The Chancellor of Trell, Wushar, stood on the transporter pad with a bemused smirk having just asked a question to Captain Kathryn Beringer. Metallic trinkets in muted colors clinked as arms disappeared into the folds of his deep black floor-length robe.
She could not control her surprise. “You can’t be serious, we are talking about the Borg!”
“I am very serious. Thanks to the Federation, several members of the Perfect want to make a religious pilgrimage.”
Kathryn looked away to consider the Chancellor’s request, yet could only think of obstacles. “Forgive me Chancellor, but -”
Wushar chuckled to interrupt. “I thought this might happen, so allow me to be blunt: fulfill this appeal and the Trellans will join the Federation without further demands or concessions.”
“This is a very grave demand, don’t you think?”
“Maybe from your point of view, Captain.”
“Definitely from my point of view.”
The Chancellor scoffed. “I hope you are not trying to impose Federation values upon us this late in the process? The Trellans certainly welcome the benefits of membership without … strain.” Believing he had the upper hand, he became smug. “Correct me if I’m wrong Captain, but aren’t our Dilithium mines why the Federation wants a foothold in this region of the Delta Quadrant?”
Kathryn politely smiled. “The Dilithium is an interesting fact of your beautiful world.”
“Excellent. Please take time to consider the request. I’m sure the pious people of Trell would appreciate the results.” Wushar looked to the wall behind Kathryn as a sign he was finished with the conversation. “Until we meet again, Captain.”
Turning to the transporter chief, Kathryn nodded. The Chancellor was bathed in blue light and disappeared.
+++
Kathryn exited the Holodeck panting and dried sweat from her face with a towel. She stopped in the hallway when she sensed another person standing nearby.
Christa Harrington stood almost eye level to Kathryn and wore a bright toothy smile. “Good morning, Cap!”
Returning the smile and wiping the towel across her arms, Kathryn nodded for them to walk down the hallway and took steps from the Holodeck. Christa caught up and matched Kathryn’s quicken pace. “Counselor, nice to see you are in good spirits.”
“Always, O Captain, my Captain.”
Draping the towel over the opposite shoulder to Christa, Kathryn replied, “indeed. To what do I owe the pleasure? We are not due for a chat until next week, if I recall correctly.”
Christa placed her hands behind her back as they walked. “True. I hope you will forgive me, Captain, but there is some scuttlebutt about the Trellans, so I thought to check in on you.”
Rolling her eyes, Kathryn offered, “Their ‘walk-away’ condition to joining the Federation is … obtuse.”
“Well said, sir.”
Kathryn stopped and looked at Christa, annoyed by the retort. Another crewmember dodged past the pair standing in the middle of the hallway. Christa still wore an infectious smile.
Christa shrugged, “it’s true!”
After a few seconds, Kathryn started smiling as well. Walking again at a more relaxed pace, annoyance returned to Kathryn’s demeanor as she recalled the Chancellor’s parting words. “Whoever thought delivering a group of religious pilgrims to Borg space could stall a negotiation.”
Christa nodded at the declaration. “What do you plan to do?”
Kathryn slowed her pace and placed her hands behind her back in contemplation. “The Trellans have built a spiritual following around the Borg and the Cooperative is not an option for them; something about a ‘false path’.”
“So, Is this an unreasonable request?”
Kathryn shook her head. “It’s all relative. From where I stand, the Borg continues to be the single greatest threat to the galaxy. Yet, I’ve been instructed that the Dilithium ore found on the planet this deep in the Delta Quadrant is a resource Starfleet does not want to lose.”
Christa nodded. “And the price bothers you?”
“You and I know what happens when someone becomes assimilated. It’s a cost some Trellans want to go through!”
The pair reached an intersection. Kathryn backed onto a wall and crossed her arms, looking down at the floor. She then extended both arms as if to start juggling ideas. “On the surface, the Federation’s goal is clear: continued expansion into the Delta Quadrant. The Trellans want to join the Federation. Their sovereignty as a member, especially as a prospective member, is paramount.” She reached for rank pips on a uniform she was not wearing.
