Star Trek Voyager: Uchū Ginga Yamato!!!

[mikelima777]

Prologue

Stardate 42609.1 (2365)

Captain's Log Stardate 42609.1: The Yamato was nearly lost after a series of unexplainable system failures. During a rendezvous with the Enterprise, Chief Engineer Johnson detected multiple system malfunctions in main engineering. He ordered an emergency ejection of the warp core and manually release all of our antimatter stores. The warp core suffered a containment breach after ejecting and detonated near the Yamato.

Most systems were knocked out except for life support and communications. I have sustained some injuries from the warp core explosion and will need to be taken to sickbay for further examination. Commander Gerber is leading a team down the Jeffries tubes to determine the exact level of damage and casualties.

We were, fortunately, able to regain contact with the Enterprise. Captain Picard has agreed to beam over a small team to assist as well as transport all non-essential personnel from the Yamato to the Enterprise. I should have ordered an evacuation before the failure of the warp core. He has agreed to take up my fool's errand after the encounter with the Romulan Warbird. The warbird must have been tracking us for a while.

I am prepared to take the full consequences of entering the Romulan Neutral Zone. The men and women who died for my fool's errand, I will carry that for the rest of my life. However, I believe what we have stumbled upon on Iconia poses a dire threat to the Federation. And perhaps, the entire quadrant. I hope the Enterprise will succeed where the Yamato failed.

Captains Log, Supplemental:

We received a transmission from the Enterprise on removing the virus and successfully restarted our computer systems by purging all memory files and restoring systems from the protected portion of our computer cores. The Enterprise returned, successful in eliminating the threat and preventing the Romulans from using it as well. The engineers have subsequently found no sign of the Iconian computer virus.

Due to the heavy damage sustained, most remaining personnel were evacuated to the Enterprise. The Enterprise is currently towing the Yamato to Starbase 12 for extensive repairs. I expect there will be an extensive debriefing and presumably a court-martial for my actions and decisions. There will be a memorial held aboard the Enterprise at 1600 hours, for those lost due to my folly. In what may be one of my final acts as Captain of the Yamato, I have recommended that Chief Engineer Lieutenant Commander Simon Johnson be posthumously awarded the Federation Medal of Honour as his quick thinking, which saved over well over a thousand lives. I will be recording a personal subspace message to his widow to express my condolences and apologize for what has happened.

*******

Early 2371

Captain Donald Varley woke up in a cold sweat, the memories of that day 6 years ago still fresh on his mind. The deaths of dozens of his crew and the fact he had endangered his entire crew and their families during that voyage into the Romulan Neutral Zone ate at him. He glared at the wall nearby, where there was a display of the official pardon from the President of the Federation, acquitting him of violating the Romulan Neutral Zone.

Starfleet Intelligence, after listening to him as well as Captain Picard's testimony, sent a request to Starfleet Command to absolve Captain Varley and the crew of Yamato, as the threat of the Iconian computer virus and Iconian technology was deemed sufficient reason to bend the rules. The Romulans, for their part, did not object or wish to dispute with the Federation. Not only did the warbird Haakona violate the Neutral Zone, but it was also clearly sighted within Federation space by the Yamato and Enterprise. Neither side wanted to escalate matters.

However, Captain Varley knew that he would never achieve flag rank, despite the pardon, and having dealt with the Admiralty, wanted no part of that. While Stevens was promoted and would take command of the Phoenix, after the arrest of Captain Maxwell, many of the crew from that fateful day were still aboard. To Varley's surprise, none held a grudge towards him for what happened.

Captain Varley took time to calm himself down, as he prepared for another day as Captain of the Yamato. Much like Captain Picard and the Enterprise, he was now inevitably connected to the Yamato and its history, for better or worse.

After the ship was towed to Starbase 12, engineers there deemed the ship to require further repairs and refit. The ship was subsequently towed to the drydock facilities at Soho Station, where delays and extenuating circumstances made it gain a reputation as a drydock queen. First, delivery of the replacement warp core was delayed repeatedly. Then, her torpedo launchers and phaser arrays were cannibalized for parts to repair the USS Dauntless, after the sister ship of Yamato sustained damage during skirmishes with Romulan ships in disputed space. Then, complications during testing of the computer systems' new security protocols caused even more delays. Due to her condition, Yamato was not able to sortie to Wolf 359 during the Borg cube attack.

After the Borg were defeated, Yamato was finally able to leave drydock, but this time, she was promptly sent to Utopia Planitia, where it would become a guinea pig for Starfleet's Corps of Engineers. She would be used to test new technology to counter the Borg threat as well as other prototypes. As a result, some of her unused spaces were fitted with industrial replicators or used to store equipment and testing sensors. By 2370, she had a Frankenstein-ish array of prototype weapons, computer systems, and other technology, including an emergency medical hologram, much to the chagrin of the Yamato's CMO. During that year, the creme of Starfleet's engineers felt they had accomplished what they could with Yamato and mostly restored her to specifications, aside from modifications that were too useful or impossible to remove, especially after the shocking loss of the Odyssey to the Dominion.

Finally, his ship would go back to exploration, albeit on the lookout for trouble given recent events. Varley grimaced as he watched some of his colleagues resign from Starfleet and form the Maquis, including Chakotay, a promising instructor at the Academy that he had considered a friend. Along with the Cardassians up in arms, and the looming threat of the Dominion, Yamato's current mission was a way to fly the flag, and to protect the Federation's interest. While there were still families aboard Yamato, the ship had been loaded with supplies and additional defences.

As he ate breakfast in the ready room, Captain Donald Varley was preparing for a planned rendezvous within a week with Captain Ramson and the brand new USS Equinox. The smaller, newer ship was still working out the bugs on its shakedown cruise, and the rendezvous would include testing of the newer ship's sensors and other equipment. Hopefully, nothing would come to pass.

******

USS Equinox
Captain's Log, supplemental:
The Equinox sustained moderate damage after the strange phenomenon that occurred. Our EMH was activated to help treat the wounded. However, Yamato has vanished. The Chief Engineer is currently in an induced coma after sustaining head injuries., but our CMO assured me that he would recover Acting chief engineer Ensign Gilmore was able to restore power, and we should be able to go to warp 6. Lt. Burke was able to hail Starfleet and report what had happened. I can only hope the Yamato survived whatever that was.

******

Delta Quadrant

USS Yamato
Ensign Richards, Personal Log

F$%@ my Life.

 

[Tenacity]

Is Ensign Richards the senior surviving officer aboard the Yamato?

 

[mikelima777]

Nope, he just was going to have shore leave on Risa after the rendezvous with Equinox

1) The Caretaker

(April 27, 2371)

"Captain, multiple Kazon ships have warped in.... some of them are showing signs of damage. They're hailing us. Audio only"

"Let's hear it."

Though the comms, the Kazon Jabin snarled in rage.

"You! Now I recognize you, bastards! The so-called mighty United Federation of Planets"

Ignoring that fact the universal translator managed to translate alien profanity, Janeway asked,

"I'm sorry?"

"You Federation may have beaten us and killed my brothers before but not today! Soon, the Kazon shall obtain the Ocampan homeworld and their resources!!!"

"I'm afraid you should prepare to be disappointed."

Janeway made a cutting gesture to close the channel, then looked confused.

"Before?"

*******

As the Val-Jean raced towards the Kazon mothership, Chakotay whispered a quiet prayer.

Just before he felt the sensation of being transported, the ex-Starfleet officer briefly thought, If I die, maybe I can see Beth again.

*******

The Caretaker was dying.

Janeway had many emotions about the being in front of her. Anger for taking her ship and causing so many of her colleague to die. Sympathy for being left alone by his former partner. Respect for his attempts to save an alien civilization, and concern about the prospects for her crew.

"Now, this installation will not be destroyed. But it must be. The Kazon are retreating, but they will be back, they always come back. While your colleagues devastated and decimated the Kazon before, they will return. Some of the Ocampa went with them, so their people will survive, but I must still protect those who remain. The Kazon must not be allowed to gain control of it. They will annihilate the Ocampa."

"Colleagues?"

The projection of the Caretaker struggled, before giving his final word

"Yamato"

******

Tuvok raised an eyebrow at his Captain's order.

"Captain, any action we take to protect the Ocampa would affect the balance of power in this system. The Prime Directive would seem to apply."

"Would it? We never asked to be involved, Tuvok. But we are. We are. Not to mention, we aren't the first Starfleet ship encountered by the Ocampans."

"Captain?"

"We will discuss this later. On my command, Mr Tuvok."

"Aye Captain.

******

As the Kazon fleet prepared to retreat, their commander sent a final message.

"The Federation has made an enemy of all Kazon. We will not forget this humiliation!"

******

The tension in the conference room was high as former colleagues turned enemies were forced to sit together. The Maquis and some of the officers were muttering about the destruction of the Array. However, to everyone's surprise, the leader of the Maquis was contemplative.

"Are you sure he said 'Yamato?'"

Captain Janeway nodded.

"That was his final word."

The former Starfleet Officer showed a mix of emotions. Hope, dread, relief, and resolve.

"I...I'm sorry to interrupt," Neelix apologized as he broke the silence, "but what does 'Yamato' mean?"

Janeway looked at Tuvok who nodded. She took a breath before pressing a few commands on the main display. On the screen were the orthographic views of a massive starship, one that showed elegance and power. Below the diagram displayed the label "U.S.S. Yamato NCC-71807."

"Several months ago, the Federation lost contact with the USS Yamato, a Galaxy-class starship. There were over a thousand personnel as her crew, as well as some of their families. She was rendezvoused with the USS Equinox who reported her disappearance after sustaining damage. Yamato's commander at the time was Captain Donald Varley."

Chakotay sighed, "Of course it was Donald. He had too much baggage to ever get promoted, but too stubborn to retire."

Tuvok interjected, "It does seem logical. Based on the visual evidence, I can conclude that the damage sustained by the Kazon before we responded appears consistent with a Starfleet ship-based phaser array. And judging by the extent of the damage, it appears consistent with damage from a Galaxy-class starship."

***

"We appear to be alone, in an uncharted part of the galaxy. We've already made some friends here, and some enemies. We have no idea of the dangers we're going to face, but one thing is clear. Both crews are going to have to work together if we're to survive. That's why Commander Chakotay and I have agreed that this should be one crew: a Starfleet crew. While there are rumours of another allied vessel out here, until we can confirm these rumours, we may be the only Starfleet vessel assigned to the Delta Quadrant. We'll continue to follow our directive to seek out new worlds and explore space. But our primary goal is clear. Even at maximum speeds, it would take seventy-five years to reach the Federation, but I'm not willing to settle for that. There's another entity like the Caretaker out there somewhere, who has the ability to get us there a lot faster. We'll be looking for her, and we'll be looking for wormholes, spatial rifts, or new technologies to help us. Moreover, we will be on the lookout for the USS Yamato, a Federation starship who may have paved the way for us. A starship that we hope is still out there, also on the way to Federation space. Somewhere, along this journey, we'll find a way back. And perhaps, we will solve a mystery that had sent shockwaves in the Federation. Mister Paris, set a course… for home."

 

[Mage]

So...... This sounds interesting!!

 

[mikelima777]

2) Friends and Enemies
(June 13, 2371)

Captains Log, Stardate: 48447.3

It has been nearly a week since our last encounter with the Vidiians. After several failed attempts by Vidiian raiders to attack the Yamato, we finally encountered a Vidiian ship that was willing to engage in peaceful dialogue. Thanks to round-the-clock efforts of the medical team led by Dr Chang and the Ocampan Doctor Elyas as well as the Vidiian Doctor Danara Pel, we were able to make significant developments towards a possible cure for "Phage." At the very least, we were able to reverse Dr Pel's brain tissue damage, thanks to replicated Caitian tissues and were able to halt the progress of her medical condition.

The sheer desperation shown by many of the Vidiians has troubled me. During encounters with other civilian vessels, we were made aware that some Vidiians would use transporters to steal organs, and in some cases, try to board ships to harvest the crew or conduct appalling research. I am reminded of humanity's past when diseases such as Bubonic Plague, Smallpox, and even strains of Influenza could ravage civilizations and nations. Could humanity have resorted to what some of the Vidiians have done? Yes, and I am reminded of my classes in the Academy focusing on the horrors of the past. The Holocaust, the Eugenics War. Put in the same position, I might have done the same thing. We never know what we're truly capable of. I hope that we will never find out.

I would not consider our situation as fortunate, but in our situation, the Yamato was perhaps one of the best-suited starships for this journey. As much as I respect Captain Ramson and his crew, a Nova-class starship like the Equinox would have been poorly suited in our circumstances, cut off from the Federation. Even with my crew, families, equipment, and stores, the Yamato still has plenty of room aboard.

Supply wise, we have become used to requests for trade from local freighters. Fortunately, we have been able to barter for goods or provide other means of compensation. We have had to convert one of our cargo bays for biocontainment. While I am sure fresh produce would improve morale, we do not know if the food may contain pathogens or cause allergic reactions among the crew. During the Yamato's time as a testbed, a batch of "bio-neural gel packs" set up for evaluation became infected due to mould from a Risan Gourd. Of course, if we deem these perishable goods to be safe for consumption, I will be happy to permit their use by the mess halls. At least our airponics bay is producing fresh fruits and vegetables.

We have started to travel between warp-capable systems and established first contact peacefully with many civilizations. As a result, the Yamato is regularly joined by civilian freighters plying trans-system trade routes, seeking protection from Pirates and hostile forces. As per the Prime Directive, we have not pushed our values on these civilizations, though it appears they are seeing the wisdom and benefits of mutual protection and cooperation.

We still haven't had to use the prototype fixed phaser lance in action, though my Chief Engineer has been concerned with the enormous power requirements during last week's test. Its installation before our current predicament did mean the Mirai, Yamato's Captain's Yacht is permanently relocated to the main shuttle bay. To be honest, it is better than its original position at the bottom of the saucer. At least we can use the Marai more regularly, and there is still plenty of room in the main shuttle bay. My Chief Engineer believes we could find a way to use fractal modulation with the lance, so if we meet the Borg, we have a way to defend ourselves.

On a more unfortunate note, long-ranged sensors are picking up over two dozen warp signatures matching the Kazon. We've already had to respond and neutralize several of their fleets. We offered assistance to the best of our abilities, and we were answered with hatred and violence. On several occasions, we have had to intercept their attacks on unarmed civilian freighters. Do they not understand the concept of not biting more than they can chew? My chief Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Commander Moore, has become rather exasperated, though we have only used three photon torpedos in these skirmishes with the Kazon.

