A United Trek Tale - "For the Empire"
- Thread starter Dnoth
- Start date
Great stuff! I'm surprised they got through that combined staff meeting without blood being shed. 
Their plan is audacious, but risky. If it works, they'll gain a much better picture of what's happening on the planet. If it doesn't, the members of the respective away teams will only be the first to fall at the Klingons hands, followed shortly by the entire Starfleet task force.
Their plan is audacious, but risky. If it works, they'll gain a much better picture of what's happening on the planet. If it doesn't, the members of the respective away teams will only be the first to fall at the Klingons hands, followed shortly by the entire Starfleet task force.
Last edited:
I thought that was a very interesting (and well realized) meeting. I agree with Hobson's initial concerns. I do think that a meeting like that is better carried out among the captains and without involving the subordinates. In this case though the meeting bore very fruitful results even if it did turn out a bit awkward for some involved.
I like the growing tension between Hobson and Aurelia. Tact and diplomacy are simply not her thing. At least not yet.
I like the growing tension between Hobson and Aurelia. Tact and diplomacy are simply not her thing. At least not yet.
I'll second CeJay - the tension between Hobson and Aurelia adds a lot to the already dicey situation. I thought you did a great job portraying the meeting.
And now, the fun begins!
And now, the fun begins!
Marvellous simply marvellous. A plan to follow; an agreement of sorts reached. Why I cannot imagine anything going wrong!
This is going good and headed towards trouble.
This is going good and headed towards trouble.
Interesting staff meeting. No phaser fire, no blood-letting-are you sure Sintina hasn't been replaced by a Changeling?
So, I'm thinking the duck blind or boarding party is gonna cause all Hell to break loose-but the way your stories go, it will probably be the research team that sets the Klingons off.
Um, isn't contacting Alexander a good way to get him killed?
So, I'm thinking the duck blind or boarding party is gonna cause all Hell to break loose-but the way your stories go, it will probably be the research team that sets the Klingons off.
Um, isn't contacting Alexander a good way to get him killed?
Thanks for comments, everyone. Let the story continue...
CHAPTER 11
Stardate: 54369.7 (16 May 2377)
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
“BBRRUUUUGGGGHHHH,” triumphantly bellowed the old, fat warrior Gow’ka. He and his small platoon loitered in the remains of a luxurious home. Their bellies were filled and their blood flowed with local alcohol that was plundered from the residence. It wasn’t bloodwine, but it was adequate.
A young commoner, Nu’gh, rose and placed his hand on his stomach. “nuqDaq’oH puchpa’’e’”
The five other Klingons let out echoing laughs. Gow’ka jested, “What’s a matter, the food not agree with you?”
Nu’gh reluctantly confirmed, “HIja’”
This led to another round of bellowing. Eventually, the elder Klingon pointed to the proper direction.
As the young warrior departed, Gow’ka plopped his feet on a low table and looked out the one wall that had been destroyed by some previous battle. The house sat atop a hill and had a vista of the city below. The only towers that were left in the settlement were towers of smoke.
There was a noise. Footfalls, Gow’ka realized, outside the house. The other warriors noticed as well. With out giving commands, the five Klingons made their weapons ready.
The foot steps came closer and closer. Despite their drunkenness…or perhaps because of it…they were ready for anything.
A Klingon rounded the damaged wall. Immediately, Gow’ka’s platoon relaxed. The old warrior recognized the man. “The son of Worf! What bring you here?”
The other Klingons reacted to the arrival with visible annoyance.
Obviously, Alexander didn’t expect to find anyone here. “I was just…walking…thinking.”
“Do not think too much. It only causes problems,” half-mocked S’qI, one of Gow’ka’s subordinates. Alexander was infamous among the warriors on this mission. The son of Worf had often ‘corrected’ behavior. He was one of the few officers that harassed them. There were often rumblings of killing him, though none had acted on the sentiment.
The elder Klingon came to his defense, “When we first arrived at this planet, I witnessed Ra'wl'Sogh Alexander fell a mighty Hacharan soldier.”
The Jev’Iw first officer remembered the incident as if it were years ago. “I was just lucky,” he responded without ego. The admission only served to weaken his position in the room.
“It certainly wasn’t talent,” chided S’qI.
