Star Trek: The Final Frontier ~ Season I IC Thread

[Johnny Blaze]

As we take our positions on the bridge, I notice the Ensign's look of utter embarrassment. "It's ok, son," I whisper. "No harm done. Just don't let it happen again."

The kid brightens up instantly. "Yes, sir. I mean, no sir! I mean..."

"Just get to your station, Ensign."

"Yes, sir. Thank you sir," he says with relief, rushing to the back of the bridge.

"Just out of the Academy?" I quietly ask Rourke.

"Looks like it", Rourke sighed and gave a chuckle.
"Should make for a fun trip."

Rourke makes his way to his Captain's chair, but, instead of sitting down, remains standing in front of it.

As the Ensign dashes off to his position, I take my seat and activate my console. "All department heads, this is the First Officer. Report readiness for launch."

I watch as department after department turns green with signals of readiness. I hear the turbolift doors open and see Doctor Peters step onto the bridge. "Medical ready for departure," he reports, his voice sounding somewhat unsteady. I give him a long glance and he seems...off. And I know it's not my imagination. I can tell when someone isn't themselves, even if I hadn't met them before. If I didn't know better, I'd think he had been drinking.

"Medical reporting ready, Captain," I confirm. "Waiting only on Security and Engineering, sir."

"Excellent", Rourke says as he glances the Doctor's way. There was something strange about the man. Like he was drunk, or something. But no senior officer could be that stupid, could they?
Rourke shook his head and turned back to dealing with the immediate situation: getting the Enterprise ready for her maiden voyage.

"Mr. Cobb, get ready to take us out. I want to leave port as soon as Security and Engineering report in, understood?"

"She's ready and roarin', Captain. Just say the word and we're off."

 

[AnorexicBatman]

Originally Posted By The Question

The security station, while quite large, was not designed for the entire security force to be present at one time. Just over one hundred crewmen bunched together, bumping elbows and generally wanting to either get to work or go back to their quarters.

Senor Chief Petty Officer Tarkon Amoni, the highest ranking man in the room, spoke to his subordinates.

"Everyone try and clear a path. We don't want to make out new CO feel unwelcome."

The turbolift sped downwards with a distinct buzz. Inside Chief Bellatrix was patiently waiting to meet her new 'troops' as it were. This would be her first time leading humans and vice-versa for them. She didn't necessarily think less of humans considering at one point their entire planet was of empires and conquerors. Funny thing about that, it is said that the Empire of Rome was founded by two brothers Romulus and Remus, bizarre coincidence. Perhaps Romulans and Humans were always meant to be.

However, WW-III and their FIRST CONTACT with the Vulcans had removed their teeth and claws. Save for few like Commander William Riker and her own C.O. Elias Vaughn

Except for the fact that her second-in-command was Andorian of all things.
Andorians were... special....

Her thoughts are interrupted as the turbolift comes to a halt and she sees the Security Station at the end of the hallway. She proceeds and is shocked to see an assembly of various races inside, Human, Bajoran, few Andorians excluding the one in front of them. Mental note, get a bigger Station.

The Andorian in front of of the group stood with gracious professionalism, there was a certain air about him. Definitely a military man, although he was probably a marine considering he looked uncomfortable being on a starship as were some of 'his' men.

She steps forward and introduces herself to the standing audience, "My name is Bellatrix your new commanding officer. I am sure most of you must be shocked to see that I am a Romulan seeing as how the Federation and the Star Empire have not really seen eye to eye. However, times are changing and with we too need to change. I assure you that I am a hard taskmaster but not an unfair one, bravery and courage is to be rewarded while insubordination will get you a one way trip out of the ship. Do I make myself clear?

A tiny squeak is heard from the group of ensigns. Her usual cold, calculating voice did quite a number on them. While the Chief Petty Officer had hearts in his eyes.
"Good. You are all dismissed until further notice.

The audience begins to slowly move out."Now, Officer Tarkon. May we speak in private?"

 

[The Question]

The turbolift sped downwards with a distinct buzz. Inside Chief Bellatrix was patiently waiting to meet her new 'troops' as it were. This would be her first time leading humans and vice-versa for them. She didn't necessarily think less of humans considering at one point their entire planet was of empires and conquerors. Funny thing about that, it is said that the Empire of Rome was founded by two brothers Romulus and Remus, bizarre coincidence. Perhaps Romulans and Humans were always meant to be.

However, WW-III and their FIRST CONTACT with the Vulcans had removed their teeth and claws. Save for few like Commander William Riker and her own C.O. Elias Vaughn

Except for the fact that her second-in-command was Andorian of all things.
Andorians were... special....

