Qualor II/Surplus Yard Z15, Qualor System
2130 hours
The year is 2388. The Qualor system is a few short light years away from the Neutral Zone, home to the Roumulan Empire which has been devastated with the loss of its two home worlds. This makes life even more tense for the colonists on the class M planet Qualor II. The Planet appears to be a full orange-tan color with dense, willowy clouds visible from space. In orbit of the planet is Starfleet Surplus Yard Z15.
Above the floating orange ball are dozens of burnt hulks of yesterday's starships. A savvy viewer would recognize old Miranda class hulks, the saucer of an old Grissom class vessel and even a pair of warp nacelles from an old Constitution class ship.
Blazing in between the pieces of those previously mentioned parts was a type-11 shuttlecraft. It had made its way from the planet's surface. And had been on a trip through the eerie graveyard.
All ships were not totally destroyed. This was one of the places that starships sat when they are mothballed.
As the little shuttle banked hard right and then turned up on its axis and climbed, a familiar shape started to grow. It was a little ship, modern in style. A sleek, little beauty. It was the newly refurbished, USS Lyon-A... A Steamrunner class vessel.
Inside the Shuttle
Four officers sat inside the vessel dwarfed by the canyons of starships around them. The most prominent officer sat in the front-right seat. This was Commander Mike Smythe. His eyes were wide and his mouth was holding back a smile, while his puffed cheeks betrayed him. Long fingers pressed on the controls, scanning the Steamrunner in front of them.
A medical officer sat behind him, medibag strapped across his shoulder. Finally he broke the silence and decided to talk to the CO. "Looks like a fine ship."
The Commander chuckled once and replied, "It was designed as a fine ship. Let's just see how well the Zakdorn put it back together."
An Engineer sitting in the left-rear seat chimed in, "No major systems were taken from her. The worst thing that might happen is we might be missing a few replicators. Of course some systems will have to be rerouted and some bulkheads cleaned out... Actually we might have to..." The Engineer paused, realizing she was the only Engineer in the group. "We might have to uh, just trust that everything will be okay."
The Commander chuckled again, just a little. "It's okay to speak your mind Ensign. Besides, I hand picked a great Chief Engineer. No worries."
"Yes sir."
The mood was still tense, still focused on the unexpected. The Commander's lighthearted atmosphere couldn't hide the tension. CMDR Smythe could tell that his pulse was racing.
Now the craft was on approach to the Lyon's shuttlebay. The crewman sitting front right programmed the landing algorithm and brought the ship onto an intercept course with the entrance.
It was only a few seconds now. The crew remained silent. Soon darkness became light as the ship crossed the divide. The shuttle was bathed in bright whiteness. Other shuttles were loading and unloading. It looked like one was preparing to take off.
The type-11 hovered above the floor, following a lit path on the floor that led to its parking spot. Soon it found it, rotated, and landed. It's engines clicked off bringing the gentle hum down into silence. The hatch doors opened with a hiss and a pop. Commander Smythe was the first out. The others filed out right behind him.
"Commander on deck!" A crewman shouted and snapped to attention.
"Carry on, carry on." The Commander really was not one for formalities. The officers from the shuttle stood behind CMDR Smythe as if they were waiting. He turned to them and said, "Go ahead and get comfortable, check in, get to your duty stations... This is really happening now." He nodded to them and continued to fight his smile. "I want to stick around the shuttlebay and welcome new arrivals."
The group nodded in unison and dispersed. Meanwhile, one of the lights above flickered dimly and then shut out, causing a nearby engineer to swear and head to a workbench on the other side of the shuttlebay.
The Commander looked around, enveloped by the crew, the machines and the USS Lyon-A... What would tomorrow bring?
-Commander Smythe
2130 hours
The year is 2388. The Qualor system is a few short light years away from the Neutral Zone, home to the Roumulan Empire which has been devastated with the loss of its two home worlds. This makes life even more tense for the colonists on the class M planet Qualor II. The Planet appears to be a full orange-tan color with dense, willowy clouds visible from space. In orbit of the planet is Starfleet Surplus Yard Z15.
Above the floating orange ball are dozens of burnt hulks of yesterday's starships. A savvy viewer would recognize old Miranda class hulks, the saucer of an old Grissom class vessel and even a pair of warp nacelles from an old Constitution class ship.
Blazing in between the pieces of those previously mentioned parts was a type-11 shuttlecraft. It had made its way from the planet's surface. And had been on a trip through the eerie graveyard.
All ships were not totally destroyed. This was one of the places that starships sat when they are mothballed.
As the little shuttle banked hard right and then turned up on its axis and climbed, a familiar shape started to grow. It was a little ship, modern in style. A sleek, little beauty. It was the newly refurbished, USS Lyon-A... A Steamrunner class vessel.
Inside the Shuttle
Four officers sat inside the vessel dwarfed by the canyons of starships around them. The most prominent officer sat in the front-right seat. This was Commander Mike Smythe. His eyes were wide and his mouth was holding back a smile, while his puffed cheeks betrayed him. Long fingers pressed on the controls, scanning the Steamrunner in front of them.
A medical officer sat behind him, medibag strapped across his shoulder. Finally he broke the silence and decided to talk to the CO. "Looks like a fine ship."
The Commander chuckled once and replied, "It was designed as a fine ship. Let's just see how well the Zakdorn put it back together."
An Engineer sitting in the left-rear seat chimed in, "No major systems were taken from her. The worst thing that might happen is we might be missing a few replicators. Of course some systems will have to be rerouted and some bulkheads cleaned out... Actually we might have to..." The Engineer paused, realizing she was the only Engineer in the group. "We might have to uh, just trust that everything will be okay."
The Commander chuckled again, just a little. "It's okay to speak your mind Ensign. Besides, I hand picked a great Chief Engineer. No worries."
"Yes sir."
The mood was still tense, still focused on the unexpected. The Commander's lighthearted atmosphere couldn't hide the tension. CMDR Smythe could tell that his pulse was racing.
Now the craft was on approach to the Lyon's shuttlebay. The crewman sitting front right programmed the landing algorithm and brought the ship onto an intercept course with the entrance.
It was only a few seconds now. The crew remained silent. Soon darkness became light as the ship crossed the divide. The shuttle was bathed in bright whiteness. Other shuttles were loading and unloading. It looked like one was preparing to take off.
The type-11 hovered above the floor, following a lit path on the floor that led to its parking spot. Soon it found it, rotated, and landed. It's engines clicked off bringing the gentle hum down into silence. The hatch doors opened with a hiss and a pop. Commander Smythe was the first out. The others filed out right behind him.
"Commander on deck!" A crewman shouted and snapped to attention.
"Carry on, carry on." The Commander really was not one for formalities. The officers from the shuttle stood behind CMDR Smythe as if they were waiting. He turned to them and said, "Go ahead and get comfortable, check in, get to your duty stations... This is really happening now." He nodded to them and continued to fight his smile. "I want to stick around the shuttlebay and welcome new arrivals."
The group nodded in unison and dispersed. Meanwhile, one of the lights above flickered dimly and then shut out, causing a nearby engineer to swear and head to a workbench on the other side of the shuttlebay.
The Commander looked around, enveloped by the crew, the machines and the USS Lyon-A... What would tomorrow bring?
-Commander Smythe
Starbase Montgomery was far on the other side of Federation space, where Lieutenant Commander Arthur Couer-Reynolds spent nearly two years in the service of Rear Admiral Olivia Manson. The day he arrived back from the swimming contest on Calondia IV, the Admiral had called him up to her office to discuss an unexpected letter. Starfleet apparently intended to draw an old ship out of retirement for reasons that were unclear, and the commanding officer needed someone to sit at his right hand. According to the aging admiral, that person would be Arthur.
A cursory glance of the ship's specs later, and Arthur knew it was the last ship someone with diplomatic experience would choose to serve on. "Ma'am, I respectfully request to stay here. I'll be more efficient if I can work behind a desk with a few diplomats... not playing space cowboy with a crew of hot-headed marines."
"Your disdain for marines is no secret, Commander, but I still want you on that ship." As if reading his mind, she continued. "I can assure you that it will be operated by a standard crew. It shouldn't be a difficult assignment if you play your cards right."
"If I have to," Arthur murmured, rather unhappy with his CO's decision. "But why me? What does Starfleet plan on doing with an old Steamrunner-class?"
"I can't say." This prompted a look of unbridled annoyance on Arthur's face, but even as he turned ninety degrees and crossed his arms, the Admiral spoke in a calm but firm manner. "All I can tell you is that your transport will be arriving tomorrow morning. It will take you to Deep Space Nine, and from there, you'll depart on the USS Monitor to Tarkalea XII." She picked up a PADD and slid it across the desk so Arthur could get a better look. "Your flight plan seems rather extensive. You'll be stopping at Tellar and Azati Prime before reaching your destination: Qualor II."
Arthur picked up the PADD and skimmed through it as she spoke. When she was finished, he narrowed his eyes as he peered at the words he wished weren't there. "This is really inefficient." He looked over at Olivia and asked, "Why didn't they pick someone closer? Last I heard, Vulcan was closer to Qualor than us... and if it's a skilled negotiator they're after--"
"They chose /you/, Commander." Admiral Manson smirked. "Looks like they might have read your paper and decided you were better off with other gamblers and risk-takers like yourself."
"This is ridiculous," was Arthur's simplistic answer as he lowered the PADD to his side. He wandered toward the window that peered out at the stars. Ships of all kinds, namely Starfleet and Bajoran, hovered in the vast expanse. His eyes, however, were focused on one in particular: a small L'Wahti transport. "Nine years... nine years, and the admiralty still doesn't trust me."
"I doubt that's the reason, Couer. You know as well as I do that they're just following their instincts."
"Right, and what if those instincts are telling them that I'm still the same man I was nine years ago?" Arthur turned and looked at her with an equally stern expression - one that could almost be considered Vulcan in nature. "I helped bring the L'Waht into the Federation. My staff and I made this station the place of choice for /all/ of our embassies to the L'Waht. We were even working with the Security Commission on locating the last of the xenophobic terrorists left on their homeworld. I thought the last four years proved something."
