Only a couple spots away from falling off the first page... can't have that. 
Star Trek: Steel-Edged Grace - 1: "Excalibur"
- Thread starter TheLoneRedshirt
- Start date
Actually, when I said "polishing" the next chapter, I meant taking a blow torch, grinder, mallet (and a bit of Bondo) to it. I know where I want to go, but I seem to have difficulty getting there. 
Probably best to rewrite the next chapter before I post, lest my head explode.
Probably best to rewrite the next chapter before I post, lest my head explode.
Darn you and your freakishly high quality standards! Darn you to HECK!!!Actually, when I said "polishing" the next chapter, I meant taking a blow torch, grinder, mallet (and a bit of Bondo) to it. I know where I want to go, but I seem to have difficulty getting there.
Probably best to rewrite the next chapter before I post, lest my head explode.
Darn you and your freakishly high quality standards! Darn you to HECK!!!Actually, when I said "polishing" the next chapter, I meant taking a blow torch, grinder, mallet (and a bit of Bondo) to it. I know where I want to go, but I seem to have difficulty getting there.
Probably best to rewrite the next chapter before I post, lest my head explode.
Note to self: Need to acquire more monkeys and more typewriters.
I'll see your typewriting monkeys and raise you a press and imps.Note to self: Need to acquire more monkeys and more typewriters.
Actually, when I said "polishing" the next chapter, I meant taking a blow torch, grinder, mallet (and a bit of Bondo) to it. I know where I want to go, but I seem to have difficulty getting there.
Probably best to rewrite the next chapter before I post, lest my head explode.
I have a betteridea-let your head explode and then post pictures!
Chapter Seven
Stardate 4793.8 (1 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Spacedock – Earth Orbit
Grace McAfee regarded her image in the mirror and frowned. Her reflection frowned back and crossed her arms. She gazed at herself in the mirror, staring balefully at the gold mini-dress in which she was attired. Truth be told, she was a striking figure in the dress, her legs long and shapely, her figure very trim. Years of swimming and good genes helped in that regard.
“Damn you anyway, Kim Chang,” she muttered as her door enunciator buzzed.
“Come!” she barked.
The door to her quarters slid open and Lt. Simon Clark entered. “Captain, I need you to initial these . . .” Clark’s voice trailed off and he stopped in his tracks, staring at the Captain.
“Think very carefully before you open your mouth, Simon,” McAfee warned.
Her Yeoman swallowed and quickly regained his poise. “Ah . . . I see you decided to wear the ‘other’ uniform.”
“A safe enough answer,” replied McAfee with a wan smile. She took the data slate from Clark and scratched her initials on the screen.
Clark decided to step further out on the limb. “Sir, I have to admit I’m curious . . . I thought you didn’t like the dress.”
McAfee handed the slate back to Lt. Clark. “Let’s just say I decided to pick up the gauntlet that our CMO threw at my feet.” She smiled but her eyes were still flinty. “Anything else, Mr. Clark?”
“No sir.”
“Carry on then.”
Clark beat a rather hasty retreat from her cabin. McAfee considered changing back into her normal uniform attire when the enunciator buzzed again. She sighed, wondering what Simon had forgotten.
“Come!”
Instead of Lt. Clark, Dr. Kim Chang entered. “Grace, I need to . . .” she stopped abruptly and let out a laugh. “I don’t believe it!” the CMO exclaimed.
“Shouldn’t that be, ‘I don’t believe it, sir?’” said McAfee with ill-humor.
“Oh, get over yourself. I certainly did years ago. So you’re actually going to wear the dress, huh?”
“I look like a cocktail waitress at a Starbase bar.”
“Hell, Grace, you’re gorgeous! Best damn legs I’ve ever seen on a starship commander – although I’ve heard Jim Kirk’s are pretty nice.”
McAfee snorted. “Thanks – I think.”
“Grace, what’s the problem? You didn’t wear this much when you were on the Academy swim team.”
“I’m not a cadet any more, Kim, and I’m certainly not going to traipse around in a swim-suit, at least not on duty.”
Dr. Chang cocked her head and regarded her friend. “Speaking of which, when was the last time you took a break? Have you even seen the ship’s swimming pool, much less gone for a swim?”
“There’ll be time for that later, Doctor.”
“Grace, as your physician and your friend, I’m telling you – take the time now. I don’t want to be the one to relieve you of command because you’re huddled in a corner, sucking your thumb and banging your head against the wall.”
McAfee rolled her eyes. “Noted. I’ve got to get to the bridge. You can follow or leave a note here – your choice.”
“Oh, I’m going with you! I can’t wait to see the expressions on the faces of the bridge crew when they get a load of them gams!”
Stardate 4794.0 (2 February 2269)
Earth Colony Salem
Canaris IV, Sector 009
“Scans are inconclusive,” remarked Charlie Fountain. Dark circles rimmed his sleep-deprived eyes. He stifled a yawn and stretched.
Ibrahim Rustamzadeh shook his head in frustration. “This makes no sense! We can see it, it has size and mass, but there are no energy emissions at all. How did it even get into orbit?”
Fountain leaned back in his chair and sighed. “No energy signature, no ion trail, no warp signature – it’s like it appeared out of thin air . . . well, thin vacuum I suppose.”
Rustamzadeh had earlier summoned the rest of the colony’s science specialists and they had been analyzing the sensor data for hours, all for naught. It was early morning local time, and the gathered scientists were suffering from fatigue and frustration.
“Perhaps we should take a shuttle and approach the ship?” suggested Dr. Tammy Howard, their resident astro-physicist.
Ibrahim frowned. “Too risky, I don’t want to jeopardize any lives, especially since we have no idea what we’re dealing with.”
“But Ibrahim, we’ve already exhausted every other avenue. We have a satellite stationed less than a kilometer from it and it’s done nothing. Surely the risk is acceptable.”
The bearded scientist shook his head. “No Tammy, I will not place any of our lives in danger over this. Besides, the shuttles have no better sensor capability than the satellites, so what’s the point? There doesn’t appear to be any landing bays or docking ports on that thing, so boarding it is out of the question.”
Dr. Howard, did not reply, but her expression indicated she wasn’t pleased with Rustamzadeh’s decision. She walked back to her sensor station, shaking her head slowly.
“Charlie,” began Ibrahim, coming to an abrupt decision, “open a channel to Starbase 27 and apprise them of our situation. Perhaps they have a starship nearby that can check this out for us.”
“Sounds like a plan,” yawned Fountain, who stood and made his way to the subspace transceiver.
* * *
Tammy Howard sat again at her multi-screened workstation and frowned. Okay, we’ve scanned this every conventional way we can and have nada. She crossed her arms, glaring at the screens as if they had somehow betrayed her.
Time to think outside the box, she thought, before speaking aloud. “Computer.”
“Working.”
“Recalibrate gravity readings from target into the negative range.”
“Recalibrating . . . target maintains null value for gravity fields.”
She tapped a stylus against her lips. “Recalibrate energy readings from target into the negative range.” Howard knew this to be foolish, since anti-energy did not exist, at least in the physical universe.
