shook his head. "And now, it gets seriously weird!"
Yeager was beginning to get a head ache. "How so, Pralax?"
"There's no propulsion unit in the bloody fish! Instead, it has some internal workings I've never even seen before, much less understand. And on top of that - there's some kind of subspace receiver on the beastly thing. I disconnected it, of course."
Yeager sat up at that. "A receiver?"
Pralax nodded. "Uh huh! Somebody rigged that fish for remote detonation."
* * *
USS Endurance
25 February 2377, 1342 local time
Spacedock 67
As the senior staff meeting broke up, Commander Tamura tapped Yeager on the shoulder.
"Got a minute, Captain?"
"Always, for my first officer. Let's go check out the ready room and talk there."
The two officers exited the conference room and crossed the bridge to the Captain's ready room on the opposite side. Technicians were still working on some of the bridge systems and no bridge crew was yet in place.
Tamura looked around Yeager's office with an appreciative eye. "Nice! It's bigger than the one on the Axanar."
The Captain nodded. "Yep. Everything seems bigger on this ship. Hell, the head in my quarters is bigger than some of the cabins on the Axanar." Yeager walked over to the replicator. "Coffee - Colombian dark." A steaming mug shimmered into existence. "You want anything?"
"Nah, I'm good."
Yeager went around the large, black desk and removed a protective, plastic cover from a high back desk chair. He sat in it gingerly, testing it out. He frowned thoughtfully, than nodded in approval. Tamura unceremoniously plopped into a comfortable looking chair opposite Yeager. "Love that new starship smell!" said Tamura with a grin.
"What's on your mind, Osamu?"
Tamura's smile faded and his face became somber. "Klepp. Do you think he's going to be a problem?"
Yeager took a sip of coffee. "Why? Do you?"
"He challenged you pretty heavily in there - well, at least the mission, which amounts to the same thing."
Yeager set his mug on the desk and leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the desk. "Klepp didn't say anything that I haven't thought myself."
Tamura looked surprised. "You have doubts about this mission?"
Yeager nodded. "Sure. Haven't you? Klepp's right - we're placing a hell of a lot of faith in K'Lnthra. I'm not overly thrilled about that."
Osamu frowned. "Then . . . why did you accept this assignment - Hell, why are you dragging me along if you had doubts?"
Yeager didn't say anything for a moment. He leaned back in the chair and laced his hands behind his head. "My gut tells me K'Lnthra is on the up and up. And, of course, there is this opportunity to explore another galaxy."
Tamura stood and shook his head. "I sure as hell hope your gut is smarter than your head!"
Yeager smiled. "Up yours, Commander. Now, get out of here. I want to drink my coffee in peace."
* * *
USS Endurance
25 February 2377, 1615 local time
Spacedock 67
Captain Yeager's sleeveless t-shirt was soaked through with sweat and his breathing was labored but steady. His bio-synthetic leg itched and throbbed, but he maintained his pace through the hilly terrain as Max trotted alongside. They picked up speed as they ran down a grassy hillside, then splashed through a shallow stream before attacking the next hill.
As he reached the crest of the hill, his new leg suddenly stiffened and he stumbled, lost his balance, and hit the ground awkwardly. The holo-deck's safety protocols softened the landing so at least nothing was hurt but his dignity.
Yeager sat in the grass, massaging his recalcitrant leg while Max licked his face.
"Is there a purpose to this activity?"
Yeager turned, startled by the intrusion. K'Lnthra stood in silhouette, backlit by the light from the holo-projected sun. He held his hand over his eyes to better see her.
"Well, the part where I fell down doesn't serve much purpose except to keep my humble. The running is good for my cardio-vascular system and it's relaxing - keeps my stress level down. I also enjoy running with Max. He needs the exercise and we enjoy each other's company."
K'Lnthra knelt down and stroked Max's head. He wagged his tale and gamefully endured the alien's somewhat awkward ministrations.
