To Boldly Go... (a Starfleet quest)

[OneirosTheWriter]

Captain's Log, USS Enterprise, Stardate 23182.4 - Captain Nash ka'Sharren

We've arrived in orbit around Arqueniou to collect Ambassador Sarek before heading towards Oriolis II to attempt to reopen diplomacy to the Dawiar. After reading the accounts of the Polaris's crew, I confess to a little trepidation. However, the Qloath speak well of the Dawiar, so I am willing to extend the benefit of the doubt. More to the point, Ambassador Sarek appears to believe this is the right move.

-

Captain's Log, USS Courageous, Stardate 23183.4 - Captain Maryam Ajam

I received a coded hail this morning, from Starfleet Intelligence. We have been tapped by them to lead a secret mission against the Orion Syndicate.

There is a suspected Syndicate station at a Yvresse V that we believe holds the secrets to a possible new weapon of the Cardassians. It will be a difficult mission, not because of how dangerous the base is, but because we cannot afford for them to have enough early warning to scrub the data we need.

-

Captain's Log, USS Sarek, Stardate 23184.6 - Captain Straak

I am investigating a completely irregular sensor signature from the fifth planet in the Gamma Canidae system, located on the Indorian side, and a little rimward, of 21 Themis. My science officers are telling me that it is junk data, however, I believe that this is, in fact, a side-effect of a heavy presence of co-mingled carbon arkanides and trace amounts of Woznium through the planet's crust.

-

Captain's Log, USS Miracht, Stardate 23185.1 - Captain Michel Thuir

The Miracht is heading to Gaen with delegations of Betazoid and Rigelian scientists for a summit. We will represent Starfleet, and help to make sure that our affiliates get along.

Or, rather, that the Gaeni don't get up to the tricks I heard they got up to when the Enterprise visited.

-

Captain's Log, USS S'harien, Stardate 23185.6 - Captain Saavik

My first mission as captain sees me head out into dangerous territory, a sign of the stress being applied to our border with Cardassia. We were headed to Rethelia to treat with the Seyek originally, however we have had to alter course somewhat further away from Federation space, after encountering another new warp signature. Given the conditions, we have made to follow the ship to attempt First Contact.


-

Captain's Log, USS Selaya, Stardate 23185.9

We have arrived to back up the USS Bon Vivant, who was first on the scene to aid a Rigellian colony suffering badly from a series of massive solar flares brought on by a passing tetryon wave.

We were able to aid the colony's shields after the arrival of a cutter from Rigel. However, significant damage was already incurred.

[+5pp, +10 relations with Rigel]

-

Captain's Log, USS Intrepid, Stardate 23186.2

Have responded to an Andorian research station at Talkalat where a biological contaminant has gotten free. Thanfully with the aid of the sensors of our Miranda, we were able to isolate and aid the scientists in sterilising this potential threat.

[+5rp, +5pp]

-

Captain's Log, USS Sarek, Stardate 23186.5

Indeed, my supposition has been borne out. Gamma Canidae V is a very rich source of resources, which will be productive for a considerable length of time.

[+30 br, gain new mining colony option at Gamma Canidae V for +20br/year colony]

-

Captain's Log, USS Enterprise, Stardate 23186.7

We have arrived at Oriolis II, or Kharhazad as it is known to the local inhabitants. The Khalkalad-class cruiser Doz Zakul is waiting in orbit around the third moon, our challenger for this battle. We outmatch the Doz Zakul utterly, even with their Cardassian weaponry, but they are eager to give us as brave a showing as they can mange.

The tragedy of the Polaris incident was just how unnecessary it is. The 'Gor ak Shankou' rite was never a to-the-death challenge. It is more violent than the Amarki ritualised ship duel, using full-power weapons, but still only to the drop of shields. My ship is, in my not so humble opinion, the most lethal combatant in the Quadrant, and we give the Dawiar a taste of what that means, flying rings around the smaller ship and savaging her shields with phasers that Bazeck has tuned to the last micrometer. But like most species, the Dawiar are a people of honour, even if it isn't one that we readily recognise.

We have earned a spot at the Great King's Table for Ambassador Sarek and my senior crew.

-

Captain's Log, USS S'harien, Stardate 23186.9

After catching up with the unknown vessel, we have found a species known as the Bajorans. We were unable to head directly to their homeworld, as we are told the Cardassians are frequently in orbit and I deemed it unwise to attempt to spark a confrontation there. However, there is a Bajoran colony world where we were able to travel, a few lightyears rim-ward of Bajor, which lies between Balogot and Rethelia. The Gandei colony world has accepted our Ambassadorial team, who were quite happy to switch from their Seyek mission to this new species.

The Bajoran government has been told about us by the Cardassians. Thankfully, however, they have recognised it to consist of mostly lies, and would like to hear the Federation's presentation.

[Met new species: Bajorans, starting relations 30/100]

-

Captain's Log, USS Courageous, Stardate 23187.3

The plan is to warp into the system's outer reaches at very low warp factor, launch shuttles which will get close to the station and transport over to gather details on the unusual module, then bring down the shields from within. My first officer, Commander sh'Sharthaan, will lead the infiltration team, joined by a set of special operatives from Starfleet Intelligence.

-

Captain's Log, USS Docana, Stardate 23187.5

We have discovered a pre-space age species that had gone unnoticed by picking up their very first extraplanetary radio waves while passing through the system. We conducted a through set of examinations and sensor readings from a careful distance, and have logged these details. They are probably at least two hundred years away from warp flight, unfortunately.

[+10 rp]

-

Captain's Log, USS Miracht, Stardate 23187.8

One of the Betazoids in my party has sparked a truly tremendous scandal that is now rocking the corridors of power in Gaen.

He has slept with the married head of the largest Techno-Pharmaceutical company - which I discovered is apparently a thing - which has come out in various tabloid and paparazzi type publications, and is threatening to destabilise the board of the corporation because reasons. If I'm to be perfectly honest, I am strongly suspicious that this is an elaborate negotiating ploy.

Also, this is all rather puritanical for my tastes.

-

Captain's Log, USS Vigour, Stardate 23188.1

We have rescued the crew of the Amarkian Perciar-class cruiser Lufroil. The Perciar is one of their older model ships, but they were still giving valuable service. Unfortunately, a massive energy spike hit them while investigating an ion storm. They wandered too close and we were unable to reach them before their warp core began to report an imminent breach. They went to the lifepods and made it out with no loss of life, but the ship has been unfortuntely destroyed.

[Amarkian Old Cruiser lost, but crew rescued, +5pp]

-


Captain's Log, USS Miracht, Stardate 23188.2

It was a negotiating ploy. I'm sure you can hear just how shocked I am to be reporting this.

I sat down with the Jaddan Utal Pharmatech Corp CEO and explained the whole Betazoid telepathy matter. That pretty much put an end to that matter and the summit was able to continue. I think the Gaeni were too embarrassed by how wildly that ploy failed to try others.

[+5 rp /year from Betazoid-Rigel-Gaen research agreement]


-

Distress Call Transcript, USS Courageous, Stardate 23188.5

This is the United Federation of Planets Starship Courageous to all ships, we require urgent assistance. We have struck an antimatter mine and are heavily damaged, and require assistance. We have many casualties. To all ships, please respond. We have travelled away from the battle site, it is safe to approach, but we have had to eject our warp core and are now on impulse power only.

-

Captain's Log, USS Cheron, Stardate 23188.6

We have successfully passed through the fringe of an ion storm of significant power that passed through interstellar space in the Apinae sector. We were mounting a diplomatic mission to Indoria when we encountered the Ion Storm. However, the danger was nullified through the actions of my science officer, who successfully kept up shield modulation changes to match the storm's output.

Because of her actions our mission to Indoria is able to proceed.

[+25 Relations with Indorians]

-

Captain's Log, USS Enterprise, Stardate 23188.7

Ambassador Sarek may not have seemed to be the right fit for a group of stocky stubborn warriors, but as it turns out veneration for elders runs very strong among the Dawiar, and if Sarek is one thing and one thing alone, it's old. He has convinced the Great King that what occurred was simply a matter of differing customs, and that this war is unnecessary. I'm told that both sides are still reluctant to come to the peace table, but the Federation Diplomatic Service is quietly confident they can see an end to this war brought about inside of six months.

[+25 Relations with Dawiar, +25pp, end of Caitian-Dawiar war in sight]

-

Captain's Log, CAS Riala, Stardate 23188.8

We have arrived to aid the Courageous, just in time to see off a follow-up attack by Orion Syndicate pirates. It grieves me to see the beautiful lines of that ship, which fought alongside our own ship at Kadesh valiantly, blackened and marred by a mix of weapons fire and a tremendous explosion. I do not know how she could be pieced back together again.