"Couer," the Admiral said in a gentle tone. "Give them a chance. You won't know how this could help your career until you've tried."
Now Arthur stood in the back of a shuttlecraft with his arms crossed, no different than the stance he took in Mason's office three weeks ago. His mind wandered back to her last words before he left the day after. How true they were, he would have to find out - in time.
As they passed through the debris and mothballed ships, he barely gave them any heed, his gaze locked on to one ship in particular: the USS Lyon-A. Its shuttlebay was clearly open and waiting for visitors, so after the usual clearance from both the bridge and shuttle bay, Arthur ordered, "Nice and steady, ensign. Don't scratch the paint." This elicited a chuckle from the pilot, who did as he was told. The shuttle moved in close and began passing through the field when Arthur felt a very subtle bump beneath the floorboard. "I felt that." When they were finally inside the bay, and the shuttle touched down, Arthur pat the ensign on the shoulder and half-jokingly said, "We'll talk about it at your next performance review."
The rear hatch opened, and Arthur, looking quite rough after such a long trip, stepped out almost in haste. Little did he realize that the ship's CO had remained in the shuttlebay to greet newcomers.
A cursory glance of the ship's specs later, and Arthur knew it was the last ship someone with diplomatic experience would choose to serve on. "Ma'am, I respectfully request to stay here. I'll be more efficient if I can work behind a desk with a few diplomats... not playing space cowboy with a crew of hot-headed marines."
"Your disdain for marines is no secret, Commander, but I still want you on that ship." As if reading his mind, she continued. "I can assure you that it will be operated by a standard crew. It shouldn't be a difficult assignment if you play your cards right."
"If I have to," Arthur murmured, rather unhappy with his CO's decision. "But why me? What does Starfleet plan on doing with an old Steamrunner-class?"
"I can't say." This prompted a look of unbridled annoyance on Arthur's face, but even as he turned ninety degrees and crossed his arms, the Admiral spoke in a calm but firm manner. "All I can tell you is that your transport will be arriving tomorrow morning. It will take you to Deep Space Nine, and from there, you'll depart on the USS Monitor to Tarkalea XII." She picked up a PADD and slid it across the desk so Arthur could get a better look. "Your flight plan seems rather extensive. You'll be stopping at Tellar and Azati Prime before reaching your destination: Qualor II."
Arthur picked up the PADD and skimmed through it as she spoke. When she was finished, he narrowed his eyes as he peered at the words he wished weren't there. "This is really inefficient." He looked over at Olivia and asked, "Why didn't they pick someone closer? Last I heard, Vulcan was closer to Qualor than us... and if it's a skilled negotiator they're after--"
"They chose /you/, Commander." Admiral Manson smirked. "Looks like they might have read your paper and decided you were better off with other gamblers and risk-takers like yourself."
"This is ridiculous," was Arthur's simplistic answer as he lowered the PADD to his side. He wandered toward the window that peered out at the stars. Ships of all kinds, namely Starfleet and Bajoran, hovered in the vast expanse. His eyes, however, were focused on one in particular: a small L'Wahti transport. "Nine years... nine years, and the admiralty still doesn't trust me."
"I doubt that's the reason, Couer. You know as well as I do that they're just following their instincts."
"Right, and what if those instincts are telling them that I'm still the same man I was nine years ago?" Arthur turned and looked at her with an equally stern expression - one that could almost be considered Vulcan in nature. "I helped bring the L'Waht into the Federation. My staff and I made this station the place of choice for /all/ of our embassies to the L'Waht. We were even working with the Security Commission on locating the last of the xenophobic terrorists left on their homeworld. I thought the last four years proved something."
"Couer," the Admiral said in a gentle tone. "Give them a chance. You won't know how this could help your career until you've tried."
Now Arthur stood in the back of a shuttlecraft with his arms crossed, no different than the stance he took in Mason's office three weeks ago. His mind wandered back to her last words before he left the day after. How true they were, he would have to find out - in time.
As they passed through the debris and mothballed ships, he barely gave them any heed, his gaze locked on to one ship in particular: the USS Lyon-A. Its shuttlebay was clearly open and waiting for visitors, so after the usual clearance from both the bridge and shuttle bay, Arthur ordered, "Nice and steady, ensign. Don't scratch the paint." This elicited a chuckle from the pilot, who did as he was told. The shuttle moved in close and began passing through the field when Arthur felt a very subtle bump beneath the floorboard. "I felt that." When they were finally inside the bay, and the shuttle touched down, Arthur pat the ensign on the shoulder and half-jokingly said, "We'll talk about it at your next performance review."
The rear hatch opened, and Arthur, looking quite rough after such a long trip, stepped out almost in haste. Little did he realize that the ship's CO had remained in the shuttlebay to greet newcomers.
Commander Smythe stood at a corner on the side opposite the force fielded door to space. He was content watching the shuttles take off and land. There were a lot of small craft in transit. The transporter room was just as busy, especially with all the supplies that needed to be beamed up.
Smythe got a little lost in thought. Occasionally random officers would stop for small talk, usually drawing attention to some accomplishment in their past.
Many had questions to ask. Some of the more popular ones were 'How soon do we leave?' or 'Where will our first assignment be?'
The standard answer was just that the Lyon was going on a 'Shakedown Cruise'. This could be anything from a 24 hour flight to a one hour cruise around the current galaxy.
The ship would have a max compliment of under 220 people. They would be lucky if they even had 180 crew members on board.
The commander was lost in his moment of Zen, watching the hustle and bustle until he saw the person he had been waiting for. He recognized the face from his personnel files.
Cmdr. Smythe slowly walked up to him at an angle, cutting him off from the shuttle bay's exit. "Commander", he called out to him.
When he got his attention he gave him half a smile. It would be weird to show up grinning. It was a warm greeting, but with the state of affairs in the Beta Quadrant, things were a little too militarily dangerous to warrant a full grin.
The light in the shuttlebay was darker than normal. One light was out. Another stared flickering like a slow strobe almost at the same time the the new XO stepped out of his shuttle.
"Welcome aboard XO." Smythe handed him a new PADD, set to show the crew manifest.
<Tag>
Smythe could tell the XO was star-lagged from his long trip. He himself had come all the way from the central Alpha Quadrant to get here.
"Where are you headed? I'll walk with you for a few." The two made their way through a corridor that was also dimly lit. Long shadows pulled and stretched from the various crew members as they walked through the halls.
<Tag>
"I just want you to check out that PADD. We still need a lot more crew. We have the green light to handpick our crew. Exact missions have not been passed to me yet, but I have a vague analogy to share."
<Tag>
"Are you familiar with baseball? Well think of our ship as a relief pitcher... A closer even. We will be there to fix scenarios and bring home the win. It's vague, but that's what I was told." Commander Smythe had an easygoing look about him, he appeared to be totally at peace with this vague description of the ship's mission that he had been given.
"Somehow it makes sense", he said with a single chuckle. "Okay XO, nice meeting you. I'll let you handle what you need to. Feel free to look up 'available crew' on that PADD and make some suggestions."
<Tag>
And then the CO added one more thing. "And don't worry, unless we join up with a fleet for good, there will be no Marines on this ship."
The sentence could have meant anything. Maybe he read LtCmdr. Coeur-Reynolds files. Or maybe he had been in communication with Rear Admiral Manson. Chances are, Smythe was just acting on a hunch.
And he had a hunch that this ship was the exact place for him, his XO and anyone else who ended up aboard the USS-Lyon-A.
The Commander nodded a fair well to his first mate and turned back towards the shuttlebay.
'That went well', Smythe thought to himself. He glanced back and watched Arthur disappear around a winding corridor, followed by a long, twisty shadow which lingered for a few seconds before vanishing with the XO.
Smythe got a little lost in thought. Occasionally random officers would stop for small talk, usually drawing attention to some accomplishment in their past.
Many had questions to ask. Some of the more popular ones were 'How soon do we leave?' or 'Where will our first assignment be?'
The standard answer was just that the Lyon was going on a 'Shakedown Cruise'. This could be anything from a 24 hour flight to a one hour cruise around the current galaxy.
The ship would have a max compliment of under 220 people. They would be lucky if they even had 180 crew members on board.
The commander was lost in his moment of Zen, watching the hustle and bustle until he saw the person he had been waiting for. He recognized the face from his personnel files.
Cmdr. Smythe slowly walked up to him at an angle, cutting him off from the shuttle bay's exit. "Commander", he called out to him.
When he got his attention he gave him half a smile. It would be weird to show up grinning. It was a warm greeting, but with the state of affairs in the Beta Quadrant, things were a little too militarily dangerous to warrant a full grin.
The light in the shuttlebay was darker than normal. One light was out. Another stared flickering like a slow strobe almost at the same time the the new XO stepped out of his shuttle.
"Welcome aboard XO." Smythe handed him a new PADD, set to show the crew manifest.
<Tag>
Smythe could tell the XO was star-lagged from his long trip. He himself had come all the way from the central Alpha Quadrant to get here.
"Where are you headed? I'll walk with you for a few." The two made their way through a corridor that was also dimly lit. Long shadows pulled and stretched from the various crew members as they walked through the halls.
<Tag>
"I just want you to check out that PADD. We still need a lot more crew. We have the green light to handpick our crew. Exact missions have not been passed to me yet, but I have a vague analogy to share."
<Tag>
"Are you familiar with baseball? Well think of our ship as a relief pitcher... A closer even. We will be there to fix scenarios and bring home the win. It's vague, but that's what I was told." Commander Smythe had an easygoing look about him, he appeared to be totally at peace with this vague description of the ship's mission that he had been given.
"Somehow it makes sense", he said with a single chuckle. "Okay XO, nice meeting you. I'll let you handle what you need to. Feel free to look up 'available crew' on that PADD and make some suggestions."
<Tag>
And then the CO added one more thing. "And don't worry, unless we join up with a fleet for good, there will be no Marines on this ship."
The sentence could have meant anything. Maybe he read LtCmdr. Coeur-Reynolds files. Or maybe he had been in communication with Rear Admiral Manson. Chances are, Smythe was just acting on a hunch.
