Arrival

Posted on Thu Apr 14, 2016 @ 8:25pm by Fleet Captain Rhea Kennit & Lieutenant Samantha Raylen & The Doctor & Sebastian Xaviar & Lieutenant Commander Miguel Torres & Lieutenant Penelope Naroot & Lieutenant Cassandra Kennings & Lieutenant Nicole Anderson & Lieutenant AJ Taggart & Lieutenant AJ Taggart & Senior Chief Petty Officer Samantha Summers & Lieutenant JG Markus Davenport & Ensign David Kincaide & Ensign Kaden Dylo

5,240 words; about a 26 minute read

Mission: The Fall
Location: Helios Colony

Captain's Ready Room
1623 hours

"Bridge to Captain Kennit."

Looking away from the sensor logs she'd been studying, Kennit toggled the comm switch and answered, "Kennit here."

"Ma'am, we are 10 minutes from dropping out of warp for final approach to Helios Colony."

"Thank you Lt. Davenport," she said. "I'll be there in a moment."

Closing the comm line, Kennit turned back to the sensor log and, after making a notation in the data file to indicate where in the log she had progressed to, closed the file and then locked her desk computer. Standing up, she put the mug she'd been drinking coffee from into the recycle function of her replicator and then headed towards the door which led to the Bridge.

Stepping out of the Ready Room, Captain Kennit crossed the Bridge and settled into her seat. "Status."

Davenport answered. "All systems are nominal. We are nearing the outer marker for Helios Colony now."

"Are we in sensor range?" Kennit asked.

"Aye ma'am. We have the Colony on long range sensors. They should be picking us up if not already, then soon."

"Open hailing frequencies," the Captain ordered, wondering as prepared to initiate contact with Helios Colony just what it was the Victory would discover upon arrival in orbit. She had no idea who exactly this Admiral Diego Macedo was, having never met him. He'd been assigned to the command position recently and now...

Well, now it looked like she was going to find out.

"Hailing frequencies open Captain," Davenport reported.

"Helios Colony. This is the U.S.S. Victory. Do you read? We are requesting clearance to begin final approach to orbit."

A visage of a Brazilian male came onto the screen. He was wearing the rank insignia of a Rear Admiral but he wasn't wearing a Starfleet uniform, rather a working outfit that was a short sleeve shirt and a pair of jeans. "Welcome to Helios Colony. You are granted authority to enter our space. Please be careful there are many pitfalls to get to Demeter." A chart appeared with a safe route and they could tell that there were multiple hulks of ships in orbit and there was also debris clouds of dust. "Once you arrive I will meet with your senior staff."

"Aye sir," Kennit responded smoothly. "Our current ETA is 4 hours, 22 minutes." She studied the Admiral's visage on the viewscreen, whatever thoughts that study generated she kept to herself. "While on approach, our sensors did detect indications of a heavily damaged, inoperative Borg vessel adrift just at the edges of the sector. Coordinates and sensor data will be transmitted for further review."

The Admiral nodded "Understood Captain. Safe journey and watch out for Borg we don't know the extent of where they have went."

"Thank you sir," Kennit answered, the barest hint of subtle humor - as if at some private amusement in her voice and in her gaze as she answered, "We are maintaining a close watch on our sensors. If the Borg should return, we'll know it. Victory out."


Four Hours, 30 minutes later:


Bridge - USS Victory

"We have achieved geosynchronous orbit above the planet's south pole Captain." Davenport reported.

"Thank you.." Kennit replied. "Hail the Colony; inform Admiral Macedo that we have arrived and I, along with the senior staff, will be transporting down in 15 minutes."


Transporter Room


Yarin walked into the transporter room, and stood on the pad waiting to beam down.

Tom was the second to arrive in the Transporter Room. "Lieutenant," the non-commissioned officer greeted the Science Chief. Rather than heading straight to the pad, he stepped behind the console as a result of habit.

The Captain herself was next to arrive. She'd changed from a standard duty uniform into dress uniform to meet the Task Force Commanding Officer for the first time. Her long hair was now drawn back in an elegant yet simple braid and her uniform was spotlessly in order. An old but very ingrained habit, bred from long years working within the ranks of Section 31: always look your best. With a nod, she said simply "Gentlemen," then, to Barnes, she asked, "have you heard from any of the other staff officers yet?"