“bIjatlh’e’yImev,” spat Gow’ka, “The son of Worf deserves your respect!”
“I’ve heard rumors,” persisted S’qI, “that you have the bat’leth skill of a five year old.”
It wasn’t the first time Alexander had heard such things. There was only one way he could address it: change the subject. He attempted to summon a command presence. “Where is the owner of this house? Did you kill him?”
Gow’ka spoke honestly, “No, it was already abandoned. We found no bodies in it.”
“What if we did kill them?” questioned S’qI with meaning.
Alexander ignored the question, “I want you all out of here. This house isn’t yours.”
The five Klingons looked at him as if he were developing a second head. S’qI’s flatulence was their only reaction.
After a few moments of continued unresponsiveness, he added with a false sense of authority, “DaH”
Slowly and deliberately, S’qI got up from the cushioned chair. His long, braided hair clacked when all the ornaments in it hit together. He snuffed as he approached Alexander.
The Jev’Iw first officer knew he couldn’t dare flinch.
S’qI went face to face with him and stated plainly, “Make us.”
Luckily for Alexander, Gow’ka stepped forward and resolved, “I will make us, S’qI.”
The son of Worf and the warrior were locked in a gaze. It took great effort for Alexander to stop his eyes from shifting.
S’qI finally broke the stalemate. He placed a hand on Gow’ka’s shoulder, “This man has my respect!” The warrior stepped back.
Gow’ka leaned into Alexander’s ear, “Ra'wl'Sogh, I will do as you order. But perhaps, it would be best if you continue on your walk.”
Alexander was grateful for the man. The old warrior had created an opening for him to safely retreat. “Very well,” he responded.
As the one-fourth human exited, S’qI commented, “ghu”
The platoon leader only grunted in disapproval. Then, he yelled, “Nu’gh, moD. We’re leaving.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Planetary Development Lab
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
“The total network is over 12 petabytes,” observed Tang Zian.
Commander Rysyl frowned in understanding, “So it will take a while to search.”
“Luckily,” commented Indy’s Andorian counselor, “We only need information inputted in the last two months.”
“Alright,” Anara said to her research team as she sat at a station, “Let’s begin.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Sickbay
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
Captain Hobson entered the medical center. He immediately saw the three biobeds to his right. They were occupied by what appeared to be Klingons; two males and a female. He walked up to who he assumed to be the team leader, the Independence’s first officer. “I see you’ve taken my helm officer from me.”
The tan-skinned, mock Klingon confirmed, “Yes sir, I considered taking your tactical officer, T’Pren, but I already recruited the Destrier’s security chief,” he gestured to the female, Kirce Carrick, “and Mr. Faltyne is going down with Commander Bolden. I didn’t want to handicap the fleet too much in case you’re forced to engage the Klingons. Is that going to be a problem?”
The Iceman shook his head, “I don’t object, Commander.” He found his chief medical officer, “Doctor Nor, are their alterations complete?”
The human/Ktarian hybrid reported, “I’m just putting on the finishing touches, sir.”
“Very well,” the captain rejoined. He gestured to bin Nadal, “Commander, could I speak with you?”
The two moved a few meters into the medical office. Once there, Hobson began only to be interrupted by the intercom. “Lieutenant Barrows to Captain Hobson.”
His face lifted, “Yes, Lieutenant.”
“Captain, I’ve asked Commander Windslow to help me adjust the theta-matrix compositor. He has much more experience doing it than I do, but we need to shut down the core for a bit.”
“Is this something that really has to be done now, Treasure? We’re not exactly in the best position at the moment.” asked Hobson.
“This ‘ill only take ‘bout a half hour, sir. It will make the dilithium much more efficient and frankly, I can’t do it with out him.”
With a perfect poker face, he made his decision. “Proceed, but don’t take more than one-half hour.”
“You got it, sir. Barrows out.”
Hobson said to himself, “I did not open them-for to be rude -- To such a one as him was courtesy.” He assumed the meaning would be lost in present company. He was wrong.
“Dante’s Inferno,” identified Karim immediately.
The Perseus captain had a very fleeting look of surprise.
“As I recall,” continued bin Nadal with an alien face, “It refers to the ninth level of hell, the level reserved for people who betray others…the lowest level.”
His meaning now known, Hobson offered, “I apologize. It was an unprofessional comment.”
