Hello, everyone! I'm writing again.
First of all, this is not Bry-Sinclair's USS Ranger.
This is mine. I couldn't even come close to his great imagination. I wrote a Ranger story almost fifteen years ago and I posted it on the STPMA website. Well, after some thinking and some writing, I decided to pick up my old ship, dust it off, assign a new crew and see what trouble I could get myself into.
Anyways, here's the first half of "The Haunted Planet".
Star Trek: Ranger
01 - “The Haunted Planet”
By Jack D. Elmlinger
TEASER
The planet Amaltha II hung like a giant jewel against the blackness of space. It was a bright and shiny world resplendent in whites and greens. A tiny object orbited miles above her atmosphere. The Nova-class science vessel USS Eclipse was ten orbits into her mapping mission, sailing with ease across the face of the world.
The Bridge of the Eclipse was a hive of activity. Science officers manned most of the Bridge stations and chattered amongst themselves. The Tactical Officer, a Tellarite, busied herself on yet another scan of the surrounding space. Although the Eclipse was a science vessel, it was only a few short years since the end of the Dominion War and old habits died hard, especially for tactical officers. The First Officer’s station was the only unoccupied place as the captain had given his First Officer a well-deserved shift off.
Captain Stephen Clark was young for his rank, only thirty-four years old, but he ran a tight ship. Although he was a scientist himself, he found these routine mapping missions to be tedious. Although Amaltha II was close to the edge of Federation space, he wanted to plunge into the unknown.
“Mister Sellek, anything interesting?,” he asked his science officer.
Lieutenant Commander Sellek turned away from his station. “Negative. The planet is as we expected it, sir. Can I ask why it is that you expect me to find anything different?” Despite being over seventy years old, his Vulcan nature still found Humans to be difficult to work with sometimes.
“I guess I was just hoping for a surprise or two on this mission,” Clark said, smiling. “It has been thirty years since any vessel had spent more than a few hours out here. Maybe the away team will find something?”
“I highly doubt it, Captain. The colony has never reported any discoveries,” Sellek said, quizzically.
“It’s a big planet, Commander. Besides, you know what they say about this part of space.” The Captain let the sentence hang in the air, knowing his comments would annoy Sellek, ever so slightly.
Sellek raised an eyebrow and almost smiled. “The fact that there is a slight statistical blip in the number of ships that have got into difficulties in this region of space is no reason to believe in myths and legends,” he said with some authority.
Clark refused to give in. He was beginning to enjoy the discussion and it had certainly cut through the monotony. “Aren’t you even curious as to why this area has a reputation? It’s not just ships being damaged. There are ships vanishing into thin air.”
“That statement is an impossibility. Ships do not simply ‘vanish into thin air’,” Sellek said.
“Ship decloaking astern!,” cried out the tactical officer.
“Shields up! Yellow alert!,” Clark said, snapping back into a less playful frame of mind.
“Shields up.”
“Identity of that ship?”
“Unknown, sir. The configuration is fairly generic for a large freighter, but I’m getting conflicting readings. The cloak has a resonance frequency of a Klingon cloaking device, but their warp signature seems to be Talarian.”
Clark relaxed, just a little. “Pakleds. Hail them.”
On the forward viewscreen, the triangular shape of the approaching vessel was replaced by a bulky humanoid. His face wore a worryingly benign smile.
“This is Captain Stephen Clark of the Federation starship Eclipse. Can we assist you?”
“I am Glabnold, captain of the ship Movo. We are Pakleds. We look for things.” The Pakled spoke in a childish manner that reminded Clark of his nephews when they had only been a few years old.
“Yes,” Clark said. He had never encountered Pakleds before but he knew from Starfleet memorandums that they were mainly harmless as long as you took the right precautions. “You look for things to make you go.”
Glabnold seemed confused by Clark’s words. He turned his head and look over her left shoulder. Then he did the same thing over his left shoulder. “We can already go?”
“Of course,” Clark said, smiling now. “Then you look for things to make you stronger?” He couldn’t stop from keeping a note of sarcasm from entering into his question.
“We are already strong!,” Glabnold spat out.
At that moment, the screen reverted to a view of the Movo. Clark looked on in shock as a ball of bright yellow energy was flung from the bow of the Pakled vessel.
“They’re firing!,” shouted the tactical officer.
It took mere seconds for the bolt of energy to traverse the distance between both ships. Clark barely had enough time to shout,” Brace for impact!,” before the ball of energy struck.