Upon seeing the Captain, Thomas couldn't help but to pull down on his uniform jacket, suddenly feeling under-dressed. Unlike her stark white dress uniform, the one hanging in his closet was enlisted blue-grey. "I'm afraid not, Captain. I'm sure they'll be here any minute."

Alec walked into the room; like Rhea he was in his dress white uniform. "Seems like I wasn't the only one with the idea to wear my dress whites." He of course had checked with Rhea on what she was going to wear, as he wanted them to present a united front to the admiral.

Miguel soon showed up wearing his dress uniform. His white jacket over his grey vest. He much preferred this latest version of the dress uniform to the one he had to wear when he first joined Starfleet. He knew it wasn't right, but for some reason it always reminded him of a skirt. This one to him seemed more dignified. "I hope you weren't waiting on little old me," he said as he looked around.

AJ followed close behind the engineer. He was dressed in the older black dress uniform with a black leather Sam Browne belt and a gold and blue aiguillette - remnants of his assignment as a Recruit Division Commander. It had served as a symbol of his authority to his recruits and they would follow him for the rest of his career. Stopping before he crossed the threshold, he checked himself over on the reflective wall screen. Pronouncing himself satisfactory, he walked into the transporter room, nodding to the assembled staff.

Nicole stepped in a moment later, tugging at her jacket, her Starfleet caduceus medallion and Rigellian Health Emblem shined and polished. "I feel like a bellhop," she said quietly to AJ as she stepped up beside him, gripping her black bag tightly.

Cassandra walked into the transporter room, smoothing her dress jacket. A few locks of her multicolored hair were braided in a halo around her head, just above her circlet, keeping the rest of her hair back. She also had her caduceus medallion on, and her travel bag with her. She nodded to the Captain and then to Nicole as she stood beside her.

Nicole did a double take as a minute later Cassandra walked in. "What the hell happened to you?"

"I beg your pardon?" Cass said, looking down at herself. "What's wrong with me?"

"Well, it looks like someone wrestled you into a uniform," Nicole said, grinning.

"Hardy, har, har," Cassandra said, but smiled slightly. *Reestablishment of a sense of humor. A critical step,* she thought.

The doors opened one more time and Penny came skidding to a halt at the end of the line, flashing a smile at Thomas, straightening her uniform and bouncing on her toes, ready to go.

The transporter room's comm system chirped to life. "Bridge to Transporter Room One," came LTJG Halloway's voice. "Helios is signalling they're ready to receive our staff."


Helios Colony


The familiar haze of the transporter room cleared away, revealing a somewhat disorganized scene. Looking about her, Captain Kennit spied a group of approaching officers, one of whom she now recognized as Admiral Macedo.

Standing to one side of Rhea, Alec looked at what could only be described as disorganized chaos. People were running from one place to another, like ants looking for sugar. Hopefully Admiral Macedo could give them a more detailed idea of what was going on as well as the state of the federation 'fleet' now trapped here.

Admiral Macedo hadn't gotten dressed up in days as he was working on clearing the area around where the Helios Saucer Section had crashed. He wasn't sure what he was to expect from the Captain but her looks were striking. He missed his darling wife at home on Earth or at least she was when he had left. He knew that he wouldn't stray from his wife but he could admire her looks. "Welcome to Helios Colony, Captain Kennith." He offered his hand out to the Captain.

Taking his hand in her own, she shook his hand with a firm, confident motion. "Allow me to introduce my First Officer," she said with a nod towards the Commander standing at her left. "Commander Alec Hunter. This is my second officer and Chief Engineer, Lt. Cmdr. Miquel Torres," the Captain continued, her slightly husky voice soft yet easily heard as she indicated a tall, muscular officer. Continuing, she said "And this is Lt. Penelope Naroot, my Chief of Navigation. Lt. JG Yarin, the Victory's Chief Science Officer." One by one, she quickly went through the group. "Lt. Cassandra Sanders, Chief Counselor. Lt. AJ Taggart, Chief Intelligence Officer. Chief Petty Officer Thomas Barnes, Chief Operations Officer. Lt. Matt Casey, Chief Security and Tactical Officer. And last, but not least, Lt. Nicole Anderson, the Victory's Chief Medical Officer."

