Author Note(s): So, I'm not sure what inspired me to make this story, but I did. I picked 2175 at random. Nothing really happened then in the Star Trek universe so I decided to dabble. Hehe.
I do not own any of the Star Trek franchise. If I did, this would so be at least an episode. :)
"Welcome aboard the USS Endeavor, gentlemen," the red haired woman said to the group of ambassadors from various planets throughout the Federation. "I am Captain Shani Chloe O'Shea." She smiled, a light sparkling in her eyes. "I assure you, Ambassadors, that you will reach Earth in one piece, I bet my Irish heritage on it."
"Is it not unwise to bet something that is intangible on our safety, Captain?" A flat, baritone voice said. A Vulcan man stepped forward, who was a few inches taller than the girl.
"That is the point, Ambassador Starn," the captain said. "By betting something intangible, that means I won't lose." She straightened her blue jacket that was buttoned at the top with the Starfleet insignia. "Now, if you would be so kind as to follow me, I will show you to your quarters." The Vulcan ambassador raised his eyebrows slightly at the assertiveness if this human female, his brown eyes examining her curiously. The newly founded Federation still had its misunderstandings of the other species within the group. Were humans normally this...Illogical? He watched as the Andorian and Tellarite Ambassador followed the woman, looking slightly amused.
"Dinner will be in two hours," O'Shea told them. "You will be having it with myself and my first officer in a private dining area. I have assigned security teams to make sure you all are as safe and secure as possible. I apologize for my abruptness but I need to captain my ship."
"Of course, leave us to our own ends," the Tellarite muttered. O'Shea smiled a bit.
"Oh, are you not capable of taking care of yourselves in your own rooms?" She asked teasingly. She opened one of the doors. "This is Ambassador Starn's quarters." Starn nodded in acknowledgement. The captain walked across the hall and opened another door. "This is Ambassador Tukyt's room." The Andorian nodded. "And Ambassador Graft, this is your room." O'Shea opened the room next to Tukyt's, smiling. "Now, I'll see you all at dinner this evening when we can get more acquainted. We have to get you to San Francisco as soon as possible. I hope you enjoy your stay with us." O'Shea did a small bow and walked off at a strong pace. Starn watched her go, trying to figure out her personality. Tukyt smirked slightly.
"Human women are quite the interesting group of females," he stated. "All their different colorings and all." Starn looked at the Andorian, raising one eyebrow.
"I find the human ideals fascinating, Mr. Tukyt," Starn stated. "They hold some much emotion yet they can accomplish so much. It is not logical."
"Oh, yes, like you logical sorts are any good," Graft grumbled, crossing his arms and entering his quarters.
"We should follow the Tellarite's example and prepare ourselves for dinner with the captain," Tukyt stated. "We want to be at our best after all."
"Yes, of course," Starn agreed. "We are supposed to be representing our planets." The two males parted ways in order to prepare.
------
O'Shea sat on the bridge, fixing her ponytail as her curls got caught in the band.
"So, Hermann," she said to the helmsman, "are you prepared for dinner with the Ambassadors?"
"Ja," the brown haired man stated, looking back. "I am quite ready vor dis meeting. It vill prof to be interesting."
"We don't have much longer to wait, my friend," O'Shea said, leaning back a bit.
"Dat is true, Shani," Hermann agreed. "We actually only haf ten minutes until ve are off."
"Good, so what should I wear? Dress uniform or what?" O'Shea asked. Hermann laughed as he turned back to his work.
"Vat? Vy are you so interested in vat you vear?" He asked. "I dink dat the best choice is de dress uniform." He made a slight change in the calculations. "Do you haf an interest in, as dey say, 'dressing to impress?'" O'Shea raised a suspicious eyebrow.
"In what manner, Commander?" She asked. Hermann shrugged, his clean shaven face showing it there as well.
"Noding, just maybe you haf an interest in one of de Ambassadors? De Vulcan, ja?"
"No, Josef," O'Shea said, rolling her eyes. "I'm just not entirely use to this kind of situation."
"Den go wit the dress uniform, Shani," Hermann stated, looking at her with exasperated blue eyes. "It is logical, ja? Dink Vulcan vor once." O'Shea chuckled at the statement.
"I think I'd prefer to think Tellarite right now and insult you," she replied.
-------
O'Shea was in the room, wearing her dress uniform. A blue blazer with a black shirt under it. A white skirt accompanied it and black tights. She wore white kitten heels. She had let her hair down and was making the final arrangements before the ambassadors arrived.
"Is everything prepared, Captain?" The smooth, calm, baritone voiced asked. O'Shea didn't even bother to turn around.
"You are quite prompt, Ambassador Starn," she stated, turning to look at the Vulcan. "And quite stealthy, might I add."
"I found it illogical to interrupt you at the time," Starn replied.
