Unofficial Literary Challenge 14 - The Sound of Q-sic, Prompt 3
---
Club 47 in Earth Space Dock had reopened from extensive renovations and Kathryn was invited to its first day reveal. She was not too sociable on her ship and she felt that appropriate. Although she had friends on Solaris, and had good rapport with the crew, it was also a place of duty. Yet, for this occasion, Kathryn decided to let her hair down, literally.
Her hair flowed from a short part along the right side of her head, with a slight wave, over her left shoulder revealing a long segmented ear ring to the right. Staying on the conservative side due to the other attendees being either diplomats or higher-ranking members of Starfleet and the Federation, her azure dress extended to the floor and covered her arms. Not being overly modest herself, she allowed her back to be exposed with the dress hanging from her neck and waist. From her hips, the dress exhibited her bare legs behind a wrapped curtain of lightweight sheer material which shimmered in the light. At just under six feet tall bare-footed, her dark burgundy high heeled shoes made Kathryn feel like an Amazon relative to other guests, even if it was only three more inches.
Multi-colored beams of light streaked from a rotating ball that floated around the cavernous room. It orbited a larger device blaring loud music, mostly from human origin. The room itself was plainly ornamented to allow for strobe lights to serve as constantly moving decoration. From that effect, shadows were stark and changed constantly. Although every corner of the dance room was visible, it was intermittent. The point was that privacy was not possible.
But that is what Kathryn wanted. After dancing with changing partners for a few exciting songs, she decided that was enough. Carefully dodging past other dancers, she reached the edge of the brightly lit dance floor and lifted her dress to allow for safe climbing up the stairs to the bar-room. Passing a force field between the rooms, the music instantly muffled to a dull warble or rhythmic thump. Kathryn pulled at her hair to keep it on her left side as she strolled to the bar and ordered a drink. Seconds later, a teal-colored drink appeared in a short clear glass with ice cubes floating within. She took a sip and looked toward the lounge area of Club 47. Knowing that area was the antithesis of the dance floor (while sharing a beautiful view of the Earth), she smiled slightly and walked toward peace and quiet.
Throughout the evening, Kathryn had been involved in various conversations. All of them generic small talk; the kind you would expect to have with unfamiliar people or higher-ranking officers. A polite, and sometimes professional, distance was maintained in the dialog. She didn’t expect salacious propositions as if she were at Drozana Station or even Risa, even if Club 47 was a bar, lounge, and dance floor inside Earth Space Dock. Although an “official” event, it was comforting not to have to talk “business”. On board a starship, most conversations tend to be toward its proper maintenance, or the specification to handle this-or-that duty.
Passing another force field, the already muted music from the bar area was almost eliminated completely. The serenity of the lounge, coupled with an expansive view of nearby space dominated by the Earth to the side was breathtaking. The lounge had plenty of available seating, especially for an event like this. Kathryn mentally shrugged off the curious fact and sat at an empty table closest to the main window. On board her ship, she enjoyed sitting at window seats to enjoy a drink. Her reverie swam through histories, reminders and nonsensical thoughts until a starship floated into view. The graceful, and intimidating, form of an Odyssey-class ship captured her attention until it disappeared.
“The USS Orion.”
Kathryn was startled as the speaker was standing near her table. Looking, the human male was clearly Asian and aged well. Dark grey hair worn long and to the shoulders, the Fu Manchu was also dark grey and made his distinguished presence intimidating. He wore the Command colors on his Admiral’s tunic. Kathryn noted she did not see anyone else in Club 47 wearing a uniform, other than the woman standing to his side and a step behind.
Her dark hair fell straight to the middle of her torso. Cheeks seemed to flow straight to the jaw accentuated by thick lips, even wearing a neutral expression she exuded a sexy friendliness. The standard-issue uniform’s white shoulders revealed her as a starship captain. Looking at the woman, Kathryn could not help but smile, partly out of relief for a friendly face between the two visitors.
Clearing her throat, Kathryn stood and saluted. Efficiently, the Admiral waved to brush aside protocol, have Kathryn sit back down and invite his female partner to sit down at the table. Kathryn was compelled to sit in her chair and wait for the next move.
The Admiral spoke first, “Captain Kathryn Selena Beringer, please meet Captain Tracy Maxwell Kent”.
Tracy nodded and smiled as she sat into a nearby chair, crossing her legs. Kathryn felt more relaxed and lifted her glass. She then watched the Admiral sit into another seat.
As he sat, the Admiral became more congenial, “my apologies to interrupt your festivities, I hope you are enjoying yourself?”
“Yes, indeed, Admiral Marik.”
The man smiled stroking his moustache. “Let me be brief: what is your opinion on orbital bombardment?”
Kathryn could not hide her surprise at the query. “Excuse me, sir?”
“I know this may not seem the place or time to discuss official business, but it is necessary.”
He did not ask the question again, nor did the Admiral explain it. Kathryn arranged her thoughts and took a sip to help buy time to craft an effectual answer.
“It’s not Starfleet’s best tool in the box to solve problems.”
Tracy and Marik exchanged glances and Kathryn felt as if she had just answered a word-problem with a number.
Captain Kent leaned forward enough for her hair to fall past her shoulders. “Of course. Let me be blunt, the Corps of Engineers have been working on projects focused on kinetic weapons, of all types. Torpedo technology has improved greatly since the days of Kirk. Yet, with everything happening in the galaxy, our negotiators need more force available to them, so to speak.” Her silky voice matched her beauty, yet Kathryn heard an edge in her words.
Kathryn’s raised an eyebrow. “Negotiators shouldn’t need firepower.”
Smirking, Kent replied, “normally we’d agree with that statement. The Iconians proved time and again Starfleet was not prepared …,” her countenance changed as her lips trembled for a moment second before she found her place again. “Well, let’s say it’s better to have a box with tools you may not need. Wouldn’t you agree, Captain?”
“I suppose.” Kathryn glanced at her drink before taking a sip to respect whatever loss Tracy remembered.
Admiral Marik spoke next. “Have you seen the new Jupiter-class yet, Captain?”
The change in topic was abrupt. Maybe the Admiral was pushing aside ‘work’ for a moment to help Tracy? “Yes. Very impressive. She will be the pride of the fleet, I’m sure.”
“Captain Kent is slotted to receive a ship from the first wave. The redesign is a perfect platform to test new weapons.” The Admiral stroked his beard again. “It’s going to replace the Galaxy-class in that regard.”
Marik’s dovetailing the topics made Kathryn feel uneasy. Sitting a little straighter in the chair she cocked her head to the side and looked to both officers. “Forgive me Admiral, but what’s going on here?”
Tracy sat back into her chair and looked to Marik as if to receive permission. He didn’t look away from Kathryn. She glanced over her shoulders before explaining. “One of the new Jupiter-class vessels will be the platform to test a new catastrophic weapon. The Javelin Lance uses kinetic technology at its simplest form. Essentially, a large Decatritanium ‘spike’ will be launched from orbit via electromagnetic rail at a ground target. The planet’s gravity takes over, pulling the ship-long missile to target.”
Kathryn’s eyes widened as she imagined the weapon and it’s causing fantastic destruction. In her mind’s eye, a large nail dived into the heart of an average-sized city and everything melted from amazing heat and explosion from impact. Cognizance whirled as she griped with the weapon’s feasibility and disagreed with the concept.
“Energy-based attacks are more accurate … a hell of a lot more accurate. The Javelin is simply indiscriminate.”
The warmth of Tracy’s smile was cooled by the mischievous look in her eyes. Admiral Marik cleared his throat. “Regardless of the details, the purpose of our meeting is to recruit your ship to assist with finding suitable testing grounds. Simulations prove the weapon is viable, but there’s nothing like the real thing. Captain Kent will be commanding the vessel. Myself or Admiral Takashi Kurita will be your contacts.”
“I …,” Kathryn paused. Being a starship Captain, she had a lot of leeway with decisions. Sometimes though, orders were orders and Kathryn had yet to be faced with a situation that pushed against her own moral judgment so much as to jeopardize her career. Admiral Marik was not overtly giving an order, yet it was undeniable that he was doing so.
Ships have increased in their lethality, and every cruiser on the line had orbital strike capabilities. Solaris was no different; the fact she has yet to use it may be either luck or fortune. But the power to obliterate a city was always at her command. From another point of view, by joining Starfleet, she accepted the possibility to do something against the fringes of her own professional morality.
Did this weapon, and this discussion, breach some personal code? The Federation was at full war with the Iconians. Before that, the Vaadwaur, Undine, Voth and Klingons. Starfleet was a military, after all, and weapon development was sure to take many turns. So, was the Admiral really asking for more than what was expected from a Starfleet Captain?
Kathryn decided he wasn’t. Before Kathryn could finish responding, Admiral Marik raised a hand to interrupt. He smiled as spoke.
“Don’t get me wrong, Captain Beringer. Your ship will not have this mission alone. Although the project is still in development, the prototype is ready. Coupled with the current state of affairs, targets are to be discovered rather than sought after; targets of opportunity, so to speak. We want to test on remote, desolate worlds with no chance against any form of life. COE plans this project will not be fully operational for several months, due to the Jupiter’s rollout, maybe more years before we see production onto capital ships. Yet, there is some secrecy involved, and that’s why we are discussing this with you personally, in a setting that would not be expected by prying eyes and ears.”
And that cleared the way for Kathryn.
“Yes, sir. I understand. Solaris is ready for this task.
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Captain Tracy Maxwell Kent - Monica Belluci
Admiral Janos Marik - Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Mentioned but not seen:
Admiral Takashi Kurita - Ken Watanabe
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Decrypted Encryption
Unofficial Literary Challenge 15 - Stand For Your Crew
---
S’Rel strode through the doors after permission was granted. Her lithe and diminutive figure hid her fierce intelligence. S’Rel was well suited as the Operations Chief for USS Solaris as Vulcans were well-known for their acumen. She stopped at the desk and handed a PADD to Captain Kathryn Beringer. “As requested, these are the candidates with the necessary qualifications,” S’Rel reported dispassionately.
Kathryn activated the PADD, raised an eyebrow and looked up. “Only three?”
“With the necessary qualifications,” reminded S’Rel.
“Very well. Of these three, do you have a preference?”
“No. Each is fully qualified to resolve the problem.”
Looking back at the PADD, Kathryn queried, “I see one has been on board for only two weeks, transferred directly from the Academy no less. I’m very curious about his selection for this list.”
S’Rel placed both hands behind her back. “Because he is Orion, and the problem may require his knowledge of the Federation, from a certain point of view.”
Kathryn smiled. “I see. Thank you, S’Rel. Your counsel is always appreciated.”
The Vulcan nodded, and then turned on her heels to exit quietly.
+++
On Deck Eleven, Kizan entered the Systems Operations Lab and smiled as he sat at a console. As a Systems Engineer, his duty was to check on various technical routines in Solaris’ Main Computer core. It was a tedious task typically reserved for the ‘green’ crew members. As an Orion, the irony in the Terran expression was not lost on him. Regardless, Kizan was not sure when that status would change, although he presumed with the next group of crew transfers. He expected having to do menial tasks due to his recent arrival to Solaris, because even these responsibilities were necessary for the proper function of a starship. He tapped a code onto a keypad and various darkened displays came to life. He looked around and made mental notes, ultimately deciding on a course of action based on priorities. As he activated his duty manifest, the doors to the room swished open and closed quickly, distracting him to look at who was entering the room.
