In the year 2380, a husband and wife serve together on the USS Pioneer. When things go wrong on a mission, it's up to them to save the day...
Personal log, Lieutenant Commander Jack Thomas. December 10, 2380. I've been first officer of the Pioneer for six months. It's a training vessel, and most of our crew is straight out of the academy, including my wife, Lieutenant Lorza. She's brilliant. Graduated top of her class, and her first posting is chief of operations aboard an Intrepid-class ship. We'd both been hoping to get the same posting, and thanks to Captain Gage, we did.
Since we launched, we've been on deep space patrol near the Klingon border. Things have been pretty quiet so far, which is fine by me. It means I can spend less time on duty, and more time with Lorza and the girls. Some might question the wisdom of bringing twin infants onto a starship, but my wife can kick ass and take names like no other, so our kids are safe, right where they are. Anyway, I'd better get going. The captain's called a staff meeting.
Aboard the USS Pioneer, the senior staff is now assembled in the observation lounge. Seated at the head of the table is Captain Steven Gage, a 45 year old man with a graying beard. To his right is Lt. Commander Jack Thomas, a clean cut man of 29, wearing a red uniform like the captain's. To Jack's right is Lieutenant (junior grade) Lorza, a woman who looks almost human, except for the purple eyes and slightly pointed ears. Lorza, who appears to be in her early twenties, but is actually 59 years old, is dressed in a skant version of a gold operations uniform. On the opposite side of the table, to the captain's left, is Lieutenant (junior grade) Jennifer Dalton, a woman of 22. Jen is dressed in a skant version of a dark blue security uniform. To Jen's left is Ensign Ethan Taylor, a black man of 21. He wears the gold uniform of a helmsman.
Gage straightens his uniform jacket, and says "Now that you're all here, we can get started. I've received new orders from Starfleet. The USS Oppenheimer has disappeared, and attempts to contact them have failed. Their last known position was in sector 315. We're the closest ship, so we've been ordered to investigate."
"Sector 315… Federation space, but it's claimed by the Gorn." Jack says.
"That's right. What else do we know about that sector?" Gage asks.
"Two uninhabited star systems, and a class three nebula. If the Oppenheimer is inside the nebula, then communications might be interfered with." Lorza answers.
"More likely they were destroyed by the Gorn. Oppenheimer's a science vessel with minimal weapons, and wouldn't last long in a fight." Jen says.
"Always the optimist, Jen." Jack says.
"I'm a realist, Jack. I'm simply suggesting the most likely scenario. Personally, I hope they're alright." Jen says.
"At the moment, we don't know anything. However, I do think we should be prepared for the worst case scenario. Ensign Taylor, set course for sector 315. Lieutenant Dalton, I want a series of combat drills en route." Gage says.
"Aye, sir." Jen says.
"Dismissed." Gage says.
Several hours later, the senior officers are on the bridge. Gage is in the captain's chair. Jack is in the XO's chair next to him.
"Sir, we are entering sector 315." Ethan says from the conn.
"Very good, ensign. Take us out of warp." Gage says.
"Aye, sir." Ethan says.
"Lieutenant Lorza, scan for the Oppenheimer's transponder signal." Gage says.
"I have been scanning since we entered the sector. I have nothing, sir." Lorza says from the ops station.
"You've… already initiated the scan?" Gage asks.
"Yes, sir. That's standard protocol in this situation. I was simply following regulations." Lorza answers.
"That you were. Very good, lieutenant. Carry on. Also, be sure to scan for materials used in Starfleet hull construction." Gage says.
"Aye, captain." Lorza says.
"Captain, I think we should go to yellow alert. The Gorn could decide to pay us a visit." Jack says.
"Agreed. Shields up. Yellow alert." Gage says.
"Aye, sir." Jen says from the tactical station.
A few minutes pass as the Pioneer travels through Sector 315.
On the bridge of the Pioneer, Lorza continues her scans.
"Captain, I think I have something." Lorza says.
"What do you have, lieutenant?" Gage asks.
"Multiple metal alloys which are consistent with construction materials for Starfleet vessels." Lorza answers.
"Anything else?" Jack asks.