“Recalibrating . . . target value is currently at negative three point zero one three ergs and falling at point zero one ergs per hour.”
Dr. Howard’s eyes widened in surprise. “Computer – confirm last statement.”
“The energy value of the designated orbital target is currently at negative three point zero one three ergs and falling at point zero one ergs per hour.”
“Computer, anti-energy does not exist – explain your findings. Are your sensors faulty?”
There was a significant pause as the computer processed Dr. Howard’s request before it answered. “Self-diagnostic check indicates that sensors are functioning within normal operating parameters. Insufficient data to explain cause of negative energy readings.”
* * *
Across the room, Charlie Fountain frowned as he attempted to open a sub-space channel.
“Hey Ibrahim! We’ve got a problem.”
Dr. Rustamzadeh moved by his colleague’s chair. “Now what?”
Fountain pointed at the screen. “The sub-space transceiver is operating, but it’s not producing enough output to broadcast our signal. It’s like there’s some sort of power loss, but I can’t find it.”
Ibrahim peered at the viewscreen, when a wave of dizziness passed over him. Reflexively, he grabbed Fountain’s chair.
“Ibrahim? Are you okay?” asked Charlie, concern apparent in his voice.
“Just fatigued,” said Rustamzadeh, who eased into a chair. The Bahraini scientist suddenly felt drained, as if all his strength had been sucked from him.
A loud clatter behind him gave him enough of an energy surge to turn. He saw Dr. Tammy Howard lying on the floor, her chair turned on it’s side.
“Tammy!” exclaimed Fountain, who stood from his station and moved to assist her. He made it about three steps before he, too, crumpled to the floor.
Ibrahim Rustamzadeh watched helplessly as his colleagues, his friends, lay still on the dura-crete floor. But try as he might, he could not move.
He discovered he did not have the energy to stand.
Neither did he have the energy to speak.
His eyes closed as the last of his muscular control evaporated.
No longer even able to breathe, Rustamzadeh’s last living thought was, Why?
* * *
Several hundred kilometers overhead, the mysterious ship broke orbit, gathered speed and disappeared in a flash of brilliance as it departed normal space.
Stardate 4794.7 (4 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Spacedock – Earth Orbit
Captain McAfee was the epitome of serenity as she sat quietly in her command chair on the bridge – partly because she was wearing her familiar, comfortable uniform with pants, partly because of her exceptional poker face. On the inside, however, butterflies were performing acrobatics as the weight of the moment pressed upon her. The months of rebuilding the Excalibur were over. The long weeks of putting together a crew, conducting drills and trying to form a cohesive team were accomplished. Now, in just a few moments, the time for preparation would end, and the five-year mission would begin – under her command.
The bridge was an arena of focused, quiet activity. The tools and technicians were gone, replaced by the alpha-shift bridge crew and a few extra observers in the persons of Commander Espinoza and Dr. Chang, both who loitered near her seat.
Even Commander Phillips was on the bridge, making a rare appearance at the engineering station. McAfee hoped no one else would arrive for their departure – it might make viewing the screen difficult.
“Spacedock Control reports all gantries, gangways and umbilicals are retracted,” announced Lt. Amy Norquist from communications. “We are cleared for departure.”
And here we go, thought McAfee. Aloud, she said, “Thank you, Lieutenant. Mr. Forester, please take us out – ahead slow.”
Lt. Commander Forester moved his hand gently across the thruster controls. “Ahead slow, aye,” he responded in his typical, calm manner. “Aft thrusters firing.”
Small maneuvering jets of compressed gas provided just enough energy to help the starship break inertia. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the Excalibur moved forward from its berth and once more into her element. Floodlights illuminated her pristine hull, highlighting her name and registry.
“Clear of spacedock,” announced Forester. “We are free to maneuver.”
“Ensign Hrehk, lay in a course for Starbase 27. Mr. Forester, ahead one-half impulse until we clear the system.”
Hrehk, a young Telarite male with red-gold fur, deftly plotted the course with his stubby digits. “Course plotted and laid in,” he announced with a surprisingly pleasant tone for his race.
“Impulse engines on-line . . . engaging at run 5, one-half impulse,” announced Forester from the helm.
A low hum rose in intensity and faded as the Excalibur’s impulse engines pushed the starship rapidly toward the edge of the Sol system.
“Aft aspect on viewer, please,” ordered McAfee. The main viewscreen revealed the rapidly diminishing image of Earth, shrinking from a blue and white orb to a mere point of light in short order.
“Captain, I recommend we not exceed warp 4 just yet. The engines need a break-in period,” remarked Phillips from engineering.
“Noted, Commander,” said McAfee. “Forward aspect on viewer.” A faint Mona Lisa smile adorned her face, a tacit expression of the pleasure she felt to finally be underway. She cast side-long glances at the First Officer and Chief Medical Officer.
“Do you two intend on standing all the way to Starbase 27?” she asked.
“It would be nice if you offered a chair,” quipped Dr. Chang.
McAfee smirked. “Chairs are for the one’s actually doing the work, Doctor, not for spectators.”
Chang raised a dubious eyebrow. “Then why are you sitting?”
Espinoza cleared his throat, “With your permission, Captain, I’ll return to working on the crew rotations.”
“Don’t mind us, Commander, this is a friendly feud between me and the good Doctor,” replied McAfee.
“Nonetheless, I think it’s safer if I’m out of the cross-fire.” He nodded at the two women before leaving. “Captain, Doctor.”
Dr. Chang followed the handsome officer with her eyes as he stepped into the turbo-lift. McAfee rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“What?” asked Chang.
“Nothing,” she said smiling.
“Well, I better get back to sickbay before Dr. Kasharian re-organizes everything – again!”
“Problems with your staff, Doctor?” Grace asked.
“Nothing I can’t handle. Mikail is just a neat-freak, that’s all.”
“Unlike a certain CMO I know?”
“Hey! My system works – I just don’t like Kasharian moving everything around each time I step out of sickbay.”
“Then don’t let me keep you, Doctor,” Grace said with a grin.
“Okay, I can take a hint. See you later.” The petite CMO stepped lithely from the command well to the upper level of the bridge and into the turbo-lift.
McAfee turned to see Lt. Commander Reshraan eyeing her from the science station. The Andorian turned back to his sensor hood, but not before Grace caught the look of disapproval on his face.
For a split-second, McAfee was indignant, but she quickly reigned in her emotions. With his sensitive antennae, it was nigh impossible for Reshraan to have missed their conversation. Still, she had no intention of altering her behavior to assuage the Andorian’s sensibilities.
Her ebullient mood soured somewhat, she turned her gaze back to the viewscreen as Jupiter slid past off their port side.
* * *
Stardate 4796.3 (6 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Entering Sector 009 – Warp Factor 4
Captain’s Log, Stardate 4796.3, Grace D. McAfee recording. We are now entering Sector nine, our main operations area for the next few months. Excalibur is performing flawlessly thus far, as is her crew. On our current course and speed, we should arrive at Starbase 27 in four days. After we check in with Admiral Komack and on-load additional mission modules, we’ll have an opportunity to explore. I have to confess, I’m anxious to finish our shake-down and begin our real work out here.
McAfee sipped from her coffee cup and watched the star field streak by on the main viewer. She knew of many officers, even a few captains that found bridge duty tedious. Not McAfee – she always enjoyed being on the bridge, even during the long, quiet hours of inter-stellar transit. There was something profoundly humbling, yet awe-inspiring about space travel – something she hoped she’d never lose. The vastness of the universe and the seemingly endless possibilities for discovery were a continuous source of intrigue. She longed to know what lay beyond the next star.
“Captain – incoming message from Starbase 27,” announced Lt. Amy Norquist from communications.
“On screen, Lieutenant.”
Norquist’s hands moved quickly over her board and the image on the main viewer morphed from a jeweled nightscape to the office of Admiral Komack.
McAfee inclined her head respectfully. “Admiral, what can we do for you?”
“Captain, we’re unable to make contact with the Earth colony on Canaris IV. It’s likely a simple equipment malfunction, but the science team there is generally very punctual about checking in.”
“And you’d like us to check on them?”
“Correct. As I said, it’s probably a malfunction in their communications equipment.”
“But?” pressed McAfee.
“But,” continued Komack, “I’ve known Ibrahim Rustamzadeh for ten years. The man is a stickler for protocol and punctuality. I cannot recall a time when he failed to check in. Right now, you’re the closest vessel we have to the Canaris system.”
“Understood, sir. We’ll change course immediately.”
“Thank you, Captain. Keep me apprised. Komack, out.” The Admiral’s image disappeared, replaced by the streaming stars.
“You heard the man, Mr. Hrehk – lay in a course for the Canaris system.” She tapped the comm. button on her chair.
“McAfee to Engineering.”
“Engineering – Phillips, here.”
“Mr. Phillips, our break-in time is over. I need warp six – can you deliver?”
“Aye – warp six and a bit more if you need. It’ll do the lads good to stretch our legs a bit.”
“Thank you, Mr. Phillips,” replied McAfee with a smile. “Tell ‘the lads’ well-done.”
“I shall. Just give us fair warnin’ if you’re plannin’ on any foolishness.”
“I’ll do my best, Commander. McAfee, out.” She straightened in her chair. “Navigator, do we have a course set?”
“Yes sir.”
“Very well. Mr. Forester, ahead warp factor six.”
The Excalibur made a graceful turn to port and streaked toward the Canaris system.
* * *
Stardate 4793.8 (1 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Spacedock – Earth Orbit
Grace McAfee regarded her image in the mirror and frowned. Her reflection frowned back and crossed her arms. She gazed at herself in the mirror, staring balefully at the gold mini-dress in which she was attired. Truth be told, she was a striking figure in the dress, her legs long and shapely, her figure very trim. Years of swimming and good genes helped in that regard.
“Damn you anyway, Kim Chang,” she muttered as her door enunciator buzzed.
“Come!” she barked.
The door to her quarters slid open and Lt. Simon Clark entered. “Captain, I need you to initial these . . .” Clark’s voice trailed off and he stopped in his tracks, staring at the Captain.
“Think very carefully before you open your mouth, Simon,” McAfee warned.
Her Yeoman swallowed and quickly regained his poise. “Ah . . . I see you decided to wear the ‘other’ uniform.”
“A safe enough answer,” replied McAfee with a wan smile. She took the data slate from Clark and scratched her initials on the screen.
Clark decided to step further out on the limb. “Sir, I have to admit I’m curious . . . I thought you didn’t like the dress.”
McAfee handed the slate back to Lt. Clark. “Let’s just say I decided to pick up the gauntlet that our CMO threw at my feet.” She smiled but her eyes were still flinty. “Anything else, Mr. Clark?”
“No sir.”
“Carry on then.”
Clark beat a rather hasty retreat from her cabin. McAfee considered changing back into her normal uniform attire when the enunciator buzzed again. She sighed, wondering what Simon had forgotten.
“Come!”
Instead of Lt. Clark, Dr. Kim Chang entered. “Grace, I need to . . .” she stopped abruptly and let out a laugh. “I don’t believe it!” the CMO exclaimed.
“Shouldn’t that be, ‘I don’t believe it, sir?’” said McAfee with ill-humor.
“Oh, get over yourself. I certainly did years ago. So you’re actually going to wear the dress, huh?”
“I look like a cocktail waitress at a Starbase bar.”
“Hell, Grace, you’re gorgeous! Best damn legs I’ve ever seen on a starship commander – although I’ve heard Jim Kirk’s are pretty nice.”
McAfee snorted. “Thanks – I think.”
“Grace, what’s the problem? You didn’t wear this much when you were on the Academy swim team.”
“I’m not a cadet any more, Kim, and I’m certainly not going to traipse around in a swim-suit, at least not on duty.”
Dr. Chang cocked her head and regarded her friend. “Speaking of which, when was the last time you took a break? Have you even seen the ship’s swimming pool, much less gone for a swim?”
“There’ll be time for that later, Doctor.”
“Grace, as your physician and your friend, I’m telling you – take the time now. I don’t want to be the one to relieve you of command because you’re huddled in a corner, sucking your thumb and banging your head against the wall.”
McAfee rolled her eyes. “Noted. I’ve got to get to the bridge. You can follow or leave a note here – your choice.”
“Oh, I’m going with you! I can’t wait to see the expressions on the faces of the bridge crew when they get a load of them gams!”
Stardate 4794.0 (2 February 2269)
Earth Colony Salem
Canaris IV, Sector 009
“Scans are inconclusive,” remarked Charlie Fountain. Dark circles rimmed his sleep-deprived eyes. He stifled a yawn and stretched.
Ibrahim Rustamzadeh shook his head in frustration. “This makes no sense! We can see it, it has size and mass, but there are no energy emissions at all. How did it even get into orbit?”
Fountain leaned back in his chair and sighed. “No energy signature, no ion trail, no warp signature – it’s like it appeared out of thin air . . . well, thin vacuum I suppose.”
Rustamzadeh had earlier summoned the rest of the colony’s science specialists and they had been analyzing the sensor data for hours, all for naught. It was early morning local time, and the gathered scientists were suffering from fatigue and frustration.
“Perhaps we should take a shuttle and approach the ship?” suggested Dr. Tammy Howard, their resident astro-physicist.
Ibrahim frowned. “Too risky, I don’t want to jeopardize any lives, especially since we have no idea what we’re dealing with.”
“But Ibrahim, we’ve already exhausted every other avenue. We have a satellite stationed less than a kilometer from it and it’s done nothing. Surely the risk is acceptable.”
The bearded scientist shook his head. “No Tammy, I will not place any of our lives in danger over this. Besides, the shuttles have no better sensor capability than the satellites, so what’s the point? There doesn’t appear to be any landing bays or docking ports on that thing, so boarding it is out of the question.”
Dr. Howard, did not reply, but her expression indicated she wasn’t pleased with Rustamzadeh’s decision. She walked back to her sensor station, shaking her head slowly.