Strangely, there was no shockwave.
“What hit us?”
“Unknown, but it’s drained our shields,” said the Tellarite. “They’re at twelve percent.”
“Return fire,” Clark ordered. He was a moment too late as two more bolts of energy leapt across space towards the Eclipse.
“Shields are down,” the Tellarite said as the first bolt struck. “Weapons are offline.” As the second bolt hit, the Bridge lights darkened for a second before the emergency lighting kicked in.
“Warp core is offline,” Sellek said. “We can power drains on every system.”
“Can you stop it?,” Clark asked, abandoning his command chair and moving to stand beside Sellek at his console.
“Not until I can determine what it is and that will prove most difficult. I am unsure how long our computers and sensors will continue to function.”
“Captain, I have multiple transporter signals on Decks Two and Three,” reported the Tactical Officer.
Clark moved to one side of the Bridge, popping over a hidden locker. He grabbed two phasers and tossed one towards Sellek. Returning to his command chair, he tapped his combadge. “Clark to all hands. Stand by to repel boarders!”
A moment later, another energy bolt struck the Eclipse. The Bridge was plunged into total darkness once more. The only sound was the whine of incoming transporters…
ACT ONE
Deep Space Five was located on the far edge of Federation territory near both the Romulan Empire and the newly rebuilt Federation colony on Ivor Prime. Unlike the bizarre artistic architecture of Deep Space Nine, Deep Space Five was built for functionality only. Its central structure was a tall cylinder that tapered to a round point at the top and at the bottom. Radiating out from this structure were long spikes that served as docking ports for starships. Several ships, both Starfleet and civilian, were currently docked.
At the very top of the central structure was an observation/conference lounge. It was a large round room. Capable of seating over fifty people, the walls and ceiling were made of transparent aluminum that provided a wonderful view of the space around the space station.
It was a truly stunning view but neither of the occupants were paying much attention at that moment. Sitting on one side of a conference table was Admiral Valerie Markham, who was engrossed in a PADD. On the other side was Commander Ikar, her eyestalks focused on the back of the PADD. She hadn’t felt this nervous since her Academy days. She was an attractive Roylan woman in her late thirties, although some said that she looked younger.
Markham laid the PADD on the table and smiled at her. “You’ve had a solid career to date, Commander. Wouldn’t you say?” She was a medium-sized woman in her mid-fifties with smooth skin and a shock of red hair streaked with gray that was tied back into a ponytail. She had commanded a starship for over twenty years before reluctantly accepting a promotion that could make her well-known as a maverick among the Admiralty.
Ikar tried to choose her words carefully. “I don’t feel like I’ve had a particularly memorable career, ma'am. I can think of a dozen officers off the top of my head who have had more ‘solid careers’ than me. I do my job and I do it well, but I can’t see myself ever making it to Admiral.”
“Hah!,” Markham said, picking up the PADD again. “Your record says nothing of modesty, Commander. You were Security Chief aboard the USS Galaxy for over five years and gained numerous commendations including the Medal of Honor on Solin Prime.”
At the mention of Solin Prime, Ikar reached her right hand over to squeeze her left arm. If the admiral noticed this involuntary action, she made no reference to it.
“For the last four years, you’ve commanded the USS Espero. Several engagements during the war including the defense of Pacifica.” Markham looked up. “Believe me, Commander. Very few officers have an award created especially for them. The Espero held off superior forces for several hours until relieved by Starfleet forces. You saved millions.”
“And all that it cost was half of my crew,” Ikar said. “I would happily trade in my Pacifica Cross to have them back.”
“I understand. I’ve lost a lot of good men and women under my command.” She paused for a moment before asking,” So, since the war, what have you and the Espero been up to?”
“Maintaining Federation Security. We were patrolling along the Romulan Neutral Zone when we were diverted here”
“Not much fun for a soldier, is it? Patrolling, supply runs, and the like.”
“It’s my job, ma'am. It’s nice to have a little peace and quiet again.”
“Bullshit!,” Markham shouted. “We don’t let promising officers waste away on mundane tasks if we can help it. Why haven’t you requested a transfer? You could have been the First Officer on any number of ships after the war ended.”
“Honestly?,” she replied. He nodded. “I’ve gotten so used to being in command. I don’t want to play second fiddle to anyone again.”