And he had a hunch that this ship was the exact place for him, his XO and anyone else who ended up aboard the USS-Lyon-A.
The Commander nodded a fair well to his first mate and turned back towards the shuttlebay.
'That went well', Smythe thought to himself. He glanced back and watched Arthur disappear around a winding corridor, followed by a long, twisty shadow which lingered for a few seconds before vanishing with the XO.
The broken light was a cruel reminder of what Arthur lost in coming here. It wasn't that he felt uncomfortable aboard a ship that had only received a cursory dusting prior to its reactivation. In fact, there was a touch of excitement at the prospect of working on a ship whose condition resembled that of the older Orion and Rigelian ships he grew up around. But the reality of sending an officer away from a prestigious posting on a starbase that acted as a meeting point for nearly a dozen different species to a position aboard a ship with an uncertain future would leave a bitter taste to anyone with even a modicum of ambition. Then again, Starfleet always was about the undiscovered countries, and the future was one of them.
That's when he heard a voice presumably calling out to him. Catching sight of what could only be the commanding officer, Arthur stopped and put his arms behind him in a formal gesture, standing at attention as Smythe approached. The CO's grin didn't go unnoticed by the fledgling XO, who merely made a mental note of it in case it should come up later - particularly during any future briefing with or without the rest of the senior crew.
"Captain," Arthur exclaimed in a rather dull voice. That's when Smythe handed him the PADD and welcomed him aboard. He barely had a chance to glimpse over it before hearing the CO's voice once more.
"Where are you headed? I'll walk with you for a few."
"Of course," the Lyon's new XO said stiffly before walking off toward the door. He moved at what may have been a surprisingly slow pace compared to the more intense and determined strides most new officers had. This made it far easier for him to lift the PADD up to his chest and read while evading any crewman that rushed by. He wisely chose to keep his mouth shut and let the captain speak first while he perused the information on the PADD.
"I just want you to check out that PADD. We still need a lot more crew. We have the green light to handpick our crew. Exact missions have not been passed to me yet, but I have a vague analogy to share."
Sure enough, much of the PADD was empty. There were maybe fifty crewmen accounted for, and plenty more positions that needed filling. But upon hearing that captain Smythe wanted to put forward an 'analogy', Arthur looked up and raised an eyebrow. Whether it was because he was interested or concerned couldn't be ascertained from a brief glance at his expression, but if Smythe was familiar with his profile, he might know how often Arthur mixed the two together in the course of his Starfleet career.
"Are you familiar with baseball?" To that, Arthur merely frowned and looked forward as they continued down the dim corridor. "Well think of our ship as a relief pitcher... A closer even. We will be there to fix scenarios and bring home the win. It's vague, but that's what I was told."
"So we're the benchwarmers of the Beta Quadrant?" Taking a deep breath and nodding his head, Arthur crossed his arms behind him while keeping a strong grip on the handheld data storage device. "Will we still get drinks with the rest of the team after a 'win', or do they need somebody sober enough to drive?"
<tag>
"Somehow it makes sense", he said with a single chuckle. "Okay XO, nice meeting you. I'll let you handle what you need to. Feel free to look up 'available crew' on that PADD and make some suggestions."
"Of course, captain." With that small thanks, or what passed as one in his world, Arthur prepared to continue to the lift that would lead to his room assignment. But just as he was about to start on that long stretch of his journey, he paused mid-step and asked, "And captain? Will there be any--"
And then the CO added one more thing. "And don't worry, unless we join up with a fleet for good, there will be no Marines on this ship."
Arthur felt a tad more comfortable after that, but flinched nonetheless. If the captain knew what he was about to ask, then that suggested Smythe was aware of the most damning incident in his Starfleet record. Silently, he hoped that wouldn't come back to bite him in the ass during this assignment. "Thank you, sir."
After that, it was just a matter of him following the halls until he could find the quartermaster and report in to receive his quarters.
That's when he heard a voice presumably calling out to him. Catching sight of what could only be the commanding officer, Arthur stopped and put his arms behind him in a formal gesture, standing at attention as Smythe approached. The CO's grin didn't go unnoticed by the fledgling XO, who merely made a mental note of it in case it should come up later - particularly during any future briefing with or without the rest of the senior crew.
"Captain," Arthur exclaimed in a rather dull voice. That's when Smythe handed him the PADD and welcomed him aboard. He barely had a chance to glimpse over it before hearing the CO's voice once more.
"Where are you headed? I'll walk with you for a few."
"Of course," the Lyon's new XO said stiffly before walking off toward the door. He moved at what may have been a surprisingly slow pace compared to the more intense and determined strides most new officers had. This made it far easier for him to lift the PADD up to his chest and read while evading any crewman that rushed by. He wisely chose to keep his mouth shut and let the captain speak first while he perused the information on the PADD.
"I just want you to check out that PADD. We still need a lot more crew. We have the green light to handpick our crew. Exact missions have not been passed to me yet, but I have a vague analogy to share."
Sure enough, much of the PADD was empty. There were maybe fifty crewmen accounted for, and plenty more positions that needed filling. But upon hearing that captain Smythe wanted to put forward an 'analogy', Arthur looked up and raised an eyebrow. Whether it was because he was interested or concerned couldn't be ascertained from a brief glance at his expression, but if Smythe was familiar with his profile, he might know how often Arthur mixed the two together in the course of his Starfleet career.
"Are you familiar with baseball?" To that, Arthur merely frowned and looked forward as they continued down the dim corridor. "Well think of our ship as a relief pitcher... A closer even. We will be there to fix scenarios and bring home the win. It's vague, but that's what I was told."
"So we're the benchwarmers of the Beta Quadrant?" Taking a deep breath and nodding his head, Arthur crossed his arms behind him while keeping a strong grip on the handheld data storage device. "Will we still get drinks with the rest of the team after a 'win', or do they need somebody sober enough to drive?"
<tag>
"Somehow it makes sense", he said with a single chuckle. "Okay XO, nice meeting you. I'll let you handle what you need to. Feel free to look up 'available crew' on that PADD and make some suggestions."
"Of course, captain." With that small thanks, or what passed as one in his world, Arthur prepared to continue to the lift that would lead to his room assignment. But just as he was about to start on that long stretch of his journey, he paused mid-step and asked, "And captain? Will there be any--"
And then the CO added one more thing. "And don't worry, unless we join up with a fleet for good, there will be no Marines on this ship."
Arthur felt a tad more comfortable after that, but flinched nonetheless. If the captain knew what he was about to ask, then that suggested Smythe was aware of the most damning incident in his Starfleet record. Silently, he hoped that wouldn't come back to bite him in the ass during this assignment. "Thank you, sir."
After that, it was just a matter of him following the halls until he could find the quartermaster and report in to receive his quarters.
Valrass had been aboard the Lyon for only a few hours now and could tell the refit of the vessel had been rushed and haphazardly completed to say the least. The flickering or even dead lighting, consoles, and other interfaces through out the ship were only a surface sign of even deeper issues that he had yet to discover. Valrass' emotions at the moment were a mixed bag of disappointment in his sudden reassignment, excitement to finally be aboard a star ship rather then another station, and a slightly unsettling feeling of things yet to come.
Valrass had spent the last half an hour trying to fix the turbo lift he had been riding to main engineering when it had suddenly stopped and lost power. Even in the pitch black Valrass was able to fumble his way around the console thanks to his high level of detailed familiarity. Valrass was glad he had run into a crewman carrying a engineering tool kit and had taken it for himself on his way to the turbolift. With a few more tweaks to the turbolift console a familiar sound of humming power filled the small space and the lights flickered to life.
Finally Valrass thought as he packed up the tools neatly back into their slots and locked the kit closed, “Main engineering.”
The turbolift chimed in response to the request and then took off, hopefully to the right destination Valrass thought as he stood up. The trip seem long but in reality only took a mere few seconds, Valrass could feel the turbolift come to a slow and then finally a complete stop as it reached it's destination. With luck the doors slide open to reveal main engineering, but unfortunately not in the shape he had hope to find it instead there were partially opened consoles, unpowered terminals and cables laying about the floor as if everyone had stopped in the middle of working. As Valrass stepped out of the turbolift and into main engineering he noticed his typically light blue skin had suddenly turned to a odd tint of purple. Valrass' antenna pointed outward as he felt confused and unsure as to the cause of the sudden change, but with a quick thought he realized and looked up. The typically white light that stood right above the exit to the turbolift had changed to a odd red color denoting there was some new issue to be resolved. Letting his antenna return to a neutral position Valrass sighed at yet another malfunction and proceeded onward.
To his surprise main engineering seem to be devoid of anyone but himself, at least until he heard the sound of laughter from around the corner or the main chamber. Carefully stepping over the chaotic floor space he made his was towards the corner of the main chamber hoping to catch whoever it was by surprise. Valrass seem to leap from around the corner as he came to confront the source of the laughter. What he found looked to be his entire engineering staff huddled in a circle laughing and talking about who knows what.
“What are you doing?” Valrass said in a stern commanding voice, his antenna leaning forward in curiosity.
Without even looking a young black human crewman replied with what only could be taken as a sarcastic tone, “Who's asking?”
Valrass' curiosity quickly became fury and anger, “Lieutenant Thelin th'Valrass or Chief if you prefer.”
Valrass' antennas now pinned back against his head in rage as the young crewman and the rest of the group turned to Valrass. With the sudden realization the entire group snapped to attention and a wave of fear seem to wash over them as they were unsure of Valrass' next move.
“What is your name crewman?” Valrass said peering directly into the eyes of the young black crewman.
“Javonne Coles Sir,” the sarcasm in his voice was gone now replaced with a obedient tone.
“Well crewman Coles you just earned yourself a special assignment, I want you to check every relay, console, port, and junction in the entire ships Jefferys tubes by hand and just to make it interesting I want you to do it alone. I'll want a hand written report at the end of every shift as well before you leave” A almost malicious smile came over Valrass' face as he spoke.
