Chapter 7
The Captain entered the bridge and took a seat at the engineering station. "Computer, show me the results of the long range scans." He ordered. He scanned through the various images scrolling over the screen. For each system the computer had flagged, he had the computer prepare and launch a Class 1 long range probe. Lockley was just about to call it a night when one of the systems he had skimmed over returned to his mind with startling clarity. The Captain scrolled back through the scans and sure enough, there it was less than a full day's travel at Warp 8. Life signs, Human life signs. The planet had been discarded by the computer because of the life signs and massive amounts of radiation mixed with what could have been biological contamination. "Computer, discontinue long range scan pattern and focus all long range sensors onto the third system in Sector 007." The Captain ordered. "Divert probe 3 from Sector 005 to the third planet of the third system of Sector 007." The probe would reach its destination and begin transmitting more precise data at approximately 0600 tomorrow morning. By the time he had Amber set up to begin her education in Holosuite 1; there should be some real solid data to go over.
Lockley read through the scan results of the focused scan for several minutes longer. The radiation made a more thorough scan tough at this distant but the probe would solve that. The planet had been an almost exact twin of Earth before what appears to have been a global war, had devastated most of the surface. Captain Lockley estimated the total number of life signs at somewhere between ten and fifty thousand. That made it perfect for the plan starting to form in the back of his mind. Further planning depended on the data from the probe. Lockley ordered the computer to resume the standard long range scans and headed off to his quarters. There were a couple things he had to accomplish before allowing himself some much needed sleep.
The first thing he did when he arrived at his quarters was to take the chip the E.M.H. gave to him and insert it into the replicator. "Computer, voice print, Lockley, Kenneth B."
"Voice print confirmed." Acknowledged the computer. "Replicate combadges for Mrs. Lockley and Sandie Thompson." The Captain ordered. He would take the combadges to them personally after he went through the probe data in the morning. The next two tasks could be accomplished at the same time. "Computer, activate microprobe 2."(The one that happened to be linked into the Pentagon's mainframe) "Search the archives of top secret bases no longer in use, specifically the name Crystal Palace."
Lockley needed the proper facilities to conduct his recruitment/training mission from. And if his memory served correctly, Crystal Palace would be perfect. It had a decent airstrip, enough buildings in the compound to house and support several hundred troops, and a covert, hardened, self contained underground complex. It was now time to complete the next and final task for the evening.
"Computer, generate orders promoting Malcom Lawerence Lockley to Senior Airman and assigning him to Strike Force Omega. Assign command authority to Omega Group, Colonel K.B. Lockley commanding." Tomorrow was shaping up to be a very long but hopefully satisfying day. "Computer, set wake-up for 0500."
The next morning the lights came on and the computer chimed at exactly 0500. Captain Lockley got out of bed, dressed, and went to the holodeck for a one hour workout. He returned to his quarters, showered, and dressed. He then replicated a breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, and juice. At 0700 Lockley was standing in Holosuite 1 when his daughter strode in with a confidence she had never shown. "Good morning Dad... I mean Captain." Angie greeted him. Captain Lockley couldn't help but smile.
"It's alright sweetheart," he said. "As long as it's just you and I, Daddy is just fine." He assured his daughter. "This morning you will have your normal high school curriculum supplemented by advanced Federation class curriculum. Then after lunch," his eyes sparkled with pride, "you start the accelerated Starfleet Academy." His daughters face was lit up with a sense of pride and accomplishment she had never felt before.
"I won't let you down Dad." She beamed.
"I'll be working on the bridge this morning, but this afternoon I'll be down on the planet doing some recruiting." Captain Lockley explained. "If you need me for any reason, call me." Angie smiled and said, "I will Dad." He kissed her on the forehead and hurried to the bridge.
There was a mound of data from the probe he had diverted on a hunch. The planet had survived a Global War involving most likely Fusion, Biological, and low yield energy weapons. There were 53,000 humans remaining,sheltered under a primitive (by Federation standards) containment dome. The inhabitants were attempting to clean up and reclaim their mauled planet. They were not having a lot of success. In a few hundred years they would succeed unless some miracle came along. With the Prometheus and the knowledge contained in him, Lockley could provide that miracle and cut that few hundred years to a matter of months. He just had to provide a skeleton crew for the ship.