Markham laughed. “Excellent answer. It’s hard to give up the captain’s chair once you have it, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Well, in that case, there’s only one thing for it.” Markham reached across the table towards Ikar and placed something on the table in front of her.
Ikar felt both of her hearts pounding hard. It was strange how a small round pip could have that effect on a person. She tentatively reached for it, almost convinced that the admiral would snatch it back at any moment. Of course, he didn’t.
“Ikar, it’s with great pleasure that I hereby promote you to the rank of Captain.” She stood up and extended his hand.
Ikar affixed the fourth pip to her maroon collar before standing to shake the Admiral’s hand. “Thank you, ma'am.”
“Well, as I said, Starfleet doesn’t like to waste good officers, especially since we have so few of them left.”
She returned to his seat and the Roylan followed suit. “Now, that wasn’t the only reason why I asked you here. I have a mission for you, Captain Ikar. A mission and a new ship.”
“A new ship?,” she queried her.
“Yes,” was the Admiral’s reply. “The Espero is good for what she was built for as an escort vessel. For your next assignment, you’ll need some with a bit more… oomph.” She let that word sink in before asking,” What do you know of Sector Two-Nine-Zero-Zero-Four?”
“Quite a bit,” Ikar replied. “I was born there.”
“Yes, on Liron Four. What else do you know about that region of space?”
“It’s sparsely populated and it’s never been fully explored, not for the want of trying though. It’s referred to, unofficially, as the Starships’ Graveyard. Many ships that have traversed it have experienced difficulties. The area is notorious for ion storms and related phenomena. In addition, several vessels have disappeared completely.”
“Including the USS Sumter, a hundred years ago.”
“Yes, although that was before the sector was properly charted. Don’t tell me that you believe in the myth,” Ikar said, raising an eyebrow and smiling.
Markham laughed. “No, I don’t believe that there’s a giant monster that eats starships living inside a nebula in Sector 29004.” She chuckled again.
“Good. I was beginning to worry that my extra pip was going to turn out to be made of Denobulan cheese for a minute there.”
Markham composed herself. “Irrespective of whether it is ion storms, pirate activity, or giant space creatures, the truth is that sector of space is unlucky. You’re here because that unluckiness is increasing.”
“What do you mean?”
Markham tossed the PADD across the table. Ikar picked it up and saw a list of information sorted by the date. She ran through it as the admiral spoke. “In the last two years, incidents have increased in volume. In the last two months alone, two Bolian freighters were destroyed under mysterious circumstances and a Federation supply ship was hijacked on route to Amaltha II. Its cargo was stolen and its crew was slaughtered.”
“Great Hemra,” Ikar swore, shocked at the list of vessels and the descriptions of their fates.
“Exactly,” said Markham,” and the situation has gotten worse. A week ago, the USS Eclipse vanished while in orbit of Amaltha II.” She stood up and walked over to a window. Staring out at the stars, she continued. “The war hit us hard. The fleet is only just back to its pre-war levels. Starfleet’s exploration policy has been on hold for far too long, and I intend to put it back on track. The incident with the Eclipse will aid with that. I’ve used the incident to get a starship reassigned, specifically to explore Sector 29004. I want you to command it.”
Ikar stood up and walked over to stand a few meters behind the Admiral. “So, my mission is…?”
Markham turned towards her. “Your mission is to ostensibly search for the Eclipse. However, you have the mandate to explore that sector of space as you see fit, and even to push out into the unknown if you deem it to be necessary.”
“Ma'am, with all due respect, you need an explorer. I’m a soldier. Nothing more.”
Markham clasped her hands behind her back. “I disagree. Both of your parents were explorers. It’s in your genes. Besides, the Eclipse was commanded by a scientist and it’s nowhere to be found. If there’s a new power rising up in that area of the Galaxy, I want a commanding officer with combat experience at the frontlines. Besides, you’ll have a good backup. I’ve assigned you a top First Officer.”
“Who is it?”
“First things first,” Markham said, turning back to the window. “Don’t you want to see your new command?” He pointed down towards one of the docking pylons.
Ikar moved to his side and followed his gesture, clasping her hands behind her back. The only ship that was in view was an Ambassador-class heavy cruiser. She felt her insides flip as she gazed out at it. The Ambassador-class was a rare design to see back in service, and she almost didn’t hear Markham as she was so engrossed with the beauty of her new ship.
“USS Ranger, Ambassador-class. Registry number NCC-27968. She was commissioned in 2360 and she’s a damn fine ship.” Markham’s words were filled with pride and Ikar knew why.
