Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?

Posted on Thu Nov 21st, 2024 @ 2:27am by Captain Mira Rodale & Commander Kevin Lance & Lieutenant Commander Awal Kronnelti & Lieutenant Tracey Walker Jr & Lieutenant Betaras K'ner

Mission: Red Matters
Location: USS Chuck Norris
Timeline: A Few Days After Change of Mission

on:

{Briefing Room, USS Chuck Norris}

Mira didn’t like keeping things from her command staff. But she was under strict orders. Sitting at the head of the table, she waited for her people to join her.

Once the officers of the senior staff were seated at the conference table, Mira activated the holographic projector, which transmitted a three-dimensional image of Ambassador Spock onto the seat to her left. One of the expansions of holodeck technology, the avatar was a life-like copy that the crew could physically interact with. Moreover, the Vulcan would see and hear everything that was going on in the command conference room as if he were present rather than in a ship billions of kilometers away.

The sudden “appearance” of the elder Vulcan wearing a high collared white and silver diplomat’s jacket caused a general reaction of surprise amongst the staff similar to the one Mira had experienced when she received the Ambassador’s communication.

“Alright, settle down,” Mira ordered with a slight smile on her face, “I take it from your reaction that everyone knows who our visitor is, so I will dispense with introductions. Our orders are to escort the VSS Jellyfish to an undisclosed location. The Ambassador has already given us a heading, and we are to continue at full emergency warp until we arrive at our destination. Before we reach that point, Ambassador Spock will inform us of the rest of the mission when he feels the time is right.”

“Which is now,” the Vulcan continued, “An ancestor of mine once observed the only natural element that travels faster than light is rumor.” A nervous titter arose from the assembled officer. The Ambassador’s half-human side was possessed of a dry wit.

“Many of you will know of the threat that the impending supernovae of one of the Romulan suns poses to the galaxy. Vulcan and Federation scientists have devised a plan to use red matter to create a black hole at the center of the star, which will cause its collapse and prevent the supernovae. The red matter will be delivered by a modified photon torpedo that will isolate and protect the red matter when it is fired into the star.”

“The Romulan Empire has been informed and is cooperating, but on the chance that someone or something interferes, your ship will provide escort and assistance as needed. Getting my ship, the Jellyfish, into firing range is your primary concern. The lives of many billions of sentient beings depends on this.”

Mira nodded as she looked at her people to see if they understood how important this was. Of course, she would have preferred not to bring her children into this, but leaving them behind wasn’t going to happen either. She also would have preferred that her ship had been fully repaired, but... That didn't look like it was going to happen.

Hearing Spock talk about this, it drew concern to Awal. He has heard stories about this star as a young Klingon child.

but having to fire a specialized photon torpedo into it put a lot of weight and pressure on him, he refused to show it.

K'ner made surreptitious notes, as usual, so she could brief her teams. "I'm guessing Lt Walker will need some assistance if we're to be battle-ready, or as best we can under the current conditions?"

Trace didn't notice his name being mentioned, as his thoughts were entirely taken up by remembering the previous night in his quarters when Geneva had worn that little black nighty with the lace he had bought her from the Starbase promenade shop.

"Pardon me Ambassador but our current course doesn't take us to Romulus," Kevin pointed out.

"Indeed, it does not. Your current course was the most logical to intercept my own. Within the next two hours you will change course to align with my course," Spock replied, "but even your ship will not be able to avoid being overtaken and outrun by the Jellyfish." He turned to Trace, "Lieutenant Walker?"

Trace was jolted from his thoughts by the Ambassador directly addressing him, "Yes, sir?"

"I have sent over calculations and procedures for modifying your engines' warp field to increase speed output," Spock continued, "It exceeds the design parameters but will allow the Chuck Norris to arrive at Romulus shortly after I do."

Trace swallowed hard, then nodded. While he was doubtful everything would work perfectly, he did not doubt that the Ambassador knew a thing or two that he did not. "Very good, I'll get started right away."

Mira was quiet as she let her crew get their instructions and ask their questions. It was best to let everyone do their jobs. Walker worried her. His attention was normally on the job, but clearly, it was elsewhere. Perhaps she should insist on more counseling? She hadn't gotten the details, but it would seem Geneva and Walker were spending too much time on the holodeck at the base. She turned her attention back to the most immediate problem.

Mira turned to Spock "Sir how is the evaluation going on Romulus?"

"Slower than we would like. With the destruction of the Utopia Planitia shipyards and the resignation of Admiral Picard, our supplies of ships are low." Ambassador Spock told her. "Thor has been of great help . Thank you for getting him involved."

She nodded. Promises made to the Romulans weren't being kept she was happy her uncle had sent his cargo ships to add in transferring people, but it might be too little too late.

Awal spoke up, Ambassador Spock sir. This specialized photon torpedo may I have further details on it?

Spock turned to the Tactical Officer, "Lieutenant Commander Kronnelti, isn't it? The torpedo itself is unremarkable, standard case, engines and navigational systems. The cargo however, is highly specialized, designed to withstand the heat and pressure of fusion reaction until the device reaches the heart of the star. You need not worry much about it, however. I will be launching the torpedo from the Jellyfish."

Kevin looked around at the other officers. "Last chance for questions," he said.

"Will we be taking on any passengers? Or otherwise aiding in the evacuation while we are here?" K'ner asked.

Spock shook his head no.

Mira had many questions like, why pick a small ship for a huge task? One that hadn't even been fully repaired. The other questions she had asked, he had just given her the Vulcan eyebrow. Mira, being who she was, had, of course, sarcastically matched it right back at him with an eyebrow of her own.

He hadn't given her the answers she wanted to hear, and that blasted direct order he gave her was to not talk to anyone about the mission. She had always hated being kept in the dark by her commanding officers, so of course, this didn't sit well with her. She had made a promise to herself she wouldn't be that way. She wanted to be open and connected to her crew. Her fingertips rubbed her forehead, feeling another headache coming. She has gone in with the baby and gotten another checkup. The nurse had just smiled, nodded, and then left without saying another word. Mira figured that if something was wrong, K'ner would contacted her.






OFF:

Lt Betaras K'ner
Hazard Team Combat Medic TL-B / CMO
USS Chuck Norris

&

Captain Mira Rodale
CO USS Chuck Norris

&

Lieutenant Commander Awal Kronnelti
Chief of security and tactical
USS Chuck Norris

&

Lieutenant Tracey Walker
Chief Engineer
USS Chuck Norris

&

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris