Author's Note: Unlike some of my most recent work, this is a work in progress, so some things might be subject to change once the final version is put on the United Trek website. I want to thank Dave Falkayn, CeJay, and the other UT writers because I have drawn on UT various series for this story. I hope you enjoy reading.
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FORGED IN FIRE
Archanis sector
2228
“White pawn to section 5, grid 7, and pawn takes Rook.” Lt. Isaac Mtolo grinned in triumph. “That’s checkmate.” Across the stars, Abbott’s smile was askew.
“I’ll be damned,” he shook his head. “I guess there’s a first time for everything.”
Mtolo nodded his head, still savoring the win, as the spherical chess board hung on the screen. He pressed his eyeglasses back on his face. The pesky eyewear had a habit of sliding to the end of his nose. “Damn right it is.”
“Now I regret giving you a ring,” Abbott joked. It had been Frank’s idea to finally finish the game they had been playing in person four months ago when both of their ships had been docked at Starbase 5. Then, both had been playing with Abbott’s physical chess set, but the man had sent him a version via subspace, with a spherical board.
The principals were basically the same, and Isaac had finally outthought his friend to seize the win. “It was a good game though,” Abbott conceded. “You’re better at strategizing than you give yourself credit for, Isaac.”
“Yeah, well,” Mtolo said, not liking where the conversation was heading. Franklin could sense that, but his old friend pushed ahead anyway.
“You’re spinning your wheels man,” Abbott said. “You should be on the command track.”
“I like being a science officer,” Mtolo said defensively.
“You’re the Geological Technician,” Abbott shot back. “Not even running the science department.”
“Listen, not everyone is as driven as you are,” Mtolo said, but without his usual fire. They had had variations of this conversation since their Academy days. Franklin was a go-getter. He had scaled quickly up the ranks, and was now was third officer aboard the Fortune.
And while Franklin was on the fast track, he had been languishing as the exogeologist on the Albemarle. Mtolo had done well at the Academy, his instructors encouraging him to do just as Frank suggested.
But Isaac didn’t think he was ready for anything of that magnitude, to be responsible for the lives of so many people.
Plus, he had developed a deep interest in the geology of Andoria and had been considering taking an extended leave or leaving the Fleet all together to work on a book of Andorian-human history that he had wanted to write for years.
He had been honing his research skills aboard Albemarle in the hopes of using those abilities to complete his book, and Mtolo had really enjoyed conducting planetary surveys of the planets Albemarle had encountered, including the search for resources within the Archanis sector.
Though the sector divided Federation and Klingon space, the feeling of dread about being so close to the Klingons had dissipated with each discovery Albemarle encountered.
Isaac had been resting up from his last Zero G trip outside Albemarle to study the rocky remnants in orbit around the planet they were currently orbiting. Mtolo had just started to work on the geological lab report of his latest findings when Frank had called. Fortune was bringing more supplies to the growing Federation colony at Archanis IV, which allowed for real-time subspace communication with the Albemarle.
“I know you’re good at what you do Isaac,” Frank said. “But I think you’re wasting your talents all the same.”
“Thanks,” Isaac riposted.
“No, seriously,” Frank held up his hands. “I’m done preaching now, but I had to just get that in.”
“You wouldn’t be the same old space barnacle if you didn’t,” Isaac chuckled. Abbott smiled. “So, since you’re so interested in my career, what about yours?”
“Things are going well,” Abbott said. “I wanted to finish up our game before I was going to tell you, I’ve been offered a second officer’s position aboard the Bradbury.”
“Congratulations!” Mtolo said.
“Thanks,” Frank’s smile dimmed. “But I don’t know if I’m going to take it.”
“Why not?” Isaac was taken aback. “I thought that’s what you wanted, the captain’s chair?”
“I do, but now, I’m starting to get where you’re coming from,” Frank admitted.
“Oh?” Isaac replied. It seemed like Frank was full of more surprises.
“Yeah, I’ve enjoyed my time aboard Fortune quite a bit. We’ve developed quite the team,” Frank added.
“Oh really? Who is she?” Mtolo asked.