“Charlie,” began Ibrahim, coming to an abrupt decision, “open a channel to Starbase 27 and apprise them of our situation. Perhaps they have a starship nearby that can check this out for us.”
“Sounds like a plan,” yawned Fountain, who stood and made his way to the subspace transceiver.
* * *
Tammy Howard sat again at her multi-screened workstation and frowned. Okay, we’ve scanned this every conventional way we can and have nada. She crossed her arms, glaring at the screens as if they had somehow betrayed her.
Time to think outside the box, she thought, before speaking aloud. “Computer.”
“Working.”
“Recalibrate gravity readings from target into the negative range.”
“Recalibrating . . . target maintains null value for gravity fields.”
She tapped a stylus against her lips. “Recalibrate energy readings from target into the negative range.” Howard knew this to be foolish, since anti-energy did not exist, at least in the physical universe.
“Recalibrating . . . target value is currently at negative three point zero one three ergs and falling at point zero one ergs per hour.”
Dr. Howard’s eyes widened in surprise. “Computer – confirm last statement.”
“The energy value of the designated orbital target is currently at negative three point zero one three ergs and falling at point zero one ergs per hour.”
“Computer, anti-energy does not exist – explain your findings. Are your sensors faulty?”
There was a significant pause as the computer processed Dr. Howard’s request before it answered. “Self-diagnostic check indicates that sensors are functioning within normal operating parameters. Insufficient data to explain cause of negative energy readings.”
* * *
Across the room, Charlie Fountain frowned as he attempted to open a sub-space channel.
“Hey Ibrahim! We’ve got a problem.”
Dr. Rustamzadeh moved by his colleague’s chair. “Now what?”
Fountain pointed at the screen. “The sub-space transceiver is operating, but it’s not producing enough output to broadcast our signal. It’s like there’s some sort of power loss, but I can’t find it.”
Ibrahim peered at the viewscreen, when a wave of dizziness passed over him. Reflexively, he grabbed Fountain’s chair.
“Ibrahim? Are you okay?” asked Charlie, concern apparent in his voice.
“Just fatigued,” said Rustamzadeh, who eased into a chair. The Bahraini scientist suddenly felt drained, as if all his strength had been sucked from him.
A loud clatter behind him gave him enough of an energy surge to turn. He saw Dr. Tammy Howard lying on the floor, her chair turned on it’s side.
“Tammy!” exclaimed Fountain, who stood from his station and moved to assist her. He made it about three steps before he, too, crumpled to the floor.
Ibrahim Rustamzadeh watched helplessly as his colleagues, his friends, lay still on the dura-crete floor. But try as he might, he could not move.
He discovered he did not have the energy to stand.
Neither did he have the energy to speak.
His eyes closed as the last of his muscular control evaporated.
No longer even able to breathe, Rustamzadeh’s last living thought was, Why?
* * *
Several hundred kilometers overhead, the mysterious ship broke orbit, gathered speed and disappeared in a flash of brilliance as it departed normal space.
Stardate 4794.7 (4 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Spacedock – Earth Orbit
Captain McAfee was the epitome of serenity as she sat quietly in her command chair on the bridge – partly because she was wearing her familiar, comfortable uniform with pants, partly because of her exceptional poker face. On the inside, however, butterflies were performing acrobatics as the weight of the moment pressed upon her. The months of rebuilding the Excalibur were over. The long weeks of putting together a crew, conducting drills and trying to form a cohesive team were accomplished. Now, in just a few moments, the time for preparation would end, and the five-year mission would begin – under her command.
The bridge was an arena of focused, quiet activity. The tools and technicians were gone, replaced by the alpha-shift bridge crew and a few extra observers in the persons of Commander Espinoza and Dr. Chang, both who loitered near her seat.
Even Commander Phillips was on the bridge, making a rare appearance at the engineering station. McAfee hoped no one else would arrive for their departure – it might make viewing the screen difficult.
“Spacedock Control reports all gantries, gangways and umbilicals are retracted,” announced Lt. Amy Norquist from communications. “We are cleared for departure.”
And here we go, thought McAfee. Aloud, she said, “Thank you, Lieutenant. Mr. Forester, please take us out – ahead slow.”
Lt. Commander Forester moved his hand gently across the thruster controls. “Ahead slow, aye,” he responded in his typical, calm manner. “Aft thrusters firing.”
Small maneuvering jets of compressed gas provided just enough energy to help the starship break inertia. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the Excalibur moved forward from its berth and once more into her element. Floodlights illuminated her pristine hull, highlighting her name and registry.
“Clear of spacedock,” announced Forester. “We are free to maneuver.”
“Ensign Hrehk, lay in a course for Starbase 27. Mr. Forester, ahead one-half impulse until we clear the system.”
Hrehk, a young Telarite male with red-gold fur, deftly plotted the course with his stubby digits. “Course plotted and laid in,” he announced with a surprisingly pleasant tone for his race.
“Impulse engines on-line . . . engaging at run 5, one-half impulse,” announced Forester from the helm.
A low hum rose in intensity and faded as the Excalibur’s impulse engines pushed the starship rapidly toward the edge of the Sol system.
“Aft aspect on viewer, please,” ordered McAfee. The main viewscreen revealed the rapidly diminishing image of Earth, shrinking from a blue and white orb to a mere point of light in short order.
“Captain, I recommend we not exceed warp 4 just yet. The engines need a break-in period,” remarked Phillips from engineering.
“Noted, Commander,” said McAfee. “Forward aspect on viewer.” A faint Mona Lisa smile adorned her face, a tacit expression of the pleasure she felt to finally be underway. She cast side-long glances at the First Officer and Chief Medical Officer.
“Do you two intend on standing all the way to Starbase 27?” she asked.
“It would be nice if you offered a chair,” quipped Dr. Chang.
McAfee smirked. “Chairs are for the one’s actually doing the work, Doctor, not for spectators.”
Chang raised a dubious eyebrow. “Then why are you sitting?”
Espinoza cleared his throat, “With your permission, Captain, I’ll return to working on the crew rotations.”
“Don’t mind us, Commander, this is a friendly feud between me and the good Doctor,” replied McAfee.
“Nonetheless, I think it’s safer if I’m out of the cross-fire.” He nodded at the two women before leaving. “Captain, Doctor.”
Dr. Chang followed the handsome officer with her eyes as he stepped into the turbo-lift. McAfee rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“What?” asked Chang.
“Nothing,” she said smiling.
“Well, I better get back to sickbay before Dr. Kasharian re-organizes everything – again!”
“Problems with your staff, Doctor?” Grace asked.
“Nothing I can’t handle. Mikail is just a neat-freak, that’s all.”
“Unlike a certain CMO I know?”
“Hey! My system works – I just don’t like Kasharian moving everything around each time I step out of sickbay.”
“Then don’t let me keep you, Doctor,” Grace said with a grin.
“Okay, I can take a hint. See you later.” The petite CMO stepped lithely from the command well to the upper level of the bridge and into the turbo-lift.
McAfee turned to see Lt. Commander Reshraan eyeing her from the science station. The Andorian turned back to his sensor hood, but not before Grace caught the look of disapproval on his face.
For a split-second, McAfee was indignant, but she quickly reigned in her emotions. With his sensitive antennae, it was nigh impossible for Reshraan to have missed their conversation. Still, she had no intention of altering her behavior to assuage the Andorian’s sensibilities.
Her ebullient mood soured somewhat, she turned her gaze back to the viewscreen as Jupiter slid past off their port side.
* * *
Stardate 4796.3 (6 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Entering Sector 009 – Warp Factor 4
Captain’s Log, Stardate 4796.3, Grace D. McAfee recording. We are now entering Sector nine, our main operations area for the next few months. Excalibur is performing flawlessly thus far, as is her crew. On our current course and speed, we should arrive at Starbase 27 in four days. After we check in with Admiral Komack and on-load additional mission modules, we’ll have an opportunity to explore. I have to confess, I’m anxious to finish our shake-down and begin our real work out here.
McAfee sipped from her coffee cup and watched the star field streak by on the main viewer. She knew of many officers, even a few captains that found bridge duty tedious. Not McAfee – she always enjoyed being on the bridge, even during the long, quiet hours of inter-stellar transit. There was something profoundly humbling, yet awe-inspiring about space travel – something she hoped she’d never lose. The vastness of the universe and the seemingly endless possibilities for discovery were a continuous source of intrigue. She longed to know what lay beyond the next star.
“Captain – incoming message from Starbase 27,” announced Lt. Amy Norquist from communications.
“On screen, Lieutenant.”
Norquist’s hands moved quickly over her board and the image on the main viewer morphed from a jeweled nightscape to the office of Admiral Komack.
McAfee inclined her head respectfully. “Admiral, what can we do for you?”
“Captain, we’re unable to make contact with the Earth colony on Canaris IV. It’s likely a simple equipment malfunction, but the science team there is generally very punctual about checking in.”
“And you’d like us to check on them?”
“Correct. As I said, it’s probably a malfunction in their communications equipment.”
“But?” pressed McAfee.
“But,” continued Komack, “I’ve known Ibrahim Rustamzadeh for ten years. The man is a stickler for protocol and punctuality. I cannot recall a time when he failed to check in. Right now, you’re the closest vessel we have to the Canaris system.”
“Understood, sir. We’ll change course immediately.”
“Thank you, Captain. Keep me apprised. Komack, out.” The Admiral’s image disappeared, replaced by the streaming stars.
“You heard the man, Mr. Hrehk – lay in a course for the Canaris system.” She tapped the comm. button on her chair.
“McAfee to Engineering.”
“Engineering – Phillips, here.”
“Mr. Phillips, our break-in time is over. I need warp six – can you deliver?”
“Aye – warp six and a bit more if you need. It’ll do the lads good to stretch our legs a bit.”
“Thank you, Mr. Phillips,” replied McAfee with a smile. “Tell ‘the lads’ well-done.”
“I shall. Just give us fair warnin’ if you’re plannin’ on any foolishness.”
“I’ll do my best, Commander. McAfee, out.” She straightened in her chair. “Navigator, do we have a course set?”
“Yes sir.”
“Very well. Mr. Forester, ahead warp factor six.”
The Excalibur made a graceful turn to port and streaked toward the Canaris system.
* * *
And they're off! I liked the bit about the gams!
For some reason I keep picturing Helen Noel from TOS as your captain.
see her here: http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Helen_Noel
It's just the "vibe" I get from her-I guess because Noel was one of the few women that held her own against Kirk.
So, no exploding head pictures, huh?
For some reason I keep picturing Helen Noel from TOS as your captain.
see her here: http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Helen_Noel
It's just the "vibe" I get from her-I guess because Noel was one of the few women that held her own against Kirk.
So, no exploding head pictures, huh?
There she blows!
A graceful and unproblematic departure for Excalibur.
Of course that might change soon once they find the colony and the mysterious, death-bringing, anti-energy(?!) super ship.
Also, there might be some unresolved tensions among the crew. That Andorian clearly has some issues. That should be fun.
A graceful and unproblematic departure for Excalibur.
Of course that might change soon once they find the colony and the mysterious, death-bringing, anti-energy(?!) super ship.
Also, there might be some unresolved tensions among the crew. That Andorian clearly has some issues. That should be fun.
Ah, underway at last, not that I didn't enjoy getting to know them as they were in drydock.
And now we have Excalibur's first mission, and something involving what looks to be some kind of presumably hostile energy siphon.
What a way to start a tour of duty, eh?
And now we have Excalibur's first mission, and something involving what looks to be some kind of presumably hostile energy siphon.
What a way to start a tour of duty, eh?
Woohoo! It's finally here. It was worth the wait. I liked Rustamzadeh, though. 
It was worth the wait. I liked Rustamzadeh, though.
Anti-energy? sounds like something the Cha'lav might cook up.
I'm looking forward to see how our newest starship captain handles herself in the big chair in this crisis to be.
I'm looking forward to see how our newest starship captain handles herself in the big chair in this crisis to be.
Grace showed some of the steel she is made of by undertaking the wearing of the dress. She likes to prove a point and her CMO, like Kirk's, likes to hold Grace to account doesn't she. I think it is an interesting dynamic between the two. It harks to the relationships we saw on TOS. Which only makes it even more fitting.
I also think that so far, this enemy appears to be TOS-like in the mystery surrounding them and in the power they appear to wield. The anti-energy is a real curve ball. They sound like quite an impressive threat. No reason Kirk should get all the plum jobs. All building up to a nice plot.
It will indeed be interesting to see how Grace comports herself in the big chair. All eyes will be on her - and not just for her legs. It also begs the question, when it comes to the crunch, how will the Andorian react to follow her orders in a critical situation.
I also think that so far, this enemy appears to be TOS-like in the mystery surrounding them and in the power they appear to wield. The anti-energy is a real curve ball. They sound like quite an impressive threat. No reason Kirk should get all the plum jobs. All building up to a nice plot.
It will indeed be interesting to see how Grace comports herself in the big chair. All eyes will be on her - and not just for her legs. It also begs the question, when it comes to the crunch, how will the Andorian react to follow her orders in a critical situation.
Chapter Eight
Stardate 4796.6 (6 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
En route to Canaris IV – Warp Factor 6
“Lt. Norquist, I want you to begin hailing the Salem Colony at fifteen minute intervals. Let me know if you receive a reply,” ordered Captain McAfee.
“Aye, sir.” The blond-haired communications officer adjusted the receiver in her ear and turned to her board.
Commander Espinoza stood by McAfee’s chair, hands clasped behind him. “There are a dozen possibilities why Starbase 27 lost contact with the colonists – power failure, sun spot activity, operator error . . .”
“All true, Commander,” replied Grace. “Still, this outpost is rather isolated. They’d make a tempting target for someone up to no good.”
“Klingons?” Espinoza queried, with skepticism in his voice, “We’re a long way from the border, Captain.”
McAfee shook her head. “The Klingons aren’t the only ones out here who don’t play nice.” She turned to address Lt. Commander Reshraan. “Mr. Reshraan, what can you tell us about Canaris IV and the colony?”