"No, no," said Yeager with a chuckle. "You're rubbing his fur the wrong way. Do it like this." He showed her how to stroke the dog from front to back.
Her glow seemed to brighten. "These are interesting creatures, these canines. Such variety in types and sizes. Yet most all seem to have a close attachment to humans. Do you have a symbiotic relationship, such as Commander Pralax?"
"I never thought about it in exactly those terms," said Yeager. "It's not exactly symbiotic, but humans do tend to form strong emotional bonds with dogs."
She straightened. "Most interesting."
"Do you have pets back home?"
"No, not in the sense you do. Though our home worlds have an abundance of animal life, none are domesticated. Other races we know of do domesticate animals for various purposes." She looked around the holo-deck for a moment, her glow diminishing somewhat. "Captain - I have sensed that there are some of your crew that do not trust me."
Yeager gingerly stood, favoring his gimpy leg. He brushed the grass and dirt from his running shorts. "That is true."
She regarded him with her wide, golden eyes. "What of you? Do you also mistrust me?"
He pushed the ball cap back on his head and scratched his chin. "You are direct, aren't you? Okay - here's my answer: I do have some misgivings about this mission and wonder if we'll ever see home again. But my instincts tell me to trust you, even if I don't understand you."
She inclined her head slightly, her glow intensifying once more. A small smile formed on her face. "Thank you, Captain, for your honesty and your trust."
* * *
USS Endurance
3 March 2377, 2030 local time
Spacedock 67 - Five days until lauch
Yeager walked into the ship's forward lounge and observation area located on deck nine. While officially known as "Nine-Forward," the lounge had been nicknamed "Camelot" after Commander Pralax had repeatedly regaled fellow bar patrons with monologues from Monty Python sketches. As the Captain walked in, Pralax was in a corner, lustily singing a song about lumberjacks. Shaking his head, Yeager went to the bar.
Shenvir, the Andorian bartender came over and placed a bottle of dark beer in front of the Captain. "Good evening, sir. You look like you could use a bottle or two."
Yeager rubbed the ice-cold bottle across his forehead. "You're a mind reader, Shenvir. Are you sure you're not Vulcan."
The Andorian snorted. "No need to be insulting sir! Do you want a sandwich or anything?"
Yeager took a long pull on the bottle and shook his head. "No, thanks anyway. Got any peanuts?"
Shenvir reached under the bar and placed a bowl of nuts on the counter. Yeager nodded his thanks and turned back in the direction of Pralax, who had finished his song and was bowing to a small group of crewmen who were clapping and whistling. Pralax straightened and noticed Yeager at the bar. He moved quickly and joined Yeager.
"'Evening, sir!"
"Hello yourself. Inflicting ancient British comedy on the locals again, I see."
Pralax grabbed his heart in mock dismay. "You cut me to the quick, sir! The 'Flying Circus' was the absolute zenith of 20th century culture on your world. Look it up!"
"I'll take your word for it," Yeager said, drily. "Now, you said earlier you needed to tell me something?"
The Trill's smile faded somewhat. He motioned with his head for Yeager to follow him to a secluded table.
They took a seat by one of the large viewport with a not-exactly spectacular view of one the space dock gantries. Pralax was much more subdued than usual.
"I was going through our inventory of torpedoes this afternoon," he began without preamble.
"And?" queried Yeager.
"And . . . most was what you'd expect - a full complement of photon torpedoes, Mark VI through Mark IX, a hefty supply of quantum torpedoes, even some Mark 22's for non-lethal work."
"And?" Yeager pushed with a degree of impatience.
Pralax leaned forward, speaking in hushed tones. "And . . . one torpedo that didn't belong." He turned his head to make sure no one was listening. "It had the serial number for one of the quantum yields, but the casing was just . . . wrong."
Yeager frowned. "Wrong? What do you mean, wrong?"