“Good morning Bolo. Are you ready for yet another busy day?”
The Exocomp floated next to Kizan and landed on a slate that served as a landing pad. Bolo hummed a little louder even though its anti-gravity coils ceased activity. Kizan’s smile was static as he grabbed a few connecting cables and attached them to various ports on Bolo’s shell. More displays closer to Bolo activated. Where Kizan’s screen showed information that could be relatively understood by most other crew members, Bolo’s screen showed complex code patterns and equations: it was the untranslated language of computers.
Looking back to his unread duty manifest, Kizan expected to see a list of tasks to accomplish. Instead, only one was listed. Interested, he opened the file and became surprised to see it come from the Captain herself. “What have we here?” He reviewed the short message quickly and his heart started beating a little faster; he was being tasked to decode an encrypted message, source unknown.
The thought of changing his expected routine thrilled him. Having arrived on the ship only two weeks ago, he didn’t expect to have any special assignments for a little longer. He felt like he had to prove something because he was one of two Orions on a crew compliment of over seven hundred, especially one lead by the “Scarlet Scorpion”. The Captain’s nickname was known by various circles in the Syndicate and was synonymous with viscous vendetta.
And that is what caused trepidation. Before joining Starfleet, Kizan was known as Nazdik. He had grown bored of the Syndicate’s constant demands for code breaking and hacking jobs. Although it paid well, he knew he was on the darker side of the law, even Orion law, much less the Empire’s. He started to learn secrets he shouldn’t know about. Eventually, Nazdik decided to get out of the game before he got in too deep. He figured the best way out was to disappear completely. With his skills, erasing his existence and making a new one was just as easy. What he couldn’t erase was the knowledge he gained about the Syndicate. Nazdik didn’t need to make a fortune to live well, yet Syndicate secrets can get anyone killed fast. Joining Starfleet was the safest place he could think of in the galaxy to hide from the Syndicate.
His results in the Academy were just about average, intentionally. Kizan did not want more attention than his race already attracted. The education was grueling at times and he knew he was being indoctrinated in Federation ways. Even knowing propaganda was being pushed, he started to agree with several policies. Procedures and protocol became routine. Naturally, he excelled in computer-related tasks. After graduation he found a posting on the USS Solaris. Kizan jostled daily whether his transfer to this ship, out of all the others in the Fleet, was serendipity, fate, dumb luck, or random chance.
Although the Syndicate’s reach was long, with his new identity the chances were slim he would be found. Yet, was his past identity revealed? The Ambassadorial attaché, Staza Murai, was the other Orion on the ship and Kizan had no doubt she had connections in the Syndicate (or at least knew who to reach). Or maybe this was a test in some way? The Andorian Chief Engineer was a stern man and did not tolerate mediocrity. Kizan heard the tale of a Lieutenant put in the brig for taking a procedural shortcut that caused damage to the ship. He could have looked in the records to check the veracity of that story, but decided that … what was Terran phrase … ‘ignorance is bliss.’
In another strange twist to his new life, once aboard the ship his lab partner was not even organic. Exocomps were already a rare species (if that was applicable) and Kizan had heard of them before, but never met one until his posting. ‘Bolo’ was the name Kizan gave the Exocomp and he wasn’t sure if that bothered … it. The name rolls off the tongue and personalized the little machine for him. They communicated through a console display: Kizan read the words and verbalized responses.
Bolo replied and Kizan shook his head. “I don’t know yet, I have not read the details. I’m thinking it’s pretty important though; the end line declares this project top secret and results go directly to Lieutenant Commander S’Rel.” He snorted with a grin. “The message also orders the results not go into the rumor mill, so I guess whatever is found here, stays here.”
Another response. “Let me see what I can do on my own. If I need assistance, then I’ll let you know. I’ve started prioritizing tasks, would you mind handling them until I crack this encryption?”
Kizan read the next line from Bolo. “That’s real funny. I have the Latinum bar and raise you another that I can get this done before our duty shift ends.”
+++
Two hours later, Kizan was hunched over a console watching data slowly scroll up the screen. When a particular series were revealed, he entered some code, and then allowed the data to scroll. Finally, two words displayed: Access Denied and his confidence waned from the tenth attempt. His eyebrow twitched at the sight of those words in Terran. Recalling prior attempts, he rearranged letters and numbers in his head to another sequence, and then attacked the data entry display. Sweat beaded down his temple slowly. Another data series appeared, a correction was entered and the data scrolled again. Kizan paused the hacking process and looked away to give his eyes some rest, then turned to face Bolo as he stretched his arms wide.
“Whoever, or whatever, made this encryption really didn’t want anyone else to read it.”
Looking to the chat bar, Kizan nodded. “I suppose so, and no I still want to figure this one out. It’s a challenge directly from the Captain.” More text appeared. “I’d like to think Thel knows about this. He was a part of the Captain’s first command if I recall correctly. So, they’ve been together awhile. Secrets can be deadly to the soul, you know.” He caught the remark and apologized, “Sorry about that.”
Kizan stood and put a hand to his chin as he thought through his typical decryption tools. He recalled an idea tucked away and never used. As the code coalesced into navigable form, visions of the letters and numbers seemed to organize in front of him. He snapped his fingers.
“Bolo, have you ever tried a predetermined modulating algorithm before?”
Smiling from the response, Kizan continued, “I thought about that idea several yea … uh … a long time ago, but never put anything down. I feel like I have tried everything else for this problem though.”
Anti-gravity coils hummed and Bolo lifted enough to turn toward Kizan’s primary workstation.
“Oh, you want to see it?”
Kizan sat down and cracked the knuckles in his hand. He learned the gesture from classmates at the Academy and found it loosened his fingers allowing for quick work. Fingers almost blurred as they flew across the console display to enter the new code string.
Bolo had asked a question and the flashing text caught Kizan’s attention. “If this works, then I’ll tell you more about it. Although I appreciate you are not hacking the display to sneak-a-peak. It’s no secret really, just a few major tweaks in well-known decryption programs.”
After several minutes, the final key was entered and the segregated computer processed the algorithm to the encrypted message. Kizan watched the main display screen with anticipation.
Access Granted
“Success!” Kizan yelped as he sat back into his chair feeling triumphant. Sitting straight, he replaced elation with concentration as the contents of the message appeared, first as garbled code with nonsensical script laced with numbers and chaotic images. As the algorithm decoded the scrambled information, readable text appeared.
Bolo had already sent a flashing note. Being a sentient computer, Bolo’s ability to comprehend was easily faster than the Orion. As the enormity of the message dawned on Kizan, he realized his mouth was open from awe. He looked to the flashing message and nodded. “Yes, of course.” Tapping his com badge, Kizan had to keep his task secret in case the Vulcan was around others, “Sys Ops to Lieutenant Commander S’Rel. The work is complete. Please meet in Systems Operations Lab Two.”
After a paused, Sr’Rel responded, “can the data be sent to my workstation?”
He gulped as he reread parts of the message. “I do not recommend it, sir.”
Three seconds passed before S’Rel replied, “on my way.”
+++
Kathryn Beringer finished reviewing the information on the PADD. She looked to Kizan, who was standing at attention at the front of her desk. She looked to S’Rel standing next to Kizan, also at attention. Bolo floated serenely to the other side of his Orion partner. She then cleared her throat.
“This came directly from the System Operation lab?”
“Yes, sir.” Kizan’s reply was crisp.
Nodding, Kathryn continued, “good. Recall your orders: this is not grist for the mill. Bolo, I trust the record of this event will be erased? Route any queries to me.” Bolo descended a few centimeters before rising back to its original altitude to show its compliance.
She looked to the three standing in front of her desk. Satisfied, Kathryn sat back into her chair. “Very good, dismissed.”
After the doors closed, Kathryn activated her desk comp. “Computer, Priority One message to Admiral Kurita, Starfleet Command. Security engram Kathryn Alpha-Zero-One. Message: Intercepted encoded transmission in Argama Sector. Location of T development compromised. End message. Encrypt and send. Then delete sent file history, authorization Kathryn-Zeta-Eight-Eight.”
The ship’s computer beeped.
---
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Kizan - Theo James
Bolo - Himself
Mentioned but not seen:
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Admiral Takashi Kurita - Ken Watanabe
---
S’Rel strode through the doors after permission was granted. Her lithe and diminutive figure hid her fierce intelligence. S’Rel was well suited as the Operations Chief for USS Solaris as Vulcans were well-known for their acumen. She stopped at the desk and handed a PADD to Captain Kathryn Beringer. “As requested, these are the candidates with the necessary qualifications,” S’Rel reported dispassionately.
Kathryn activated the PADD, raised an eyebrow and looked up. “Only three?”
“With the necessary qualifications,” reminded S’Rel.
“Very well. Of these three, do you have a preference?”
“No. Each is fully qualified to resolve the problem.”
Looking back at the PADD, Kathryn queried, “I see one has been on board for only two weeks, transferred directly from the Academy no less. I’m very curious about his selection for this list.”
S’Rel placed both hands behind her back. “Because he is Orion, and the problem may require his knowledge of the Federation, from a certain point of view.”
Kathryn smiled. “I see. Thank you, S’Rel. Your counsel is always appreciated.”
The Vulcan nodded, and then turned on her heels to exit quietly.
+++
On Deck Eleven, Kizan entered the Systems Operations Lab and smiled as he sat at a console. As a Systems Engineer, his duty was to check on various technical routines in Solaris’ Main Computer core. It was a tedious task typically reserved for the ‘green’ crew members. As an Orion, the irony in the Terran expression was not lost on him. Regardless, Kizan was not sure when that status would change, although he presumed with the next group of crew transfers. He expected having to do menial tasks due to his recent arrival to Solaris, because even these responsibilities were necessary for the proper function of a starship. He tapped a code onto a keypad and various darkened displays came to life. He looked around and made mental notes, ultimately deciding on a course of action based on priorities. As he activated his duty manifest, the doors to the room swished open and closed quickly, distracting him to look at who was entering the room.
“Good morning Bolo. Are you ready for yet another busy day?”
The Exocomp floated next to Kizan and landed on a slate that served as a landing pad. Bolo hummed a little louder even though its anti-gravity coils ceased activity. Kizan’s smile was static as he grabbed a few connecting cables and attached them to various ports on Bolo’s shell. More displays closer to Bolo activated. Where Kizan’s screen showed information that could be relatively understood by most other crew members, Bolo’s screen showed complex code patterns and equations: it was the untranslated language of computers.
Looking back to his unread duty manifest, Kizan expected to see a list of tasks to accomplish. Instead, only one was listed. Interested, he opened the file and became surprised to see it come from the Captain herself. “What have we here?” He reviewed the short message quickly and his heart started beating a little faster; he was being tasked to decode an encrypted message, source unknown.
The thought of changing his expected routine thrilled him. Having arrived on the ship only two weeks ago, he didn’t expect to have any special assignments for a little longer. He felt like he had to prove something because he was one of two Orions on a crew compliment of over seven hundred, especially one lead by the “Scarlet Scorpion”. The Captain’s nickname was known by various circles in the Syndicate and was synonymous with viscous vendetta.