Karim further remembered, “Immediately upon the betrayal, the offender’s soul is sent to hell and the body is possessed by a demon.” He made eye contact with Hobson, “Dante was right. Windslow is being punished as we speak.”
A twinge of guilt surfaced in the Perseus captain. He didn’t allow it to live long. He returned to his original intent, “Commander bin Nadal, you know how sensitive your particular mission is.”
“Yes sir.”
“If you’re discovered, General K’Vada will give you no quarter…and then he’ll most likely attack our task force.”
“I understand, sir,” bin Nadal replied, “We’ll get in, retrieve the data, and get out. That’s it.”
Though Hobson desired to cancel the boarding plan, he knew he couldn’t. Instead, he nodded slightly and offered, “Then Godspeed, Commander.”
The Persian, now Klingon, curtsied, said his valedictory - “Captain,” and returned to his team.
END OF CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 11
Stardate: 54369.7 (16 May 2377)
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
“BBRRUUUUGGGGHHHH,” triumphantly bellowed the old, fat warrior Gow’ka. He and his small platoon loitered in the remains of a luxurious home. Their bellies were filled and their blood flowed with local alcohol that was plundered from the residence. It wasn’t bloodwine, but it was adequate.
A young commoner, Nu’gh, rose and placed his hand on his stomach. “nuqDaq’oH puchpa’’e’”
The five other Klingons let out echoing laughs. Gow’ka jested, “What’s a matter, the food not agree with you?”
Nu’gh reluctantly confirmed, “HIja’”
This led to another round of bellowing. Eventually, the elder Klingon pointed to the proper direction.
As the young warrior departed, Gow’ka plopped his feet on a low table and looked out the one wall that had been destroyed by some previous battle. The house sat atop a hill and had a vista of the city below. The only towers that were left in the settlement were towers of smoke.
There was a noise. Footfalls, Gow’ka realized, outside the house. The other warriors noticed as well. With out giving commands, the five Klingons made their weapons ready.
The foot steps came closer and closer. Despite their drunkenness…or perhaps because of it…they were ready for anything.
A Klingon rounded the damaged wall. Immediately, Gow’ka’s platoon relaxed. The old warrior recognized the man. “The son of Worf! What bring you here?”
The other Klingons reacted to the arrival with visible annoyance.
Obviously, Alexander didn’t expect to find anyone here. “I was just…walking…thinking.”
“Do not think too much. It only causes problems,” half-mocked S’qI, one of Gow’ka’s subordinates. Alexander was infamous among the warriors on this mission. The son of Worf had often ‘corrected’ behavior. He was one of the few officers that harassed them. There were often rumblings of killing him, though none had acted on the sentiment.
The elder Klingon came to his defense, “When we first arrived at this planet, I witnessed Ra'wl'Sogh Alexander fell a mighty Hacharan soldier.”
The Jev’Iw first officer remembered the incident as if it were years ago. “I was just lucky,” he responded without ego. The admission only served to weaken his position in the room.
“It certainly wasn’t talent,” chided S’qI.
“bIjatlh’e’yImev,” spat Gow’ka, “The son of Worf deserves your respect!”
“I’ve heard rumors,” persisted S’qI, “that you have the bat’leth skill of a five year old.”
It wasn’t the first time Alexander had heard such things. There was only one way he could address it: change the subject. He attempted to summon a command presence. “Where is the owner of this house? Did you kill him?”
Gow’ka spoke honestly, “No, it was already abandoned. We found no bodies in it.”
“What if we did kill them?” questioned S’qI with meaning.
Alexander ignored the question, “I want you all out of here. This house isn’t yours.”
The five Klingons looked at him as if he were developing a second head. S’qI’s flatulence was their only reaction.
After a few moments of continued unresponsiveness, he added with a false sense of authority, “DaH”
Slowly and deliberately, S’qI got up from the cushioned chair. His long, braided hair clacked when all the ornaments in it hit together. He snuffed as he approached Alexander.
The Jev’Iw first officer knew he couldn’t dare flinch.
S’qI went face to face with him and stated plainly, “Make us.”
Luckily for Alexander, Gow’ka stepped forward and resolved, “I will make us, S’qI.”
The son of Worf and the warrior were locked in a gaze. It took great effort for Alexander to stop his eyes from shifting.