'Looks like… nothing but debris, commander. Composition and volume is consistent with a Miranda-class vessel. Also detecting… bodies among the debris." Lorza answers.
"Any escape pods?" Jack asks.
"I'm not detecting any." Lorza answers.
"How far could escape pods have travelled?" Gage asks. Lorza presses several buttons on her console, and reads a display for a moment.
"Assuming the Oppenheimer was destroyed approximately thirty to thirty six hours ago, any escape pods launched would still be in this sector. We would have found them by now, sir." Lorza answers.
"It looks like the Oppenheimer was destroyed with all hands." Jack says.
"Looks that way. But, who did it? That's what I want to know." Gage says.
"Looks like you might be getting your answer, sir. Detecting three Gorn vessels on an intercept course! They'll be here in… twenty three minutes!" Jen says.
"Red alert! All hands to battle stations!" Jack says.
Twenty three minutes later, the three Gorn ships reach the Pioneer's position.
On the bridge of the Pioneer, the crew observes as the Gorn ships come into visual range.
"Looks like two Vishap-class frigates and a Tuatara-class cruiser." Jack says.
"You fought these bastards back in your special forces days, Jack. What can you tell me?" Gage asks.
"They won't talk. They'll just start shooting. I know it's against regs, but we should fire first." Jack answers.
"No. I won't start it." Gage says.
"If you don't, they will." Jack says.
"Captain, they're locking phasers!" Jen says.
"Reinforce forward shields, and target enemy vessels. Fire at my command." Gage says.
"Aye, sir." Jen says.
"Ensign Taylor, standby for evasive maneuvers." Gage says.
"Aye, sir." Ethan says.
"Captain, the cruiser is firing!" Jen says.
"Mister Taylor, evasive pattern beta two! Lieutenant Dalton, fire at will!" Gage says.
The Pioneer manages to evade the phaser fire of the Gorn cruiser. However, they're not so lucky when one of the frigates fires and scores a phaser hit on the Pioneer's saucer section. The Pioneer returns fire, and hits the Gorn frigate twice. The Gorn cruiser fires two photon torpedoes, and they both hit the Pioneer.
On the bridge of the Pioneer, sparks fly from the tactical console.
"Damage report!" Gage says.
"Hull integrity at 82 percent! Forward shields at 33 percent!" Jen says.
"Reinforce forward shields, and fire quantum torpedoes! Full spread!" Gage says.
"Aye, sir!" Jen says.
"Lieutenant Lorza! Contact Starbase 259! Inform them of our situation and request assistance!" Gage says. Lorza presses several buttons on her console.
"Captain, long range communications are being jammed!" Lorza says.
"Damn. Looks like we're on our own." Gage says.
The Pioneer fires several torpedoes toward the three Gorn vessels. Three of them hit the damaged frigate, and the ship is destroyed. The Pioneer then turns its attention to the other frigate. Both Gorn ships continue to fire on the Pioneer as it flies in an erratic pattern. Most of the Gorn weapons fire misses the Starfleet vessel. However, a few torpedoes hit the ship, leaving it with significant hull damage. Soon, the Pioneer manages to destroy the other frigate.
On the Pioneer, there are now several small fires on the bridge, and a few pieces of fallen debris. Jack is using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire near the tactical console.
"Fire suppression system is offline! We're going to have to put these fires out by hand!" Jack says. Other crew pick up fire extinguishers, and start helping Jack with the fires.
"Damage report!" Gage says.
"Shields are down! Hull breaches on decks 6,7, and 12! Emergency force fields are holding! Warp drive and impulse engines are offline!" Lorza says.
"Any good news, lieutenant?" Gage asks.
"We only have one enemy ship left." Lorza answers.
"I'll take it. Jack, tell engineering to get engines back on line so we can get the hell out of here!" Gage says. Jack taps his combadge.
"XO to engine room! How long before we can have warp drive?" Jack asks.
"Warp engines will be down for at least six hours!" A male voice answers over the ship's comm.
"That's not good enough, ensign! In six hours, there may not be a ship left!" Jack says. Gage taps his combadge.
"This is the captain. Bypass the damaged systems, and route warp power through emergency backups!" Gage says.
"That'll take about two hours, captain." The male voice says.