And that is what caused trepidation. Before joining Starfleet, Kizan was known as Nazdik. He had grown bored of the Syndicate’s constant demands for code breaking and hacking jobs. Although it paid well, he knew he was on the darker side of the law, even Orion law, much less the Empire’s. He started to learn secrets he shouldn’t know about. Eventually, Nazdik decided to get out of the game before he got in too deep. He figured the best way out was to disappear completely. With his skills, erasing his existence and making a new one was just as easy. What he couldn’t erase was the knowledge he gained about the Syndicate. Nazdik didn’t need to make a fortune to live well, yet Syndicate secrets can get anyone killed fast. Joining Starfleet was the safest place he could think of in the galaxy to hide from the Syndicate.
His results in the Academy were just about average, intentionally. Kizan did not want more attention than his race already attracted. The education was grueling at times and he knew he was being indoctrinated in Federation ways. Even knowing propaganda was being pushed, he started to agree with several policies. Procedures and protocol became routine. Naturally, he excelled in computer-related tasks. After graduation he found a posting on the USS Solaris. Kizan jostled daily whether his transfer to this ship, out of all the others in the Fleet, was serendipity, fate, dumb luck, or random chance.
Although the Syndicate’s reach was long, with his new identity the chances were slim he would be found. Yet, was his past identity revealed? The Ambassadorial attaché, Staza Murai, was the other Orion on the ship and Kizan had no doubt she had connections in the Syndicate (or at least knew who to reach). Or maybe this was a test in some way? The Andorian Chief Engineer was a stern man and did not tolerate mediocrity. Kizan heard the tale of a Lieutenant put in the brig for taking a procedural shortcut that caused damage to the ship. He could have looked in the records to check the veracity of that story, but decided that … what was Terran phrase … ‘ignorance is bliss.’
In another strange twist to his new life, once aboard the ship his lab partner was not even organic. Exocomps were already a rare species (if that was applicable) and Kizan had heard of them before, but never met one until his posting. ‘Bolo’ was the name Kizan gave the Exocomp and he wasn’t sure if that bothered … it. The name rolls off the tongue and personalized the little machine for him. They communicated through a console display: Kizan read the words and verbalized responses.
Bolo replied and Kizan shook his head. “I don’t know yet, I have not read the details. I’m thinking it’s pretty important though; the end line declares this project top secret and results go directly to Lieutenant Commander S’Rel.” He snorted with a grin. “The message also orders the results not go into the rumor mill, so I guess whatever is found here, stays here.”
Another response. “Let me see what I can do on my own. If I need assistance, then I’ll let you know. I’ve started prioritizing tasks, would you mind handling them until I crack this encryption?”
Kizan read the next line from Bolo. “That’s real funny. I have the Latinum bar and raise you another that I can get this done before our duty shift ends.”
+++
Two hours later, Kizan was hunched over a console watching data slowly scroll up the screen. When a particular series were revealed, he entered some code, and then allowed the data to scroll. Finally, two words displayed: Access Denied and his confidence waned from the tenth attempt. His eyebrow twitched at the sight of those words in Terran. Recalling prior attempts, he rearranged letters and numbers in his head to another sequence, and then attacked the data entry display. Sweat beaded down his temple slowly. Another data series appeared, a correction was entered and the data scrolled again. Kizan paused the hacking process and looked away to give his eyes some rest, then turned to face Bolo as he stretched his arms wide.
“Whoever, or whatever, made this encryption really didn’t want anyone else to read it.”
Looking to the chat bar, Kizan nodded. “I suppose so, and no I still want to figure this one out. It’s a challenge directly from the Captain.” More text appeared. “I’d like to think Thel knows about this. He was a part of the Captain’s first command if I recall correctly. So, they’ve been together awhile. Secrets can be deadly to the soul, you know.” He caught the remark and apologized, “Sorry about that.”
Kizan stood and put a hand to his chin as he thought through his typical decryption tools. He recalled an idea tucked away and never used. As the code coalesced into navigable form, visions of the letters and numbers seemed to organize in front of him. He snapped his fingers.
“Bolo, have you ever tried a predetermined modulating algorithm before?”
Smiling from the response, Kizan continued, “I thought about that idea several yea … uh … a long time ago, but never put anything down. I feel like I have tried everything else for this problem though.”
Anti-gravity coils hummed and Bolo lifted enough to turn toward Kizan’s primary workstation.
“Oh, you want to see it?”
Kizan sat down and cracked the knuckles in his hand. He learned the gesture from classmates at the Academy and found it loosened his fingers allowing for quick work. Fingers almost blurred as they flew across the console display to enter the new code string.
Bolo had asked a question and the flashing text caught Kizan’s attention. “If this works, then I’ll tell you more about it. Although I appreciate you are not hacking the display to sneak-a-peak. It’s no secret really, just a few major tweaks in well-known decryption programs.”
After several minutes, the final key was entered and the segregated computer processed the algorithm to the encrypted message. Kizan watched the main display screen with anticipation.
Access Granted
“Success!” Kizan yelped as he sat back into his chair feeling triumphant. Sitting straight, he replaced elation with concentration as the contents of the message appeared, first as garbled code with nonsensical script laced with numbers and chaotic images. As the algorithm decoded the scrambled information, readable text appeared.
Bolo had already sent a flashing note. Being a sentient computer, Bolo’s ability to comprehend was easily faster than the Orion. As the enormity of the message dawned on Kizan, he realized his mouth was open from awe. He looked to the flashing message and nodded. “Yes, of course.” Tapping his com badge, Kizan had to keep his task secret in case the Vulcan was around others, “Sys Ops to Lieutenant Commander S’Rel. The work is complete. Please meet in Systems Operations Lab Two.”
After a paused, Sr’Rel responded, “can the data be sent to my workstation?”
He gulped as he reread parts of the message. “I do not recommend it, sir.”
Three seconds passed before S’Rel replied, “on my way.”
+++
Kathryn Beringer finished reviewing the information on the PADD. She looked to Kizan, who was standing at attention at the front of her desk. She looked to S’Rel standing next to Kizan, also at attention. Bolo floated serenely to the other side of his Orion partner. She then cleared her throat.
“This came directly from the System Operation lab?”
“Yes, sir.” Kizan’s reply was crisp.
Nodding, Kathryn continued, “good. Recall your orders: this is not grist for the mill. Bolo, I trust the record of this event will be erased? Route any queries to me.” Bolo descended a few centimeters before rising back to its original altitude to show its compliance.
She looked to the three standing in front of her desk. Satisfied, Kathryn sat back into her chair. “Very good, dismissed.”
After the doors closed, Kathryn activated her desk comp. “Computer, Priority One message to Admiral Kurita, Starfleet Command. Security engram Kathryn Alpha-Zero-One. Message: Intercepted encoded transmission in Argama Sector. Location of T development compromised. End message. Encrypt and send. Then delete sent file history, authorization Kathryn-Zeta-Eight-Eight.”
The ship’s computer beeped.
---
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Kizan - Theo James
Bolo - Himself
Mentioned but not seen:
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Admiral Takashi Kurita - Ken Watanabe
Friday, August 14, 2015
Undeniable Evidence
Literary Challenge 22 - Undeniable Evidence
---
In the Briefing Room …
The initial words on the data slate screen tore through Kathryn’s heart. She held her breath and dreaded reading through the whole document. Events as they were described were created in her mind’s eye and clashed with her sense of reality. Anthi Ythysi, Commander and First Officer of the Federation Starship Solaris, was being accused by the Deferi for theft of highly sensitive technology and four counts of murder. Damning evidence was added to the report as investigation showed DNA patterns with accompanying images, showing hair follicles and finger prints.
Then Kathryn re-read the alleged time of the crime and all anxiety washed away. She forced herself to hide the relief as muscles relaxed. The rest of the document was scanned quickly, yet respectfully. Kathryn placed the data slate on the desk and slid it toward the constable standing on the other side of her desk. Shaking her head, she confidently stated, “This was not perpetrated by my First Officer.”
Standing at attention, the Deferi’s affect changed from triumph to incredulity. “I beg your pardon Captain? Forgive my impertinence, but did you not see the evidence gathered?”
With a wry smile, Kathryn stood and walked around the desk and stopped at the window. Outside floated an asteroid containing a supply depot manned by the Deferi. As an Excelsior-class ship, the Transwarp computer granted greater control of faster-than-light speeds than most of the other Federation vessels. Thus, Solaris was sent to retrieve materiels for the war effort. Kathryn didn’t mind duty behind the lines, as her minor efforts assisted the greater cause. And on this visit, the Deferi was accusing Anthi of having done more than manage a supply run.
Kathryn turned on her heels to look at the constable. She was resolute with her disclosure. “You see, at the time of the crime, Anthi was with me. We were running battle simulations in our Holodeck. There are logs and witnesses, other than myself, to corroborate this fact and dispute the accusations.”
The Deferi slightly bowed his head. “That may be so, but from our point of view, the facts in the report are incontrovertible. With respect to the Alliance, and to balance the loss to your crew, two hours are granted to make accommodations. We are confident the criminal will be turned over for processing.”
+++
In Kathryn’s Ready-Room …
“Captain, this is just not possible,” Anthi was exasperated. Looking at the data slate, she shook her head as her Andorian antennae twitched.
Kathryn was sympathetic. “I know. It’s unbelievable. Yet, Annika confirmed it’s your DNA.”
“But you know the truth!”
“And the Deferi knows another one.” Kathryn sighed. “I’m not saying they are right; they can’t be. Yet, time is against us before action happens. We’re on our own to solve this.”
Anthi stood. “Solve what? I didn’t do this!”
Kathryn raised a hand to calm her animated friend. “I know. There must be an explanation for how you could be in … two places … at … once.” Thoughts whirled in Kathryn’s head. Her words raised a probability not considered before.
“Captain?”
Looking to her friend, Kathryn smiled quickly and then headed toward the Bridge. Anthi curiously followed and saw Kathryn head toward Omazei’s science station. Sitting at the console was the Trill Science Chief.
“Omazei, run a sensor scan of local space. Look for Tachyon emissions or traces of interphasic rifts.”
Without questioning, Omazei’s fingers danced upon the console surface. Within seconds, the viewscreen altered from normal space to a tactical display. On the screen was the asteroid and Solaris’ position in orbit. The image expanded to show the entire system and a red dot appeared near the sun. “Sensors have detected a concentration of Tachyon particles at that location.”
“How old is that phenomenon?”
After reading more data, Omazei replied, “at least six hours.”
Kathryn pursed her lips. “Okay. Try this: scan the outpost. Find Anthi.”
Everyone on the bridge stopped working to look at Kathryn.
She looked around. “I know it sounds crazy, but I think this station was visited by the Terran Empire.”
Omazei recovered first and tapped on her console. “Captain, Anthi, er, the other Anthi, is on the station!”
“Can you lock on her position and transport to the brig?”
Anthi grinned, “that’ll be a pleasant surprise”.
Nodding, Omazei added, “it can be done.”
“Good.” Kathryn turned to Anthi. “Want to see yourself without using a mirror?”
Anthi cracked the knuckles on her hand. “Yes.”
+++
Later, in the brig …
Kathryn stepped closer to the shielding. The hairs on her neck raised and her nose was tickled by the energy field. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Behind her, Anthi stood next to the Deferi constable.
On the other side of the shield, the Terran Andorian looked almost feral. Her hair was disheveled while fingernails were long and dirty. Dried blood stained her Starfleet uniform. She smiled and Kathryn could almost make out fanged cusped. “I’m past due reporting. My captain will be here any minute. You are all dead.”
“Including you?”
Anthi spat, “very likely.”
Crossed her arms, Kathryn paced along the edge of the force field and was smug. “I’ve met your captain. She can be ruthless, so I wonder: if you have not reported back, then what’s to say she hasn’t abandoned you?”