6 Hours later

Chief Tactical Officer's Log, Supplemental:

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results," anonymous. Perhaps an overquoted historical statement that people think was made by Albert Einstein or Benjamin Franklin, but perhaps the Kazon should have listened to that wisdom. Three, I repeat three times the Captain had pleaded for them to retreat. I will remember the look of incredulity on Captain Varley's face after Maje Cullah demanded our surrender then ordered his fleet to attack the Yamato. I will admit, for their reckless aggression, at least they are persistent. They definitely did not learn from the last encounter, using the exact same tactics as before.

I believe our xeno-anthropologist, Lieutenant Park, is quite correct in her observations of the Kazon. Despite their possession of technology, they do not seem to know how it actually works, or even basic scientific principles. How does a spacefaring race not know how to make their own water?!? I've heard of pre-warp cultures that know more than the Kazon. As Park has postulated, they must have captured or acquired their vessels from another species and only knows how to operate the controls.

There was, however, something of concern, as the Kazon mentioned another Starfleet vessel that fought another Kazon force near the Caretaker array and that all Federation ships are herby an enemy of the Kazon. The Captain was disappointed since he had asked the Caretaker to find a better way to help the Ocampans other than kidnapping ships from across the galaxy. Captain Varley has asked some of the freighters to give a message should they encounter this ship. We may start to broadcast on secured Starfleet Frequencies, so if this ship picks up our message, well, two ships should be better than one.

We have retrieved a number of survivors, currently being treated in sickbay or in the brig. We will be holding a meeting to determine what we can do. As much as I despise their actions, we cannot bring ourselves down to their behaviour. Perhaps we can offer them a choice: they can remain in custody, or perhaps we can salvage one of their more intact raiders, strip it of weaponry, and let them use it to return to their home.

I know at least our logistics officer was pleased. Another of our cargo bays is nearly full of salvage for our industrial replicators. I sometimes forget how much room we have aboard the Yamato. Two days ago, we came across a dilithium rich asteroid field. We simply beamed chunks of the asteroid directly to several cargo bays where we can carefully examine and process the deposits for use in our warp core.

I am looking forward to movie night after dinner, however. We apparently are watching a motion picture recovered from the 21st century. The mess staff do make good popcorn.

 

[mikelima777]

(Author's Notes)

This is how Yamato generally looks like circa 2371, though there would also be ablative armour panels installed over the engineering spaces, around magazines, and a thin layer over the Bridge module.

(original art by Igor Marić, some modifications made by mikelima777)

During her disappearance, some of her specifications.

U.S.S. Yamato (NCC-71807)
Modified Galaxy-class Starship
Crew: 1013 Officers and Enlisted
Passengers: 537
Tactical Systems
-1 x Type I Phaser Spiral Lance (Experimental)
-15 x Type X Mod 1 Phaser Arrays
-3 x torpedo launchers (1 two-launcher forward mount, 1 aft mount)
Auxiliary Spacecraft:
-1 x Captain's Yacht
--Mirai
-2 x Danube-class runabout
--USS Fraser
--USS Volga
-6 x Type 6 Mod 1 Shuttlecraft
-2 x Type 7 (uprated) Shuttlecraft
-2 x Type 8 Personnel Shuttlecraft
-2 x Type 9A Freight Shuttlecraft
-8 x Type 16 shuttlepod
-2 x Sphinx-class workpod
-6 x worker bees

Commanding Officer: Captain Donald Varley
First Officer: Commander Beth Woods

 

[Admiral2]

This doesn't work without Isao Sasaki:
[Sasaki] Uchu-u Gin-Ga YAHH-MAHHH-TO![Sasaki]

 

[mikelima777]

3) Those who follow in the footsteps of giants...

(July 19, 2371)

USS Voyager

"Personal log, stardate 48546.2. Our journey home is several weeks old now, and I have begun to notice in my crew, and in myself, a subtle change as the reality of our situation settles in. Here in the Delta Quadrant, so far away from our homes, we may be the sole family of humanity and the Federation out here. We are more than a crew, and I must find a way to be more than a Captain to these people, but it's not clear to me exactly how to begin. At the Academy, we're taught that a captain is expected to maintain a certain distance. Until now, I've always been comfortable with that distance. Maybe this is just the way it works. Maybe the distance is necessary. Maybe more than ever now, they need me to be larger than life. I only wish I felt larger than life. Computer, delete last sentence."

***

Captain Janeway was feeling despondent as she escaped Neelix's well-intentioned caffeine substitute. Fortunately, Chakotay's call gave her the excuse to head to the bridge.

Stepping through the doors, Janeway kept her professional composure, hiding her dismay at the lack of coffee.

"Yes, Commander"

"There was no need for you to come to the bridge, Captain."

"Yes, there was,"

"I just wanted to alert you that there is a nebula on long-ranged sensors."

"On screen."

Tuvok's station chimed.

"Sensors are indicating there are high concentrations of omicron particles within this nebula, Captain."

"Are you thinking we could collect these omicron particles to provide an additional antimatter reserve, Lieutenant?"

"Precisely," intoned Tuvok.

Janeway ordered all senior staff to their stations and remarked.

"There's coffee in that Nebula"

******

Ensign Kim frowned slightly as his console chimed.

"Captain, there appears to be an object several hundred kilometres from the nebula... the readings are consistent with a Federation Class-6 probe."

Janeway, snapped back to look at the Ensign,

"Are you sure, Mr Kim?"

"Yes, Captain... I am picking up a general message on all frequencies."

"Put it on audio, please"

To their surprise, they could hear a voice in English, untranslated.

"Attention all ships, the nebula nearby is a nucleogenic organism. Any omicron particles detected are part of its biology. Please do not approach. Attention all ships..."

"Captain, I am picking up a message on an encrypted Starfleet frequency."

"On screen."

Chatokay was shocked, along with other members of the crew, as they saw an older gentleman with salt and pepper hair, in a Starfleet Uniform.

"If you are receiving this encrypted message, then I hope that your crew has fared well in the Delta Quadrant. I am Captain Donald Varley, of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Yamato. Several months ago, a being known as the Caretaker, brought my ship to this part of the galaxy. You may have been acquainted with this Caretaker as well.

We had sustained some casualties, but most of our crew and passengers survived. We have assisted the Caretaker in driving off the Kazon, however, he refused to allow us to return home. My Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thaviis Nassir, believed that the Caretaker's condition was beginning to decline. I assume by the time you are watching this, it was likely the Caretaker may be in grave condition and may have asked you to do something very, very difficult. If so, know that your actions may have prevented a greater tragedy.

He had reluctantly allowed us to depart after I had a... lengthy, turbulent conversation with him. He allowed us to leave only on the condition of helping the people he was trying to protect. While the Kazon's combat prowess was rather...wanting, we could not stand by and allow the genocide of an entire species. As such, we accepted over a hundred Ocampan refugees onto the Yamato. Their physiology and rapid development meant they have already adapted to life aboard our vessel.

Our main objective is trying to return home, but we have also decided to help where possible and to continue the Yamato's primary mission: To explore strange new works. We have continued to seek out new life and new civilizations and have done our best to uphold the values of the Federation. Assuming you also are on a course to the Federation, you many encounter species and peoples that we have made contact with. Despite the hostility from some, I believed that we have earned a reputation as a protector.

On Stardate 48274.4, we encountered this entity and detected high concentrations of Omicron particles. However, Dr Nassir and Counselor Nassir sensed rudimentary emotions through their Deltan telepathic abilities. We had sent a shuttle to investigate. It detected nucleogenic peptide bonds, organic matter. Dr Nassir could sense that it had sustained wounds, perhaps due to others mistaking the organism as a nebula, and after some efforts, we were able to aid the being's self-healing. We deployed this probe shortly afterwards, to warn others of the true nature of this "nebula"

Several days before this message, we had yet another encounter with the Kazon, and we learned there were rumours of a second Starfleet vessel taken by the Caretaker. I had asked that he stopped doing so. Unfortunately, it appears that is not the case. I offer my condolences for any casualties of the Caretaker's methods. As a result, we had sent the runabout USS Fraser to relay this message by subspace radio to this probe, in case you stumble upon the nucleogenic organism. In this message, we have recorded the coordinates of several mineral-rich asteroid belts, along with an actual nebula with usable amounts of omicron particles. We also recorded the coordinates of systems that may be able to help you out.

The Yamato has been cruising at Warp 7, to conserve our fuel reserves. We intend to maintain progress on this long journey, but we can wait if necessary. If we can establish contact, we may be able to rendezvous and work together to get home. You are not alone. Good luck, Captain Varley, out"

 

[mikelima777]

Time for some potential controversy. (hides bhind bunker)

This is how Yamato generally looks like, though there would also be ablative armour panels installed over the engineering spaces, around magazines, and a thin layer over the Bridge module.

(original art by Igor Marić, retrieved from Ex Astris Scientia; modifications made by mikelima777) Larger version here:

https://i.imgur.com/Hk5sanN.png

During her disappearance, some of her specifications.

U.S.S. Yamato (NCC-71807)
Modified Galaxy-class Starship
Crew: 1013 Officers and Enlisted
Passengers: 537
Tactical Systems
-1 x Type I Phaser Spiral Lance (Experimental)
-15 x Type X Mod 1 Phaser Arrays
-3 x torpedo launchers (1 two-launcher forward mount, 1 aft mount)
Auxiliary Spacecraft:
-1 x Captain's Yacht
--Mirai
-2 x Danube-class runabout
--USS Fraser
--USS Volga
-6 x Type 6 Mod 1 Shuttlecraft
-2 x Type 7 (uprated) Shuttlecraft
-2 x Type 8 Personnel Shuttlecraft
-2 x Type 9A Freight Shuttlecraft
-8 x Type 16 shuttlepod
-2 x Sphinx-class workpod
-6 x worker bees

Commanding Officer: Captain Donald Varley
First Officer: Commander Beth Woods

Additional Notes:
-Yamato's configuration is based on both the Sternbach and Ed Whitefire interpretations of the Enterprise-D floor plans.
-The Hangar bay is largely based on Sternbach's, except with some additional floor space for Runabouts and the Captain's Yacht. As well, Yamato has had a slight adjustment to the heights of decks 3 and 4. As such, the Captain's Yacht Mirai (which had some tweaks as well) can narrowly fit inside the Main Shuttlebay since it's original spot got taken over for the mounting of the phaser lance.
-(Subject to feedback) as a holdover from the original concept of a generational ship/flying city, Yamato has a 2-3 storey "promenade" (read market/mall) on decks 9 and 10. (which is still a far cry from the mammoth five-storey(!) mall/grotto proposed by Whitefire) Yamato's Ten Forward is just forward of this space.
-Despite some reluctance, the CMO did activate the EMH (it received one as a testbed), at least once to help with the Vidiian situation. To clarify, they haven't found a cure but helped Viidian doctors make some progress due to having an outside's perspective, the collective knowledge of multiple civilizations (Humanity, Vulcans, Andorians, Trill, etc), plus the willingness of Dr Pel and her team to work together with outsiders instead of trying to steal organs. As for Dr. Pel herself, surgery was used to implant modified Caitian tissue and was aided by Dr Nassir's empathic abilities as a Deltan. She was briefly smitten with Dr Nassir until she realized he was married to LCDR Lira Nassir, the Yamato's Chief Counselor.
-Yamato's phaser lance aka "wave motion gun" can one-shot most hostile ships. Except it drains way too much power (you'd have to divert power from the phaser arrays, lighting, the turbolifts, and from various sensors for a single shot), needs a ton of maintenance after firing, and has a non-zero chance of causing a negative space wedgie as a side effect. This is Star Trek after all.

-The crew officially denies the existence of a distillery set up in a pair of disused biochemistry laboratories on deck 11. And that unused compartment down the corridor does not contain kegs of alcohol, no siree bob!
-Per the Sternbach schematics, there are spaces for four Computer cores, 2 in the saucer, 2 in the engineering (secondary hull), though usually the port side space in the engineering hull is filled with a dummy as "ballast." Yamato has a functional four core due to the need for computers during testing, and as the Yamato was going to go on a long term mission before her disappearance,

 

[mikelima777]

3.5) Interlude

(Aug 5, 2371)
Stardate 48594.7
U.S.S. Yamato

"Shields are at 91 percent."

"Lock on to the nearest raider and fire"

"Firing... Kazon raider destroyed. 7 raiders and 2 carriers are remaining. The lead Kazon carrier is firing."

The ship slightly rocked from the hit on the shields.

"Shields are down to 85 percent."

"Fire at will."

"Aye, sir... Their engines are knocked out. Sensors show damage on all Kazon ships."

"Comms, send another message to tell them to leave, now."

"Aye, sir. No response. They're firing again, they missed."

"Target that carrier and fire."

"Phasers firing."

On the viewscreen, the crew could see the phaser cut through the Kazon ship like a hot knife through butter.

"Vessel neutralized. Captain, the remaining Kazon vessels are retreating."

"Very well. Status of the civilian convoy?"

"Minor to moderate damage. One of the ships is reporting problems with their life support."

"Send a message to all civilian ships. Once we can be sure the Kazon are not coming back, we will offer any assistance within reason."

"Aye, sir."

Captain Varley took a deep breath and sighed in exasperation. How many times before the Kazon can take the hint?

The Yamato was finishing up with mining an asteroid rich in duranium and tritanium when they received the distress call of a convoy under Kazon attack. The Galaxy-class starship warped to the source of the distress call, putting itself between the civilian and Kazon ships. After attempts to tell the Kazons to leave, the Kazon responded as always.

After sensors showed no signs of the Kazon doubling back or reinforcements, Varley nodded, "Cancel red alert."

The lights went back to normal as Varley stood up and tugged his shirt. It was a habit he got from Jean-Luc during their classes together at the Academy.

"I'll be in the Ready Room, Commander Woods, you've got the conn."

"Yes, Captain."

The veteran Starfleet officer walked into his office. He went to his desk and picked up an Iconian artefact, picked up all those years ago. He went to the replicator.

"Coffee, one sugar, one cream."

Retrieving the mug, he went to read some PADDs carrying reports from throughout the ship. Some of the Ocampan on board was starting to work in the unrestricted parts of the ship. There were concerns due to their rather short life span, an anomaly among humanoid species. The was a note from a certain officer that the latest batch of "goods" from the officially non-existent distillery aboard had passed inspection and would be delivering to Ten-Forward. Then there were updates from Chief Engineer Toyoda. The modifications to the warp engines, warp plasma conduits and matter-antimatter injectors were still holding, which meant that the Yamato could continue to cruise at Warp 7 instead of Warp 6, cutting decades from their long voyage home.