It is my sad duty to pass on the news that Captain Ajam is dead, as is her first officer, and many of her crew. Something has gone terribly wrong, I am afraid.

[USS Courageous disabled - 2 Officers, 3 Enlisted, 4 Technicians Casualties - 12 Months Drydocked, requires a Shipyard Berth]
[Captain Maryam Ajam has been Killed in Action]

-

 

[Iron Wolf]

Click to shrink...

Omake: Mission Failed

Click to shrink...

I Can't Connie-Bee-lieve it.
Glinn Kusov's leg was tapping impatiently, a habit that put Legate Dukat's teeth on edge. The man - of a same age as herself, but far less accomplished - was seated in one of the chairs opposite Dukat, the two separated by an expanse of dark wood. Dukat had always had a taste for the refined, and her office reflected this, with a tasteful sitting area for informal meetings (and, it should be admitted, naps when she activated the recessed heat lamps), sumptuous bookshelves along one wall, filled with books (scientifically distressed to look as if she'd read them all), and with a few well-placed Cardassian Military banners hanging from the walls. Kusov, of course, didn't appreciate these things. His was a lower station than Dukat, even outside the military. It had been clear from the moment she met him he was a man used to the unadorned. He cut an imposing figure, to be sure, all broad fisherman's shoulders and muscle. When standing, he taller than Dukat, an admittedly imposing wall of a person. But in a civilized age such as this physical features didn't mean anything -- it was the intellect, the refinement, which truly set the best out from the rest.

Dukat turned and looked out the huge window that dominated the wall opposite her bookshelves, running the length of the room. Outside it was a productive day on Cardassia, little dots of people walking briskly and firmly about their duties. It was not 'hustle-and-bustle,' but careful, calm order. She'd heard reports of Paris, the uncoordinated flailing of the people there. The thought of it made her itch.

"Legate, ma'am," Kusov's Ceterian drawl was endearing, adorable even, at times. Now wasn't one of them, "I've important work to be doing with the VIPR team, so if Glinn Anusha doesn't feel particularly amenable to working his way over here I'd reckon I've got better ways to put my time to use for the State."

Dukat turned to face her subordinate. He voice was as sweet as fine kanar, "Kusov, I want you to do something for me. Put your hands on my desktop -- hold your questions, please! Do you feel that? The small, minute details? The rich channeling is a delight on the fingertips, is it not? Now, look at it. The rich texturing. The fractal spirals of growth," Kusov was indeed peering at the wood, no doubt in an attempt to appease Dukat.

She suddenly discovered more of Cormai had rubbed off on her than she'd realized when she had to fight the urge to slam the man's face into the desktop, an urge that rose even more so when he responded, "I guess so."

"This is Vanden wood, my dear Kusov. Imported at great expense to the state. My chair is rich Atbarian leather. Do you know what that says?"

Kusov leaned back, considering, "That they think y'all are worth spendin' resources on?"

"Exactly. I am a very important woman, Kusov, I am not ashamed to admit it. Ships of our great navy follow my directives. Our next batch of officers will owe their successes - or failures - to my ability to prepare them for the real world. So, kindly, sit still and stop complaining, Kusov. Your time, is my time, and I will allocate it as I see fit."

A comfortable silence followed in which Dukat enjoyed her tea and Kusov sat in rigid, military silence. Still, some need to fidget took over and he eventually pulled out a light pen and projector, doodling multicolored lines in three dimensions. It was mercifully quiet, so Dukat decided that was an acceptable compromise. As near as Dukat could tell, the ship taking form over her desktop was a Largot class, which Kusov worked on until the door of Dukat's office hissed open.

A smaller man stepped through the entry way and straightened, a stack of tablets tucked under their arm, "Sorry for the lateness, ma'am!"

"Oh, not at all, Glinn Anusha. Please, come in," Anusha nodded and make his way briskly over as Dukat continued, "I was just telling Kusov here about my desk."

"Mmm," Anusha said, as he settled into her seat, tablets still under his arm, "Vanden wood, renowned as a construction material and for its aesthetic qualities. A splendid choice, Legate."

"Really?" said Kusov, "Because I can't help but think it clashes with stuff used for the bookshelves. Or with the carpet, for that matter."

Dukat's darted to the shelves. They were a pearlescent off-white, made from Sydraxian soapstone. Then she peered at her rug, hand-woven together from the individual strands of regova feathers. She realized now that the dark brown blended in with the color of the wood, making an un-contrasted mess that also clashed with the accents of the soapstone. Damn it!

Dukat turned back to Kusov, "Very good eye," she said, smiling at him. She made it clear this was a very, very fake smile. A smile that was thin ice about to give way.

Kusov quickly broke from the Legate's chilling eye contact, turning to Anusha, "Anyways Legate, if y'all'd've told me it was Anusha comin' around here I would have been far more amenable to the wait."

Anusha chuckled and looked out the window.

"Yes, yes, enough chitchat," said Dukat, "Anusha, I brought you here because Kusov's VIPR team turned up something. And it's actually interesting, for once! Kusov, please."

"Ah, right. Well, we've been coordinatin' with the Lacarre's operations. Recently - with some of our encouragement - they made a quick little trip to Risa. From all accounts kinda a disaster on account of the moral degredation'n'all, but they didn't get themselves exposed. What they did get was some valuable Federation broadcasts, includin' this one..."

Kusov tapped the base of his light projector, bringing up a menu. A few taps, and the image of a vessel in dry-dock emerged. It looked like the Cheron-type.

Narration accompanied it, "Today the United Earth lays down a sight not seen near half-a century -- the construction of a brand new Constitution class! Expected to be completed in three years, this updated version of the Federation classic keeps her weight but is more automated than her predecessors, helping keep crews available for our new Explorer! Starfleet has their own batch of Constitutions in the works. For this humble commentator, it brings tears to the eye to see such classic lines in drydock again."

Dukat looked at Anusha, "The VIPR Team cannot find it in themselves to wrap their head around why the Federation would build new versions of a design that should be hopelessly obsolete."

Kusov shrugged, "As near as we could tell from our Chronoquantumetric scans of the Cheron, parts of the thing were fifty to sixty years old, suggestin' the design had to be pretty ancient - or Starfleet has some really old spares lyin' around. Why would they possibly build somethin' like this when they could've had a new design?" Kusov looked bewildered, "If I didn't know better I'd say this was some sorta trick, but I don't know what it could be. But then, I don't have the talents of a shipbuilder..."

"Certainly not," Dukat said.

"...so I can't quite figure out what they could be up to with this unless you can take a guesstimation, a model, of what this new 'Constitution' is packin,' and if that buildin' time is accurate," he said, swiveling his chair to talk to Anusha directly.

"And I need a model to accurately simulate these vessels in the simulators." Dukat interjected.

Anusha was staring at the projector, "Did they say three years? But same 'weight'?"

"Certainly did," said Kusov.

Anusha tiled his head, "Can we trust that?"

Legate Dukat nodded, "I find the Federation is often sickeningly open. I have not determined if it is borne out of their vaunted ideals or some sort of twisted pride. In any case, I find it it best to assume the worst, so yes, let us say it is accurate."

Anusha nodded, "Give me your projector," Kusov did so, "Legate, ma'am, do you mind if I use your powerwindow?"

"Of course not, Glinn. Here." She pressed a button on her desk and part of the window polarized to black, discreet recessed lighting coming on to make up for the light lost. As she looked, though, she realized the straw-colored Karndocian Kopper making up its frame (mined at great expense) was a poor - terrible even - complement to the desk AND the bookshelves. She turned her head slightly and realized Kusov had noticed it as well, and worse, noticed she'd noticed. He could barely conceal a smirk. She'd have to try and renovate the whole place in secret now. Again.

Anusha meanwhile had tapped the projector to the black park of the window, downloading the data inside and bringing up a screen of the broadcast. He pulled on it, a 3D projection of the pictured vessel emerging. Then, he tapped one of his tablets to the glass. A few flicks of his wrist, and similar models based on scans of the Federation Excelsheet Explorer, the Constellation, and the Cheron-type emerged. Boxes of technical data were soon open on the window as well, Anusha scrolling through data as he used the borrowed light pen to make adjustments to the Cheron model based off the exterior of the new design. Dukat and Kusov sat in silence, letting him work.