Turning back to him, she then added, "and of course, you know me. Captain Rhea Katrijn Kennit," she said her name with a subtle, soft emphasis on the correct pronunciation of her last name, accompanied by a soft smile as she finished. "I regret we were unable to get back in time to be of much assistance during the initial crisis. Is there anything we can do now to provide assistance?"

The Admiral nodded. "Of course, there is plenty to be done around here. What I need though is someone who can assist with some clean up. But why don't we adjourn to a meeting room where we can discuss what can be done and how you can assist." He smiled, showing some personality as he led them to the meeting room he had ensured was stocked with refreshments. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please be seated and we will begin our discussion. Please help yourselves to refreshments."

Following the Admiral to the meeting room, Captain Kennit poured herself a glass of tea, then sat down at the meeting table. "We did encounter a small group of Klingon vessels while en-route back. The exploration group was under the command of General Kovar, he was...perturbed by the news of the gateway destruction, but rejected the offer to come to Helios Colony as well for further information than what we had to share. His group departed on friendly terms," she told him. "I believe they were intent on seeking out the course and path of the multi-generational vessel encountered by the USS Voyager during their initial journey through the Delta Quadrant. He seemed convinced there were more Klingon outposts established by the descendants of the original Klingon crew to be located and "accounted for" as he put it."

From his place at the table, Alec listened quietly as Rhea told of her meeting with the Klingons. From his own point of view he wished they were all back on the Victory out on patrol. Sitting here planet-side made him feel like a marked man; there was no place to go.

Yarin poured himself an Earth beverage, he was not sure which one but it had a pleasant enough, tart taste as he listened to the talks around him.

Tom didn't accept any of the available refreshments. His focus was on what the Admiral had to say.

Miguel took a sip of the ice water he had taken for himself as he listened to the two senior officers in the room talk.

Nicole sat down quietly, her eyes fixed on the Admiral, hanging on his every word. She sat on the edge of her chair, tense like a coiled snake, ready to strike at the first mention of "helping the wounded."

Diego cleared his throat slightly. "Thank you for coming so quickly. So many of our men and women have lost there lives during the Battle of the Round Table. Many ships have been destroyed as well as Starbase 900. The sheer destruction that the Borg have caused left us with little recourse. On my orders, the Transwarp HUB has been destroyed to prevent the Borg from entering Federation space. I did this with great reluctance and I wish there had been another way, as we all have family and friends who will miss us greatly. This is a great deal to ask of our people in the Delta Quadrant but I know that we are up to it. Our first order of business is to secure us a new source for material and foodstuffs, as our supplies can't last forever. I have tasked Rear Admiral Logan Atticus with going to Diagora Station and setting up a stake there. He has taken some of our damaged ships there to have repairs effected and to start working on a way to get home." He looked around the room. "Any questions so far?"

"How many Borg vessels took part in the assault?" Kennit asked. "Additionally, were any drones damaged enough to become separated from the Collective and were those drones taken for medical treatment? If possible, any information which might be obtained from possible Borg survivors could prove useful especially in determining when a second attack might take place." She looked at the Admiral, "During our in-bound journey, I did not see any indications of surviving subspace sensor net installations at the boundary of the sector. I would strongly suggest that priority be given to restoring the sensor net, the Borg will undoubtedly send a scout vessel into the outer edges of the sector to determine the extent of the damage sustained by the Federation forces here and use that information to adapt their plan of attack for a second strike." Her soft words gave voice to the residual Borg inside of her, what she herself would have done.. if she had not been separated from the Collective.

Diego nodded towards the Captain knowing she had valid points "Currently we are working on getting subspace communications back up and running but the 6 Borg ships that attacked this area went after our means of communications. Unfortunately we were unable to secure any Borg due to lack of ships that could handle the assignment. We are down to very few ships in this area as the severely damaged have went to Diagora Station to affect repairs. I haven't heard anything from a few of the smaller ships they were lost in the battle. Captain you seem to have quite a bit of knowledge of the Borg what are you suggestions?"