"Like I said, the serial number indicated a standard quantum torpedo. So did the markings and coloration - you know, the bronze casing with red stripes? But I accidently bumped it with my tri-corder. The sound it made was dull - like the casing was more dense than normal."
"You noticed that because you bumped into it?"
Pralax nodded. "Right. Anyway, I tried to scan it with the tri-corder. Here's where it gets weird! It reads like there's a quantum warhead, but . . . the density is all wrong. So, I decide to open it up, check it out, y'know." He shook his head. "And now, it gets seriously weird!"
Yeager was beginning to get a head ache. "How so, Pralax?"
"There's no propulsion unit in the bloody fish! Instead, it has some internal workings I've never even seen before, much less understand. And on top of that - there's some kind of subspace receiver on the beastly thing. I disconnected it, of course."
Yeager sat up at that. "A receiver?"
Pralax nodded. "Uh huh! Somebody rigged that fish for remote detonation."
* * *
Hmmmm...now who would rig a quantum torpedo for remote detonation in a 'galaxy far...far...away'? Someone has an apparent vested interest in this mission failing either before it gets out the starting blocks or in the Andromeda galaxy...
Perhaps not all of the Kelvans are as reformed as we might hope. There may even be one or two in Starfleet...who knows.
I'm liking this immensely. I just have one question, when do we get some more??
I'm liking this immensely. I just have one question, when do we get some more??
What an intriguing idea! I wish I had thought of that! Oh, well.
The answer to the rigged torpedo may be more mundane - yet more troubling than you think.
Thanks for the kind comments, guys! Chapter Seven should be up late today. Hopefully, we'll have the Endurance under way shortly!
Yeah, I can't wait for the first time Pralax advises the captain to, "Run away!"'Camelot'......nice! 'Tis a silly place.
Anyone with the ability to span inter-galactic space wouldn't have too much trouble rigging and placing a fake torpedo. I wonder if there are more factions involved than we (or Starfleet) has been led to believe?
Man, talk about ballsy missions, though. Janeway & Company were dragged into the Delta Quadrant against their will... Yeager and his crew signed on to step into another galaxy. I hope he's got a timeless quote prepared for the occasion and doesn't blurt out something like, "Whoa, cool... they have stars here, too!"
Great way to continue things here, and thumbs up with the added suspense of the potential quantum torpedo sabotage. The crew is interesting as well, i read one post earlier that this crew didn't seem as 'sterile' as others, and i very much agree with that.
Quick question (and its not a big one by any means). What's Endurance's registry number?
Quick question (and its not a big one by any means). What's Endurance's registry number?
The discovery of the rigged torpedo certainly is an interesting complication. Very smoothly done, not the characters I mean, the writing itself.
This is shapening up to become an adventure like no other. But I guess that is kind of expected when visiting a new galaxy and all.
This is shapening up to become an adventure like no other. But I guess that is kind of expected when visiting a new galaxy and all.
Memory Beta lists the USS Endurance as one of the proposed names for a Sovereign-class ship. They didn't give a registry, so I'm going with NCC-81978 . It's a new ship, but I'm not sure how long it takes to build a Sovereign, so I didn't go too high with the number.
Glad you're still enjoying and hanging in there! Chapter Seven is just about ready to post! Time to get out of spacedock!
Chapter Seven
USS Endurance
4 March 2377, 0702 local time
Spacedock 67 - Four days until launch
Captain Yeager was finishing his breakfast of bacon and eggs, when his terminal's comm signal chimed. Brushing crumbs from his mustache, he tapped the acknowledgment stud.
"Yeager - Go ahead."
The face of Lt. Commander T'Vel appeared on the screen. "Captain, we've completed our study of the torpedo. We've discovered something very . . . unusual."
"I'm on my way, Commander. Yeager, out."
* * *
Yeager looked from T'Vel to Pralax to Klepp, an incredulous look on his face.