He took the light pen and circled the nacelles on the Cheron and the 'Constitution', "They've reused the nacelles wholesale, which probably keeps time for construction low even when they are not drawing into reserves. They said it's the same weight overall though, so they must have used an older, easier to build warp core to cut down on complexity. Not enough to get to three years though, they must have..." Anusha had his tongue stuck out the corner of his mouth as he scanned the models in thought, "-- ah, they cut sensor and science abilities, too," Anusha had circled a few visible sensor pallets on the Cheron that weren't on the 'Constitution,' "That would help. Use the saved weight not for weapons, but use them for extended computer banks to handle more officer duties, cut crew... Hm. Still not quite there." Red letters underneath his new model read: 'ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETION - THREE POINT FIVE YEARS' Anusha tapped it in frustration, "Shipyard advancements? That would be bad. Or... wait," he dragged the hull scans of the Constellation over to the 'Constitution', overwrote the data there from the Cheron. Estimated hull strength dropped along with the estimate - THREE POINT ONE REPEATING YEARS. "Call that a rounding error," Anusha said, satisfied.

Anusha returned to his seat. Dukat and Kusov drank the numbers in. They spoke at the same time.

"Well, that is most vexing," said Dukat.

"Shit." said Kusov.

"My sentiments exactly," said Anusha, "By adapting their old design and using inferior but known materials, they skipped major research and development costs, allowing them to more rapidly field a design that presents an even match for our primary frontline. One they can build in their smallest berths and which removes a year off the construction time of the original while maintaining combat posture. All for some cuts to science, hull strength, and... impressiveness."

Kusov nodded, "And it cuts down on the need for senior crew, which is a mighty fine thing for the Federation - as we're thinking now that they use... volunteers for their Starfleet. They'd've been liable to have a manpower problem if they stuck to the old design."

Dukat gritted her teeth, "So our one major strategic and tactical advantage -- superiority in medium combatants -- might be at least partially countered. Rapidly. How many of these can they have, Kusov?"

"Well, based on estimates and assumin' they started this year... we could be looking at four-to-eight of these suckers in four, three, two years."

"How wonderfully imprecise," Dukat scowled, "Very good work, Anusha. Please clean up that model and forward it to our simulator teams. I want my students facing these as soon as possible," she looked again at that glowing build time estimate, "We're going to be seeing a lot more of them."

 

[AKuz]

Spoiler: A/N

I cranked this out in the two hours following the last update, then sat on it until my proofreaders got home from work. > : |

Captain Maryam Ajam. You were loved by those around you and you will be missed

o7

Requiem for Maryam Ajam



USS Enterprise, Stardate 23188.8

Captain Nash Ka'Sharren of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B lets herself relax back into her command chair, a satisfied smile creeping across her face, as she basks in the quiet beeping, shuffling, murmuring of her ship in normal operations.

They (Nash, Enterprise, and Ambassador Sarek) have done good work here today, and have almost certainly begun the process of ending a war before it started taking too many innocent lives.

It feels good to be in Starfleet. Creating peace is a much a perk of the job as exploration is.

Just a few more minutes and Enterprise will leave the Dawair capital to return Ambassador Sarek safely home before she sets back out again on her mission of exploration. Nash's heard that the Saavik on the S'harien just made a new First Contact; and that just makes the Andorian woman want to get back out there even more.

Someone to Nash's side makes an odd sickly choked sound.

She cocks her head slightly to face Lieutenant Brann, her comm officer. The Captain is formulating a quip that dies on her lips when she sees the man's blanched face, his brows are furrowed in a mix of anger and shock, and his jaw is clenched.

A moment passes as Ka'Sharren locks eyes with the Human officer, and spark of despair passes between them, something vital has gone out of the man. "Captain. Message from Starfleet. Courageous has been badly damaged, over three hundred and fifty crew killed outright." He pauses, steadying himself.

Oh no. Please no. Without thought Nash's fingers clench around her chair's armrests; fingertips flattening painfully against the metal.

"Captain Ajam, and he-" Brann swallows. "Her First Officer are reported as among those killed."

The news hits Ka'Sharren hard. She goes still, everything, everything she thought that she'd buried, that she'd healed, everything comes back all at once, a hundred built up deaths suddenly crashing upon her. "Thank you, Brann."

The Captain claps her hands together and brings them in front of her face. Her fingers work together, as she tries to focus on the friction of them together, and her vision goes far away.

"Ms Zhang." Ka'Sharren abruptly stands up. "Ms Zhang. You have the Conn."

"Aye, Ma'am," The Tactical officer says nodding as Ka'Sharren turns and strides off the bridge.

The Captain walks almost blindly through Enterprise's halls, each step, each corridor, bringing a brief flash of her former XO's face.

After a time she find here way to a spot in the bowels of her beautiful starship where she will be alone and no one will look for her; where she can be with Maryam Ajam's memory.

She cries, alone in a small observation area.

An hour later Leaniss pops out of the Jefferies tube next to her. "Nash," She ducks and slowly walks over to her friend, Captain, and former wife, "I heard about Maryam."

Ka'Sharren's antennae track Leaniss's movement as she remains propped up against a bulkhead, looking out a window into space, a discarded PADD next to her.

Leaniss sits close to Ka'Sharren and gently places an arm around her, staying silent.

Nash takes a long indrawn breath, "I shouldn't be this affected. I shouldn't," she shakes her head jerkily, "Death is part of the job. I know it." she bobs her head awkwardly. "I -uh, I would think that I would be immune to my friends dying after…"

Leaniss is slightly confused, but doesn't press, just rubbing Nash's back gently as she leans in close to listen.

"I guess I figured that we were charmed. The whole crew. Nothing would hurt us. Threaten sure. But we would always find a way to win through. We have adventures and everyone lives." Nash sighs, her face wet, "Intellectually I knew that one of my friends could die, I've even been forced to confront that fact. I thought it hurt then. But this" she gestures angrily at the PADD next to her, "She's dead. Not coming back. Murdered," she hisses the last word, "Her and her crew."

Leaniss nods, "The Syndicate."

Nash's face contorts in anger, snarling, "No, the Cardassians," She struggles to control herself, an only recently healed wound ripping wide open. "The Syndicate are catspaws, stooges of Cardassian murderers. They keep killing my people!"

"Nash" Leaniss says softly, "You've beaten the Cardassians over and over."

Something dark passes over a blue face, an expression that would be incomprehensible to most. "I haven't even started yet."

"You feel guilty," Leaniss says, a frown on her face clearing in sudden understanding, expression changing to sympathy.

"Of course I feel guilty, I was here, dealing with this," she gestures angrily, "When we should have been there. That should have been our mission. Maryam should have be-" she chokes again.

Nash blinks heavily, clearing the small amount of tears left to her from her eyes, and grimacing "She used to love this spot." Her antennae twitch towards the window. "Right on the leading edge of the saucer section. She could see ahead of Enterprise. See the unknown sta-" she sobs, "DAMN IT. WHY IS THIS SO HARD," she yells at the stars, "I'VE LOST FRIENDS BEFORE! I'VE BURIED CREW BEFORE!"

Leaniss just holds Nash, carefully considering, "I think" she begins slowly, "It's because you have no power over it. Because it seems so random, so useless. Nothing was accomplished by her death. No worlds saved, no great deeds done. She was just killed by slaver scum." She squeezes Ka'Sharren tightly. "It's because you do care deeply. Sometimes we have to grieve deeply. Amarki wisdom says that passionate grief is the mark of the greatest heroes."

Nash leans into Leaniss, "Thank you" she sighs, "I'm -- not looking forward to the funeral."

------------------------------

From behind a lectern, Nash looks out over the assembled crowd - and it is a crowd. Ajam was a popular woman in Starfleet, and she had a large family. Many of them sat in sadness in the front rows, most of them quiet, a few weeping. Many in crimson Starfleet uniforms of their own. While a private funeral had been held by Ajam's family, with only a few close friends like Nash invited, the memorial was an event open to all.

Ka'Sharren takes a deep breath, resisting the urge to fiddle with her cuffs, choosing instead to rest them on the smoothed hardwood of the lectern. "It pleases me to see so many gathered here today to say goodbye to Maryam." Her memory fills with a brief flash of a body wrapped in white cotton, accompanied by the echo of alien prayers, "I'm not one for speeches, so I'll keep this short: Captain Maryam Ajam was the best First Officer that I've ever had. Sorry, Sam," A brief trickle of laughter follows. "She had a yearning for exploration and the new that represented the best of Starfleet, and of the Federation."