“Your last command, if I’m right?”
“Yes. 2365 to 2370. Right before they kicked me upstairs. You’ll be her fourth commanding officer,” she said. “Treat her well, Captain.”
“What about the crew?,” the Roylan asked, tearing her eyestalks away from the ship to face the Admiral.
“Ah, yes,” she said, picking up the PADD on the table again and accessing a different set of information. “Your First Officer is Commander Yoshida Kiyonobu. He’s spent the last few years as First Officer of the USS Tempest. He has a lot of experience in exploration, and he’s a top scientist. I think the two of you will complement each other well. I’ve also recruited several officers for who you’ve requested for the Espero in the last several months.”
“I knew it! No wonder all of my staff requests seemed to vanish like into a black hole.”
“Yes. Well, Lieutenant Commander Adam Huntington will be your Tactical Officer. He’s a good officer with a lot of invaluable experience. You’ll also have Lieutenant K’Thell at the helm. You’ve been chasing her since she graduated. Congratulations, you’ve caught her.”
“What about a Chief Medical Officer? I’d like to take Doctor Patton with me if it’s possible.”
“Sorry, but no can do. You’ll have Doctor Hansis Brot. He’s a Bolian who was assigned to the Enterprise. He has a personal recommendation from Doctor Beverly Crusher herself.”
“And a Chief Engineer? There’s no mention of one and there are only a hundred and seventy names here?”
“Correct,” said the Admiral. “You can choose your own Chief Engineer and nine others to transfer over from the Espero.”
“Fine. I know who I’ll take. When do we leave?”
“Get ready to depart in twelve hours. I’m sorry that it’s not much lead time but every minute counts if you’re to have any hope of locating the Eclipse’s crew alive.”
“Understood, ma’am. I’ll get right on it.” Ikar turned to leave.
“One last question?,” Markham asked.
“Ma’am?
“Did you really enjoy the peace and quiet of the last two years?”
“Honestly, ma’am, I gave serious consideration into launching a torpedo or two at Starbase 217, a few days back. Just to relieve the monotony.” Captain Ikar turned and left the room, leaving Admiral Markham to laugh in her wake.
First of all, this is not Bry-Sinclair's USS Ranger.
This is mine. I couldn't even come close to his great imagination. I wrote a Ranger story almost fifteen years ago and I posted it on the STPMA website. Well, after some thinking and some writing, I decided to pick up my old ship, dust it off, assign a new crew and see what trouble I could get myself into.
Anyways, here's the first half of "The Haunted Planet".
Star Trek: Ranger
01 - “The Haunted Planet”
By Jack D. Elmlinger
TEASER
The planet Amaltha II hung like a giant jewel against the blackness of space. It was a bright and shiny world resplendent in whites and greens. A tiny object orbited miles above her atmosphere. The Nova-class science vessel USS Eclipse was ten orbits into her mapping mission, sailing with ease across the face of the world.
The Bridge of the Eclipse was a hive of activity. Science officers manned most of the Bridge stations and chattered amongst themselves. The Tactical Officer, a Tellarite, busied herself on yet another scan of the surrounding space. Although the Eclipse was a science vessel, it was only a few short years since the end of the Dominion War and old habits died hard, especially for tactical officers. The First Officer’s station was the only unoccupied place as the captain had given his First Officer a well-deserved shift off.
Captain Stephen Clark was young for his rank, only thirty-four years old, but he ran a tight ship. Although he was a scientist himself, he found these routine mapping missions to be tedious. Although Amaltha II was close to the edge of Federation space, he wanted to plunge into the unknown.
“Mister Sellek, anything interesting?,” he asked his science officer.
Lieutenant Commander Sellek turned away from his station. “Negative. The planet is as we expected it, sir. Can I ask why it is that you expect me to find anything different?” Despite being over seventy years old, his Vulcan nature still found Humans to be difficult to work with sometimes.
“I guess I was just hoping for a surprise or two on this mission,” Clark said, smiling. “It has been thirty years since any vessel had spent more than a few hours out here. Maybe the away team will find something?”
“I highly doubt it, Captain. The colony has never reported any discoveries,” Sellek said, quizzically.
“It’s a big planet, Commander. Besides, you know what they say about this part of space.” The Captain let the sentence hang in the air, knowing his comments would annoy Sellek, ever so slightly.