They had yet to receive contact from the rumoured Starfleet vessel following the Yamato's wake. Some of his officers guessed such a ship would be either a week to a few months behind them. Hopefully these rumours of a ship can be confirmed or denied soon.

 

[mikelima777]

4) State of Fail, Part I

U.S.S. Voyager

In a dimly-lit cabin, the sole occupant carefully ensured that the doors were sealed. She then went to her table and took a sip of Deka tea. She carefully went to the shelves by her bed and pulled out a box, battered and bearing a Maquis emblem. Unlike the rest of Chakotay's crew, let alone these Starfleet cowards, she was willing to do what it took to escape the circumstances. She activated a gadget inside the box, which disrupted any internal sensors. She then pulled out a Cardassian PADD and pressed some buttons. On the screen, Maje Cullah looked shocked, before snarling in rage.

"How did you get this channel? You Federation scum will taste your own blood."

Seska rolled eyes as he waited for the impulsive Kazon to finally shut up.

"I am not Federation. I have a proposal that you may be interested in. I can offer you something very useful"

***

Unbeknownst to the disguised Cardassian, Ensign Alexander Munro was walking by, busy chatting with Crewman, 3rd Class Telsia Murphy. The ex-Maquis crewmember had roughed it out on the fringes of Federation society living on the streets before throwing her lot in with the Maquis. She was one of the more resentful of the Maquis towards the merging of the crews and had gotten in trouble quite a few times. However, she had a series of heart-to-heart conversations with Ensign Munro, which helped her be more accepting of their current situation. He found himself opening up as well and enjoyed trading snark with one another. As they chuckled over an incident involving Crewman 3rd Class Rick Bressman, Munro's PADD beeped. He looked down in surprise, then shrugged apologetically to Telsia, promising to join her for dinner after his shift was done.

As he watched Telsia head off to the gym, Munro frowned as he reviewed the readout from the PADD. He had been tasked by Tuvok to keep an eye on the ex-Maquis crew members in case they were doing something very illegal, or any unauthorized communications behind closed doors. While the circumstances had required some flexibility, Captain Janeway still wanted to avoid any risk of a mutiny, whether from the ex-Maquis, or even her Starfleet officers, given several Maquis members now had significant positions. His PADD had been programmed to detect non-federation transmissions, and right now it was showing something neither Starfleet nor Maquis, yet still from the Alpha Quadrant.

***

In his office, Lt Tuvok raised an eyebrow as the report from Ensign Munro showed a signal being transmitted to the external comms transceivers from one particular room, despite the presence of a jamming signal. The signal transmitted was on a known Kazon channel. But having spent time in deep cover with the Maquis, he recognized the encryption pattern from intercepting subspace transmissions and also recognized the jamming signal's signature. It was Cardassian.

"Fascinating."

He tapped his combadge, "Tuvok to Chakotay."

"...Yes?"

"I am heading to your office to discuss the latest first contact simulations, there is a bug in the program."

"...understood."

 

[mikelima777]

5) State of Fail, Part II

U.S.S. Voyager

Alex Munro and Telsia Murphy were sitting together at the Mess Hall, eating lunch. They were completely unaware of the smirks among the others eating lunch, or the mutters about a betting pool. Even Neelix had stopped trying to offer his latest kitchen creation and was whispering with Ensign Kim about getting into said pool.

"You collect comic books?"

"Yeah, I was just fascinated by these superheroes, the characters and their storylines, especially during their peak in the 20th Century. Most of my collections at my parents' home back on Luna, though I had packed a few to read during what was supposed to be a short mission. Probably should have brought more."

"I was reading the one you lent me. I gotta say I like this Bat-man fella."

"Good thing I didn't bring my bad comics collection. Some authors don't do the Dark Knight justice."

Drinking some cola, Telsia smirked as she leaned in

"So, you in on the pool for Juliet and Austin?"

"Yup, still in it. Odell was pissed his prediction didn't pan out. You still in?"

"You betcha. They've been circling around each other for weeks! I say we trap them in a Jefferies tube junction and keep it shut till they finally admit it."

"Could work, though I'm sure the Chief Engineer won't be pleased with that."

Telsia looked seriously, "So Alex, what happened yesterday? You seemed surprised at something."

Alex looked around nervously and leaned in to whisper, "Sorry, it was something Tuvok is asking me to do. Can't say anything yet, but it's serious."

Telsia was concerned, "Alex...how bad?"

The young Ensign shook his head. "Let's just say the Captain and Chakotay are not going to be happy about it."

****

"I can't believe this!"

Chakotay was pacing around back and forth in the Captain's ready room. Captain Janeway was still seated at her desk drinking black coffee as usual from her mug, while Tuvok stood ramrod straight.

"We checked her when she joined us. All the medical tests showed she was Bajoran. There were records of her from our contacts on Bajor. Her background check was clean!"

Tuvok was stoic as always,

"Perhaps. But Ensign Munro's PADD was functioning normally. There can be no doubt. A transmission was sent out from Seska's quarters with Cardassian encryption, onto a subspace channel we know is used by the Kazon."

"But why? What could she gain from the Kazon? Look, as persistent as the Kazon has been, they've haven't exactly been smart. They have ships, yes, but even the Vidiians use captured Kazon ships better than them!"

"That is irrelevant. In addition, the Vidiians were cooperative, undoubtedly due to the assistance of the Yamato. Dr Pel had mentioned that the Yamato had been intervening with Vidiian raiders and also Kazons harassing commercial shipping in the region."

"As much as I am fascinated by this discussion, let's get back to Seska. For starters, I had asked Tuvok to monitor your crew. As much as I trust you, Chakotay, the fact remained that some of your crew still harbours resentment towards the Federation. Call it captain's instinct. Given the circumstance, I hope you understand my position."

Chakotay sighed, deflated.

"Yes, Captain. Honestly, were I in your shoes, I'd probably have the same. I just cannot believe she was a double agent."

Tuvok raised his eyebrow.

"So was I, Commander."

"Yes, Tuvok, but I was sure someone from Starfleet would be among us. But a Cardassian agent?"

Chakotay sighed, "You were working for her, Seska was working for them… was anyone on that ship working for me?"

Tuvok simply raised an eyebrow.

Janeway held her hands up.

"I think we can find the answers once we secure her in the brig. What I want to know is how to catch her in the act without her suspecting our knowledge of her deception?"

Janeway thought carefully, aloud. "Judging by their past behaviour, I think we all know what the Kazon want."

Tuvok, "Replicators. Indeed. For the simple task of creating water." He stood up and walked to the replicator, and ordered a cup of water. Drinking it, he paused. "Curious. Many pre-warp societies knew how to form water using hydrogen and oxygen. Humanity had discovered this several centuries before First Contact. Yet the Kazon lack this simple knowledge."

Janeway remarked, "Just basic chemistry. Burn hydrogen gas in oxygen. You generate energy and get water. In fact, with spacecraft, they could go find asteroid fields full of ice, solidified water."

Chakotay thought carefully before he went right up to Captain Janeway.

"I have an idea."

****

Privately hiding his darkening thoughts as he saw the Kazon soldiers that appeared suspiciously close to the cave where Seska was, he fired his phaser before dodging their response.

Chakotay had dodged the Kazon's phaser shot and dove to the ground. He discreetly tore his jacket and pretended to be in pain. He felt as Seska went to grab him, and brought away to the transport site.

As they beamed up, Chakotay thought, the Kazon would not have known to appear close to the cave, unless she was meeting them beforehand.

****

"Captain's log, stardate 48658.2. We've successfully left orbit without further interference from the Kazon. Commander Chakotay is injured but is recovering from his wounds."

****

Chakotay was beyond enraged as Seska cheerfully talked about stealing food from the Kitchen, which almost felt like mocking the fact she was trying to pull wool over his eyes, yet again after undoubtedly smuggling technology to the Kazon on the planet. And apparently some of his former crew either fell for Seska's deception or were also traitors.

Seska was almost shocked by the utter venom in Chakotay's voice, as he ordered the replicator rations for all involved to be revoked for two days, including his own, before threatening to lock her and her co-conspirators into the brig if they did that again. As he watched her leave, he breathed hard and shook his head. He tapped his PADD and revoked the replicators rations for all those mentioned. He then tapped commands to lockout Seska's access to the industrial replicator, personal weapons, main engineering, and most computer terminals outside of her quarters and work area.

****

After the away team reported the presence of trace amounts of neosorium on the wrecked Kazon bridge, Janeway looked at Chakotay, who nodded. Both were thinking, Seska picked the worst group to defect to.

****

"You treacherous worm! When I take over Voyager, I will personally come to take your head!" bellowed Maje Cullah.

Seska was barely hiding her contempt of the Kazon.

"I gave you the plans, what more do you want?!?"

"Your so-called plans killed my men!"

Seska was feeling a growing headache "Your men failed to use the plans. How did you manage to make a replicator explode?" Seska asked incredulously.

"This was a trap all along, was it? The Kazon-Nistrim already lost ships to the other Federation vessel, and the stronger Tribes are smelling our blood. Rest assured, you and your Federation friends will pay for this deception."

Maje Cullah cut the transmission abruptly. Seska snarled in rage. She threw her tools around in a rage, not hearing the doors to her quarters slid open. As she calmed down, she started to think and had a sudden epiphany, that maybe betraying the advanced, comfortable ship she was on to the Kazon of all people was not the brightest idea. She suddenly stiffened as a familiar voice growled behind her.

"Well, well, well, what have we got here."

"Shit!"

She suddenly felt him grab her arms back and felt a set of restraints locked over them.

****

Author's note:. Why yes, here some of the events of the episode "State of Flux" were repeated, albeit with a different context.

Virtual cookies for whoever got the references to modern popular culture and a shoutout to a certain web show.

Comments? Suggestions?

 

[mikelima777]

6) Blue Milk Run

Stardate 48659 (August 30, 2371)
U.S.S. Yamato

NCO quarters, Deck 6

Petty Officer, 2nd Class Darrell Fung groaned as the alarm woke him up. Across the room, the other bed was partially made, albeit with pyjamas lazily strewn over the duvet. His Gideon roommate had clearly left; an early riser, Crewman, 1st Class Anorat often went for a morning workout before heading to work in Main Deflector controls.

Darrell finally got up and headed to his washroom for a sonic shower. After the shower and his morning routine, he got dressed in his uniform before heading to the nearby crew lounge. Along the way, one of his neighbours, a Crewman from aeroponics, waved cheerfully at Darrell on her way to work.

"Morning, Darrell."
"Morning, Tricia."

He entered the crew lounge and waved at one of the tables where some of his friends chatted as they ate. Outside the windows, the stars passed by as the Galaxy-class starship cruised at Warp 7. He went to the replicator and ordered the bacon and eggs with toast, and a cup of coffee, and brought the tray over.

"Morning guys, hope you guys weren't talking about that thing with the supposed tribble last week."

Crewman, 2nd Class Patrick Jefferson shook his head though still smiling as he ate a peach-raspberry strudel.

"Nope. Mrs Fernandez here got her test results. She's going to have her first child!"

Darrell cheered, then went and hugged the embarrassed Petty Officer, 2nd class. Victoria Fernandez (nee Davis) worked in the Cybernetics lab, while her husband Juan was a civilian mathematics teacher at the education centre aboard Yamato.

"Congratulations, Vicky!"

"Thanks, Darrell." She said abashedly.

Another crewmate, Crewman 2nd Class T'Mel (who worked with Fernandez in Cybernetics) faintly smiled with a hint of mischief.

"Captain Varley also came to congratulate PO2 Fernandez personally."

The expectant mother blushed.

"T'Mel..."

Sitting next to the Vulcan, Ensign Peter Johnson, one of the helmsmen, paused from eating kimchi and galbi and pointed at T'Mel. "You know she and her older sister were raised on Earth. And I know that Ensign T'Ren, despite all appearances, is an utter troll."

T'Mel gave a deadpan stare at Ensign Johnson, "I have no idea what you are saying. My sister is a model Vulcan officer."

Darrell was amused, "true, she was Valedictorian of her Academy class...and winner of the drinking competition during that class's graduation party, if I remember the rumours. Weren't you from that year, Peter?"

The table continued to chat animatedly until they finished their breakfast. The enlisted crewmen soon took the empty trays and dishes to the replicator, before heading off to their respective destinations. Darrell Fung entered the nearest Turbolift.

"Deck 4, Logistics Bay 1."

***

Logistics Bay 1, Deck 4

"Good morning, Petty Officer Fung, punctual as always. Got a good night's rest?" said Lieutenant Commander Mree as she read a report on from the previous shift.

"Yes, ma'am."

Darrell stood patiently as she finished reading. The Tellerite Logistics officer was imposing, despite her small stature. After all, while the Captain and bridge staff commanded the ship, Logistics kept every department stocked with the tools and supplies to function.

"Great. So, today is just the usual blue milk run, Petty Officer Fung. I've uploaded to your PADD the route and the manifest of the deliveries on the antigrav sled. Afterwards, please report to Chief Petty Officer MacDonald down at the 'special' biological labs."

The Tellerite grinned,

"Another batch of ale is ready for Ten-Forward. And he owes me a bottle from Poker Night."

PO2 Fung barely hid his smile as he nodded,

"Yes, ma'am."

As he handled the sled, Mree smiled warmly. "Also, I heard the news from the scuttlebutt. Please pass my congratulations to Petty Officer Fernandez and her husband."

"Of course, ma'am."

***

Primary Armoury, Deck 8

Darrell stepped into the armoury, pushing the antigrav sled through the doors. The armoury was created in one of the unused spaces aboard Yamato after the Borg attack. A second smaller armoury was located in the Stardrive section. There were Type 1 and Type 2 hand phasers and Type 3 phaser rifles lining one of the walls, while several benches had personnel phasers opened up for maintenance. He could also see some prototype weapons locked up behind forcefields.

"Over here, Petty Officer!"

He guided the sled over to one of the workbenches, where Crewman, First Class Geoff O'Donnell was recalibrating the targeting module of a Type 3 rifle. Next to him, Lt(JG) Pat'lek Shras waved him over.

PO2 Fung tapped his PADD, and it passed over to the Andorian Security officer. He read out the manifest of their shipment while CM1 O'Donnell carefully took out each component, still in their containers, onto the desk.

"Let's see, 10 battery units, 7 chargers, two emitter crystals, two holographic sight mounts, tritanium bars,... Looks like we've got our stuff for today. Thank you, Petty Officer."

Darrell nodded. "Aye, sir."

Shras sighed as O'Donnell started to ramble on about the specifications of a type 3 phaser rifle, and the benefits of using holographic sights. The Andorian nodded for the Petty Officer to go, just as O'Donnell began to talk about his family's micro-brewery near Belfast.