The Andorian turned from his sensor shroud and straightened. “Canaris IV is a marginal Class-M planet – closer to Class-L, actually. It’s the only habitable planet in the system, though I would not call it hospitable. Outside of a narrow temperate zone near the equator, much of the planet is dessert, except for the polar caps. The oceans have a very low ph level, making them too acidic for most life forms. The atmosphere is thin but breathable.”
“Sounds like a charming place,” opined Espinoza, sarcastically. “Why place a science colony there?”
“I was coming to that,” replied Reshraan, miffed by the interruption, “for all of its lack of ‘charm’ as you put it, Canaris IV is of great geological interest to the scientific community. The planet is rich in valuable mineral deposits, though at a depth that makes mining difficult, it is very active seismically, and also provides an opportunity to observe the binary stars of the Canaris system.”
“What of the history of the colony, Commander?” asked McAfee.
“It was first established thirty standard years ago. Dr. Ibarahim Rustamzadeh has served as director from the beginning. He’s well-respected by his peers and has maintained a good working relationship with Starfleet. Currently, there are 110 members of the colony, counting family members.”
“Kind of small for a colony,” remarked Espinoza.
“As I said, Commander, Canaris IV is not the most hospitable of planets,” said Reshraan with a hint of impatience, “although I suppose ‘outpost’ might be a more suitable term than colony.”
“What about defenses?” pressed McAfee.
“An interesting aspect of the colonists is their adherence to a pacifistic philosophy, hence the name, ‘Salem,’ which I understand is a Terran term for ‘peace.’ They have no weapons of any kind and have even refused rudimentary shield generators which were offered by Starfleet.” By Reshraan’s tone, it was obvious he disapproved of their choice.
“Leaving them wide-open to anyone with mischief on their mind,” brooded the Captain. “Helm, ETA to the Canaris system?”
“Twenty minutes to the system boundary,” replied Forester.
“Any luck with communications, Mr. Norquist?”
“Negative. I’m sure our signals are getting through, but there’s no response.”
“Very well. Yellow alert - Mr. Reshraan, begin scanning the Canaris system for any other vessels. Shields up, Mr. Forester.”
* * *
Stardate 4796.6 (6 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Entering the Canaris System
“Now entering the Canaris system,” announced Lt. Commander Forester.
“Drop us out of warp, Mr. Forester, ahead one-half impulse,” replied McAfee. She turned toward the science station. “Anything on sensors, Mr. Reshraan?”
The Andorian Science Officer was peering intently into the sensor hood. “No vessels within sensor range, Captain. However, it is possible that a vessel could be hiding behind one of the planets or just beyond sensor range. I recommend caution.”
“Duly noted, Commander,” McAfee replied dryly. “Lt. Norquist, any response to our hails?”
Norquist turned and shook her head apologetically. “None, sir. I’ve tried every channel on every frequency. I even tried radio. Nothing.”
McAfee nodded, a sick sense of foreboding descending on her. “Keep trying. Helm, take us into standard orbit around Canaris IV.”
In a few minutes the Excalibur slid into orbit around the brown and green planet. McAfee stood and regarded the world with its random patchwork of gray clouds and occasional splotches of blue-green seas.
“Not exactly a vacation spot, is it?” remarked Espinoza.
“No, but it serves as home for over one hundred people,” responded McAfee. “Any life-signs, Mr. Reshraan?”
Reshraan looked up from the sensor hood and shook his head somberly. “None at the colony site.”
“Maybe they relocated, or went underground?” suggested Lt. Norquist, hopefully.
“Maybe,” said McAfee, her tone neutral. “Mr. Norquist, summon Dr. Chang and have her meet me in transporter room two. Notify security I want a detail ready to beam down as well. Mr. Espinoza, you have the bridge, Mr. Forester, Mr. Reshraan, you’re with me.”
“Captain,” interjected Espinoza, “Do you think it’s wise to beam down?”
McAfee fixed her gaze on the First Officer. “We need eyes on the ground, Commander. We’re not getting any answers up here. Keep scanning the system for other vessels - it’s possible there’s a cloaked ship out there. If you should come under attack, you are to break orbit immediately and defend this ship – understood?”
Espinoza did not look particularly happy but he nodded tersely. “Understood.”
* * *
Five minutes later, six individuals materialized in a grassy open area surrounded by several domed dura-crete structures. A steady wind droned, blowing dry, brown leaves around in tiny eddies. A child’s swing squeaked discordantly as the breeze moved the chains back and forth.
Lt. Commander Reshraan and Dr. Chang both activated their tri-corders, the oscillating noise adding to the eerie sense of desolation.
“It looks to be abandoned,” remarked Forester as they all glanced around.
"This is interesting," murmurred Reshraan as he scanned their surroundings with his tri-corder.
"Interesting enough to share?" demanded McAfee.
"All of the vegetation in a three kilometer radius is dead."
"Maybe some sort of blight infected the plants," opined Forester, "that could explain why the colonists moved."
"But not why they are incommunicado," noted the Captain. “Let’s spread out - Lt. Sharma, Crewman Noles, check out the perimeter of the compound. Doctor, you and Commander Forester check out the buildings on this side of the square. Commander Reshraan and I will check out the science labs. Sing out if you find anyone or anything that might give us a clue to the colonists’ whereabouts.”
The landing party headed off in their assigned directions. McAfee and Reshraan entered the science building which bristled with antennae and sensors.
“No lights,” remarked McAfee. Reshraan walked to a control panel.
“The switches are on – must be some sort of power failure.” The Andorian frowned. “Which makes little sense – these science colonies use very reliable fusion generators with redundant back-up systems.”
“Maybe they were hit with an electro-magnetic pulse?” suggested McAfee.
“Perhaps,” but Reshraan sounded doubtful. The two officers removed small flash-lights and activated them. The bright beams of light cut through the murky darkness of the windowless building.
And onto the first body.
McAfee and Reshraan hurried to the still form and knelt. The Captain felt for a pulse at the neck and shook her head.
“Dead,” said McAfee flatly. She pulled out her communicator and flipped open the grid.
“McAfee to Dr. Chang”
There was a momentary pause. “Chang, go ahead.”
“Doctor, we’ve discovered a body in the science building. Head on over here.”
“We’re en route – be there in a minute.”
McAfee flipped the communicator closed and replaced it on her hip. Reshraan was running the tri-corder over the body – a human woman in her mid-thirties McAfee guessed. There were no visible signs of trauma, nor was there any blood present. Reshraan glowered at his scanner and turned it off.
“What?” asked the Captain.
The Andorian shook his head. “Nothing, aside from the fact that she is dead. Perhaps the Doctor’s medical tri-corder will provide more information.”
At that moment, Dr. Chang and Lt. Commander Forester trotted in the entrance.
“Over here,” called McAfee.
Chang knelt by the body while Captain McAfee stood. “Did you two find anything?”
“No one was in the first building. We were about to check the next one when you called,” replied Forester. He glanced down at the dead woman, a sad expression on his face. “Any idea what happened?” he asked.