The crewman around Coles looked surprised as to the unusual punishment or some might say torture Valrass had just assigned the crewman, any engineer knew that those kind of checks would take a life time and crawling around in the tiny Jefferys tubes for a entire shift was torture enough. To top it all off a daily written report seemed like over kill, but in Valrass' mind it was the cherry topping the cake.
“Get back to work this ship is in shambles and we need to be space worthy shortly,” Valrass barked at the the crew that quickly dispersed to different stations to conduct their duties.
Valrass knew it was a bit harsh what he had just done but knew that if he took a stern commanding role now that their would be no doubt later. His first assignment went similarly with the incoming Chief showing a bit of force to take and keep control, he and his fellow engineers hated him at first but eventually understood and came to admire him. With the crew back into action Valrass walked up to the console sitting in front of the warp reaction chamber. The blue lights sliding down the warp core into the reaction chamber where matter and anti matter collided to generate the power for the ship seemed almost mesmerizing like he could get lost in the beauty forever. That was at least until with a few quick taps on the console Valrass brought up the status of the warp core and noticed a devastatingly low 96% efficiency. The level of incompetence he thought as he starred down at the number, while it was just above the minimum guide lines it was irresponsible and lazy to run a star ship at such low levels. With his antenna hanging low and forward Valrass let out a sigh then began scanning to see were he would have to begin to fix this injustice in engineering.
Valrass had spent the last half an hour trying to fix the turbo lift he had been riding to main engineering when it had suddenly stopped and lost power. Even in the pitch black Valrass was able to fumble his way around the console thanks to his high level of detailed familiarity. Valrass was glad he had run into a crewman carrying a engineering tool kit and had taken it for himself on his way to the turbolift. With a few more tweaks to the turbolift console a familiar sound of humming power filled the small space and the lights flickered to life.
Finally Valrass thought as he packed up the tools neatly back into their slots and locked the kit closed, “Main engineering.”
The turbolift chimed in response to the request and then took off, hopefully to the right destination Valrass thought as he stood up. The trip seem long but in reality only took a mere few seconds, Valrass could feel the turbolift come to a slow and then finally a complete stop as it reached it's destination. With luck the doors slide open to reveal main engineering, but unfortunately not in the shape he had hope to find it instead there were partially opened consoles, unpowered terminals and cables laying about the floor as if everyone had stopped in the middle of working. As Valrass stepped out of the turbolift and into main engineering he noticed his typically light blue skin had suddenly turned to a odd tint of purple. Valrass' antenna pointed outward as he felt confused and unsure as to the cause of the sudden change, but with a quick thought he realized and looked up. The typically white light that stood right above the exit to the turbolift had changed to a odd red color denoting there was some new issue to be resolved. Letting his antenna return to a neutral position Valrass sighed at yet another malfunction and proceeded onward.
To his surprise main engineering seem to be devoid of anyone but himself, at least until he heard the sound of laughter from around the corner or the main chamber. Carefully stepping over the chaotic floor space he made his was towards the corner of the main chamber hoping to catch whoever it was by surprise. Valrass seem to leap from around the corner as he came to confront the source of the laughter. What he found looked to be his entire engineering staff huddled in a circle laughing and talking about who knows what.
“What are you doing?” Valrass said in a stern commanding voice, his antenna leaning forward in curiosity.
Without even looking a young black human crewman replied with what only could be taken as a sarcastic tone, “Who's asking?”
Valrass' curiosity quickly became fury and anger, “Lieutenant Thelin th'Valrass or Chief if you prefer.”
Valrass' antennas now pinned back against his head in rage as the young crewman and the rest of the group turned to Valrass. With the sudden realization the entire group snapped to attention and a wave of fear seem to wash over them as they were unsure of Valrass' next move.
“What is your name crewman?” Valrass said peering directly into the eyes of the young black crewman.
“Javonne Coles Sir,” the sarcasm in his voice was gone now replaced with a obedient tone.
“Well crewman Coles you just earned yourself a special assignment, I want you to check every relay, console, port, and junction in the entire ships Jefferys tubes by hand and just to make it interesting I want you to do it alone. I'll want a hand written report at the end of every shift as well before you leave” A almost malicious smile came over Valrass' face as he spoke.
The crewman around Coles looked surprised as to the unusual punishment or some might say torture Valrass had just assigned the crewman, any engineer knew that those kind of checks would take a life time and crawling around in the tiny Jefferys tubes for a entire shift was torture enough. To top it all off a daily written report seemed like over kill, but in Valrass' mind it was the cherry topping the cake.
“Get back to work this ship is in shambles and we need to be space worthy shortly,” Valrass barked at the the crew that quickly dispersed to different stations to conduct their duties.
Valrass knew it was a bit harsh what he had just done but knew that if he took a stern commanding role now that their would be no doubt later. His first assignment went similarly with the incoming Chief showing a bit of force to take and keep control, he and his fellow engineers hated him at first but eventually understood and came to admire him. With the crew back into action Valrass walked up to the console sitting in front of the warp reaction chamber. The blue lights sliding down the warp core into the reaction chamber where matter and anti matter collided to generate the power for the ship seemed almost mesmerizing like he could get lost in the beauty forever. That was at least until with a few quick taps on the console Valrass brought up the status of the warp core and noticed a devastatingly low 96% efficiency. The level of incompetence he thought as he starred down at the number, while it was just above the minimum guide lines it was irresponsible and lazy to run a star ship at such low levels. With his antenna hanging low and forward Valrass let out a sigh then began scanning to see were he would have to begin to fix this injustice in engineering.
Things at the shuttlebay had started to slow down. The coming and going of crew members became tiring to watch. Smythe had already met the XO and answered a flurry of questions from other junior officers. He had met today's important arrivals.
Satisfied, he turned to leave the bay. Heading back down the corridor he noticed the sound of foot steps inside a nearby Jeffery's tube. The shuttlebay was forward of Main Engineering, but on a different level. Smythe calculated that he was the person must have travelled from Engineering.
With the dire state of some of the ship's minor systems, he calculated that it must be an engineer in the tubes. He searched, found an access point around the corner and opened it.
Sure enough, a young crewman was crawling up through the tubular tunnel. "Mind if I ask you a few questions?" The crewman looked surprised at the CO's voice. Right away the crewman looked up and then looked down at shame.
"Yes sir". The crewman looked as if he was in trouble as he exited the tunnel.
"Looking for something?"
"No sir.. I-I.. I am on punishment for getting sarcastic with the Chief Engineer."
"You should know better, son. Why'd you do that?"
"I didn't know who he was, officers have barely even been in Engineering, I've got most of this ship online myself with my crewmen. I didn't know he was the chief Engineer, I thought it was someone in the group."
The CO's expression didn't change. Inside, a ball of anger was slowly starting to grow. His eyes looked around at the flickering lights and thought about all the other things that needed to be done while one of the few engineers crawled around in empty passageways.
"As you were Crewman, consider this a lesson in situational awareness." The Crewman acknowledged and walked away with his head down.
As soon as he was out of sight, the Commander tapped his com badge. "Commander Smythe to Lieutenant th'Valrass, report to my Ready Room in five minutes." His voice was not just stern, but bitter. His eyes narrowed as he spoke.
The turbolift was a short walk away. Luckily these corridors were designed to minimize confusion. It was an uneventful ride to the bridge. One of the acting officers, a Lt(j.g.) on standby called attention upon Smythe's arrival. He marched right to the ready room and waited for the Chief Engineer's arrival.
Satisfied, he turned to leave the bay. Heading back down the corridor he noticed the sound of foot steps inside a nearby Jeffery's tube. The shuttlebay was forward of Main Engineering, but on a different level. Smythe calculated that he was the person must have travelled from Engineering.
With the dire state of some of the ship's minor systems, he calculated that it must be an engineer in the tubes. He searched, found an access point around the corner and opened it.
Sure enough, a young crewman was crawling up through the tubular tunnel. "Mind if I ask you a few questions?" The crewman looked surprised at the CO's voice. Right away the crewman looked up and then looked down at shame.
"Yes sir". The crewman looked as if he was in trouble as he exited the tunnel.
"Looking for something?"
"No sir.. I-I.. I am on punishment for getting sarcastic with the Chief Engineer."
"You should know better, son. Why'd you do that?"
"I didn't know who he was, officers have barely even been in Engineering, I've got most of this ship online myself with my crewmen. I didn't know he was the chief Engineer, I thought it was someone in the group."
The CO's expression didn't change. Inside, a ball of anger was slowly starting to grow. His eyes looked around at the flickering lights and thought about all the other things that needed to be done while one of the few engineers crawled around in empty passageways.
"As you were Crewman, consider this a lesson in situational awareness." The Crewman acknowledged and walked away with his head down.
As soon as he was out of sight, the Commander tapped his com badge. "Commander Smythe to Lieutenant th'Valrass, report to my Ready Room in five minutes." His voice was not just stern, but bitter. His eyes narrowed as he spoke.
The turbolift was a short walk away. Luckily these corridors were designed to minimize confusion. It was an uneventful ride to the bridge. One of the acting officers, a Lt(j.g.) on standby called attention upon Smythe's arrival. He marched right to the ready room and waited for the Chief Engineer's arrival.
Cmdr. Smythe had been thinking about what he would say to the Engineer. But when the man walked in the door, all he could see was a concerned Starfleet Officer. He kept his poker face though, showing nothing but a blank expression.
Valrass was rummaging round in one of main engineering's consoles when he heard his communicator go off "Commander Smythe to Lieutenant th'Valrass, report to my Ready Room in five minutes."
Valrass was surprised that in this situation the captain would wanna disturb the chief engineer as he tried to piece the ship back together but orders were orders and he promptly slipped out from under the console and headed for the turbolift. As Valrass awaited the turbolift he tried to ignore but couldn't help but look at his skin again and see the odd purple tint in his skin again.
“Bridge,” Valrass said as he entered the turbolift were two other crewman stood likely destine for the bridge as well.
As the turbolift open Valrass walked out onto the bridge which at the moment was a bee hive of activity with everyone trying to prepare for the up and coming launch. Valrass disregarded the activity and made his way into Commander Smythe's ready room. The door was locked open either by intent or malfunction neither of which matter to Valrass as he could see the Commander was obviously unhappy.