Nash is surprised at how well she is holding herself together, she'd broken down sobbing when saying goodbye to Maryam's body earlier, "There are whole species whose first interaction with her species, with Humanity as a whole, was with Maryam, and I dare say that they met the very best that your species has to offer. That our Federation has to offer."

Nash tries not to look at the extended Ajam family, she doesn't want to see tears and break down herself. "Maryam was a good friend and a good officer. She was enthusiastic about her work, energetic while at play, and-" Nash pauses for a moment, composing herself, "I don't have the words to express how much she's already missed. If there are any Betazoids here, I'm sorry for the emotional anguish. All I can say is that I loved her like a sister and I mourn her passing."

Nash steps back from the podium, subdued clapping following her back down to her table, to where she sat with other Enterprise crew.

Admiral Sulu follows Ka'Sharren in speaking. As Captain of Excelsior he'd been Ensign Maryam Ajam's first captain, and had personally promoted her to full Lieutenant when she left Excelsior for a posting on Earth, following the Battle at Khitomer.

Ka'Sharren only half listens, the anecdotes about a precocious and adventurous young Maryam Ajam are breaking her heart, no matter how funny they are. She scans the room, in addition to Sulu she sees a few other Starfleet officers with lots of golden braid, including Admiral Nash zh'Rhashaan, who is trying to keep a neutral face, but by watching her antennae Ka'Sharren can tell she is despondent. It was her orders after all that led to Ajam's death and that of three hundred and fifty other members of her crew. The worst loss of life since the Biophage.

Laughing politely at one of Sulu's jokes, Ka'Sharren continues to scan the room, Ajam had touched many people in her life, and it seems that a lot of them had decided to come pay their respects. Many of the Enterprise crew are here, including those who had long ago left the ship like Lieutenant Wolfe. Even the Amarki Knight Ralin is here, sitting a table over from the Enterprise staff with several of Maryam' siblings.

Ka'Sharren politely claps along with the rest as Sulu finishes his address, he had done an excellent job of lifting spirits, much better than Nash's own fumbling attempts to express her feelings. She's grateful for the Admiral for that.

A brother who is the MC for the event announces that it is time to eat, and Nash is almost relieved, food is a welcome distraction.

"I wonder if this is a sign that it might be my time to move on to somewhere safer," Zaardmani muses as the servers begin to circulate, steaming hot plates of… something Human made, held aloft on silver metal trays with expert grace. He takes Doctor Asurva's hand and holds it gently, "No offence Captain, but Pri and I were already talking about starting a family, and…" he trails off uncertainly, watching his Captain.

"No I understand. You only live once, and you want to make sure that you make the most of it" Ka'Sharren looks off into the distance. "Settling down isn't my path, or one that Maryam would have chosen, but it is a respectable one."

"Sorry Captain," the Orion Doctor says, "We will finish the five year mission with you though." The woman's eyes are bloodshot, every loss hits her hard, and the loss of a friend has been near incapacitating, Like anyone else on Enterprise she can ignore loss in a crisis, once it's passed however…

"Don't worry," Ka'Sharren says with a small smile, "I understand." She grabs something from a server's tray. "And now, if you'll excuse me. I'm going to get wasted and later find someone pretty."

-----------------------

Someone sits down next to Nash, who has in the last two hours made a good start on at least the first of her two goals for the evening, but has failed in the third unstated goal of 'Don't be quite as mopey.'

"Captain Ka'Sharren?" It's Ralin, dressed almost entirely in variations on red, presumably his Order's mourning clothes, "Do you mind if I talk to you for a moment?"

Nash puts down her wine glass and shrugs at the Amarki officer, "By all means Ralin, I think Sam went off to find Wolfe and I've got no idea where the rest of my staff went. I would appreshhiate the company" Nash is pretty certain that whatever it is that the Ajams are serving, it's not synthehol.

Nash can't tell, but there is a sort of desperation on his handsome features, she really isn't that into males, but she can tell why Maryam would have fallen for him. "You knew Maryam well, yes?" Ralin says with miserable solemnity, setting his hands flat on the table.

"I would like to think so, we were friends and colleagues for five years, and I still talked to her after she took command of Courageous… which is why I know that she was looking into actually outdoing me in the 'marrying an Amarki' department." Nash pats him on the hands. "My condolences by the way. I can't imagine how hard this is for you."

Ralin briefly looks away towards the table occupied by Maryam's parents. "It has been hard for all of us. She was extraordinary." He looks back at Nash, "I want to ask you two things."

Nash decides against refilling her glass again, "Shoot."

"First. When Starfleet attacks the disgusting hogs that did this, I want to be there. I lead a unit of Amarki Frontier Knights, the best special operations unit in the Sovereignty." Nash nods. "Second…" Ralin looks away again.

The Amarki Knight makes an odd tisking sound, "We were talking marriage, yes. We courted apart much of the time, and we were certain that we could be wed and still continue to love while parted."

"It's been done," Nash says. Not by her, but it's been done. Many times successfully as well.

"We had also talked about children. Not while she was away on Courageous, but someday." He looks at Nash carefully, "We had, ah, samples taken by Starfleet Medical. We asked them about compatability. If it could be done with Vulcans and Humans, why not Amarki and Humans?" Nash's brow furrows as she starts to put the pieces together. "Yesterday they told me it was possible. And that owing to her dangerous lifestyle, they would recommend using an artificial womb."

Ohhh….

Ralin looks lost. "They told me that with her permission, they could even conceive the child at this very moment."

Nash frowns, "I guess they didn't get the message."

"I may have gotten angry with that poor Doctor, yes." Ralin sighs, clenching his hands together. "Her family is split on the issue, and I don't trust myself not to make a decision out of selfishness. You're her closest surviving friend…"

Ka'Sharren winces at the reminder of the other officers lost on Courageous. She pours another glass of whatever this thick, sweet, wine is, drinking most of it in one swift motion, "My opinion is just as selfish as any you have, I'd be delighted to have something of Maryam in the world, something stronger than a memory to testify to the fact that she lived and was loved." She begins to tear up, "Sorry. We never talked about kids, not really, she did say that you would make an excellent father though. So... there's that." She reaches for the bottle and finds it empty. "Oh, Ice, why did you ask me?" she mumbles.

"I apologize Captain. If I've offend-" Ralin begins, making to stand up.

Ka'Sharren waves him back into his seat, "No, no, it's fine. You know what? Do it. Take one of the greatest adventures that a living being can have. For her sake. Continue to live and love for her sake." And that's all Nash Ka'Sharren can do too. Live and love. For her sake.

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

2309.Q2

The door to the President's office closes behind you as you return to your, now much paler looking, aides. President sh'Arrath is a younger person than yourself, with no military experience, but somewhere along the line she has picked up the talent for a good dressing down, because you haven't had someone take you to task like that since you showed up to a Starfleet Academy class still inebriated from the night before. That dressing down had put you back on the straight and narrow. This dressing down, however, is less about you and more about making sure that you offer your head of Intelligence the same favour.

The near-destruction of the Courageous and the loss of one of rising stars of the fleet has put a shockwave through both San Francisco and Paris. You haven't had this many Councillors and lobbyists looking to meet your since the opening months of the Biophage Crisis. The Council observers from Orion are spinning the situation for all its worth, calling for aid in the struggle against the Syndicate.

You return to the Starfleet compound in Paris and find Rear Admiral Nash zh'Rhashaan outside your office with a letter of resignation in hand.

"Well, that was a fine mess," you say as you walk past in her into your office.

"Admiral, as I was the one to green-light the operation to raid the Syndicate outpost, I take full responsibility for the disaster," begins the Andorian head of Intelligence.

You sit down at your desk and look across at her, steepling your fingers in your lap. When Nash begins to keep talking you hold up a hand to forestall her, giving yourself more time to gather your thoughts. "Tell me, zh'Rhashaan, what were you going in there for?"

"Our analysts believe the unknown Cardassian module has ties to the Orion Syndicate," explains Nash. "The manufacturing suggests a mix of Orion and Klingon influences. We believe that that station was where some of the research work was done on that device."

"Klingon influences?" you ask.

"Yes, sir, but we had nothing concrete," says zh'Rhashaan.

"'Had'? Did you get anything from the raid?"

The other woman bobs her head. "Yes, Admiral, we did. We have confirmed that this was a mix of Orion and Klingon technology."

"Surely for a group like the Syndicate Klingon cloaking tech is available off the shelf?" you ask.