Captain Lockley studied the continuing flow of data from the probe. This world seemed to be perfect for his plans. He was so absorbed by the content of the data and the plans and strategies flowing through his head, he jumped noticeably at the voice directly behind him. "Is that going to be our new home?" His daughter asked. "YEOW!!!"
"Don't ever sneak up on an old man like that!!! You'll give me a heart attack for sure!" It was all Ensign Lockley could do to keep a straight face. "I called you twice over the combadge to see if you wanted to eat lunch with me before you beamed down, but you never answered."
This mildly shocked the Captain. He had been so wrapped up with the probe data and his plans, he had lost all track of time, missed two calls, AND the turbolift doors opening to admit his daughter onto the bridge. Captain Lockley stood up, just slightly embarrassed. "Yes sweetie, I hope to make it our home. But first we have to build a skeleton crew, train them, fly the ship there, then clean up the mess they've made of their world." His daughter could only shake her head in wonder. "When you do something, you don't do it small do you?" All the Captain could do was shrug and say, "Let's have lunch." Over a light lunch of pasta, salad, and fruit, the Captain discussed his plans with his daughter. They finished their lunch and went their separate ways. "If you need me, call me, ok? I promise I'll hear you and answer this time." The Captain told his daughter, his face a mild shade of pink. She laughed and said, "I will Daddy." She kissed him on the cheek and walked out. Captain Lockley stopped by his quarters to collect the combadges for his wife and step-daughter before continuing to the bridge. He paused to survey his bridge with pride before entering his ready room. He sat down at his desk.
"Computer, show me the results of the search on Crystal Palace." As the results appeared on his desk monitor he began reading through them in amazement. Crystal Palace was built in the 1960's as a place for the countries leaders to go if they were to survive a full scale Nuclear War. It had two separate underground complexes.
Lockley immediately ordered the computer to delete all references to the second and much larger complex from the Pentagons mainframe and any other databanks where information on Crystal Palace might be stored. Next the Captain ordered the computer to do an invasive search of all financial records and accounts of known drug lords. When he had located several accounts of suitable size he marked them. "Computer, divert the currency from the marked accounts into a refurbishment/modernization construction account for Crystal Palace."
"Now, generate orders establishing headquarters for Omega Group at Crystal Palace." The computer accomplished the tasks in a matter of seconds. With those tasks complete and out of the way, Captain Lockley replicated a full Army class B uniform complete with Full Bird Colonel rank and a fresh set of his actual earned ribbons and awards, (29 in all.) Once he was dressed, he collected the combadges for his wife and Sandie, replicated an expensive looking briefcase, and headed for the transporter room. When Lockley reached the transporter room he had the computer contact his wife through her cell phone to warn her he was beaming in.
He found his wife waiting for him as he materialized. She gave him an approving glance head to toe before jumping into his arms. "I'm still not sure I'll ever get used to that beaming thing." Julie Lockley stated before kissing her husband again. Captain Lockley laughed and held his wife close. "I can't stay long Babe. I have to go to Washington and report to the Joint Chiefs at the Pentagon." She looked at him with growing respect and not a little surprise. "The Joint Chiefs? The Pentagon? WASHINGTON?!?" Captain Lockley just smiled at his wife. "I have to brief them on the new team I'm building and the plans, budget to staff, supply, and house that team." His wife just stared at him. "I have already received several initial bids from contractors for the modernization of the base we have been given." Captain Lockley explained. "I'll set up appointments with the contractors and give them a look at what they will actually need at the base. In the mean time, you'll be very well taken care of. You see, us Colonels get a very substantial paycheck." Lockley said in a poor Southern drawl.
"Not to mention the company I've formed using the new advanced tech from Prometheus." He added as an afterthought.
"Also here is your combadge and here is Sandie's." He said as he handed them to her.