“Lieutenant Valrass reporting as ordered,” Valrass said as he took a position of attention in front of the Commander.
After the introduction, Smythe motioned for the Andorian to take a seat.
"I wanted to tell you something. I personally chose you for your no-nonsense style and your rigid discipline." The commander folded his hands on the table. "I know you will get the crew into shape. But I have to say one thing. Morale is everything. I ran into one of your crew in the Jeffries tube. Remember, crappy morale brings crappy results. That crewman was so worried about being disciplined that he was not focused on his task. Furthermore, the term skeleton crew does not even describe where we are now."
He paused for a second to let what he said sink in.
"There are no reserves, reinforcements or transfers. This crew is what we have and if any attitude caused someone to feel shame or resentment than this whole thing will fail. And this ship is basically being rebuilt as we speak. What exactly is he to do in the tubes and for how long?
Valrass was surprised to find the commander had already learned of the incident in engineering but at the moment it didn't matter he thought as he sat down.
“Visual inspection, sir” Valrass answered his antenna crossing slightly as he prepared for the repercussions.
"Okay, well I see a lot of major systems that can utilize that crewman and his team." Smythe banged his folded hands on the table, his first real sign of emotion. "My damn replicator doesn't even work!"
“My apologizes Sir, but given the current status of the ship I can't rely on sensors alone. Crewman Coles punishment was gonna fall upon someone and given this as a punishment it fills two roles. First the punishment while slightly harsh still necessary and second a visual inspection of the internals of the ship. I don't know about you sir but I would hate for a section of the ship to blow off because the refit crew skipped a valve or connector in the jefferies tubes.” Valrass knew speaking out was probably a mistake but he couldn't leave without saying his bit.
He paused for a moment, regained his composure and said, "I really admire your discipline and tenacity and I am glad to have you aboard." A slight, genuine looking smile crept over the CO. "Keep up the good work, lieutenant and keep the heat on those guys... Literally, because I just got a report from the crew lounge, the Lyon's Den, that it's feeling a little frosty up there. Dismissed."
The CO nodded and seemed content with what he said. He hoped he didn't send mixed messages. Sometimes the CO was abrupt in mood changes. There were notes in his psychiatric personnel files questioning his mental stability.
Valrass was surprised he was able to slip in his comment without being further reprimanded, with that small victory Valrass got up and headed for the door.
As the Engineer was about to leave the door Smythe got his attention, "One more thing... If you are so concerned about the integrity of the tubes, utilize more than one crew member. Using punishment to accomplish tasks is a weak leadership style. Make it a team effort.... And that includes you too. Have a good day lieutenant."
Valrass felt a bit bitter that the Commander thought of him as one to use poor leadership skills, his antenna slumping over in a small show of disappointment. Although Valrass had something to celebrate he had his small victory for today and there was no need to turn it into a tragic defeat to saying more. It was Valrass intent to task more to the visual inspection team once he had more crew available but given the Commanders stance he might have to reconsider sooner rather then later.
“Lieutenant Valrass to crewman Coles,” Valrass said into his communicator as he tapped it.
“Yes sir,” The voice of crewman Coles echoed back in almost a sultry tone of sandiness.
“How about we forget the written report and you grab one or two other crewmen from engineering to help you with those inspections, I'll be along shortly as well.” Valrass said as he entered the turbolift.
“Really!?!?... yes sir,” The crewman's voice sounded more cheerful now.
“Lyon's Den,” Valrass told the computer as the doors closed and it chimed in response to his request.
Valrass was rummaging round in one of main engineering's consoles when he heard his communicator go off "Commander Smythe to Lieutenant th'Valrass, report to my Ready Room in five minutes."
Valrass was surprised that in this situation the captain would wanna disturb the chief engineer as he tried to piece the ship back together but orders were orders and he promptly slipped out from under the console and headed for the turbolift. As Valrass awaited the turbolift he tried to ignore but couldn't help but look at his skin again and see the odd purple tint in his skin again.
“Bridge,” Valrass said as he entered the turbolift were two other crewman stood likely destine for the bridge as well.
As the turbolift open Valrass walked out onto the bridge which at the moment was a bee hive of activity with everyone trying to prepare for the up and coming launch. Valrass disregarded the activity and made his way into Commander Smythe's ready room. The door was locked open either by intent or malfunction neither of which matter to Valrass as he could see the Commander was obviously unhappy.
“Lieutenant Valrass reporting as ordered,” Valrass said as he took a position of attention in front of the Commander.
After the introduction, Smythe motioned for the Andorian to take a seat.
"I wanted to tell you something. I personally chose you for your no-nonsense style and your rigid discipline." The commander folded his hands on the table. "I know you will get the crew into shape. But I have to say one thing. Morale is everything. I ran into one of your crew in the Jeffries tube. Remember, crappy morale brings crappy results. That crewman was so worried about being disciplined that he was not focused on his task. Furthermore, the term skeleton crew does not even describe where we are now."
He paused for a second to let what he said sink in.
"There are no reserves, reinforcements or transfers. This crew is what we have and if any attitude caused someone to feel shame or resentment than this whole thing will fail. And this ship is basically being rebuilt as we speak. What exactly is he to do in the tubes and for how long?
Valrass was surprised to find the commander had already learned of the incident in engineering but at the moment it didn't matter he thought as he sat down.
“Visual inspection, sir” Valrass answered his antenna crossing slightly as he prepared for the repercussions.
"Okay, well I see a lot of major systems that can utilize that crewman and his team." Smythe banged his folded hands on the table, his first real sign of emotion. "My damn replicator doesn't even work!"
“My apologizes Sir, but given the current status of the ship I can't rely on sensors alone. Crewman Coles punishment was gonna fall upon someone and given this as a punishment it fills two roles. First the punishment while slightly harsh still necessary and second a visual inspection of the internals of the ship. I don't know about you sir but I would hate for a section of the ship to blow off because the refit crew skipped a valve or connector in the jefferies tubes.” Valrass knew speaking out was probably a mistake but he couldn't leave without saying his bit.
He paused for a moment, regained his composure and said, "I really admire your discipline and tenacity and I am glad to have you aboard." A slight, genuine looking smile crept over the CO. "Keep up the good work, lieutenant and keep the heat on those guys... Literally, because I just got a report from the crew lounge, the Lyon's Den, that it's feeling a little frosty up there. Dismissed."
The CO nodded and seemed content with what he said. He hoped he didn't send mixed messages. Sometimes the CO was abrupt in mood changes. There were notes in his psychiatric personnel files questioning his mental stability.
Valrass was surprised he was able to slip in his comment without being further reprimanded, with that small victory Valrass got up and headed for the door.
As the Engineer was about to leave the door Smythe got his attention, "One more thing... If you are so concerned about the integrity of the tubes, utilize more than one crew member. Using punishment to accomplish tasks is a weak leadership style. Make it a team effort.... And that includes you too. Have a good day lieutenant."
Valrass felt a bit bitter that the Commander thought of him as one to use poor leadership skills, his antenna slumping over in a small show of disappointment. Although Valrass had something to celebrate he had his small victory for today and there was no need to turn it into a tragic defeat to saying more. It was Valrass intent to task more to the visual inspection team once he had more crew available but given the Commanders stance he might have to reconsider sooner rather then later.
“Lieutenant Valrass to crewman Coles,” Valrass said into his communicator as he tapped it.
“Yes sir,” The voice of crewman Coles echoed back in almost a sultry tone of sandiness.
“How about we forget the written report and you grab one or two other crewmen from engineering to help you with those inspections, I'll be along shortly as well.” Valrass said as he entered the turbolift.
“Really!?!?... yes sir,” The crewman's voice sounded more cheerful now.
“Lyon's Den,” Valrass told the computer as the doors closed and it chimed in response to his request.
After settling down and reviewing the present crew roster, Commander Arthur knew he'd have to sort through the lists of available officers Starfleet would be willing to send their way. It was no more than an hour after he arrived, and already he was growing exhausted. His last stint as XO was at a starbase with the crew already picked and ready to go. When one or two officers were transferred each week, he'd find a replacement that could do the job as efficiently as their predecessors, if not more. But starting on a ship that hasn't had a crew in years meant there were no previous officers to compare them to... none save the marines that once occupied its every room and corridor.
Now there was the issue of meeting all of the department heads - something Arthur couldn't do until there were more than one! Until then, that basically left his hands free to start reviewing applications. As to be expected, it was a short list. Most of the names were lieutenants who remembered the glory days of the Steamrunner (which could be considered the equivalent of the old Miranda and Ambassador classes during the 2370s, although it was technically much younger) or young security officers expecting it to do exactly what most ships of its class had done for years following the Dominion War: patrol the borders of the Federation. A few were just ensigns whose options were limited. For the first time in years, Arthur felt a tinge of pity for them.
Selecting names out of a list with profiles bigger than The Fall of Kang, Arthur categorized them by department and separated them into different PADDs nearly three hours later. A cursory look at the list of senior officers, however, destroyed his pride. The only department head was an Engineer named Thelin th'Valrass... an Andorian. For a moment, all he could see was his last meeting with an Andorian officer. Although Arthur didn't so much as touch him, thanks to his Starfleet-infused discipline, he didn't leave the officer many encouraging words. That was back on Montgomery during his first few months, and Arthur remembered feeling guilty afterward. But in the heat of the moment, his subconscious drove him to think back to the day an Andorian cadet - a marine, no less - killed his friend.
Unpleasant memories aside, Arthur knew he'd have to talk to Thelin at some point. Communication between the XO and department heads is key, he thought. Even if it means a little discomfort. Slightly encouraged by his internal monologue, the Lyon's XO stood, retrieved the PADD meant for the Chief Engineer off his desk, and had the computer lead him to wherever Thelin might be.
Valrass had discovered the extreme temperature in the Lyon's Den was caused by a malfunction in the computer core, after making that discovery he headed down to try and correct the issue. It seemed like he had been in the computer core for hours now swapping out core component circuits and gel packs but still had no luck solving the temperature issue. He had however discovered the replicator malfunction and seem to at least at the moment resolved that one.