***

Computer System Lab, Deck 8

Outside the door, PO2 Fung could hear loud music coming from inside. He tapped the door chime twice before the music quieted down, he heard a sigh, "Alright, come in."

The door opened, and Darrell quirked an eyebrow. The laboratory could only be charitably described as "Cluttered," as various PADDs lay on the table, several cabinets, and some on the floor. Most were in various states of disassembly, a half dozen were clearly broken, and a number were showing blue screens indicating the failure of their LCARS software. Amidst the chaos was a full head of long, messy dark brunette hair, which was draped over a dusty engineering uniform and light green skin. The woman in question looked up with a deadpan stare.

"Oh, it's you again."

Darrell grinned. "Yup, miss me, Maria?," She stuck out her tongue, leaving him chuckling. For his part, Darrell was amused by her very shabby appearance. She looked strikingly beautiful when in dress uniform, but most of the time, she looked like someone who lived in her lab all the time.

CM1 Maria was part of a Federation program to help Orions seeking to escape the dangerous life experienced in the Orion Syndicate. She had enlisted into Starfleet at the same time as Darrell and got to know one another in training, exchanging banter to the amusement of those around them. It was a pleasant surprise when they met once again on one of the shuttles for the assignment aboard the Yamato.

"Oi, you sure you want to step inside?" She smiled mischievously, "want to be ensnared?"

He just rolled his eyes "Really, Maria? You know everyone on board is inoculated regularly. Standard procedure after all."

She pretended to be disappointed and snapped her fingers. "Drats, foiled again."

He held out a container of parts requested, which she carefully placed on her desk after checking the manifest. He grinned as he brought out a 1-litre bottle of Cola, leading to her making the "gimme" hand gesture.

"Ooh! Mine!!"

She took the offer and started to chug the caffeinated drink.

"You know that stuff ain't healthy, right?"

She shrugged, "Don't care. Besides, you gave it to me."

Soon, he watched as his Orion crewmate get back to work, grumbling about people not knowing how to use the PADD properly.

"More destroyed PADDs again?" he asked.

The Orion snorted as she lazily held one of the PADDs being repaired.

"Ya think? I had at least five from people spilling water or whatever on them. I think one had a cat mistake it for food. Then, also had to fix Gerald's terminal, again cuz his kid went to town on it. Poor guy can't catch a break. Plus I still need to do some work with the Portside Computer Core. My boss still thinks a fragment of that Iconian virus they had years ago might still be in a couple of the chips."

She paused.

"You know, you could have left my requested supplies with my boss, right?"

He grinned.

"What? And miss seeing your sunny disposition?"

She grumbled, "Yeah, yeah... thanks for the parts." She smirked,

"Now begone from my domain, heathen!"

Grinning as he remembered last weeks tabletop roleplaying night, he bowed,

"Of course, your majesty."

***

"Special Consumable Research" Lab, Deck 11,

Darrell whistled as he looked around in the former research lab. Anyone from Starfleet Command would have had a fit at the presence of the micro-brewery aboard the Yamato.

Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class Terry MacDonald was one of the seniormost enlisted member of the Yamato crew, after Boatswain Xander Richardson, and was supposed to help with keeping discipline aboard the massive starship. So naturally, he was also running the Micro-Brewery, which did have the intended effect of boosting morale, as well as providing something that could be bartered with the local traders.

Currently, he was gleefully examining the latest batch of ale, which used hops and ingredients from the aeroponics and arboretum, which saw part of it become used as a mini-orchard.

"Ah, Petty Officer Fung. I believe Lieutenant-Commander Mree has some things for me?"

"Aye, Chief."

The Petty Officer brought a bag from the antigrav sled and passed it to the veteran NCO.

"Ach, exactly what we needed." He pulled out a battle of the amber-coloured liqueur and passed it to Darrell. "I believe my debt to her from Poker night will be repaid with this."

"Aye."

"Alright, on you get."

****

Comments? Questions? Feedback? Ideas?

 

[mikelima777]

7) Strife and Unity

U.S.S. Voyager

Brig, Deck 15

Seska glared as she sat alone inside the holding cell. Her hands were still restained, though the restraints had been adjusted to be more comfortable and held in front. There were security officers flanking the cell, and two more by the entrance, all wielding phaser pistols and rifles. Seska recognized Ayala and Jackson among the guard, both having been aboard the Val Jean. The latter was staring angrily at Seska, recognizing not only did Seska's stunt in the kitchen cost him his replicator rations, but she was also above all a traitor.

Finally, Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay, and Lieutenant Tuvok. All three looked grim, though Seska could see the look of hurt and betrayal in his eyes.

Tuvok pulled up a PADD, and read, "Seska. Formerly of the Maquis, and in fact an agent of the Cardassian Union. We are aware that you are not Bajoran. Thanks to the Doctor's examination, we know you have undergone genetic alterations to assume this disguise. We are aware you have attempted to pass restricted information on replicator technology to the Kazon, forbidden as per the Captain's orders."

Janeway crossed her arm,

"What I want to know, is why?"

Seska looked at Chakotay. She seemed vulnerable as she pleaded.

"Chakotay, please..."

The Maquis commander remained silent and stoic.

"I did it for you. I did it for this crew. We are alone here, at the mercy of any number of hostile aliens, because of the incomprehensible decision of a Federation captain. A Federation captain who destroyed our only chance to get home. Federation rules. Federation nobility. Federation compassion? Do you understand? If this had been a Cardassian ship, we would be home now. We must begin to forge alliances. To survive, we must have powerful friends. The Kazon-Nistrim were willing to be our protectors in return for some minor technology."

Chakotay slowly asked.

"Is that so?"

He glanced at Captain Janeway who nodded. They had already spoken candidly with one another about why he resigned from Starfleet to join the Maquis.

"I remember telling you that I was once a tactics instructor at Starfleet Academy. I had resigned my commission, left Starfleet and my career because I believed that my home planet, the people I was raised with, were in grave danger due to the Cardassian Union. I believed the Federation was stepping aside to allow the Union to oppress us for the sake of peace. We saw what happened with the Occupation of Bajor, we remember what happened during the Federation-Cardassian War.

As much as the Captain disagreed about the actions of the Maquis, our priority was always to defend those who were left defenceless. Everything the Maquis did was in the name of protecting innocent peoples and avoid another atrocity by Cardassia. While our tactics were unconventional and criticized, we were still founded based on principles formed within the Federation."

He stared intently at Seska.

"When the truth was revealed by the Caretaker, I realized that yet again, another world, an entire civilization of innocents were likely to be oppressed if not murdered by an occupying force. A man once said, 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' And I will not watch and stand aside as another planet is oppressed."

Standing right up to the forcefield in front of Seska, he continued.

"We Maquis have a different way than the Federation, but we will still resist evil in any shape or form."

He suddenly chuckled, "Seska, think about it. Did you seriously think the Kazon can help you get home? They can't even figure out how to react hydrogen with oxygen! Two of the most common elements in the universe. Humanity had discovered this centuries before going to space. In fact, your assistance has proven to be disastrous!"

"Perhaps she intends to manipulate the Kazon like puppets. However, it is logical to assume they would have turned on you once they got what they wanted," Tuvok supplied

Captain Janeway joined in,

"And as for alliances, have you not forgotten those we have encountered? While yes, we have yet to find a way home faster, but we have met many species that helped us find supplies or point us in the right direction. While the Sikarians did not offer their technology, they provided us with pointers and advice. It was fortunate that our colleagues have made a good first impression, and we have made sure to maintain their trust."

Janeway thought about their recent encounters with the Vidiians. Most of the hostile Vidiians they faced chose to flee once they recognized Voyager's origins. They also encountered Dr Pel and her reserach ship, which previously met Yamato. After confusing The Doctor for his counterpart on Yamato, she and the Doctor worked in furthering her research, discovering that Klingon tissues, medically replicated from samples volunteered by Chief Engineer Torres, were resistant to Phage. In return, Dr Pel provided information, from raider-heavy areas to avoid as well as some notes that could help with improving Voyager's medical technology.

Chakotay then asked Seska, "Seska, Have you forgotten? We are not alone in this quadrant."

Seska snarled,

"Supposedly! And it's just another Federation ship. If they're as weak-willed and foolish as your esteemed, 'Captain', they're doomed just like you."

Janeway smirked.

"I believe you were not paying attention to whatever the Cardassians have for intelligence class. The U.S.S. Yamato is a Galaxy-class starship, which was specifically designed for long-term exploration away from the Federation. She is the sister ship of the U.S.S. Enterprise." Seeing Seska wince, Janeway ignored the Cardassian and continued. "So you have heard of the Enterprise. Good. I see no more reason to debate with you."

As the three senior officers headed to the exit, Seska tried to slam into the forcefield and fell flat.

She yelled, "You will all regret this. I did what I had to do! One day, I will get my revenge and prove you are all fools!"

As they left the Brig, Tuvok raised an eyebrow,

"Seska's logic remains... questionable. The Kazon are aggressive, but clearly lack the abilities to get her home."

Janeway shrugged, "If she was smart, she would have picked someone better to join."

Tuvok raised an eyebrow, "Of course, the real question is what should we do with Seska."

Chakotay frowned, "frankly, I know some of the Maquis would be inclined to throw her out the airlock."

Janeway remarked, "Out of the question. No matter what, we cannot stoop to her level. I am inclined to keep her stewing in that cell for now."

Chakotay hummed,

"Should we tell her that we got a message from the Kazon calling for a bounty on Seska, or the fact we've programmed the cell to interfere with transporters."

Janeway shook her head.

"Nope. Best keep her guessing."

Chakotay decided to move on to less difficult topic as they entered the turbolift.

"Deck One, Bridge," Janeway asked.

"Captain, have you made a decision on making the broadcast call?"

Janeway paused,

"Perhaps. The inhabited system we visited last week said the Yamato was there over two months ago. Without Federation communications relays, we need to be close enough that they can receive the subspace transmission without interference or distortions. And I want to transmit some data packets to Yamato as well."

"You think the Yamato is still in good shape?" asked Chakotay.

Tuvok remarked,

"The spaceframe of a Galaxy-class was designed to last 100 years. And I'm sure you are aware of the modifications made to Yamato."

Janeway interjected.

"Either way, gentleman, two starships working together will be better at getting us home than working separately."

The turbolift arrived at the Bridge, and the three senior officers stepped out.

"As you were," Janeway said to the bridge staff. She and Chatokay went and sat down as Tuvoke assumed his station.

Janeway called out "Computer, determine the success of a subspace transmission given the following parameters." She typed in the conditions into her console.

"Processing... Analysis complete. Estimated distance: Up to 120 light-years. Projected Signal Strength: 34.7 to 52.4 Percent depending on interference. Transmission delay: up to 6 hours."

"Let's do it, then."

****

U.S.S. Yamato

Bridge

Captain Donald Varley lounged on his chair as the Galaxy-class starship orbited an uninhabited Class K planet. Scans showed the planet was rich in minerals, and an away team was deployed to extract samples for further analysis. They had reported a deposit of tritanium ore, which they would attempt to extract for use aboard Yamato.

Spotting the whitish regions at the poles, Varley turned to Counselor Nassir.

"So... think we should let the Kazon know that this planet has water?"

He thought he heard a scoff from his science officer, Solon. "Perhaps they need step by step directions to the Class P planet we orbited last week, sir," the Vulcan deadpanned. Even my seniormost Vulcan officer is done with the Kazon, mused Varley.

Varley chuckled as he remembered the reactions of his crew when the encountered said planet, which was covered in ice.

Lieutenant Silva quipped, "they'll probably fight each other over it, again."

Thanks to intelligence gathered from traders and other sources, the Yamato's xenoanthropology team was able to have a better understanding of the Kazon. They were confirmed to be former slaves of another species, reportedly known as the Trabe. Instead of a unified species, there were at least a dozen factions or Sects. These Sects often fought one another for resources, along with raiding other species due to their lack of knowledge and inability to develop their own technology.

Among the largest sects was the Kazon-Olga, who were the ones that tried to attack the Caretaker Array, and were the ones that tried to attack Yamato during her first few months in the Delta Quadrant. However, the repeated losses by the Kazon-Olga had started to cause infighting, as their leadership was becoming seen as wasting their lives for nothing. Already, a number of their Predator-class were crippled or lifeless wrecks, and their claims in the regions were being challenged by rival sects and other species.

More recently, it was the Kazon-Nistrim that were trying to take down the massive starship.

The communications officer's console peeped.

"Sir, we are picking a transmission on subspace communications. On a Starfleet frequency."

Patch it in.

"There is some interference, cleaning it up, audio-only."

"This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S. Voyager. On behalf of the crew of Voyager, We are relieved to know there are friendly faces in this part of the Galaxy. We arrived in the Delta Quadrant approximately 3 months after your disappearance. Unfortunately, we had sustained moderate casualties due to the Caretaker's actions. I am afraid that at this point, near real-time communications will be unfeasible until we get closer.

We have received your message near the nucleogenic organism, and I want to thank you for the information provided. With this transmission, I am sending data packets containing a summary of our voyage so far, updates on several systems you've visited, as well as some information regarding the months after your disappearance.

I am informing you that due to circumstances, we have former members of the Maquis as part of the crew. Given their issues lie in the Alpha Quadrant, we have mutually agreed to work together to bring Voyager home. When we can finally rendezvous, we hope you can accept their presence as well.

We await your reply and hope to see you in the near future. Voyager out."

One of the junior officers remarked, "whoa."

Captain Varley ignored that, and simply stated, "Now we know who is with us out here."

The communications console chimed again.

"Sir, Sensors are detecting signals at an odd frequency... It's radio, and the computer analysis show it may of human origin."

"Source?"

"Long-ranged shows what appears to be L-class planet, 2 light-years from here."

"Alright. Once the Away team is done, we'll head over to investigate."

****

Let me know of any errors to correct or feedback.

 

[mikelima777]

8) Cardassians and Abductees

(~September 4, 2371)

U.S.S Voyager

Captains Log, Stardate 48675.2
The fallout of Seska's betrayal is still being felt among the crew. There has been a bit simmering tensions, not just between the Maquis and Starfleet members of the crew, but within the Maquis. The revelation that they had been infiltrated by the Cardassians had hit hard.

Yesterday, a fight broke out in the mess hall that required intervention by Security. As Seska is currently held in the brig on Deck 15 we have elected to use the primary Brig on Deck 4 to hold those involved in the fighting. I have also ordered Tuvok to assign only Starfleet personnel to guard the brig; several former Maquis members have nearly escalated the situation. I have scheduled upcoming meetings with Commander Chakotay and senior Maquis members on how to resolve the fallout. I can only imagine how they are feeling with one of their own revealed to be an enemy agent. It has been several months since our crews were forced to unite, and there are still lingering issues that need to be resolved.