"Yes, sir, but there's something special about this module. I don't know what. It's an older one that they were intensely interested in, apparently." Nash glances down at the ground, her normal dire intensity nowhere to be seen. "Whoever you appoint as my successor will have to follow that up."

"Right, your resignation," you say before heaving a deep sigh.

[ ][INTEL] Accept the Resignation (+5pp)
[ ][INTEL] Decline the Resignation (-25pp)


After that it isn't long before your have to return to the Council chambers, where mere anarchy seems hardly sufficient a term to express the sentiment. It's hardly too surprising. As much as you have welcome and unexpected peace on your traditional border zones with the Romulans and Klingons, the surge of expansion in the other direction has brought with it tremendous turmoil. The Caitian-Dawiar War, increased incidences of Sydraxian ships scouting out your borders, the entire conflict with the Cardassians... Expansion has brought prosperity, but just as much uncertainty.

In many ways, you feel it is your job to bring solidity and reliability to this uncertainty, but you aren't sure you have the levers at your disposal to do it. And so you stand in the middle of this vast political storm that buffets you from side to side. The Hawks against the Pacifists, the Expansionsts against the Hawks, the Development faction against the Expansionsts, and the Pacifists against nearly everyone. The Explorers are the heartbeat of the Federation, and to have one gutted in this fashion is horrifying to everyone, and the panic shows.

Of course, your people have paved the way for a solution between the Caitian and Dawiar, if the Federation Diplomatic Service can just bring the two sides together...


Thankfully, whatever is lost in terms of amity in the Council is recouped by being able to play factions against each other. Either works for your purposes.

[ ][COUNCIL] Submit a plan to the Council
(You may select any number of options, as long as you can pay the Political Will cost. You currently have one-hundred and fifty-three (153) Political Will to spend.

(Where will you repair the Courageous?)
[ ][REPAIR] Grand Hive of Apinae (-10pp)
[ ][REPAIR] Gaeni Manufacturing Coop (+5pp, Gaeni closely study the Excelsior design)
[ ][REPAIR] Write in - Suspend an existing project in one of your berths

======================================

Federation Council Options for 2309.Q2

• Request Mining Colony at Gamma Canidae V, 8pp (4 turns, gain +20 br / year)
• Request Mining Colony at Fenris IV, 8pp (4 turns, gain +20 br/year)
• Request expansion of San Francisco Fleet Yards, 15pp (4 turns, gain new 1m t berth) [Can take multiple times, +5pp per subsequent build]
• Request expansion of 40 Eridani A Shipyards, 20pp (4 turns, gain new 1m t berth) [Can take multiple times, +5pp per subsequent build]
• Request expansion of Ana Font Shipyard, 10pp (4 turns, gain 1 new 1m t berth) [Can take multiple times, +5pp per subsequent build]
• Request expansion of Lor'Vela Orbital Construction Facility, 15pp (4 turns, gain 1 new 1m t berth) [Can take multiple times, +5pp per subsequent build]
• Request Excelsior berth at a shipyard, 40pp (6 turns, gain new 3m t berth)
• Request Cruiser berth at Utopia Planitia, 15pp (6 turns, gain new 2m t berth)
• Request expansion of Utopia Planitia, 40pp, (4 turns, gain 1 3mt, 1 1mt berth)
• Request new Starbase I [Write in Sector] 20pp for home sectors or CBZ , 30pp for KBZ
• Reduce Militarisation Level 60pp
• Increase Threat Level 45pp
• Request Ongoing Budget increase 25pp (Roll for success)
• Request Allocation for an Excelsior's resources, one-off-infusion of an Excelsior's cost, 20pp
• Request Academy Expansion, 35pp (Gain +.5 Officers/Enlisted/Techs throughput)
• Request Science Academy Expansion, 20pp (Gain +1 Techs throughput)
• Request Temporary Explorer Corps Recruitment Drive, 25pp, (Gain 2 Officer, 2 Enlisted, 2 Techs, PLUS Convert 2 Officer, 2 Enlisted, 2 Techs from normal service)
• Request Start of Ambassador class project, receiving one-off boost of Research Points and go-ahead for some projects, 45pp
• Request Start of Custom Explorer project, receiving one-off boost of Research Points and go-ahead for some projects, 50pp
• Request Start of Custom Cruiser project, receiving one-off boost of Research Points and go-ahead for some projects, 30pp
• Request Start of Custom Escort project, receiving one-off boost of Research Points and go-ahead for some projects, 45pp
• Request Refit Program for Miranda class [+1 S,H,L for 20br, 10sr, 1 Year (4 turns)], 6 turns, 35pp (NB: new unit cost for the Miranda will be 60/45)
• Request Refit Program for Constellation class [+1 C,S,D, for 20br, 10sr, 1 Year (4 turns)], 6 turns 30pp (NB: new unit cost for Constellation will be 70/45)
• Request new Tech Team to be added to your Ship Design Bureau, 20pp
• Request focused Diplomacy on a potential member species, 10pp (One affiliate or prospective race will undergo accelerate diplomacy) [Can be taken up to four times]
• Expand Explorer Corps Recruitment drives to affiliates, 25pp (One affiliate starts generating 0.3 of Explorer Corps crew, arrangement depends on species) [Once per affiliate]
• Arrange to have an Old Guard Admiral convinced it is time to retire, 20pp
• Add a Member World Coordination Office under Shipyard Ops, 30pp (allow cooperation with member worlds on ship-building priorities as part of Shipyard Ops turn phase)
• NEW Establish forward Outposts in the new Cardassian Border Zones, 4 turns, 20pp (create Outpost Is at 4 locations)
• Establish Betazoid Counsellors in Starfleet vessels, starting with Explorer Corps, 8 turns, 50pp (Increased Retention nets +.25 Officer/Crew/Technician in Explorer Corps)
• NEW Establish a Sydraxian Border Zone north of Apinae and Amarkia Sectors, 30pp
• NEW Attempt to muster support for large scale action against the Orion Syndicate, 35pp (Anti-Syndicate actions will occur each turn in Amarkia, Caitian, and Andor Sectors)

====

Federation Grading:
Current Minimum Science = 50 [Now 85]
Current Maximum Combat = 250 [Now 110]

(Maximum Combat is a Soft cap, will gain +1 Militarisation per 10 pts over - Each point of Threat Level adds 10 to Max Combat)

Minimum Concurrent 5 Year Missions = 3
Current Militarisation Level = 3
Current Federation Threat Level = 11

Council Objectives:
85 Science by 2311 (Currently 87)
2 New Oberths by 2311
120 Defence by 2312 (Currently 93)

Starfleet Ambitions:
Operate no fewer than 5 concurrent Five Year Missions by 2311.

Federation Council:
President - Jorlyth sh'Arrath, Expansionist Faction (2308-2314)

Factions -
Expansionist (Human, Andor) - 35%
Pacifist (Vulcan) - 30%
Hawkish (Amarki) - 15%
Development (Tellar) 20%

(Species listed in brackets are principal backers, not exclusive membership)

Current Federation Full Members:
Humans
Vulcans
Andorians
Tellarites
Amarki
Betazoids

Current Federation Affiliates:
Caitians 500/500 - Pending close of War with Dawiar
Apiata 339/500 + 18 = 357/500
Rigellians 343/500 + 20 = 363/500
Indorions 341/500 + 8 = 349/500
Orions 259/500 +20 = 279/500
Risa 250/500 + 15 = 265/500
Caldonians 318/500 + 19 = 337/500
Gaeni 240/500 + 37 = 277/500

Currently Known Others Possible Members:
Yrillians 45/100
Seyek 92/100
Qloathi 64/100
Kadeshi 60/100
Sotaw 35/100
Bajorians 30/100
Gretarians 25/100
Dawiar 10/100
Lecarrens -30/100
Sydraxians -40/100

Major Powers
Romulans - Trending Positive
Klingons - At Peace
Cardassians - Low-Level Sporadic Conflict

 

[nocarename]

A/N: I'd intended to finish this earlier. Ah well, it's done now and the war is only mostly over.
Space is Wide III (Even Good Change is Hard [Liquor])
-0-
When your life consists of going from one place to another, being stuck in one spot long enough to have a regular seat at the bar was a bad sign. That said, it did have a good view of the entrance and sounds were kept low enough that a conversation could actually be held and so Sam Jones and Han Seung had ended up sharing a table, and some drinks, and more than a few games of Tak as the, well, there didn't seem to be a better term for it than situation unfolded across this part of settled space.

"Well, this isn't going to make getting work easier," said Seung as he moved his stack of captured pieces across the board.