"Can't you… speed it up?" Gage asks.
"I'm sorry, sir. That's the best we can do." The male voice says.
"Lorza, you have an engineering background, don't you?" Gage asks.
"Yes, sir. Give me ten to fifteen minutes. I should at least have something for you." Lorza answers.
"That'll do! Get to the engine room and help them get their shit together!" Gage says.
"Aye, sir." Lorza says.
"Number One, take over ops." Gage says.
"Yes, sir." Jack says. He walks to the ops station, and Lorza turns away from her console to face him. Jack approaches his wife, and kisses her briefly. Then, the two separate, and Lorza heads for the turbolift. As she enters, she turns to face her husband once more. Upon making eye contact, Jack and Lorza nod at each other. Then, Lorza closes the turbolift, and Jack turns his attention to the ops station.
"Captain! Detecting incoming transporter signals! Location… deck one!" Jen says.
"Intruder alert! All hands, ready sidearms!" Gage says.
Six gorn beam onto the Pioneer bridge. Five of them are wearing armor. The other is not only lacking armor, but is also shirtless. However, this gorn makes up for it by being very large and muscular.
"Which one of you is the captain?" One of the gorn asks.
"I am." Gage answers, as he stands up.
"I am Captain Rassk. You are beaten, captain. Surrender your ship, and your crew will be allowed to live." Rassk says.
"We're Starfleet. We don't give up. If you want my ship, you're going to have to fight us for it!" Gage says.
"Very well. Kill the males! We will take the females and sell them to the Orions!" Rassk says.
"Like hell I'm going anywhere with you!" Jen shouts.
"It is hopeless to resist, girl." Rassk says.
"Eat shit, lizard breath!" Jen shouts. She fires her hand phaser, intending to hit Rassk in the head. However, the gorn captain moves at the last second, and Jen's shot misses. She fires again, and this time, she hits the gorn in the chest. However, the phaser seems to have no effect.
"Jen, back off! That's phaser resistant armor!" Jack says.
"Great! Now you tell me! What the hell am I supposed to do? Throw rocks?" Jen asks.
"Put your phaser on kill!" Jack answers.
"You heard him. All phasers on kill!" Gage says. Everyone adjusts their phasers as ordered, then they resume firing on the gorn. Eventually one of the gorn goes down after being hit several times.
"This is taking too long!" Jack says.
"No shit! Any other ideas?" Gage asks.
"Yeah. I've got one right here." Jack answers in a lower voice only heard by Gage. The captain looks at his first officer, and notices him taking a concealed klingon dagger out of the back of his jacket.
Knowing Jack, he probably had that thing taped to his back, and another one just like it in one of his boots. Gage thinks.
As another gorn approaches, Jack attacks the alien with the dagger in his hand. The dagger catches the gorn in the shoulder, and the creature staggers backward as he grabs his wound. Gage and two other nearby officers fire on the injured gorn, making sure to aim for the shoulder wound. Seconds later, the gorn goes down. However, Gage doesn't notice another gorn behind him.
"Captain! Get down!" Jack shouts. Gage doesn't react quickly enough, and is stabbed in the back.
"Jack… the ship… is yours. Get… the crew… home." Gage says. He falls to the floor, and dies from his wound.
"Captain!" Jen shouts.
"He's gone! There's nothing we can do! Keep fighting!" Jack shouts.
"Yes, sir." Jen says. Jack taps his combadge.
"Lorza, please tell me you're done in the engine room! We could use you up here!" Jack says.
"I'm on my way. How's it going up there?" Lorza asks over the ship's comm.
"Not good! The captain's dead!" Jack answers.
"Understood. I'll be right there." Lorza says.
"See you soon." Jack says.
Nearly a minute later, Lorza returns to the bridge. She briefly looks at the body of Captain Gage, then approaches the gorn captain.
"Stop fighting!" Rassk says. The gorn do as instructed.
"Cease fire!" Jack says. The Starfleet officers stop firing their phasers. Rassk seems to carefully examine Lorza.
"Excellent. Much more… alluring than the other females. The Orion Syndicate will pay me a fortune for you. Dance for me, girl." Rassk says. Lorza raises an eyebrow and smirks.