That comment surprised the Andorian. She turned around and sat on the bench without saying a word, then looked at a side wall and scratched at her thighs.
Kathryn grunted. “No. If I were your captain, I wouldn’t do that to you. If the plan was to implicate my First Officer, then you were easy to find.” She pointed a finger to the captive. “That’s right, you have turned into a liability to your captain.” Looking to the walls of the brig before turning away, Kathryn spoke over her shoulder. “Enjoy your stay on Solaris. I doubt your return to the Abyssal will be as comfortable.”
The Deferi constable stopped Kathryn. “Captain, lives were taken and property stolen. There would be a tilting of justice, if she were to stay here!”
“Constable, if the Abyssal comes back for Anthi, then it would be very wise she stay on board my ship.” Kathryn looked back to the Terran prisoner. “It seems you have just become a bargaining tool. Well done, your mission was a grand success.”
Turning to her First Officer, Kathryn ordered, “Anthi, go to Yellow Alert. We’ll wait for a day, and then remand her to Deferi Authorities. If Kathryn really wants her back, then we’ll cross that bridge. Otherwise, she will spend the … balance of her days in this Universe.” Glancing to the constable, she asked, “is that acceptable?”
The constable smiled triumphantly and nodded.
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Deferi constable - Walter Goggins
---
In the Briefing Room …
The initial words on the data slate screen tore through Kathryn’s heart. She held her breath and dreaded reading through the whole document. Events as they were described were created in her mind’s eye and clashed with her sense of reality. Anthi Ythysi, Commander and First Officer of the Federation Starship Solaris, was being accused by the Deferi for theft of highly sensitive technology and four counts of murder. Damning evidence was added to the report as investigation showed DNA patterns with accompanying images, showing hair follicles and finger prints.
Then Kathryn re-read the alleged time of the crime and all anxiety washed away. She forced herself to hide the relief as muscles relaxed. The rest of the document was scanned quickly, yet respectfully. Kathryn placed the data slate on the desk and slid it toward the constable standing on the other side of her desk. Shaking her head, she confidently stated, “This was not perpetrated by my First Officer.”
Standing at attention, the Deferi’s affect changed from triumph to incredulity. “I beg your pardon Captain? Forgive my impertinence, but did you not see the evidence gathered?”
With a wry smile, Kathryn stood and walked around the desk and stopped at the window. Outside floated an asteroid containing a supply depot manned by the Deferi. As an Excelsior-class ship, the Transwarp computer granted greater control of faster-than-light speeds than most of the other Federation vessels. Thus, Solaris was sent to retrieve materiels for the war effort. Kathryn didn’t mind duty behind the lines, as her minor efforts assisted the greater cause. And on this visit, the Deferi was accusing Anthi of having done more than manage a supply run.
Kathryn turned on her heels to look at the constable. She was resolute with her disclosure. “You see, at the time of the crime, Anthi was with me. We were running battle simulations in our Holodeck. There are logs and witnesses, other than myself, to corroborate this fact and dispute the accusations.”
The Deferi slightly bowed his head. “That may be so, but from our point of view, the facts in the report are incontrovertible. With respect to the Alliance, and to balance the loss to your crew, two hours are granted to make accommodations. We are confident the criminal will be turned over for processing.”
+++
In Kathryn’s Ready-Room …
“Captain, this is just not possible,” Anthi was exasperated. Looking at the data slate, she shook her head as her Andorian antennae twitched.
Kathryn was sympathetic. “I know. It’s unbelievable. Yet, Annika confirmed it’s your DNA.”
“But you know the truth!”
“And the Deferi knows another one.” Kathryn sighed. “I’m not saying they are right; they can’t be. Yet, time is against us before action happens. We’re on our own to solve this.”
Anthi stood. “Solve what? I didn’t do this!”
Kathryn raised a hand to calm her animated friend. “I know. There must be an explanation for how you could be in … two places … at … once.” Thoughts whirled in Kathryn’s head. Her words raised a probability not considered before.
“Captain?”
Looking to her friend, Kathryn smiled quickly and then headed toward the Bridge. Anthi curiously followed and saw Kathryn head toward Omazei’s science station. Sitting at the console was the Trill Science Chief.
“Omazei, run a sensor scan of local space. Look for Tachyon emissions or traces of interphasic rifts.”
Without questioning, Omazei’s fingers danced upon the console surface. Within seconds, the viewscreen altered from normal space to a tactical display. On the screen was the asteroid and Solaris’ position in orbit. The image expanded to show the entire system and a red dot appeared near the sun. “Sensors have detected a concentration of Tachyon particles at that location.”
“How old is that phenomenon?”
After reading more data, Omazei replied, “at least six hours.”
Kathryn pursed her lips. “Okay. Try this: scan the outpost. Find Anthi.”
Everyone on the bridge stopped working to look at Kathryn.
She looked around. “I know it sounds crazy, but I think this station was visited by the Terran Empire.”
Omazei recovered first and tapped on her console. “Captain, Anthi, er, the other Anthi, is on the station!”
“Can you lock on her position and transport to the brig?”
Anthi grinned, “that’ll be a pleasant surprise”.
Nodding, Omazei added, “it can be done.”
“Good.” Kathryn turned to Anthi. “Want to see yourself without using a mirror?”
Anthi cracked the knuckles on her hand. “Yes.”
+++
Later, in the brig …
Kathryn stepped closer to the shielding. The hairs on her neck raised and her nose was tickled by the energy field. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Behind her, Anthi stood next to the Deferi constable.
On the other side of the shield, the Terran Andorian looked almost feral. Her hair was disheveled while fingernails were long and dirty. Dried blood stained her Starfleet uniform. She smiled and Kathryn could almost make out fanged cusped. “I’m past due reporting. My captain will be here any minute. You are all dead.”
“Including you?”
Anthi spat, “very likely.”
Crossed her arms, Kathryn paced along the edge of the force field and was smug. “I’ve met your captain. She can be ruthless, so I wonder: if you have not reported back, then what’s to say she hasn’t abandoned you?”
That comment surprised the Andorian. She turned around and sat on the bench without saying a word, then looked at a side wall and scratched at her thighs.
Kathryn grunted. “No. If I were your captain, I wouldn’t do that to you. If the plan was to implicate my First Officer, then you were easy to find.” She pointed a finger to the captive. “That’s right, you have turned into a liability to your captain.” Looking to the walls of the brig before turning away, Kathryn spoke over her shoulder. “Enjoy your stay on Solaris. I doubt your return to the Abyssal will be as comfortable.”
The Deferi constable stopped Kathryn. “Captain, lives were taken and property stolen. There would be a tilting of justice, if she were to stay here!”
“Constable, if the Abyssal comes back for Anthi, then it would be very wise she stay on board my ship.” Kathryn looked back to the Terran prisoner. “It seems you have just become a bargaining tool. Well done, your mission was a grand success.”
Turning to her First Officer, Kathryn ordered, “Anthi, go to Yellow Alert. We’ll wait for a day, and then remand her to Deferi Authorities. If Kathryn really wants her back, then we’ll cross that bridge. Otherwise, she will spend the … balance of her days in this Universe.” Glancing to the constable, she asked, “is that acceptable?”
The constable smiled triumphantly and nodded.
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Deferi constable - Walter Goggins
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Saying Hello
Literary Challenge 21 - Saying Hello
---
The multicolored lights were bright while cacophonous music roared throughout the room. Several patrons from varying races were dancing on the floor in the center of the room. Those not dancing were either sitting at tables enjoying the view or drinking. Club 47 was where officers came to let off war-weary, stress-filled steam or to relax.
In an adjacent observation lounge, passive lighting created calming moods and thick doors subdued the high energy emanating from the dance floor as a stark juxtaposition. Only a few tables were occupied and Kathryn sat overlooking the cavernous interior of Earth Space Dock. The synthetic Kanar in her hand was a close substitute to the real thing. Taking a sip, she swirled the liquid around her tongue before swallowing it.
With a PADD in hand, she smiled at the words on the slate and could almost recite them from the screen. All of Kathryn’s senior staff and over 70% of the crew from Galatea would follow her to the next assignment floating inside Space Dock. That was atypical, yet somehow Kathryn had overcome the odds. She would have to thank Admiral Felczer for considering and fulfilling her request to transfer most, if not all, of Galatea’s crew. They were family and she wanted them to stay together as much as possible.
Looking up through the large wall-sized window, she could see several ships in various stages of docking or repair. The gigantic doors of the station were slowly closing as an Armitage-class ship cleared the threshold. Her eyes settled on one ship in particular. It was an older design, first introduced in the 22nd century and had sharp corners compared to the current design-style. The ship’s saucer-shaped primary hull was a hall-mark of the Federation and sported the longest nacelles of any starship (relative to the rest of the ship). Primarily used for diplomatic purposes within the past century, its numbers have dwindled due to attrition. But the one capturing Kathryn’s attention was the last of its class constructed in the 24th century.
“She’s beautiful, wouldn’t you agree?”
Startled from her reverie, Kathryn turned to the voice and looked up to a human male. He held a half-full glass of clear liquid as he stared out the window.
“Pardon me?”
The man wore Captain’s bars on his collar with red piping on the jacket. Casually pointing, he explained, “the Excelsior out there. It’s the only one of its kind birthed here and certainly special.”
Kathryn looked out the window and nodded. Regarding the Captain, he stroked a well-manicured moustache to the tip of his goatee, and was clearly focused on the ship. “Um, yes, I suppose so.” She waved to a chair and invited, “care to join me, Captain –“
“Ricol. Hassid Ricol.” He looked down and smiled. “You must be Kathryn Beringer.”
Surprised he knew her by name; Kathryn noticed he had not taken a seat. “I didn’t know I was famous.”
“You’re not, except to me.” Hassid’s smile disappeared. “Tell me, Captain, do you really think you’ve earned the right to Solaris?
Kathryn sat back into her chair, stunned. “Excuse me?”
Hassid rested his glass down on the table with more force than expected. “How long have you been wearing those rank bars anyway? Months, maybe a year or two?” Placing both hands on the table, he leaned in closer and hissed, “I was promised Solaris. I’ve earned the honor to be her Captain.”
Kathryn willfully paused for a few seconds as she absorbed the moment. Feeling pushed into a corner, she decided to push back. Standing, she grabbed the PADD off the table and became resolute against Hassid’s threatening posture. Placing a hand on a hip and shifting her weight to one leg, Kathryn smirked and raised the PADD. “Not according to this,” she parried.
The Captain straightened and rolled his tongue in his jaw as if to keep from saying something or to calm himself down.
Suddenly, another officer arrived and almost stood between Kathryn and Hassid. “Excuse the interruption, but I could tell the conversation was about to get exciting. Let’s have a seat to relax.”
The other Captains glared at the officer. Also wearing Captain pips on the collar, his jacket was filled by muscles on his chest and arms. A square jaw framed sharp facial features under a bald head. His toothy smile was soft, sultry and inviting.
Hassid scoffed, “Captain Daikar. Saving a damsel in distress again?”
Kathryn could feel her restraint waning. “Now look here-“.
“Captains, Daikar interrupted. He looked over his shoulders as if to remind the others they were not alone in the room and to lower voices. With a more calm tone, he asked, “should we keep this civil or take it outside?”
Kathryn ignored Daikar’s attempt to resolve the situation. “I shouldn’t have to remind you, Captain Ricol, that no one owns any ship. I earned my rank and that’s all. If you have a problem with my posting on Solaris, then the answer is simple: too bad.”
