Chapter 2: First Trial
It was about 0430…. About an hour prior to his alarm going off when the intercom whistled.
"Morgan here" he croaked propping himself up on his elbows.
"Captain, we are receiving a priority subspace message from Starfleet ops."
"Pipe it through." His computer monitor rose from his desk and he gave his authorization code. Janeway's face filled the screen.
"Admiral?"
"Captain.. I am sorry for waking you. I am sending you co-ordinates for a research colony near the Romulan Neutral zone. This has been a joint venture between the Federation and the Romulans, riding in on the coattails of Jean Luc's successful negotiation of the recent issue with Chinzon and the Reman insurgency. The colony has gone quiet and we have lost contact. You are within 28 hours at high warp. Go to the base and ascertain the situation. It could be equipment failure but it could be something else. I can't tell you how important this base and its personnel are. This is the first time that a joint venture of this nature has been this successful. Tread carefully and be diplomatic. I'm also sending The U.S.S McCoy and the Harriet Tubman to back you up but both are about 10 hours behind you. The Romulans will surely send someone as well, so be on the lookout for company. Keep us in the loop. Good luck and don't break my new ship! Janeway out!"
"Course coordinates received and laid in, Captain" came the voice of an ensign he did not know.
He glanced over to the sofa and imagined that Simon was still sitting there. "Affirmative. Engage at Warp 8. "
"Morgan to Seven of Nine. Well, playtime is over. We have to go to work now."
"Affirmative Captain, I am on the bridge at this time. I will assemble the senior staff."
"Assemble the senior staff in the briefing room for 0800. It's going to take a day to get there, no need to get everyone up at this time of night. We'll just hit the ground running at 0800. Morgan out."
"Computer, display technical data on the research colony as well as all data on the recent Reman insurgency." He had a lot to get ready for an 0800 briefing.
The Captain entered the ready room. Everyone was waiting. He was about 10 minutes late. The two PADDs in his hand with the half cup of coffee told everyone what they needed to know.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I was swept up in researching the current mission and lost track of time."
Simon leaned over to Seven of Nine and in an "I'm saying this on the sly but want everyone to hear it" voice, loudly whispered, "in case the universal translator isn't working..he fell asleep at his desk again!"
"I heard that and I will neither confirm nor deny and you can prove nothing.,"he said with a smile. "Unless I have a PADD shaped indentation on the side of my face. OK, let's begin. This colony. Seven, background and what have we ascertained?"
Seven tapped a few buttons at her station and graphics, statistics, and star charts appeared on the conference room view screen, as well as the individual view screens.
"Our destination is a collection of asteroids along the Romulan neutral zone. This Zone was, of course, established after the Earth/Romulan war and the subject of various border skirmishes for centuries.. each side blaming the other when something went awry. The outpost research colony Deep Space 4, informally called Frontier, went communications dark approximately 12 hours ago. All attempts to reach them have failed. We appear to be the closest federation ship. Arrival time is estimated to be 21.6 hours at warp 8. The USS McCoy and USS Tubman are coming to assist but are 9.2 hours behind us. It is unknown if the Romulan Empire has sent a ship to investigate. With the recent internal turmoil, they may not have the resources."
"Dr. Pollard, readiness report of medical bays and supplies?" the Captain asked.
"I think we are all ready. We have been drilling with the various emergency teams, the HAPs" as well as the different Holodeck trauma/triage configurations. Our best configuration for true mass casualty is a four-tier configuration that will accommodate 320-350 bed-bound patients. I know that this is a briefing about the current mission but the level of sophistication of these holodeck programs and the HAPs is quite simply amazing."
The Captain grinned, holding up a "thumb's up" sign, letting the Doctor know that his exposition was appreciated. He turned to his acting first officer. "Katya, tactical summary."
"Well, Frontier sits on, and in, an asteroid. Composed mostly of iron and the rest various trace metals and rock. Nothing remarkable! It was never a mining site and was set up as a remote lab for research deemed "risky" for populated areas. That research seems to have been replaced with less hazardous fare, which is why it serves as something of a minor trading post but it is under the joint governance of the Federation and Romulan Science Councils. At any one time, there are about 200-400 civilians, Romulan, and Starfleet personnel there, depending if a vessel is there and requests shore leave on the upper levels, where most of the habitat sections are located." Commander Moreno pointed to the habitat levels on the viewer. She then moved her hand to the bottom of the screen and continued. "The labs and research areas are in the asteroid in the lower areas. Of note is a particularly large environmentally controlled hangar. I don't know what this is used for but its big. The Birkana could easily fit inside it.. and then some. There are just Starfleet security regulars stationed there..nothing like the troops we have access to."
