Into the Mirror - Part 1
Posted on 2024, Thu Nov 7th, @ 9:31am by Admiral Christopher Townsend & Commander Kate Townsend & Lieutenant Commander B'Orak & Lieutenant Aubrie Fox & Lieutenant Lillian Hansen & Major JB Dersch & Petty Officer 1st Class Kate Bock & Petty Officer 1st Class Olivia Ponton & Commodore Paul Sleeford & Commander MOO Richardson IX & Commander Ardon Devasia
3,927 words; about a 20 minute read
Mission:
E1 "Shadows of the Empire"
Location: Risa
Timeline: 1 Month After All Current Missions
Admiral Townsend, having thoroughly enjoyed the fulfilling shore leave, now settled back into his role aboard the USS Halo. Taking a seat in the center chair, he glanced around the bridge, feeling a sense of calm before the ship’s departure. “Helm, status report,” he called out, his voice steady. As the reports began streaming in, he started reviewing the latest readouts about the Halo, shifting his mindset from relaxation back to command, ready to guide the crew on their next mission.
Moo Richardson walked up to Lt Fox, and handed the P.a.d.d showing the current watch rotations and assigned patrol routes to the Tactical Officer, then said. "I am en route to Engineering. They keep trying to put my assigned security watch to work. I have them stationed there to keep someone who does not belong there from sneaking in. This does not mean that they can be put to work there. I don't mind them participating in the Damage control drills, as that is an all-hands evolution. But I draw the line of them cleaning Jefferies tubes. After that, I will be down with the marines, combat trials will tell me how good my Marines are."
"Copy that Commander" Fox Responded
Moo then headed to the turbo lift.
B'Orak turned from his station. "All is set to go, sir," he reported confidently.
Admiral Townsend nodded, settling into his chair. "Paul, thoughts on our current readiness?" he asked, directing his attention to his XO.
Sleeford sat to the right of the Admiral, his new red uniform strange to him, he'd came back early from shore leave and spent three days going over everything, from the floor of the lowest deck to the ceiling of the bridge, the Halo was as ready as she'd ever be to depart, all department heads had reported in as ready and as always Sleeford hoped the medical team was stood too and not active for the entire mission, it meant no one had been injured.
"We're as ready as we're going to be Admiral, all departments report green and ready to go"
"Thanks. Lt. Fox, Hows Security?" Asked Townsend
Before Townsend could ask another question, Lt. Aubrie Fox, the ship’s Sec/Tac officer, chimed in from her station. "Sir All security measures and Officers are in place. And and Ready per usual for anything" She gave a quick nod, her sharp attention to detail reflecting her readiness for any potential threats.
Sleeford smiled as Fox pre-empted the admiral, she'd always been a smart cookie.
Townsend then shifted his gaze to the helm, then to Paul. "Commander, Take us out at your discretion, Paul, You have the Bridge"
Sleeford nodded once, "Aye Admiral. Comms request permission to depart. Helm, Move us off the dock, RCS thrusters only. Once clear, one-quarter impulse. At ten thousand meters, heading 128, mark 234, warp 6. "
B'Orak nodded. "Setting course for Star Base 113"
Townsend nodded and stood and began to walk to the Ready room. =/\= Townsend to Ardon, Could you please meet me in the Observation Lounge=/\=
=/\= On my way, Sir. =/\= Ardon replied.
As the Admiral left, Sleeford relaxed a little, turning his attention to the various 'seats' around the bridge. The crew working to get the ship out of dock, as the Halo slowly departed and turned to her new heading Sleeford sat back in his chair and waited for the warp engines to kick in.
Sitting there glancing down at the small screen in the arm of the chair, Sleeford shifted and stood, walking over to where Fox was stationed, placing one hand on the back of the chair he looked over her shoulder, glancing down st her he smiled.
"Sorry old habits and all"
Aubrie smiled back. "All Good, Not everyday a Commander gets promoted to Commodore" Fox said with a smile and wink.