Abbott chuckled. “I can’t pull a fast one over on you can I?”
“Nope,” Mtolo replied. “So, who’s the girl?”
“She’s ah, she’s an astrophysicist,” Frank confessed.
“I can tell from your tone, that you’re really serious about this one,” Mtolo said.
“I am,” Abbott nodded.
“That’s great,” Mtolo said.
“It’s just got me thinking, about the rat race, the fast climb up the ladder,” Frank added. “Perhaps I’ve moved too fast, skipped a lot of life, and I don’t want that to be the case with her.”
“Then don’t allow that to happen,” Isaac replied. “You’ve got years to get to that seat, and you’ll get there. Don’t miss out on this Frank.”
“Thanks,” Abbott nodded again. “And I guess, I guess I keep pestering you about reconsidering the center chair because I’ve been rethinking it. And maybe, on some level, I guess, I was trying to convince myself to get back on the command track.”
“I see,” Isaac replied, “Well, whatever the motivation, you’re not wrong. I got some rethinking to do myself, about what I really want. I’m not even sure Starfleet is the best place for me, right now at least.”
“Maybe,” Frank nodded.
Mtolo looked at him sideways. “That wasn’t the reply I was expecting from you.”
“As much as it seems I’ve wanted to, I don’t want to direct your life,” Abbott smiled. “That’s for you to do.”
“Take that advice for yourself old friend,” Isaac said.
“I’m trying,” Abbott replied.
The intercom broke up the conversation. “I’ve got to get this,” Mtolo said. He got up from his desk and went to the companel. It opened the line. “Mtolo here.”
“Lt. Mtolo,” the science officer said. “Report to the shuttle bay. Bring your excursion jacket, sidearm, communicator, flash unit, and tricorder.”
“Acknowledged,” Mtolo replied. He went back to the desk. Abbott’s expression was questioning.
“You heard that right?” Isaac asked.
“Yeah,” Frank answered. “Everything alright out there?”
“I’m about to find out,” Mtolo said. “Till next time?”
“Absolutely,” Abbott’s smile was reassuring. “Be safe out there.”
“You too.”
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USS Albemarle
Shuttle Bay
Lt. Mtolo was still adjusting his gray excursion jacket when he entered the shuttle bay. The shuttle Croatan was thrumming. Lt. Ninon Auguste was standing in the Croatan’s airlock. “I’m so glad you could join us Isaac.”
Isaac smiled as he sped up the gangplank. Mtolo pushed up his glasses and straightened his dark gray uniform hat as he bent down and entered the shuttle. “So they brought you out of mothballs too,” he said to the Haitian Archaeology and Anthropology officer. “This must be big.”
“It is Lieutenant,” Captain Killian turned around in the co-pilot’s chair in the cockpit. Mtolo immediately froze.
“I’m, I’m sorry, sir,” Isaac was eventually able to get the words past the lump in his throat. Killian, a man with a doleful blue-eyed gaze, very lined face, and silvering tips, regarding the junior officer for few moments.
“Take a seat and strap in,” the captain ordered, before reclaiming his seat. Ninon patted the empty seat beside her. Mtolo took it and placed the heavy harness over his chest. Across from them sat Science Officer Ballesteros and Security Chief Rexona. The quartet was nearly knee to knee in the cramped shuttle. Further taking up space was two security guards-one a beefy dark-hued man and the other a slender Kamorian woman-in two aft seats. Both held laser rifles between their legs.
In the cockpit Lt. Rouass, Albemarle’s helm officer, was at the shuttle’s controls, and the captain sat beside him. “We’re ready to go Lieutenant,” the captain said. “Take us out.”
Isaac leaned forward as the shuttle lifted and Rouass guided it toward the opening doors. Mtolo was always amazed each time he flew out into the cosmos. Granted he did it all the time aboard Albemarle, but being aboard a shuttle made him that much closer to the great beyond.
There was an asteroid field surrounding the planet. “Polarize the hull,” Killian ordered. Seconds later the shuttle began to rattle as they entered the field and the shuttle scraped against the chunks of rocks.
“Careful Lt. Rouass,” Killian admonished. “There are a lot of precious minerals in this moon.”