"Oh, what is that?" O'Shea wondered aloud. Starn raised a questioning eyebrow. "Oh yes!" O'Shea held up the Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper." She put her hand down. "Is that correct?" Starn was somewhat surprised but then nodded. He rose his hand as well and said,
"Peace and long life." Hermann entered at this time.
"Guten Abend," he said. "I am de First Officer, Josef Hermann."
"I am Ambassador Starn," the Vulcan replied.
"Nice to meet you, sir," Hermann said. He himself was wearing the male dress uniform, nearly exactly like the female except with white pants. Soon after, the other two ambassadors entered. O'Shea welcomed them to have a seat at the table and made sure that there was something for each of the diplomats.
"So, Captain," Tukyt said, "did you prepare the menu?"
"I did, sir," O'Shea informed him. "I did a bit of research into each of your cultures. I wanted to make sure even Ambassador Graft couldn't complain." The Andorian and two humans laughed while Graft looked somewhat annoyed and Starn held his same expression. "In all honesty, it is my sincerest hope that you distinguished gentlemen enjoy your time aboard my ship as much as possible. If you have any problems, please do not be afraid to talk to myself or Commander Hermann."
"Your offer of self is appreciated," Starn stated with a nod. O'Shea gave a half smile half smirk.
"That's good," she said. "Now, gentlemen. Do you have any requests to be made at this moment?"
"I would enjoy some physical stimulation," Tukyt said, leaning back in his chair. "I have to keep in top shape."
"We have a work out area on Deck 7," O'Shea informed him. "If you'd like to go a round, I can meet you there at 1700." Tukyt smirked a bit.
"You fight, Captain?" He asked.
"I know my hand at martial arts and street fighting," the woman replied.
"All right, I'll meet you there at 1700," Tukyt agreed.
"And you, Ambassador Starn?" O'Shea asked.
"I will be meditating during most of the duration of our trip," the Vulcan informed her. "I must prepare my mind for what is to come on Earth."
"I respect that," O'Shea said. "And you, Ambassador Graft?"
"A good mud bath," he grumbled.
"We'll take care of that as soon as possible," O'Shea stated. "Shall I arrange for it by the time you return to your quarters?" The Tellarite nodded. O'Shea motioned to one of the ensigns and he left quickly. She then returned her eyes to the ambassadors. "We have a long trip ahead of us, gentlemen. I hope that you enjoy it as much as possible."
------
The next day, O'Shea sat in the captain's chair, looking a little bored. Everything so far was normal. Nothing out of the ordinary.
"It is calm," Hermann stated. "Ve should be happy."
"I know," O'Shea agreed. "I'm just bored. I'm glad that nothing is happening though. The last thing we need is dead ambassadors."
"Ma'am, there is an anomaly," the science officer informed her. O'Shea sat forward a bit, brows furrowed.
"What kind, Miss Gregory?" She asked.
"I'm not sure," Gregory replied. "Wait-no, it's a Romulan ship!"
"Prepare for battle," O'Shea said. "Put ship on yellow alert."
"Aye, ma'am," the communications officer said. The yellow light started to flash and the announcement rang through the ship.
"Miss Gregory," O'Shea said.
"They're coming towards us," Gregory replied.
"Ma'am, they're hailing us," the communications officer said.
"Put them on screen," O'Shea ordered, rising. She stood strong as the screen showed the Romulan captain. Although, part of his face was hidden in the shadows.
"Good day, Captain O'Shea," he said in a deep, nearly velvety voice. "I hope no problems have come across your flight path?"
"Just one," O'Shea replied. "If I may ask, why are you in Federation territory and why did you flag us down?"
"Just wanted a little chat," he told her. "Oh yes, and the three ambassadors on board."
"Haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about," O'Shea bluffed, keeping a poker face. "We're not a ferry. We don't transport ambassadors." The Romulan captain sat back, laughing a bit.
"All right, Captain, could you tell me what ship they're on?" He asked.
"No sir, that's information that not even the top dogs of Starfleet know," O'Shea replied. "For a ship like mine to know would be preposterous."
"I see," the Romulan said calmly. "Well then, we'll just blow up your ship to make sure." The screen with the Romulan on it faded to nothing, showing the stars of space.
"Code red!" O'Shea yelled.
"Missiles incoming!" Gregory exclaimed.
"On it," Hermann said, moving the ship quick enough to evade the attack.
"Mr. Lafayette, fire back!" O'Shea ordered.
"Yes, Ma'am," the young man said, firing torpedoes.
"Confirmed hit!" Gregory stated.
"Let's see some fancy flying Mr. Hermann," O'Shea ordered. "Charge them but evade attacks. Last moment, pull up and fire down!"
"Yes Ma'am," Hermann and Lafayette said in stereo.
"Mr. Stone, call Starfleet," O'Shea said to the communications officer. "But code it so much that the Romulans will think it's only space fuzz."