Standing back Sleeford watched the panorama of stars as the Halo made her way towards Starbase 113, feeling like a spare part, Sleeford made his way back to the command area and sat back down, he wondered if all command staff felt the same way. Most if not all where capable of doing every job on the bridge, either as a former departmental head or cross trained. In his own case he could do tactical and security well enough, operations and engineering at a push, environmental after a fashion, well they'd have air to breath, science he'd struggle with.
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It didn't take Dr Ardon Devasia long to get to the observation deck. It had been one of the first places he visited after getting settled aboard the Halo. That first time was for the remembrance of all who died on the Resolute.
"You wanted to see me, Admiral"? Ardon said.
Chris was standing in the middle of the viewing port watching the stars streak by when he entered. Chris turned. "Yes, I got a message from Star Fleet Medical Concerning you"
"Starfleet Medical? Well now this is an auspicious occasion. What did the good folks at Starfleet medical have to say, Sir?" Ardon asked curiously.
"They want you at Medical to head a new Branch being made, Its to focus on Temporal Affects and Different minds of Alt Selfs affecting us in this timeline." Chris told Ardon as he turned.
Ardon had just gotten here now he was being given a new assignment. That didn't take log.
"Where and when do I depart Sir?" Ardon asked.
"They would..." Chris didn't have time to finish his sentence as the ship suddenly lurched forward, throwing both of them toward the exit. The piercing blare of the red alert klaxons filled the air, and the ship immediately shifted into an automatic red alert.
The LCARS panels around them flared to life with deep crimson hues, each display pulsing rhythmically in sync with the blaring red alert alarms. The usual cool blues and purples of the interface were now replaced with intense, throbbing reds that seemed to breathe in and out, casting a sense of urgency throughout the bridge. Each pulse was accompanied by a subtle flicker, accentuating the gravity of the situation. The overhead lights dimmed slightly, allowing the crimson glow to dominate, bathing the surroundings in an ominous, alert-ready ambiance as the ship prepared for whatever threat loomed ahead.
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Kate walked into Med bay and went to the CMO office. "Commander, Thanks again for helping with the Baby reveal, Maybe we can do it while on Star Base 113"
"Good Morning, Commander, my pleasure, Did you have a specific time or place you wanted to do this? How are you? Are you sleeping alright?", Ardon asked.
Dr. Devasia was always pleased to see Kate, she was turning out to be one of the more pleasant aspects of this assignment. She was a gifted Psycologist, and had the pulse and mental well being of the crew in hand.
"I was thinking having like a welcome party for the Crew that transferred in from the Resolute after the Crash, Like our new Chief Security Officer, Oh what's his name, Wait it was Commander Richardson"
"His name is Moo (Pronounced Moe) He is a friend of mine, come I will introduce him to you if you like?" Ardon asked.
"If you that would be very helpful, I have been going through current rosters, we got some new comers, mostly new ensigns or Lt's. so I haven't had the chance to meet" Kate replied.
"Right this way please." Ardon said.
Moo walked into medical to get a clean bill of health, his fit for full duty certification and a splinter removed. He did not know how he got a splinter in his upper back, but it was driving him crazy. It was an itch that he could not scratch. Looking around for a nurse, he sat fuming.
Hansen walked up. "Lilly Hansen, How can I help you?" This is the last trip she will have with the Halo crew, after that she was moving to the Voyager.
Moo said, "I am here to get a clean bill of health, my fit for full duty certification, and a splinter removed. The sliver is most annoying. I can't reach it. I require it to be removed with most haste." Moo tried to not grimace, and take his anger out on the poor nurse, but not having a holodeck readily available to release his frustration on was starting to frazzle his nerves.
"Alright, Let me get the tools, How long has it been there?" Asked Hansen
"Dead center of my back." Moo replied, "It was an annoying little itch, that just kept getting worse. I first noticed it the day after the crash.!"