“Aye sir,” Rouass said, her voice strained, as she sought to navigate the shuttle through the field.
“Moon?” Auguste whispered to Isaac.
Before he answered, Lt. Rexona leaned forward. She was the only one not wearing a uniform hat, which was something the captain required for landing parties. Her pyramidal shaped head made wearing the standard caps an impossibility.
“Mr. Mtolo’s first geological lab report revealed that this asteroid field was once a moon orbiting the planet and had experienced some unknown catastrophe which broke it apart. But I surmise that it had been destroyed, by something of immense power.” The bronze-skinned Fenarian’s tone was ominous.
“Maybe what caused it is down on that planet,” Lt. Commander Ballesteros chimed in. “The readings we’re getting are certainly not what we were expecting,” the man said, not hiding his excitement.
“And that’s what concerns me,” Rexona replied. The lump returned to Mtolo’s throat.
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Planetside
Rouass lowered the shuttle with remarkable grace on a rocky crag overlooking a valley. The ride through the planet’s atmosphere had been rough. Isaac had thought more than once he was going to cough up his lunch, and besides the stench he didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of Ninon.
But Ninon wasn’t looking much better. The woman’s fingers were clutching her harness and Isaac was certain her cinnamon cheeks had a seasick green blush.
The woman caught him looking at her and smiled weakly. Mtolo nodded in sympathy.
“That wasn’t so bad,” Captain Killian was already out of his seat. He was looking at his suffering crew. “Like being rocked to sleep in a cradle.”
“Correct sir,” Lt. Commander Ballesteros spoke up, “A cradle on a storming sea.”
“Let’s not talk about storms,” Killian scowled. “We don’t know how much of a window we have here before the next one occurs.”
“Understood sir,” Ballesteros said before lifting his harness and standing up. Mtolo and the others followed suit. Mtolo’s legs were rubbery, but he maintained his balance.
“Everyone get their gear and let’s get ready to go out there,” Killian ordered. The man pulled his pistol from the holster, checked it and then shoved it back in.
“Uh, captain,” Mtolo ventured, raising his hand like he was back in grade school. A chuckle from one of the guards made the geologist aware of his gesture. Isaac quickly put his hand down.
“Yes Lieutenant?” Killian snapped. Despite all the stories about Killian’s temper, many of which were true, Isaac still thought the man was a good captain and a tough warrior. He had gotten Albemarle through several rough scrapes with everyone from Mirak raiders, Nausicaan pirates, Valakian extremists, to Orion slavers.
“What are we doing here, on the planet’s surface?” Mtolo asked. Killian sighed.
He looked to the first officer. Ballesteros spoke up. “Lieutenant Mtolo, our apologies, but we didn’t have time to explain.” Killian grumbled at that but he didn’t interject. The executive officer continued, “The electromagnetic storms ravaging the planet have made sensor readings nigh impossible since we’ve been in orbit, but with the unusual break we detected a Klingon distress call.”
“Klingon?” Mtolo’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“Well, this sector of space borders theirs,” Lt. Rexona said.
“Rexona is correct,” Ballesteros replied. “It’s possible that the Klingons crashed here. There have been several ship disappearances near this planet over the years.”
“Or the Klingons are up to something nefarious,” Killian weighed in. “In any event, you’re here to confirm that the readings are real and not the result of the planet’s geology.” As if reading both Isaac’s and Ninon’s mind, “And you’re here Lt. Auguste because the distress call isn’t all the sensors detected on the planet’s surface.”
“What else was discovered here sir?” Auguste asked.
Killian looked at Ballesteros. “Number One, tell her.”
Ballesteros pointed out the shuttle’s window. “In the valley below us, there’s the remnant of a city,” he explained. Ninon didn’t hide her excitement at the find. “And that’s where the distress call was coming from, but it went silent before we disembarked from Albemarle.”
“I didn’t want us to fly up on them because I’m not sure what we’re dealing with,” Killian said. “Well climb down into the valley and make our way circuitously to the ruins, using the darkness as our cover. I want everyone with their pistols either in hand or damn near close.” He turned away from the group and looked through the forward port. “I don’t know what’s out, but it’s something, and I want to be ready for it when it greets us.”