"Maybe later. How about I do something else first?" Lorza asks.
"What do you have in mind, girl?" Rassk asks.
"Oh… I think I'll start by ripping your arm off. Then, this one to your right… I think I'll crush his skull. The short one… I'll throw him into the ceiling and snap his spine as he comes back down. The shirtless one… I'll kick him into the bulkhead behind him." Lorza answers. All of the gorn laugh.
"You amuse me, girl! Perhaps I'll keep you for myself!" Rassk says.
Lorza smiles, then grabs the gorn captain's right arm, and tears it out of the socket. The severed limb is thrown several feet, and lands on a console. Lorza immediately moves to the closest gorn, and hits him directly between the eyes with the palm of her hand. The force of Lorza's hit crushes the gorn's skull and kills him instantly. Next, Lorza moves to the shortest gorn, who tries to shoot her. However, the gorn is not quick enough, and Lorza effortlessly picks him up. She then throws the alien into the ceiling above. As the gorn comes back down. Lorza karate chops him in the back, snapping his spine, and killing him. Finally, Lorza moves to the large, shirtless gorn, and roundhouse kicks him into the wall behind him. The impact kills the gorn, and leaves a significant dent in the wall. Within less than a minute, all of the gorn are neutralized. Only Captain Rassk remains alive. As the one armed gorn starts to get up, Jack approaches, and slits his throat.
"You missed one." Jack says.
"I know. Left him for you." Lorza says.
"Thanks for including me." Jack says.
"Don't mention it, love. Now, we had better get back to work, hadn't we?" Lorza asks. Jack nods, and turns to face the bridge crew. All eyes are now on Lorza.
"Are you… an android?" An ensign in a science uniform asks.
"No. I'm kasari. Our physical strength is several times greater than most races." Lorza says.
"Oh." The ensign says.
"Alright, everyone. Take your stations. We're not out of the woods yet." Jack says.
"About that. Impulse engines are back online, and you'll have warp six… for ten seconds." Lorza says.
"Only ten seconds?" Jack asks.
"Considering our situation, that's the best I could do. Unless you want me to go back to the engine room and start screaming and swearing." Lorza answers.
"No no. I wouldn't want you to go into a blood rage." Jack says.
"That's probably for the best. You know I lose control when that happens." Lorza says.
"I know, Lorza. You did good. Warp Six for ten seconds is better than what we had before." Jack says. Lorza nods, then heads for the ops station. Jack looks at the body of Captain Gage.
I'll get 'em home, sir. You have my word. Jack thinks. He lingers for a moment, then takes a seat in the captain's chair.
"Ethan, set course… one one four mark two five. Maximum impulse." Jack says.
"Aye, sir." Ethan says.
"Lorza, standby to vent plasma from the warp nacelles on my signal." Jack says.
"Understood." Lorza says.
"Vent the drive plasma? What do you have in mind?" Jen asks.
"Ever heard of the Riker Maneuver?" Jack asks.
"Oh. That's what you're doing. Don't you have to have metreon gas for that?" Jen asks.
"I don't have any metreon gas, but we can still ignite the drive plasma, and hopefully destroy the gorn ship as they chase us." Jack says.
"Understood." Jen says.
The Pioneer quickly turns around, and flies away from the remaining gorn ship, which immediately follows.
On the bridge of the Pioneer, the viewscreen is switched to rear view, showing the gorn vessel in pursuit.
"Just as I expected. Lorza, vent plasma… for five seconds." Jack says.
"Aye, sir. Venting plasma." Lorza says. Five seconds pass.
"Jen, target our plasma wake and fire!" Jack says.
"Aye, sir. Firing phasers!" Jen says.
The Pioneer fires its aft phasers into the plasma trail, which the gorn ship happens to be flying through. The resulting explosion destroys the gorn ship. The Pioneer immediately warps away.
Acting Captain's Log, supplemental. Lieutenant Commander Jack Thomas reporting. The Pioneer has been towed to Starbase 259, where she will undergo repairs. In the meantime, I will be appearing before a board of inquiry to explain my actions on the recent mission.
Aboard Starbase 259, Jack is in a courtroom, standing before a vice admiral and two commodores.