"To call me or anyone else with a combadge, just tap it; say your name, then the person you are calling, like this." He said while tapping his own combadge. "Captain Lockley to Ensign Lockley." Angie answered quickly, "Go ahead Da... I mean Capt."
Capt. Lockley smiled. "Just checking in to see how things are going." He heard more excitement in his daughter's voice then he had heard in a very long time. "I started with Quantum Physics and even though it was hard to follow, I've never enjoyed anything so much!" Julie looked totally blown away. "Ok sweetheart," replied the Capt. "I'll let you get back to work, Lockley out." The combadge chirped to signal the termination of the transmission. "That's all there is to it." He said to his wife. "Also remind Sandie that she can only call Angie at night and ONLY when she's alone or with ONLY you or Mema." His wife rolled her eyes like he was talking to a child. "Here's Angie's schedule so Sandie will know the best time to call." He opened the briefcase and handed the schedule to his Lovely wife. He kissed his wife again then stepped back. "I have to go My Love. People to see and worlds to save you know." He tapped his combadge. "Computer, site to site transport, one to beam to any vacant V.I.P. lounge at Ronald Reagan World airport."
Chapter 8
"Colonel" Lockley appeared in a vacant lounge and quickly made his way out of the terminal to a long line of waiting taxi cabs. He got in the lead word and said one word, "Pentagon." Ignoring any attempt by the driver to make conversation he watched the views of the Nations Capital pass.
He arrived at the Pentagon, paid the driver, left a ten dollar tip, and went to meet his destiny. After presenting his I.D. and orders at the front gate then again at the Security Desk, he was escorted to a private waiting room. He didn't have long to wait before an Army Captain entered saying, "Please follow me sir."
Lockley followed him down the hall to a small briefing room occupied by four of the most powerful men on the planet. They were the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corp. "Generals, Admiral," greeted "Colonel" Lockley.
"The United States faces a threat today like none other in the history of the Earth, Global Terrorism." Before any of the four could reply, Lockley continued. "I know what you're thinking, "We've been dealing with Terrorists for decades. But failure to win a final decisive victory in either Iraq or Afghanistan proves we need something new." Lockley stepped over to his briefcase and handed a copy of the Crystal Palace file (the doctored one of course) to each of the Joint Chiefs. "The files I've just handed you contain the layout and specs of a place you all should be familiar with. First as it is now and the computer overlay of what it will look like as the training center and operational command of Strike Force Omega, the last sight most Terrorists will ever see..." Colonel Lockley paused for effect. "I know we have Delta Force, but as 9/11 showed, we are still extremely vulnerable." Lockley studied each mans face. "Strike Force Omega would combine the best of all forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, just like the Joint Chiefs do, with advanced technology from a new contractor." A chair creaked as one of the Joint Chiefs shifted position.
"Omega will be totally self contained AND self supporting." This gave the Joint Chiefs something to chew on. "The unit will operate in total anyoniminity,no visible I.D.'s, no U.S. uniform, no U.S. equipment either. We operate by our rules not the Geneva Convention, no ties at all to the United States. The only way to beat this new breed of Terrorist is to fight them without rules on THEIR terms. Any questions?"
The Joint Chiefs actually looked uncomfortable. "Where does the funding for all of this come from?" Lockley smiled. "For the initial funding, let's just say there are some major Drug Cartels with empty bank accounts." The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff let out a bellowing laugh. "I Love it! Let's run with it. When can you be operational?" Lockley was secretly relieved and ecstatic but showed a calm outward facade. "I meet with several contractors at Crystal Palace on Friday to get the final bids. Reconstruction can start as early as Tuesday and the first team can be deployed to any point on Earth inside of three hours by the end of the month."
The Joint Chiefs were very impressed now, but still full of questions. "What is the Chain of Command for Omega?" Lockley calmly looked at each of them. "The President and the President only." That didn't sit well with them at all. "It was his idea to form the team after all. I can have the Executive Order sent over from the White House if you like." The Chairman appraised this young upstart Colonel calmly and coolly. "The Presidents own private Hit Squad. There has been talk of this for years but it always got bogged down in committees. I'm not sure I agree with this but our conventional methods are failing. I say we give it a go." Like you have a choice in the matter. Lockley thought to himself. "General, the purpose of this briefing was merely to inform you of the assets that will be appropriated for the formation of the unit, not to ask your permission."