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FORGED IN FIRE
Archanis sector
2228
“White pawn to section 5, grid 7, and pawn takes Rook.” Lt. Isaac Mtolo grinned in triumph. “That’s checkmate.” Across the stars, Abbott’s smile was askew.
“I’ll be damned,” he shook his head. “I guess there’s a first time for everything.”
Mtolo nodded his head, still savoring the win, as the spherical chess board hung on the screen. He pressed his eyeglasses back on his face. The pesky eyewear had a habit of sliding to the end of his nose. “Damn right it is.”
“Now I regret giving you a ring,” Abbott joked. It had been Frank’s idea to finally finish the game they had been playing in person four months ago when both of their ships had been docked at Starbase 5. Then, both had been playing with Abbott’s physical chess set, but the man had sent him a version via subspace, with a spherical board.
The principals were basically the same, and Isaac had finally outthought his friend to seize the win. “It was a good game though,” Abbott conceded. “You’re better at strategizing than you give yourself credit for, Isaac.”
“Yeah, well,” Mtolo said, not liking where the conversation was heading. Franklin could sense that, but his old friend pushed ahead anyway.
“You’re spinning your wheels man,” Abbott said. “You should be on the command track.”
“I like being a science officer,” Mtolo said defensively.
“You’re the Geological Technician,” Abbott shot back. “Not even running the science department.”
“Listen, not everyone is as driven as you are,” Mtolo said, but without his usual fire. They had had variations of this conversation since their Academy days. Franklin was a go-getter. He had scaled quickly up the ranks, and was now was third officer aboard the Fortune.
And while Franklin was on the fast track, he had been languishing as the exogeologist on the Albemarle. Mtolo had done well at the Academy, his instructors encouraging him to do just as Frank suggested.
But Isaac didn’t think he was ready for anything of that magnitude, to be responsible for the lives of so many people.
Plus, he had developed a deep interest in the geology of Andoria and had been considering taking an extended leave or leaving the Fleet all together to work on a book of Andorian-human history that he had wanted to write for years.
He had been honing his research skills aboard Albemarle in the hopes of using those abilities to complete his book, and Mtolo had really enjoyed conducting planetary surveys of the planets Albemarle had encountered, including the search for resources within the Archanis sector.
Though the sector divided Federation and Klingon space, the feeling of dread about being so close to the Klingons had dissipated with each discovery Albemarle encountered.
Isaac had been resting up from his last Zero G trip outside Albemarle to study the rocky remnants in orbit around the planet they were currently orbiting. Mtolo had just started to work on the geological lab report of his latest findings when Frank had called. Fortune was bringing more supplies to the growing Federation colony at Archanis IV, which allowed for real-time subspace communication with the Albemarle.
“I know you’re good at what you do Isaac,” Frank said. “But I think you’re wasting your talents all the same.”
“Thanks,” Isaac riposted.
“No, seriously,” Frank held up his hands. “I’m done preaching now, but I had to just get that in.”
“You wouldn’t be the same old space barnacle if you didn’t,” Isaac chuckled. Abbott smiled. “So, since you’re so interested in my career, what about yours?”
“Things are going well,” Abbott said. “I wanted to finish up our game before I was going to tell you, I’ve been offered a second officer’s position aboard the Bradbury.”
“Congratulations!” Mtolo said.
“Thanks,” Frank’s smile dimmed. “But I don’t know if I’m going to take it.”
“Why not?” Isaac was taken aback. “I thought that’s what you wanted, the captain’s chair?”
“I do, but now, I’m starting to get where you’re coming from,” Frank admitted.
“Oh?” Isaac replied. It seemed like Frank was full of more surprises.
“Yeah, I’ve enjoyed my time aboard Fortune quite a bit. We’ve developed quite the team,” Frank added.
“Oh really? Who is she?” Mtolo asked.
Abbott chuckled. “I can’t pull a fast one over on you can I?”
“Nope,” Mtolo replied. “So, who’s the girl?”