"Long-range scans" the Captain asked?
"Even with our enhanced long-range sensors we are still too far out to get a really good look. There also seems to be some interference, which could be a naturally-occurring phenomenon, but there is little on this base in Starfleet records. Other than an unexpected increase in Leichner radiation there's nothing more we can determine" Seven added.
"Doc, will that radiation cause any issues. Any special precautions we need to take" the Captain asked?
"I don't believe so, Captain. Leichner radiation does radiate from subspace in minute doses. We aren't sure where it comes from or what causes it. I'll do a little more research on it and get back with you." Doctor Pollard tapped a few buttons on his PADD and settled back into his chair.
"Simon, E-MED and Tactical Ground Troop status?"
"All of the drilling we have been doing with all the teams have established a pretty impressive level of efficiency, cohesion, and preparedness. I think we are ready." Simon looked over to Seven with a raised eyebrow. She had reported that their efficiency could use some "improvement" and he had taken a minor amount of umbrage to that assessment.
"Thank you, Simon. I've looked over those performance reports and they look great, given that we have only been together for a couple of weeks. Lastly, are all of the holographic systems online? Are all of the HAP systems fully integrated and ready for use?" Everyone looked to Commander Barkley.
"Ahhhhhmmmm, yesss.. well.. ummmm.. yes!" Barkley stumbled. The Captain, knowing Barkley's nervousness on being called out, especially in public, felt for his Chief Holographic Engineer for putting him on the spot.
"Mr. Barkley, I have been looking over the performance reviews of the HAP's and the integrated holodecks and everything points to the outstanding job you have done as well as their readiness status. Is there anything more to be added?" The Captain hoped he worded that to illicit the most minor of responses.
Mr. Barkley shook his head and finally croaked out a "no, sir."
"Very well. Make sure you all utilize your time to familiarize yourself with the research lab and its history. In the mean time, Seven and Katya, lets do a few more drills just to make sure we are all dove-tailing nicely here. Also, Seven, work with the Doctor. I'll need an analysis of the possible causes of that radiation. Dismissed!"
The meeting broke up and the officers began drifting towards the exits.
The Captain walked into Holodeck 1. If the term organized chaos could be applied anywhere, it was here. The medical HAPs, noted for their distinct white uniforms with blue undershirts, were helping people to beds, shuttling medical equipment, and assisting with moving personnel. On the first level, several surgeons were working on biobeds that were assembled in a "star" formation. Each biobed had it's own integrated bio-monitor. The different doctors were being assigned to patients based on specialty. He looked around, concern for all of the patients showing on his face.
"Excuse me, Captain." a young man said as he was escorting a self-propelled bio-bed toward a large open elevator. The patient, fresh from having a treatment with a dermal regenerator, must have been badly burned given the hue of the skin he could see. He recognized the attendant as a HAP. All of the HAPs had different faces to give them a more "human" character, yet ever so slightly, there was something mildly artificial about them. Perhaps it was the the eyes. The biobed and attendant entered the lift and the HAP called for Level 4. A forcefield sizzled into existence over the front and they started upward. He again took in the orchestrated chaos of the room and watched as medical personnel worked on patient of all types. Dr. Pollard walked up to him, passing through the sizzle of a sterile field.
"Hello, Captain." If I'd known you were coming down, I'd have put on a pot of coffee."
"Does anyone even still make old style coffee pots? Please don't keep me from your assigned duties, Doc. Seven of Nine will assimilate me if I mess up your performance."
"We are just finishing up. Those are the last of the patients. They are being routed to their designated recovery areas depending on projected need for resources and time. It really is quite an ingenious system that Hansen and Barkley programmed."
In a somber tone, the captain asked "so, what was the tally?"
Dr. Pollard surveyed the surgical bay and went over to a control station. He began punching buttons and accessing menus. Finally he looked over at the Captain. "216 total patients. 90 walking wounded sent to Ward 2 on Holodeck 2, 68 with gradable radiation burns requiring, at least, dermal regen or replacement and deep tissue rejuv, 24 with flash contact burns, and the rest were various musculo-skeletal or neurological due to exposure or trauma. It could have been worse, Captain."
A HAP walked by, escorting another biobed patient to the lift. "That was the last one. Spinal regeneration. Took some time but she'll make a full recovery. They both regarded each other, both struck simultaneously by the complete irony that they were talking about a room of holographic triage patients.