S’qI finally broke the stalemate. He placed a hand on Gow’ka’s shoulder, “This man has my respect!” The warrior stepped back.
Gow’ka leaned into Alexander’s ear, “Ra'wl'Sogh, I will do as you order. But perhaps, it would be best if you continue on your walk.”
Alexander was grateful for the man. The old warrior had created an opening for him to safely retreat. “Very well,” he responded.
As the one-fourth human exited, S’qI commented, “ghu”
The platoon leader only grunted in disapproval. Then, he yelled, “Nu’gh, moD. We’re leaving.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Planetary Development Lab
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
“The total network is over 12 petabytes,” observed Tang Zian.
Commander Rysyl frowned in understanding, “So it will take a while to search.”
“Luckily,” commented Indy’s Andorian counselor, “We only need information inputted in the last two months.”
“Alright,” Anara said to her research team as she sat at a station, “Let’s begin.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Sickbay
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
Captain Hobson entered the medical center. He immediately saw the three biobeds to his right. They were occupied by what appeared to be Klingons; two males and a female. He walked up to who he assumed to be the team leader, the Independence’s first officer. “I see you’ve taken my helm officer from me.”
The tan-skinned, mock Klingon confirmed, “Yes sir, I considered taking your tactical officer, T’Pren, but I already recruited the Destrier’s security chief,” he gestured to the female, Kirce Carrick, “and Mr. Faltyne is going down with Commander Bolden. I didn’t want to handicap the fleet too much in case you’re forced to engage the Klingons. Is that going to be a problem?”
The Iceman shook his head, “I don’t object, Commander.” He found his chief medical officer, “Doctor Nor, are their alterations complete?”
The human/Ktarian hybrid reported, “I’m just putting on the finishing touches, sir.”
“Very well,” the captain rejoined. He gestured to bin Nadal, “Commander, could I speak with you?”
The two moved a few meters into the medical office. Once there, Hobson began only to be interrupted by the intercom. “Lieutenant Barrows to Captain Hobson.”
His face lifted, “Yes, Lieutenant.”
“Captain, I’ve asked Commander Windslow to help me adjust the theta-matrix compositor. He has much more experience doing it than I do, but we need to shut down the core for a bit.”
“Is this something that really has to be done now, Treasure? We’re not exactly in the best position at the moment.” asked Hobson.
“This ‘ill only take ‘bout a half hour, sir. It will make the dilithium much more efficient and frankly, I can’t do it with out him.”
With a perfect poker face, he made his decision. “Proceed, but don’t take more than one-half hour.”
“You got it, sir. Barrows out.”
Hobson said to himself, “I did not open them-for to be rude -- To such a one as him was courtesy.” He assumed the meaning would be lost in present company. He was wrong.
“Dante’s Inferno,” identified Karim immediately.
The Perseus captain had a very fleeting look of surprise.
“As I recall,” continued bin Nadal with an alien face, “It refers to the ninth level of hell, the level reserved for people who betray others…the lowest level.”
His meaning now known, Hobson offered, “I apologize. It was an unprofessional comment.”
Karim further remembered, “Immediately upon the betrayal, the offender’s soul is sent to hell and the body is possessed by a demon.” He made eye contact with Hobson, “Dante was right. Windslow is being punished as we speak.”
A twinge of guilt surfaced in the Perseus captain. He didn’t allow it to live long. He returned to his original intent, “Commander bin Nadal, you know how sensitive your particular mission is.”
“Yes sir.”
“If you’re discovered, General K’Vada will give you no quarter…and then he’ll most likely attack our task force.”
“I understand, sir,” bin Nadal replied, “We’ll get in, retrieve the data, and get out. That’s it.”
Though Hobson desired to cancel the boarding plan, he knew he couldn’t. Instead, he nodded slightly and offered, “Then Godspeed, Commander.”
The Persian, now Klingon, curtsied, said his valedictory - “Captain,” and returned to his team.
END OF CHAPTER 11
A very nice exchange between Hobson and bin Nadal. I was gratified to see the captain's attempt at an underhanded comment backfired on him. Serves him right for underestimating bin Nadal's intellect.
Bin Nadal's mission will be highly dangerous, and for his sake and that of their team he'd better be ready to lead his people out in a firefight, should it come to that. The Klingons will be out for blood at the first sign of betrayal.