“She’s ah, she’s an astrophysicist,” Frank confessed.
“I can tell from your tone, that you’re really serious about this one,” Mtolo said.
“I am,” Abbott nodded.
“That’s great,” Mtolo said.
“It’s just got me thinking, about the rat race, the fast climb up the ladder,” Frank added. “Perhaps I’ve moved too fast, skipped a lot of life, and I don’t want that to be the case with her.”
“Then don’t allow that to happen,” Isaac replied. “You’ve got years to get to that seat, and you’ll get there. Don’t miss out on this Frank.”
“Thanks,” Abbott nodded again. “And I guess, I guess I keep pestering you about reconsidering the center chair because I’ve been rethinking it. And maybe, on some level, I guess, I was trying to convince myself to get back on the command track.”
“I see,” Isaac replied, “Well, whatever the motivation, you’re not wrong. I got some rethinking to do myself, about what I really want. I’m not even sure Starfleet is the best place for me, right now at least.”
“Maybe,” Frank nodded.
Mtolo looked at him sideways. “That wasn’t the reply I was expecting from you.”
“As much as it seems I’ve wanted to, I don’t want to direct your life,” Abbott smiled. “That’s for you to do.”
“Take that advice for yourself old friend,” Isaac said.
“I’m trying,” Abbott replied.
The intercom broke up the conversation. “I’ve got to get this,” Mtolo said. He got up from his desk and went to the companel. It opened the line. “Mtolo here.”
“Lt. Mtolo,” the science officer said. “Report to the shuttle bay. Bring your excursion jacket, sidearm, communicator, flash unit, and tricorder.”
“Acknowledged,” Mtolo replied. He went back to the desk. Abbott’s expression was questioning.
“You heard that right?” Isaac asked.
“Yeah,” Frank answered. “Everything alright out there?”
“I’m about to find out,” Mtolo said. “Till next time?”
“Absolutely,” Abbott’s smile was reassuring. “Be safe out there.”
“You too.”
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USS Albemarle
Shuttle Bay
Lt. Mtolo was still adjusting his gray excursion jacket when he entered the shuttle bay. The shuttle Croatan was thrumming. Lt. Ninon Auguste was standing in the Croatan’s airlock. “I’m so glad you could join us Isaac.”
Isaac smiled as he sped up the gangplank. Mtolo pushed up his glasses and straightened his dark gray uniform hat as he bent down and entered the shuttle. “So they brought you out of mothballs too,” he said to the Haitian Archaeology and Anthropology officer. “This must be big.”
“It is Lieutenant,” Captain Killian turned around in the co-pilot’s chair in the cockpit. Mtolo immediately froze.
“I’m, I’m sorry, sir,” Isaac was eventually able to get the words past the lump in his throat. Killian, a man with a doleful blue-eyed gaze, very lined face, and silvering tips, regarding the junior officer for few moments.
“Take a seat and strap in,” the captain ordered, before reclaiming his seat. Ninon patted the empty seat beside her. Mtolo took it and placed the heavy harness over his chest. Across from them sat Science Officer Ballesteros and Security Chief Rexona. The quartet was nearly knee to knee in the cramped shuttle. Further taking up space was two security guards-one a beefy dark-hued man and the other a slender Kamorian woman-in two aft seats. Both held laser rifles between their legs.
In the cockpit Lt. Rouass, Albemarle’s helm officer, was at the shuttle’s controls, and the captain sat beside him. “We’re ready to go Lieutenant,” the captain said. “Take us out.”
Isaac leaned forward as the shuttle lifted and Rouass guided it toward the opening doors. Mtolo was always amazed each time he flew out into the cosmos. Granted he did it all the time aboard Albemarle, but being aboard a shuttle made him that much closer to the great beyond.
There was an asteroid field surrounding the planet. “Polarize the hull,” Killian ordered. Seconds later the shuttle began to rattle as they entered the field and the shuttle scraped against the chunks of rocks.
“Careful Lt. Rouass,” Killian admonished. “There are a lot of precious minerals in this moon.”
“Aye sir,” Rouass said, her voice strained, as she sought to navigate the shuttle through the field.