Eyes flashed with anger, Hassid lunged toward Kathryn. Daikar stepped up and used Hassid’s momentum to spin him away and toward another table. As he crashed into the furniture, the commotion captured attention from the other patrons in the room. Kathryn watched one officer tap his badge.
Pushing away a chair as he stood, Hassid wiped his short-cut hair. Breathing heavy, he pointed to Daikar. “You’ll pay for that.”
Daikar chuckled. “Bill me.”
Hassid huffed away from the pair and through the doors.
Turning to Kathryn, Daikar extended a hand. “I’m sorry you had to experience that.”
“It’s no bother, I’ve been through worse. Listen, you shouldn’t have done that, Security is sure to be on their way. What was his problem anyway?”
Daikar waved to dismiss the comments and smiled. “I can handle them. Ricol is a brute and a bully. He's has had it coming to him. For what it’s worth, he’s in it for the glory, not the duty.”
Kathryn nodded. “It seems you two have some history?”
“Yes. Would you want to hear about it?” He pulled a seat and began to sit.
Blushing a little, Kathryn acknowledged an urging to sit down. Pride caused Kathryn to resist the invitation; she could have handled Hassid Ricol herself. She looked around the room for an excuse to justify not staying any longer. Finding a holographic chronometer on the wall, she sighed with a little relief. Still, Daikar was surprisingly attractive and she questioned whether it was due to his gallantry or good looks.
“I … can’t, maybe another time.” Kathryn turned on her heels and started walking out the door.
“Wait! I didn’t get your name?”
Kathryn stopped and looked back. Again, she caught herself wanting to sit next to Daikar. “Kathryn Beringer. If you will excuse me Captain, I have a new ship to inspect.”
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Daikar - Billy Zane
Hassid Ricol - Matt Nable
---
The multicolored lights were bright while cacophonous music roared throughout the room. Several patrons from varying races were dancing on the floor in the center of the room. Those not dancing were either sitting at tables enjoying the view or drinking. Club 47 was where officers came to let off war-weary, stress-filled steam or to relax.
In an adjacent observation lounge, passive lighting created calming moods and thick doors subdued the high energy emanating from the dance floor as a stark juxtaposition. Only a few tables were occupied and Kathryn sat overlooking the cavernous interior of Earth Space Dock. The synthetic Kanar in her hand was a close substitute to the real thing. Taking a sip, she swirled the liquid around her tongue before swallowing it.
With a PADD in hand, she smiled at the words on the slate and could almost recite them from the screen. All of Kathryn’s senior staff and over 70% of the crew from Galatea would follow her to the next assignment floating inside Space Dock. That was atypical, yet somehow Kathryn had overcome the odds. She would have to thank Admiral Felczer for considering and fulfilling her request to transfer most, if not all, of Galatea’s crew. They were family and she wanted them to stay together as much as possible.
Looking up through the large wall-sized window, she could see several ships in various stages of docking or repair. The gigantic doors of the station were slowly closing as an Armitage-class ship cleared the threshold. Her eyes settled on one ship in particular. It was an older design, first introduced in the 22nd century and had sharp corners compared to the current design-style. The ship’s saucer-shaped primary hull was a hall-mark of the Federation and sported the longest nacelles of any starship (relative to the rest of the ship). Primarily used for diplomatic purposes within the past century, its numbers have dwindled due to attrition. But the one capturing Kathryn’s attention was the last of its class constructed in the 24th century.
“She’s beautiful, wouldn’t you agree?”
Startled from her reverie, Kathryn turned to the voice and looked up to a human male. He held a half-full glass of clear liquid as he stared out the window.
“Pardon me?”
The man wore Captain’s bars on his collar with red piping on the jacket. Casually pointing, he explained, “the Excelsior out there. It’s the only one of its kind birthed here and certainly special.”
Kathryn looked out the window and nodded. Regarding the Captain, he stroked a well-manicured moustache to the tip of his goatee, and was clearly focused on the ship. “Um, yes, I suppose so.” She waved to a chair and invited, “care to join me, Captain –“
“Ricol. Hassid Ricol.” He looked down and smiled. “You must be Kathryn Beringer.”
Surprised he knew her by name; Kathryn noticed he had not taken a seat. “I didn’t know I was famous.”
“You’re not, except to me.” Hassid’s smile disappeared. “Tell me, Captain, do you really think you’ve earned the right to Solaris?
Kathryn sat back into her chair, stunned. “Excuse me?”
Hassid rested his glass down on the table with more force than expected. “How long have you been wearing those rank bars anyway? Months, maybe a year or two?” Placing both hands on the table, he leaned in closer and hissed, “I was promised Solaris. I’ve earned the honor to be her Captain.”
Kathryn willfully paused for a few seconds as she absorbed the moment. Feeling pushed into a corner, she decided to push back. Standing, she grabbed the PADD off the table and became resolute against Hassid’s threatening posture. Placing a hand on a hip and shifting her weight to one leg, Kathryn smirked and raised the PADD. “Not according to this,” she parried.
The Captain straightened and rolled his tongue in his jaw as if to keep from saying something or to calm himself down.
Suddenly, another officer arrived and almost stood between Kathryn and Hassid. “Excuse the interruption, but I could tell the conversation was about to get exciting. Let’s have a seat to relax.”
The other Captains glared at the officer. Also wearing Captain pips on the collar, his jacket was filled by muscles on his chest and arms. A square jaw framed sharp facial features under a bald head. His toothy smile was soft, sultry and inviting.
Hassid scoffed, “Captain Daikar. Saving a damsel in distress again?”
Kathryn could feel her restraint waning. “Now look here-“.
“Captains, Daikar interrupted. He looked over his shoulders as if to remind the others they were not alone in the room and to lower voices. With a more calm tone, he asked, “should we keep this civil or take it outside?”
Kathryn ignored Daikar’s attempt to resolve the situation. “I shouldn’t have to remind you, Captain Ricol, that no one owns any ship. I earned my rank and that’s all. If you have a problem with my posting on Solaris, then the answer is simple: too bad.”
Eyes flashed with anger, Hassid lunged toward Kathryn. Daikar stepped up and used Hassid’s momentum to spin him away and toward another table. As he crashed into the furniture, the commotion captured attention from the other patrons in the room. Kathryn watched one officer tap his badge.
Pushing away a chair as he stood, Hassid wiped his short-cut hair. Breathing heavy, he pointed to Daikar. “You’ll pay for that.”
Daikar chuckled. “Bill me.”
Hassid huffed away from the pair and through the doors.
Turning to Kathryn, Daikar extended a hand. “I’m sorry you had to experience that.”
“It’s no bother, I’ve been through worse. Listen, you shouldn’t have done that, Security is sure to be on their way. What was his problem anyway?”
Daikar waved to dismiss the comments and smiled. “I can handle them. Ricol is a brute and a bully. He's has had it coming to him. For what it’s worth, he’s in it for the glory, not the duty.”
Kathryn nodded. “It seems you two have some history?”
“Yes. Would you want to hear about it?” He pulled a seat and began to sit.
Blushing a little, Kathryn acknowledged an urging to sit down. Pride caused Kathryn to resist the invitation; she could have handled Hassid Ricol herself. She looked around the room for an excuse to justify not staying any longer. Finding a holographic chronometer on the wall, she sighed with a little relief. Still, Daikar was surprisingly attractive and she questioned whether it was due to his gallantry or good looks.
“I … can’t, maybe another time.” Kathryn turned on her heels and started walking out the door.
“Wait! I didn’t get your name?”
Kathryn stopped and looked back. Again, she caught herself wanting to sit next to Daikar. “Kathryn Beringer. If you will excuse me Captain, I have a new ship to inspect.”
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Daikar - Billy Zane
Hassid Ricol - Matt Nable
Friday, July 17, 2015
Gloaming of Light
Unofficial Literary Challenge 13 - The Arrival
---
Rastu rolled his eyes and coughed as he spoke. “Ten <kaff> kilometers east, Highhold Pass, shuttles <kaff> expected to pick up <kaff, kaff> the shipment.”
On the transporter pad, Kathryn stepped over the body of the battered Orion as two nurses entered the room. First Officer Anythi Ythysi arrived as Kathryn pulled off her cloak.
---
“Stop!” Kathryn
skidded to a halt. The sand at her feet
coughed up a cloud as she raised pistols pulled from holsters on her hips. Wearing a brown cloak, it wrapped around her
legs and brushed away any sand that would have risen further. A high collar protected her head up to her ears
from local weather and under the cloak she wore civilian pants and shirt that
was a collection from different sources, yet still within the local style.
She noticed another turn ahead of her mark only a few
meters away. Getting tired and
impatient, Kathryn decided more force was needed in order to subdue the Orion. For his part, the large male kept running and
twisted at the waist to blindly shoot at Kathryn. The pursuit had taken them from the open
streets of Paradise City on Nimbus III to the closed and claustrophobic back
alleyways used by darker elements of scum and villainy.
As the green disruptor beam raced above her head, Kathryn
ducked instinctively, and then squeezed the trigger to both pistols. Orange beams lanced to either side of the
Orion, blasting holes in the walls flanking the lawbreaker and creating a
ferrocrete shower. Covering his head slowed his run, even
stumbling on the blocks that fell from the walls Kathryn shot.
This was her chance.
Kathryn sprinted into the alleyway.
With only a few steps between them, she launched into a high kick that
caught the Orion in shoulder. Bone
cracked and both fell to the ground.
Kathryn recovered and pointed a phaser to the Orion’s head as he groaned
from pain. Holding his left arm, he
rolled onto his back. His grungy brown
vest was tattered at the sleeves, exposing a long scar that ran down his right
arm.
Kathryn bristled at the sight of the scar and willed
herself to stay calm. “You are under
arrest by the authority of the United Federation of Planets.”
“Hmph. Bested by
the Scarlet Scorpion,” the Orion growled.
Kathryn grinned, took a step back and raised her other
pistol. “This is your chance to talk.”
“Or what, you’ll kill me?”
Lowering the power setting on one pistol, Kathryn fired a
beam onto the Orion’s left leg. He
yelped from the attack and the alley quickly filled with the acrid smell of
burnt clothing and flesh.
“Seriously, now is not the time to be tough with
me. Tell me where the shipment is.”
Breathing in through clenched teeth, the Orion was
defiant. “If you plan on rescuing them,
then you’re too late.” He put his good
arm down and started to push himself up.
Kathryn stomped onto his hand, shattering bones. She quickly raised the other leg and placed a
knee to his head which snapped back. He
fell flat to the ground. Kneeling, she
kept her foot on his hand, grinding more bones.
Seeing the Orion groan, revealed she was running out of time: he was on
the edge of either unconsciousness from shock or staying awake from pain.
She placed one phaser emitter to his head, the other to
his groin. “Listen, Rastu. Disintegration is only a trigger-pull away. Just tell me where the girls are and I’ll be
happy to turn a cheek to your … indiscretions.”
Rastu rolled his eyes and coughed as he spoke. “Ten <kaff> kilometers east, Highhold Pass, shuttles <kaff> expected to pick up <kaff, kaff> the shipment.”
She pressed the phaser to his groin deeper. “When?”
The Orion opened his mouth and then passed out.
“Damn”. She stood
and looked around the alley. Not
spotting anyone. She holstered her
pistols and reached for her communicator tucked to the inside of the cloak’s
collar. “Solaris, this is the
Captain. Have a medical team available in
the transporter room. Two to beam up.”