We have recently received a short subspace message from the Yamato, indicating they were investigating a system with unusual transmissions, and also transmitted a number of coordinates. We are currently heading towards a system with a Class K planet that Yamato noted was rich in minerals and resources. We intend to obtain what we can to replenish our reserves.

I have had some time meeting with Neelix, who was able to provide more information on this region of space. Despite his... culinary abilities in the mess hall, and some of the opinions of the crew, he has at least been able to help us speak with some of the local species. Nevertheless, I have asked for some of those with experience in the culinary arts to help moderate his more... adventurous experiments in cooking.

We have yet to encounter any more Kazon as of late. Nevertheless, Tuvok had started to train our security personnel in close quarters tactics. I have a feeling they will return, if only to have revenge.

***

Ready Room

Captain Janeway took a drink from her coffee mug as she sat by her desk.

"So, you and Beth went out for dinner and encountered her ex. Said ex started harassing her and tried to attack. Then, you..."

Chakotay shrugged, though barely hiding a sly smile, "I can neither confirm nor deny anything. It just happened that he slipped and fell, repeatedly, I might add, after accosting us on the way back to the Academy. And that he found himself waking up in the police station." He contemplated the memory wistfully.

"I remember attending her graduation from the Academy and I was so proud of her when she got her first posting aboard the Excalibur."

Janeway quirked an eyebrow, "I heard that she was the one who introduced you to Boothby and got you into the Academy's boxing program."

Before Chakotay could respond, the comms chime was heard.

"Bridge to the Captain."

"Janeway here."

"Captain, we are receiving another recorded subspace transmission on a secured Federation frequency. It has to be Yamato."

"We're on our way"

Bridge, Deck 1

Janeway and Chakotay stepped onto the bridge and headed to their seats. Sitting down, Janeway took a deep breath.

"On Screen."

Captain Varley appeared, sitting as usual on his bridge.

"U.S.S. Voyager, This is Captain Donald Varley of the Yamato. We were glad to receive your transmission and confirm that we are not alone in the long journey home. I apologize for taking this long to respond to your transmission. There have been some developments over here on the Yamato.

First, we have had minimal contact with the Kazon in the past few weeks, but we have started to piece together what we have, thanks to information passed from local traders and a few personal encounters with the Kazon. The Kazon are not a cohesive, unified species. According to our sources, there are at least twelve factions or sects within the Kazon, vying for control over space and resources. As you may have discovered, they lack much of the knowledge typically found in spacefaring species. Attached to this message are files from our xenoanthropology department based on information we have gathered about the Kazon and their culture. We hope it will be most illuminating.

More significantly, we have recently encountered a Class L Planet populated by humans. I assure you that you are not hearing things; we were just as surprised by this discovery.

According to their leaders, in the year 1937, a species known as the Briori abducted over 300 people from Earth, to be used as slave labour, along with various artefacts, flora and fauna from Earth. At the time of this message, we are still trying to find clues of how they travelled from Earth to the Delta Quadrant. So far, nothing concrete has been found. The human population eventually found a way to overpower their captors, took their weapons and some technology, and forced them off the planet. Their captors have not been seen ever since.

Due to the circumstances of their presence in the Delta Quadrant, we have openly engaged in meetings with the cities' governments. There is currently a population of over two hundred thousand living on the planet, mostly within three cities on the northern continent. We also discovered that several of the original abductees were still in cryostasis. We were able to revive them successfully.

After talks with the planet's representatives, we have retrieved examples of Briori technology that the population were unable to use. Perhaps with the Yamato's computers and cybernetics team, we may be able to find clues as to how the Briori travelled across the galaxy. Several residents of the settlements have stated that they wish to join the crew and Starfleet. We are still considering the risks and benefits of accepting them aboard Yamato.

In the meantime, we have been maintaining orbit over this inhabited world, which is the second of three planets in this system. Our runabouts, Fraser and Volga, and shuttlecraft Hadfield, Wakata, and Lovell have been surveying the other planets and moons within the star system. Preliminary scans show minerals and other resources in the furthest planet out, and there is an asteroid field between the second and third planets that are also showing promise.

Voyager, we intend to continue the journey home. With that said, two starships will be better than one. The Yamato can stay in orbit if you wish for us to wait for you. Alternatively, we can backtrack to rendezvous with Voyager, otherwise, Yamato may continue onwards at a slower pace. I am leaving that choice up to you.

Yamato Out."

As the viewscreen returned to showing the exterior of Voyager, Janeway stood up. "Open a shipwide channel"

"Yes, Captain."

After the boatswain whistle was played over the internal comms, Janeway announced,

"All hands, this is the Captain speaking. All senior officers to report to the briefing room in 30 minutes. At 1700 hours, all personnel are to report to the Main Shuttlebay for an announcement. Janeway out."

***

U.S.S. Yamato

Amelia Earhart walked around the massive aircraft, looking up at the cockpit of the Lockheed Model 10E Electra with fondness.

"It looks exactly as how I remembered my Electra. I am astonished at how accurate this 'simulation' appears."

Captain Varley chuckled. "Some of my crew have used the holodeck to fly aircraft during their time off-duty."

As she touched one of the propellors, she frowned.

"A lot has clearly changed since my time period. I know we were taken into space and sent across the galaxy, but the shuttle flight, seeing the blackness of space, and your spaceship. Just astounding."

The aviatrix frowned.

"Yet the horrors you've described that happened as well. The Second World War, the Holocaust, the atrocities in the Pacific, the Cold War, the Eugenics Wars, and so on..." Amelia looked saddened.

Captain Varley paused and gave Amelia a reassuring smile as he spoke.

"Yet even in the aftermath of war, humanity found a way and beat their swords into ploughshares. Rockets of terror eventually developed into rockets that took humanity to the moon, that helped us build an international space station, with former adversaries cooperating together. A former missile, designed to devastate a city, was transformed into the first manned human spacecraft to pass the speed of light."

As they walked to the Arch and exit, she looked around as crewmembers and civilians passed by. The Yamato was truly a mobile city flying through space.

"We are still considering your offer along with Noonan's offer."

"We both have enjoyed our time on that planet, and I know they would welcome us. But..."

"You still have that desire to explore."

"Yes. We know we may not be able to return to Earth in our lifetimes, but we have to try. Plus, there is so much out there to experience. Perhaps I can write my memoirs about this journey through space."

 

[mikelima777]

9) The Choices We Make

U.S.S. Voyager

Deck 10, Main Shuttlebay, Shuttlebay 2

The Intrepid-class starship design, like many developed for Starfleet, included a shuttlebay for supporting and storing auxiliary craft. Shuttlepods or shuttlecraft, despite advances in Transporter technology, remained a valuable part of a starship's equipment. While nowhere near the size of the gargantuan main shuttlebay of a Galaxy-class, the compartments that made up an Intrepid-class starship's main shuttlebay still took up a sizeable portion of the aft engineering hull.

What was designated as "Shuttlebay 2" was, in reality, the primary hangar for the shuttlebay, with facilities to resupply shuttlecraft, and access to the storage bay below on Deck 11. Shuttlebay 2 was also large enough to hold most of the crew for important announcements.

Ensign Alexander Munro looked around as he stood in formation with members of the Security department. Other departments has also assembled, from the science department to the engineering department. Munro also noticed that the Maquis members of the crew felt anxious and nervous. He had to reassure Telsia, who was standing next to him, that there was nothing to worry about.

More sobering were the reminders that the original medical department of Voyager was lost when she was sent across the Galaxy. Of the current medical team, the Emergency Medical Hologram was stuck in sickbay since most of the ship did not have holo-emitters, and Lt (JG) Tom Paris, who was acting as a nurse, had his regular duties as helmsman. Thus the medical personnel present comprised only two members. One was the Ocampan Kes, who had quickly adapted to life on Voyager, and Petty Officer 1st Class Juliet Jurot, one of Munro's friends aboard the ship. The Betazoid was previously part of the biology department, but having trained as a field medic, was doubling as another assistant to the Doctor, as the EMH called himself.

"I wonder what's going on," asked CM2 Kenneth Lathrop, curious. The Canadian-born Bajoran was one of the more adjusted ex-Maquis crewmembers on Voyager. His friend, Kendrick "Rick" Biessman, was not as adjusted.

"Beats me, more bull from Starfleet I guess."

PO1 Oviedo responded. "I'm pretty sure it's either about what happened a few days ago, or it was about that other starship we've been hearing about."

Before anyone else could reply, Lieutenant Lester Foster, as the seniormost officer on deck, bellowed out in his baritone voice as the double doors to the corridor opened.

"Attention! Captain on Deck!"

Munro stood ramrod straight and could see most of the people present do the same, though some of the Maquis still looked around.

Captain Janeway, accompanied by Commander Chakotay, Lieutenant Tuvok, and Chief Engineer Torres entered.

"At ease"

As everyone relaxed, Janeway continued, walking around the centre of the hangar bay.

"One of the people aboard this ship was discovered to have betrayed the trust of this crew. Though efforts by Lieutenant Tuvok, we uncovered evidence of transmissions to the Kazon-Nistrim from a former crew member of the Val Jean."

There were some angry mutterings among the Maquis crew. Munro could hear Biessman grumble, "Hmph, blames us Maquis as always."

Janeway didn't seem to notice as she continued, "What we noticed, was the transmission used Cardassian encryption and counter-surveillance technology."

That brought down silence as every person listening comprehended what was said.

"This person was discovered to have undergone Genetic modifications to appear as another species, a Bajoran. This person attempted to offer technology to the Kazon that I explicitly refused to provide, as such technology would plunge this region of space into suffering and destruction. "

Janeway paused, then nodded to Chakotay, who spoke up.

"This person was Provisional Ensign Seska, who we believe is an agent of the Cardassian Union. I will repeat this one more time: Seska is a double agent for the Cardassian Union, and attempted to give technology to the Kazon."

People began to speak with one another which died down as Chakotay sternly glanced at everyone.

"As it stands, she is incarcerated in the Brig." Raising his hands, Chakotay sternly warned, "As much as I am unhappy with this discovery, no one is to blame except for Seska. It took the knowledge of the Doctor to discover this method of disguise. But furthermore, I will not entertain the possibility of using capital punishment. As distasteful as her attitude and behaviour is, we are not Cardassians, and I do not wish to hear any notions of carrying vigilante justice. As such, all non-assigned and unauthorized personnel are hereby restricted from entering the Brig until further notice. We will determine her fate at a later date."

The Captain then started to pace again as she spoke.

"As many of you are now aware, we have confirmed that there is a second Federation starship stranded in the Delta Quadrant. The Galaxy-class starship Yamato, which was declared lost several months before the events in the Badlands, has established long-ranged communications with Voyager. They too were sent across the galaxy by the Caretaker, and in fact, have paved the way before us. Were it not for the Yamato, we may have encountered more hostility from species like the Vidiians, and perhaps, even more, encounters with the Kazon.

As of this moment, the Yamato is roughly a month to two away at our current speed. Given the circumstances, it has been decided that we will work towards rendezvousing with the Yamato before both starships continue the journey onwards. At the very least, two Federation starships operating together will give everyone a better chance of returning home.

We are heading towards a star system where Yamato is currently holding position, which they had designated as the Briori System. The Yamato discovered that the second planet was inhabited by humans."

Again, the assembled crew began to talk amongst themselves, before the Captain gestured everyone to quiet down.

"According to residents and based on evidence they uncovered, a species known as the Briori abducted over several hundred individuals from Earth over 300 years ago, and brought them to this system in the Delta Quadrant as slaves. Ultimately, the human population revolted and drove off the Briori. Since then, they have developed cities on the planet and have lived in relative harmony. As such I intend that once we arrive, we will permit extended shore leave until Voyager and Yamato are ready to depart. Which brings us to a pressing issue within our crew.

I am very aware that some of you have questioned the decisions made by myself and Commander Chakotay. Some of you believed I should have used the Caretaker's Array to return Voyager home instead of destroying it. Let's assume we could find a way to use it without risking the destruction of our ships and lose even more lives. But what then? What if the Kazon took control over the Array? And perhaps, what if someone more dangerous takes over the Array? We could not risk it.

Regardless, I am trying my hardest to keep everyone on this ship safe, and I will try to find any means of bringing us home sooner. Any concerns with my decisions can be made through the chain of command."

Captain Janeway then spoke more firmly,

"I am also aware that some of you do not wish to continue this journey back to the Federation. Perhaps you no longer have confidence in this ship and her crew, her officers, her Captain. Or perhaps, you think you would do a better job of bringing Voyager home. Or that you have no future in the Alpha Quadrant. I may tolerate disagreement and objections, but I will not tolerate any rebellion, treachery, or sedition to undermine this ship.

After meeting with senior staff, I have decided to present everyone a choice, regardless of who you are or your background. Those who do not wish to continue on with this crew, and do not wish to transfer to the Yamato will be permitted to settle on the planet. There will be no further repercussions, and no ill will if you choose to leave. We will provide the necessary transportation and supplies, and you may keep any valuables with you. For as long as Yamato and Voyager remain in the system, you may choose to reconsider your decision.

However, understand that this may be the only human settlement in the Delta Quadrant, and once Voyager and Yamato depart the system, there is no turning back.

Choose wisely. Dismissed."

***

U.S.S. Yamato, in orbit of Planet "Briori II"

Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room

As Captain Varley signed off a report from the tactical department, the door chimes sounded.

"Come"

The door opened, and in stepped a young human Lieutenant, along with a Petty Officer 2nd Class, both dressed in the teal blue of the Medical department.

"Lieutenant Bethany Lee and Petty Officer 2nd Class Simon Tarses, reporting as ordered, Captain."

Captain Varley gestured at his desk

"Please, have a seat."

The two medical staff members took a seat as the Captain picked up a PADD to read.

"As I understand, both of you have requested to be considered for transfer to Voyager once we rendezvous with her."

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, please explain why."

Lee and Tarses looked at each other before the Lieutenant responded,

"Sir, I feel that as much as I enjoy working aboard Yamato with my colleagues, I feel a need to prove myself."

"Lieutenant, you were among the youngest officers to enter Starfleet Medical, if I recall. Surely that was an achievement of itself."

"Yes, sir. I... know that some felt I was a little green to be posted to a ship such as Yamato. And I know I have some tendencies that drive people nuts. But I feel that I need to prove myself, I can contribute positively even in our situation. Plus, from what was reported, Voyager lost her original medical staff and apparently have to rely on their EMH for care."

"Of course, and as I understood, you were one of the few staff who can work with our EMH despite it or his... eccentricities."