"For the record, state your name, rank, and current assignment." The admiral says.
"Lieutenant Commander Jack Thomas, acting captain, USS Pioneer." Jack says.
"Thank you, commander. We've called you here today to hear your report on the recent mission to sector 315." the admiral says.
"Understood, sir. You have my full cooperation." Jack says.
"Very good. Let's begin. How long have you served on the Pioneer?" the admiral asks.
"Six months, admiral." Jack answers.
"You've been first officer the entire time?" The admiral asks.
"Yes, sir." Jack answers.
"Very good. How long have you known Captain Gage?" The admiral asks.
"Seven years, sir. We served together in the Dominion War." Jack answers.
"I understand you switched from special forces to command track at the captain's request." The admiral says.
"That's right, sir. Captain Gage was given command of the Pioneer, and wanted experienced officers to help him with his trainee crew. He asked me to be his first officer, so I took command training at the academy for a semester. After that, I got the job on the Pioneer." Jack says.
"Thank you, commander. Please, begin your mission report." The admiral says.
"Yes, sir. We were on routine patrol, when we were ordered to sector 315 to investigate the disappearance of the USS Oppenheimer. Upon arriving, we scanned the entire sector, but only found debris." Jack says.
"What did your analysis of the debris tell you?" The admiral asks.
"The debris belonged to the USS Oppenheimer, which was destroyed with all hands, sir." Jack answers.
"By a gorn patrol?" The admiral asks.
"Yes, sir." Jack answers.
"Your ship engaged three gorn vessels in sector 315. Why didn't Captain Gage order retreat?" The admiral asks.
"The gorn vessels were intruding in Federation space. The captain responded as his duty required." Jack answers.
"After your ship was disabled, gorn troops beamed onto the bridge, and demanded that Captain Gage surrender. When he refused, a firefight began. I understand you killed one of the gorn with a klingon dagger." The admiral says.
"That's right, admiral." Jack says.
"Shortly after your captain's death, Lieutenant Lorza arrived on the bridge, and proceeded to single handedly kill or incapacitate every single gorn... in a matter of seconds?" The admiral asks. The two commodores seem to not believe what the admiral has said, and look at him for confirmation.
"Yes, sir. That's exactly what happened. Lorza's a kasari, who, as most people know, are much stronger than most humanoid races. The gorn were no match for her." Jack says.
"I understand the lieutenant is your wife." The admiral says.
"Yes, sir." Jack says.
"Does your relationship interfere with your duties as first officer?" The admiral asks.
"No, sir. When we're on duty, we're focused on the job. I do mine, and Lorza does hers. I give her an order, she says yes sir and follows it." Jack answers.
"Very good, commander. Does Captain Gage typically allow Lieutenant Lorza to resort to such extreme violence?" The admiral asks.
"The captain believed that every single officer under his command should be prepared to defend the ship and crew by any means necessary. Permission to speak freely, sir?" Jack asks.
"Granted." The admiral answers.
"Violence is sometimes necessary in order to preserve what we believe in or to protect those who can't protect themselves. I fully support Lorza's actions, and Captain Gage would have as well." Jack says. The admiral sits in silence for a moment.
"Very good, commander. I happen to agree with you. I'm satisfied that you acted correctly in this crisis. I call this board of inquiry to a close. Please remain for a moment, commander. We have some things to discuss." The admiral says.
"Aye, sir." Jack says.
A few minutes later, Jen is standing outside the courtroom entrance. She is pacing back and forth impatiently as Lorza approaches.
"Keep that up, and you're going to wear out your shoes." Lorza says. Jen stops pacing, and looks at her.
"Oh. Hey, Lolo." Jen says.
"Is Jack still in there?" Lorza asks.
"Yeah. Just him and the admiral. Everyone else left about ten minutes ago." Jen answers.
"I hope everything's alright." Lorza says.
'He saved our asses, Lolo. They ought to be giving him a medal. Of course, they ought to be giving you one too." Jen says.
"I don't do what I do for medals. I just do what's right." Lorza says.
"Of course you'd say that. Bloody girl scout." Jen says.
"Girl what?" Lorza asks.
"Never mind. Obscure cultural reference." Jen answers.