Oh that did it. Me and my big mouth again. Lockley thought again. The Chairman surprised him with a deep belly laugh. "God, but you got big balls Colonel. That's exactly what a team like this will need, a Commander with Big Steel Balls." The rest of the Joint Chiefs were still decidedly unhappy. "Very well Colonel, dismissed." Lockley came to attention, saluted crisply, and left the conference room briefcase in hand. Lockley kicked himself mentally while thinking. Well that went well right up until the end when you had to shove your big foot in your mouth.
Colonel Lockley made his way to the Pentagon Motorpool where he presented a set of orders authorizing him indefinite use of any vehicle of his choice. He chose a new Hunter Green uparmored Dodge Durango with the V-8 Hemi and limousine dark tinted windows. Lockley drove to the park that held the Vietnam War Memorial.
He parked under some shade trees and tapped his combadge. "Computer, begin scan of all military data bases for the initial personnel to recruit for Project Omega. First priority is Engineers then pilots. Then tap into the computer at the White House and rearrange the Presidents schedule to allow me two hours Thursday morning from 0900 to 1100 to brief the President on the new developments. Last, book me a room at the Hyatt Regency on Capital Hill through Wednesday night, non-smoking, under Colonel KB Lockley." With that done he signed out and set the security latches on the briefcase.
Lockley was curious just to see how corrupt the Washington scene really was. If someone took the bait and stole the briefcase, they would be in for a nasty little surprise. The advanced technology security locks would detonate, spraying something similar to napalm on the contents of the case and anything within five feet. It would also activate a dormant microprobe stored in the rear of the case that will record and transmit the data to the ship.
An hour later Captain "Colonel" Lockley returned to find the briefcase gone and no evidence of forced entry. The lack of evidence meant one of two things; a professional or someone had a key. He would beam up to the ship and access the probe once he got to his hotel room. With that thought, Captain Lockley got into the Durango and drove to his hotel. He went to the front desk, signed for his room, and took the elevator to his room. Once Lockley was in his room he locked the door with the swing arm lock, pulled a small black box from his pocket, and turned on the box. The box filled the room with an ultrasonic signal that instantly scrambled any listening device or hidden camera. Lockley then tapped his combadge. "Computer, one to beam up, energize."
Chapter 9
Captain Lockley checked his watch and seeing the time asked, "Computer, where is Ensign Lockley?" When he heard the computer answer, " Ensign Lockley is in the Forward Lounge." He realized he hadn't eaten since breakfast. He smiled and went to join his daughter for supper. As Captain Lockley entered the lounge, his daughter smiled, "Hi Daddy how was your day?" He kissed his daughter on the forehead. "Long sweetheart, but I managed to get approval to start reconstruction on our base on Earth." He would have done it without approval, but wanted it to at least look official. The Captain walked over to the replicator and ordered supper. Over Lasagna, sweet corn, green beans, and garlic toast, he told Angie all about his day. His daughter looked at him with shock and deep respect. "You're going to meet the President?" She asked, awestruck. "Yes sweetie, but before that I will meet with some engineers to see if they are interested in joining our crew. If they are, I'll get them started on a crash course in Federation Engineering technology. They will have until Friday to seal off all of the old entrances to the second underground complex, build two new emergency exits, and disguise all of it completely."
His daughter looked a little confused. "Why seal off the only way in or out of the facility?" Captain Lockley smiled at his daughter's question. "You're still thinking 20th century technology Angie, we have transporters now." The light came on in his daughter's mind. "Oh yeah, I forgot. It's still a little unreal if you know what I mean." Lockley smiled crookedly at his empty plate. "Yeah, I still keep waiting to wake up and find all of this was a dream." He stood up and kissed his daughter on the cheek, "See you later sweetheart, I'll be in my ready room if you need me."
