Chapter 1
Shall we go?
A Danube Runabout left Earth and into space before turning and heading for the Space-station. The large mushroom shaped Space-station sat in high orbit of Earth with several ships moving too and from it. As the Runabout got closer, the sheer size dwarfed the little ship. Eventually a docking bay opened and the little ship entered and landed alongside two other Danube's, and even a Delta Flyer Class ship.
The side door of the runabout opened and several people exited to be greeted by an Ensign who directed everyone towards a door at the back with instructions to go to the Visitors Desk for processing. Everyone did so.
The Starfleet crew in the group allowed the few civilians to go ahead of them before finally being processed by the clerk. She was about to tell them where to go when an Officer strolled over to them. He was a Romulan male, a rarity in Starfleet since the collapse of the Romulan Empire since the death of Shinzon.
The Commander handed a Padd over to the clerk. "Have my new crew-members arrived?" the Clerk accepted the Padd. The Commander looked at the other Officers. "Sorry for cutting in."
"No problem sir." the Cardassian woman smiled.
"Yes sir, two of your new Officers are right here." the clerk gestured to the Cardassian and Klingon women who stood next to each other.
The Commander accepted his Padd back and looked at them. "So, you must be Lieutenants Gilora Taselle and Grylka."
"Sir." Grylka the Klingon responded firmly.
"I am sir." Taselle the Cardassian replied politely.
"I am Aev Jamar. You're the last two of our Command Staff. Either you arrived early or I'm late, it matters not, at least you're here. Follow me." he turned and walked back the way he came.
The quietly walked down several corridors, using a turbo-lift to get to another deck and then some more corridors. Eventually they came to the viewing deck where people can look out into the core of the station where one or more ships are usually docked. There was a Steamrunner and Sao Paulo in the distance, but the nearest ship was quite a sight.
Aev saw them looking. "That is our ship, registration NCC-82623, the USS Revolution. She's the third to carry the name."
"By the looks of her, she's a Rademaker is she not?" Taselle asked politely.
"She is. The Revolution here is finishing her retrofits before we leave for our mission." he turned and headed for a door with them in tow.
"So, what sort of refits is she having sir?"
"She's been outfitted with a MKII Quantum Slipstream Drive, a newer Warp Core, improved Phaser Arrays and shield grid. The scanners have been fine tuned some more. Basically, she's getting an overhaul. However, she's been made to be more general instead of specialised." they turned down a corridor which was actually the extendible gangway leading to the ship herself. "She is also being provided with two Yellowstone Runabouts."
"So, this exploration journey is actually happening." Grylka chimed in.
"Of course."
They eventually arrived on the ship. The crew was bustling about but they stopped to move aside when they got near.
"So, what speeds can she do?" Taselle asked politely.
"At warp, she can top out at 9.97 and has a maximum cruise of 7.2. At Slipstream, she is faster than the MKI." Aev replied.
"Ah yes. The MKI is the prototype renamed because it worked well. So the MKII is basically the equivalent of going from warp 1 to warp 2 am I right?"
"That is correct." Aev stopped and looked at Grylka. "I don't mean to be rude, but you're rather quiet for a Klingon."
Grylka flashed her teeth. "I only really talk when I need to, or want to. I'm more observant than other Klingons."
"Let me guess. You prefer for your opponent to make his move and you counter."
"You would make a good training partner." they continued walking.
Entering a turbo-lift, Aev commanded the computer to take them to the Bridge. It took them about fifteen seconds to reach the bridge. Exiting onto the Bridge, Grylka and Taselle noticed that the Bridge was three tiered instead of the usual one or two tiers. They had in fact entered directly onto the middle tier.
The lower tier had the view-screen and two consoles, pilot and navigation. Separating the lower from middle tier was a couple of ramps on either side and a single console in the middle. In the centre of the middle tier was a half boxed in area with three seats. Either side of the boxed area were two more ramps leading to the upper tier. Standing immediately behind the Captain's box you have immediately to the left, the Tactical and Security console along with the door leading round to the conference room. Behind Tactical is the Engineering section. In the centre of the back wall is a ship overview. To the left of the overview screen is the Science and Operations consoles. But a door leading to the conference room separated them. The final door on the middle tier was to the Captain's Ready Room.
Crew were working away on the Bridge when a woman noticed them. "XO on the Bridge."
"Is she in her Ready Room Claire?" Aev glanced at the door opposite where the entered from.
"Yes she is sir." Claire stepped down from the upper tier. "So are these my new colleagues?" she smiled.
Aev gestured at them. "This is Gilora Taselle and Grylka, Daughter of M'Var. This is Claire Thompson, our Chief of Operations."
Claire shook hands with Taselle. "Are those Bajoran d'ja pagh?" she gestured to Taselle's right ear.
"Yes they are." she smiled.
"I bet there's a story behind a Cardassian wearing one."
"I can tell you over a drink some time."
"Sure." Claire turned to Grylka and gripped her by the fore-arm before speaking Klingon to her. Grylka smiled and replied in Klingon as well.
Letting go of Grylka's arm Claire looked at Aev. "Well, I got work to get back to. So pardon me." she turned and returned to the upper tier.