"I don't know if their EMH is any different, but from what I've heard from the scuttlebutt, they have maybe two or three nurses helping their EMH, and only one is full-time."

"Very well, and as for Mr Tarses...?"

The rather nervous medical technician rubbed his slightly pointed left ear. He took a breath before replying.

"Sir, you have read my service record, and my...judicial records as well. Just because I was mostly exonerated, doesn't mean it goes away."

Donald Varley understood. Simon Tarses had been involved in a controversial inquiry by the now-disgraced Rear Admiral Norah Satie over an incident that occurred aboard the Enterprise. The Starfleet investigator had exposed his part-Romulan parentage and tried to use this to accuse then CM1 Tarses as a traitor. Word of her legendary dressing down by Captain Jean-Luc Picard was spread by Starfleet Captains. Donald remembered toasting his old friend during an Academy Reunion while the Enterprise was visiting Earth. Even so, the failure to disclose his parentage had been a mark on Tarses' career and the young enlisted crewman spent years working to recover from that.

"I see..." Captain Varley paused.

"Alright, you're not the only ones volunteering to transfer. Now, understand that depending on what their crew needs, your request may or may not be accepted. But I see no reason to reject your request. I am sorry both of you do wish to transfer off Yamato, but Voyager will need some medical staff to help, and I have confidence both of you would do well."

"Thank you, sir," both responded.

"Alright then, carry on."

As both crewmembers left the ready room, Captain Varley reviewed his PADD showing others requesting to join Voyager's crew. Given that Voyager did have former Maquis crew aboard, Varley wanted to avoid potential conflict aboard the smaller ship. He was still ambivalent about the situation on Voyager but trusted that Captain Janeway could handle it. He did vet out any applicants that would have acrimony towards working with the Maquis. So far, a few were already approved including Lieutenant Junior grade Taran Jones from engineering, transporter officer Ensign Mitchell Okada, and navigation officer Ensign Monica Banks.

***

Feel free to comment and suggest ideas. I do enjoy the feedback.U.S.S. Voyager

Deck 10, Main Shuttlebay, Shuttlebay 2

The Intrepid-class starship design, like many developed for Starfleet, included a shuttlebay for supporting and storing auxiliary craft. Shuttlepods or shuttlecraft, despite advances in Transporter technology, remained a valuable part of a starship's equipment. While nowhere near the size of the gargantuan main shuttlebay of a Galaxy-class, the compartments that made up an Intrepid-class starship's main shuttlebay still took up a sizeable portion of the aft engineering hull.

What was designated as "Shuttlebay 2" was, in reality, the primary hangar for the shuttlebay, with facilities to resupply shuttlecraft, and access to the storage bay below on Deck 11. Shuttlebay 2 was also large enough to hold most of the crew for important announcements.

Ensign Alexander Munro looked around as he stood in formation with members of the Security department. Other departments has also assembled, from the science department to the engineering department. Munro also noticed that the Maquis members of the crew felt anxious and nervous. He had to reassure Telsia, who was standing next to him, that there was nothing to worry about.

More sobering were the reminders that the original medical department of Voyager was lost when she was sent across the Galaxy. Of the current medical team, the Emergency Medical Hologram was stuck in sickbay since most of the ship did not have holo-emitters, and Lt (JG) Tom Paris, who was acting as a nurse, had his regular duties as helmsman. Thus the medical personnel present comprised only two members. One was the Ocampan Kes, who had quickly adapted to life on Voyager, and Petty Officer 1st Class Juliet Jurot, one of Munro's friends aboard the ship. The Betazoid was previously part of the biology department, but having trained as a field medic, was doubling as another assistant to the Doctor, as the EMH called himself.

"I wonder what's going on," asked CM2 Kenneth Lathrop, curious. The Canadian-born Bajoran was one of the more adjusted ex-Maquis crewmembers on Voyager. His friend, Kendrick "Rick" Biessman, was not as adjusted.

"Beats me, more bull from Starfleet I guess."

PO1 Oviedo responded. "I'm pretty sure it's either about what happened a few days ago, or it was about that other starship we've been hearing about."

Before anyone else could reply, Lieutenant Lester Foster, as the seniormost officer on deck, bellowed out in his baritone voice as the double doors to the corridor opened.

"Attention! Captain on Deck!"

Munro stood ramrod straight and could see most of the people present do the same, though some of the Maquis still looked around.

Captain Janeway, accompanied by Commander Chakotay, Lieutenant Tuvok, and Chief Engineer Torres entered.

"At ease"

As everyone relaxed, Janeway continued, walking around the centre of the hangar bay.

"One of the people aboard this ship was discovered to have betrayed the trust of this crew. Though efforts by Lieutenant Tuvok, we uncovered evidence of transmissions to the Kazon-Nistrim from a former crew member of the Val Jean."

There were some angry mutterings among the Maquis crew. Munro could hear Biessman grumble, "Hmph, blames us Maquis as always."

Janeway didn't seem to notice as she continued, "What we noticed, was the transmission used Cardassian encryption and counter-surveillance technology."

That brought down silence as every person listening comprehended what was said.

"This person was discovered to have undergone Genetic modifications to appear as another species, a Bajoran. This person attempted to offer technology to the Kazon that I explicitly refused to provide, as such technology would plunge this region of space into suffering and destruction. "

Janeway paused, then nodded to Chakotay, who spoke up.

"This person was Provisional Ensign Seska, who we believe is an agent of the Cardassian Union. I will repeat this one more time: Seska is a double agent for the Cardassian Union, and attempted to give technology to the Kazon."

People began to speak with one another which died down as Chakotay sternly glanced at everyone.

"As it stands, she is incarcerated in the Brig." Raising his hands, Chakotay sternly warned, "As much as I am unhappy with this discovery, no one is to blame except for Seska. It took the knowledge of the Doctor to discover this method of disguise. But furthermore, I will not entertain the possibility of using capital punishment. As distasteful as her attitude and behaviour is, we are not Cardassians, and I do not wish to hear any notions of carrying vigilante justice. As such, all non-assigned and unauthorized personnel are hereby restricted from entering the Brig until further notice. We will determine her fate at a later date."

The Captain then started to pace again as she spoke.

"As many of you are now aware, we have confirmed that there is a second Federation starship stranded in the Delta Quadrant. The Galaxy-class starship Yamato, which was declared lost several months before the events in the Badlands, has established long-ranged communications with Voyager. They too were sent across the galaxy by the Caretaker, and in fact, have paved the way before us. Were it not for the Yamato, we may have encountered more hostility from species like the Vidiians, and perhaps, even more, encounters with the Kazon.

As of this moment, the Yamato is roughly a month to two away at our current speed. Given the circumstances, it has been decided that we will work towards rendezvousing with the Yamato before both starships continue the journey onwards. At the very least, two Federation starships operating together will give everyone a better chance of returning home.

We are heading towards a star system where Yamato is currently holding position, which they had designated as the Briori System. The Yamato discovered that the second planet was inhabited by humans."

Again, the assembled crew began to talk amongst themselves, before the Captain gestured everyone to quiet down.

"According to residents and based on evidence they uncovered, a species known as the Briori abducted over several hundred individuals from Earth over 300 years ago, and brought them to this system in the Delta Quadrant as slaves. Ultimately, the human population revolted and drove off the Briori. Since then, they have developed cities on the planet and have lived in relative harmony. As such I intend that once we arrive, we will permit extended shore leave until Voyager and Yamato are ready to depart. Which brings us to a pressing issue within our crew.

I am very aware that some of you have questioned the decisions made by myself and Commander Chakotay. Some of you believed I should have used the Caretaker's Array to return Voyager home instead of destroying it. Let's assume we could find a way to use it without risking the destruction of our ships and lose even more lives. But what then? What if the Kazon took control over the Array? And perhaps, what if someone more dangerous takes over the Array? We could not risk it.

Regardless, I am trying my hardest to keep everyone on this ship safe, and I will try to find any means of bringing us home sooner. Any concerns with my decisions can be made through the chain of command."

Captain Janeway then spoke more firmly,

"I am also aware that some of you do not wish to continue this journey back to the Federation. Perhaps you no longer have confidence in this ship and her crew, her officers, her Captain. Or perhaps, you think you would do a better job of bringing Voyager home. Or that you have no future in the Alpha Quadrant. I may tolerate disagreement and objections, but I will not tolerate any rebellion, treachery, or sedition to undermine this ship.

After meeting with senior staff, I have decided to present everyone a choice, regardless of who you are or your background. Those who do not wish to continue on with this crew, and do not wish to transfer to the Yamato will be permitted to settle on the planet. There will be no further repercussions, and no ill will if you choose to leave. We will provide the necessary transportation and supplies, and you may keep any valuables with you. For as long as Yamato and Voyager remain in the system, you may choose to reconsider your decision.

However, understand that this may be the only human settlement in the Delta Quadrant, and once Voyager and Yamato depart the system, there is no turning back.

Choose wisely. Dismissed."

***

U.S.S. Yamato, in orbit of Planet "Briori II"

Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room

As Captain Varley signed off a report from the tactical department, the door chimes sounded.

"Come"

The door opened, and in stepped a young human Lieutenant, along with a Petty Officer 2nd Class, both dressed in the teal blue of the Medical department.

"Lieutenant Bethany Lee and Petty Officer 2nd Class Simon Tarses, reporting as ordered, Captain."

Captain Varley gestured at his desk

"Please, have a seat."

The two medical staff members took a seat as the Captain picked up a PADD to read.

"As I understand, both of you have requested to be considered for transfer to Voyager once we rendezvous with her."

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, please explain why."

Lee and Tarses looked at each other before the Lieutenant responded,

"Sir, I feel that as much as I enjoy working aboard Yamato with my colleagues, I feel a need to prove myself."

"Lieutenant, you were among the youngest officers to enter Starfleet Medical, if I recall. Surely that was an achievement of itself."

"Yes, sir. I... know that some felt I was a little green to be posted to a ship such as Yamato. And I know I have some tendencies that drive people nuts. But I feel that I need to prove myself, I can contribute positively even in our situation. Plus, from what was reported, Voyager lost her original medical staff and apparently have to rely on their EMH for care."

"Of course, and as I understood, you were one of the few staff who can work with our EMH despite it or his... eccentricities."

"I don't know if their EMH is any different, but from what I've heard from the scuttlebutt, they have maybe two or three nurses helping their EMH, and only one is full-time."

"Very well, and as for Mr Tarses...?"

The rather nervous medical technician rubbed his slightly pointed left ear. He took a breath before replying.

"Sir, you have read my service record, and my...judicial records as well. Just because I was mostly exonerated, doesn't mean it goes away."

Donald Varley understood. Simon Tarses had been involved in a controversial inquiry by the now-disgraced Rear Admiral Norah Satie over an incident that occurred aboard the Enterprise. The Starfleet investigator had exposed his part-Romulan parentage and tried to use this to accuse then CM1 Tarses as a traitor. Word of her legendary dressing down by Captain Jean-Luc Picard was spread by Starfleet Captains. Donald remembered toasting his old friend during an Academy Reunion while the Enterprise was visiting Earth. Even so, the failure to disclose his parentage had been a mark on Tarses' career and the young enlisted crewman spent years working to recover from that.

"I see..." Captain Varley paused.

"Alright, you're not the only ones volunteering to transfer. Now, understand that depending on what their crew needs, your request may or may not be accepted. But I see no reason to reject your request. I am sorry both of you do wish to transfer off Yamato, but Voyager will need some medical staff to help, and I have confidence both of you would do well."

"Thank you, sir," both responded.

"Alright then, carry on."

As both crewmembers left the ready room, Captain Varley reviewed his PADD showing others requesting to join Voyager's crew. Given that Voyager did have former Maquis crew aboard, Varley wanted to avoid potential conflict aboard the smaller ship. He was still ambivalent about the situation on Voyager but trusted that Captain Janeway could handle it. He did vet out any applicants that would have acrimony towards working with the Maquis. So far, a few were already approved including Lieutenant Junior grade Taran Jones from engineering, transporter officer Ensign Mitchell Okada, and navigation officer Ensign Monica Banks.

***

Feel free to comment and suggest ideas. I do want any feedback.

 

[mikelima777]

10) Hypothesis

U.S.S. Yamato, In Orbit of Briori II

Deck 9, Mid-Promenade

Lieutenant Commander Erica Chang and Lieutenant "Sunny" Kwang-Sun Park exited the turbo-lift as they chatted with one another. Taking a meal break from their work, they decided to have lunch along with their friend Lieutenant Jeremy Smith, one of the support officers from Cetacean Ops. They had reserved a table at one of the newer restaurants in Yamato's promenade.

The development of the Galaxy-class starship had occurred during an era when the Federation had few enemies that could pose a challenge, and there was unprecedented optimism, which some critics saw as a gilded age. As such, the designers at Utopia Planitia had included unheard of luxuries for a Federation Starship in what was becoming a massive undertaking in Project Galaxy. As a result, the original six Galaxy-class Starships, comprising the Galaxy, Yamato, Enterprise-D, Challenger, Dauntless, and Odyssey, had room allocated for a "Grotto," a massive recreational/commercial space that would span up to five decks in the Saucer section. However, the frivolity of this concept was soon realized; the Federation brass was taken aback by what they saw as excessiveness even in an era of relative peace and optimism.

Thus, the grotto concept was significantly scaled back. The Enterprise, Odyssey, and Dauntless used most of the allocated space for additional labs, quarters, with a small number of shops on Decks 9 and 10 being all that remained of the grotto concept. On the Galaxy, Challenger, and Yamato, they had a smaller promenade spanning Decks 8 through 10, though the promenade area on Deck 10 was much smaller due to space needed for the lifeboats.

On the Yamato, this area contained a number of shops and restaurants that required Federation credits for payment, offering foods and luxury goods not provided as necessities to Federation citizens. After being taken to the Delta Quadrant, this area became a hive of activity as the Yamato began to pick up various passengers, seeking a new life, or fleeing oppression or worse.

The two officers spotted the lineup at "Franklin's Smokehouse," a popular barbecue restaurant run by Jonathan Franklin, who was descended from a line of "pit bosses" from Texas on Earth, as well as a number of colleagues eating at "Hattori's" which specialized in Japanese cuisine. There was also a few other restaurants on this level, serving other cuisines from Earth, Andoria, and even Tellar Prime. Along the roof of the promenade, there were windows and screens showing the stars and space, as well as the massive planet the Yamato was orbiting. Erica and Sunny saw Jeremy waving from at one of the table's in Othel's Kitchen and waved back as they went to sit down with their friend. The restaurant was run by a Sikarian couple, Jonarin and Queenel, who wanted to try something new and expend their culinary creativity. Othel's Kitchen was gaining a reputation for excellent hospitality and service, serving a variety of Sikarian dishes as well as fusion creations.

