Two
Earth, Starfleet Command Headquarters, San Francisco California, 2380
"You two are cutting it a bit close," Wevis said to an approaching Baresio and Theus.
"Go easy on them, Skipper," Sitix said, "We've had all this time off, but I doubt the humans had much time for rest."
The two reached their teammates and exchanged pleasantries before Baresio said, "You guys need a new hobby."
Fisher asked, "You're right, maybe I'll take up the one you're so preoccupied with."
Everyone abruptly stopped and stared at him.
"That came out wrong," Fisher chuckled.
"My gods," Theus said and turned from them.
Baresio said, "It could always be worse. I mean, we still don't know who he wanted to replace."
"Amazing," Wevis said. "How did I get assigned to leading such an immature bunch?!"
Theus said, "To be fair, I still can't buy synthehol for another month, Sitix is still considered an early post adolescent by Bolian standards, as is Baresio for Vulcans, and Fish is…well he's on the team."
Fisher said, "I'm going to kick your–"
"Excuse me, Captain, Lieutenants?" A yeoman who's arrival had gone unnoticed asked. "Commodore thHuhl is ready for you."
"Thank you," Wevis said.
They followed her deeper into the headquarters building through multiple security check points and bio-metric scans. A turbo-lift would take them deep underground, until they finally reached a briefing room. The wait for the Commodore was short.
"Attention on deck!" Wevis shouted when the flag officer entered.
Everyone stood and went rigid as a middle-aged Andorian Thann entered. His head was just as smooth as Baresio's, only his features held a much harder and tired look. While this was a secure center for strategic operations, thHuhl wore the blue of the sciences division but a badge that showed the command insignia.
"Take you seats, Lieutenants," he said. thHuhl activated a monitor and multiple indicators around the room changed to signal that they were secure. He then activated the terminals in front of each of the officers and asked, "Does anyone have an idea as to why you're here?"
Baresio said, "Another threat that only the best can take care of, sir?"
"You MACO's have a one track mind," he said.
Wevis said, "That we do, sir. However I must agree with my counter-part. Not just because it is what we are trained for, but also because we have returned to Earth. I hope you don't mind me asking how serious the situation is that it would require us to return to the core systems."
"Not at all," he said. The monitors in front of them came to life and began displaying multiple files. "The five of you have seen many things during your missions. You have clearances and need-to-know higher than many officers of my rank or higher. And once again, you are about to receive information about another classified item. About another universe."
Baresio asked, "You're sending us to another universe? Also, when did multi-verse theory become more than just theory?"
"You're kidding, right?" Fisher asked.
"If I was, I wouldn't have asked," Baresio snapped. "You Fleet guys."
Sitix said, "But we've all taken courses in theoretical–"
And that's when Theus interrupted, "Theoretical being the key word. Commodore, we're all aware that other universes exist. However, I think Lieutenant Baresio is confused as to how we can access them. I certainly am."
thHuhl said, "You are the scientist of group. Tell me, Lieutenant, why are you confused?"
"Because there's no way to reach them, let alone verify the location or conditions of one. Even utilizing transwarp or spacial-folding it would take countless centuries to reach the edge of the observable universe. And from there, our universe could go on much farther. Assuming we did reach the edge, we'd have to cross the infinite void between our universe and the closest."
"Not bad," he said.
Fisher added, "And that's still not the difficult part, sir. We have no idea if the properties governing the laws of physics apply beyond our universe. Let alone if they would apply in the new universe. If we somehow did arrive, we could all die from any number of things. Our technology not working, space being chaotic in some form, it's all beyond us at the moment. Isn't it?"
"It is," he said. "But you're team won't be traveling to that type of universe. This one mirrors our own."
"Mirror?" Sitix asked. "As in parallel?!"
"Parallel universes are real?!" Fisher asked. "Beyond mathematical formulae?"
"Wrong question," Theus said. "Have we travelled to them?"
thHuhl began his briefing on the Mirror-verse. Starting with the Constitution-class Enterprise and continuing through to all the encounters on Deep Space Nine. Multiple log entries were played in addition to what little sensor data was recorded. After approximately two hours, he gave them a break for lunch and to absorb what they had just learned.
"Okay so I have to get this off my chest," Sitix said. "Humans are trash."
"We can be," Fisher said, with Theus and Baresio nodding in agreement. "I just can't believe they did that…all of it."
Wevis said, "By no means am I blaming you for the actions of your species counterpart in another universe, but your history should be more than indicative of what you all are capable of."
"True enough," Theus said.
Baresio patted his shoulder and said, "Don't feel as if our people have the monopoly on the potential for cruelty. The Romulans came from Vulcans, and they practice much of what these Terrans do right now."
"A small comfort, but one nonetheless," Theus said.
It was then that thHuhl returned, and everyone took their seats.