The counselor knew that was a sign Kathryn was deep in though. Christa rocked on her heels for several seconds waiting to see if Kathryn added more. After a few more seconds, she stopped and suggested, “It seems to me you have made a decision.”
Kathryn sighed and pushed away from the wall, walking toward a turbolift. Christa followed. The Captain looked over her shoulder and declared, “I am being ordered to sacrifice some conviction and it does not feel good.”
---
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Katheryn Winnick
Christa Harrington - Emily Bett Rickards
Chancellor Wushar - Jeff Goldblum
Showing posts with label Christa Harrington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christa Harrington. Show all posts
Monday, January 22, 2018
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Endangering the Mundane
Unofficial Literary Challenge 17 - Prompt 2 "Sheer Boredom"
+++
Kathryn looked from the PADD with raised eyebrows to the two officers standing relaxed before her desk. The blonde female was relatively young wearing Science department colors on her uniform. She was lithe and her long blonde hair was styled with extra volume. The Vulcan’s short midnight black hair was a stark contrast to her uniform’s Operation yellow highlights on an otherwise traditionally black-colored uniform. Sitting, Kathryn put the PADD on her desk and crossed her arms, yet smiled approvingly as she reclined her chair.
“This is a great idea. Why not?”
Counselor Harrington’s smile seemed to brighten the room.
S’Rel’s typically neutral affect almost turned to grimace from the Captain’s judgment and cleared her throat indicating she was about to speak next. “Captain, we are currently on a system charting mission. This event would be a distraction from duty.”
Christa rolled her eyes slightly. “That is fully appreciated. From what I can tell, the Astrometrics teams are the ones doing most of the work and I’m sure they are relishing the experience. All fun and no play make Starfleet a dull -”. She shrugged searching for words, and then settling on the most obvious. “Fleet.”
Swiveling her chair toward the windows, Kathryn mused further on the arguments presented as she absentmindedly rubbed a finger against the rank pips on her collar. Solaris was resting at the second Lagrange point of the largest planet in the current system. As such, there was not much to see. Not being in motion for a few days while various probes and shuttles were used for deep-data scans and measurements did have some crew members itching for duties beyond expectantly mundane tasks. Although times like these are a part of the ‘job’, it was true that Astrometric personnel were the busiest. Even Kathryn caught herself looking for something official to do on occasion. At least her list of things-to-do-when-nothing-else-was-happening was getting shorter.
Looking back to the officers, Kathryn looked to S’Rel. “Your advice is always appreciated, yet I think a little distraction will be good for moral.” She then looked to Christa. “At the same time, the crew needs to stay focused on their duties. This must not have a time frame that will force decisions to be made that could endanger their original task and ultimately the ship. I don’t want discipline to falter because of this.”
Both officers spoke at the same time. “Yes, sir.”
“Christa, with that said, I’ll leave the details up to you. Make sure the Duty Leaders understand the importance to follow-up on their teams as scheduled and to reign in anyone having too much fun. Finally, I request that anything making the list not involve EVA.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Kathryn saluted from her chair. Christa and S’Rel saluted and walked out the room. The doors stayed open as Anthi walked in looking over her shoulder. The doors closed and she walked up to Kathryn’s desk. Pointing a thumb to the door, she asked, “what was all that about?”
Kathryn stood and wore a wry smile on her face. “Ever been on a scavenger hunt before?”
+++
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Christa Harrington - Emily Bett Rickards
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
+++
Kathryn looked from the PADD with raised eyebrows to the two officers standing relaxed before her desk. The blonde female was relatively young wearing Science department colors on her uniform. She was lithe and her long blonde hair was styled with extra volume. The Vulcan’s short midnight black hair was a stark contrast to her uniform’s Operation yellow highlights on an otherwise traditionally black-colored uniform. Sitting, Kathryn put the PADD on her desk and crossed her arms, yet smiled approvingly as she reclined her chair.
“This is a great idea. Why not?”
Counselor Harrington’s smile seemed to brighten the room.
S’Rel’s typically neutral affect almost turned to grimace from the Captain’s judgment and cleared her throat indicating she was about to speak next. “Captain, we are currently on a system charting mission. This event would be a distraction from duty.”