After ordering drinks and their dishes, the three Starfleet officers began to talk shop.

"So, how was Becky today?" asked Sunny as she sipped her drink. Becky was one of the Yamato's complement of two Takaya's whales, a subspecies of Orca, aboard Yamato; she had been dealing with some minor issues after giving birth to a healthy female calf.

"Doing better after the treatment by Dr Nassir. The Dolphins had been worried, but it looks like she's going to be fine. "

the Korean-born Xenoanthropologist smiled.

"That's Great! I love hearing her jokes. Though she really enjoys her puns," she mock-shuddered. As she and Jeremy chatted about their times interacting with the cetacean crew, Sunny noticed that Chang was a bit quiet today. She was normally the talkative one. After thinking, she softened and she remembered what happened.

"Hey, Commander, are you doing alright? I know you had to attend the service for Zyn after she passed away."

Chang sighed. The older Ocampan, who had helped educate her about common diseases among the Ocampan, had succumbed to Morilogium, the final stage of an Ocampan's lifespan, last week, after becoming increasingly amnesic and erratic, showing similar symptoms as an elderly human with Alzheimer's. One of the newly birthed Ocampans was named in her honour.

"Better, but there's just something off."

Jeremy wondered, "what do you mean? As I recall, Morilogium is the end of their lifespan."

Before Chang could respond, their food arrived. After thanking the waitress, a younger Sikarian named Eulena, Chang took some time to think as she ate before continuing.

"But is it a natural lifespan? When I think about it, the Ocampan lifecycle makes no evolutionary sense. Pacific species of salmon on Earth die after spawning but they lay hundreds if not thousands of eggs. A species that lives only nine years, and only have one reproductive cycle for females is doomed to extinction unless they naturally have multiple births. We haven't seen evidence that Ocampa naturally has multiple births."

Jeremy heard the hint of something else.

"So...?"

Chang looked at Jeremy and Sunny.

"This is pure speculation at this point, but what if the Ocampan lifespan and single Elogium are symptoms of a species-wide condition?"

"What do you mean?" asked Jeremy.

"What if something has affected or altered their genetic code, causing the Ocampa to live much shorter than their normal lifespan. What if they originally had at least one more Elogium stage, and weren't supposed to develop so rapidly? Sure a species could absorb knowledge rapidly like the Ocampans, but working experience would be a different matter."

Sunny started to fill in the blanks.

"Are you saying that the entire species may have a genetic disorder or mutation?"

Jeremy had some knowledge of genetics but did take some time to contemplate what was being said. Chang continued hypothesizing.

"It could be genetic, it could be pathogen-based. We saw the desolation of their homeworld; it may have played a role. Maybe it was something related to that Caretaker? Could be malice, could be unintentional. Maybe the Nacene caused something in the Ocampa genome."

Sunny thought as she took in another spoonful of Sikarian stew.

"Have you spoken to Dr Nassir yet?"

Erica shook her head, "I was thinking of informing them of my hypothesis, but I want to get some preliminary evidence."

Sunny understood what she meant, "So, Commander, I'm guessing you want me to interview the Ocampa about their history."

"Exactly, perhaps some of them recall their species' past history, see if they have any materials on their history before they encountered the Nacene. Or what caused the desolation of their homeworld's surface."

Jeremy frowned a bit, "Even if we find out the reason, what we can do to help the Ocampa?"

Chang looked down at her lunch. "The Federation ban on Genetic Engineering of sentient species was meant to avoid the issues with Augments and the Eugenics Wars. But it does allow for medical necessity, like genetic disorders."

Jeremy eyes widened, "And survival of a species on the road to extinction due to a genetic disorder may meet the criteria for exemption from the ban."

Chang then frowned, "I need to speak with the CMO, the Counselor, and the Captain. We need to make sure anything developed to help the Ocampa still adheres to Federation Law. Despite being across the Galaxy from home, I don't wish to risk causing a bad precedent."

"Agreed."
"Agreed."

After some moments of silence eating, Jeremy decided to talk about something less serious, "So, what happened in Ten-Forward? I heard there was a commotion with one of the 37s getting drunk in the lounge. Captain Varley was pretty grumpy during today's morning announcements."

Thankful for the lighter topic, Chang quirked an eye.

"Who knows? I might ask Lieutenant-Commander Moore about that. I saw him this morning at the Officer's mess with a slight black eye."

 

[mikelima777]

11) Investigations and Repatriation

Now for something a little different.

The following events occurred before "State of Fail: Parts I and II"

****

Stardate 48642.5

Deep Space Nine

The former Cardassian Starbase was busy as always, though the attention of traffic control was currently focused on a particular ship approaching Docking Bay 4 along the outer ring. On screens, they could see the docking adaptors connect with the small starship vessel. A hull panel on the ship bow flipped oven, revealing a docking port, which was carefully mated with the gangway.

"Docking procedures complete. Welcome Back, Equinox."

"Thank you Deep Space Nine. We have confirmed a successful connection with Deck 2 docking port. Equinox out"

****

Three hours later

Sisko's Office

Captain Benjamin Sisko was playing his baseball when the door chimed.

"Come in."

The doors slid open, reveal a man with closely cropped hair, dressed in a Starfleet uniform in command division colour and holding a PADD. Captain Sisko stood up and went to shake hands.

"Welcome back Rudolph."

"Glad to be back, Benjamin."

"I'm sure your crew is glad to have time on the station?"

"Of course, though I overheard Lieutenant Burke muttering about Quark forgetting that he owed some strips of latinum."

The station commander chuckled at that.

"Perhaps your first officer could speak with Constable Odo."

Captain Ransom scoffed,

"I hope Quark remembers he owes me for that bugged holoprogram of his." He shuddered at the memory.

Grinning, Sisko gestured to his fellow Captain.

"Please, have a seat."

After ordering a cup of water from the replicator, Captain Ramson sat down after passing over the PADD to Sisko.

"Decent trip, Rudolph?"

The veteran Captain shrugged.

"Could have been worse. No other ships disappearing in front of me."

It had been just over half a year since the Equinox had been reassigned to Deep Space Nine indefinitely. Starfleet was becoming increasingly concerned with the prospect of a new conflict in the Alpha Quadrant. With the destruction of the Odyssey, it appeared that the Federation was on the brink of war with the Dominion, located in the Gamma Quadrant.

The Equinox, unlike the Defiant, was not built for war, despite its phaser arrays and photon torpedo launchers. However, it possessed a more comprehensive array of sensors than the purpose-built "escort." As a Nova-class starship, the Equinox was designed for surveying systems and research, meant to replace the reliable but outdated Oberth-class starships. Because of their intended purpose, the Nova-class had impressive long-ranged and comprehensive sensors for its size, making the Equinox perfect for early warning.

Of course, part of the reason she was assigned to DS9, Sisko suspected, was due to the fallout from the disappearance of Yamato earlier this year.

Sisko sighed.

"Rudolph, I know you still feel guilty about what happened in the Badlands earlier this year with the Yamato."

Captain Ramson took a deep breath.

"I know everyone says I did nothing wrong, but... I still remember watching thousands of lives disappear without a trace, right before my eyes. The second Galaxy-class starship to be lost in just two years."

Sisko nodded. The massive Galaxy-class starships, among the most powerful in the Quadrant and once the darlings of Starfleet, were seeing some concerns from some Admirals. Of course, many were pointing out that no one expected the Dominion to use suicide tactics, and the circumstances around Yamato and what happened in the Badlands was still unexplained.

With the disappearance of the U.S.S. Voyager, fresh out of Utopia Planitia, Starfleet wanted answers as to why two Federation starship, among their most capable designs, went missing in the same region of space, which worryingly bore similarities to a number of earlier disappearances, mostly civilian freighters. As a result, Captain Ramson and the Equinox were tasked with surveying the Badlands and perhaps find clues about what really happened to the Yamato and Voyager.

"There was something we did find."

Sisko looked intently at Captain Ramson.

"Yes, Rudolph?"

"During this mission, we managed to perform scans on the Galor-class wreck the Equinox discovered during our previous mission." He gestured to the PADD.

Sisko read through the report and frowned, "The Galor was confirmed to be the Vetar, disappeared while pursuing a Maquis raider. Scans of the debris detected patterns of polarized magnetic variation?"

The Captain of the Equinox shrugged.

"The patterns of the variations looked random on first glance, but my Science officer felt something was odd about the results," Ramson remarked, "After docking here at Deep Space Nine, she sent the data from our scans to the Daystrom Institute and Memory Alpha. We just got the reply a few moments ago." Ramson produced a second PADD and gave it to Captain Sisko.

"They had a consensus. There were indications of two wave patterns of polarized variations. The closest match is a displacement wave encountered by the USS Enterprise of Captain James T Kirk in 2267."

Sisko frowned, "The Guardian of Forever Incident. Are you suggesting time travel may be involved?"

Ransom shook his head, "unlikely, scans showed no indications of chronitons or other particles associated with time travel. Whatever the reason, I think we need to consider the possibility that the disappearances were not caused by natural phenomena. Something, or someone, took the Yamato and Voyager."

****

Veridian System

USS Enterprise, in orbit around Veridian III

"Captain's Log, Stardate 48650.1. Three Starfleet vessels have arrived in orbit, deploying repair teams to survey the Enterprise. Fortunately, we had sustained minor casualties during the battle with the Duras sisters. However, the Enterprise was crippled and will need to be towed by the USS Farragut to Starbase Montgomery for emergency repairs. I have been told that the Enterprise will be ordered to Starbase 324, before proceeding to Utopia Planitia for an extensive refit. My Chief Engineer believes that the additional ablative armour fitted after testing by the Yamato bought enough time to eject the warp core before it breached. In the end, the Yamato may have indirectly saved the Enterprise one last time.

On a more solemn note, we have placed the body of Captain James Tiberius Kirk in Holodeck 1. Out of respect, I felt it was appropriate to bring him home in a fitting matter. I am told that several of his old friends and colleagues are heading to Starbase 324, and will help bring his remains back to Earth. Despite our brief time together, he has made an impact, and in his passing, has saved countless lives once again."

Captain Jean-Luc Picard looked around at the bridge of the Enterprise, bearing the scars of battles. Lieutenant Commander Data was able to control his emotions as he monitored what was happened outside the ship from his console. Some of the other consoles remained inoperable or scorched, while loose debris hung from the ceiling and lay on the floor. Those injured on the Bridge were now down in sickbay for observation or treatment, including Commanders Riker and Troi.

"Message from the Farragut, Captain. They are ready to manoeuver into position for the tractor beam tow."

The veteran Captain nodded as he sat down in his seat, his chair battered by recent events but still intact.

"Thank you, Mr Data." Looking up, Picard asked his tactical Officer, "Mr Worf, are all decks ready?"

"One moment Captain..." After several moments with Worf's station beeping with updates, the Klingon Starfleet officer confirmed.

"Aye, sir. All sections reporting they are ready for the tow."

"Make it so, Mr Data."

"Message sent Captain."

Captain Picard felt the shudder as the viewscreen became bathed in the bluish-green of the Farragut's tractor beam, emanating from the stern of the Nebula-class starship.

The Enterprise was heavily damaged by the surprise attack from the Duras sisters' Bird of Prey. Quick thinking by Lieutenant Commander Worf and Commander Riker brought their rampage to a decisive end. The Duras sisters up to their ultimate demise did not realize that the Enterprise had a few new features added during her last visit to a Starbase.

After the loss of the Odyssey, ablative armour, which was tested aboard the Yamato for use in the Sovereign-class and Defiant-class, was ordered and refitted on surviving members of the Galaxy-class in service, during their next visits to drydock, as well as spaceframes that recently resumed construction. Like the armour applied to Yamato, Enterprise was fitted with armour around vital parts of the ship, including around the Bridge module, the impulse reactors rooms, the "neck" of the stardrive, around the torpedo magazines, but most crucially, around the antimatter stores, deuterium tank, and the hull panels around main engineering and the Warp Core.

After destroying the rogue Bird of Prey, however, the warp core was destabilized, but fortunately, the ejection system remained functional. LaForge was able to eject the core just as it started to go critical, with the ship able to make some distance before containment was lost. Despite this, the massive starship was damaged when the core breached, nearly sending the Enterprise out of control. Despite the damage, the Enterprise was able to remain in orbit, running on the impulse reactors and main batteries.

Worf, bruised though pleased by the end of the Duras sisters, remarked, "Today was a good day for Lursa and B'Tor to die."

Picard nodded at that. While he would have preferred to have the two arrested, their apparent end would hopefully mean less trouble from the House of Duras for the Federation. Picard then frowned, having been reminded of something reported before the incident in the Armagosa system. There were earlier reports of potential hostilities between the Klingons and Cardassians.

The body of Captain James T. Kirk had been recovered by the Transporter and after an autopsy by Dr Crusher, he was placed inside a torpedo tube casing which was draped with the flag of the United Federation of Planets. It was then moved through the battered corridors and turbolifts to Holodeck 1, where a recreation of the bridge aboard the Constitution-class USS Enterprise was prepared. The first leg of Captain James Tiberius Kirk's final journey home would take place with him resting in the bridge of his most famous and beloved command.

 

[mikelima777]

12) Decisions and Reflection

U.S.S. Yamato, In Orbit of Briori II

Deck 12, Holodeck 11

A gentle breeze blew, causing Sakura blossoms to wave back and forth. At a stone bench, two men sat, one with their eyes closed as they meditated. One was dressed still in the service uniform of the Imperial Japanese Army, the other in the uniform of Starfleet, with the gold division colours of engineering.

"If I did not know this was a recreation, I would swear I was back in Japan," said Second Lieutenant Takeshi Nogami. He graciously accepted the cup of sencha green tea from his companion. "This is good tea."

Lieutenant Commander Kensuke "Bryan" Toyoda nodded. "Thank you, Lieutenant Nogami."

The former IJA officer shook his head, "Please, call me Takeshi. The army I once belonged to has passed into the annals of history for better or for worst." He rubbed his forehead, still bruised from the events of a few days ago.

To say that Takeshi Nogami took the reality of his situation hard would be an understatement. While Imperial Japan had cut a swath in an attempt to occupy parts of China, Takeshi had been stationed on Majuro but was abducted one night while on leave. Over the past few days, curiously led to him accessing the library of the massive starship, and learned the fate of Japan, and with it, the utter devastation that was World War II. Nogami's father, who served in the First World War and had worked alongside the British, had taught Nogami that Prisoners and non-Japanese should not be mistreated. The records and visual evidence of war crimes perpetrated by the Empire of Japan, including the Nanjing massacre, led Nogami to drink excessively in Ten Forward.