"You can at least out run most of the problems," said Sam as his path across the board was not just stopped but repaved with Seung's pieces, "Once things settle down anyway."

"I still say I can get another twenty percent out of your engines if you'll let me take a swing at adjusting their tuning."

Sam shook his head. "Nothing I can't maintain myself," he said, "And I'm not going to be able to pull the maintenance cycles that sort of tuning will need once I'm back on regular long hauls. Leave it be."

"Any word on what things are going to shake out as yet?"

Sam made a face as he picked up a different stack and got ready to try and hold back Seung's progress. "To early to say yet. It looks like everyone is forting up and getting ready to throw the next punch. It's all incredibly twitchy."

"This isn't twitchy, the biophage stuff was twitchy," countered Seung, "And that's the game. I win again?"

"You win again," confirmed Sam, "And at least with this, the worst that happens in you die. I might actually head towards the Klingon border next. There's no way I can off load the Apiatan flutes I've ended up with here with all the Tellerite dominated colonies anyway. The finger counts are wrong."

"Not going back to the core systems?"

"Nah. Not anytime soon anyway, unless a special deal comes up. More opportunities on the edge I figure. You?"

"I don't know," said Seung as he fidgeted with his trapezoidal Tak piece, "I've got a girlfriend with Starfleet, you know? She's great, really into ship design work..."

"Sounds nice."

"She is. I just wonder if I'm holding her back, or myself, or..." the hand that had come up as if trying to pull answer of of thin, recycled station air dropped to the table top.

"I'mma get us some more drinks," said Sam, "No way I'm doing this without chemical assistance."

-0-

Since neither of the freighter Captains had any empire's cash in excess, they stuck with the more basic drinks. Luckily, that meant the alcohol had been synthesized in a lab on the station and was compensating for poor flavoring with higher proof ingredients.

"Anne is, she's so bright she's hard to actually look at sometimes," said Seung, "She loves to explain things, talk them out. She keeps taking food during meals to use a props."

Sam made a mental note that this explained every bit of Seung's twitching around his plate of nachos.

"Anne even got offered a berth on an Explorer ship during the biophage crisis, and she turned it down. It feels like I'm keeping her from reaching the peak of her ability."

"Or maybe she didn't want to dive into a biophage sort of situation every single week," countered Sam, "Space knows I wouldn't be eager to take them up on the offer with that sort of introduction."

"Point. But, is there anyone who didn't dream a little about being on the bridge of a Constitution when they were little? Seeking out strange new worlds and meeting new people?"

"And swapping drinks with them," finished Sam making a saluting motion with his glass.

Seung matched it with his own glass, "And swapping drinks. Still, the Federation is growing by leaps and bounds, we've what, doubled our volume?"

Sam waggled his free hand, "Something like that I think. Three cheers for exploration, yeah?"

"Huzzah." Seung to a deep drink from his glass. "I just wish I knew what the hell was going on now. We're at peace with the Klingons and the Romulans. At the same time even. New members in the Federation. New space lanes for trade opening up all over..."

"And no idea what comes next."

"And no idea what comes next."

"Well, that I can help you with," announced Sam and then he drained the glass, "Waiter? Two more Cosmonauts here."

-0-

Han Seung woke to a blinding headache and the sound of his personal com channel trying to connect. Since there was only one person who had the combination to sound that alarm and not break through automatically within entire sector he felt pretty confident about the greeting he delivered as soon as he rolled over and punched the acknowledgment key.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't try and kill you over the comlink," said Seung to the blank vidscreen.
At least he hoped it was blank, he couldn't quite manage to open his eyes yet.

"There was some sort of battle around Thon-Shalud," said Sam who'd remembered to drink more than one glass of water before he'd fallen into bed. He hadn't managed to take his boots off, but that had been a problem well within the range of future him to solve.

"So?"

"So now everyone on both sides is forting up, and well away from us. If we were quick about it we should be able to get away from all the people who don't realize that space is more than deadly enough on it's own without adding torpedoes to the situation."

Seung dragged a hand down across his face. "You start getting clearances and I'll start working on the last minute supplies?" he offered.

"Best plan there is, I guess," said Sam, "Prince of Thebes out."

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

Captain's Log, USS Enterprise, Stardate 23287.1

We are helping out the scientists who are a little reluctant to travel in the contested frontier without support. Earlier scans revealed a pre-industrial age civilisation residing on a Class M world not far rim-ward of Indoria. Our sensor crews have accomplished much of the work, but there are some areas the scientist are very keen to explore that are emitting naturally sensor-resistant waves. When they requested use of a shuttle to access these areas, I decided I could do with a good wilderness stroll myself, and will be joining them.

-

Captain's Log, USS Sarek, Stardate 23287.4

Our assignment to map out the wide array of mineral bearing worlds between Qloath and Lecarre has stumbled across an unexpected find in the form of an abandoned Yrillian Escort. This is, of course, very far from Ethur II or any Yrillian colony world, raising many questions about how and why this ship has come to arrive here.

-

Captain's Log, USS Miracht, Stardate 23288.3

The Rigellian mining colony of Calcis Minor, a barren and lifeless world, is reporting a number of missing workers deep in their mining tunnels, where their sensors are having trouble penetrating. It is an old and well-developed mine that has recently opened a number of new winds. The map is bewildering.

My plan is to use our spares to set up a much more advanced ground-based sensor amplifier rather than actually beam an away team into that mess, even though the foreman is furiously screaming to get him back on schedule.

-

Captain's Log, USS Kumari, Stardate 23288.4 - Captain Erzath zh'Darlyth

I have encountered and confronted a Cardassian ship that was tracing along the edge of Federation space. After a brief stalemate, it apparently has picked up the Challorn en route to reinforce us and turned to flee. To be thorough, we pursued it out of the local area.

[+5 pp, no escalation occurs]

-
Captain's Log, USS Miracht, Stardate 23288.7

The foreman continues to argue with me about the time it is taken.

I'll admit that I probably shouldn't have lost my temper, but in the end, I took one of my security officers' phaser rifle, handed it to the foreman and then shoved him into the elevator basket that leads down into the mines. Not only have I not heard any further complaints, I haven't even seen the foreman since he ran back out of the elevator screaming.

-

Captain's Log, USS S'harien, Stardate 23289.4

While leading an away party to a Class M potential colony world we entered a deep jungle area via light vehicle. While collecting samples, we were happened upon by a reptillian, bipedal megafaunus. It attacked and killed Ensign Calloway before we realised the danger, using enormous jaws and teeth. My best estimate of size was six meters in height, twelve in length.

We were unable to beam-out due to the metallic nature of the foliage and had to use tricorders to confuse it with sonic waves to make our escape after it shrugged off repeated phaser blasts.

-

Captain's Log, USS Cheron, Stardate 23289.6

We have conducted a diplomatic mission to an Apiatan colony world that is in a dispute with the high queens on Apinae. The colony seemed to be embracing some manner of ascetic way of life, and using this to justify not paying mandated contributions to the homeworld. With tensions beginning to boil, we were asked to step in and help resolve the matter. In doing so, we discovered the technology-free way of life was a total sham, with the planet liberally featuring modern technology, and a number of very spoiled Queens.

[+10 rp]

-

Captain's Log, USS Miracht, Stardate 23289.8

Giant.

Echo-locating.

Crystal.

Spiders.

You see, this is why I use sensors rather than my face when it comes to finding out what is in the dark and unwholesome places of the galaxy. There is one large nest in this mine site, and we are working on a safe orbital firing solution that will allow us to bore through the nest without damaging much else.

[Gain +20 br, +10 rp]

-

Captain's Log, USS Enterprise, Stardate 23289.9

Massive EM storms, the same ones that give our orbit-based investigations so much trouble, have disabled our shuttle on approach. Our pilot brought us in as gracefully as he could, and we are all intact. Unfortunately, we have now been found by the locals.

Initial reactions are mixed. I'm not sure if I'm to be crowned as a goddess or burned as a witch. It may be both.

-

Captain's Log, USS S'harien, Stardate 23290.1

We are being hunted through the jungle. Our vehicle has been unfortunately disabled, leaving us facing a jungle with many such reptiles in it on foot. We are attempting to coordinate with the S'harien in orbit, but need to reach high-ground to do so. High-ground that we believe may be the nesting ground of this reptile.