"Although I picked up your language rather quickly, I still have some… gaps in my knowledge of Earth. It will take time, but I will one day have a much greater understanding of my new home. Perhaps I will come to understand the numerous colorful metaphors you and Jack often use." Lorza says.
"You… swearing in our language? Sorry, girlfriend. You just don't have the knack for it." Jen says.
"Well, I am attempting the hell to fit in." Lorza says. Jen chuckles.
"What?" Lorza asks.
"Not quite there yet. Keep practicing." Jen answers.
"Sumbaat kun daak fa! This kasham daak language of yours!" Lorza says.
"Didn't really understand much of that, but I figure most of those words aren't said around children." Jen says.
"No. That would be unwise. The last thing I need is for an infant to learn how to say 'kun daak fa'." Lorza says.
"That one must be pretty bad then." Jen says.
"It is. Actually illegal to say it in public. At least... on kasara." Lorza says.
"Sorry, Lolo. I know you don't like to talk about your planet. I didn't mean to…" Jen says.
"It's okay, Jen." Lorza says.
"Speaking of those babies, how did they do with the whole ship being shot to hell thing?" Jen asks.
"The girls are fine. I just dropped them off at the Starbase nursery. They were sound asleep when I left." Lorza says.
"That's good. I'm glad they're okay." Jen says.
"Zala and Zyri are strong. They don't scare easily. But… my babies could have been killed yesterday! Am I a bad mother for taking them onto a starship?" Lorza asks.
"You're a great mother, Lolo. Don't let anybody tell you different. If I had eight month old twins, I wouldn't want to be separated from them either." Jen says.
"Thanks, Jen." Lorza says.
A few minutes later, Jack finally emerges from the courtroom, now with three gold pips on his collar.
"They made you full commander?" Lorza asks.
"Yeah. The admiral… gave me command of the Pioneer." Jack answers. Lorza smiles, then embraces her husband.
"Way to go, my love." Lorza says.
"Thanks, babe." Jack says. He kisses his wife, then the two separate. Jen approaches, and briefly embraces him.
"Congratulations." Jen says.
"Thanks, Jen." Jack says.
"So, you're the captain now." Jen says.
"Yeah, and that means I get to do a lot of cool stuff, like… appointing a first officer." Jack says.
"Yeah. We probably need one. Who are we getting stuck with anyway?" Jen asks.
"Lieutenant Jennifer Dalton." Jack answers.
"What? Me… an XO? I've been out of the academy for six months! Are you… sure I'm ready?" Jen asks.
"I'm sure. You may be young, and you may have less than a year as an officer, but you can do this. I know you can. That's why I chose you." Jack answers.
"I'm surprised you didn't choose Lorza for XO. She's the one with ten years experience in the Kasari Fleet." Jen says.
"I was a technician, later an engineer. I didn't have any command training until the academy, and no actual experience until I was assigned to the Pioneer. Captain Gage had you in command of night shift. You have far more experience running a bridge than I do. So, you have my full support, Jen." Lorza says. Jen smiles, and embraces her.
"Thanks, Lolo." Jen says.
"Now that that's taken care of, we need to get back to the ship and get into dress uniforms." Jack says.
"Dress uniforms?" Jen asks.
"Transfer of command ceremony. 1500 in the mess hall." Jack answers.
"Oh, right. I should have remembered that." Jen says.
"It's okay, Jen. The last couple of days have been a little rough on us." Jack says.
"Tell me about it. The captain's actually dead." Jen says.
"He gave his life for his crew. The same could happen to any of us someday." Jack says.
"I know. A Starfleet career has its risks." Jen says.
"It has its rewards too." Jack says.
"You knew the captain longer than the rest of us. How are you doing with this?" Jen asks.
"He was my friend. It won't be easy, and I can't replace him, but I'll do my best to be a good leader for the crew." Jack answers.
"You'll be great." Lorza says.
"I second that." Jen says.
"Thanks. Both of you. Now, shall we?" Jack asks.
"Of course." Lorza answers.
Jack, Lorza, and Jen walk away from the courtroom, with Jack and Lorza holding hands.
I have decided to put this story on hold, and focus on my Star Wars works. There is no timetable on the next update.