"I hope the first section of this briefing wasn't too overwhelming, but now comes the part where we discuss why the Federation and Starfleet granted you access to this information. We're sending you to the Mirror-verse to conduct an operation."
Fisher said, "That's why we needed to return to Earth. You want us to be in the Sol system when we…uh, is cross-over the correct term?"
"That's correct," he said.
Sitix asked, "But is that safe?"
"Nothing about this mission is 'safe', Lieutenant," he said.
"I believe she meant as non-humans," Wevis said. "Your briefing was very clear that the Terran Empire is vehemently and dangerously bigoted in their attitudes toward non-human species."
"Former Empire," thHuhl corrected.
Sitix continued, "I understand that they are only a shadow of their former glory…well, military strength. But placing us smack dab in their system isn't much better."
"Hang on everyone," Wevis said, "We're getting ahead of ourselves."
thHuhl smiled. "That MACO discipline is something Starfleet could use more of. You are correct Captain in that questions were being asked before the appropriate time. However I will allow you one that I'm sure should have been asked first."
"What is our objective, sir?" Wevis asked.
"Over the last few years, we've seen too many incursions into our universe from the Terrans. At first, it was seen as a minor distraction, but the news of their rebellion has troubled Starfleet. Especially after they stole the design schematics of the Defiant-class escorts. We have a plan to effectively neutralize them as a threat."
Theus asked, "Neutralize them permenantly?"
"Not in that manner," he said. Another tap on his console, and the schematics for a projectile weapon appeared. "This is a modified solar probe. Normally, it would be used to study developing stars and changes in their composition for weather, spikes, ejections, and the like. This one, will carry a payload to change the radiological and magnetic properties of their sun at the quantum level."
"We can do that?" Fisher asked. He looked to Theus who shrugged.
Baresio let out a long whistle. "If those two are impressed and slightly frightened, I'm not feeling insecure anymore about being terrified at the prospect."
"What will that accomplish?" Sitix asked.
"A first-line defense," thHuhl said. "Whenever someone has crossed over, they've been able to impersonate others either by acting or with cosmetics. A detailed scan would reveal who they are, but we would need to catch them first."
"That's also dangerous," Wevis said. "If I was on an infiltration mission, I would endeavor to set as many contingencies and traps to help with my escape."
"That was our thinking as well," he said. "If your mission is successful, it would be one of many. The modification of their sun would have an almost immediate effect on any of their efforts to cross over. Their equipment, their technology, and every bio-sphere would be changed by the radiation emanating from the star and we will be able to detect it."
"That's an ambitious plan," Wevis said. "And the other missions?"
"We don't anticipate that they will be nearly as high-risk. Still, your mission will require certain specialized equipment." He tapped again, to display a small starship. "This is the Rapier."
"A Sabre-class?" Fisher asked.
"It's been modified specifically for this mission. Every section except for engineering, the team crew quarters, and the bridge has been augmented with equipment to enhance the shields, propulsion, and weapons systems. This is in addition to multiple independent nodes that will provide an array of photonic technicians to repair the ship, should you get into a fire fight. But even then, we expect you to come out on top so long as you aren't overwhelmed five to one."
Sitix said, "That's reassuring sir, but it doesn't answer my original question as the safety of the non-humans. Will we undergo cosmetic surgery?"
"Only Baresio," he said. "In fact, you're being alien is exactly what we need currently and that information is contained within your briefing packets. Which reminds me, Captain, Lieutenant."
Wevis and Baresio stood and thHuhl approached with something in his hand. He reached Baresio first, and removed the lone gold rectangular bar on his collar to replace it with a silver one. He then removed the two silver bars from Wevis' collar and replaced it with a gold oak leaf.
"Congratulations First Lieutenant Baresio, and Major Wevis. I wish we could be more ceremonial about this, but the bureaucracy has issues with certain ranks being placed in command."
"Command?" Wevis asked.
"Indeed, Major. Only the five of you will be on this mission, and you're in command with Lieutenant Fisher as your first officer. Assign the rest as you see fit."
"Thank you, sir."
The group took a moment for a round of applause and to congratulate the two newly promoted MACOs before thHuhl continued.
"After we're done here, you will report to Starfleet Medical for a complete physical. From there, you'll proceed to London for some intensive psychological warfare training at Secret Intelligence Service Headquarters. You will need to prepare yourselves to interact with their culture."
"Understood, sir," Wevis said.
"Good. Now, I need everyone except for Lieutenants Eridos, Baresio and Fisher to come with me."
They left, and Fisher asked, "You think we've been playing around too much?"
"A promotion and Captain's Mast in one day?" Theus asked.
"The flogging will come later." A feminine voice said from the exit.