-

Captain's Log, USS Sarek, Stardate 23290.6

A number of Yrillian raiders were waiting in their ship's transport buffer for us to come alongside and lower shields. They beamed aboard the moment shields lowered and began to head for critical systems. The security officer on the bridge and myself subdued three, however, the Yrillians have captured main engineering. My chief engineer exhibited considerable initiative, bringing up force field barriers around the core and re-routing controls. Security is preparing to take back engineering. I would have used transporters to send them back to a point in space approximately around their ship, however after arriving they have activated transport inhibitors.

If nothing else, the crew is becoming proficient at anti-intruder drills.

-

Captain's Log, USS S'harien, Stardate 23290.8


I hold grave concerns regarding this world's suitability for colonisation.

This reptilian megafauna would pose a grave threat to any colonist. Thankfully, we have been able to return to our ship. After coordinating with the S'harien, they have used diffuse phaser blasts to clear-fell a section of jungle. After reaching this area, we have been able to beam out, though not being the great beast made one last attempt at eating us.

[+10rp]


-

Captain's Log, USS Sarek, Stardate 23290.9

Engineering is back in our hands, and we have captured an Yrillian vessel. Interrogation of the leader of this group of pirates leads me to believe that they are associated with the Orion Syndicate. Apparently this ruse was intended to work on cargo ships plying the routes near Dawiar, where losses may be excused as Dawiar action. The idea that they would encounter an Excelsior had not been accounted for.

I have used this as an object lesson to the crew on the importance to a Starfleet officer of not just a sound base of geological knowledge, but of thorough planning and anticipation.

[+5 pp, ship not captured]

-

Captain's Log, USS Enterprise, Stardate 23291.1

That was a narrow escape. We were to be sacrificed to appease the "gods" who send the Ion Storms. Thankfully, a beautiful priestess helped us escape, giving us the chance to prove that their "gods" were, in fact, renegade Orions!

Which, incidentally, saves me from an awkward Prime Directive talk.

[+10 rp]

Computer, End Log

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X][INTEL] Accept the Resignation (+5pp)

[X][REPAIR] Gaeni Manufacturing Coop (+5pp, Gaeni closely study the Excelsior design)
-[X] Delay/cancel a Connie-B in Q4 as necessary to avoid a resource shortfall

[X][COUNCIL] Plan Rid Ourselves of the Syndicate
-Request Allocation for an Excelsior's resources, one-off-infusion of an Excelsior's cost, 20pp
-Request Academy Expansion, 35pp (Gain +.5 Officers/Enlisted/Techs throughput)
-Attempt to muster support for large scale action against the Orion Syndicate, 35pp (Anti-Syndicate actions will occur each turn in Amarkia, Caitian, and Andor Sectors)
--The Yukikaze to be assigned to anti-Syndicate actions for the duration in whatever sector they happen in.
-Request expansion of Ana Font Shipyard, 10pp (9 with discount) (4 turns, gain 1 new 1m t berth)
-Request focused Diplomacy on Sayek, 10pp
-Request focused Diplomacy on Bajorans, 10pp
-Request focused Diplomacy on Yrillians, 10pp
-Request focused Diplomacy on Dawiar, 10pp
- Request new Tech Team to be added to your Ship Design Bureau, 20pp [Starbase Design/Starship Construction]

2309.Q2

Starfleet Intelligence Command - Steering Committee

Admiral,

As Rear Admiral zh'Rhashaan's chief of staff, I am taking over the Intelligence Command until such time as a new Director is appointed.

The most important thing to report on over the past few months is the follow-up investigation to the report of the unusually modified Kaldar cruiser. I believe you have already been informed that the module is of mixed Orion and Klingon architecture. The raid on Yvresse station, though coming at an unacceptable cost, was still able to provide valuable data from which to extrapolate answers from. Most notably, we have learned that this was a Klingon device acquired by the Orions, and that the Orion researchers never fully understood what they were working with. Indeed, the Orion component of the module appears to be more repairs than modifications. From initial data retrieval, it seems that they acquired the module from somewhere near the Federation-Klingon-Romulan border intersection, an area of space which is home to such worlds as FepaH-Tok, Haghat, Khitomer, and Vargart.

Dutifully,
Commodore T'Lam, Acting Director

==========================

How to vote:

Select up to 6 items. For a vote to be valid, you need a minimum of 2 Cardassian-related reports, and 1 Romulan-related reports.

[ ][REPORT] What would you like to see reported on?
-[ ] Romulan Diplomatic Posture Report
-[ ] Klingon Diplomatic Posture Report
-[ ] Cardassian Diplomatic Posture Report
-[ ] <Minor Power> Diplomatic Posture Report

-[ ] Cardassian Fleet Strength Report
-[ ] Romulan Fleet Strength Report
-[ ] Klingon Fleet Strength Report
-[ ] <Minor Power> Fleet Strength Report


-[ ] Ship Analysis Report: <Write in Ship to try to get profile>
-[ ] Shipyard Activity Report for: <Write in Power to get current build details and possibly resource levels>

-[ ] Write in other Question

======================

As part of your work in Paris, you attempt to canvass the Council members for their interest in an intensive campaign to sharply curtail the activities of the Orion Syndicate in Federation space. A lot of people are extremely enthusiastic ... about the general concepts. In the particular, many people are less eager. Taking on a group like the Syndicate is a bloody business, and often personally hazardous. More than one promising career in Orion Union law enforcement or judiciary has come to a premature and sticky close. So you start trying some general ideas on people in private, getting reactions.

It soon becomes apparently, you'll need a political partner in this to give your push oomph, and you need a plan of action to sell people on.

For your patron, you approach...

[ ][PATRON] ... the Hawkish faction. (+3 Militiarisation, extra military options on the table, extra access to Amarki fleets)
[ ][PATRON] ... the Development faction. (-2 Threat Level, extra infrastructure options are on the table, extra access to Tellarite fleets)
[ ][PATRON] ... the Expansionist faction. (+1 Militarisation, extra access to Human and Andorian fleets)
[ ][PATRON] ... the Pacifist faction. (-3 Threat Level, -1 Militarisation, extra diplomatic options are on the table, extra access to Vulcan fleets)

 

[Leila Hann]

Omake: Thuir Tunnel-Crawler


From: Noran Sael, Senior Researcher
To: Lady Aolina Nassae III, Director First Circle of Academia Amarkia, House of Exobiology

My greatest of regards to Starfleet, my lady, and to our most accommodating affiliates from Rigel! Its only so often that one is given an opportunity to revolutionize the field of exobiology, at least with regards to exotic biochemistry. I'd stake my honor on a Vulcan or three casting their eyes jealously upon the Academia Amarkia once we've completed this research. My team and I have taken the liberty of naming the Calcis Minor organism after the Human captain who brought back the initial sample; I didn't think he'd mind, but perhaps we ought to contact this gallant Captain Michel Thuir before it becomes official as a simple courtesy.

Calcis Minor is only the second world on record to host a native silicon-based biosphere, the first of course being the Human-colonized planet of Janus VI. Evidently, Federation scientists have spent decades wondering if the Horta were unique within the universe, and what strange circumstance must have seen to their evolution in that case. With this second instance now known, we can begin to calculate a ratio of 397.5:1 with regards to the genesis of carbon and silicon based life, but how foolish would it be to trust that number with what we now know! Both Janus VI and Calcis Minor were barren, lifeless rocks to our fleshy sensibilities, with their subterranean natives becoming known only years after humanoids delved deep for minerals. How many other barren, lifeless rocks sit within known space, lacking the outward tells of mineral wealth to attract us? How many of these might brood a glittering garden of silicate splendor deep below their outer crusts? Dare one put forth the hypothesis that it is we carbon-creatures who are in the minority, with endless crystalline ecosystems outnumbering us in unexamined caverns throughout the stars?



What most captures my curiosity is that, unlike the lithophagous Horta, the Thuir Tunnel-Crawler is demonstrably predatory, and a mighty hunter indeed! While the specimens we raised in our simulated magmal chamber were fed on intravenous chemical mixtures, once they grew large enough for independent motion they pounced on anything that moved, and clearly made as if to consume it once their opal blades had severed small enough pieces. A surprising instinctive intelligence was demonstrated; with no need for guidance from elders of their kind, the young crawlers knew how to surround and outflank any moving target we cared to test, nor were they afraid until the targets exceeded their volume seven times over. A terror to any creature of a certain size, but themselves prey to an even larger silicate beast? Or perhaps they prey upon the young and infirm of a larger species, whilst recoiling from the healthy adults that defend them?