The Holodeck doors opened and Seven of Nine walked in holding a PADD. Suddenly, they were the only three standing there. The holodeck had reset. Several of the med techs and doctors were walking out. She nodded toward each of the men. "Captain.. Doctor. The exercise is complete. Your proficiency rating is 94.7 percent, up 2.2 percent from the last exercise. Congratulations. That is within acceptable parameters"
"Not bad Doc! Good Job!" The Captain clapped him on the shoulder.
Giving Seven a sideways glance, his response was more gutteral than English. As the holodeck cleared, he headed toward the door. "I'm headed to sickbay if you need me, Josh. Come hit me up for that pot of coffee. Perhaps I'll see you in the "used-to-be" Officers Lounge later?"
"He sounded somewhat displeased. His proficiency rating was acceptable. Was there an issue prior to my arrival?" Seven stood there, ramrod stiff, waiting for an answer.
The Captain and Seven stood in the empty holodeck, which had been a whirlwind of activity just minutes before. "He wasn't angry. The quip about the Officer's Lounge is something of a joke. I'll tell you later. Seven, have you ever thought that the way you 'phrase' things could use some tweaking?"
Seven regarded him and her thoughts went back to a similar conversation she had with B'Elanna Torres after she had been freed from the collective. "I have been told as much in the past and have attempted to couch my conversations with the usual human pleasantries. Sometimes, it seems, it just does not work. His proficiency was higher than the last exercise. I did 'congratulate' him!"
Josh rolled his eyes and it finally struck him why Admiral Janeway had pulled him aside and told him that he would have to work overtime to integrate Seven into his crew. She had told him "To the Borg, resistance is futile but to ex-Borg, it seems that resistance is frequent."
While the Captain had the good fortune to oversee most of the final construction of the ship, he had taken complete advantage of the opportunity. The forward observation lounge was huge. It offered a magnificent view out of the front of the ship, much like the Enterprise D's "10-forward!" But from the top of the saucer section. It was initially designated that area on the Birkana was to be the officer's lounge and recreational facility. After discussing it with Admiral Janeway, he decided that the space would serve the crew much better if it were open to everyone, not just the officers. The double-doors opened and about 30 off-duty crewmen were mingling, having a drink, having a meal, or engaged in some type of recreational game. The ship-wide holo-emitters made calling up any game very easy. A Vulcan ensign was in the corner playing a game of Cal-toh. Four other crewmen were gathered around another table and one was dispensing little pieces of colored paper to the others. The Captain was intrigued. He walked over and as he approached he noticed that they had noted his approach and were trying to stand and come to attention. He put out a restraining hand and offered a smile.
"At ease, crewmen. This game looks rather anachronistic. What is it?"
A rather thin Bolian looked up at the Captain and smiled. "Ah, Captain..I found this obscure 20th century earth game while doing research on your history and customs. It was called 'Monopoly.' It centers around the rolling of chance cubes, called dice, and the buying and selling of imaginary property, the building of domiciles, and the manipulation of basic utilities and comforts that people used to survive at the time. The object is to avoid trespassing on someone's property, otherwise, recompense is due. One might even go to the brig..there in the corner! One must also submit to karma via a "chance card." The Captain reached over, picked up one of the "chance" cards, and turned it over. Depicted on it was a male Klingon in a dress holding a bouquet of flowers. The Script in standard read ' You have won second prize in a beauty contest. Collect 10 credits."
The Captain looked amused. "How peculiar. It sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out sometime. You crewmen have fun." He walked over to the bar and surveyed the room. He couldn't help but smile. He was glad that some of the crew were getting a little R /R prior to their mission. This would be their first trial and he didn't want a frazzled crew too tired to perform at peak efficiency or too wound-up that they may be jumpy and make a mistake..all due to constant battle-drills. He had ordered Moreno to conclude the drills and for all available crew to get some well-earned rest. He was about to leave and go back to his quarters when a female voice caught his attention.
"Good evening, Captain. I'm glad to see that you finally made it down here to the Rec deck. Can I get you anything? Something fruity?
He turned to address the only crewman he had not met after coming on board. She came onboard at Jean Luc's and The Admiral's request. "I'm good, Guinan. I'm sorry I haven't been down to visit until now. I'm more of a 'my quarters' kinda guy. It looks like everyone is enjoying themselves, tho. I'm glad the Admiral backed me in making this an area open to anyone, not just the officers. She said having their mess hall on Voyager improved morale and helped with keeping their little group of Voyagers together in the Delta quadrant. It had originally been her 'private dining room' on the original schematics. Can you imagine? On a ship THAT size? All that space for one person's 'dining room?' What was Starfleet thinking?"