“Not yet. Did the first building you checked have power?”
“No sir, but there was ample light from some windows. One odd thing, though.”
“What’s that?”
“I noticed the hallway in the first building had some of the old emergency glow-panels in the ceiling. For some reason, they weren’t working. Damned odd, because they are pretty much fool-proof. I’ve never known of one to fail, yet none of them were functioning.”
As McAfee pondered this new piece of information, Dr. Chang stood, still looking down at the corpse. She shook her head.
“I can’t tell you the cause of her death, but I know how she died.”
“What do you mean?” asked McAfee, frowning.
Chang turned to face the Captain. “All carbon-based lifeforms are basically very advanced energy storage devices. We take in food and convert it into energy or store it as fat to use later. That energy gives us life – it drives our neurological systems, our vascular systems, allows us to breathe, to walk around – everything.”
“And?” pressed McAfee.
“And this woman has been completely drained of energy.”
“The woman is dead, Doctor,” interrupted Reshraan, “that would seem to be a foregone conclusion.”
Chang shook her head. “No – I mean she was drained. Something literally sucked the life-energy out of her.”
McAfee, Forester and Reshraan were quiet for a moment as they absorbed this news.
“What could have done this?” asked McAfee, finally.
“Like I said, I can’t tell you the cause. I’ve never encountered anything like this before.”
They were interrupted by the beep of the Captain’s communicator. She flipped it open.
“McAfee here.”
“It’s Lt. Sharma. We’ve discovered several bodies on the recreation field,” there was a pause before the Indian officer continued, “Sir . . . they’re children.”
Grace looked up sharply at Chang. The CMO’s eyes were wide. “Understood, Lieutenant. Stand by, I’m sending Dr. Chang and Commander Forester to your location.” McAfee made a sideways gesture with her head. Chang and Forester moved quickly to join the redshirts.
“Sir?” continued the obviously distraught young officer, “What happened here?”
“We don’t know yet, Mr. Sharma, but I promise you – we’re going to find out. McAfee, out.”
Grace looked at the stony-faced Andorian. "Mr. Reshraan, let's continue our search - maybe we can find some answers in the labs."
Reshraan nodded. "The computer logs might help."
Grace's communicator again beeped for attention. With a sigh, she flipped it open.
"McAfee - go."
"Espinoza here, Captain. We've just picked up a ship in the system - it's not answering our hails but it's heading . . ." The transmission ended abruptly in a squeal of static.
"Excalibur, do you read? Commander Espinoza, please respond."
There was no sound but the moaning wind outside.
* * *
Stardate 4796.6 (6 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
En route to Canaris IV – Warp Factor 6
“Lt. Norquist, I want you to begin hailing the Salem Colony at fifteen minute intervals. Let me know if you receive a reply,” ordered Captain McAfee.
“Aye, sir.” The blond-haired communications officer adjusted the receiver in her ear and turned to her board.
Commander Espinoza stood by McAfee’s chair, hands clasped behind him. “There are a dozen possibilities why Starbase 27 lost contact with the colonists – power failure, sun spot activity, operator error . . .”
“All true, Commander,” replied Grace. “Still, this outpost is rather isolated. They’d make a tempting target for someone up to no good.”
“Klingons?” Espinoza queried, with skepticism in his voice, “We’re a long way from the border, Captain.”
McAfee shook her head. “The Klingons aren’t the only ones out here who don’t play nice.” She turned to address Lt. Commander Reshraan. “Mr. Reshraan, what can you tell us about Canaris IV and the colony?”
The Andorian turned from his sensor shroud and straightened. “Canaris IV is a marginal Class-M planet – closer to Class-L, actually. It’s the only habitable planet in the system, though I would not call it hospitable. Outside of a narrow temperate zone near the equator, much of the planet is dessert, except for the polar caps. The oceans have a very low ph level, making them too acidic for most life forms. The atmosphere is thin but breathable.”
“Sounds like a charming place,” opined Espinoza, sarcastically. “Why place a science colony there?”
“I was coming to that,” replied Reshraan, miffed by the interruption, “for all of its lack of ‘charm’ as you put it, Canaris IV is of great geological interest to the scientific community. The planet is rich in valuable mineral deposits, though at a depth that makes mining difficult, it is very active seismically, and also provides an opportunity to observe the binary stars of the Canaris system.”
“What of the history of the colony, Commander?” asked McAfee.
“It was first established thirty standard years ago. Dr. Ibarahim Rustamzadeh has served as director from the beginning. He’s well-respected by his peers and has maintained a good working relationship with Starfleet. Currently, there are 110 members of the colony, counting family members.”
“Kind of small for a colony,” remarked Espinoza.
“As I said, Commander, Canaris IV is not the most hospitable of planets,” said Reshraan with a hint of impatience, “although I suppose ‘outpost’ might be a more suitable term than colony.”
“What about defenses?” pressed McAfee.
“An interesting aspect of the colonists is their adherence to a pacifistic philosophy, hence the name, ‘Salem,’ which I understand is a Terran term for ‘peace.’ They have no weapons of any kind and have even refused rudimentary shield generators which were offered by Starfleet.” By Reshraan’s tone, it was obvious he disapproved of their choice.
“Leaving them wide-open to anyone with mischief on their mind,” brooded the Captain. “Helm, ETA to the Canaris system?”
“Twenty minutes to the system boundary,” replied Forester.
“Any luck with communications, Mr. Norquist?”
“Negative. I’m sure our signals are getting through, but there’s no response.”
“Very well. Yellow alert - Mr. Reshraan, begin scanning the Canaris system for any other vessels. Shields up, Mr. Forester.”
* * *
Stardate 4796.6 (6 February 2269)
USS Excalibur
Entering the Canaris System
“Now entering the Canaris system,” announced Lt. Commander Forester.
“Drop us out of warp, Mr. Forester, ahead one-half impulse,” replied McAfee. She turned toward the science station. “Anything on sensors, Mr. Reshraan?”
The Andorian Science Officer was peering intently into the sensor hood. “No vessels within sensor range, Captain. However, it is possible that a vessel could be hiding behind one of the planets or just beyond sensor range. I recommend caution.”
“Duly noted, Commander,” McAfee replied dryly. “Lt. Norquist, any response to our hails?”
Norquist turned and shook her head apologetically. “None, sir. I’ve tried every channel on every frequency. I even tried radio. Nothing.”
McAfee nodded, a sick sense of foreboding descending on her. “Keep trying. Helm, take us into standard orbit around Canaris IV.”
In a few minutes the Excalibur slid into orbit around the brown and green planet. McAfee stood and regarded the world with its random patchwork of gray clouds and occasional splotches of blue-green seas.
“Not exactly a vacation spot, is it?” remarked Espinoza.
“No, but it serves as home for over one hundred people,” responded McAfee. “Any life-signs, Mr. Reshraan?”
Reshraan looked up from the sensor hood and shook his head somberly. “None at the colony site.”
“Maybe they relocated, or went underground?” suggested Lt. Norquist, hopefully.