Bin Nadal's mission will be highly dangerous, and for his sake and that of their team he'd better be ready to lead his people out in a firefight, should it come to that. The Klingons will be out for blood at the first sign of betrayal.
Echoing the others' comments, I thought you did a good job in handling the scene between Hobson and Karim. Coming to the defense of Hobson though--he did acknowledge that what he said was unprofessional...not every captain would have done that...wink...wink...nudge...nudge...
Of the teams, bin Nadal's is the hardest--the slightest misstep...well...let's just say things could get very unpleasant...
Of the teams, bin Nadal's is the hardest--the slightest misstep...well...let's just say things could get very unpleasant...
Still terrific. Like seeing the different weaves and crews coming together. Nice to see the Iceman show discomfiture at being caught out but as stated he was big enough to own up to it.
Situations for so many are dicey - including Alexander's and if any Starfleet missions misstep it could make his situation all the more dire.
Situations for so many are dicey - including Alexander's and if any Starfleet missions misstep it could make his situation all the more dire.
Again, thanks to all the readers. Here's the next part...
CHAPTER 12
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Main Engineering
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
The swirling intermix core was dark. Windslow replaced the access hatch, “That it. That will increase the life span of the crystals by 26 percent and the efficiency by 14.”
The voluptuous, North Star native said with gratitude, “Good thing you were here, Commander… Do ya mind if I call ya ‘Ethan?’”
Windslow was caught off guard, “I ah…guess not.”
She continued, “…There were a few times, I woulda screwed stuff up.”
“Well,” said the terra-cotta haired engineer, “it’s good to know my time at Utopia Planitia still does some good.”
“You put starships together?”
Windslow smiled, “No. I designed starships. I worked on the Defiant Project.”
Treasure joshed, “Didn’t the Defiant have a lot of bugs when it was first deployed?”
“Hey,” Ethan rejoined, “we would’ve worked it out had the design not been moth-balled.”
They both allowed a chuckle. The disgraced captain didn’t remember the last time he had a healthy laugh.
The Perseus engineer walked closer, “Have you ever rode a horse?”
He slowly shook his head, “Can’t say that I have.”
Her bosom was raised a bit higher, “Would you like to learn? I have a really nice holo-program…”
“I’m married,” Ethan quickly and awkwardly interjected.
Treasure laughed again, “Well hell sugar, I didn’t say anything about sleeping with me,” …’yet.’
“Oh,” he started as his face got beet red, “I’m…sorry. I thought…”
Her smile was still wide, “Don’t worry ‘bout it, hon. Ya got kids?”
Ethan nodded, “Two…both boys. They’re 14 and seven.”
“Now we gotta go horseback riding!” she pressed. “Your boys ‘ill love it!” She jokingly rolled her eyes, “I guess your wife can come too.”
Feeling much better…and less embarrassed…Windslow smirked, “I’ll see if they’re interested.”
“I’ll hold ya to that.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, Cultural Sciences Locker Room
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
“I’ve served with her for over six months,” volunteered Hatora of J’Bel, the Independence’s senior noncommissioned officer. “She reserves her trust to a very select few. Until she sees how you react under pressure, she’ll keep you at arms reach.”
“So I’ve been told,” responded the new Andorian security chief as he pulled his isolation jump suit up.
Commander Bolden sat on the bench, his hood hung behind his head, “I’ve noticed a lot of similarities between your captain and mine. Captain Aurelia reminds me of what Kojo must have been like when she was younger.”
The Perseus’ Denobulan science officer, Velen, spoke, “I’ve found people who are similar don’t particularly like each other.” The others looked like they wanted an explanation of the comment. So he continued, “They remind each other of aspects of themselves they don’t care for.”
Bolden nodded in agreement.
“Forgive me for saying so,” Chief Hatora said, “but there is one critical difference between Aurelia and Kojo.”
“What’s that, Chief?” asked Velen.
“Beyond experience,” he went on, “Aurelia seems much more apathetic.”
Velen commented, “Apathy can’t be a good characteristic for a captain.”