"You're telling me that the quantum warhead has been modified to create what type of wave?" he asked.
"A hyper-phasic distortion wave," replied T'Vel, evenly. "The quantum blast, if detonated inside the ship, would have been sufficient by itself to destroy the Endurance. The distortion wave would, theoretically, cause damage beyond normal space to subspace itself, possibly beyond."
Yeager frowned. "Seems like overkill if someone wanted to take us out all at once."
"Not necessarily," said T'Vel. "It is possible that whoever did this wanted to be sure that any multi-dimensional beings, such as the H'lranthians, could not escape destruction."
Klepp spoke up. "With the yield of this torpedo, we project that the distortion wave would spread out hundreds of millions of kilometers - truly a weapon of mass destruction."
"So that begs the question - who put it here and why?"
"Captain," began T'Vel. "The circuitry design and some of the materials used to create the hyper-phasic wave are completely unfamiliar to us. I have searched the database and have found nothing remotely similar from any known races," she paused, "at least, in known space."
Yeager's mouth tightened. "I see." His voice was quiet, but tense. "Have you checked the other torpedoes?"
"Yes sir," replied Pralax. "The others are as right as rain. This is the only one that has been tampered with."
"Check our inventory of probes, buoys and the micro-torpedoes on the shuttles. For that matter, scan the entire ship for anything that remotely resembles that device. Pralax, get a special ordinance detail to remove this thing from my ship! I'm sure someone at Fleet Intel would want in on this, too." He turned and began to walk away.
"Captain?" called Pralax, "What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to have a little talk with our 'guest!'"
* * *
"This is most unfortunate," said K'Lnthra.
"Unfortunate? That's what we call a major understatement, K'Lnthra! Someone planned to blow us to sub-atomic particles, and apparently the device didn't come from our neighborhood. Do you have any idea where it came from?"
He could see his reflection in the liquid metal of her eyes. "Yes," she said, "I do."
"Well?"
"The device is most definitely Gl'shorn in origin. They are a humanoid race similar to yours, from one of the core planets of our galaxy. Many of them fell to the Cha'lav and the Borg. Those that remained became . . . hostile and xenophobic. Once, H'lranthians and Gl'shorn enjoyed cordial relations, but . . . that was long ago."
"So, you're saying these . . . Gl'shorn are responsible for planting the device?"
She shook her head. "No, Captain. They built the device, but they are not capable of inter-galactic travel."
She paused and Yeager didn't interrupt.
"A H'lranthian brought the device from our galaxy and planted it on your ship," she finished, quietly. Her glowing aura had darkened with her mood.
"One of the Dark?" he asked.
"Perhaps. Or possibly the madness is beginning to spread."
* * *
USS Endurance
5 March 2377, 1407 local time
Spacedock 67 - Three days until launch
Admiral Hendricks was still shaking his head. "Jesse, I don't see how we can proceed with this mission if factions of the H'lranthians want to see it fail."
Yeager paced the Admiral's office, partly from frustration, partly to burn off nervous energy. "Admiral, you've always known this mission was a risk! Hell, you told me that the first day I met K'Lnthra. We've removed the device and checked the ship three times! Everything else is fine! We've got security details on duty around the clock and we scan the ship constantly looking for anomalous devices. For God's sake, don't pull the plug now!"
Hendricks regarded Yeager with a raised eyebrow. "Jesse, just a few weeks ago, I almost had to drag you kicking and screaming to even consider this mission. Now, you're willing to risk everything to go - what changed?"
Yeager looked around the room, then walked to a holographic star chart on the wall. He tapped it and looked back at Hendricks.