Christa rolled her eyes slightly. “That is fully appreciated. From what I can tell, the Astrometrics teams are the ones doing most of the work and I’m sure they are relishing the experience. All fun and no play make Starfleet a dull -”. She shrugged searching for words, and then settling on the most obvious. “Fleet.”
Swiveling her chair toward the windows, Kathryn mused further on the arguments presented as she absentmindedly rubbed a finger against the rank pips on her collar. Solaris was resting at the second Lagrange point of the largest planet in the current system. As such, there was not much to see. Not being in motion for a few days while various probes and shuttles were used for deep-data scans and measurements did have some crew members itching for duties beyond expectantly mundane tasks. Although times like these are a part of the ‘job’, it was true that Astrometric personnel were the busiest. Even Kathryn caught herself looking for something official to do on occasion. At least her list of things-to-do-when-nothing-else-was-happening was getting shorter.
Looking back to the officers, Kathryn looked to S’Rel. “Your advice is always appreciated, yet I think a little distraction will be good for moral.” She then looked to Christa. “At the same time, the crew needs to stay focused on their duties. This must not have a time frame that will force decisions to be made that could endanger their original task and ultimately the ship. I don’t want discipline to falter because of this.”
Both officers spoke at the same time. “Yes, sir.”
“Christa, with that said, I’ll leave the details up to you. Make sure the Duty Leaders understand the importance to follow-up on their teams as scheduled and to reign in anyone having too much fun. Finally, I request that anything making the list not involve EVA.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Kathryn saluted from her chair. Christa and S’Rel saluted and walked out the room. The doors stayed open as Anthi walked in looking over her shoulder. The doors closed and she walked up to Kathryn’s desk. Pointing a thumb to the door, she asked, “what was all that about?”
Kathryn stood and wore a wry smile on her face. “Ever been on a scavenger hunt before?”
+++
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Christa Harrington - Emily Bett Rickards
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Monday, December 2, 2013
Best and Brightest
Literary Challenge 7
---
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Karl Melango - Jeremy Renner
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Bur'ar - David Ramsey
Ian McKinnon - named but not seen
Not named in story but present in the scene:
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Christa Harrington - Emily Bett Rickards
---
The officers filed into the room and sat in their usual
chairs. Each person held a PADD in their hands and quietly placed them on the
table and patiently waited. Several seconds later,
Captain Kathryn Beringer entered the room and sat at the head of the table. She looked to each
of the command staff assembled, then said, "Let's get
started".
The Andorian officer to the Captain's left stood. First Officer Anthi Ythysi tapped her PADD on the table and the viewscreen at the other end of the room activated. The staff turned their heads to see the data pull-up on the screen.
"Bur'ar. Klingon. Terran age, 34. Homeworld, Ahza IV in the Aldaberan Sector. Security track."
Anthi walked toward the video display with her PADD in hand. "While Solaris was docked at ESD he was assigned to Lieutenant Commander Karl Melango. Both were to oversee the Gorn prisoner transfer to Starfleet Security Corps. During the walk from the brig, one of the prisoners became agitated -",
Anthi tapped the PADD and the personnel data changed to a video presentation showing two large Gorn shackled and walking in file. In front of the pair was a human Starfleet officer with a Klingon at the rear. The rear Gorn turn his head, and the Klingon stopped then pointed forward. The Gorn turned and launched himself at the Klingon, alerting the other two. A swirling melee ensues with all four participants. After several seconds the Klingon is subduing the attacking Gorn, then relieves the human of his combatant with a few strikes.
Turning to the assembled officers, Anthi could see they were impressed. "Cadet Bur'ar showed restraint and applied appropriate ... pressure, to subdue the prisoners. Collateral damage was extremely minimal and Karl, obviously, has recovered from any wounds." The officers looked at Karl who still had a slight bruise above his right eye. He blushed at the attention. Anthi continued, "He maintains accurate reports and performs routine duties with exemplary attention to detail." Anthi closed the presentation and sat back down.
Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi stood and mimicked his sister's actions to prepare for his presentation. He smiled briefly as he turned to his fellow officers. Kathryn's eyebrows raised from surprise and thought that was the first time he had seen Thel smile.
"S'Rel. Vulcan. Terran age, 30. Homeworld, Vulcan in the Vulcan Sector. Technical fabrication track.
As we were completing a refit of the Aegis Hyper-Impulse Engines, S'Rel was assigned diagnostic duty. She noticed a fracture in the Export D-52C coupling to the active tachyon grid overhead manifold at junction K-44J." As Thel spoke, he raised a schematic of the Excelsior-class ship. At each word the image enlarged, rotated and moved with various sections highlighted to show the audience where he meant to direct their attention. For Kathryn, she was privately thankful for the visual images.
"After running a level two diagnostic, S'Rel correctly determined a tritanium duraplast patch would be sufficient to prevent further damage. This was standard functional procedure. This was also the most efficient path in terms of repair time and resources." He turned from the screen and paused for effect.
"However, S'Rel notified her site superior, Lieutenant Ian McKinnon of an alternative." He returned to the image and it moved several 'meters' by the schematic legend. "Coincidentally, S'Rel's father was one of the engineers that developed the prototype Aegis engines. She has a intimate knowledge of the entire project from its inception. She used the prototype schematics to justify her suggestion." Looking back to the officers, Thel said sternly, "the prototype set, as we should all know, was superior to the mass production version. Utopia Planetia, in their prudence, developed various shortcuts which, ultimately, caused the fracture to the coupling." He turned back to the schematic, "S'Rel's alternative involved fabricating a trianium-infused polycarbon lattice to the junction network here ... here ... and here. The structural integrity of the affected coupling doubled to better-than-prototype specification."
Thel turned to Kathryn. "Based on this event, not only was our stay at ESD shortened five days, I also submitted a proposal to Starfleet Corps of Engineers to modify existing Aegis Engine components back to prototype standards. S'Rel's cadet record should be noted that the proposal was based on her work." Thel closed his presentation and sat into his chair, a slight smirk tugged at one corner of his lips.
After a few seconds of silence, Captain Beringer spoke. "Well done. So, based on these report,s shall I presume you are recommending a transfer to Solaris?
Both siblings looked to each other and nodded.
"Consider it done. Unless there is anything further to add, then return to your duty stations. Our next stop is Nukara Prime."
The Andorian officer to the Captain's left stood. First Officer Anthi Ythysi tapped her PADD on the table and the viewscreen at the other end of the room activated. The staff turned their heads to see the data pull-up on the screen.
"Bur'ar. Klingon. Terran age, 34. Homeworld, Ahza IV in the Aldaberan Sector. Security track."
Anthi walked toward the video display with her PADD in hand. "While Solaris was docked at ESD he was assigned to Lieutenant Commander Karl Melango. Both were to oversee the Gorn prisoner transfer to Starfleet Security Corps. During the walk from the brig, one of the prisoners became agitated -",
Anthi tapped the PADD and the personnel data changed to a video presentation showing two large Gorn shackled and walking in file. In front of the pair was a human Starfleet officer with a Klingon at the rear. The rear Gorn turn his head, and the Klingon stopped then pointed forward. The Gorn turned and launched himself at the Klingon, alerting the other two. A swirling melee ensues with all four participants. After several seconds the Klingon is subduing the attacking Gorn, then relieves the human of his combatant with a few strikes.
Turning to the assembled officers, Anthi could see they were impressed. "Cadet Bur'ar showed restraint and applied appropriate ... pressure, to subdue the prisoners. Collateral damage was extremely minimal and Karl, obviously, has recovered from any wounds." The officers looked at Karl who still had a slight bruise above his right eye. He blushed at the attention. Anthi continued, "He maintains accurate reports and performs routine duties with exemplary attention to detail." Anthi closed the presentation and sat back down.
Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi stood and mimicked his sister's actions to prepare for his presentation. He smiled briefly as he turned to his fellow officers. Kathryn's eyebrows raised from surprise and thought that was the first time he had seen Thel smile.
"S'Rel. Vulcan. Terran age, 30. Homeworld, Vulcan in the Vulcan Sector. Technical fabrication track.