"I know that they weren't thinking it would be dragged to the other side of the universe and left to make a 75 year journey home by themselves."
"Good point. How are you settling in?"
"Well, I've really never put down roots anywhere. I like being a 'people person.' Home tends to be where I hang my hat." The moment she said that, there was a slight pause and both she and the Captain directed their eyes upward at the large-brimmed magenta-colored hat that protruded out past her face and almost over his own head. They both grinned broadly and chuckled.
"I'm thinking we'll need to reinforce the structural integrity field around your quarters if you want to hang that thing anywhere."
Guinan pulled back behind the bar, a clearly manufactured look of shock and offense played across her face. "Well.. see if I don't volunteer to get off at the next starbase." She looked up wistfully as if in deep thought. "I wonder if Jean Luc would have me back?" She looked back at him and grinned. "Word around the quadrant is that you have a decidedly quick wit. It's been said you speak fluent 'smartass' with no need for a universal translator"
"The 'word around the quadrant' is understated!" He seized upon the opportunity to ask her something that had been in the back of his mind. "So, why did you contact the Admiral and offer your services on the Birkana?" I'd have thought if you wanted to come back to work on a Starfleet vessel, you'd have gone back to the Enterprise and Jean Luc. My understanding is that you two had history"
Her elbows bent down and came to rest on the bar as if she were getting comfortable to tell a long story. Unconsciously, he mimicked her posture.
"Well, I was taking care of some family business when I heard about the new ship. I was intrigued and asked Jean Luc to put in a good word with Katheryn. She thought it was a good idea to have..what did she call it.. an unofficial official morale officer. The ship could be dealing with high stress situations and both thought that the crew would benefit."
"We have counselors for that kind of thing. Come on.. what's the real reason?"
"That is the real reason?" She smiled at him, stood up, and walked around the bar and took his arm. They walked over to the large windows. "I will admit that, for a human, you have a very good sense of when someone is not telling you the truth..or telling a half-truth. Most human's never question whether I'm telling them the truth. In fact, most races trust El-Aurians implicitly."
"So? The real reason?" he pushed.
"That was the real reason.. or at least half of it." She seemed to draw back within herself a bit. Her gaze became nostalgic and it seemed like her dark eyes were looking to memories very far removed from the 'now.' "When my people first came to this sector, we were totally dependent on the Federation's good will and other race's charity. We were rescued by a Starfleet vessel.. the Enterprise B actually. Myself and several of my people.. my family.. were rescued. James Kirk was thought to have died saving us. This vessel, your crew, and your mission is to help people like me. I wanted to help. I wanted to be a part of that. I think of it like I'm giving a little back."
Joshua found himself staring down at her. He smiled. "Well, I'm glad to have you on board. You aren't going to have any issues with our resident Borg are you?"
Her smile faded ever-so-slightly and she suddenly had a far-off look on her face again, staring out the window. The Captain turned slightly, almost expecting to see something out there.
"No.. I have dealt with those demons." Her smile returned. "Besides, I hear she's quite the individual now. Good for her. I've heard that she can still be a little..what was the term Mr. Tarses used.. 'Borgy?"
"Ha! That sounds like something he'd say. Well, I'm headed back to my cabin. We have another briefing in 4 hours. When you come up with a name for this place, let me know. It had better be something more imaginative than '9-forward!"
Guinan pulled a PADD from some hidden pocket and made an exaggerated display of looking annoyed and sweeping motion of deleting something off the PADD. "Fine! NOT 9-forward. Got it!"
The Captain read the reports regarding the Leichner radiation from Dr. Pollard and Commander Kent. It seems that this particular radiation has been recorded in some long-distance transport experiments, specifically when trying to transport through subspace. Certain bio weapons generate it as a side effect but not in huge quantities. There are other, more dangerous and prevalent types of radiation that show up when bio weapons are used. Some propulsion systems have recorded Leichner radiation as a byproduct of the warp process but not for hundreds of years.. more with the earlier Cochran drives or the old warp 3 and 5 engines. It had the Captain stymied. He pressed a button on his desk and T'pai answered.
"Yes, Captain?"
"Get me a line to Starfleet command via Admiral Janeway."
"Affirmative, Captain. Stand-by." About 20 seconds went by when T'Pai's returned. "Channel open and secured." T'Pai's face was replaced with Admiral Janeway's. Her hair was not in its usual "well-defined" state and she had a cup of coffee in hand.
"Admiral, did I catch you at a bad time?"