He put his plate and glass back in the replicator and headed toward the door. "Captain, permission to beam Sandie aboard and show her the holodeck?" Captain Lockley looked at his watch. "If it's ok with Mema then it's ok with me. But you have to get her back home by 2100." Ensign Lockley bounced up all giggles and smiles, betraying the fact that she was still only 15 years old. "Thanks Daddy. I promise I'll have her home by 2100." The Captain just shook his head and chuckled to himself as his daughter hugged and kissed him on the cheek before blowing out of the door in front of him. He raised his eyebrow as he heard her tap her combadge and tell Sandie, "He said yes! I'm on my way to the tr...." before the rest was lost as the doors snapped shut.
He cleaned her dishes from the table and wiped down the table top. He put the dishes in the replicator, hit the matter reclamation sequence, and stood there for a few seconds marveling at this great gift he had been given as the replicator hummed and the dishes faded to nothingness.
A few minutes later Lockley was sitting at his desk reviewing the already considerable list of personnel the computer had compiled. He selected an even dozen engineers stationed in CONUS (Continental United States) and had the computer print orders assigning them to Project Omega. The rest he would deal with when his office at Crystal Palace was up and running.
Out of that dozen, seven were stationed at Ft. Leonardwood Mo, three were at Ft. Hood TX, and the last two were Seabees from Norfolk VA. He would meet with the Seabees first since they were the closest. Within an hour of meeting with the Seabees he figured he'd have all twelve Engineers on board. Feeling very satisfied, Lockley stood and stretched.
He looked at his watch and was thinking about reminding Angie about the time when the chime to his door sounded. "Enter." Lockley called. The door swished open and his daughter literally swept into the room. God, how she's changed. Lockley thought. "I beamed Sandie back a little early so we could both get some sleep before school tomorrow." Angie reported.
My little girl is growing up fast. Lockley thought proudly. "That was good thinking sweetheart. I'm done here and will be beaming back down shortly. Tomorrow you'll have company on the Holodeck but they'll be training on advanced engineering technology." Her eyes lit up mischievously. "Are any of them cute?" She asked. Yep, WAY too fast. "You keep your mind on your studies young lady. All of this group is out of your age range. Make that ALL men are out of your age range until your 50!" The Captain ordered. Ensign Lockley snapped to attention and rendered a crisp salute. "Yes sir Captain." Then bolted for the door giggling. The Captain scowled as the doors snapped shut, hiding his laughing, retreating daughter. He couldn't hold the expression long before he too burst out laughing. "That's my girl."
Chapter 10
The next morning Captain Lockley arrived at Norfolk VA, newly replicated briefcase in hand. He had learned last night that no one had tried to open his stolen one. He presented his I.D. card and credentials to the guard at the main gates and asked directions to Base Headquarters. At Base HQ he was hustled into the base commander's office, Vice Admiral William T. Green. After the Admiral had skimmed through "Colonel" Lockley's orders, directly from the White House, (or so they appeared) he made two phone calls. Within minutes the two Seabees were in the Admiral's office looking a little worried. I mean who gets called to the base commander's office for no reason?
Chief Petty Officer Michael Bruce Williams, Navy Cross with V device, Purple Heart, Joint Forces Expeditionary Medal with V device, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, plus several more. The V device was given for valor in combat. CPO Williams had been a Navy Seal before transferring to the Seabees. The next Seabee was Lt. Commander Gregory Steno. He had received the Navy Commendation Medal with V device, Joint Forces Expeditionary Medal with V device, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Former Yugoslavia Medal, Naval War College Ribbon, and several more. Lt. Commander Steno also happened to be the Vice President of the base Star Trek club. "Gentleman," started Admiral Green. "This is Colonel Lockley. He's forming a new counter terrorist unit and he is here to talk to you about it." Both men visibly relaxed. "Is this voluntary or mandatory?" Lt. Commander Steno asked. "Colonel" Lockley stepped forward. "Totally voluntary. All I require is one week to show you what we are about. After that week, if you want no part of it, you will be returned here no questions asked. But you WILL sign a non-disclosure statement." Lockley smiled then. "But, if what your files say is true, I think you'll be hooked within an hour or less." Both Seabees look thoughtful. "One week?" CPO Williams asked. "One week." Lockley confirmed. "Hell, after Hell Week in BUD/S I can do a week standing on my head." The whole room chuckled at that statement. "We're in." Both Seabees said in unison. "Good." Lockley responded. "You won't be disappointed."