As we were completing a refit of the Aegis Hyper-Impulse Engines, S'Rel was assigned diagnostic duty. She noticed a fracture in the Export D-52C coupling to the active tachyon grid overhead manifold at junction K-44J." As Thel spoke, he raised a schematic of the Excelsior-class ship. At each word the image enlarged, rotated and moved with various sections highlighted to show the audience where he meant to direct their attention. For Kathryn, she was privately thankful for the visual images.
"After running a level two diagnostic, S'Rel correctly determined a tritanium duraplast patch would be sufficient to prevent further damage. This was standard functional procedure. This was also the most efficient path in terms of repair time and resources." He turned from the screen and paused for effect.
"However, S'Rel notified her site superior, Lieutenant Ian McKinnon of an alternative." He returned to the image and it moved several 'meters' by the schematic legend. "Coincidentally, S'Rel's father was one of the engineers that developed the prototype Aegis engines. She has a intimate knowledge of the entire project from its inception. She used the prototype schematics to justify her suggestion." Looking back to the officers, Thel said sternly, "the prototype set, as we should all know, was superior to the mass production version. Utopia Planetia, in their prudence, developed various shortcuts which, ultimately, caused the fracture to the coupling." He turned back to the schematic, "S'Rel's alternative involved fabricating a trianium-infused polycarbon lattice to the junction network here ... here ... and here. The structural integrity of the affected coupling doubled to better-than-prototype specification."
Thel turned to Kathryn. "Based on this event, not only was our stay at ESD shortened five days, I also submitted a proposal to Starfleet Corps of Engineers to modify existing Aegis Engine components back to prototype standards. S'Rel's cadet record should be noted that the proposal was based on her work." Thel closed his presentation and sat into his chair, a slight smirk tugged at one corner of his lips.
After a few seconds of silence, Captain Beringer spoke. "Well done. So, based on these report,s shall I presume you are recommending a transfer to Solaris?
Both siblings looked to each other and nodded.
"Consider it done. Unless there is anything further to add, then return to your duty stations. Our next stop is Nukara Prime."
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Karl Melango - Jeremy Renner
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Bur'ar - David Ramsey
Ian McKinnon - named but not seen
Not named in story but present in the scene:
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Christa Harrington - Emily Bett Rickards
Not THAT Guy ...
Literary Challenge 6 - Not THAT Guy ...
---
"I'm telling you man, she was amazing!"
The Vulcan listener rolled his eyes as he looked out the viewport. "I have no doubt your tryst on Risa was ... enlightening."
"Oh, boy was it! The way she moved was unlike anything I have experienced. I fell in love, then got left at the alter."
"Please remind me, Randolph, what was her name again?"
Randolph sighed. "I ... I don't remember." He rubbed his chin. "Cassandra? Kaitlin? Kathy? Maybe not. Baylyn ... or maybe Tala?"
The Vulcan turned to his friend with an eyebrow raised. "That's a wide range of options. I think it is best you let it go. The odds of meeting the same woman within your lifetime with only memories of her physical features and ... abilities ... is statistically against your favor. Possible, but not probable, if I may be so bold."
Randolph was undaunted and he waged a finger. "I disagree, Tevos. Humans believe in serendipity and fate. Chance is best at the Dabo tables, not love."
Tevos returned to looking out the window. The Excelsior-class ship was in view as the shuttle banked away from the transport vessel. "But wasn't it random chance to have met this woman in the first place?"
A finger was poked at the Vulcan's ear. "Nope. Fate brought us to Risa. We were meant to be together."
"Yet, you don't recall her name and she has not made contact with you since you left Risa two weeks ago, correct?"
"Pfft, she's probably looking for me as we speak." Randolph crossed his arms and had a smug look on his face. He looked at the white cruiser out the viewport as the shuttle slowed its speed to approach the ship's aft hull. The shuttle bay doors began to open. "Who knows, maybe she's on this ship!"
"Again, possible, but highly improbable."