"I have coffee..so its not a bad time..yet! Anything to report?"
"We are close enough to ascertain that there is a permeation of Leichner radiation throughout the area but no other signs of bio-weapons. It appears that there are 3 small ships in orbit as well as 247 life signs. All appear to be well. If this were a passive scan, I wouldn't think anything is out of the ordinary. We are about 3 hours from intercept."
"Leichner radiation? Keep an eye out for subspace disturbances. Also, we ran into a couple of races in the Delta Quadrant where their propulsion or weapon system showed that radiation."
"I have Seven working on some of the possibilities but wanted to give you an update. I've had our scans forwarded to the McCoy and the Tubman."
"Excellent work. I'll expect to hear from you in the next few hours. Good Luck. Janeway out!"
The Captain turned off his computer and it lowered into his desk. He got up, stretched, and headed to his lavatory. He wanted a nice hot bath before everything got hairy.
The Captain came onto the bridge. T'Pai was his night watch command officer but she was not sitting in the Captain's chair. She was standing at the helm helping some very young lieutenant decipher the helm controls. She was obviously embroiled in very deep conversation and she was very animated with her hands as she spoke. Unusual! He'd never known Vulcans to speak and incorporate bold arm movements or hand gestures. Generally, their hand gestures were very subtle, if they were present at all, and generally limited to a Vulcan salute. The kid at the helm was listening intently. His eyes cut to the Captain, which T'Pai saw. She noticed the Captain's presence and stood a little stiffer, even for a Vulcan. It made the Captain's back hurt looking at her!
"Captain on the bridge!" She barked. The Captain stood there blinking! He was honestly stunned! That was, quite possibly, the last thing he was expecting. He looked around to see many of other members of the bridge crew at their stations suddenly whip their heads around and lock eyes with him. It was extremely quiet on the bridge and it seemed that T'Pai's "announcement" actually startled some of them. The Captain looked around, wide eyed, then he slowly raised his hand and pointed to himself and as he took in each of the on-duty bridge personnel, mouthed silently "THAT'S ME, ISN'T IT?" The bridge was quiet. You could have heard the proverbial pin drop. A female ensign at one of the aft science station suddenly let out a snort, which clearly she had been holding in with great effort, and that was all that was needed for the bridge to ERUPT into laughter. It was about that time that Tarses exited the turbolift. He stopped and looked around very confused. When he saw the captain, he made a bee line for him. As the laughter died down, he surveyed the bridge, which was returning to some semblance of normality.
"I should have guessed that you were somehow responsible for this..this breakdown in discipline!" Tarses smiled. "You can hear these shenanigans two decks down, you know."
The Captain feigned a look of disappointment. "Well, damn, we were hoping they'd at least hear us in sickbay. We are trying to make them jealous of all the fun times we have on 3rd shift." He turned his attention to his night watch commander. "Lieutenant T'Pai..what the hell was THAT for?"
"My apologies, Captain, but prior to your arrival we had been having a detailed discussion regarding Starfleet protocol, decorum, etiquette, and fleet tradition, specifically with regards to senior officers. It seemed the perfect opportunity to enhance Lieutenant Wayne's learning experience."
"Who?"
T'Pai, still standing ramrod stiff, slightly..ever so briefly..cut her eyes down at the kid at the helm and then back up again.
"OH.. understood." The Captain reached past T'Pai and offered his hand to the somewhat frightened Lieutenant. "I am sorry. Horrible with names. What was the name again? Lieutenant Wayne?"
"Yes sir. Lieutenant Bruce Wayne."
"The Captain stared like he didn't believe him..a broad grin spreading across his facce. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"
The sheepish Lieutenant, now getting the full brunt of the attention from the rest of the bridge crew, tried to sink into the helm chair but couldn't. "Umm, Yes..yes sir!"
T'Pai looked concerned. "Is there an issue with this crewman? Commander Moreno and I vetted every individual who came aboard.."
"T'Pai.. its fine. We have a Clark Kent..why not a Bruce Wayne as well? Perhaps I'll find Diana Prince cleaning the duterium tanks? Who knows on this ship? Well, Mr. Wayne, contrary to most Admiral's druthers, I stand on very, very little ceremony. In fact, I'm famous for it."
"Infamous!" came a quip from Tarses from the back of the bridge.
"So, to 'enhance your learning experience' as T'Pai said.." He leaned up, giving T'Pai a stern gaze, "don't do that again. So, what brought this subject up at 0500 in the AM?"