Sellek raised an eyebrow and almost smiled. “The fact that there is a slight statistical blip in the number of ships that have got into difficulties in this region of space is no reason to believe in myths and legends,” he said with some authority.
Clark refused to give in. He was beginning to enjoy the discussion and it had certainly cut through the monotony. “Aren’t you even curious as to why this area has a reputation? It’s not just ships being damaged. There are ships vanishing into thin air.”
“That statement is an impossibility. Ships do not simply ‘vanish into thin air’,” Sellek said.
“Ship decloaking astern!,” cried out the tactical officer.
“Shields up! Yellow alert!,” Clark said, snapping back into a less playful frame of mind.
“Shields up.”
“Identity of that ship?”
“Unknown, sir. The configuration is fairly generic for a large freighter, but I’m getting conflicting readings. The cloak has a resonance frequency of a Klingon cloaking device, but their warp signature seems to be Talarian.”
Clark relaxed, just a little. “Pakleds. Hail them.”
On the forward viewscreen, the triangular shape of the approaching vessel was replaced by a bulky humanoid. His face wore a worryingly benign smile.
“This is Captain Stephen Clark of the Federation starship Eclipse. Can we assist you?”
“I am Glabnold, captain of the ship Movo. We are Pakleds. We look for things.” The Pakled spoke in a childish manner that reminded Clark of his nephews when they had only been a few years old.
“Yes,” Clark said. He had never encountered Pakleds before but he knew from Starfleet memorandums that they were mainly harmless as long as you took the right precautions. “You look for things to make you go.”
Glabnold seemed confused by Clark’s words. He turned his head and look over her left shoulder. Then he did the same thing over his left shoulder. “We can already go?”
“Of course,” Clark said, smiling now. “Then you look for things to make you stronger?” He couldn’t stop from keeping a note of sarcasm from entering into his question.
“We are already strong!,” Glabnold spat out.
At that moment, the screen reverted to a view of the Movo. Clark looked on in shock as a ball of bright yellow energy was flung from the bow of the Pakled vessel.
“They’re firing!,” shouted the tactical officer.
It took mere seconds for the bolt of energy to traverse the distance between both ships. Clark barely had enough time to shout,” Brace for impact!,” before the ball of energy struck.
Strangely, there was no shockwave.
“What hit us?”
“Unknown, but it’s drained our shields,” said the Tellarite. “They’re at twelve percent.”
“Return fire,” Clark ordered. He was a moment too late as two more bolts of energy leapt across space towards the Eclipse.
“Shields are down,” the Tellarite said as the first bolt struck. “Weapons are offline.” As the second bolt hit, the Bridge lights darkened for a second before the emergency lighting kicked in.
“Warp core is offline,” Sellek said. “We can power drains on every system.”
“Can you stop it?,” Clark asked, abandoning his command chair and moving to stand beside Sellek at his console.
“Not until I can determine what it is and that will prove most difficult. I am unsure how long our computers and sensors will continue to function.”
“Captain, I have multiple transporter signals on Decks Two and Three,” reported the Tactical Officer.
Clark moved to one side of the Bridge, popping over a hidden locker. He grabbed two phasers and tossed one towards Sellek. Returning to his command chair, he tapped his combadge. “Clark to all hands. Stand by to repel boarders!”
A moment later, another energy bolt struck the Eclipse. The Bridge was plunged into total darkness once more. The only sound was the whine of incoming transporters…
ACT ONE
Deep Space Five was located on the far edge of Federation territory near both the Romulan Empire and the newly rebuilt Federation colony on Ivor Prime. Unlike the bizarre artistic architecture of Deep Space Nine, Deep Space Five was built for functionality only. Its central structure was a tall cylinder that tapered to a round point at the top and at the bottom. Radiating out from this structure were long spikes that served as docking ports for starships. Several ships, both Starfleet and civilian, were currently docked.
At the very top of the central structure was an observation/conference lounge. It was a large round room. Capable of seating over fifty people, the walls and ceiling were made of transparent aluminum that provided a wonderful view of the space around the space station.
It was a truly stunning view but neither of the occupants were paying much attention at that moment. Sitting on one side of a conference table was Admiral Valerie Markham, who was engrossed in a PADD. On the other side was Commander Ikar, her eyestalks focused on the back of the PADD. She hadn’t felt this nervous since her Academy days. She was an attractive Roylan woman in her late thirties, although some said that she looked younger.