“Acknowledged.”
+++
On the transporter pad, Kathryn stepped over the body of the battered Orion as two nurses entered the room. First Officer Anythi Ythysi arrived as Kathryn pulled off her cloak.
The Andorian’s words were terse. “Welcome Captain. Word of Iconian invasion has reached us.”
Everyone in the room looked to Kathryn. After a few seconds, she looked to the crew
in the room and responded, “as you were.”
She looked sternly to Anthi and nodded toward the door. Once in the hallway, she turned to head
to the main shuttle bay. Anthi
anticipated her Captain’s action and didn’t miss a step to walk alongside
Kathryn.
“Commander, unless Admiral Quinn himself has ordered me
to deal with this, then we are going back down to Nimbus to get those slaves.”
“I understand, Captain.
I think it’s best if you review the message.”
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Rastu - Jacob Novak
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Rastu - Jacob Novak
Monday, July 13, 2015
Saying Goodbye
Literary Challenge 20 - Saying Goodbye
---
Work Bees flittered about the cruiser. Some were boosting away, with their manipulator arms carrying various bits of the ship. Others were slowly arriving to conduct assigned work on the hull. All of them had one goal: to dissemble the USS Galatea.
Kathryn looked out the viewport of the shuttle as another Bee flew past the window and met with two other Worker Bees shuttles. Her gloomy mood made sadder as she watched their laser cutters activate in succession and cut into the hull plating near the impulse engine assembly. She touched the rank pips on her collar absentmindedly and then pulled at the dress uniform jacket. Kathryn was filled with emotion, from concern for her crew to sadness at having to say goodbye to her first true command post.
Her shuttle had exited the main shuttle bay at a lazy 1.5 knots a few minutes ago. The pilot was gracious toward Kathryn’s wish to survey her ship for the last time. It was not uncommon for Captain’s to make such a request and was certainly not against Regulations. At the same time, Galatea’s slow destruction was also not the safest place for a transport shuttle. Work Bees and Pods tried to keep the space around the ship free from debris, yet flotsam and jetsam were inevitable.
After the battle, the ship literally hobbled back toward Federation space. Thel and the Engineering team toiled to keep the warp core together. It almost seemed like faith and prayer kept the ship from falling apart on the journey. The entire team would be officially commended for their actions. Kathryn would see to that. Omazei and the science crew would receive their fair share of accolades for navigating through contested territory safely. Anthi and the security teams worked to keep morale up along the two week trip. No one rested. Kathryn could not recall reading about any other crew to work so hard to save a ship like hers. She hoped against hope it would be repaired, yet the damage was too extensive. SFCE decided it was better to scrap the ship and use whatever was salvageable, than to resurrect it.
The shuttle had finished arcing around the bridge and was on a path toward the bottom half of the primary hull. From the looks of it, Galatea received damage evenly everywhere. The ship was surrounded and no matter where she moved, disruptor beams found a target. Every defense pattern was used in the book to get away. The planet’s ring served them well to deflect more attacks. After more cat-and-mouse with the four Vor'cha battlecruisers, the helmsman pointed the Federation cruiser perpendicular to the rings and punched full impulse speed to egress the game. Two seconds later they hit warp speed to exit the system. Why the Klingons decided not to follow the debris trail for the kill surprised Kathryn at the time.
Kathryn watched as the deflector dish’s vibrant blue emission faded to grey. Lights within the ship darkened. The shuttle was heading away from the docking cage and she saw the Warp Core slowly pulled from the hull. Her eyes filled with enough water to blur vision, but not enough to slide down her cheeks. She sniffed a little which caught the pilot’s attention. They looked at each other for a few seconds. The pilot gave a sympathetic smile, and then turned to face forward. Kathryn internally thanked him for not adding to the somber moment.
There was just enough window space left to see the port nacelle detach from the pylon before the shuttle’s path was focused toward Space Dock. She put a finger to one eye to catch the tear. Flicking the water away, she looked up as if to pour more tears back into her head and sighed heavily. Looking down, she opened her left hand to look at the only memento of Galatea: a piece of carpet from the hallway to the main shuttlebay.
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Katheryn Winnick
Mentioned but not seen:
Anthi Ythysi - Monique Ganderton
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Shuttle Pilot: Random male extra
---
Work Bees flittered about the cruiser. Some were boosting away, with their manipulator arms carrying various bits of the ship. Others were slowly arriving to conduct assigned work on the hull. All of them had one goal: to dissemble the USS Galatea.
Kathryn looked out the viewport of the shuttle as another Bee flew past the window and met with two other Worker Bees shuttles. Her gloomy mood made sadder as she watched their laser cutters activate in succession and cut into the hull plating near the impulse engine assembly. She touched the rank pips on her collar absentmindedly and then pulled at the dress uniform jacket. Kathryn was filled with emotion, from concern for her crew to sadness at having to say goodbye to her first true command post.
Her shuttle had exited the main shuttle bay at a lazy 1.5 knots a few minutes ago. The pilot was gracious toward Kathryn’s wish to survey her ship for the last time. It was not uncommon for Captain’s to make such a request and was certainly not against Regulations. At the same time, Galatea’s slow destruction was also not the safest place for a transport shuttle. Work Bees and Pods tried to keep the space around the ship free from debris, yet flotsam and jetsam were inevitable.
After the battle, the ship literally hobbled back toward Federation space. Thel and the Engineering team toiled to keep the warp core together. It almost seemed like faith and prayer kept the ship from falling apart on the journey. The entire team would be officially commended for their actions. Kathryn would see to that. Omazei and the science crew would receive their fair share of accolades for navigating through contested territory safely. Anthi and the security teams worked to keep morale up along the two week trip. No one rested. Kathryn could not recall reading about any other crew to work so hard to save a ship like hers. She hoped against hope it would be repaired, yet the damage was too extensive. SFCE decided it was better to scrap the ship and use whatever was salvageable, than to resurrect it.
The shuttle had finished arcing around the bridge and was on a path toward the bottom half of the primary hull. From the looks of it, Galatea received damage evenly everywhere. The ship was surrounded and no matter where she moved, disruptor beams found a target. Every defense pattern was used in the book to get away. The planet’s ring served them well to deflect more attacks. After more cat-and-mouse with the four Vor'cha battlecruisers, the helmsman pointed the Federation cruiser perpendicular to the rings and punched full impulse speed to egress the game. Two seconds later they hit warp speed to exit the system. Why the Klingons decided not to follow the debris trail for the kill surprised Kathryn at the time.
Kathryn watched as the deflector dish’s vibrant blue emission faded to grey. Lights within the ship darkened. The shuttle was heading away from the docking cage and she saw the Warp Core slowly pulled from the hull. Her eyes filled with enough water to blur vision, but not enough to slide down her cheeks. She sniffed a little which caught the pilot’s attention. They looked at each other for a few seconds. The pilot gave a sympathetic smile, and then turned to face forward. Kathryn internally thanked him for not adding to the somber moment.
There was just enough window space left to see the port nacelle detach from the pylon before the shuttle’s path was focused toward Space Dock. She put a finger to one eye to catch the tear. Flicking the water away, she looked up as if to pour more tears back into her head and sighed heavily. Looking down, she opened her left hand to look at the only memento of Galatea: a piece of carpet from the hallway to the main shuttlebay.
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Katheryn Winnick
Mentioned but not seen:
Anthi Ythysi - Monique Ganderton
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Shuttle Pilot: Random male extra
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Misplaced
Unofficial Literary Challenge 12 - Misplaced
+++
Thel entered the Captain’s ready-room with a PADD in hand. The Andorian’s dour mood was obvious to Kathryn. She pushed her office chair back to stand for the report her Chief Engineer was prepared to make.
He looked to the PADD before speaking. “Captain, three days ago you mentioned to Lieutenant Taneki you had lost something from your quarters?”
Surprised by the question, Kathryn recalled the conversation with her Bajoran friend. “Well, yes. It was just a side comment though. I’m sure it will turn up eventually.”
“I understand, sir. What was it exactly?” He lifted his other hand to the PADD as if to capture Kathryn’s response for record.
“It was my favorite hair pin.”
Thel tapped on the display. “Please describe it.”
Kathryn raised an eyebrow. Thel was a very serious officer with his duties, yet she started to feel under some interrogation. “It … was long, about twelve centimeters, and metallic. Hand-crafted by an Risian and was a gift from a very good friend from our last lay-over.”
"Metal, I see.” More tapping.
“Commander, what’s going on?” She walked from behind her desk.
Thel looked to Kathryn. “May I use your wall console?”
Kathryn nodded and the Engineer activated the panel from his PADD. Listed on the screen were several items attached to crewmember names. The list scrolled slowly and Kathryn recognized the items immediately. “These are personal items. Wait, some are from the ship itself?”
Nodding, Thel replied, “exactly. All of these have gone missing over the past week. At first I overheard mumblings from the team. It wasn’t until my Guard service pin disappeared that I started to pay attention and ask questions. Scuttlebutt turned to coincidence … and then a pattern.”
At his command, several items on the list were highlighted. “Captain, I believe these items can be manipulated into crafting some … tool or device.”
“Like what?”
“I’m not sure, but the dimensions, materials, and other properties suggest they are useful to that end. I’m concerned we have a thief or a spy within the crew.”
Kathryn looked skeptical. “Thel, I need something more convincing.”
Thel raised a hand to his chin and thought for several seconds. “Our last crew exchange happened over two months ago in the Paradan system. Our last stop was one week ago at the Markia III colony. If we have a spy, then they have been biding their time until now. If it’s just a thief, then they are breaking several regulations in a short amount of time. Unless –“
Kathryn interrupted Thel with eyes widened. “Computer, how many crew are scheduled on board USS Solaris at the current stardate?”
The soft female voice responded, seven hundred forty seven.
“How many lifeforms are currently present on board Solaris?”
A few seconds passed before a small chirp sounded. “Seven hundred forty eight.[/i]
+++
Kathryn activated the wall console while gripping her phaser pistol tighter. The display revealed a tactical schematic of Deck Fourteen. Imposed were several blue dots representing the crew; some dots moved while others were stationary. A cluster of five dots huddled at the security gate between stellar cartography and the enlisted personnel living quarters. Kathryn knew that was her location and could see the security team looking up and down the corridor from the reflection on the console. A lone yellow dot was added and was in the Jefferies Tube between sections three and four, not moving.
“Okay, if we can corral the intruder along this ventral section, then he’ll either be trapped in the Tube or he’ll be trapped in Cargo Bay One. Either way we’ll have it cornered.” She looked to each of the security officers assembled with her. “Bosk move from port-side, Trenu from starboard and Cremeans from stern. Bur’ar and I will head to CB1. Set phasers to stun and shoot if provoked. Good luck.”
The team adjusted their weapons, then split up.
+++
Inside Cargo Bay One, Kathryn and Bur’ar stood near the Jefferies Tube hatch with raised phaser pistols. The locks hissed and the door swung open. A large ball of brown fur fell and clanked as it contacted the floor. Not expecting that, the Starfleet officers took a step back but did not lower their weapons.
Kathryn whispered to Bur’ar, “a Markian.”
Unraveling itself, the humanoid creature pushed the Tube door closed, wiped at its fur, and then sighed. Turning into the cavernous cargo bay, it stopped at the sight of Kathryn and her Klingon Security Chief then raised its hands to surrender.