Her thoughts are interrupted as the turbolift comes to a halt and she sees the Security Station at the end of the hallway. She proceeds and is shocked to see an assembly of various races inside, Human, Bajoran, few Andorians excluding the one in front of them. Mental note, get a bigger Station.

The Andorian in front of of the group stood with gracious professionalism, there was a certain air about him. Definitely a military man, although he was probably a marine considering he looked uncomfortable being on a starship as were some of 'his' men.

She steps forward and introduces herself to the standing audience, "My name is Bellatrix your new commanding officer. I am sure most of you must be shocked to see that I am a Romulan seeing as how the Federation and the Star Empire have not really seen eye to eye. However, times are changing and with we too need to change. I assure you that I am a hard taskmaster but not an unfair one, bravery and courage is to be rewarded while insubordination will get you a one way trip out of the ship. Do I make myself clear?

A tiny squeak is heard from the group of ensigns. Her usual cold, calculating voice did quite a number on them. While the Chief Petty Officer had hearts in his eyes.
"Good. You are all dismissed until further notice.

The audience begins to slowly move out."Now, Officer Tarkon. May we speak in private?"

Tarkon stood quietly until the rest of the staff left the room. Chief Petty Officer T'Sol, a Vulcan he had served with since their special forces days in the war, shot him a look that either indicated "Watch out, Romulan military officers are notoriously authoritarian and she may very well do her best to beat you down and shatter every last vestige of your will until you are her docile puppet" or "She's cute, and I think she likes you." Or perhaps both. Conveying multiple meanings with simple expressions is a very common Vulcan skill.

"Yes, Ma'am?" he said as the last crewman filed out.

 

[Red_Robin77]

The ship was beautiful. Light glinted off its hull as I studied it from the observation deck of the station. I hear somebody running up behind me and I turn around to face a young ensign.

"Sorry for bothering you, Sir, but all crew need to be onboard now," he says, chest pumped up.

"I'll be right there," I tell him, as I take one last glance before following after him.

****

The engineers of the USS Enterprise hurryaround doing final checks on the machinery, while I give my bags to the nearest ensign and walk over to the warp core.

"Seems fine to me, where's the Assistant Chief Engineer?" I call out to the large group and one of them steps out from the pack.

"Lieutenant Faraway," a young woman replies to me.

"Good to see you, Faraway. We all clear to go?"

"Yes Sir, we're just finishing off some checks on the weapons and we're set."

"Good, I'll check in with the Bridge, keep up the good work."

I nod to Faraway and turn off, heading out of the Engine Room.

****

The turbolift slides open and I step out onto the bridge of the ship, admiring it's beauty. I notice somebody stumbling in the direction of the turbolift and step aside to let him past, noticing the uniform of a doctor.

"Doctor," I nod, resisting the urge to s****** at the drunk man.

I turn to the First Officer, remembering the name from the files. Probably the most experienced man on the crew, and a legend with it. Commander Elias Vaughn.

"Sir, engineering is ready for departure."

 

[AnorexicBatman]

Originally Posted By The Question

"Yes, Ma'am?" he said as the last crewman filed out.

"I must say Officer, quite the group you had assembled their. They are still ... fresh as it were and hopefully you and I can mold them into an effective fighting force. Regardless, I wanted to talk to you because I wanted your opinion. You have lead these men before, hence I wanted to know what you think, of your men, of me. I am quite strict in enforcing discipline wanted to know if you have any advice. You may speak freely."

"Oh and before I forget (slaps comm badge). Captain Rourke? Security team reports ready.

 

[Franklin Richards]

Puk stood by observing her station. A bevy of green lights filled her Op's panel.

"Stellar Cartography, Sick Bay, Engineering, Security. All resources stand ready, Captain."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Excellent", Rourke eagerly smiled.
"Mr. Cobb...take us out, quarter impulse."

"Aye, aye, Captain."

Helmsman Cobb cracked his knuckles and dived into the control. The Texan, who had been piloting all manner of ships since he learned to walk, activated the impulse thrusters and gracefully guided the Enterprise out of the stardock.

Rourke could help but grin as the beautiful vessel pulled away from McKinley Station, the tiny shuttlecraft on the view screen scurrying out of the vessel's way.

"Increase to full impulse and take us out of Earth orbit."

"Sure thing, sir."

The Enterprise sailed silently through space, and quickly passed the moon, which was shining brightly in the sunlight. All the cities, looking like perfect little miniature models, was a magnificent sight to see.