Markham laid the PADD on the table and smiled at her. “You’ve had a solid career to date, Commander. Wouldn’t you say?” She was a medium-sized woman in her mid-fifties with smooth skin and a shock of red hair streaked with gray that was tied back into a ponytail. She had commanded a starship for over twenty years before reluctantly accepting a promotion that could make her well-known as a maverick among the Admiralty.
Ikar tried to choose her words carefully. “I don’t feel like I’ve had a particularly memorable career, ma'am. I can think of a dozen officers off the top of my head who have had more ‘solid careers’ than me. I do my job and I do it well, but I can’t see myself ever making it to Admiral.”
“Hah!,” Markham said, picking up the PADD again. “Your record says nothing of modesty, Commander. You were Security Chief aboard the USS Galaxy for over five years and gained numerous commendations including the Medal of Honor on Solin Prime.”
At the mention of Solin Prime, Ikar reached her right hand over to squeeze her left arm. If the admiral noticed this involuntary action, she made no reference to it.
“For the last four years, you’ve commanded the USS Espero. Several engagements during the war including the defense of Pacifica.” Markham looked up. “Believe me, Commander. Very few officers have an award created especially for them. The Espero held off superior forces for several hours until relieved by Starfleet forces. You saved millions.”
“And all that it cost was half of my crew,” Ikar said. “I would happily trade in my Pacifica Cross to have them back.”
“I understand. I’ve lost a lot of good men and women under my command.” She paused for a moment before asking,” So, since the war, what have you and the Espero been up to?”
“Maintaining Federation Security. We were patrolling along the Romulan Neutral Zone when we were diverted here”
“Not much fun for a soldier, is it? Patrolling, supply runs, and the like.”
“It’s my job, ma'am. It’s nice to have a little peace and quiet again.”
“Bullshit!,” Markham shouted. “We don’t let promising officers waste away on mundane tasks if we can help it. Why haven’t you requested a transfer? You could have been the First Officer on any number of ships after the war ended.”
“Honestly?,” she replied. He nodded. “I’ve gotten so used to being in command. I don’t want to play second fiddle to anyone again.”
Markham laughed. “Excellent answer. It’s hard to give up the captain’s chair once you have it, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Well, in that case, there’s only one thing for it.” Markham reached across the table towards Ikar and placed something on the table in front of her.
Ikar felt both of her hearts pounding hard. It was strange how a small round pip could have that effect on a person. She tentatively reached for it, almost convinced that the admiral would snatch it back at any moment. Of course, he didn’t.
“Ikar, it’s with great pleasure that I hereby promote you to the rank of Captain.” She stood up and extended his hand.
Ikar affixed the fourth pip to her maroon collar before standing to shake the Admiral’s hand. “Thank you, ma'am.”
“Well, as I said, Starfleet doesn’t like to waste good officers, especially since we have so few of them left.”
She returned to his seat and the Roylan followed suit. “Now, that wasn’t the only reason why I asked you here. I have a mission for you, Captain Ikar. A mission and a new ship.”
“A new ship?,” she queried her.
“Yes,” was the Admiral’s reply. “The Espero is good for what she was built for as an escort vessel. For your next assignment, you’ll need some with a bit more… oomph.” She let that word sink in before asking,” What do you know of Sector Two-Nine-Zero-Zero-Four?”
“Quite a bit,” Ikar replied. “I was born there.”
“Yes, on Liron Four. What else do you know about that region of space?”
“It’s sparsely populated and it’s never been fully explored, not for the want of trying though. It’s referred to, unofficially, as the Starships’ Graveyard. Many ships that have traversed it have experienced difficulties. The area is notorious for ion storms and related phenomena. In addition, several vessels have disappeared completely.”
“Including the USS Sumter, a hundred years ago.”
“Yes, although that was before the sector was properly charted. Don’t tell me that you believe in the myth,” Ikar said, raising an eyebrow and smiling.
Markham laughed. “No, I don’t believe that there’s a giant monster that eats starships living inside a nebula in Sector 29004.” She chuckled again.
“Good. I was beginning to worry that my extra pip was going to turn out to be made of Denobulan cheese for a minute there.”
Markham composed herself. “Irrespective of whether it is ion storms, pirate activity, or giant space creatures, the truth is that sector of space is unlucky. You’re here because that unluckiness is increasing.”
“What do you mean?”