---
The shuttle's doors opened slowly, exposing the interior to the grand innards of Solaris' docking bay. To the side was an Aenar with Ensign pips on her uniform. She raised a whistle box and blew the attention tune. Several officers stepped forward, the tallest being the Captain of the ship, Kathryn Beringer. Her long dark red hair pulled back into a thick bun with side strands resting against her jaw. Wearing the standard-issue uniform, white-colored shoulders stood apart from the rest of the other officers. The new members of her crew started to exit the shuttle, twenty total of various races. They lined up at attention and Kathryn looked at the row before starting a close-up inspection when someone gasped nearby.
Kathryn turned to see her ship's counselor face go pale. Concerned she whispered loudly, "Is something wrong?"
Christa Harrington shook her head slightly, her dirty blonde hair quivering. "Not that guy. Of all the ships in the galaxy."
Kathryn looked at the row of duty officers. One man's eyes were darting back and forth. He was of average height and build with curly black hair. His thick lips, high cheekbones, rounded edged nose and sunken eyes made him handsome by Kathryn's standards. She could see he muttered something and a Vulcan to his side quickly looked toward the ship's officer line.
She grinned. "Well, Christa, it seems like you'll be doing the talking later because I'm ready to listen." Kathryn could see from her peripheral vision that the counselor's shoulders slumped a little.
---
"I'm telling you man, she was amazing!"
The Vulcan listener rolled his eyes as he looked out the viewport. "I have no doubt your tryst on Risa was ... enlightening."
"Oh, boy was it! The way she moved was unlike anything I have experienced. I fell in love, then got left at the alter."
"Please remind me, Randolph, what was her name again?"
Randolph sighed. "I ... I don't remember." He rubbed his chin. "Cassandra? Kaitlin? Kathy? Maybe not. Baylyn ... or maybe Tala?"
The Vulcan turned to his friend with an eyebrow raised. "That's a wide range of options. I think it is best you let it go. The odds of meeting the same woman within your lifetime with only memories of her physical features and ... abilities ... is statistically against your favor. Possible, but not probable, if I may be so bold."
Randolph was undaunted and he waged a finger. "I disagree, Tevos. Humans believe in serendipity and fate. Chance is best at the Dabo tables, not love."
Tevos returned to looking out the window. The Excelsior-class ship was in view as the shuttle banked away from the transport vessel. "But wasn't it random chance to have met this woman in the first place?"
A finger was poked at the Vulcan's ear. "Nope. Fate brought us to Risa. We were meant to be together."
"Yet, you don't recall her name and she has not made contact with you since you left Risa two weeks ago, correct?"
"Pfft, she's probably looking for me as we speak." Randolph crossed his arms and had a smug look on his face. He looked at the white cruiser out the viewport as the shuttle slowed its speed to approach the ship's aft hull. The shuttle bay doors began to open. "Who knows, maybe she's on this ship!"
"Again, possible, but highly improbable."
---
The shuttle's doors opened slowly, exposing the interior to the grand innards of Solaris' docking bay. To the side was an Aenar with Ensign pips on her uniform. She raised a whistle box and blew the attention tune. Several officers stepped forward, the tallest being the Captain of the ship, Kathryn Beringer. Her long dark red hair pulled back into a thick bun with side strands resting against her jaw. Wearing the standard-issue uniform, white-colored shoulders stood apart from the rest of the other officers. The new members of her crew started to exit the shuttle, twenty total of various races. They lined up at attention and Kathryn looked at the row before starting a close-up inspection when someone gasped nearby.
Kathryn turned to see her ship's counselor face go pale. Concerned she whispered loudly, "Is something wrong?"
Christa Harrington shook her head slightly, her dirty blonde hair quivering. "Not that guy. Of all the ships in the galaxy."
Kathryn looked at the row of duty officers. One man's eyes were darting back and forth. He was of average height and build with curly black hair. His thick lips, high cheekbones, rounded edged nose and sunken eyes made him handsome by Kathryn's standards. She could see he muttered something and a Vulcan to his side quickly looked toward the ship's officer line.
She grinned. "Well, Christa, it seems like you'll be doing the talking later because I'm ready to listen." Kathryn could see from her peripheral vision that the counselor's shoulders slumped a little.
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