“Moon?” Auguste whispered to Isaac.
Before he answered, Lt. Rexona leaned forward. She was the only one not wearing a uniform hat, which was something the captain required for landing parties. Her pyramidal shaped head made wearing the standard caps an impossibility.
“Mr. Mtolo’s first geological lab report revealed that this asteroid field was once a moon orbiting the planet and had experienced some unknown catastrophe which broke it apart. But I surmise that it had been destroyed, by something of immense power.” The bronze-skinned Fenarian’s tone was ominous.
“Maybe what caused it is down on that planet,” Lt. Commander Ballesteros chimed in. “The readings we’re getting are certainly not what we were expecting,” the man said, not hiding his excitement.
“And that’s what concerns me,” Rexona replied. The lump returned to Mtolo’s throat.
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Planetside
Rouass lowered the shuttle with remarkable grace on a rocky crag overlooking a valley. The ride through the planet’s atmosphere had been rough. Isaac had thought more than once he was going to cough up his lunch, and besides the stench he didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of Ninon.
But Ninon wasn’t looking much better. The woman’s fingers were clutching her harness and Isaac was certain her cinnamon cheeks had a seasick green blush.
The woman caught him looking at her and smiled weakly. Mtolo nodded in sympathy.
“That wasn’t so bad,” Captain Killian was already out of his seat. He was looking at his suffering crew. “Like being rocked to sleep in a cradle.”
“Correct sir,” Lt. Commander Ballesteros spoke up, “A cradle on a storming sea.”
“Let’s not talk about storms,” Killian scowled. “We don’t know how much of a window we have here before the next one occurs.”
“Understood sir,” Ballesteros said before lifting his harness and standing up. Mtolo and the others followed suit. Mtolo’s legs were rubbery, but he maintained his balance.
“Everyone get their gear and let’s get ready to go out there,” Killian ordered. The man pulled his pistol from the holster, checked it and then shoved it back in.
“Uh, captain,” Mtolo ventured, raising his hand like he was back in grade school. A chuckle from one of the guards made the geologist aware of his gesture. Isaac quickly put his hand down.
“Yes Lieutenant?” Killian snapped. Despite all the stories about Killian’s temper, many of which were true, Isaac still thought the man was a good captain and a tough warrior. He had gotten Albemarle through several rough scrapes with everyone from Mirak raiders, Nausicaan pirates, Valakian extremists, to Orion slavers.
“What are we doing here, on the planet’s surface?” Mtolo asked. Killian sighed.
He looked to the first officer. Ballesteros spoke up. “Lieutenant Mtolo, our apologies, but we didn’t have time to explain.” Killian grumbled at that but he didn’t interject. The executive officer continued, “The electromagnetic storms ravaging the planet have made sensor readings nigh impossible since we’ve been in orbit, but with the unusual break we detected a Klingon distress call.”
“Klingon?” Mtolo’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“Well, this sector of space borders theirs,” Lt. Rexona said.
“Rexona is correct,” Ballesteros replied. “It’s possible that the Klingons crashed here. There have been several ship disappearances near this planet over the years.”
“Or the Klingons are up to something nefarious,” Killian weighed in. “In any event, you’re here to confirm that the readings are real and not the result of the planet’s geology.” As if reading both Isaac’s and Ninon’s mind, “And you’re here Lt. Auguste because the distress call isn’t all the sensors detected on the planet’s surface.”
“What else was discovered here sir?” Auguste asked.
Killian looked at Ballesteros. “Number One, tell her.”
Ballesteros pointed out the shuttle’s window. “In the valley below us, there’s the remnant of a city,” he explained. Ninon didn’t hide her excitement at the find. “And that’s where the distress call was coming from, but it went silent before we disembarked from Albemarle.”
“I didn’t want us to fly up on them because I’m not sure what we’re dealing with,” Killian said. “Well climb down into the valley and make our way circuitously to the ruins, using the darkness as our cover. I want everyone with their pistols either in hand or damn near close.” He turned away from the group and looked through the forward port. “I don’t know what’s out, but it’s something, and I want to be ready for it when it greets us.”
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