"For millennia, all humans could do was stare up into the heavens and wonder about the points of light we saw. Four hundred years ago, we began our first feeble forays off planet. Three hundred years ago, Zephram Cochrane lit off his tiny warp-capable ship and suddenly we're no longer alone in our own galaxy." He walked to Hendricks' desk, placed his hands on the surface and looked down at the admiral. "Now, right now, we have someone willing to get us to Andromeda! Sure, it's risky! But if we don't take this chance, when will we get another opportunity? One hundred year? A thousand? Maybe never?" He straightened. "Am I scared? Damn straight I am. Do I like our chances? Not so much. But, dammit Admiral - you can't take away our shot at this!"
Hendricks maintained his gaze into Yeager's eyes, a muscle twitched in his jaw, but otherwise his face was impassive. Finally, he said, "You launch on schedule Captain. Dismissed."
Yeager took a deep breath. He was almost dizzy with relief. "Thank you, Admiral. We won't let you down." He turned and left the room.
Hendricks sat motionless for several moments. He raised a shaking hand and wiped perspiration from his upper lip. "Godspeed, Jesse," he whispered.
* * *
USS Endurance
8 March 2377, 0722 local time
Spacedock 67 - Two hours until launch
Captain's Log, Stardate 54183.1
We are approximately two hours from launch from spacedock. Although K'Lnthra has said she can 'transition' us to Andromeda from here, Command has ordered us to take Endurance into open space and out of the Solar system. A simple but prudent precaution.
No other mysterious devices or booby traps have appeared since we discovered the rigged quantum torpedo. I would be lying, however, if I said I wasn't concerned. As much as K'Lnthra desires our help, it is apparent that others of her kind oppose that idea and are willing to take drastic measures to stop us.
Still, morale seems to be high. Everyone is excited to truly go where no one, at least from our galaxy, has gone before. That's why most of us joined Starfleet in the first place.
Yeager saved and closed his log. He looked over at Max, who was snoozing in the corner. "The first mutt to Andromeda," Yeager said, fondly. He stood and left his quarters, headed for engineering.
* * *
Lt. Commander Klepp stood, beefy arms folded, with a doubtful expression on his face. Engineering was bustling with activity as the ship's crew prepared for departure station.
"Captain, I know we've been through this before, but I've never seen anyone just walk into a warp core and live to tell the tale. And this alien tells us that she doesn't even need a hard suit! It just seems crazy to me!"
Yeager smiled. "I don't pretend to understand, either, Engineer. Just let her do her thing when the time comes. In the mean time, are we ready to proceed by 'normal' means?"
Klepp sighed. "Yes sir. Impulse engine start went smoothly and they're on stand-by. Likewise, the warp-core start up was text-book perfect. We can give you any speed up to warp 9.99." He said the last with more than a hint of pride.
"Good job, Gunther. At least we can depart under our own power!"
The look of unease crept back over the Chief Engineer's broad face. He nodded. "Ja, at least we can do that."
* * *
USS Endurance
8 March 2377, 0920 local time
Spacedock 67 - zero hour
Captain Yeager sat in the command chair and surveyed the bridge with a mixture of pride and anticipation. He looked to his right where Commander Tamura was seated at the XO's station. Tamura looked back at Yeager with a grin.
"All departments and all decks report ready at departure stations. Engineering reports thrusters are available and on standby," said Tamura, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Thank you, Commander. Mr. Gormun? Have we received clearance to depart?"
The Tellarite Ops officer responded with a trace more enthusiasm than his sanguine norm. "Yes sir, the dockmaster has cleared us for departure route epsilon. Spacedock umbilicals and gantries are clear and we are on internal power. We're free to maneuver at your discretion."
"Very well." Yeager tapped the intercom stud on his chair. All hands, this is the Captain. We are about to get underway. I appreciate your hard work and diligence in preparing for this historic day. We have quite an adventure before us, I'm counting on each of you to do your jobs in the best tradition of Starfleet. After all, we're the first from the Milky Way galaxy to visit Andromeda and we want to make a good first impression! If providence favors us, perhaps your children and grandchildren will have to write a report about you in school. Yeager, out.