T'Pai looked down at Mr. Wayne and in a somewhat low voice said "The Lieutenant experiences a sudden onset of sub-glottic spasmodic contractions and/or occasional acute sino-ajacent eruptions when Admirals are present. He was concerned about how this would appear to command staff and affect his chances for advancement. The conversation proceeded from there to include officer arrival and departures from ship, shipboard fraternization, lavatory etiquette,..."
"Wait! Stop!" the Captain interrupted, "I get the picture. There's actually some protocol for command etiquette for the toilet?" Captain Morgan then got a faux 'aghast' look on his face, complete with hand on his chest. He reached out, placed his hands on T'Pai's shoulders and moved her slightly to the left and addressed the helmsman. "You mean.. you gets the hiccups?"
The female ensign who had "snorted" earlier chimed in from her aft science station without taking her eyes off of her data, "..or he sneezes!"
The Captain was highly amused. "Mr. Wayne..I feel your pain. I've known cadets who have thrown up on Admirals. I know some who have passed out. I know someone who spontaneously broke out in sweat..but just in his groin area. Our absent Science Officer once began to molt on Admiral Flaughtery.. feathers actually falling out onto the man. But you're the first 'sneezer' I've heard of. Look, Don't let Admirals scare you. They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. After, of course, they wake up from sleeping upside down, encased in a cocoon of their own leathery wings." The Ensign at the aft science station snickered again. "Look.. just do what I do. Be civil, especially to the ones you don't like. Be accommodating but not an ass-kisser and be respectful but never afraid to offer a reasonable alternative. Oh, also imagine them naked when they are dressing you down. Takes the fear right out of the encounter."
The Lieutenant smirked and thanked the Captain for his advice, his eyes never wavering from the command console. "Now, T'Pai, unless you'd like to announce to the crew where I'll be.. it will be in my office. Computer, locate Commander Moreno and Seven of Nine."
"The Commander and Seven of Nine are in the turbolift headed to the main bridge."
"Ah, good. Have them come in when they arrive."
"Aye Captain." T'Pai replied.
The Captain was headed to his office when Moreno and Seven of Nine emerged from the other turbolift. They moved to join him.
"Ladies, lets take this into my office if you don't mind. I need coffee." They disappeared into Captain Morgan's office. The doors 'swooshed' shut and all was quiet once again on the night watch bridge.
T'Pai moved to sit in the Captain's chair. She surveyed the bridge and was relieved that the earlier illogical frivolity seemed to have run it's course. Contrary to her parent's recommendations, she chose to serve in Starfleet among humans. They are not zenophobic by any definition, but they, of course, knew their children. There are ships that are primarily considered "Vulcan Assignments" that many Vulcans request. T'Pai liked the order that logic brings and the silence that comes with the company of other Vulcans. She had volunteered for the night watch as it is usually the quietest. The human need for "small talk" had always perplexed her but it was something to which she was accustomed. Her mother was human and as far as she was concerned, her father had the patience of a Kolinahr Master, so she had an intimate knowledge of human customs and foibles. However, the bridge had now returned to a nominal status and she was content.
Suddenly, but very quietly.. from somewhere near the helm controls.. the silence was broken by a single sneeze!
"Anything new to report.?"
Moreno was the first to speak. "Besides the radiation, it doesn't look like anything is out of the ordinary. There is the possibility that some experiment that the joint science commission was working on dealt with that type of radiation and it has possibly interfered with communications but I don't believe that this is the case. Again, We'll know more the closer we get."
Seven spoke next. "An item of interest are the orbiting ships. Collectively not that noteworthy. Two cargo haulers and a mining vessel. However, upon comparing scans it initially appears that all three are in geosynchronous orbit. In fact, it does not seem that they have moved at all relative to the outpost. Similarly, all of the life form reading appear to be stationary. There has been no movement from level to level or back and forth to the ships"
The Captain scrutinized Seven. "That is damn peculiar. Could they be incapacitated in some way? When we arrive, I'm going to send in the Alpha section with a compliment of Marines and Emed personnel. I'll stay behind a bit with the Beta and Gamma drive sections until the true nature of the issue is ascertained." The Captain had a thought. "Could a pathogen be involved ?"
"It's possible but not likely." Moreno explained. "The station's bio-filters would have caught something the moment the station went on lock-down..if lock-down is what is going on here and would have emitted a subspace quarantine notice. I don't know how else to explain the steady bio signs but their immobility."
"Captain..we will be in optimum scanning range within 28 minutes. I suggest that we wait until that time and most of our questions will be answered. That is surely more desirable than this idle speculation?"