“She’s a war captain, just like Kojo,” offered the Destrier first officer, “I’ve heard a lot of people having problems making the transition from war time to peace time. After doing something as dramatic as defending the Federation in battle, ‘normal’ missions just don’t do it for them. I’m sure she’ll adjust.” He stood once everyone donned their dull orange suit, “Ok people, let’s head to the transporter room.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, MainBridge
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
A tactical display of the planet and all orbiting vessels consumed much of the main viewer. A transparent cone shape emitted from each ship, indicating their sensor capability. The top, left corner showed Captain Kojo; the top right, the Perseus commander.
The time was coming up. Lieutenant T’Pren had calculated a 17 second window in which the Independence would be in a ‘blind-spot’ of the Klingon sensors. It would be the only time they could beam the teams down with out being detected.
“Commander Bolden,” began Sintina as she paced the command center, “is your team in place?”
“Aye ma’am, our suits are active. We can beam down at anytime.”
The Latina captain then queried, “Transporter room two, how about you guys?”
“We’re good to go,” came from Karim.
She looked at her new helm officer, “Ensign Weston, maintain our orbit. Don’t deviate or slow down. We don’t want the Klingons to think anything’s up.”
One of the recent academy graduate’s blue eyes made contact, “Aye, ma’am.”
“Dorian,” the captain asked, “how long?”
The dark-skinned European reported from Ops, “Twelve seconds.”
Everyone looked to the screen…watching the icon representing the Indy slowly arching around the planet.
“The Klingons can no longer detect us,” said the petty officer at operations.
“Transporter rooms, get ‘em down there, now,” ordered Aurelia.
“Initiating transport,” came one; “Energizing,” from the other.
Hobson commented after a short silence, “Now comes the hard part…we get to wait.”
Both Kojo and Aurelia grimaced in a similar way.
END OF CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 12
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Main Engineering
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
The swirling intermix core was dark. Windslow replaced the access hatch, “That it. That will increase the life span of the crystals by 26 percent and the efficiency by 14.”
The voluptuous, North Star native said with gratitude, “Good thing you were here, Commander… Do ya mind if I call ya ‘Ethan?’”
Windslow was caught off guard, “I ah…guess not.”
She continued, “…There were a few times, I woulda screwed stuff up.”
“Well,” said the terra-cotta haired engineer, “it’s good to know my time at Utopia Planitia still does some good.”
“You put starships together?”
Windslow smiled, “No. I designed starships. I worked on the Defiant Project.”
Treasure joshed, “Didn’t the Defiant have a lot of bugs when it was first deployed?”
“Hey,” Ethan rejoined, “we would’ve worked it out had the design not been moth-balled.”
They both allowed a chuckle. The disgraced captain didn’t remember the last time he had a healthy laugh.
The Perseus engineer walked closer, “Have you ever rode a horse?”
He slowly shook his head, “Can’t say that I have.”
Her bosom was raised a bit higher, “Would you like to learn? I have a really nice holo-program…”
“I’m married,” Ethan quickly and awkwardly interjected.
Treasure laughed again, “Well hell sugar, I didn’t say anything about sleeping with me,” …’yet.’
“Oh,” he started as his face got beet red, “I’m…sorry. I thought…”
Her smile was still wide, “Don’t worry ‘bout it, hon. Ya got kids?”
Ethan nodded, “Two…both boys. They’re 14 and seven.”
“Now we gotta go horseback riding!” she pressed. “Your boys ‘ill love it!” She jokingly rolled her eyes, “I guess your wife can come too.”
Feeling much better…and less embarrassed…Windslow smirked, “I’ll see if they’re interested.”
“I’ll hold ya to that.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, Cultural Sciences Locker Room
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
“I’ve served with her for over six months,” volunteered Hatora of J’Bel, the Independence’s senior noncommissioned officer. “She reserves her trust to a very select few. Until she sees how you react under pressure, she’ll keep you at arms reach.”
“So I’ve been told,” responded the new Andorian security chief as he pulled his isolation jump suit up.
Commander Bolden sat on the bench, his hood hung behind his head, “I’ve noticed a lot of similarities between your captain and mine. Captain Aurelia reminds me of what Kojo must have been like when she was younger.”
The Perseus’ Denobulan science officer, Velen, spoke, “I’ve found people who are similar don’t particularly like each other.” The others looked like they wanted an explanation of the comment. So he continued, “They remind each other of aspects of themselves they don’t care for.”