He turned to the Admiral and saluted. "Admiral, thank you for your assistance. I'll see you again." The Admiral stood and shook Lockley's hand. "I'm sure you will Colonel, I'm sure you will." Lockley turned toward his new recruits. "Follow me gentlemen." He led them to the Durango and started the engine. He knew Lt. Commander Steno had a two car garage and only one vehicle. He drove to Steno's house to show CPO Williams where it was. He dropped off Steno with instructions to pack an overnight bag and dress in civvies. He then took CPO Williams to the NCO quarters and told him to do the same thing then meet him back at Steno's.
When he returned to Lt. Commander Steno's house, Steno was full of questions. Lockley just smiled and said, "Trust me Commander, you are about to experience and live your most coveted dream." This confused Steno even more but Captain Lockley would say no more. CPO Williams arrived a few minutes later and parked inside the garage as instructed. "That didn't take long Chief." Lockley said. CPO Williams shrugged and said, "I always keep a go bag ready. Call it an old habit from the teams."
Lockley loaded the two recruits into the Durango and drove away from the Naval Base. He drove to one of the abandoned bases he had discarded in favor of Crystal Palace. He pulled inside an old Motorpool bay and closed the doors. His recruits started to get out when he got back in the SUV with a huge grin on his and told them to stay put. "Ready Commander? I promised you would live your dream." He tapped his combadge which had been disguised as his Combat Infantry Badge all along. "Computer, lock onto my signal and beam the entire vehicle to the shuttle bay." Lt. Commander Steno let out a loud rebel yell as the Durango and it's passengers were transformed into sparkling light.
They rematerialized in the shuttle bay and by the look on the Seabees faces Lockley new the week long trial period was not going to be needed for them to decide. Steno was ecstatic. "I knew it! I knew the government had a starship but was keeping it secret until they figured out how to use it!" Captain Lockley shook his head and grinned. "Not quite Commander. Close but it's not the government's ship. No government on Earth even knows it exists. Well at least not this Earth. Nor will they know until I am READY for them to know." Warned the Captain. Both men got the meaning loud and clear. "Yes Sir!" Both men said. "Now that we have that cleared up, I'll give you a quick tour of the ship."
"This of course is the shuttle bay. It was designed to hold many more shuttles but for the current mission purposes it was only equipped with two Venture class long range scout shuttles. I'll explain more about this ships purpose and our mission later. This ship is the most powerful starship in the Galaxy at this time. She is an Valkyrie class light Dreadnought with a few extra "additions" and she's pure warship." Lockley beamed with pride. "She has fourteen forward torpedo tubes, four aft tubes, Three megaphaser cannons forward, two aft, and multidirectional phaser array strips lining the hull and warp nacelles." Lockley took a breath before turning to Steno. "Lt. Commander Steno, I want you to be my Chief Engineer."
Captain Lockley literally had to catch Greg Steno to keep him from hitting the deck. Steno's eyes were glazed and staring off into nothing. "You promised I could, correction WOULD live my life long dream. I just didn't figure you even KNEW what my dream was or were just kidding." Lockley looked Steno right in the eye. "No Commander, I was very serious and the Pentagon database has an extensive file on all of the candidates I plan to recruit, even their hobbies. Which brings me to my next point; I would greatly appreciate any names you could suggest from your club that you feel would be suitable for an actual crew."
Steno had recovered from his shock and rubbed his chin in though. "The club is 107 strong, both civilian and military, and all 107 would want a shot at this. But I would say only 15 were reliable and stable enough for the job. I can get you the whole club Alpha roster though if you'd like." The Captain thought for a few seconds. "No, just the 15 you know to be reliable will be just fine." He turned and continued down the corridor.