“Oh. <Ch> Hello.”
Kathryn was reminded of an Earth prairie dog with large ears. It stood just over one meter tall, whose fur flowed grw from head to feet. Wearing a shirt and shirts with a large work belt and bandolier, both straps had numerous pouches that looked full. Based on the bulges on its chest, Kathryn surmised the Markian was female.
Lowering her pistol, Kathryn took a step forward. “Greetings. You are on board the Federation starship Solaris. I am Captain Kathryn Beringer. What’s your name?”
The large ears twitched a little. “<Ch>Tarkap.”
“Okay. What are you doing aboard my ship?”
“<Ch>Would you believe sight-seeing?”
Kathryn shook her head.
“<Ch>Me neither.”
“I see. Well, you are a stowaway on my ship and very far from home. Why?”
Tarkap‘s short muzzle trembled before she spoke. “<Ch> It is a long story.”
Kathryn crossed her arms. “Humor me.”
The Markian placed her arms behind her back and walked a few paces thoughtfully along the wall. “<Ch>Over the septirs, my kind have traveled the stars on other ships. We forage to find parts that will allow us to make a talker. <Ch>It is test of our cleverness. Sending message home proves our skill. Finding way back home is another test.” Tarkap looked back the Kathryn. “<Ch>You see, rite of passage?”
Nodding, Kathryn looked to Bur’ar quickly. After a week of items went missing, it seemed silly to stop Tarkap’s progress. At the same time, she couldn’t allow the Markian to continue. “Are you close to finishing?”
Tarkap smiled wide. She opened a pouch and pulled out a piece of jewelry that looked like a Bolian broach. “<Ch>This color stone may be what I need. Want to see?”
“Yes, please.”
Bur’ar contacted the security team in the Tubes to stand down. The three walked over to a corner in the Cargo Bay. Tarkap pulled on a wall panel and lowered the plate. Reaching into the wall, she retrieved a motley device that looked more like a pile of trash that anything useful. She fixed the broach into the machine and it seemed to fit perfectly. Flipping a switch, it activated and static could be heard from within its core.
Not expecting it would work, Kathryn kneeled down to inspect the contraption as Tarkep spoke to it.
“<Ch>Hello?”
KKKKkkkkZZZZzzzz-llo-zzzzZZZZkkkkKKKK
Tarkap’s ears perked up. “<Ch>Hello?”
KKKkkkZZZzzz-ho is talk-zzzZZZkkkKKK
“<Ch>Tarkap. It is Tarkap!”
KKkkZZzz-ood job-zk-ome back hom-zzZZkkKK
Kathryn found herself smiling when Tarkap looked up from the device. “Looks like you did it.”
+++
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Bur'ar - David Ramsey
Tarkap - Ariel Winters
Bosk - male sidewalk extra 1
Trenu - male sidewalk extra 2
Cremeans - male sidewalk extra 3
+++
Thel entered the Captain’s ready-room with a PADD in hand. The Andorian’s dour mood was obvious to Kathryn. She pushed her office chair back to stand for the report her Chief Engineer was prepared to make.
He looked to the PADD before speaking. “Captain, three days ago you mentioned to Lieutenant Taneki you had lost something from your quarters?”
Surprised by the question, Kathryn recalled the conversation with her Bajoran friend. “Well, yes. It was just a side comment though. I’m sure it will turn up eventually.”
“I understand, sir. What was it exactly?” He lifted his other hand to the PADD as if to capture Kathryn’s response for record.
“It was my favorite hair pin.”
Thel tapped on the display. “Please describe it.”
Kathryn raised an eyebrow. Thel was a very serious officer with his duties, yet she started to feel under some interrogation. “It … was long, about twelve centimeters, and metallic. Hand-crafted by an Risian and was a gift from a very good friend from our last lay-over.”
"Metal, I see.” More tapping.
“Commander, what’s going on?” She walked from behind her desk.
Thel looked to Kathryn. “May I use your wall console?”
Kathryn nodded and the Engineer activated the panel from his PADD. Listed on the screen were several items attached to crewmember names. The list scrolled slowly and Kathryn recognized the items immediately. “These are personal items. Wait, some are from the ship itself?”
Nodding, Thel replied, “exactly. All of these have gone missing over the past week. At first I overheard mumblings from the team. It wasn’t until my Guard service pin disappeared that I started to pay attention and ask questions. Scuttlebutt turned to coincidence … and then a pattern.”
At his command, several items on the list were highlighted. “Captain, I believe these items can be manipulated into crafting some … tool or device.”
“Like what?”
“I’m not sure, but the dimensions, materials, and other properties suggest they are useful to that end. I’m concerned we have a thief or a spy within the crew.”
Kathryn looked skeptical. “Thel, I need something more convincing.”
Thel raised a hand to his chin and thought for several seconds. “Our last crew exchange happened over two months ago in the Paradan system. Our last stop was one week ago at the Markia III colony. If we have a spy, then they have been biding their time until now. If it’s just a thief, then they are breaking several regulations in a short amount of time. Unless –“
Kathryn interrupted Thel with eyes widened. “Computer, how many crew are scheduled on board USS Solaris at the current stardate?”
The soft female voice responded, seven hundred forty seven.
“How many lifeforms are currently present on board Solaris?”
A few seconds passed before a small chirp sounded. “Seven hundred forty eight.[/i]
+++
Kathryn activated the wall console while gripping her phaser pistol tighter. The display revealed a tactical schematic of Deck Fourteen. Imposed were several blue dots representing the crew; some dots moved while others were stationary. A cluster of five dots huddled at the security gate between stellar cartography and the enlisted personnel living quarters. Kathryn knew that was her location and could see the security team looking up and down the corridor from the reflection on the console. A lone yellow dot was added and was in the Jefferies Tube between sections three and four, not moving.
“Okay, if we can corral the intruder along this ventral section, then he’ll either be trapped in the Tube or he’ll be trapped in Cargo Bay One. Either way we’ll have it cornered.” She looked to each of the security officers assembled with her. “Bosk move from port-side, Trenu from starboard and Cremeans from stern. Bur’ar and I will head to CB1. Set phasers to stun and shoot if provoked. Good luck.”
The team adjusted their weapons, then split up.
+++
Inside Cargo Bay One, Kathryn and Bur’ar stood near the Jefferies Tube hatch with raised phaser pistols. The locks hissed and the door swung open. A large ball of brown fur fell and clanked as it contacted the floor. Not expecting that, the Starfleet officers took a step back but did not lower their weapons.
Kathryn whispered to Bur’ar, “a Markian.”
Unraveling itself, the humanoid creature pushed the Tube door closed, wiped at its fur, and then sighed. Turning into the cavernous cargo bay, it stopped at the sight of Kathryn and her Klingon Security Chief then raised its hands to surrender.
“Oh. <Ch> Hello.”
Kathryn was reminded of an Earth prairie dog with large ears. It stood just over one meter tall, whose fur flowed grw from head to feet. Wearing a shirt and shirts with a large work belt and bandolier, both straps had numerous pouches that looked full. Based on the bulges on its chest, Kathryn surmised the Markian was female.
Lowering her pistol, Kathryn took a step forward. “Greetings. You are on board the Federation starship Solaris. I am Captain Kathryn Beringer. What’s your name?”
The large ears twitched a little. “<Ch>Tarkap.”
“Okay. What are you doing aboard my ship?”
“<Ch>Would you believe sight-seeing?”
Kathryn shook her head.
“<Ch>Me neither.”
“I see. Well, you are a stowaway on my ship and very far from home. Why?”
Tarkap‘s short muzzle trembled before she spoke. “<Ch> It is a long story.”
Kathryn crossed her arms. “Humor me.”
The Markian placed her arms behind her back and walked a few paces thoughtfully along the wall. “<Ch>Over the septirs, my kind have traveled the stars on other ships. We forage to find parts that will allow us to make a talker. <Ch>It is test of our cleverness. Sending message home proves our skill. Finding way back home is another test.” Tarkap looked back the Kathryn. “<Ch>You see, rite of passage?”
Nodding, Kathryn looked to Bur’ar quickly. After a week of items went missing, it seemed silly to stop Tarkap’s progress. At the same time, she couldn’t allow the Markian to continue. “Are you close to finishing?”
Tarkap smiled wide. She opened a pouch and pulled out a piece of jewelry that looked like a Bolian broach. “<Ch>This color stone may be what I need. Want to see?”
“Yes, please.”
Bur’ar contacted the security team in the Tubes to stand down. The three walked over to a corner in the Cargo Bay. Tarkap pulled on a wall panel and lowered the plate. Reaching into the wall, she retrieved a motley device that looked more like a pile of trash that anything useful. She fixed the broach into the machine and it seemed to fit perfectly. Flipping a switch, it activated and static could be heard from within its core.
Not expecting it would work, Kathryn kneeled down to inspect the contraption as Tarkep spoke to it.
“<Ch>Hello?”
KKKKkkkkZZZZzzzz-llo-zzzzZZZZkkkkKKKK
Tarkap’s ears perked up. “<Ch>Hello?”
KKKkkkZZZzzz-ho is talk-zzzZZZkkkKKK
“<Ch>Tarkap. It is Tarkap!”
KKkkZZzz-ood job-zk-ome back hom-zzZZkkKK
Kathryn found herself smiling when Tarkap looked up from the device. “Looks like you did it.”
+++
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Bur'ar - David Ramsey
Tarkap - Ariel Winters
Bosk - male sidewalk extra 1
Trenu - male sidewalk extra 2
Cremeans - male sidewalk extra 3
Perplexing Complexities
LC 19 - Perplexing Complexities
---
Kathryn gripped her chair’s armrest as Solaris suddenly decelerated from warp. Inertial dampeners strained as the ship came to a full stop.
The alarm claxon was silenced, yet the red warning lights still flashed.
“Whomever did that thank you for reading my mind.”
First officer Anthi Ythysi did not look up from her console and replied while tapping at various screens. “You’re welcome, sir.”
Looking around, Kathryn could see everyone frantically reviewing data at their stations. “Status report.”
Per standard procedure for an unknown event, Helmsman Ian McKinnon responded first. “Involuntary full stop from warp, engines offline.”
From the Tactical station, Anthi spoke next, frustration easily heard in her voice. “Weapons systems are functional but offline. Shields are also offline.”
Chief Science Officer Omazei quickly turned to Kathyrn to report, her short brown hair rested to the sides of her face as she calmly responded. “Short-range sensors do not detect any ships or stellar phenomena nearby. Log-range sensors are offline.”
Kathryn nodded then spoke into the air. “Engineering, what’s going on?”
Thel Ythysi, Solaris’ Chief Engineer spoke through quick breaths. “Port outboard impulse engine - has sustained massive - structural damage. Port nacelle structural - integrity down ten percent. Warp core – stable but – offline. Batteries operating – at one-hundred percent.”
What happened, Kathryn whispered. She looked around the bridge again and the crew was calming down as the emergency settled into the new phase of recovery. Sitting in her command chair, she activated an armrest console and started reviewing high-clearance reports about the current situation and followed-up on information shared between stations. She noticed everyone was silent as they worked through their duties to assess Solaris’ status.
The Vulcan Chief of Operations, S’Rel broke the relative silence, her calm voice further reducing the excitement. “Captain, repair crews have been routed to the affected areas, we have a visual of the damage from Work Bee Three.”
