Warning Order
Posted on Wed Jan 29th, 2025 @ 12:44am by Commander Kevin Lance
Mission:
Starbase 364
Location: USS Chuck Norris
Timeline: Current
on:
{USS Chuck Norris, Bridge}
“Engage the port thruster controls,” Lieutenant Walker’s voice came over the ship’s intercom. He was testing the electronic linkages between bridge consoles and the systems that they controlled. The systems themselves were disabled while they were being towed back to space dock by the Akira, but the flow of information from the bridge could still be checked.
“Applying one quarter power,” Kevin replied, his voice muffled by the respirator he wore over his mouth and nose. Life support was all but disabled since the crew had been transferred to the larger ship and the respirators issued to the engineering crew working on the Chuck Norris provided additional oxygen and filtered out the higher than normal levels of carbon dioxide aboard.
While Mira was enjoying the downtime, temporarily relieved from responsibilities of commanding the Norris, Kevin had found himself uncomfortable without anything to do. Rather than wander the Akira aimlessly, he jumped at the opportunity to assist the Chief Engineer in running diagnostic checks on the ship’s control systems.
“Increase power to one-half,” Walker asked.
“Affirmative,” Kevin answered, “How is that?”
There was no response from the Chief Engineer.
“Bridge to Engineer,” Kevin called out, “Port thruster power steady at one-half full. Acknowledge.”
Still no response.
Kevin was about to call out again when a voice behind him said, “Your comms are temporary inoperative,”
Kevin turned about in the Flight Conn chair and saw Shadow standing behind the Tactical console. At least he wasn’t sitting in the Captain’s chair. “I thought that you were gone,” Kevin said.
“Your extended hiatus in virtual reality did cause us to remove you from consideration for active operations,” Shadow admitted, “I, for one, was overjoyed to learn of your escape.
“What do you want,” Kevin asked peevishly.
“I need to tell you that you need to get your affairs in order,” Shadow replied, “It has been a while since you worked for us and conditions in your life are somewhat modified. Plus we are activating you for a longer mission.”
“That sounds ominous,”
Shadow shrugged, “All of our field agents keeps their affairs in order as a matter of course because, much like having a go-bag, such that they can be activated at a moment’s notice. Most operations give very little notice.”
“Who do you want me to kill this time,” Kevin asked flatly.
“That is unfair,” Shadow feigned being offended, “I have never asked you to kill anyone. You can’t hold me responsible for the decision that you make in the field.”
It irritated Kevin that Shadow was correct. Mostly, he had been asked to do things that protected Mira in some fashion. “What it is then?”
“You will receive temporary duty orders while your ship is being repaired. But it is merely cover for a covert assignment that you with be going on,” Shadow told him.
“What assignment?”
“You will be the pilot in charge of a mission into Klingon space,” Shadow explained, “A Federation-affiliated house is under siege and is expect to fall to a superior opponent. We need to retrieve the sole surviving heir to the linage.”
“How very humane of you,” Kevin said sarcastically.
Shadow looked a little chagrined, “I probably shouldn’t have told you that much but who are you going to tell?”
Kevin could tell a lot of people but the real question would be who would believe him. Receiving orders from a mystery man no one else had ever seen and never left a trace? Mira might believe him but anyone else would pack him off to the loony bin.
Shadow continued, “We are motivated by political reasons but it is nice to be rescuing someone for once. Make certain that your family is provided for. You will have little time once the Akira reaches Beta Antares.” And without another word, he disappeared.
“…ander Lance. Can you hear me?” Walker’s voice emitted from the comm panel.
“Affirmative, Lieutenant,” Kevin replied.
“Good,” Walker continued, “There was a short in the ship’s communications system but I was able to reroute the configuration. You can but power to the thruster.”
“Acknowledged,” Kevin answered as he adjusted the necessary controls.
:off
Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris
