Let the Game Begin with a Few Old Friends

Posted on Sun Feb 21, 2021 @ 6:04pm by Lieutenant Nicole Anderson & Major General Christopher Mitchell & Commander Cullen Walker & Lieutenant Commander Miguel Torres & Lieutenant Penelope Naroot & Lieutenant Arashi Tanaka Mr. & Lieutenant AJ Taggart & Lieutenant JG Aergad Halvor & Lieutenant JG Camille Lévesque PhD & Lieutenant JG Ardal King & Senior Chief Petty Officer Samantha Summers & Fleet Captain Rhea Kennit

3,963 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Archangel
Location: USS Victory

[Bridge]

After finishing the briefing, the Captain returned to the Bridge. She wasn't one to waste time, and her first thought as to how to get started in this little investigation they'd been tasked to was to pay a visit to some...

Old Friends.

Crossing the bridge toward her seat, the Captain said "Ms. Naroot. Set course heading 215 mark 7." According to the navigation charts, there was nothing there, however the Captain said, "Its time to pay a friendly visit, no major hurry but.. lets give the slipstream drive a run shall we? That should have us there in about 8 hours, well within tolerance for the slipstream drive."

"Aye, Captain," Penny said, plying her boards. "215...mark seven?" She turned. "You want to fly out to the middle of nowhere?

Kennit just smiled, "Trust me Lieutenant, that part of space is not nearly as empty as they want you think".

Penny's head tilted as she cross referenced her database and came to a conclusion. "Mark 7 it is," she said, turning back to the helm and entering the course, plotting the path there.

"Thank you Lieutenant. Steady as she goes.." the Captain replied.

The next eight hours passed smoothly, the Victory's slipstream drive operating flawlessly. Upon arrival at the designated coordinates, the slipstream drive automatically disengaged and the ship dropped back into normal space. On the main viewscreen there was exactly, nothing.

Just empty space. Distant stars cast their light like glimmering gems against a black velvet backdrop.

Or, so it appeared.

The Captain, who had been enjoying a delightful snack in the form of a fresh, crisp apple which she'd been slicing pieces from in order to eat was sitting in her seat, legs crossed.

Gazing at the viewscreen, she stood up while at the same time cutting another bite of her apple which she popped into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. Swallowing, she licked her lips and then activated the comm system with a touch of a finger to the controls set by her seat.

Her voice was soft, almost seductive as she began to speak.

"Once upon a time there was an old mother pig who had three little pigs and not enough food to feed them. So when they were old enough, she sent them out into the world to seek their fortunes.

The first little pig was very lazy. He didn't want to work at all and he built his house out of straw. The second little pig worked a little bit harder but he was somewhat lazy too and he built his house out of sticks. Then, they sang and danced and played together the rest of the day.

The third little pig worked hard all day and built his house with bricks. It was a sturdy house complete with a fine fireplace and chimney. It looked like it could withstand the strongest winds.

The next day, a wolf happened to pass by the lane where the three little pigs lived; and she saw the straw house, and she smelled the little pig inside. That old wolf, she thought the pig would make a mighty fine meal and hermouth began to water.

So she knocked on the door and said," and here her voice dropped, becoming gruff and menacing as she continued the fairy tale's famous line. "Little pig! Little pig! Let me in!"

The Captain's voice returned to it's former cadence and tone as she then said, "But the little pig saw the wolf's big paws through the keyhole, so the first little pig answered back:", and now her voice became high pitched and nasal as Kennit said "No! No! No! Not by the hairs on my chinny chin chin!:

Once more, her voice went into storyteller mode as she continued, "Then the wolf showed her teeth and said," and here again, her voice dropped, gruff and menacing. "Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!"

Kennit continued, her voice altering as she deemed necessary as she continued the story.

"So she huffed and she puffed and she blew the house down! The wolf opened her jaws very wide and bit down as hard as she could, but the first little pig escaped and ran away to hide with the second little pig.

The wolf continued down the lane and she passed by the second house made of sticks; and she saw the house, and he smelled the two little pigs inside, and her mouth began to water as she thought about what a fine meal they would make.

So she knocked on the door and said, "Little pigs! Little pigs! Let me in!"

But the little pigs saw the wolf's pointy ears through the keyhole, so they answered back, "No! No! No! Not by the hairs on our chinny chin chin!"

So the wolf showed her teeth and said, "Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!"

So she huffed and she puffed and she blew the house in! The wolf was greedy and she tried to catch both little pigs at once, but her jaws clamped down on nothing but air and the two little pigs scrambled away as fast as their little hooves would carry them, squealing in panic and fear as they ran!

The wolf chased them down the lane and she almost caught them. But they made it to the brick house and slammed the door closed before the wolf could catch them. The three little pigs. Oh, they were so very frightened, they knew the wolf wanted to eat them. And that was very, very true. The wolf hadn't eaten all day and now she had worked up a large appetite chasing those silly little pigs around and now she could smell all three of them inside and she knew that the three little pigs would make a lovely feast.

Captain Kennit walked toward the ship's navigation and weapons console where, with a light tap on Penny's shoulder she slipped into the seat beside her navigations officer, where the Captain raised the ship's defensive shields and then began to bring the Victory's weapons systems online. Manually, she began to slowly enter targeting coordinates as she began the final part of her little story.

So the wolf knocked on the door and said, "Little pigs! Little pigs! Let me in!"

But the little pigs saw the wolf's dark eyes through the keyhole, so they answered back, "No! No! No! Not by the hairs on our chinny chin chin!"

So the wolf showed her teeth one last time and, in a voice so filled with menace the very tone of her words seemed to somehow darken the light on the Bridge as she said, "You don't have a chimney, or a hearth to start a fire, little pigs. And I will huff. And I will puff. And I will blow your house down with a full spread of quantum torpedo's, aimed right at your front door."

She paused for a heartbeat, then said "Three. Two..."

Before she could reach 'one', the space before them shimmered and shifted as a cloaked starbase revealed itself. The station was painted a dark, deep gray color and on it's primary hull, painted across the smooth rounded curve of what was undoubtedly the station's control section was the UFP symbol, overlaid by the sigil of Starfleet, and Section 31.

The image solidified and then, the comm system chimed with an inbound transmission. Standing up straight, the Captain said "Put it on screen."

As the holographic image appeared, a man with dark hair, a dark goatee style beard and face flushed with outrage appeared. Captain Kennit smiled, though her eyes were dark and ice cold as she said, "Why hello there little pig..."

"What in the hell do you think you're doing here?" the man said, spitting half the words. "Identify yourselves and explain why you shouldn't be shot out of the sky."

From her station on the Bridge, SCPO Summers looked at the screen then at the Captain. "Captain...umm..I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."

Not reacting to Summers’ comment, the Captain instead just burst out laughing at the words of the Commander on the screen. “Who am I? I am Fleet Captain Rhea Katrijn Kennit, commanding officer of the USS Victory, and an officer of the Theoretical Research Division of Section 31.” On the screen, the mans facial expression changed sharply at her words, as well it should. She’d just identified herself to those who knew what the TRD really did as being a authorized killer. “Some have said I am the right hand of God, and I would add that I am the boot which will summarily kick your ass all the way back to the Alpha Quadrant if you speak to me in so disrespectful a tone again is that clear. Commander?” she added after a moment to pointedly look at the rank insignia on his uniform.

Commander Gary Grissom was already a pale man, but his face went several shades lighter. "The-the-theortical Research Division?" he said, swallowing hard. "I'm sorry, Captain. I wasn't aware anyone from there was in the area." He quickly hit a few buttons off screen. "How can be we be of service?"

“A transmission was sent from this station which contained references to ‘the Rod of Aaron’ as well as the term ‘archangel’. I am going to need full access to your communications system in order to determine who sent it out, where it was sent, and whether or not other transmissions containing the relevant search criteria for my task are found.”

Grissom's jaw twitched. "I'll put in for authorization, Captain, but I can't promise Captain Beechwood will be accommodating." He tapped a panel next to him. "You should be receiving coordinates to enter the hanger."

“Oh no. I will not be bringing my ship into your hanger. Victory will hold position here, and I will transport over momentarily along with my security escort.” Kennit answered.

"I'm sorry, Captain, but all transport signals are immediately scrambled. I can arrange a shuttle pad cleared for you," Grissom said.

One eyebrow rose at his words, and something in the Captain's dark gaze sent an ice cold tremor creeping down his spine. All she said however, was, "very well, Commander. A shuttle it is."

Grissom looked relieved. "Thank you, Captain. Landing pad E is cleared and ready for you."

From out of the blue (as far as space can be called blue), another craft appeared. Small, yet light, bristling with various antenna and nasty looking guns, the ship slowed to an crawl and then stopped.

As Penny brought the ship around, her board lit up. "Captain....we're being hailed."

“Someone from the station?” Kennit asked.

"No," she said, "another ship."

“Identify them.” Kennit ordered. “Yellow alert, raise shields and bring weapons systems online. Target that ship.” the Captain replied without hesitation.

The viewscreen blinked and then on the screen, appeared a man in some type of homemade uniform. He looked to be about in his early 30's, dark hair, deep blue eyes, and an lopsided grin. He flicked on a switch, and his voice boomed throughout the Victory's speakers. "How ya do, ladies and gents? Don Wan is my name, adventure is my game! I'm pleased to see so many folks and their versions of space travel in this remote neck of the neighborhood! Are you folks lost, or are you searching for someone or something? For an modest price, I'm sure I could help you with your search, or help you find the way out of this section of blank space. I know someone who knows some folks, and for a price, they can help you do away with your problems. Though I must admit, I will also require a modest finders fee for assisting you gallant folks in your cause! What do you say?" Wan flashed an toothy smile at those watching & listening.

*Assuming he lets us get a word in,* Penny thought.

“This is the Federation starship Victory. You have violated Federation secured territory. Leave now, while I’m willing to give you the opportunity.” Kennit answered.

The gentleman on the screen sighed. " Now....*why* so fast to be spiteful? Haven't you even *pondered* the *possibility* that I may be of help? And to a Lady fair and photogenic as yourself ?" Wan smiled and waved his hand at her in respect, and slightly bowed.

“You are running out time.” was all Kennit replied. An alien here, at a black ops Section 31 station. She didn’t really even need to issue a warning and could simply reduce this Don Wan and his ship into component atoms.

Wan shook his head in slight disbelief, as he stared over the Captain's shoulder towards the form of Summers. He *actually* looked like his face was turning ashen, and he shook his head in what appeared to be disbelief. " Andrea.. " He whispered. Heads on the Bridge slightly turned towards Summers, whom was staring at the View Screen. Summers just shook her head. " Who in all the Cosmos is this ' Andrea ' he's talking about..and *why* is he looking at me ?!?!? " Wan spoke softly, barely audible on the Bridge. " She...is..was...my one and only....the only one that ever *truly* understood me. And now...she...you...has..have..returned.." Summers shook her head violently. " Sorry..neither !!!! " She yelled at the screen.

Wan turned back to the Captain. " Madam, *if* you will give me your word that no 'shots' will be fired, I will lower my shields so that you may beam over *this* item. " Wan took what looked to be an round object from his vest pocket. " It is an picture of my beloved Andrea, taken much time ago; but if you look it over I am sure you will have questions, for me, and for (pointing at Summers,) her. Will you oblige?"

Kennit was too busy pondering how much of a mess Summers was going to add to an already sticky problem .. and didn’t answer right away, being busy staring daggers at the officer in question, debating if it really was not too late to execute the Romulan spy after all.

"Capitaine?" This was Camille, sitting at Science and trying to get all the readings she could off the starbase when this new ship interrupted everything. "This man is a wanted criminal. Don Wan, multiple known aliases. He's kept his record mostly clean in Federation space but warrants have been issued on nine Allied and Protectorate worlds, including Haven, Angel One, Straleb, Krios, and Rubicun III. Some smuggling charges, but also various accusations of impropriety. Sending a summary to your chair screen." And now here he is, close to a secret military installation run by our presumed enemies, she thought.

Wan looked on at the interrupter's image in semi disgust. " Captain, if I *may?* " Wan spoke. " Those 'warrants' that person speaks of are an mistake. The 'Gentlemen' that they pertain to 'were' co-workers of mine, **but!**when I found out that they were ruthlessly 'slicing the top off of the stalk,' so to speak, to fatten *their own coffers,* I dismissed them from my employment, and notified the necessary people of Law. "

The Captain looked toward her First Officer, “Mr. Walker. Our primary mission is of considerable importance and I do not have time to waste dealing with this. I need for you to oversee a resolution to this.” She pointed at the view screen, “Get rid of this issue. Under no circumstances does he board this ship. If he attempts to do so, try not to get too much of his blood on the carpets, they’re still new.” Pointing next at Summers, she said “Summers does not leave this ship. There is a transport inhibitor in effect around the bridge. If she tries to leave, dissuade her. Maintain a guard and see that she behaves. I want that ship gone within the hour, or else we will destroy it.” She paused, shook her head and added “Considering where we are and that base, we may have to do that shortly anyway.”

Sitting in his chair, Walker nodded, "Consider it done."

“You have the conn, Number One.” Kennit told him. “I will be taking a security detail to the station.” With that, and a last glowering stare at Summers the Captain left the Bridge.

Summers looked at the Captain as she was leaving. "Captain, I don't want to leave this ship, I don't know whom that idiot is, and if he were to ever approach me I'd chop his head off!"

The Captain paused, cocked her head to one side then said simply "If you mess up my new carpets, you had best learn to swim through open space.." with that she entered the 'lift and was gone.

Summers just sputtered. " Why that *Expletive-Deleted,* " she muttered under her breath. " By the Gods, I love that broad." She also muttered in an whisper.

"If anyone has a problem with the letter or the spirit of the Captain's directive let me know," Walker said. No one said a thing. "Good. Tactical, I want a thorough scan of that vessel on my console 2 minutes ago. Summers, you don't leave the bridge without my permission. I will arrange for you a detail." Detail was one of the terms for a job assignment, in this case, she would get a security escort, as both a Babysitter and for her protection. Summers nodded her head in agreement, and winked back at Walker.