"Inspiring, sir! May I have a copy of that speech for posterity?" whispered Tamura.
"It's not too late to drop you off on an asteroid, you know," replied Yeager, sotto voce. Aloud, he said, "Mr. Kosciusco, thrusters ahead, dead slow. Forward viewer, if you please."
Lt. Althea Kosciusco tapped the thruster control of the conn. At first, nothing seemed to happen. Then slowly, almost imperceptibly, the 685 meter long starshipbegan to move forward. The framework of the spacedock slipped past until they were free of the confining space.
"Ahead, one quarter impulse," ordered Yeager.
Kosciusco slowly advanced the impulse throttles forward. A muted humm reverberated through the ship as the Endurance began to pick up speed.
Yeager looked to his left where K'Lnthra sat at the "guest" station. "Protector K'Lnthra, I'm sure this must seem pretty mundane to you."
She turned toward him, a small smile on her shimmering features. "On the contrary, Captain. I find this all very interesting. Thank you for allowing me to observe."
He returned the smile. "Might as well. Pretty soon you're going to do much more than just observe."
She inclined her head, and returned her gaze to the main viewscreen.
"Helm, maintain course and speed until we clear Jupiter, then take us to warp."
"Aye, sir," responded Kosciusco.
And the Endurance began her historic mission to Andromeda.
* * *
USS Endurance
4 March 2377, 0702 local time
Spacedock 67 - Four days until launch
Captain Yeager was finishing his breakfast of bacon and eggs, when his terminal's comm signal chimed. Brushing crumbs from his mustache, he tapped the acknowledgment stud.
"Yeager - Go ahead."
The face of Lt. Commander T'Vel appeared on the screen. "Captain, we've completed our study of the torpedo. We've discovered something very . . . unusual."
"I'm on my way, Commander. Yeager, out."
* * *
Yeager looked from T'Vel to Pralax to Klepp, an incredulous look on his face.
"You're telling me that the quantum warhead has been modified to create what type of wave?" he asked.
"A hyper-phasic distortion wave," replied T'Vel, evenly. "The quantum blast, if detonated inside the ship, would have been sufficient by itself to destroy the Endurance. The distortion wave would, theoretically, cause damage beyond normal space to subspace itself, possibly beyond."
Yeager frowned. "Seems like overkill if someone wanted to take us out all at once."
"Not necessarily," said T'Vel. "It is possible that whoever did this wanted to be sure that any multi-dimensional beings, such as the H'lranthians, could not escape destruction."
Klepp spoke up. "With the yield of this torpedo, we project that the distortion wave would spread out hundreds of millions of kilometers - truly a weapon of mass destruction."
"So that begs the question - who put it here and why?"
"Captain," began T'Vel. "The circuitry design and some of the materials used to create the hyper-phasic wave are completely unfamiliar to us. I have searched the database and have found nothing remotely similar from any known races," she paused, "at least, in known space."
Yeager's mouth tightened. "I see." His voice was quiet, but tense. "Have you checked the other torpedoes?"
"Yes sir," replied Pralax. "The others are as right as rain. This is the only one that has been tampered with."
"Check our inventory of probes, buoys and the micro-torpedoes on the shuttles. For that matter, scan the entire ship for anything that remotely resembles that device. Pralax, get a special ordinance detail to remove this thing from my ship! I'm sure someone at Fleet Intel would want in on this, too." He turned and began to walk away.
"Captain?" called Pralax, "What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to have a little talk with our 'guest!'"
* * *
"This is most unfortunate," said K'Lnthra.
"Unfortunate? That's what we call a major understatement, K'Lnthra! Someone planned to blow us to sub-atomic particles, and apparently the device didn't come from our neighborhood. Do you have any idea where it came from?"
He could see his reflection in the liquid metal of her eyes. "Yes," she said, "I do."
"Well?"