Kathryn almost dreaded to see the damage, yet it was necessary. “On screen.” The screen flickered to an image of the ship’s primary hull. The Work Bee pilot was still maneuvering into position from the launch bay in the secondary hull, yet the damage seen caused Kathryn to gasp.
A cylindrical trench was dug from the exhaust into the impulse engine housing. It was clean-cut and reminded Kathryn of how a Borg cutting beam could slice through any structure with ease and minimal peripheral damage.
The Work Bee then turned on its x-axis to review the port-side nacelle. Along its length, it looks as if a large ball rolled down the structure, warping metal inward. Electric discharge flashed from random points along the photonic spill-port while green-colored gas vented from various plate joints around the lower half of the subspace field coil system.
Three other Work Bees arrived and started repairs on the nacelle. Kathryn waved a hand to her neck in a chopping motion and turned to Anthi.
“Senior staff meeting in one hour.”
Anthi nodded, “aye, Captain.”
+++
The Chief Engineer was the last to enter the room. His uniform was dotted with dark smoke or stains as he arrived directly from Main Engineering with no time to clean-up. The Andorian wore a stern look on his face, more than normal. “Pardon me.”
Kathryn nodded with understanding. She looked to her staff one-at-a-time before speaking. “So, something happened out there. We’ve all seen the result, now let’s find a cause. First, what can Solaris do … S’Rel?”
The female Vulcan laced her fingers together. “In the time we have had to assess the situation, it is clear the ship is debilitated. Every primary system is offline, yet the batteries are keeping the ship functional. Unless we can get the Warp Core online, then the batteries have thirty-hours to sustain us. Naturally, reducing to minimal service levels will extend their capacity.”
Thel tapped fingers on the table and then added, “about the Warp Core; I can’t explain it, but it and the primary capacitors were fully drained of power. The Dilithium crystals are intact and we are still working to rebalance the matter/anti-matter matrix. The Core was cold-started and when I left Engineering, it was estimated full functionality will be restored within ten hours.”
“What about engines,” Kathryn queried.
“The damaged impulse engine is utterly inoperable. We will need dry-dock to replace it. The port nacelle can be repaired, but I wouldn’t go past warp two.”
Omazei grabbed a PADD on the table and started calculating.
Kathryn waited for a few seconds before turning to her First officer. “Anthi, are we vulnerable sitting out here?”
The Andorian sat straighter in her chair. “Sensor logs put us in the middle of nowhere. Without main shields, it’s the surface defense grid is keeping us safe from any micro-projectiles and radiation. Once the Warp Core power levels reach the minimum threshold, then shields and weapons will be available.”
“Annika, any casualties?”
The Chief Medical Officer brushed a lock of dark blonde hair from her face. “Only a few bruises from the sudden change in speed have been reported.”
The Science Chief had finished her calculations and looked up to join the conversation. “The nearest dry-dock is at Arcturus. Travelling at warp two will get us there in three weeks.”
Everyone in the room seemed to sit into their chairs deeper at the idea of a relatively long journey.
Kathryn let it sink in for a few heartbeats longer before attempting to lighten the mood. “We’ve been in worse situations, so that doesn’t sound so bad. Now that we have an idea where we are, let’s get to what happened. Analysis?”
Ian stood and pressed a key on the table. The wall monitor activated showing a rear-view video from the bridge tower. The scene was motionless and showed all four impulse engines in the fore-ground, with the nacelles pointing to the dark horizon. “Wait ‘till you see this.” Pressing another key the scene showed the stars whizzing past the ship; typical when travelling at warp speed.
Suddenly, the outer port impulse engine and nacelle was damaged. Green gas started leaking from the nacelle, the ship clearly slowed down to stop.
Ian looked from the monitor with a grin. “Catch that?”
Everyone looked to each other and Kathryn spoke for the rest of the officers, “catch what? I didn’t see anything to cause the destruction of the engines.”
“Exactly. There is nothing. I’ve poured over the records and what you saw was unaltered, unfiltered video of the incident. In one microsecond, the ship is fully operational, the next microsecond, [/]boom[/i].” To make his point, Ian looped the video in two second intervals: one second before, then after the event and slowed the playback to take ten seconds total. He stopped the video just before the transition from ‘normal’.
A stream of light in the background was circled. “This is a passing star. THR-KD08 to be exact.” The video moved forward one frame and the damage appeared to the ship, while the streak continued its path. “As you can see, that star, along with the other stars we passed, moved as expected.”
Kathryn was incredulous. “Ian, are you saying the event was instantaneous?”
Ian nodded, “based on the evidence available, yes.”
Omazei added, “Sensor logs do not find a trace of a power source or intervening object along our path.”
Thel continued, “Repair teams did not detect any residual signatures at the contact surface along the nacelles or in the impulse engine.
Kathryn looked at the officers with skepticism. “So … this just … happened?”
Everyone else in the room looked at each other, and then nodded silently.
+++
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Annika Kramer - Abbie Cornish
---
Kathryn gripped her chair’s armrest as Solaris suddenly decelerated from warp. Inertial dampeners strained as the ship came to a full stop.
The alarm claxon was silenced, yet the red warning lights still flashed.
“Whomever did that thank you for reading my mind.”
First officer Anthi Ythysi did not look up from her console and replied while tapping at various screens. “You’re welcome, sir.”
Looking around, Kathryn could see everyone frantically reviewing data at their stations. “Status report.”
Per standard procedure for an unknown event, Helmsman Ian McKinnon responded first. “Involuntary full stop from warp, engines offline.”
From the Tactical station, Anthi spoke next, frustration easily heard in her voice. “Weapons systems are functional but offline. Shields are also offline.”
Chief Science Officer Omazei quickly turned to Kathyrn to report, her short brown hair rested to the sides of her face as she calmly responded. “Short-range sensors do not detect any ships or stellar phenomena nearby. Log-range sensors are offline.”
Kathryn nodded then spoke into the air. “Engineering, what’s going on?”
Thel Ythysi, Solaris’ Chief Engineer spoke through quick breaths. “Port outboard impulse engine - has sustained massive - structural damage. Port nacelle structural - integrity down ten percent. Warp core – stable but – offline. Batteries operating – at one-hundred percent.”
What happened, Kathryn whispered. She looked around the bridge again and the crew was calming down as the emergency settled into the new phase of recovery. Sitting in her command chair, she activated an armrest console and started reviewing high-clearance reports about the current situation and followed-up on information shared between stations. She noticed everyone was silent as they worked through their duties to assess Solaris’ status.
The Vulcan Chief of Operations, S’Rel broke the relative silence, her calm voice further reducing the excitement. “Captain, repair crews have been routed to the affected areas, we have a visual of the damage from Work Bee Three.”
Kathryn almost dreaded to see the damage, yet it was necessary. “On screen.” The screen flickered to an image of the ship’s primary hull. The Work Bee pilot was still maneuvering into position from the launch bay in the secondary hull, yet the damage seen caused Kathryn to gasp.
A cylindrical trench was dug from the exhaust into the impulse engine housing. It was clean-cut and reminded Kathryn of how a Borg cutting beam could slice through any structure with ease and minimal peripheral damage.
The Work Bee then turned on its x-axis to review the port-side nacelle. Along its length, it looks as if a large ball rolled down the structure, warping metal inward. Electric discharge flashed from random points along the photonic spill-port while green-colored gas vented from various plate joints around the lower half of the subspace field coil system.
Three other Work Bees arrived and started repairs on the nacelle. Kathryn waved a hand to her neck in a chopping motion and turned to Anthi.
“Senior staff meeting in one hour.”
Anthi nodded, “aye, Captain.”
+++
The Chief Engineer was the last to enter the room. His uniform was dotted with dark smoke or stains as he arrived directly from Main Engineering with no time to clean-up. The Andorian wore a stern look on his face, more than normal. “Pardon me.”
Kathryn nodded with understanding. She looked to her staff one-at-a-time before speaking. “So, something happened out there. We’ve all seen the result, now let’s find a cause. First, what can Solaris do … S’Rel?”
The female Vulcan laced her fingers together. “In the time we have had to assess the situation, it is clear the ship is debilitated. Every primary system is offline, yet the batteries are keeping the ship functional. Unless we can get the Warp Core online, then the batteries have thirty-hours to sustain us. Naturally, reducing to minimal service levels will extend their capacity.”
Thel tapped fingers on the table and then added, “about the Warp Core; I can’t explain it, but it and the primary capacitors were fully drained of power. The Dilithium crystals are intact and we are still working to rebalance the matter/anti-matter matrix. The Core was cold-started and when I left Engineering, it was estimated full functionality will be restored within ten hours.”
“What about engines,” Kathryn queried.
“The damaged impulse engine is utterly inoperable. We will need dry-dock to replace it. The port nacelle can be repaired, but I wouldn’t go past warp two.”
Omazei grabbed a PADD on the table and started calculating.
Kathryn waited for a few seconds before turning to her First officer. “Anthi, are we vulnerable sitting out here?”
The Andorian sat straighter in her chair. “Sensor logs put us in the middle of nowhere. Without main shields, it’s the surface defense grid is keeping us safe from any micro-projectiles and radiation. Once the Warp Core power levels reach the minimum threshold, then shields and weapons will be available.”
“Annika, any casualties?”
The Chief Medical Officer brushed a lock of dark blonde hair from her face. “Only a few bruises from the sudden change in speed have been reported.”
The Science Chief had finished her calculations and looked up to join the conversation. “The nearest dry-dock is at Arcturus. Travelling at warp two will get us there in three weeks.”
Everyone in the room seemed to sit into their chairs deeper at the idea of a relatively long journey.
Kathryn let it sink in for a few heartbeats longer before attempting to lighten the mood. “We’ve been in worse situations, so that doesn’t sound so bad. Now that we have an idea where we are, let’s get to what happened. Analysis?”
Ian stood and pressed a key on the table. The wall monitor activated showing a rear-view video from the bridge tower. The scene was motionless and showed all four impulse engines in the fore-ground, with the nacelles pointing to the dark horizon. “Wait ‘till you see this.” Pressing another key the scene showed the stars whizzing past the ship; typical when travelling at warp speed.
Suddenly, the outer port impulse engine and nacelle was damaged. Green gas started leaking from the nacelle, the ship clearly slowed down to stop.
Ian looked from the monitor with a grin. “Catch that?”
Everyone looked to each other and Kathryn spoke for the rest of the officers, “catch what? I didn’t see anything to cause the destruction of the engines.”
“Exactly. There is nothing. I’ve poured over the records and what you saw was unaltered, unfiltered video of the incident. In one microsecond, the ship is fully operational, the next microsecond, [/]boom[/i].” To make his point, Ian looped the video in two second intervals: one second before, then after the event and slowed the playback to take ten seconds total. He stopped the video just before the transition from ‘normal’.
A stream of light in the background was circled. “This is a passing star. THR-KD08 to be exact.” The video moved forward one frame and the damage appeared to the ship, while the streak continued its path. “As you can see, that star, along with the other stars we passed, moved as expected.”
Kathryn was incredulous. “Ian, are you saying the event was instantaneous?”
Ian nodded, “based on the evidence available, yes.”
Omazei added, “Sensor logs do not find a trace of a power source or intervening object along our path.”
Thel continued, “Repair teams did not detect any residual signatures at the contact surface along the nacelles or in the impulse engine.
Kathryn looked at the officers with skepticism. “So … this just … happened?”
Everyone else in the room looked at each other, and then nodded silently.
+++
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Annika Kramer - Abbie Cornish
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
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