From his command chair on his ship, Wan had heard the whole ruckus. " My goodness, you *are* an loud group of folks, aren't you. Well, You can't say I didn't try. Be seeing you !!! " And with those words, Wan, and his ship **vanished.**

Laughing, Walker spoke, "What a worthless punk." He grinned and looked at the crew, "Maybe we should be more tactful and mute communications when discussing cause and effect statements about intellectual and moral substandards."

Summers looked over at Walker. " Sir, standing by for your orders. " She then turned back to her console and slightly smiled.

----

Inside the 'lift, she requested that the computer take her to her quarters and then, as the 'lift the traveled she tapped her comm badge. "Kennit to Lt. Tanaka."

Tanaka pressed the tab on his communicator "Yes captain?" Arashi responded.

"I need for you and one other security officer to meet me in the hanger bay in 15 minutes, duty dress uniform. Look sharp. We are going over to the station and I intend to make an impression." Kennit told him. Next, she contacted the hanger and gave instructions for a Valkryie to be prepped and ready for launch in 15 minutes time, with shuttle pilot and co-pilot dressed in duty dress.

"Roger that. Will be there in 15 minutes." He said and grabbed his duty dress uniform to put on. He made sure that he told one of his subordinates to do the same and meet the captain and him in the hanger bay in 15. He holstered a small type 1 phaser just in case. After that he headed to the hanger bay.

AJ had been monitoring internal communications at the Security console when he saw Captain Kennit on a brief communication with Lieutenant Tanaka. Tapping it, he caught the tail end of her request to meet her in the Hanger Bay. Immediately after she terminated her signal, AJ immediately tapped his own combadge. "Taggart to Tanaka. I just picked up on the Captain's request, mind if I join you?" he asked.

"Yes sir. But I don't see why you needed to ask my permission." Arashi said as he went to meet the Captain. "You are welcome to join us and I am sure that we could use your help."

When the turbolift door opened to let the Captain out, Lt. Commander Miguel Torres was standing there waiting for her. "So what's going on?" he asked her. After all being in engineering so much usually meant that he had no idea what the the current deal was. Unless of course he happened to be up there for a briefing. There were times he preferred it that way. This wasn't one of those times.

With a slight wave of her hand to indicate he should walk with her, the Captain headed toward her quarters as she answered. “I have no idea. Considering the players involved it is far too early to speculate. I am going over to the station shortly and I intend to at least find a few pieces of the puzzle.”

"And how do you intend to do that?" he asked her as he walked along beside her.

“Well..” Rhea said in a slow drawl. “Initial information provided to me indicates that a coded message which referenced this Archangel was sent from that station over there. The message data includes security tags which tell us the message was sent from the stations communication system, and these are subtle little bastards which Section 31 adds and they can’t be faked as the system uses a varying encryption decided by a specialized AI so there is no way to fake it. And while they can try to hide it i their system,” she paused held up her left hand and wiggled her fingers as a pair of sliver Borg tubules snaked out and retracted. “They can’t hide it from me.”

"That seems too easy." he told her. Even with her Borg abilities. But then again he always told her that at some point those they were dealing with would start to take those abilities into account.

Reaching her quarters, she opened the door and walked inside as she said, “Oh no. Nothing about this is going to be easy. It never is.”

"Keep that in mind. Especially since you like to keep going on these dangerous missions." he told her.

She looked at him, pursed her lips a moment then said "We spend our days aboard a starship which utilizes a matter/anti-matter reaction to power a warp drive to allow us to go zooming about through space. Every moment, of every day is dangerous aboard a starship even though we manage to convince ourselves we're all safe and sound. I have faced far more dangerous situations than anything going on aboard that station, and so have you. Besides. The officers over there think they know who, and what I am. But the reality of it is, what I am is far worse than the juiciest bit of gossip they've ever discussed while sitting around a duty station on mid-watch."

"That's because in the 400 years since we discovered warp travel it's virtually predictable, unlike the minds of an individual." He told her. "Besides it would take a disaster so massive.... like maybe all dilithium going inert at once, to force us to rethink how we fly through space."

She looked at him a moment, bemused. “You’re one of those conspiracy theorists aren’t you?” Rhea chuckles as she patted his shoulder, “All the dilithium going inert at once. You have too much free time on your hands...”. Waking past him she went to change her uniform.

"After meeting you and seeing things that most people don't?" he asked as he walked over to a nearby chair and took a seat. "I might be considering becoming one."

Glancing over her shoulder at him, she half smiled and said “And just consider .. you’ve not seen anything.”

"Oh I've considered it... just not sure what to feel about it yet," he returned her half smile with one of his own.

 

RSS Feed