"The device is most definitely Gl'shorn in origin. They are a humanoid race similar to yours, from one of the core planets of our galaxy. Many of them fell to the Cha'lav and the Borg. Those that remained became . . . hostile and xenophobic. Once, H'lranthians and Gl'shorn enjoyed cordial relations, but . . . that was long ago."
"So, you're saying these . . . Gl'shorn are responsible for planting the device?"
She shook her head. "No, Captain. They built the device, but they are not capable of inter-galactic travel."
She paused and Yeager didn't interrupt.
"A H'lranthian brought the device from our galaxy and planted it on your ship," she finished, quietly. Her glowing aura had darkened with her mood.
"One of the Dark?" he asked.
"Perhaps. Or possibly the madness is beginning to spread."
* * *
USS Endurance
5 March 2377, 1407 local time
Spacedock 67 - Three days until launch
Admiral Hendricks was still shaking his head. "Jesse, I don't see how we can proceed with this mission if factions of the H'lranthians want to see it fail."
Yeager paced the Admiral's office, partly from frustration, partly to burn off nervous energy. "Admiral, you've always known this mission was a risk! Hell, you told me that the first day I met K'Lnthra. We've removed the device and checked the ship three times! Everything else is fine! We've got security details on duty around the clock and we scan the ship constantly looking for anomalous devices. For God's sake, don't pull the plug now!"
Hendricks regarded Yeager with a raised eyebrow. "Jesse, just a few weeks ago, I almost had to drag you kicking and screaming to even consider this mission. Now, you're willing to risk everything to go - what changed?"
Yeager looked around the room, then walked to a holographic star chart on the wall. He tapped it and looked back at Hendricks.
"For millennia, all humans could do was stare up into the heavens and wonder about the points of light we saw. Four hundred years ago, we began our first feeble forays off planet. Three hundred years ago, Zephram Cochrane lit off his tiny warp-capable ship and suddenly we're no longer alone in our own galaxy." He walked to Hendricks' desk, placed his hands on the surface and looked down at the admiral. "Now, right now, we have someone willing to get us to Andromeda! Sure, it's risky! But if we don't take this chance, when will we get another opportunity? One hundred year? A thousand? Maybe never?" He straightened. "Am I scared? Damn straight I am. Do I like our chances? Not so much. But, dammit Admiral - you can't take away our shot at this!"
Hendricks maintained his gaze into Yeager's eyes, a muscle twitched in his jaw, but otherwise his face was impassive. Finally, he said, "You launch on schedule Captain. Dismissed."
Yeager took a deep breath. He was almost dizzy with relief. "Thank you, Admiral. We won't let you down." He turned and left the room.
Hendricks sat motionless for several moments. He raised a shaking hand and wiped perspiration from his upper lip. "Godspeed, Jesse," he whispered.
* * *
USS Endurance
8 March 2377, 0722 local time
Spacedock 67 - Two hours until launch
Captain's Log, Stardate 54183.1
We are approximately two hours from launch from spacedock. Although K'Lnthra has said she can 'transition' us to Andromeda from here, Command has ordered us to take Endurance into open space and out of the Solar system. A simple but prudent precaution.
No other mysterious devices or booby traps have appeared since we discovered the rigged quantum torpedo. I would be lying, however, if I said I wasn't concerned. As much as K'Lnthra desires our help, it is apparent that others of her kind oppose that idea and are willing to take drastic measures to stop us.
Still, morale seems to be high. Everyone is excited to truly go where no one, at least from our galaxy, has gone before. That's why most of us joined Starfleet in the first place.
Yeager saved and closed his log. He looked over at Max, who was snoozing in the corner. "The first mutt to Andromeda," Yeager said, fondly. He stood and left his quarters, headed for engineering.
* * *
Lt. Commander Klepp stood, beefy arms folded, with a doubtful expression on his face. Engineering was bustling with activity as the ship's crew prepared for departure station.