"Excuse me," interrupted Arthur without a word of apology. Whatever Thelin was doing, he would have to take his attention away, if even for a short time. Once the engineer gave him his attention, regardless of what form it took, Arthur held out the PADD. "I think you'll want to look over these when you get the chance. Bring me your choices in the next twelve hours so I can send it off to Starfleet."
Valrass was surprised by the sound of another voice echoing in the small chamber of the computer core, his antenna waved back and forth with curiosity as he pulled himself out of the access hatch.
Pulling himself up he found himself in the presence of a Lieutenant Commander obviously the XO of the Lyon, "Hello sir." Valrass tried to be as formal and polite as he could muster.
Valrass took the PADD from the Lieutenant Commander and quickly scanned over it. Recognizing it was merely a transfer request he sat it down as it was a secondary priority given the current situation. "I'll get on that as soon as I'm done here," Valrass said but laughed a bit on the inside because even he didn't know when he would be out of here.
Following Thelin's response, Arthur started to leave... but then he paused to consider something. What if he had just come off as rude or insulting? Realizing how badly this kind of situation had ended previously, and how close it came to ruining his career, he turned and sternly asked, "Do you need anything down here?"
Valrass leaned back over to slip back into the access hatch when he heard the Lieutenant Commander ask if he needed anything. Valrass' antennas curved out and then back inwards repeatedly as he thought for a moment about what the XO had just said. The request caught Valrass off guard given the dire need for more engineers but the duties he knew the XO had to deal with made it a odd to ask.
"Unless you know how to reprogram isolinear crystals I don't think you be much help here, but if you really wanna get dirty I'm sure you could find something simple but key in engineering." Valrass said in response to the XO.
Sliding back into the tube he hesitated for a moment, "I appreciate the offer though Sir, thank you." Valrass said in his most friendly tone but he wasn't even sure if the XO could hear him from within the tube.
"I'm on it." Rather than ponder over Thelin's potentially scathing invitation too much, Arthur decided it best to get started. Over the course of many years with the Operations division, he knew a fair deal about the computer systems in use on Starfleet vessels.
The Andorian's thanks went only partially heard, as Arthur focused on the task at hand. Taking a seat at a side console, he navigated through the screens and menus of the display with nimble fingers. Though he had little idea what Thelin specifically wanted, he still wanted a chance to get a better look at the ship's systems for the sake of understanding its present level of efficiency. Additionally, Thelin wasn't the only way to notice the abnormally warm temperature. On the other hand, it took Arthur a few minutes more to register the difference.
"Plasma relays are fried. The computer's been trying to compensate by redirecting the flow to the few that are still intact. It's eating up most of the core's processing memory." Whether or not Valrass could hear him, Arthur elected to share the information as he worked. The worst it could do is help the engineer consider some alternatives from a hardware point-of-view. "I can reprogram the data processor to limit itself to basic life support, but we'll need those relays fixed before we can leave the system."
Valrass quickly finished up manually calibrating the computer core components he had been working on before the XO came in. To Valrass' surprise when he slid back out of the access hatch to find the XO working away at the console. Walking over to the XO is antenna twitched downwards in curiosity as to what he had discovered.
"That's quite a few plasma relays, I'll send a crew down to replace them." Valrass didn't wait for a response from the XO as he tapped his comm badge, "Valrass to engineering, I'm sending a list of shoot plasma relays that are priority repairs." As Valrass spoke he picked up a PADD and quickly noted then sent the details to main engineering to guide their repairs.
Valrass was glad the XO had stuck around to aid him in his repairs it made the process seem easier and defiantly quicker then him doing it alone. As he finished sending the report to engineering Valrass picked up his tricorder and continued to scan the other access points along the computer core.
With a few select lines and careful calculation, Arthur limited the processor to essential systems like life support, communication, and transporters, not excepting the replicators and other basic necessities, like sonic showers and light fixtures. Just to be on the safe side, he also left in the programs controlling the small-scale force fields necessary to protect the shuttlebay and other open areas from depressurization. Once that was done, all it required was his security clearance - something he'd requested long before arriving at Quasor II.
A short while later, the temperature in the room cooled down considerably.
"I assume you'll also need some new crystals before we make way? It looked like a few were damaged by whatever eroded the relays."
Valrass had pulled at least a dozen damaged isolinear crystal by the time her worked back around to the XO still working at the console.
"Yes but fortunately for us I can get a fresh set from Qualor before we ship out." Valrass said as he began dropping the broken crystals into a bag he had brought with him.
Arthur looked either perturbed or interested at the engineer's efficiency. But just in case, he made a mental note to check over any new crystals brought aboard. He was in charge of requisition forms and other assorted paperwork aboard the ship, after all - or so he hoped. Staying behind a desk every day limited his chances of falling back into old habits, and he wanted a clean record for the day he received a third gold pip.
Zipping the bag close Valrass tossed it over his shoulder and began packing his tools away, "I think that should do it until I get those replacements, thanks again" Valrass stood up as he finished packing, tool kit in one hand the other extended out towards the XO in a handshake.
Upon seeing the Andorian's offer, Arthur stiffened as he felt the inevitable hostility he'd feared since leaving his quarters. Rather than take the hand, he merely gave Thelin a bitter look and said, "As you were." With those words, he started toward the door to see himself out. But as the doors were opening, he paused and, without turning around, said, "Twelve hours on that roster, lieutenant. Then send me your report on the repairs."
Valrass was caught off guard by the XO's sudden change in behavior. Valrass pulled his hand back placing it behind him assuming a partial position of attention. Valrass was unsure of he had offended the XO or done something wrong but now he was on the back pedal trying to keep from doing anything else wrong.
"Yes sir," Valrass tried to keep his voice steady as to not let the XO know he had offended him. Unfortunately his antennas were pinned back in annoyance, but Valrass didn't catch it until after the XO stormed out.
Thus, Arthur left in a hurry, thankful that he didn't lash out like last time. It was a minor improvement, but at least he knew his behavior was better in comparison. Although now, as he returned to his quarters to contact Starfleet, one could argue that the end results were certainly more important than the means.
Now there was the issue of meeting all of the department heads - something Arthur couldn't do until there were more than one! Until then, that basically left his hands free to start reviewing applications. As to be expected, it was a short list. Most of the names were lieutenants who remembered the glory days of the Steamrunner (which could be considered the equivalent of the old Miranda and Ambassador classes during the 2370s, although it was technically much younger) or young security officers expecting it to do exactly what most ships of its class had done for years following the Dominion War: patrol the borders of the Federation. A few were just ensigns whose options were limited. For the first time in years, Arthur felt a tinge of pity for them.
Selecting names out of a list with profiles bigger than The Fall of Kang, Arthur categorized them by department and separated them into different PADDs nearly three hours later. A cursory look at the list of senior officers, however, destroyed his pride. The only department head was an Engineer named Thelin th'Valrass... an Andorian. For a moment, all he could see was his last meeting with an Andorian officer. Although Arthur didn't so much as touch him, thanks to his Starfleet-infused discipline, he didn't leave the officer many encouraging words. That was back on Montgomery during his first few months, and Arthur remembered feeling guilty afterward. But in the heat of the moment, his subconscious drove him to think back to the day an Andorian cadet - a marine, no less - killed his friend.
Unpleasant memories aside, Arthur knew he'd have to talk to Thelin at some point. Communication between the XO and department heads is key, he thought. Even if it means a little discomfort. Slightly encouraged by his internal monologue, the Lyon's XO stood, retrieved the PADD meant for the Chief Engineer off his desk, and had the computer lead him to wherever Thelin might be.
Valrass had discovered the extreme temperature in the Lyon's Den was caused by a malfunction in the computer core, after making that discovery he headed down to try and correct the issue. It seemed like he had been in the computer core for hours now swapping out core component circuits and gel packs but still had no luck solving the temperature issue. He had however discovered the replicator malfunction and seem to at least at the moment resolved that one.
"Excuse me," interrupted Arthur without a word of apology. Whatever Thelin was doing, he would have to take his attention away, if even for a short time. Once the engineer gave him his attention, regardless of what form it took, Arthur held out the PADD. "I think you'll want to look over these when you get the chance. Bring me your choices in the next twelve hours so I can send it off to Starfleet."
Valrass was surprised by the sound of another voice echoing in the small chamber of the computer core, his antenna waved back and forth with curiosity as he pulled himself out of the access hatch.
Pulling himself up he found himself in the presence of a Lieutenant Commander obviously the XO of the Lyon, "Hello sir." Valrass tried to be as formal and polite as he could muster.
Valrass took the PADD from the Lieutenant Commander and quickly scanned over it. Recognizing it was merely a transfer request he sat it down as it was a secondary priority given the current situation. "I'll get on that as soon as I'm done here," Valrass said but laughed a bit on the inside because even he didn't know when he would be out of here.
Following Thelin's response, Arthur started to leave... but then he paused to consider something. What if he had just come off as rude or insulting? Realizing how badly this kind of situation had ended previously, and how close it came to ruining his career, he turned and sternly asked, "Do you need anything down here?"
Valrass leaned back over to slip back into the access hatch when he heard the Lieutenant Commander ask if he needed anything. Valrass' antennas curved out and then back inwards repeatedly as he thought for a moment about what the XO had just said. The request caught Valrass off guard given the dire need for more engineers but the duties he knew the XO had to deal with made it a odd to ask.
"Unless you know how to reprogram isolinear crystals I don't think you be much help here, but if you really wanna get dirty I'm sure you could find something simple but key in engineering." Valrass said in response to the XO.
Sliding back into the tube he hesitated for a moment, "I appreciate the offer though Sir, thank you." Valrass said in his most friendly tone but he wasn't even sure if the XO could hear him from within the tube.
"I'm on it." Rather than ponder over Thelin's potentially scathing invitation too much, Arthur decided it best to get started. Over the course of many years with the Operations division, he knew a fair deal about the computer systems in use on Starfleet vessels.