"Wait, Say you were on the Resolute right?" Hansen asked as she walked back over.
Moo carefull took off his jacket, showing Lt. Hansen, the pinhole in it, Then said, "Yes, I was only on there for 3 days. I was a last minuet transfer. I spent more time at the crash site than doing my job on the ship.I would take off the armored vest, but it seems to wiggle the sliver when ever I try. It becomes quite painfull. However, With your assistance I am willing to try."
"Man, Well Glad you made it, Heard the Captain didn't, Which I'm sad for, She seemed like a cool Captain" Hansen replied.
Moo said, "I met her twice and stood two bridge watches with her. For a female, she was quite plesent. Not that i am saying she was weak! Some females are rather stern. I dont normally spend time frivously with fellow officer's, but she was different, and I would have made an exception for that rule of mine."
"Well we always make an acceptation for some people" Lilly responded.
Dr. Devasia and Kate Townsend walked into the main trauma bay center while Moo was getting checked out.
"Hi Moo, how's the leg? Do you have full mobility? Any pain?. I would like to introduce you to Commander Kate Townsend, she is our ships counsellor. We will all be working together as senior staff. Commander Townsend this is Commander Moo Richardson and like me, formerly of the USS Resolute, now Chief Security Officer of the Halo," Ardon said.
Moo said, "Plesent greetings, My leg is a bit stiff, but once the LT here gets the sliver out of my back, I will be spending a few days in the holodeck, getting the stiffness out...Fortunatly the Klingon half of my nervous system is allowing me to ignore this horrible torture device in my back." Moo paused for a second, then hearring no laughter, said, "Well I guess my job auddition as a comedian, needs work. I shall attempt to compensate for the non-klingon 25% of my biology. I blame the 1/8 percentage of my Orion heritage, they are the Rascals of the Galaxy."
"While your Klingon biology has magnificent redundancies, its your Orion DNA that has allowed for a complete recovery and regeneration of your tissue. Moo you are one of the most resilient beings I have ever met," Ardon said.
"Thank my great-grandmother for that, she was a pirate!" Moo said. "She decided she was going to conquer the Klingon empire. She almost had ten solar systems, before the High command sent a taskforce to wipe her fleet out...She ended up a captive of the flagship, then married to a Flag officer. Her daughter married a human much to her chragrin."
"Interesting History, Maybe we could do a session about that, or something, Just to get us used to those Sessions, Unless your not into Counseling?" Kate asked.
Moo replied with a serious face, " If you need counseling, I am not qualified, but we shall try. Klingons excersize there demons on the holodeck. You are more than welcome to join in on one of my sessions."
¨Umm, Well maybe after a few months I can¨ Kate replied as she side eyed the Doctor since only he and Kate knew about the Baby, she knew within a few months the belly would should, But right now it was not Excatly obvious.
Ardon ran a tricorder over the area of Moo's back that was causing pain, there was indeed a sliver of metal in there.
"Lily lets prep Moo for surgery, We need to get that out of him, its causing an infection." Ardon instructed.
Lilly nodded. "Sounds good, Alright Moo, If you would please" Lilly grab a gown and handed it to Moo. "Please go change into this"
Kate nodded and turned to Ardon. "I will be in my office on deck 8 if you need me"
"Before you go" Moo said, "I will need assistance removing the combat vest. The pants I can remove my self." Moo sat looking at the flimsy hopital garment that looks like it revieled more than it covered." Is this really necessary?" Moo Asked.
"It is necessary Moo, I want to make sure the sliver isn't a piece of your armor. If it is then at least we can account for it, if it isn't then I will need to have a metallurgical scan of it to determine where it came from. Who knows it could be a Gorn tracking device for all we know." Ardon replied.
Ardon helped remove the armor for Moo. While he was powerfully muscled, the sliver was causing some damage, Ardon was confident he could repair the damage and get Moo back to duty before the days end.