He honestly could not remember what happened next, waking up in a holding cell watched by a pair of rather unhappy security officers. However, he was able to speak with the strikingly beautiful Chief Counselor, who helped him work through his emotional duress, reconciling his own experiences with the bleak reality of what his colleagues had done.

"It has been centuries since your disappearance, Takeshi. Japan still exists, now as part of something much larger than even our homeworld."

Nogami sighed as he drank another sip of tea, "Kensuke, I am a product of an era much different from your Federation. I was taught to believe things that would not be accepted by your society. And as I much as I am impressed by this spaceship, it was still named after an Imperial Japanese Navy warship, one that came after my time on Earth."

Toyoda spoke gently,

"Takeshi, we understand that you did not mean to cause the incident at Ten Forward. It would be foolish to assume someone waking up over 3 centuries would not have some adverse reaction or difficulties with adjusting."

Nogami frowned.

"To know that people I knew, would descend into such... wanton violence and maliciousness... what honour would be had from murdering non-combatants and innocent lives? Yet, I was one of them. I was a member of the Imperial Japanese Army. I now bear what remains of their sins and guilt.

If I stay aboard this ship, I may be nothing more than an old weight, that clings to a past long gone. I may never set foot on Earth again, yes. But I feel an obligation to the descendants of my fellow Japanese abductees. I intend to live on, to help the people on this planet continue to learn from the mistakes of our past. And help them against whatever comes next."

The two men fell silent, listening as a Shishi-odoshi continuously filled then dumped water into a koi pond.

***

Deck 10, Holodeck 5

On the other side of the Saucer, a team of Aeroponics technicians was managing rows of carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale inside what was formerly one of Yamato's 8 large multipurpose holodecks. The massive double doors, a holdover from its original use, opened with an engineer coming in. One of the technicians waved at the newcomer.

"Hey Wilkins, over here!"

The Ensign walked over carrying a tote full of parts.

"Hey Holtz, Heard you guys had some minor issues with the lighting system and the nutrient mixer."

"Yup, nothing too serious, though Drex over there thinks it's that supposed virus."

Wilkins snorted, "That again? It's just an onboard myth. We've combed over every isolinear chip and circuitry. There is no evidence of the holodeck being infected by what's left of that Iconian Virus from over 6 years ago."

Drex, looking a bit nervous, insisted, "Yet, the reported bugs encountered before we started using it for aeroponics..."

Wilkins crossed his arms.

"Really? I don't think an Iconian computer virus would turn holo-program characters into man-sized homicidal tofu blocks. Though it's either that or the holodeck kept trying to play the Sha Ka Ree incident."

Holtz was bemused, "Wasn't that some actor's attempt at dramatizing what happened to the Enterprise-A in 2287?"

"Details, details. The point is, there is no evidence this Holodeck is still infected by the Iconian virus, and no I don't think this holodeck is cursed. At most, there is some kind of computer glitch in the holographic matrix, hence why we converted it for aeroponics"

The light fixtures for the vegetables flickered for a bit.

Wilkins sighed, "...alright, let's take a look at the control panel."

***

Deck 8, Promenade, Infinite Imaginations

Among the stores that opened in Yamato's Promenade, Infinite Imaginations had become very popular for the crew and passengers, regardless of their origins. Started by a group of entrepreneurs and programmers, the store was focused on providing both premade recreational holo-programs as well custom made ones to suit the needs of their clients. Such holo-programs were vigorously tested and debugged to avoid issues and potentially catastrophic errors that were common in programs made by inexperienced people, which was not uncommon.

Part of their other work onboard the Yamato was ensuring that all training and standard programs for the holodecks did not contain unwanted surprises or errors. Over the years, the holodeck incidents aboard the Enterprise had been the stuff of legends across the fleet. However, even the programmers of Infinite Imaginations were stumped by the peculiar bugs that manifested Holodeck 5, not that it mattered as it was repurposed when the Yamato became stuck in the Delta Quadrant.

Today, one of the owners, Jacky Smith, was working, finishing up a new program for Captain Varley. He smiled as Petty Officer 2nd Class Darrell Fung entered the shop.

"Hello, Darrell, here to pick up your order?"

The petty officer nodded, "Yes. I got the message on my PADD that it was ready."

The storeowner kneeled down behind the counter before bringing out a box containing a set of isolinear chips.

"Right, you ordered the enhanced package for 'Waikiki Beach on Spring Break.' We've checked and all the customizations you asked for are working as expected."

Looking over the box and its contents, the Petty Officer nodded, before bringing out his PADD and typing some commands.

"Thank you, and here are the agreed-upon credits."

Jacky's PADD chirped, indicating the receipt of Federation credits. The storeowner read the PADD.

"Perfect. As always, any issues with the Holoprogram, contact us, and we'll send someone to check it out."

Darrell smiled and thanked Jacky once more before leaving. He couldn't wait to try the program out during his next booking for holodeck time.

***

Deck 1, Observation Lounge,

The Conference table was covered in PADDs and mugs of caffeinated drinks as various department heads met with First Officer Woods and Captain Varley to develop training programs for new recruits.

Over 300 people from Briori II expressed interest in joining the Yamato crew for the journey back to the Alpha Quadrant. Assuming all of those interested chose to stay, Yamato added over 600 people from the Delta Quadrant as new passenger and crew. Fortunately, the Yamato still had plenty of unused contingency quarters, but with a number expressing interest in enlisting as part of the crew, they were now having to figure out basic and specialized training programs.

Already some Ocampans had completed training as crewmen, but now a number of Sikarians, Banaeans, and a pair of Cataati refugees were interested, not to mention potentially over a hundred new recruits from the human colony here.

Captain Varley had sent a message to Voyager, informing Captain Janeway of the plans to transfer some experienced crew members to replace some of the losses they reported, particularly their medical department.

Nevertheless, the senior officers of Yamato needed to prepare both for the near and long term with their sights turned on continuing the journey back to the Federation.

*****

U.S.S. Voyager

Deck 3, Chakotay's Office

Chakotay's office was originally one of the VIP quarters on the ship, though the bathroom and bed were retained for when Chakotay needed a break. The Maquis commander and former Starfleet Academy instructor read a report at his desk when the door chime sounded.

"Come in."

He was not entirely surprised at who appeared, easily recognizing his crewmembers from the Val Jean. And judging by their faces, Chakotay knew he had to speak to them not as the First Officer of Voyager, but as a senior member of the Maquis.

"Computer, seal door, authorization Chakotay-Sigma-Five."

Taking off his combadge, he gestured, "Michael, Jacob please have a seat."

Michael Jonas and Jacob Hogan both sat down, looking both anxious but also resolved. Jonas passed two PADDs to Chakotay. They waited patiently as their former commander read their statements.

"Okay, I want to set the record straight: Both of you want to remain on Briori II."

Both men nodded.

"May as I ask why?"

Jonas replied with a touch of anger, frustration, and resignation.

"Chakotay, we just cannot stay on this ship for much longer under 'Captain' Janeway. Given you've decided to stay under her command, we both felt we have no other choice. We both never fit with Starfleet, not in the past, the present or in the future. We can't do this.

I'm sorry, Chakotay, but we just cannot live under Starfleet rules and regulations on Voyager, let alone the Yamato."

Chakotay thought carefully before asking, "You understand that once Voyager and Yamato leave, there is no turning back and no more chances to reconsider, right?"

Hogan replied, less vocal than Jonas, but still insistent.

"Chakotay, Michael and I already discussed it. Neither of us has any real ties back home. The Maquis were the closest we had to family, but let's be honest, it's unlikely the Maquis would last with the Federation, Cardassians, and potentially the Dominion contesting the Badlands. Both of us have no future in the Federation.

Both of us believe we need a fresh start. Free of our past, and able to find some meaning with our situation. We can do something to help protect the people in the Briori System, given the issues with the Kazon and the like."

Jonas stared at Chakotay,

"Sir, we've made our choice. Please, just let us have this one thing. Let us live our lives our own way, away from the Federation and the Cardassians. Just like old times in the Badlands."

Chakotay looked at each of them, thinking deeply. He finally sighed.

"Alright. I'll forward your letters of resignation to the Captain, and inform her that both of you will be preparing to depart the ship. I'm sorry you feel that you cannot stay, but I understand. All I ask is that you still uphold the values of the Maquis, to help the helpless, when you settle down on that planet."

He stood up and went to shake hands with each of them. Hogan and Jonas fought back tears as they knew they would be saying goodbye forever to the fellow Maquis choosing to stay. However, their time on Voyager was nearing its conclusion.

Feeling slightly emotional himself, Chakotay nodded to both of them as he unsealed the doors.

"Very well, you're free to go."

As they left, Chakotay sighed once more as he sat down. Thirty-six Maquis members, including himself, were recovered from the Val Jean and became part of the Voyager crew. Ever since, there remained tensions between the Maquis and Starfleet portions of the crew, despite attempts by Chatokay and Captain Janeway to unite the two sides. Then, Seska revealed herself to be a Cardassian Spy, causing more distrust and unease. With Jonas and Hogan both choosing to leave the ship, it confirmed the rumours that some of the Maquis were seriously considering the offer to leave Voyager and stay behind.

For Chakotay, part of him wished they stuck together. He had fears that some of the remaining Maquis may feel cornered as they comprised even less of the Voyager crew. On the other hand, they had to work together, and if some cannot accept the situation and work together, then so be it. At the very least, Captain Janeway had agreed to concede some looser regulations for off-duty personnel.

He then activated a PADD, containing a message sent years ago by Commander Beth Woods, expressing both disappointment and understanding of his decision to leave Starfleet. His old flame had urged Chakotay to still uphold certain principles and virtues, even if he joined the Maquis. To never give in to fear and hatred. To protect those that cannot protect themselves. To fight for what was right.

He hoped he hadn't failed.

***

Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room.

Meanwhile, Captain Janeway was busy with the most dangerous threat to the future of Voyager. There was no doubt that letting Seska leave was far too dangerous, but keeping her in the Brig indefinitely was equally unappealing. She was surprised by what her Security Chief proposed.

"So you want us to knock out Seska with gas, then shove her into a stasis pod."

"Perhaps more crude than necessary, but correct. Given our situation, it is the most logical solution. Indeed, allowing for a chance for her to escape would potentially cause major problems for this region of space. And given you already stated her... termination would be unacceptable, this is the only other method that would not violate our code of ethics."

Janeway pondered, then asked Tuvok.

"Can we do so without her resisting?"

Tuvok raised an eyebrow.

"Indeed. The key is to ensure she remains unconscious for sufficient time to be placed into stasis. I am sure that the Doctor's extensive knowledge includes the proper amount of anaesthetic to render Seska unconscious but alive. Afterwards, her stasis pod can be kept in one of the unused storage rooms, sealed by your authorization."

"Certainly appealing. I will need to speak with Chatokay and B'lanna about this proposal."

***

Deck 4, Ensign Munro's Quarters

Ensign Munro was working at his desk on a report when his door chimed. The young ensign placed down his PADD and called out.

"Come in."

The door opened, revealing Telsia Murphy looking a bit nervous.

"Telsia?"

"Alex... can I talk to you for a bit?"

Alex nodded,

"Of course, please, have a seat."

The twenty-year-old former Maquis stepped inside and sat down on Munro's couch at the same time as the relatively young ensign.

Alex could tell that something what eating at Telsia but she was still struggling to open up.

"Hey Telsia, wanna share some dessert?"

"Okay, Alex."

He went up to this quarter's food replicator and ordered.

"Chocolate Ice Cream, four scoops, two spoons."

The food replicator soon produced the requested dessert and cutlery.

He carefully brought back the ice cream and offered a spoon to Telsia. She gratefully accepted the spoon and soon the two were silently eating spoonfuls of ice cream.

Munro finally spoke up. "You don't need to say yes or no. Is it about the rumours of Maquis choosing to leave Voyager?"

Telsia hesitated. Alex took a breath. They have had similar conversations in the past.

"And you've told me in the past about not feeling like you belong. You told me of your childhood living on the streets, in an Orion-dominated slum, where women were mistreated. Resort to stealing to make it to the next day. Even with the Maquis you often worked alone, with little contact with your peers."

Alex could hear Telsia breathe a little heavier than normal.

"Telsia?"

Alex could see a single tear trail down her face.

"Please, look at me Telsia."

As she turned to look at him, he realized she was scared, almost like she reliving her childhood on the streets.

"I...I don't know what to decide..."

Alex placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Telsia, I just want you to know, that you do matter. You do belong on Voyager. I know for a fact that despite your initial resentment at following the rules, you still persisted, and I'll let you in on a secret. Lieutenant Foster thinks very highly of you."

Despite her tearing up, she laughed,

"Les? Ol' Grumpy face?"

Alex snorted despite himself,

"The very one. Yes, he was happy to try and capture Maquis when we went to the Badlands, but you know I talk with him frequently. He has read your file and doesn't blame you for joining the Maquis given your childhood. He was angry at the long-time officers who resigned from Starfleet. You know he is a manualist, right? The fact you worked so hard to overcome all the challenges you had has really impressed him.

Plus you're one helluva crack shot. You kicked my ass in the range results time after time, Tels. You managed to knock out freaking Biessman in sparring. Hell, you nearly matched Tuvok's record for accuracy.

But more importantly, you're my friend. Your snarky comments during PT is always amusing, and I've told you things about myself I haven't even told Austin, and I've known him since the Academy."

Alex Munro opened his arms and embraced Telsia who shook as she returned the embrace.

"Plus, I know for a fact that there are others who consider you a friend. Juliet, despite her acting like a Vulcan at times, told me she really enjoys hanging out with you. Austin thinks your nicknames for certain people are hilarious, and we always have a fun time playing cards or other games as a group."

Alex and Telsia foreheads touched as she calmed down.

"You were the first real friend I've ever had," Telsia said. "Not on Bellatrix V, not at the Academy, not even in the Maquis."

Alex nodded, "No matter what happens, we need to stick together."

"Thank you, Alex."

After another minute or two, Alex and Telsia separated, with Alex gesturing towards the plate on his table.

"Well, let's finish up this ice cream before it melts."

Telsia smiled, holding her spoon.

"Let's."

*****

Comments? Suggestions? Rotten Tomatoes?

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

I'm not generally a fan of alternate takes of franchise series, but this one has a strong original streak that I'm enjoying. Vyre clean writing style, which I appreciate. And where you're writing franchise characters, you're getting their voices right, which is a bit of a trick.

Thanks!! rbs