"The Victory is carrying a full complement of subspace probes normally sent ahead of us to provide additional data beyond standard long range scans, however, with a few adjustments the probes can be reconfigured to hold position where deployed and provide a stable if, limited sensor and communication net which can be utilized until a permanent system can be redeployed." the Captain told him. She paused for a moment, then said simply "And yes sir, I have had prior experience with the Borg during my career."

"Admiral...how many industrial replicators do you have here on Helios Colony and what class are they?" Miguel asked. The first of the crew to say anything. He was worried that with the number of refugees that the colony was due to get now that they would be severely short on resources. But his people might be able to enhance whatever was already at the colony.

"Admiral, if you need someone to fly patrol, I can do it with my fighter. That is until the probes are in place to form the sensor net." He finished looking at Rhea as he did.

"Ditto," Penny said. "And there might be a way to have shuttles that aren't quite space-worthy act as decoys and scanners if they can be piloted remotely."

"Admiral," Cassandra said, "I have established a substantial botanical bay on board the Victory. It's largely Earth-based plants and foods, but if we can find a suitable location to grow them, I can offer not only a large supply of seeds I've produced, but live specimens to graft sprouts from. It may not feed a colony tomorrow, but it will help establish long-term needs. If you let me know your needs and what you have available, I'm sure I can put together several hydroponics bays with any reclaimed materials you have."

Yarin piped up after finishing his drink, "I would like to offer my assistance in finding a suitable planet to build a new base on, should the need arise."

The Admiral looked at them "I like your ideas. Yes if you have sensors that are going to be of help we can certainly use what you can provide. We don't have near the resources and nothing will be coming from home. Once we get the damaged ships repaired we will start working on new ships to replenish those that were lost defending the Federation. As for replicators we don't have near the energy to run what we do have at all times. What we need is a steady source of Energy and a way to ensure we are getting supplies especially food and water. I have scouts rushing around trying to find what they can from Demeter. Also I did have Persephone Colony offer assistance on humanitarian basis but they wish us to be gone as this is there home. I do not wish to take up the offer fully at this point because it comes with a price. Our most grievously injured will be transferred to Persephone for now until USS Asclepius gets back closer and can take the injured to her med centers. Our communications are basically gone so whatever we have will need to be repaired. If you have any way to help while you are out on missions to repair those it would help a lot."

Captain Kennit nodded, "We should be able to make repairs to damaged communications buoys, even if it means we must cannibalize some of the buoys out there in order to obtain parts to bring what we can back online, with that combined with utilizing some of our sensor probes that should provide a functional communications network which should hold up long enough to allow time to get a more stable network in place, however.." she paused a moment. "None of this will do a bit of good should the Borg return for a second assault. We have heard about restoration plans, we have discussed the treatment of the injured.. but we have not discussed a plan for preparation and defense against another attack. From what I have observed since arriving in system, if you will forgive me Admiral.. a single Borg Cube could likely destroy what remains here easily."

Alec shifted his eyes but kept his face otherwise impassive to the Admiral to see his reaction as Rhea spoke honestly at what they had seen since entering the area of space surrounding the colony. Not to mention knowing what he now knew about her, if there was a Borg expert it was Captain Rhea Kennit.

"We should just assimilate them," Penny said, idly. She looked around as everyone suddenly stared at her. "Sorry, I was going for a 'just desserts' kind of joke."

"Actually," Nicole said slowly, "that's not a bad idea." She looked at Yarin. "We could reprogram a set of Borg nanites to attack the Borg."

AJ listened and his stoic expression slipped into one of sheer horror. The plan to modify nanites was bloody crazy at best, it would fail and when it did, it would fail spectacularly. Also, from what AJ knew, reversing assimilation was a complicated and excruciatingly painful process. Over 70 percent of the drones they had managed to get back didn't make it through the medical procedures.

Yarin thought about it for a moment "In theory it should be possible although there is much we do not yet know about the Borg and their nanites."

"I've had quite a bit of experience dealing with them," Nicole said. "We could reprogram them to begin disassembling the Borg ship. Eat it from the inside, like a cavity, creating more along the way. The cube would have a civil war on its hands!" She looked at the Captain. "It may not stop them entirely, but it could slow them down and wound them enough that conventional weapons could take them out."

