Exploratory.
By
Serena Aris.
Disclaimers: Paramount and other big organisations own Star Trek: Voyager, the ship, its crew and the whole trek universe. I'm just borrowing some of it for a short amount of time.
Exploratory.
By
Serena Aris.
Chapter Two.
The starship Voyager effortlessly orbited the M-class planet, Alka-prime 2. It circled protectively around the colourful planet that held its visiting crew. The lean, powerful ship stood out against the leaf green seas and pastel lilac earth like a beacon. Its pigmentation was possibly due to its nearby Sun, which was similar to Earth's only older and which was accompanied by another smaller star about the size of Pluto, circling it at a safe distance from one another. Luckily Alka-prime 2 was at just the right distance to form life. This just gave the planet longer days and sometimes during its year, no night. It was truly an alien planet.
On the planet the Voyager crew were the guests of the Alkarians. They had proven to be a peaceful and friendly race, a refreshing change to the hostility the Alpha Quadrant natives had faced on their journey so far. The aliens were a fairly advanced race that had colonised the planet generations ago. This explained the contrast between their bright environment and the brown earthy tones of the Alkarians themselves. Their species seemed to have evolved from the ground, with their chestnut mottled skin that was almost scaly. Their eyes were wide but sharp and they possessed a spiny mane, which its current function seemed to now only be decoration.
Although the Alkarians were technologically advanced they had chosen to celebrate Voyager's arrival with a traditional feast of fire-roasted meats, handpicked vegetables and fruits and other delicious hand cooked foods. It was as juicy and tasty, as it was beautiful and colourful. Ancient folk dances were performed to entertain them and cultural music was played in the background. Their surroundings were equally impressive, aesthetically natural but disguising their technology beneath. Homes were made with the natural materials of their environment and so were just as vivid. The air smelled sweet with the juicy fruits of nearby crop and bountiful blossoms growing everywhere, a nearby stream bubbled with contentment. It was a paradise.
Captain Kathryn Janeway, of the Federation starship Voyager had taken the generous host's offer and allowed her crew shoreleave. They were taking it in turns to visit the planet while the others made repairs and attempted a full maintenance overhaul. The crew welcomed the long awaited break and the picturesque location was a great bonus. So when the Intrepid class ship landed on the planet they had the wonderful view everyday.
During their stay the Alkarian Chief had informed Captain Janeway of a possible energy resource in a nearby system, while picking up scans from their probes monitoring their dual star system. With her ship almost ready to set off into deep space again, Janeway saw an opportunity for a scouting mission. The away team would take the newly maintained Delta Flyer acquire any energy resource they could use and Voyager could catch them up and leave the area, losing no more added time for its much needed servicing. And she knew just who to assign to this mission.
Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero-One had been working closely with an Alkarian Astrophysicist, analysing their space probes. They were using the information to calculate possible scenarios involving the two stars, what would happen if they collided; if that was possible and what would happen should one collapse? All-important questions, they found that at their current rate the two celestial bodies would remain at their present length apart unless some outside force intervened. Their Sun would die out in a few million years so they would keep monitoring it and the space around them.
Captain Janeway entered the scientist's hut dressed in her Starfleet Uniform. Seven deduced that she was on some official capacity and something was required for the ship. "Ah, Seven, I knew I would find you here. And this is.?" Janeway asked enquiring to the half Borg's male companion.
"Captain Janeway, this is Mak-Brel," Seven of Nine introduced, like the Doctor had taught her. They exchanged hellos in the other's custom before the tall blonde woman continued. "Mak-Brel's expertise is in astrophysics, and he allowed me the opportunity to study their readings on the dual star. I wish to use Voyager's own sensors when it reaches orbit and collate the two investigations to insure their accuracy." The quiet Alkarian nodded in agreement with great enthusiasm.
"I'm afraid that you won't be able to use Voyager's sensors." The red shouldered woman told her informatively. The younger woman raised a metallic eyebrow and stated, "Lieutenant Torres has assured me that the sensor's maintenance has been completed."
"I didn't mean that you can't do it, because you can, just not with Voyager. I'm assigning you to an away mission to attempt to identify and obtain a possible energy resource from a nearby star system. As for the dual star analysis you can collect your information using the Delta Flyer and send it back to Mak-Brel."
She compromised, waiting for her officer's decision. She had come a long way since she was separated from the Collective and Kathryn hoped that she would continue to grow as an individual under her guidance. Her body was human with Borg implants but her brain still functioned like a Borg's, a machine.
"I will comply. When do I depart?" Seven replied in her usual way.
"In three hours, and you won't be alone Paris and Kim will be with you. The Captain said her goodbyes to the scientist and told Seven that they would meet up again in the shuttlebay for a quick briefing before they departed. The Borg/Human hybrid returned back to her work with Mak-Brel, before heading back to the cargo bay that had become her home.
To be continued…
Any suggestions, criticisms or comments are all welcome as they help me stay on track.