Operation Crossword
Posted on Fri Apr 22, 2022 @ 12:12pm by Lieutenant Penelope Naroot & Commander Cullen Walker & Lieutenant Commander Miguel Torres & Lieutenant Commander Zachary Addams & Lieutenant Arashi Tanaka Mr. & Lieutenant JG Aergad Halvor & Lieutenant JG Ardal King & Fleet Captain Rhea Kennit
1,314 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
We Will Take Care of You
Location: Shuttlebay/Briefing Room
The bay doors opened and the stars sparkled around the ship they were facing. Its shuttle wasn't elegant, but it seemed sleek and efficient as it curved around and aimed for the shuttlebay doors. It approached slowly, passing through the forcefield with ease. The sound was minimal as it now passed deeper into the cavernous main shuttlebay and finally settled down on the deck. A hatch in the rear of the shuttle opened, and the sound of footsteps was heard as a dozen androids stepped out, three in the back each pushing a large box on antigrav carts. The other nine stepped forward, forming a semicircle and all gave a nod in greeting. At the front and center of the group was Oscar 12, and he stepped forward, approaching Captain Kennit. "Captain," he said. "I believe the appropriate response is, 'thank you' for allowing us to land."
Standing quietly as the shuttle arrived, Kennit watched the android diplomatic party as they disembarked their ship. She was immediately wary seeing the large box being unloaded, and hoped that up on the bridge Lt. Tanaka was already scanning the box to determine its contents.
When Oscar 12 addressed her, she nodded as she smiled slightly. “Oscar 12. You are very welcome aboard the Victory, we are honored to have you here. Allow me to introduce my officers,” She indicated Walker at her side. “This is my First Officer, Commander Cullen Walker, and this is Commander John Logan, our Chief Intelligence Officer.” The Captain turned slightly and gave a slight nod as she said, “This is Lieutenant JG Sydney Friedman, our ships Counselor and last but certainly not least, this is Lt. Commander Zachary Addams, our Chief Medical Officer.”
Walker nodded and brought his fist to shoulder in salute.
Oscar's "12" icon lit up, blinking rapidly as he tilted his head, looking at Logan, then at Addams. "We are unfamiliar with some of your crew," he said after a few moments. He looked around at the assembled group. "It is pleasurable to meet you," he said.
"So close," Zach said under his breath.
On the Bridge:
Miguel was in the command chair as he watched the arrival of the delegation on the main viewer. As soon as he saw the androids exit their craft he turned to Tanaka. "Scan that thing, let's make sure that it's no danger to our people." Miguel ordered as he got up from the chair and made his way over to the younger officer.
"Aye sir."Arashi said and scanned the vessel and made sure to be thorough. "Nothing to report at the moment, sir." He continued to scan, just in case he missed some discrepancies or something.
Penny let out a sigh of relief she'd been secretly glad Torres had taken over. She wasn't sure she wanted to face down the ship if they hailed again. She paused as a thought occurred to her, and she came to a decision. She tapped her combadge and spoke quietly. "Naroot to Torres.
Torres found it strange that Naroot would contact him over the combadge when they were both on the bridge. He moved over to the side. "Go ahead Lieutenant."
"Request permission to leave the bridge to attend to something for our guests."
"I think the Captain and everyone in the bay have that covered." he replied, but didn't say no as yet.
"Commander," she said quietly, "I think they would prefer if I handle it." She looked back at him, not wanting to elaborate. He knew the truth about her, she hoped he understood.
He simply nodded giving her the okay to leave.
"Thank you." Penny closed the channel and nodded for her replacement to take over before quickly leaving the bridge.
Shuttlebay:
Oscar looked at Kennit again. "We have brought equipment necessary to maintain our functions. We would prefer a private location to establish it. If you wish to inspect it prior to our use of it, that is acceptable." He stepped aside as one of the androids pushed the smallest of the three crates forward. "We have also been made aware of the human custom of bringing an offering, in order to ensure a peaceful negotiation. We have brought this."
They opened the crate, revealing a dozen bottles filled with an emerald green liquid. "We do not have a record of what the Makers called it, but Lord Mudd was quite fond of it, so we assume it is palatable to humans."
Smiling in response, the Captain gave a short, elegant nod of her head toward Oscar 12 and replied, “Thank you Oscar 12. Your gift is most appreciated and very thoughtful of you.” She paused then continued. “Private quarters can be made available for your use, if you have specific requirements just let Commander Walker know and he will do what he can to meet your needs,” the Captain answered.
Oscar 12 looked at Walker. "We will require access to the ship's power system in order to supply our power converters, that is all for now."
Walker answered, "I will have a member of Engineering and Operations set up an interface for you." He pulled out his padd and sent the directive. Chief of Engineering and Chief of Operations would get notified that I was assigning one of their's to the delegation support team.
Penelope came up behind them and stood on her tip toes to look at the assembled crowd over the shoulders of the rest of the group.
Zach glanced over and grinned at her and slipped silently back a step. "Thought you were manning the bridge," he said, quietly.
"Torres took over," Penelope whispered. "I wanted to see what they looked like. How often do we get to see real androids like this?"
"Can't say I blame you," he said.
Walker noticed Penelope about half an inch from fangirling. He chalked it up to her background in Sciences.
Oscar 12 looked back at Kennit. "We calculate a period of twenty-six will be required for your security teams to inspect our ship, cargo and selves, as well as to prepare for negotiations. Is 0900 an acceptable time tomorrow to begin?"
The Captain nodded, “That will be quite acceptable. Commander Walker will show you to the VIP quarters where you will be staying. And please, do not hesitate to ask if you need anything. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.”
Oscar 12 nodded and stepped up to Walker. "Lead the way, Commander," he said.
Penelope ducked out quickly before she got caught gawking and moved down the corridor.
Walker noticed Penelope, but kept on Business at hand. He motioned towards the door, "This way Gentlemen. A member of Ops and Engineering will be along shortly to set up your interface." He wasn't doubting their abilities, it was a matter of procedure.
Oscar nodded to the others who lined up in pairs behind him and followed him out of the shuttlebay.
Taking the to the Turbolift, he made a little small talk, Walker spoke, "I understand that academically, you all have the potential of being well versed. Do any of you have any Specialties?" The turbolift doors opened. He took them to the VIP Suits.
"Some of us were designed to carry out specific functions for the Makers, yes," Oscar said.
Motioning to the four sets of quarters, "These are all for you." The door opened on one of them. "They are identical, with the exception of painting motifs."
"The decoration is not relevant to our needs," Oscar said. He stepped inside and looked around. "These will be sufficient," he said.
Nodding. It was a logical assertion. "A member of Ops or Engineering should be arriving soon to set up an interface for you."
Oscar Twelve nodded. As Walker left and the doors closed, the androids began to wordlessly set up their equipment and continued planning contingencies to their plans to help.
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