Bolden nodded in agreement.
“Forgive me for saying so,” Chief Hatora said, “but there is one critical difference between Aurelia and Kojo.”
“What’s that, Chief?” asked Velen.
“Beyond experience,” he went on, “Aurelia seems much more apathetic.”
Velen commented, “Apathy can’t be a good characteristic for a captain.”
“She’s a war captain, just like Kojo,” offered the Destrier first officer, “I’ve heard a lot of people having problems making the transition from war time to peace time. After doing something as dramatic as defending the Federation in battle, ‘normal’ missions just don’t do it for them. I’m sure she’ll adjust.” He stood once everyone donned their dull orange suit, “Ok people, let’s head to the transporter room.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, MainBridge
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
A tactical display of the planet and all orbiting vessels consumed much of the main viewer. A transparent cone shape emitted from each ship, indicating their sensor capability. The top, left corner showed Captain Kojo; the top right, the Perseus commander.
The time was coming up. Lieutenant T’Pren had calculated a 17 second window in which the Independence would be in a ‘blind-spot’ of the Klingon sensors. It would be the only time they could beam the teams down with out being detected.
“Commander Bolden,” began Sintina as she paced the command center, “is your team in place?”
“Aye ma’am, our suits are active. We can beam down at anytime.”
The Latina captain then queried, “Transporter room two, how about you guys?”
“We’re good to go,” came from Karim.
She looked at her new helm officer, “Ensign Weston, maintain our orbit. Don’t deviate or slow down. We don’t want the Klingons to think anything’s up.”
One of the recent academy graduate’s blue eyes made contact, “Aye, ma’am.”
“Dorian,” the captain asked, “how long?”
The dark-skinned European reported from Ops, “Twelve seconds.”
Everyone looked to the screen…watching the icon representing the Indy slowly arching around the planet.
“The Klingons can no longer detect us,” said the petty officer at operations.
“Transporter rooms, get ‘em down there, now,” ordered Aurelia.
“Initiating transport,” came one; “Energizing,” from the other.
Hobson commented after a short silence, “Now comes the hard part…we get to wait.”
Both Kojo and Aurelia grimaced in a similar way.
END OF CHAPTER 12
That's my Treasure! 
Some very good character interactions--Treasure and Windslow--Windslow has to be glad that there's someone willing to take him for who he is now without holding the past against him; and I'm betting he's strutting around now like a peacock after being propositioned by Treasure
I also liked the by-play between Velen, Bolden, and Hatora--you get some good insights into the captains.
And now we get to rock and roll...
Some very good character interactions--Treasure and Windslow--Windslow has to be glad that there's someone willing to take him for who he is now without holding the past against him; and I'm betting he's strutting around now like a peacock after being propositioned by Treasure
I also liked the by-play between Velen, Bolden, and Hatora--you get some good insights into the captains.
And now we get to rock and roll...
All going rosey so far between the different parties. Perhaps this means the trouble is yet to come. Certainly expecting a few problems along the line because three different, diverse crews mixed together in a difficult situation are going to work in different ways no matter how professional - with different expectations and standards held by some. Expecting - nay hoping - for some fireworks
Oh so Indy is just gonna go behind the planet and conveniently out of the Klingon's line of sight? That's not at all suspicious. But hey, maybe the Klingons are too busy butchering their enemy to notice.
I agree the character interactions were very well handled. I liked the observations on Aurelia and Koto. Also it is refreshing to see that Treasure actually finds a liking to Windslow and it isn't sexual either .... yet. I myself have a bit of a weak spot for court-martialled officers.
I agree the character interactions were very well handled. I liked the observations on Aurelia and Koto. Also it is refreshing to see that Treasure actually finds a liking to Windslow and it isn't sexual either .... yet. I myself have a bit of a weak spot for court-martialled officers.
Thanks for the comments, guys.
I have a feeling this is going to be one of my longer (if not longest) stories. There is a lot going on here and I don't wanna rush it. If it's picking up slower than you expect, that's why. I'm not even sure if we've made the half-way point or not.
I have a feeling this is going to be one of my longer (if not longest) stories. There is a lot going on here and I don't wanna rush it. If it's picking up slower than you expect, that's why. I'm not even sure if we've made the half-way point or not.
Similar threads