The Andorian's thanks went only partially heard, as Arthur focused on the task at hand. Taking a seat at a side console, he navigated through the screens and menus of the display with nimble fingers. Though he had little idea what Thelin specifically wanted, he still wanted a chance to get a better look at the ship's systems for the sake of understanding its present level of efficiency. Additionally, Thelin wasn't the only way to notice the abnormally warm temperature. On the other hand, it took Arthur a few minutes more to register the difference.
"Plasma relays are fried. The computer's been trying to compensate by redirecting the flow to the few that are still intact. It's eating up most of the core's processing memory." Whether or not Valrass could hear him, Arthur elected to share the information as he worked. The worst it could do is help the engineer consider some alternatives from a hardware point-of-view. "I can reprogram the data processor to limit itself to basic life support, but we'll need those relays fixed before we can leave the system."
Valrass quickly finished up manually calibrating the computer core components he had been working on before the XO came in. To Valrass' surprise when he slid back out of the access hatch to find the XO working away at the console. Walking over to the XO is antenna twitched downwards in curiosity as to what he had discovered.
"That's quite a few plasma relays, I'll send a crew down to replace them." Valrass didn't wait for a response from the XO as he tapped his comm badge, "Valrass to engineering, I'm sending a list of shoot plasma relays that are priority repairs." As Valrass spoke he picked up a PADD and quickly noted then sent the details to main engineering to guide their repairs.
Valrass was glad the XO had stuck around to aid him in his repairs it made the process seem easier and defiantly quicker then him doing it alone. As he finished sending the report to engineering Valrass picked up his tricorder and continued to scan the other access points along the computer core.
With a few select lines and careful calculation, Arthur limited the processor to essential systems like life support, communication, and transporters, not excepting the replicators and other basic necessities, like sonic showers and light fixtures. Just to be on the safe side, he also left in the programs controlling the small-scale force fields necessary to protect the shuttlebay and other open areas from depressurization. Once that was done, all it required was his security clearance - something he'd requested long before arriving at Quasor II.
A short while later, the temperature in the room cooled down considerably.
"I assume you'll also need some new crystals before we make way? It looked like a few were damaged by whatever eroded the relays."
Valrass had pulled at least a dozen damaged isolinear crystal by the time her worked back around to the XO still working at the console.
"Yes but fortunately for us I can get a fresh set from Qualor before we ship out." Valrass said as he began dropping the broken crystals into a bag he had brought with him.
Arthur looked either perturbed or interested at the engineer's efficiency. But just in case, he made a mental note to check over any new crystals brought aboard. He was in charge of requisition forms and other assorted paperwork aboard the ship, after all - or so he hoped. Staying behind a desk every day limited his chances of falling back into old habits, and he wanted a clean record for the day he received a third gold pip.
Zipping the bag close Valrass tossed it over his shoulder and began packing his tools away, "I think that should do it until I get those replacements, thanks again" Valrass stood up as he finished packing, tool kit in one hand the other extended out towards the XO in a handshake.
Upon seeing the Andorian's offer, Arthur stiffened as he felt the inevitable hostility he'd feared since leaving his quarters. Rather than take the hand, he merely gave Thelin a bitter look and said, "As you were." With those words, he started toward the door to see himself out. But as the doors were opening, he paused and, without turning around, said, "Twelve hours on that roster, lieutenant. Then send me your report on the repairs."
Valrass was caught off guard by the XO's sudden change in behavior. Valrass pulled his hand back placing it behind him assuming a partial position of attention. Valrass was unsure of he had offended the XO or done something wrong but now he was on the back pedal trying to keep from doing anything else wrong.
"Yes sir," Valrass tried to keep his voice steady as to not let the XO know he had offended him. Unfortunately his antennas were pinned back in annoyance, but Valrass didn't catch it until after the XO stormed out.
Thus, Arthur left in a hurry, thankful that he didn't lash out like last time. It was a minor improvement, but at least he knew his behavior was better in comparison. Although now, as he returned to his quarters to contact Starfleet, one could argue that the end results were certainly more important than the means.
Just as Cmdr. Smythe finished looking over some personnnell files and prepared to leave the ready room, a message came in from Starfleet Command. Smythe accepted it. He was always creeped out how the Admirals could tell when he was in the ready room.
He used to think it was coincidence, but the very same admiral admitted he checked Smythe's location before ever communique was sent. Admiral Jegvidden was a lithe, lanky man. Some would guess that he had some sort of non-human blood. In fact, he was just odd looking. A twisted smile and wide, bulging eyes defined his smile.
"Commander Smythe", he stated, pausing for a second for dramatic effect. "How do you like your new ship?"
"It's a dream come true, sir."
The admiral leaned back in his chair and folded his hands on the table. "Good... I want you to know, more of your enlisted crew is on the way, there was a shuttlebee accident and that slowed down operations where they were located.
"Any word on our officer transfer, sir."
"We are doing this the long way. By hand picking officers, you guys are making the wait longer."
"it'll be worth it sir."
The admiral nodded. "Well I just wanted to check in on you, commander. Good luck with your ship, good luck with the shakedown and good luck with the crew."
The image of the admiral was replaced with the logo of the Federation. Smythe stood up, adjusted his uniform and left the ready room. He figured being shut in the ready room was no way to lead. He passed through the bridge and into the turbolift.
He used to think it was coincidence, but the very same admiral admitted he checked Smythe's location before ever communique was sent. Admiral Jegvidden was a lithe, lanky man. Some would guess that he had some sort of non-human blood. In fact, he was just odd looking. A twisted smile and wide, bulging eyes defined his smile.
"Commander Smythe", he stated, pausing for a second for dramatic effect. "How do you like your new ship?"
"It's a dream come true, sir."
The admiral leaned back in his chair and folded his hands on the table. "Good... I want you to know, more of your enlisted crew is on the way, there was a shuttlebee accident and that slowed down operations where they were located.
"Any word on our officer transfer, sir."
"We are doing this the long way. By hand picking officers, you guys are making the wait longer."
"it'll be worth it sir."
The admiral nodded. "Well I just wanted to check in on you, commander. Good luck with your ship, good luck with the shakedown and good luck with the crew."
The image of the admiral was replaced with the logo of the Federation. Smythe stood up, adjusted his uniform and left the ready room. He figured being shut in the ready room was no way to lead. He passed through the bridge and into the turbolift.
After the ordeal in the computer core Valrass decided it was time for a bit of a break and a meal before he decided to tackle his second shift of the day. As he exited the turbolift he found himself being swarmed by the off going alpha shift trying to get to their bunks or the chow hall and the beta shift heading to their stations around the ship. Valrass simply pushed up against the wall watching and waiting as the crowds swarmed back and forth moving like a smaller piece of a larger creature. Valrass compared the crewman moving about kinda like the negative and positive charges of a circuit flowing back and forth towards the different components pulling the charges towards them.
“Lieutenant are you ok?' A short Zakdorn female spoke standing in front of Valrass.
“Yes crewman, thank you” Valrass answered the young Zakdorn, looking around he realized he had been lost in thought and the swarming crowds had dissipated and he must have looked lost standing against the wall the way he was.
Twirling his antenna around in circles he looked around finding his barring and stepped off again. The corridors of the Lyon were designed to be easily navigated but sometimes it still seemed confusing as he tried to make his way around unlike the countless larger star bases Valrass had served on before. Another corner and finally Valrass found himself at Lyon's Den for the second time this day, stepping in he felt relieved his efforts had paid off and Lyon's Den was now a comfortable temperature. Valrass' antennas slumped over from exhaustion as he dragged himself the rest of the way through the door and onto a bat stool.
“What can I get you Lieutenant?” a pale blonde attendant behind the bar said.
Valrass looked past the woman for a moment looking at some of the food lining the wall and then back at her. “Your a Betazoid are you not?” Valrass couldn't help but ask as he peered into the woman's solid black eyes.
“Why yes, I'm surprised you noticed,” She said in her soft feminine voice.
“I learned a bit about your people when the star base I was stationed on was helping refugees from the Betazed occupation relocate.” Valrass' memories flashed back for a moment to his first few years as a crewman before switching to become a officer.
“I was lucky enough to be on a shipping vessel with my family when the Dominion attacked.” The young Betazed looked sadden.
“How about water and that salad there.” Valrass said trying to change the subject and avoid the subject.
Valrass looked around, the den seem to be filling up quickly with the crew pouring in through both of the doors and taking seats all around the large open room. Valrass looked out the view port which gave a view of the scrap yard that surrounded the Lyon. Valrass wondered if the refit crew had used some of the pieces floating out there on the Lyon to cut time and save resources, that certainly would explain some of the issues he thought.
“Here you are, enjoy.” The Betazed sat the cup and plate down then went to see to another patrons needs.
Valrass spent the rest of his meal in silent contemplation watching the other members of Lyon's crew, he wondered how many more new faces would be showing up.
“Lieutenant are you ok?' A short Zakdorn female spoke standing in front of Valrass.
“Yes crewman, thank you” Valrass answered the young Zakdorn, looking around he realized he had been lost in thought and the swarming crowds had dissipated and he must have looked lost standing against the wall the way he was.
Twirling his antenna around in circles he looked around finding his barring and stepped off again. The corridors of the Lyon were designed to be easily navigated but sometimes it still seemed confusing as he tried to make his way around unlike the countless larger star bases Valrass had served on before. Another corner and finally Valrass found himself at Lyon's Den for the second time this day, stepping in he felt relieved his efforts had paid off and Lyon's Den was now a comfortable temperature. Valrass' antennas slumped over from exhaustion as he dragged himself the rest of the way through the door and onto a bat stool.
“What can I get you Lieutenant?” a pale blonde attendant behind the bar said.
Valrass looked past the woman for a moment looking at some of the food lining the wall and then back at her. “Your a Betazoid are you not?” Valrass couldn't help but ask as he peered into the woman's solid black eyes.
“Why yes, I'm surprised you noticed,” She said in her soft feminine voice.
“I learned a bit about your people when the star base I was stationed on was helping refugees from the Betazed occupation relocate.” Valrass' memories flashed back for a moment to his first few years as a crewman before switching to become a officer.
“I was lucky enough to be on a shipping vessel with my family when the Dominion attacked.” The young Betazed looked sadden.
“How about water and that salad there.” Valrass said trying to change the subject and avoid the subject.