Lilly nodded at Moo. "Yes it is, Please put it on" Lilly then moved to ready the bed.
Now that the Armored vest was off, moo quickly changed into the rather slinky hospital gown. Then said, "I am sure there is a joke in here some place regarding this outfit. but I am ready, willing and more than happy to get the annoying sliver out."
Okay Moo up on the bio-bed face down.
Moo did not bother with modistey, as the slim garment did not hide much. As he lay down on the medical diagnostic bed, he thought, I doubt I have anything they have not seen before.
Ardon set up a sterile field, applied a local and carefully dug out the sliver. He then used a tissue regenerator then the dermal regenerator. Moo was back on his feet with full mobility in less than 15 minutes.
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Science officers Kate Bock and Olivia Ponton were in the Archaeology & Geology Lab, carefully analyzing the intriguing geological samples they discovered during their leave on Risa. Despite the planet’s reputation as a resort world, their scientific instincts led them to explore beyond the beaches, uncovering remnants of ancient formations. Now, with the ship preparing to depart, they worked diligently to decode the samples' secrets, hoping the data could shed light on Risa’s lesser-known geological history. The lab was alive with curiosity and focus, a quiet contrast to the gym's intensity.
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JB, Score, and Janet, fresh from their shore leave on Risa, were deep into their sparring session in the main gym. The energy was high, with each Marine pushing their limits, honing their skills before the ship’s imminent departure. The intensity of their training reflected their readiness to jump back into duty, balancing the relaxation from Risa with the focus needed for their next mission. Around them, the gym hummed with activity as other crew members prepared for the challenges ahead.
Fresh out of Medical, Moo entered the Gym, Paused tooking around. After observing the Marines around a mat getting ready to spar or excersize, Moo walked over by them and began streaching out and trying to limber up. After showing off his flexibility and athletic prowess, he walked over to the mat to enter the rotation.
JB stopped sparring with Score. "Welcome, Say your that new Chief Security Officer Right?"
Score stood straight up and brushed a string of blond hair out of her eyes and eyed Moo In interest.
Moo bowed and said, " Why by some coincidence, I am... I need some excersize, are you availabe, and not afraid of blood? I am not against 3/4 contact or full contact if you are in need of a sparing partner. "
¨Sure, Lets do it¨ Score replyied. Dersch moved to continue with Janet.
Moo started by actvating the automatic fasteners on his heavy duty gloves. These allowed him to hit with accuracy and not kill anyone right away. Being pummeled by anything for long periods was not recomeded by anyone in medical. Starting first with a bit of fancy foot work, but his new partner, did not look impressed. Stopping he reachoted out a single glove for his oponent to touch, indicating, the party had started. His leg was stiff, so he focused energy or chi as some humans called it. He just called it thinking it so. Think it is so, and it will be. Throwing caution to the wind, since to the aggressor go the spoils...Moo started with a left jab, and a right foot sweep.
Score was not ready for that, besides she was small, so she ended tripping over her long ass legs and hitting floor hard. "Shit" Score said with a smirk. "Was not expecting that" Score rose and got ready again. "You seem to like tossing around you fellow officers, " Score said to Moo.
Moo said, "Your enemy will not play nice, so I encurage my training students to remember ... When it comes mortal combat... and all combat with your enemy is mortal combat... If your not cheating, your not trying! I agree that combat should be honorable, but if you are not playing for keeps, do not assume your enemy will play by the books. Plan for the worst, and hope for the best. I also fight like i train, and train like I fight..."
Score quickly added, "I always play nice till they piss me off. But once they cross that line, all bets are off. I’ve got no patience for anyone who thinks they can just push me around. See, the way I see it, mercy’s for people who haven’t seen what the enemy’s capable of. I don’t start fights, but I’ll finish them—and I’ll make sure they don’t get up for round two."