Kennit wasn't speaking at all, but if looks could kill, the fire in the depths of her dark gaze would have incinerated the Doctor, and Yarin with a single glance.

"Your ideas are all wonderful. If you have hydroponics I may have to take samples for my science officers. We will require fresh food as it is hard to really use the power. Helios will be self sustaining eventually I will have scientists start working on some of the area closer to us and begin farming.I do have a request: we aren't planning to attack the Collective but I do need to know as much as possible about the Borg and the reasoning for their attacking Starbase 900. Are you up for a challenge?"

Still fixing Dr. Anderson with a burning gaze, Kennit answered "First thought...the attack was intended to prevent the Federation from expanding into the Delta Quadrant. No other civilization has withstood Assimilation, the Federation is a threat the Borg will not tolerate nor back away from." There was perhaps, a warning in that last statement for the Doctor as well. Kennit turned her gaze towards the Admiral then, and said "And yes sir. My ship and crew are ready for whatever challenge awaits."

Cassandra sighed. "We can expect another attack before long," she said. "As the Captain said, the Borg attacked, because they sensed a threat. Wasps attack when people get too close to the nest. Their first attack cut us off. Their next one will evaluate our strengths. The third will be the real attack. By that point, our best defense may very well be a good offense."

He nodded "Where would you get the supply of nanites that you all were talking about? It would be dangerous to get them from the Borg," Diego added, very curious as to how this would fall out.

No one spoke, though the look exchanged between Captain Kennit and Dr. Anderson was lethal...from both sides!

Kennit rose in a smooth, fluid motion and moved to stand next to the Admiral. With a nod of her head towards the computer console in front of him built into the table, she asked "If I may Admiral.."

The Admiral nodded "By all means Captain"

At his nod, she leaned over and with one hand deftly accessed her own personnel file from the database. Activating the holoprojector in the table, she accessed a specific file in the record and entered a classified password access code. A moment passed, and then in the center of the table hovering just a few inches from the table top the unmistakable image of a Borg Queen appeared. Body encased in form-fitting tight black leather-like armor, the expression in the Queen's too-dark eyes could only be described as murderous, arrogant, and filled with contempt. The smooth contours of her skull was marred by the only visible implants on her body. The holographic image was taken from a recording made by a Starfleet Marine's suit as indicated by the small id code in the bottom right corner. What could be seen of the background around her was dark, indistinct..

Captain Kennit looked down then at the Admiral, "As has been said previously Admiral.. I have had some experience with the Borg.."

Continuing in the silence, Kennit said. "After the upload of what Federation scientists refer to as 'the Royal Protocols', the knowledge and information possessed by the former Queen was downloaded into the cortical implant within my skull." Kennit said in an emotionless voice as she gazed at her own features, pale and somewhat mottled with unnatural gray color beneath her nearly translucent skin. "I was not fully adapted as a Queen, obviously.." Kennit answered. "As I retain my physical body intact and am standing here conversationally speaking with all of you, rather than having led the attack against the Federation otherwise," here she paused a moment before answering with a slightly more aggressive undertone to her otherwise calm voice, "This conversation would not be happening."

Macedo looked shocked and quickly covered it up. This is what she had been hiding and why parts of her file were inaccessible. Now did he trust her more or less now that he knew. Starfleet had to have done something to ensure that they were safe from influence by the Borg. "Interesting. Now I understand why your files are restricted. I assume StarFleet and the former Admirals of this Sector had reason to trust you which is why you are still ranked as a Captain and weren't removed from Fleet Command structure. I assume that it is not widely known of your background with the Borg, and that your crew are the few who actually knows of the duality of your nature." He said sounding a bit too much like a shrink. This was an interesting turn of events. "What can your nanites do?"

"Actually the only members of my crew who were aware of my unusual past were the Doctor and my First Officer," she told him. "That is one of.. many reasons why my personnel files are classified. I was only a Lt. Commander at the time.." she commented. "And they gave me command of the Endeavor after I brought it back in one piece after I stole it first.." she threw as a side comment, more just to rattle him than anything else.