“Maybe,” said McAfee, her tone neutral. “Mr. Norquist, summon Dr. Chang and have her meet me in transporter room two. Notify security I want a detail ready to beam down as well. Mr. Espinoza, you have the bridge, Mr. Forester, Mr. Reshraan, you’re with me.”
“Captain,” interjected Espinoza, “Do you think it’s wise to beam down?”
McAfee fixed her gaze on the First Officer. “We need eyes on the ground, Commander. We’re not getting any answers up here. Keep scanning the system for other vessels - it’s possible there’s a cloaked ship out there. If you should come under attack, you are to break orbit immediately and defend this ship – understood?”
Espinoza did not look particularly happy but he nodded tersely. “Understood.”
* * *
Five minutes later, six individuals materialized in a grassy open area surrounded by several domed dura-crete structures. A steady wind droned, blowing dry, brown leaves around in tiny eddies. A child’s swing squeaked discordantly as the breeze moved the chains back and forth.
Lt. Commander Reshraan and Dr. Chang both activated their tri-corders, the oscillating noise adding to the eerie sense of desolation.
“It looks to be abandoned,” remarked Forester as they all glanced around.
"This is interesting," murmurred Reshraan as he scanned their surroundings with his tri-corder.
"Interesting enough to share?" demanded McAfee.
"All of the vegetation in a three kilometer radius is dead."
"Maybe some sort of blight infected the plants," opined Forester, "that could explain why the colonists moved."
"But not why they are incommunicado," noted the Captain. “Let’s spread out - Lt. Sharma, Crewman Noles, check out the perimeter of the compound. Doctor, you and Commander Forester check out the buildings on this side of the square. Commander Reshraan and I will check out the science labs. Sing out if you find anyone or anything that might give us a clue to the colonists’ whereabouts.”
The landing party headed off in their assigned directions. McAfee and Reshraan entered the science building which bristled with antennae and sensors.
“No lights,” remarked McAfee. Reshraan walked to a control panel.
“The switches are on – must be some sort of power failure.” The Andorian frowned. “Which makes little sense – these science colonies use very reliable fusion generators with redundant back-up systems.”
“Maybe they were hit with an electro-magnetic pulse?” suggested McAfee.
“Perhaps,” but Reshraan sounded doubtful. The two officers removed small flash-lights and activated them. The bright beams of light cut through the murky darkness of the windowless building.
And onto the first body.
McAfee and Reshraan hurried to the still form and knelt. The Captain felt for a pulse at the neck and shook her head.
“Dead,” said McAfee flatly. She pulled out her communicator and flipped open the grid.
“McAfee to Dr. Chang”
There was a momentary pause. “Chang, go ahead.”
“Doctor, we’ve discovered a body in the science building. Head on over here.”
“We’re en route – be there in a minute.”
McAfee flipped the communicator closed and replaced it on her hip. Reshraan was running the tri-corder over the body – a human woman in her mid-thirties McAfee guessed. There were no visible signs of trauma, nor was there any blood present. Reshraan glowered at his scanner and turned it off.
“What?” asked the Captain.
The Andorian shook his head. “Nothing, aside from the fact that she is dead. Perhaps the Doctor’s medical tri-corder will provide more information.”
At that moment, Dr. Chang and Lt. Commander Forester trotted in the entrance.
“Over here,” called McAfee.
Chang knelt by the body while Captain McAfee stood. “Did you two find anything?”
“No one was in the first building. We were about to check the next one when you called,” replied Forester. He glanced down at the dead woman, a sad expression on his face. “Any idea what happened?” he asked.
“Not yet. Did the first building you checked have power?”
“No sir, but there was ample light from some windows. One odd thing, though.”
“What’s that?”
“I noticed the hallway in the first building had some of the old emergency glow-panels in the ceiling. For some reason, they weren’t working. Damned odd, because they are pretty much fool-proof. I’ve never known of one to fail, yet none of them were functioning.”
As McAfee pondered this new piece of information, Dr. Chang stood, still looking down at the corpse. She shook her head.
“I can’t tell you the cause of her death, but I know how she died.”
“What do you mean?” asked McAfee, frowning.
Chang turned to face the Captain. “All carbon-based lifeforms are basically very advanced energy storage devices. We take in food and convert it into energy or store it as fat to use later. That energy gives us life – it drives our neurological systems, our vascular systems, allows us to breathe, to walk around – everything.”
“And?” pressed McAfee.
“And this woman has been completely drained of energy.”
“The woman is dead, Doctor,” interrupted Reshraan, “that would seem to be a foregone conclusion.”
Chang shook her head. “No – I mean she was drained. Something literally sucked the life-energy out of her.”
McAfee, Forester and Reshraan were quiet for a moment as they absorbed this news.
“What could have done this?” asked McAfee, finally.
“Like I said, I can’t tell you the cause. I’ve never encountered anything like this before.”
They were interrupted by the beep of the Captain’s communicator. She flipped it open.
“McAfee here.”
“It’s Lt. Sharma. We’ve discovered several bodies on the recreation field,” there was a pause before the Indian officer continued, “Sir . . . they’re children.”
Grace looked up sharply at Chang. The CMO’s eyes were wide. “Understood, Lieutenant. Stand by, I’m sending Dr. Chang and Commander Forester to your location.” McAfee made a sideways gesture with her head. Chang and Forester moved quickly to join the redshirts.
“Sir?” continued the obviously distraught young officer, “What happened here?”
“We don’t know yet, Mr. Sharma, but I promise you – we’re going to find out. McAfee, out.”
Grace looked at the stony-faced Andorian. "Mr. Reshraan, let's continue our search - maybe we can find some answers in the labs."
Reshraan nodded. "The computer logs might help."
Grace's communicator again beeped for attention. With a sigh, she flipped it open.
"McAfee - go."
"Espinoza here, Captain. We've just picked up a ship in the system - it's not answering our hails but it's heading . . ." The transmission ended abruptly in a squeal of static.
"Excalibur, do you read? Commander Espinoza, please respond."
There was no sound but the moaning wind outside.
* * *
Oh... @&($^! That can't be good.
In the words of Data..."Ohhh shit."
Looks like our friendly vessel has returned to claim another victim.
Looks like our friendly vessel has returned to claim another victim.
Oh boy...welcome to the big unknown Grace McAfee! I like the energy sucking anti-energy ship--possibly from another universe? The irony here is that whoever or whatever is crewing it is probably completely unaware of what they're doing. The scene with the children's bodies was especially touching as well.
As for Reshraan--he's a crusty old so-and-so, isn't he? An ill tempered blue skinned, white haired, antennaed Spock as it were.
Very well done!
As for Reshraan--he's a crusty old so-and-so, isn't he? An ill tempered blue skinned, white haired, antennaed Spock as it were.
Very well done!
YIKES! Very creepy--sorry I don't have much to add other than what anybody else does, though.
(I kinda wish she hadn't worn the dress, though--I had really admired her stand on that. Hope she's not wearing it on the away mission!)
(I kinda wish she hadn't worn the dress, though--I had really admired her stand on that. Hope she's not wearing it on the away mission!)
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