Valrass looked around, the den seem to be filling up quickly with the crew pouring in through both of the doors and taking seats all around the large open room. Valrass looked out the view port which gave a view of the scrap yard that surrounded the Lyon. Valrass wondered if the refit crew had used some of the pieces floating out there on the Lyon to cut time and save resources, that certainly would explain some of the issues he thought.
“Here you are, enjoy.” The Betazed sat the cup and plate down then went to see to another patrons needs.
Valrass spent the rest of his meal in silent contemplation watching the other members of Lyon's crew, he wondered how many more new faces would be showing up.
As if in response to Valrass' wondering, at that very moment, another crew member was indeed on her way albeit of a nonstandard nature to be sure. Ever since the Romulan twin worlds had been destroyed last year it was no secret that tensions between the Empire and the Federation were some of the most elevated they'd been in a long time... perhaps even since the Tomed Incident, depending which commentator one listened to. That business with Shinzon nearly a decade earlier had opened a doorway for new conversation and dialogue, for a time it had even seemed as if the long time foes might finally begin to bury the hatchet, and for a time they had. Joint exercises, exchange programs, steps were taken in a very tentative fashion to bridge the gap between the two cultures.
And just like that, in one explosion of brilliant atomic solar fire, so much hard work had begun to unravel and dissolve. More than one Starfleet vessel had been lost in Romulan space or along the border, the rhetoric back and forth had begun, the Klingons were getting agitated... all in all, things were not looking positive in their devolving state, which was the purpose behind the Sublieutenant as she surveyed the space ahead of the shuttle whilst they flew across the neutral zone. If she had to guess, there was likely a warbird or two out there as well, cloaked and shadowing her progress... though the sensors on her small craft weren't powerful enough to divine them out. Not like when the Federation had coordinated their efforts during the Klingon Civil War... clever that. She'd studied their tactics diligently while she'd been in the Star Navy's Academy.
Then the Dominion War began.
Enemies became allies became enemies again. She sighed, looking to the PADD in her hand which held her orders, and no doubt the commanding officer of the USS Lyon-A had a similar copy. It had been a last minute venture, an initiative from the Senate to try and improve relations, and she had been the lucky officer chosen. To say that Ariennye had been less than pleased would have been an under statement... she'd had family on Romulus, incinerated in a nuclear cascade, while the politicians of the Federation dithered about aiding the Empire at the behest of their Vulcan puppet masters. At that moment, had she been in command of a wardbird herself, she may well have launched a counter strike as all order had seemed to temporarily break down.
"We're entering Federation space now." The pilot spoke from the seat next to her, no doubt a member of the Tal Shiar if she made her guess correctly, and Ari gave him a nod. "Your orders, Sublieutenant?"
"Maintain course." Was her answer.
The warp shuttle was traveling under cloak; old habits died hard and Ariennye wasn't fond of giving away her position to all those sensors and scanners pointed into the Empire from Starfleet's monitoring stations. This was a diplomatic mission, however, despite her lack of training in anything resembling diplomacy. Perhaps that was the Senate's goal, even. We tried, sorry, humans just hate Romulans... it's like we've always said, the Federation is a racist Human-Vulcan club with no room for others. She was a professional soldier, however, and if her orders were to work with Starfleet as a liaison exchange officer, then that's what she would do regardless of her personal feelings.
"Watch out for the food." The pilot chuckled. "I hear it can do a number on your system until you get used to it."
"Remember your place, Uhlan." Ariennye snapped back. "Maintain our cloak until you arrive at the Qualor system."
While they were out of the Empire itself, any number of elements may want this mission to fail, and she preferred not to die in a salvo of disruptor fire.
Their destination was only a few short light years, of course, and the shuttle arrived at the edge of the solar system before too much longer had passed. Per her command, at the edge of it, the shuttles cloak did indeed drop to allow the Federation sensors to detect it. The small Romulan vessel was running on condition green, weapons powered down, though as a precaution against treachery Ari did touch the control console in front of her to raise their shields. As the low humming vibration of the defense matrix energizing touched on her sensitive ears, she pulled up the communications system, hailing the USS Lyon-A as they rapidly continued on.
"This is Sublieutenant t'Vreenak for Commander Smythe. We have entered the edge of the Qualor system and are enroute to your position, estimated arrival in half an hour." She spoke to the terminal, forcing herself to recall Federation standard time keeping. "My liaison transfer orders and security clearance are encoded with this transmission. I will be ready for transport once we are in range, I look forward to meeting face to face."
She didn't. Not at all. It was a bald faced lie told for the sake of pleasantries and no doubt it would be fairly obvious to a trained Starfleet commander. Rising out of her chair at the end of the communique, she retrieved the case carrying her few personal belongings, which mostly consisted of spare uniforms albeit with a few personal tokens concealed within. The shuttle wasn't hers to keep, of course, just her courier. For her next several months would be spent in the company of Starfleet and that was that.
Her eyes continued to scan as they approached ever closer, through what looked like a ship graveyard, and while she wasn't familiar with all Federation models several of them were positively ancient. Upon beholding the Lyon-A her spirits weren't much raised. The ship was old, no doubt poorly maintained, and that alone told her the priority both their governments put on the mission. Don't let the Romulan spy onto a more modern vessel where she might glean something of true value...
"That's encouraging." Ari spoke in the Romulan tongue at the sight of it and didn't bother to correct the Uhlan this time when he smirked. "They may transport me when ready."
Holding her travel case in one hand, she moved to the back of the shuttle, boots landing softly atop the transport pad as she waited for her Federation 'hosts' to bring her aboard. The sensors would detect no explosives or other dangers on her, save the disruptor at her hip, which she had no control over them disabling or not.
And just like that, in one explosion of brilliant atomic solar fire, so much hard work had begun to unravel and dissolve. More than one Starfleet vessel had been lost in Romulan space or along the border, the rhetoric back and forth had begun, the Klingons were getting agitated... all in all, things were not looking positive in their devolving state, which was the purpose behind the Sublieutenant as she surveyed the space ahead of the shuttle whilst they flew across the neutral zone. If she had to guess, there was likely a warbird or two out there as well, cloaked and shadowing her progress... though the sensors on her small craft weren't powerful enough to divine them out. Not like when the Federation had coordinated their efforts during the Klingon Civil War... clever that. She'd studied their tactics diligently while she'd been in the Star Navy's Academy.
Then the Dominion War began.
Enemies became allies became enemies again. She sighed, looking to the PADD in her hand which held her orders, and no doubt the commanding officer of the USS Lyon-A had a similar copy. It had been a last minute venture, an initiative from the Senate to try and improve relations, and she had been the lucky officer chosen. To say that Ariennye had been less than pleased would have been an under statement... she'd had family on Romulus, incinerated in a nuclear cascade, while the politicians of the Federation dithered about aiding the Empire at the behest of their Vulcan puppet masters. At that moment, had she been in command of a wardbird herself, she may well have launched a counter strike as all order had seemed to temporarily break down.
"We're entering Federation space now." The pilot spoke from the seat next to her, no doubt a member of the Tal Shiar if she made her guess correctly, and Ari gave him a nod. "Your orders, Sublieutenant?"
"Maintain course." Was her answer.
The warp shuttle was traveling under cloak; old habits died hard and Ariennye wasn't fond of giving away her position to all those sensors and scanners pointed into the Empire from Starfleet's monitoring stations. This was a diplomatic mission, however, despite her lack of training in anything resembling diplomacy. Perhaps that was the Senate's goal, even. We tried, sorry, humans just hate Romulans... it's like we've always said, the Federation is a racist Human-Vulcan club with no room for others. She was a professional soldier, however, and if her orders were to work with Starfleet as a liaison exchange officer, then that's what she would do regardless of her personal feelings.
"Watch out for the food." The pilot chuckled. "I hear it can do a number on your system until you get used to it."
"Remember your place, Uhlan." Ariennye snapped back. "Maintain our cloak until you arrive at the Qualor system."
While they were out of the Empire itself, any number of elements may want this mission to fail, and she preferred not to die in a salvo of disruptor fire.
Their destination was only a few short light years, of course, and the shuttle arrived at the edge of the solar system before too much longer had passed. Per her command, at the edge of it, the shuttles cloak did indeed drop to allow the Federation sensors to detect it. The small Romulan vessel was running on condition green, weapons powered down, though as a precaution against treachery Ari did touch the control console in front of her to raise their shields. As the low humming vibration of the defense matrix energizing touched on her sensitive ears, she pulled up the communications system, hailing the USS Lyon-A as they rapidly continued on.
"This is Sublieutenant t'Vreenak for Commander Smythe. We have entered the edge of the Qualor system and are enroute to your position, estimated arrival in half an hour." She spoke to the terminal, forcing herself to recall Federation standard time keeping. "My liaison transfer orders and security clearance are encoded with this transmission. I will be ready for transport once we are in range, I look forward to meeting face to face."
She didn't. Not at all. It was a bald faced lie told for the sake of pleasantries and no doubt it would be fairly obvious to a trained Starfleet commander. Rising out of her chair at the end of the communique, she retrieved the case carrying her few personal belongings, which mostly consisted of spare uniforms albeit with a few personal tokens concealed within. The shuttle wasn't hers to keep, of course, just her courier. For her next several months would be spent in the company of Starfleet and that was that.
Her eyes continued to scan as they approached ever closer, through what looked like a ship graveyard, and while she wasn't familiar with all Federation models several of them were positively ancient. Upon beholding the Lyon-A her spirits weren't much raised. The ship was old, no doubt poorly maintained, and that alone told her the priority both their governments put on the mission. Don't let the Romulan spy onto a more modern vessel where she might glean something of true value...
"That's encouraging." Ari spoke in the Romulan tongue at the sight of it and didn't bother to correct the Uhlan this time when he smirked. "They may transport me when ready."
Holding her travel case in one hand, she moved to the back of the shuttle, boots landing softly atop the transport pad as she waited for her Federation 'hosts' to bring her aboard. The sensors would detect no explosives or other dangers on her, save the disruptor at her hip, which she had no control over them disabling or not.
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