She looked back at the Doctor, then said "And from what the good Doctor has told me, since the nanites in my blood reactivated in response to the increased Borg activity in this region.. I would imagine that the nanites in my blood are fully functional. I could hear an echo of the Borg attack fleet as it passed us, though I did not realize then that it was more than just a reoccurring nightmare at the time."

Now it was Cassandra's turn to stare at someone. That should have been something the Captain spoke to her about immediately.

Miguel was shocked at that bit of news. He had known Rhea for several years and yet that was something he didn't know about. It made him wonder when it had happened as well as what else he didn't know about. But then again they were all entitled to some secrets. Even he had some that he'd rather his new friends on this ship didn't know about.

The admiral was thinking. "Captain, if you can provide me information on the Borg it would be appreciated, as well as any samples your staff has for the hydropnics." He tapped a few buttons. "I have sent to you a list of available personnel that require new positions. Please take a look through these people as they will require new homes. Let me know if you would like any of them"

"Lt. Sanders will be happy to compile the data she has on the hydroponics work she's done aboard the Victory and see that the data is transferred to you," the Captain said with a mild glance towards the Counselor, who was still trying to glower at her commanding officer, no doubt a response to the revelation into Kennit's career history revealed minutes ago. "As for information on the Borg, that is quite a broad statement. You asked earlier as to whether or not my crew and I were up for a challenge...what was it you had in mind?"

Diego nodded "I need to find out any rumors of the Borg and what they are currently up to. We can't launch an attack on the collective. This could be dangerous as they have already taken out many of our ships and crippled us. As much information as you can get as to what they are currently doing is what I need. " Diego knew he was asking for potential suicide mission but he knew that this ship was well equipped and it wasn't damaged during the battle. "Can you get into and out of Borg Space without complications?"

Kennit nodded slowly, "Entering Borg space is no challenge at all. Obtaining information on the current objectives tasked to the assets of the unimatrix we penetrate and then returning could be challenging, but not impossible."

Diego nodded "I understand and this is a tough item to do but if you are willing to do it then that would be great. I won't order you into that position Captain because it is dangerous and could lead to deaths of many of your people. I will allow you to make the decision with your senior crew in peace. Let me know your decision in regards to this" Diego stood up and looked at each of the crew in turn locking eyes briefly with each one giving a small smile.

Captain Kennit rose as well, "I will report to you for final orders after we conclude our discussion Admiral."

Diego left the room so that the staff could have some time to chat.

The moment the door closed behind him, Kennit turned and looked at her gathered officers. "Well..." she said simply, waiting for responses.

"pekh," Nicole said irritably, running her hands through her hair.

Left eyebrow arched, the Captain cocked her head towards the Doctor and replied "Hol Qel. 'aj pagh Hon 'Ij. Hap teS meQ wej wIneH."
(translated: "Language Doctor. The Admiral is no doubt listening. We don't want to burn his sensitive ears.")

Yarin looked up with confusion. "Sensitive Human ears can spontaneously burn? How interesting."

"I was just going to say that," Penny said.

Cassandra put a restraining hand on Nicole's shoulder as the doctor sat up to make what was no doubt a snarky retort, and stood up slowly. "Captain," she said evenly, "with your permission, I would like to abstain from this vote. Seeing as my primary assignment here is completed, I will serve the crew either way. Whatever you decide, I will go along with it. In the mean time, I have botanical specimens to prepare for the Starbase, and I would like to have that done before we ship out."

Nicole stood up. "I would like to return to Sickbay as well," she said. "If we're going into Borg space, I'll need to make sure we have enough supplies and brief my staff. If we aren't, I'll need to coordinate with the Starbase for their medical assistance needs. However, I believe we are capable of braving the Hive and returning. I'll go."

"I'm already plotting escape routes if they catch us," Penny said. "I say let's sneak."

Alec had not spoken a word, after a moment to gaze at him the Captain said, "very well. Tend to your tasks but be aboard and ready for departure in 48 hours."

"Yes, Ma'am," Cassandra and Nicole said together, turning and rushing out of the room.

Yarin nodded and quietly left, following the two women.

Alec nodded his acknowledgement of Rhea's orders. Any concerns he had he would make in a private meeting with the Captain.

~*~

 

RSS Feed