"Agreed. Again, Seven.. not what you say but how you say it."
"We are approaching optimum scanner range." Seven was standing at the tactical station. "Lifeform readings remain constant. Telemetry confirms previous scans regarding relative stationary status of all the lifeforms and the vessels. Nothing appears to be moving yet life signs remains strong." Seven adjusted her scanners and narrowed the bandwidth. She began a multi-phase scan. "Captain, I believe that I have defined the parameters of the area of the highest concentration of the radiation in question. Also, I believe that I have discovered the source of the radiation." Seven's gaze darted back and forth as she worked the scanner controls.
"On screen" the Captain ordered. Replacing the moving starfield was a graphic representation of the planet with a large, inverted ring tapering down toward the asteroid. "Can you identify or narrow down the source and location?"
Commander Moreno, seated beside the Captain, tapped on her command console beside her chair and a 3D graphic display appeared in the space between the helm and the view-screen. The view rotated rapidly and slowed as it zoomed in toward the base. It enlarged and ended at a section of the base where the computer had highlighted in red. "It appears that the source of the radiation is coming from the large hanger. I'm reading a class M atmosphere. I'm also getting some interference which is playing havoc with the scanners.
The Captain addressed his Chief Engineer, who was sitting at his bridge engineering station. "Clark, will the ship's systems or the warp drive be effected by the heightened radiation?"
"I don't believe so Captain. Some of the earlier engine designs allowed for this type of radiation, a we have already discussed. However, many of the newer technologies we employ were invented in the last 30-40 years. How they will react around holo-emitters, Borg-nanite enhanced bio-neural gelpacks, or even the backup isolinear chips? I've run some simulations and think we'll be ok. As a precaution, I've erected additional shielding around key engineering systems and the warp core for a little additional protection."
Captain Morgan went back to Seven of Nine. "Seven, regarding the borg-inspired mods? Do you concur with Clark's assessment?"
"I do believe that the radiation will have a negligible, if any, effect. This is radiation that the Borg have encountered on multiple occasions will no ill effect to the collective."
"Good. Here is the game plan. Katya, take the Tactical and Emed teams Baker and Charlie, take the Alpha saucer section, and see if you can get a closer look. I'll stay with the Beta/Gamma primary hull as backup outside the bulk of the radiation. Get in there, assess the situation, and report back. Secure the station."
Moreno nodded and addressed the computer. "Tactical and Emed teams Baker and Charlie report to primary saucer for launch and deployment in 30 minutes. Mark!"
The Captain addressed the computer next. "Computer, prepare for MVA, Alpha saucer only..authorization Morgan 42 Epsilon."
"Authorization confirmed, MVA system is on standby, separation of Beta saucer only. Awaiting final authorization for key personnel transport" the unflappable feminine voice of the computer informed the bridge crew.
"Disregard tactical personnel reassignment transport." The computer 'beeped' in compliance. "Morgan to all personnel, crew configuration Epsilon. Report to your Epsilon duty stations. Transfer relevant command codes to Commander Katya Moreno upon my arrival at the secondary bridge." Again, the computer beeped in compliance. He turned to Moreno. "You have the Con. Good luck" The Captain, Seven, and Commander Kent got up and headed to the turbolifts. "Beta Bridge" the Captain said upon entering the lift.
The Beta section bridge was pretty roomy but about 30% the size of the main bridge. Helm had the one station up front; a large sweeping curved console with a rather comfy-looking chair that was situated on a track for ease of maneuvering. Around the perimeter of the bridge were two aft turbolifts, two science stations, an engineering station and a configurable station, usually used for direct computer access and research. Tactical operations, which was the station right behind the centrally located command chair was manned by the second shift tactical control officer. The Captain took his seat and swiveled to take in a 360 degree view of the Beta Bridge. It was positioned deeper in the secondary hull, unlike the primary bridge, which sat right on top of the ship. A design flaw if ever there was one, he often thought. Simon was probably briefing and preparing the two tactical teams on the Alpha saucer right about now. Seven had taken up one of the aft science stations and was configuring it to suit her needs and preferences. The Captain eyeballed the Lieutenant at tactical ops.
"Excuse me.." The Lieutenant glanced up momentarily and then realized she was being addressed. "Yes.. you, at my tactical station. Apologies..but I'm bad with names."
The young woman, who was working at the console barely paused what she was doing but looked down at the Captain, smiled, and responded, "I'm Lieutenant Jasmine Singh." Her brief eye contact broke and she went right back to her console.
"Ah.. nice to meet you. I'm Captain Josh Morgan."