"Right," Stone said, a smirk on his freckled face. The ship sped up towards the enemy ship, evading the attacks. Just when it appeared that they were going to hit, they pulled up and with a whoop, Lafayette shot at the enemy ship as they flew over.
"Go! Set course for Earth as fast as possible!" O'Shea yelled out.
"On it!" Hermann said, throwing the ship into warp as soon as ordered.
"Someone want to tell me how the hell the Romulans knew?!" O'Shea exclaimed.
"It has yet to proven that they knew, Ma'am," Gregory said.
"Oh, so they're just picking at random Federation ships?!" O'Shea stated. "As a Vulcan would say, that is simply illogical! Get on it, Stone!"
"Yes Ma'am," the man said, looking a little frightened of the red haired captain.
"Hermann, get us safe distance away from those Romulans and further into Federation territory," O'Shea ordered. "As soon as we are at a safe distance, I will have to inform the ambassadors of what has happened."
"You don't sound too happy about dat, Captain," Hermann noted.
"I would prefer not to have Ambassador Graft badgering me," O'Shea replied with a weak smile.
------
O'Shea sat at the table in the meeting room, the three ambassadors looking at her expectantly.
"Gentlemen, you certainly noticed the red alert this afternoon," she started.
"It woke me from my nap," Graft grumbled. O'Shea ignored and continued.
"I feel it is my duty to inform you of what had passed," she said. "We encountered a Romulan ship. He demanded the three of you. We managed to escape after doing some damage to the ship. I apologize. We are still attempting to find out how those blasted Romulans got their hands on this information."
"Why did you not stay and fight?" Tukyt asked nonchalantly.
"That would be unwise with the three of you on board," O'Shea informed him. "Your lives are more valuable than my kill record."
"That is completely logical," Starn agreed.
"Due to our run in, we will come upon Earth sooner than expected," O'Shea told them. "We should be there in roughly four star days." The Tellarite sat there gruffly, Starn merely sat there with no expression, and the Andorian gave her an appraising look. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to check some things. We took some hits." O'Shea rose and left the room. She turned a corner and shook her head. She shouldn't allow the ambassadors to get to her like this. She sighed and leaned against the wall, putting a hand to her head.
"Is something wrong, Captain?" A deep voice said, causing O'Shea to jump out of her skin. She turned to see the Vulcan Ambassador standing there, examining her.
"Everything is perfectly fine sir," O'Shea said, attempting a smile. She couldn't tell in his face, but somehow she felt like he was not convinced.
"You did your job," Starn told her. "You need not worry about what those two believe. You did what you found was logical. I am…Quite impressed by this. You did not run out of cowardice or lack of confidence, you ran because you were worried about us. You have three important people on board; you did what was perfectly logical." O'Shea gave him a genuine smile.
"Thank you, Ambassador," she said. "Your explanation was quite helpful. But I am only human. I almost felt like I could feel their annoyance with me. Not all of us can go through the violent way, especially if it isn't logical."
"Correct," Starn said. "Now, I suggest that we part ways. I have meditation to attend to and you have your job. The sooner you are done, the sooner you can sleep." O'Shea was surprised. Was it really that obvious that she was tired? "You try but you do not succeed in masking your emotions, Captain." He turned to leave, but O'Shea grabbed his sleeve, careful not to grab his arm. He turned and gave her a slightly questioning look.
"Call me Shani, sir," O'Shea said, smiling. "I think we could be friends." Starn nodded, contemplating it.
"Very well, Shani," Starn said, amused by how well it rolled off the tongue. "You may call me just Starn in non public places." O'Shea nodded.
"That sounds good, Starn," she said, letting go of his sleeve. "Once again, thank you."
"It was merely logical," Starn informed her. "We do not wish for our captain to be emotional stressed while working."
------
Hermann waited for O'Shea on the bridge. He raised his eyebrows at her expression.
"So, how did it go?" He asked. O'Shea sat down in the captain's chair, a dazed smile on her face.
"Well," she replied. "Ambassador Tukyt and Ambassador Graft had some problems with us escaping but…"
"Ambassador Starn vas very agreeable, ja?" Hermann asked, continuing his work. "You know, wid de logic und all. Ah, but vy do you haf dat expression, Captain? Someding good happen?"
"Nothing, Commander," O'Shea replied, realizing her expression and changing it quickly. Hermann smirked.
"Uh-huh, it looks like Sjöfn has struck," he said.
"Who?" O'Shea asked, confused.
"Noding," Hermann replied, humming a bit. O'Shea decided to ignore. She pressed the intercom button.
"Forest, report," she ordered.
"Ship's all in tip top shape, Cap'n," the Ohioan accent said clearly.
"All right, thank you," O'Shea said. "Well, all's running smooth so the change of shifts can be made." The crew on the bridge let out their joy with whoops or sighs of contentment. O'Shea smirked. "Hey now, keep your energy up so you can make it back to Deck 5 to sleep."