Theus turned to see a female of a species he wasn't familiar with. Her skin was a dull teal, with large dark eyes and an indiscernible pupil. Her hair was thick and styled in locks that reached her back. And while she was in a Starfleet uniform, she wore no rank.
"It's good to see you two getting along so well," she said.
"Counselor?" Baresio said.
"It is you!" Theus said with anger in his voice.
"Don't look so surprised," she said. "You all have worked for me for over six years now."
"Who was recruited first, me or Eridos?" Fisher asked.
Theus shot him a look and asked, "Really?" He turned to the Counselor and asked, "What's this about that our other teammates couldn't be involved?"
"I believe you already know," she said. "But as a reminder, you three are more than just Intelligence officers sent on high-risk missions."
Theus recomposed himself. He knew that certain missions and actions were required beyond the scope of what was allowed within the confines of Starfleet. That certain individuals were called upon to take care of the most serious threats and when mission accomplishment was not an option.
"Go on," Theus said.
"Commodore thHuhl has briefed you on everything he knows, and is authorized to by Starfleet. I'm here to tell you about the real danger."
"More dangerous than the Terrans in their own solar system?" Baresio asked.
"Much more. Gentlemen, we need to talk about the USS Discovery and the Mycelial Network."
Outpost-974, Beta Quadrant, Stardate 59589.9
"Are there any questions so far?" Theus asked his fellow starship captains.
Fenton said, "Just give us a moment." And in the room, the exhales of several officers could be heard. "You're telling us that Starfleet sent you on a mission where the target was a star?"
"They did, and I'm told that the subsequent mission to the other stars were successful as well."
"How many?" zhNon asked.
"It's a mirror, XO. Once we were successful, teams in every system of Federation controlled space crossed over to deliver the payload to the respective inverse stars."
Hewlett asked, "But they didn't need the extra fire power of a fleet of ships?"
And Huitron added, "Commander, can you tell us more about the modifications to the ship you used? You said it was a Sabre-class, but something that small couldn't have possibly been an acceptable option even with enhancements."
"You're forgetting their history," Havmin said. She tapped some controls and brought up their historical records. "According to this, their empire fell right before the 2300's, is that correct, Commander?"
Theus nodded.
"And that changed the course of progression throughout the quadrants, not to mention the curve of their technological development," Havmin said.
"How so?" Dravot asked.
Theus said, "We know from their crossing and reports from the crew of Deep Space Nine that there is an active rebellion of humans who are fighting for their freedom. These are the ones outside of the Sol system. What many miss is that their fight is going so well because of the schematics they stole from us."
"The Defiant?" Igmoha asked.
"Yes ma'am. It's not just that they built their own. The Terrans never encountered the Q entity and as such, they were never introduced to the Borg. That subsequent meeting made our Federation develop several new classes of starships and technology to defeat the Borg. We estimate that our technology is anywhere from fifty to one-hundred ten years more advanced than theirs. Their ships may look the same, but the defensive systems and electronic counter-measures pale in comparison to ours."
Fenton asked, "And their Earth doesn't have this technology?"
"They didn't when my team traveled there, and it's highly unlikely they do now," Theus said. "The rebellion saw itself as a separate entity, like Earth and Alpha Centauri. The Terrans abandoned all humans outside of Sol either by necessity or indifference, so the resistance has no loyalty to them."
"Understood," Fenton said. "At this time I think we should all take a short break. Use this time to refresh yourselves and to go over the data Commander Eridos has provided. Hopefully it will prevent questions that can get us off track."
The officers stood when Fenton did so and remained until he exited the room. The Captains and first officers broke off into smaller groups to discuss issues among themselves, and seemed to be giving Theus a wide berth.
"Do you think this is it, sir?" zhNon asked.
"What exactly is 'it', Commander?" Theus asked her back.
"The moment that we're reassigned?"
"What?" Theus asked confused. "Why would we be?"
"Because you keep getting into trouble," Lieutenant Commander Huitron said while he approached.
Theus smiled and took his offered hand, "It's good to see you in person again, Miguel. This is my first officer, Commander zhNon."
"It's nice to meet you," she said.
"Miguel and I served together on the Broadsword and he was my chief engineering officer on the Torad V expedition. Red looks good on you."
"And you're still in blue, but somehow in command of a ship," he said.
"Fortunate," Theus said.
"Nah, you put in the work. Although all those secret mission you and the Nova squad went on suddenly don't seem like a fun adventure," he said.
"Nova?" zhNon asked.
"It was a nickname given to us on Broadsword. Whenever the ship was diverted for one of our missions, everything stopped. The joke was that not even an exploding star could get in our way."
"And apparently it was accurate," Huitron said. His face became somber when he asked, "If you can, level with me Theus. How dangerous is this mission?"
Theus shook his head, "I would die before living my life under such oppression. And what worries me is that I know Keln…Baresio would do the same."