Markham tossed the PADD across the table. Ikar picked it up and saw a list of information sorted by the date. She ran through it as the admiral spoke. “In the last two years, incidents have increased in volume. In the last two months alone, two Bolian freighters were destroyed under mysterious circumstances and a Federation supply ship was hijacked on route to Amaltha II. Its cargo was stolen and its crew was slaughtered.”
“Great Hemra,” Ikar swore, shocked at the list of vessels and the descriptions of their fates.
“Exactly,” said Markham,” and the situation has gotten worse. A week ago, the USS Eclipse vanished while in orbit of Amaltha II.” She stood up and walked over to a window. Staring out at the stars, she continued. “The war hit us hard. The fleet is only just back to its pre-war levels. Starfleet’s exploration policy has been on hold for far too long, and I intend to put it back on track. The incident with the Eclipse will aid with that. I’ve used the incident to get a starship reassigned, specifically to explore Sector 29004. I want you to command it.”
Ikar stood up and walked over to stand a few meters behind the Admiral. “So, my mission is…?”
Markham turned towards her. “Your mission is to ostensibly search for the Eclipse. However, you have the mandate to explore that sector of space as you see fit, and even to push out into the unknown if you deem it to be necessary.”
“Ma'am, with all due respect, you need an explorer. I’m a soldier. Nothing more.”
Markham clasped her hands behind her back. “I disagree. Both of your parents were explorers. It’s in your genes. Besides, the Eclipse was commanded by a scientist and it’s nowhere to be found. If there’s a new power rising up in that area of the Galaxy, I want a commanding officer with combat experience at the frontlines. Besides, you’ll have a good backup. I’ve assigned you a top First Officer.”
“Who is it?”
“First things first,” Markham said, turning back to the window. “Don’t you want to see your new command?” He pointed down towards one of the docking pylons.
Ikar moved to his side and followed his gesture, clasping her hands behind her back. The only ship that was in view was an Ambassador-class heavy cruiser. She felt her insides flip as she gazed out at it. The Ambassador-class was a rare design to see back in service, and she almost didn’t hear Markham as she was so engrossed with the beauty of her new ship.
“USS Ranger, Ambassador-class. Registry number NCC-27968. She was commissioned in 2360 and she’s a damn fine ship.” Markham’s words were filled with pride and Ikar knew why.
“Your last command, if I’m right?”
“Yes. 2365 to 2370. Right before they kicked me upstairs. You’ll be her fourth commanding officer,” she said. “Treat her well, Captain.”
“What about the crew?,” the Roylan asked, tearing her eyestalks away from the ship to face the Admiral.
“Ah, yes,” she said, picking up the PADD on the table again and accessing a different set of information. “Your First Officer is Commander Yoshida Kiyonobu. He’s spent the last few years as First Officer of the USS Tempest. He has a lot of experience in exploration, and he’s a top scientist. I think the two of you will complement each other well. I’ve also recruited several officers for who you’ve requested for the Espero in the last several months.”
“I knew it! No wonder all of my staff requests seemed to vanish like into a black hole.”
“Yes. Well, Lieutenant Commander Adam Huntington will be your Tactical Officer. He’s a good officer with a lot of invaluable experience. You’ll also have Lieutenant K’Thell at the helm. You’ve been chasing her since she graduated. Congratulations, you’ve caught her.”
“What about a Chief Medical Officer? I’d like to take Doctor Patton with me if it’s possible.”
“Sorry, but no can do. You’ll have Doctor Hansis Brot. He’s a Bolian who was assigned to the Enterprise. He has a personal recommendation from Doctor Beverly Crusher herself.”
“And a Chief Engineer? There’s no mention of one and there are only a hundred and seventy names here?”
“Correct,” said the Admiral. “You can choose your own Chief Engineer and nine others to transfer over from the Espero.”
“Fine. I know who I’ll take. When do we leave?”
“Get ready to depart in twelve hours. I’m sorry that it’s not much lead time but every minute counts if you’re to have any hope of locating the Eclipse’s crew alive.”
“Understood, ma’am. I’ll get right on it.” Ikar turned to leave.
“One last question?,” Markham asked.
“Ma’am?
“Did you really enjoy the peace and quiet of the last two years?”
“Honestly, ma’am, I gave serious consideration into launching a torpedo or two at Starbase 217, a few days back. Just to relieve the monotony.” Captain Ikar turned and left the room, leaving Admiral Markham to laugh in her wake.