"Yes. I've heard. At least that's what the night rotation says." Clearly referring to the incident on the bridge just hours ago, it was apparent that gossip travels fast on this ship. She looked back briefly at the Captain with a quirky smile and went back to her console.
The Captain smiled. "Yes. Heard that did you?" He wagged his finger at her. "I like you. I might consider keeping you around." He turned to the helm and wondered where his helm officer had gone. Behind him, the turbolift opened, and Lt. Bruce Wayne himself stepped out and made his way to his station.
"Ah, Mr. Wayne. Thank you for joining us. Your station awaits."
"My apologies Captain, had to stop by my quarters briefly and feed my cat."
"As I am also a cat-lover, all is good. Besides, it isn't crunch time yet. We still have a few minutes before separation. Have you ever done one of these?
"Simulation only." He sounded nervous and the Captain wondered if the Beta bridge were about to be assailed and entertained with a fit of hiccuping or uncontrollable sneezes, but alas, none were forthcoming. Truth be told, the Captain was a little disappointed. He had wanted to see the display for himself. The next time Admiral Janeway dropped in, he'd have to make sure he introduced his new 'best buddy' Lt. Bruce Wayne. "Gods, I'm evil!" He said to himself.
"Sir?" came from both the helm in front and tactical behind him.
"Nothing. Disregard. Alright everyone. While we are waiting for ancillary personnel, lets run the numbers. Helm?"
"Helm is answering and ready for MVA."
"Tactical?"
"Data transfer from the saucer section complete. They will proceed to the base at impulse while we hold a perimeter distance of 575,000 kilometers, which appears to be on the outside of the radiation envelope."
"Seven?"
"I've learned nothing more regarding the source of the radiation or its effects on the ships and base personnel. I have, however, been able to cut through some of the interference using the main deflector and a highly focused cascading tetrion beam. The source of the radiation is definitely coming from inside that large hangar. It appears to be a ship of some type and if my scans are accurate, I suspect that its alive."
That caught the captain off guard. He was about to inquire further but a hail from Moreno stopped him. "Captain, we are ready if you want to go ahead and begin."
"Affirmative. Computer, initiate Epsilon MVA procedure."
The computer beeped it's compliance. The sound of the large mag-locks decoupling somewhere in the ship sounded louder here than on the primary bridge. "Wayne, bump us down just a bit and let the saucer get ahead. Once it's warp bubble is stable, we can match course and speed. ETA to Base?"
"38 minutes at present speed." Wayne responded.
"Moreno. Separation is nominal. Matching course and speed."
Both ships came out of warp simultaneously. The saucer section proceeded on impulse toward the base. The Captain had queried Seven for more information but she just didn't have it. There was a lot of sensor noise and interference, most of which had been dealt with but still, there was enough to keep the sensor scans 'muddy.'
"Helm.. thrusters at station-keeping. Hold this position. Singh, tactical report?"
"Two merchant vessels, one Federation and one Klingon, in orbit. A Tellerite mining vessel is also in orbit but with no one on board. They have an sizable cargo of Bentonite ore. That's the source of the interference. There are no other ships in the vicinity. No neutrino emissions noted that would give away any cloaked vessels. Looks like we are the first to the party."
"Seven, any luck getting through that interference?"
"Captain, luck has little bearing on the current situation. But as I understand the human propensity for wishing it or having it, the answer is no. The interference will have to be ameliorated at the source. That would involve moving the Tellerite transport out of the immediate vicinity"
"Captain!" The young Lt. Wayne was clearly surprised by something, given the exasperation in his voice. Captain Morgan swung around and regarded the view-screen. The Saucer section is making its approach but it suddenly began rapidly decelerating."
"Captain Morgan to Commander Moreno. Kat, what's..."
"Captain, they are slowing very.. wait.. no.. ok, they've actually come to a dead stop." Lt. Wayne turned and locked eyes with the Captain, confusion playing across his face. The Captain swiveled, having a very bad feeling about this.
"Attend your console, Mr. Wayne." Wayne turned back to the helm controls. "Birkana actual to Birkana saucer section. Commander Moreno, do you copy? Singh, are they receiving?"
"Yes, sir. It seems that the saucer section is not moving at all. Sensors indicate all 88 on board with good life signs. However, everyone is immobile..just like on Frontier."
Seven added "confirmed. It seems that the saucer section has been caught in the same situation as the station and its personnel."
"Spectacular.. just spiffy!" He thought. This will make a great log entry. "Captain's log.. I've broken the damned new ship.. sorry Admiral!" the Captain thought to himself.