"Captain, I know we've been through this before, but I've never seen anyone just walk into a warp core and live to tell the tale. And this alien tells us that she doesn't even need a hard suit! It just seems crazy to me!"
Yeager smiled. "I don't pretend to understand, either, Engineer. Just let her do her thing when the time comes. In the mean time, are we ready to proceed by 'normal' means?"
Klepp sighed. "Yes sir. Impulse engine start went smoothly and they're on stand-by. Likewise, the warp-core start up was text-book perfect. We can give you any speed up to warp 9.99." He said the last with more than a hint of pride.
"Good job, Gunther. At least we can depart under our own power!"
The look of unease crept back over the Chief Engineer's broad face. He nodded. "Ja, at least we can do that."
* * *
USS Endurance
8 March 2377, 0920 local time
Spacedock 67 - zero hour
Captain Yeager sat in the command chair and surveyed the bridge with a mixture of pride and anticipation. He looked to his right where Commander Tamura was seated at the XO's station. Tamura looked back at Yeager with a grin.
"All departments and all decks report ready at departure stations. Engineering reports thrusters are available and on standby," said Tamura, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Thank you, Commander. Mr. Gormun? Have we received clearance to depart?"
The Tellarite Ops officer responded with a trace more enthusiasm than his sanguine norm. "Yes sir, the dockmaster has cleared us for departure route epsilon. Spacedock umbilicals and gantries are clear and we are on internal power. We're free to maneuver at your discretion."
"Very well." Yeager tapped the intercom stud on his chair. All hands, this is the Captain. We are about to get underway. I appreciate your hard work and diligence in preparing for this historic day. We have quite an adventure before us, I'm counting on each of you to do your jobs in the best tradition of Starfleet. After all, we're the first from the Milky Way galaxy to visit Andromeda and we want to make a good first impression! If providence favors us, perhaps your children and grandchildren will have to write a report about you in school. Yeager, out.
"Inspiring, sir! May I have a copy of that speech for posterity?" whispered Tamura.
"It's not too late to drop you off on an asteroid, you know," replied Yeager, sotto voce. Aloud, he said, "Mr. Kosciusco, thrusters ahead, dead slow. Forward viewer, if you please."
Lt. Althea Kosciusco tapped the thruster control of the conn. At first, nothing seemed to happen. Then slowly, almost imperceptibly, the 685 meter long starshipbegan to move forward. The framework of the spacedock slipped past until they were free of the confining space.
"Ahead, one quarter impulse," ordered Yeager.
Kosciusco slowly advanced the impulse throttles forward. A muted humm reverberated through the ship as the Endurance began to pick up speed.
Yeager looked to his left where K'Lnthra sat at the "guest" station. "Protector K'Lnthra, I'm sure this must seem pretty mundane to you."
She turned toward him, a small smile on her shimmering features. "On the contrary, Captain. I find this all very interesting. Thank you for allowing me to observe."
He returned the smile. "Might as well. Pretty soon you're going to do much more than just observe."
She inclined her head, and returned her gaze to the main viewscreen.
"Helm, maintain course and speed until we clear Jupiter, then take us to warp."
"Aye, sir," responded Kosciusco.
And the Endurance began her historic mission to Andromeda.
* * *
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And we're off and running. So...the H'lranthian opposition is already making its moves. It'll be interesting seeing what Yeager and the Endurance encounter in Andromeda.
Best Trek fic I've read in a while.. and I daresay better than some of what's been published :thumbsup::thumbsup:
I'll second that! Great stuff.
However, I feel strongly that you should have named the admiral Higgins. I can just see Tom Selleck looking over his shoulder and waggling his eyebrows as someone's yelling that Admiral Higgins wants the keys back to the Endurance.
Geez, I crack myself up.Seriously, though, really top notch work. I'm eager to see what awaits them in Andromeda. One wonders, without the Preservers seeding that galaxy with bipedal DNA, will there be fewer numbers of humanoid species there?