As if to emphasize her point, Score struck back, sweeping her leg in a lightning-fast arc that would have knocked any opponent flat. She held her stance, ready for the next move, and looked over at Moo with a wry grin. "See? I hit hard, and I don’t stop until my opponent’s got no choice but to stay down. So yeah, I’ll play fair—until they give me a reason not to. After that, it’s their problem."
Moo checked himself for injuries, finding non, he rolled over and got to his feet. "Good shot, I see your good at thinking on your feet. Good technique, Good delivery and you didnt leave your self open for a return attack. I can tell this cruise will be fun" Moo started his foot work, then started probing the defenses.
"I wanted to ask, What went wrong on the Resolute?" Score asked
Moo said "Computer, Activate a sound damping field 5 meter radius 2 meters from my position." After waiting a second for it to take effect, he started assumed his ready stance , made a jab, then started talking. "We warped into the system to find the destroyed remains of a Federation ship, and a Gorn ship drifting with out power. Then a Gorn Fleet arived and opened up on us. I was Tactical officer at the time,. The Captain order shields up and red alert. Less than 30 seconds later, the fleet hit us hard. I assume they thought we were part of what ever happened before they got there. Less than fifteen Minuets of fighting and the captian had to order abandon ship. I was too busy shooting down torpedoes o try to navigate. With the mains off line, The only thing I had for power, was weapons emergency generators, The energy stored in the Emergency Batteries. The Helmens took a hit from his exploding console. The captian, dragged him and several other injured crewmen to the life pods." Moo did a combo of jab and foot sweep, but made it look lik it was a feint, and went slow enough for his oponet to pay attention. " Your good at multi-tasking!" Then he continued. "Impacts knocked us into the upper stmosphere, and I the next five to ten minuets trying to keep the dorsal phaser banks aligned with incomming fire to allow the life pods to escape. The computer said the current trajectory allowed a one percent chance of landing the saucer section and whats left of the ship safely. Our shields were mostly shredded, but they were spending most of there targeting life pods and at another Federation Ship that responded to our distress call. Sensors registered the Captains Yaght detaching as we entered the Upper Atmosphere.
I would venture a guess that me keeping the dorsal phaser banks alligned to finished off all the incomming torpedoes was the perfict ange to land safely. Not that it was a sucessfull landing, but some of the crew walked away. Our shields, what little remainded, kept us intact through atmospheric entry. Once I had no more targets left to shoot at, I switched full attention to Helm ." Moo threw sever right jabs followed by a left hay maker, but made shure that he was going slow enought for his oponent to block them.
Kate listened, Not wanting to add to the stress.
Moo looked around and noticed several marines were observing the fight but it looked like now one had had noticed the sound dampining field. Right before sensors went off line, I detected a massive Gravaton pulse, and we were shoved down hard. I have never seen reading like that. My first guess would have been that a romulan singularity that they use to power there ship had detonated, but if it was, they had a dreadnaught classed ships blow up just above the atmoshpoere. I have talked with engineering, and them with an explanation. One of the Engineering crewmembers was sugensting a black hole colapsed, or worm hole event occured. To present I do not have a satifactory explanation... But there may be a classified reason. I assume you know when to keep your mouth shut, but consider this a test."
The ship shuddered violently, throwing everyone off balance as it lurched forward with a sudden, jarring force. Consoles flickered, and loose items slid off surfaces, clattering across the floor as the artificial gravity struggled to keep up with the abrupt movement. Chairs spun out of alignment, and crew members instinctively reached for handholds or nearby rails, but many were still tossed forward by the momentum. The hum of the ship's engines intensified into a loud roar, vibrating through the bulkheads as if the very bones of the vessel were groaning under the stress.
Overhead, the red alert lights pulsed rapidly, their crimson glow reflecting off the shocked faces of the crew. The bridge crew scrambled to regain control, trying to readjust systems that were flashing warnings and damage reports across the LCARS displays.
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