Aev went over to the door to the Ready Room and pressed the door chime. A woman's voice responded to tell them they can enter. The Ready Room was fairly spacious. Standing with the door to their back, the left wall had a window looking out into space with a bench beneath it. To the left of the door was a replicator. At the back wall was the Captain's desk with a couple of fixed chairs in front of it. The right wall was covered with several paintings of Starships.
The Captain was sat at her desk which also doubled as a console. She gestured for them to wait a moment as she finished doing something on her desk before looking up at them. As she lifted her head her hair fell back and revealed her left ear which was pointed at the tip. She smiled lightly. "So, you two must be my new science and tactical officers." it wasn't a question.
"Yes ma'am."
The Captain got up and walked around to them. "I'm T'Maire Connor. Captain of the Revolution. I welcome aboard." she looked at Aev. "I haven't received a report from Simon down in Engineering yet. Could you go and find out please?"
"Of course Captain." he turned and returned to the Bridge.
"I have already logged that you're aboard and under my command. I would suggest that you familiarise with the layout of the ship, but you need to first see the Chief Doctor. Protocol you know." her console chimed and she sighed. "Man, I never knew retrofits required so much reports." as she head back round to sit at her desk "You're dismissed."
They both left the Ready Room.
Sickbay was a fair sized place. The main room contained seven beds with a windowed office to one-side. Past the office was an isolated room used for major surgery. There was also a medical replicator and a storage area for supplies.
The door slid open and both Grylka and Taselle entered. There were several medical staff and a single engineer working. A nurse came up to them. "Can I help you with anything?"
"Where is the Chief Doctor?" Grylka asked firmly.
The nurse looked over to a woman standing at a cupboard checking supplies. "Doctor T'Van. There's a couple of ladies here to see you." she called out.
The Vulcan woman looked over at them and with a passive expression walked over to them. "I am Doctor T'Van. How may I help you?"
"We were told by the Captain to come and see you. We're new..." Taselle started to reply.
"Of course. You must be the final staff members." T'Van offered the Padd she was holding to the nurse. "Could you continue checking the supplies for me please?"
The nurse accepted the Padd. "Of course Doctor." she walked over to the cupboard where T'Van was at.
"I better double check your medical records then. Please follow me." she led them into the office where she sat down and started working on her console. "So, you are Grylka and Gilora Taselle. Am I correct?" they agreed. "Now then, let me see." she worked away. "It appears that I have your complete medical records. Your medical history is interesting. How should we refer to you? As Gilora, or Taselle?"
"Gilora is my family name, but you may refer to me by whichever name you prefer."
"Lieutenant Gilora it is then." she pressed a few more buttons. "Your medical history is a little short Lieutenant Grylka. I take it that is because Klingon's are not as thorough with their medical record keeping?"
"That is correct Doctor." Grylka replied firmly.
"Well then, I will just have to make do with records created by Starfleet Medical." she pressed a few more buttons. "Before I file your records, I have one question for you two. Between you last check-up and your arrival here. Have you had any problems?"
"No." Grylka replied firmly.
"I am feeling a little tired, but that may be down feeling a little hungry." Taselle replied.
T'Van stood and grabbed a medical tricorder from next to the window. "Let me be the judge of that." she ran the tricorder over Taselle. "When did you last eat?"
"It must have been about seven hours ago. Sorry, but I hadn't the chance for a meal yet."
T'Van tapped some buttons on the tricorder. "Before I can allow you to start your duties, you are to go to the canteen for a meal." she looked at Grylka. "Have you eaten anything recently?"
"I had the Final Feast before coming here to start my new assignment."
"I have heard of that Klingon ritual. Although I do not approve of some gorging themselves like that, I am satisfied that you have at least eaten something." she put the tricorder down. "Grylka, you may go and deal with your duties. Gilora, get something to eat first, then you have my permission to start your duties. I will be informing Commander Jamar. Is there anything else?" when they didn't reply. "You may leave then."
Just as they started to leave the door leading to the corridor opened and a man came in, but he was being held up by Commander Jamar and another man. The man was injured and weak. His left arm was burnt along with his uniform.
T'Van grabbed her tricorder again and went out to meet them. "What is the emergency?"
"He electrocuted himself as he was working replacing some wiring just down the corridor." the man other than Aev replied.
"Lay him on a bed. I will have examine him. What is his name?"
"I'm not sure Doc'. He's one of the maintenance crew from the station. He's not one of ours."
"Understood." Once the man was laid down, she sedated him and then activated the bio-scanner which closed over him. Once the scan had finished she called a nurse over and gave her instructions on what to do before going to the Commander.
"What happened to him? Did he cross some wires or something?" the Lieutenant stood next to Aev asked.
"He probably did, but he would not have known his mistake."
"What do you mean? It would have been obvious if you were going to cross wires."
"The scanner has detected signs that he had a momentary seizure just before the accident. That would be what caused the accident."
The Lieutenant looked shocked. "I'm sorry. I was jumping to a conclusion." he took a few deep breaths. "It has been a busy day."
"I will inform Starbase medical of the situation and have him transported over to them." T'Van looked at Aev.
"What are you doing with him now?" Aev asked.
"We are stabilizing him. I was going to heal him completely. However, because he is not a member of our crew, but rather working for the Starbase, it would be best to let them take care of him. I will also ask them to compensate for the use of our supplies on him."
"He is in your hands then Doctor." Aev turned and saw Taselle and Grylka stood watching. "You two are here?"
"I had just handled their records just before you came in. Gilora is under orders to have a meal before she starts her duties, but Grylka can start them right away." T'Van spoke up before they could respond.
"Understood. You may continue." he gestured for them to leave. However, he remembered something. "Oh right. Before you go, let me introduce our Chief Engineer." Aev gestured at the man next to him. "This is Simon Johanson."
Simon stepped up to them and shook their hands. "Pleasure to meet you. I hope we'll get along well." he looked at Aev. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do." with that he left the med-bay.
"You're excused." Aev gestured to Grylka and Taselle.
The canteen was a large area. Along one-side was a large viewing window looking out into space. One corner was isolated from the rest by two partition walls. There was a gap between one wall and the window, and halfway round was another gap. This area simply had sofas and chairs. It was an area where people can just talk. At both ends of the canteen was a door each. In the middle opposite the window was a kitchen area.
Taselle walked up to the kitchen counter. There was someone moving about. "Hello. Whose in there?"
"Ah. Those useless..." A woman's voice came back from inside a cupboard. She stepped back and closed the doors. It was a Ferengi woman wearing a colourful blazer and trousers. "May I help you?" she walked over to Taselle whilst smacking her hands together.
"Is something the matter? You sounded upset a moment ago."
"Oh, that. Nothing major. Just the idiots from the station who stocked the kitchen just shoved everything in. No organisation whatsoever. So now then. What can I do for you?"
"I've been ordered to get something to eat before I go on duty."
"Of course. So what would you like?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe something Bajoran?"
"It will have to be replicator food. I'm still tidying my kitchen." she led Taselle to the replictors next to the kitchen area.
"So you must be the cook for the journey."
"Amongst other duties yes. I work sort of like a quartermaster if you will. Cooking, managing ship supplies, clothing, and so on." she pressed a few buttons on the replicator. "How about Hasperat with Kava salad and Red Leaf Tea?"
"That sounds fine thank you." The Ferengi woman ordered the food, handing the plates to Taselle whilst she carried the hot drink. Taselle placed the plates down on a table. "Thank you. Sorry, what was your name?"
"I never told you. I'm Pelva." with that she walked away.
Captain Connor was sat in her seat on the Bridge with Commander Jamar to her right and Lt Commander T'Van to her left. Grylka was immediately behind her with all of the other Bridge Officers at their stations.
"Is everything ready? Has all of the Station Staff left our ship?" T'Maire glanced at Aev.
Aev stood and looked round the Bridge. "Thompson, have the Station crew left?"
"They have sir."
"Grylka, make sure the air-lock is shut and inform Starbase Command that they can retract the gangway."
Grylka pressed several buttons on her console. "Air-lock is secure, sending message to Starbase Command now." a moment later her console chimed. "Gangway being retracted now sir." there was another chime. "Incoming communication from Admiral Brown."
"On screen." The Captain replied. The main screen flashed up with an old woman Admiral. "Hello Admiral. What do we have this pleasure for?"
The Admiral smiled. "Can't an old Ship Captain call to wish you luck with your journey."
"Of course Admiral."
Aev sat back down.
The Admiral smiled again. "Please patch me through to the entire ship."
Without looking the Captain gestured for Grylka to do so.
Grylka pressed a couple of buttons. "Done."
The Admiral closed her eyes for a moment. "To the crew of the USS-Revolution-C. I am Admiral Sarah Brown, current commander of this Starbase. As you know, the Revolution has just finished her retrofits with new drives, sensors, weapons and more. She has been crewed with great people from Starfleet, no matter their rank or origin."
She took a deep breath. "With your new drive system, the Revolution is one of several ships able to travel farther, faster than other ships. It is sad that not all ship classes can currently be outfitted with a Quantum Slipstream Drive, for technical reason that I won't get into. This means that so few ships can do what you have been assigned to do. In fact, the Revolution is the only ship assigned this job."
Taking a deep breath again. "Exploration. Exploration in a way that we could not do before. With thanks to the USS-Voyager and her crew who ended up stranded in the Delta Quadrant, and their journey to return home, they gained this technology, and the knowledge on how to travel such distances. We bring you to your mission. You will be doing an extended exploration of our Galaxy, not unlike Voyager, you will be travelling further and faster."
Another breath. "Your mission will be to circumnavigate the entire Galaxy, starting from here, through the Alpha Quadrant, then the Gamma, onto the Delta and finally Beta Quadrant. Along the way, you will explore, meet new civilisations, and go where no man has gone before. From all of us at Starfleet, we wish you good luck, and god speed." The Admiral then cut off the transmission.
"OK then people!" the Captain rubbed her hands in anticipation. "Shall we go?"