"Just two more stops to complete this abbreviated tour. First, we stop by the Holodeck where later you will get a crash course on advanced engineering technology. You see, I have to set up Strike Force Omega to allow me a pool of qualified candidates to screen for the purpose of crewing this ship. Once I have what I feel to be a sufficient number, I will "retire" and turn the team over to someone else. But first we need a base here on Earth to recruit and operate out of." The Captain paused. "That's where the two of you and the ten others I am picking up today come in." Both men were very intrigued now. Lockley continued past Holosuite 1 to Holosuite 2.
"Holosuite 1 is currently occupied by my Daughter, Ensign Angie Lockley, she's 15." Lockley warned sternly. The two recruits very diplomatically, kept a straight face. The trio entered Holosuite 2 and the Captain ordered, "Computer, load simulation Crystal Palace 1." A 3-D holographic representation of the entire Crystal Palace complex appeared in the air in front of them. "This gentlemen is Crystal Palace. It has an airfield large enough to handle any Jumbo jet or oversize military cargo plane on the planet, adequate building space topside, and TWO underground complexes. For our purposes, it's perfect. This second complex is where we will base out of on Earth."
"The point I mentioned earlier about where you two come in? I want this second complex sealed off completely from the first. I have already erased it's existence from every database on the planet. Your team's first job will be to learn enough about this new advanced Federation technology to make it appear that there never was a second complex. And it has to be done by Friday morning." Both Seabees looked the hologram over thoughtfully. "With a couple hundred skilled men, we could do it with the technology the Navy has at it's disposal today." CPO Williams said. Lt. Commander Steno added, "With this advanced tech, a day to study in the Holosuite, and a dozen men? Completing it by Thursday evening should be a piece of cake." Lockley smiled and knew he had made the right choice with these two men. "That's exactly what I was hoping to hear."
"Computer, save and end program. If you would follow me, we have one last stop before I go retrieve the rest of your team." He led them from the Holosuite down to sickbay. As they walked Greg Steno voiced his curiousity. "Colonel, is this really Federation stuff? And if so, what gives?" Lockley knew this question would be coming soon. "Gene Roddenberry was a starship captain from an alternate universe. He was sent here roughly 40 years ago to enlist the aid of our Earth in building a fleet of starships to protect this dimension from a very powerful race. In his dimension Starfleet is real. Something went terribly wrong and his ship didn't make it through but was able to beam Captain Roddenberry to Earth." He paused to consider his next words.
"He figured and hoped his people would send another ship, he just didn't count on it taking 40 some years. So he created Star Trek as a means to prepare mankind for that possiblity. He used actual people from his dimension as the characters. Captain Jean Luc Picard was a very close friend of Captain Roddenberry." Lt. Commander Steno shook his head in awe as they entered sickbay. "Computer, activate E.M.H." stated Lockley. "Please state..." Started the E.M.H. but the Captain cut him off this time. "Wo Doc, enough with that generic greeting. We need to change that part of your program." The holographic doctor actually looked offended that someone wanted to change his program.
Lockley could see the stunned expression on Commander Steno's face. "Doc, this is Lt. Commander Gregory James Steno, our new Chief Engineer, and this is Chief Petty Officer Michael Bruce Williams. Give them the full check up. I'm on my way back down for at least ten more." The E.M.H. nodded. "Yes Captain, I'll take care of it at once." Lockley turned to leave then added, "Replicate them each a uniform and have Ensign Lockley assign them quarters. Let her know Commander Steno will be our Chief Engineer so she can assign the appropriate one to him." Then he addressed his new Chief Engineer.
"Commander, the next group will be coming up without me. I will contact you first so you can meet them in the transporter room." Steno nodded his head. "Yes Sir, I can handle that." Lockley continued. "Don't give them the tour; just escort them straight to Sick bay. I'll give everyone a quick tour after I have all ten on board." He addressed the E.M.H. one last time. "Doc, same thing on this ten coming up. Full medical work up and any treatment they might need. I'll be here through Wednesday evening going through some training myself. If you need me for anything, call me." He looked around to see if there were any questions then returned to the shuttle bay.