Whatever their natural prey may be, our good Captain Thuir may have saved both them AND the Rigellians from a more painful death when he euthenized this colony. The Tunnel-Crawler depends entirely on its touch and its echo-locating antennum to guide it to its meals, being bereft of smell or taste. Any individuals that ingested Rigellian tissues would have met a slow and agonizing death themselves as the carbon ash left by their digestive furnaces clogged their excretory ducts, and toxic H2O turned their own liquid biochemistry slowly to mush and vapor. If only the creatures could be taught that we protein peoples are poisonous, we could so easily send an expedition to examine the rest of the glittering crystal kingdom that sired them.

The site the misfortuned miners happened upon must have been a communal growing area; whenever the Thuir Tunnel-Crawler assimilates sufficient mineral stuff, it must spend a time away from the volcanic heat of the deep crust to let its growing opal exoskeleton harden once again. It is during these times, away from the fusion-fired heat of the deep underground, that the creatures are at their most aggressive, no doubt to take advantage of prey items that are isolated and alone during similar biological phases of their own. When the growing hunters kill, an ultrasonic song echoes away into the tunnels, bringing their packmates who must eat still more to grow. Thus, an altruistic hunter, best positioned to kill when it itself is not hungry.

While I have pledged my life to the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, it is readily clear to me that the continued study of this species - and others like it - could yield a more practical bounty as well. The thermal battery that acts as ATP is as efficient as any our engineers have ever produced. The reshaping of mineral compounds - some of them the very valuables the Rigellian miners sought - is performed with near-perfect efficiency by the crawler's biology. It might be wise, my Lady, to summon our peers from Tellar and Vulcan, and to prolong my group's grant that we may develop a deterrent to attack by the crawlers. Pending such safety measures' invention, and permission from the Rigellian government, a joint venture into the bowels of Calcis Minor awaits!



Traditional Amarki scientific writing is considered a form of poetry.

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X][PATRON] ... the Expansionist faction. (+1 Militarisation, extra access to Human and Andorian fleets)

[X][REPORT] Shipyard Activity Report for: Cardassians
[X][REPORT] Report on potential level of penetration of Federation institutions by Orion Syndicate informants
[X][REPORT] Cardassian Diplomatic Posture Report
[X][REPORT] Report on Orion Syndicate bases of operation and assets.
[X][REPORT] Romulan attitude towards Federation and future relationship.
[X][REPORT] Locations of Cardassian worlds.

You join up with the Expansionist faction to help provide political backing for your campaign against the Orion Syndicate. It is a move viewed in a somewhat aggressive light but you know that with the current state of the galaxy, people will accept these moves. President sh'Arrath approves, which also helps. You work with the President's office, and with her chief backers, Councillors Rob Langford and Hayley Singh. They give you great access to the United Earth fleet and the Andorian Guard commanders, letting you draw down on member world forces to help run this operation. It will take a long time to properly finalise plans and actions, but you have broad outlines to present before even leaving Paris. You lean heavily on Vice Admiral Sulu, who is taking over Tactical, to come up with possible plans, as well as liaising with the Orions. A few trusted Betazoids help as well when you deal with the Union.

You also work closely with zh'Rhashaan's successor...

[ ][SPY] Commodore T'Lam
Vulcan Female, 58
Current Postiing: Chief of Staff/Acting Director, Starfleet Intelligence Command
A long serving member of Starfleet's Intelligence community, a woman noted for steely nerves. Bonus to accuracy in fleet strength/ship analysis reports.

[ ][SPY] Commodore Scott Linderley
Human Male, 56
Current Posting: Director, Security Division, Starfleet Intelligence Command
A man with a passion for rooting out treachery. Gain bonuses to security against infiltration and espionage.

[ ][SPY] Commodore Kach blasch Fapok
Tellarite Male, 52
Current Posting: Director, Analysis Desk, Starfleet Intelligence Command
Although argumentative to a fault, Fapok knows a great deal about how to read people. Gain bonus to accuracy in diplomatic posture reports.

With all these officers and politicians contributing, disagreements are many, but you make progress. The plan takes shape in offices and committees, in board rooms, while clustered around desks, over lattes or pints in Parisian establishments. You bounce from presentations by Commander Song Meiying of the Orion Desk to a meeting at a quaint family-owned coffee shop where Councillor Singh introduces you to the commanders of the Andorian Guard and UE fleet.

Through it all you begin to get a feel for the sort of assets you will have at your disposal.

=======================

Available Resources

10 points of Influence

Council
Expansionist Faction Support


Andorian Guard
1 Centaur-A
1 Centaur
2 Constellation
3 Miranda

United Earth Fleet
1 Constellation
2 Centaur-A
3 Miranda

Starfleet
Amarkian Sector Fleet
Andor Sector Fleet
CBZ Fleet

Starfleet Intelligence
Office 8 (Orion Field Intel)
Office 24 (Special Ops Team)


Orion Union
8 Escorts
2 Cruisers
Union Organised Crime Team
Union Customs Enforcement Team

Plan Vote next

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

You work with your patrons in the Expanionist faction of the Council, most notably Hayley Singh of Alpha Centauri, creating a plan that you can use to

=======================

Available Resources

10 points of Influence

Council
Expansionist Faction Support


Andorian Guard
1 Centaur-A
1 Centaur
2 Constellation
3 Miranda

United Earth Fleet
1 Constellation
2 Centaur-A
3 Miranda

Starfleet
Amarkian Sector Fleet
Andor Sector Fleet
CBZ Fleet

Starfleet Intelligence
Office 8 (Orion Field Intel)
Office 24 (Special Ops Team)


Orion Union
8 Escorts
2 Cruisers
Union Organised Crime Team
Union Customs Enforcement Team

Planning

You have ten points of Influence which can push people to taking more direct action. Spend these Influence points to get Impact. You need to accumulate at least 15 Impact. The more impact you eke out, the more you are hurting the Orion Syndicate each turn. At this stage, you are not sure how much total cumulative impact will be required to destroy, or at least neutralise, the Syndicate.

This is by plan voting!

[ ][PLAN] Your Plan Name Here

There are a number of different parts to the plan, each of which will have an option that needs to be picked. Pick one option per section.

What do you want to begin this action as?
[ ][COUNCIL] Security Act of 2309 [0 Influence, 1 Impact]
[ ][COUNCIL] Anti-Slavery Act of 2309 [1 Influence, 2 Impact, -5pp/year, focus on the security aspects]
[ ][COUNCIL] Anti-Piracy Act of 2309 [1 Influence, 2 Impact, -5pp/year, focus on the military assets]
[ ][COUNCIL] Comprehensive Anti-Syndicate Act of 2309 [3 Influence, 5 Impact, -15pp/year while in effect, comprehensive attack]

What to do with traffic crossing sector borders
[ ][ZONE] Use sensors, Only stop on direct Intel [0 Influence, 1 Impact]
[ ][ZONE] Stop any ship with a sensor anomaly [1 Influence, 2 Impact]
[ ][ZONE] Stop any ship with an Orion on board [1 Influence, 3 Impact, -5 Relations with non-Affiliates]
[ ][ZONE] Stop and inspect all traffic [3 Influence, 4 Impact, -5 Relations with all Affiliates, -10 with non-Affiliates]


What to do within Orion Space
[ ][CLOSE] Use Andorian and Human units [2 Influence, 4 Impact, -5pp/year, reduces units available for border work]
[ ][CLOSE] Stick with Orion units [1 Influence, 2 Impact, chance of Syndicate subversion]
[ ][CLOSE] Rotate Starfleet Assets [2 Influence, 5 Impact, -5 to response rolls of Starfleet ships in the Amarkia, Andor, CBZ sectors]

What to do with Intel assets?
[ ][OFFICE8] Help purge Orion Union forces [2 Influence, 3 Impact, reduced chance of Orion subversion]
[ ][OFFICE8] Attempt to infiltrate Syndicate [2 Influence, 3 Impact, increased chance of locating Orion forces]
[ ][OFFICE8] Passive information gathering [0 Influence, 1 Impact]

What to do with your Special Operations team?
[ ][OFFICE24] Assign two Centaur-As and let them seek and attack installations [2 Influence, 4 Impact, tie down USS Yukikaze and one other Centaur-A]
[ ][OFFICE24] Assign runabouts and let them arrest high-profile targets [1 Influence, 2 Impact]
[ ][OFFICE24] Assign runabouts and use them to scout [0 Influence, 1 Impact]

What are your rules of engagement?
[ ][ROE] Policing only [0 Influence, 2 Impact]
[ ][ROE] Self-Defence or Pursuit [1 Influence, 3 Impact]
[ ][ROE] Open Season [2 Influence, 4 Impact, 2 Militarisation]