But, now that the ship was out, there was another matter to attend to.

"Doctor Peters, join me in my ready room", Rourke spoke as he stood up from his captain's chair.

"Yes, sir", the Doctor said, doing his best to sound and look sober.

"Commander", Rourke looked to Vaughn, "You have the bridge. Take us out of the system, if you please."

The Captain entered his ready room, the doctor following right behind him. As the door closed behind them, Rourke made his way around his desk, but didn't sit down.

"How much have you had", Rourke asked Peters.

"Sir? I don't know what you're-"

"Doctor", Rourke cut the man off.
"If there's one thing I hate more than a man drinking on the job, it's being lied to. How. Much. Have. You. Had?"

Peters swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the lump currently stuck in his throat.
"Only...a few glasses of Andorian ale."

"Unacceptable", Rourke said, a hint of anger in his voice.
"Not only are you being grossly irresponsible, not to mention breaking Starfleet regulations, but you being inebriated puts the lives of any of the crew at risk should they seek medical attention."


"I'm...I'm sorry, sir", Peters stammered a reply.

"You damn right you are", Rourke said, his anger rising a bit, "if I ever find out that you've been drinking on the job again, I'll have you booted off this ship and out of Starfleet. Do I may myself clear?"

"Crystal, sir", Peters frowned and looked down to the floor in embarrassment.

"Good. You are to return to your quarters and remain there. You're on a forty-eight hour suspension, effective immediately."

"Sir?"

"You heard me, Doctor", Rourke glared at the man.
"Now, get out of my sight."

Peters huffed in disappointment before turning and storming angrily out of the Captain's ready room.

"Incoming message from Starfleet, sir", came an ensign's voice over the intercom.
"It's Admiral Picard."

Rourke sighed and sat down in the chair.
"Put it through."

"Aye, sir."

"Admiral", Rourke smiled as Picard's face appeared on the tiny view screen situated on his desk.
"What can I do for you?"

 

[wiegeabo]

"Commander, you have the bridge. Take us out of the system, if you please."

"Aye, Captain. Helm, make your course zero-five-five mark twelve," I say as I take the center seat. "Warp factor 3."

"Warp 3, Commander. All ready to go."

I raise an eyebrow and vaguely wonder about Picard's sense of humor. "Execute."

An almost imperceptible, yet very familiar feeling vibrates through the ship as we relativistically stretch forward and snap past light speed. I'd still rather be half a galaxy away on the Defiant, but I can't deny how good it feels to be out among the stars again.

"Here we go..."

 

[Byrd Man]

Sick Bay

"So, tell me something about yourself, a big strong strapping young man like you. Where are you from?"

I smile meekly at Nurse Dera, these green skinned women really know how to put on the charm.

"Well, I was born on Pluto. We were two when we moved back to Earth-"

"Make way!"

Dera and I turn to see a Klingon officer carrying an unconscious pregnant human woman into the bay.

"What's going on here?"

"My wife, she's going into labor."

To be honest, I'm shocked. Chances of a Human-Kligon conception are impossibly high.

"How far along is she?"

"Almost twenty-five weeks."

I check it off in my head. The usual pregnancy time for a Klingon is thirty weeks, even less for Klingon hybrids.

"Nurse Dera, prep the delivery room. Nurse Johnson, I want this lady scanned and ready for delivery."

Klingon births are always tricky. The babies thrash and fight, that usual Klingon attitude. 25% of all births result in the death of the mother. It's even higher with non-Klingon mothers.

"Doctor," the officer says as he places his wife on the table.

"If something happens to her....I am holding you personally responsible."

The Klingon officer keeps his deadly eyes focused on me as I coughed.

"Don't...uhh, don't worry, sir."

I walk away and hit the view screen, contacting the bridge.

"Commander Vaughn? This is Doctor McCoy down in Sick Bay, where is Doctor Peters?"

 

[wiegeabo]

I walk away and hit the view screen, contacting the bridge.

"Commander Vaughn? This is Doctor McCoy down in Sick Bay, where is Doctor Peters?"

...McCoy. As in Leonard McCoy? As in Carter McCoy?! I know it's been a long time, but certainly Carter isn't old enough...is he?

Looks like I should have finished all those personnel files.

"This is Vaughn, Doctor Peters is with-" The ready-room doors open and Peters marches out. "Doctor, it's Mc-"

"Off duty," Peters said, obviously disgruntled. I suppose I was right.

"McCoy...you're on your own. Call in the other doctor if you need to."

I sit back in the seat and exhale. "What is it about ships named Enterprise?"

 

[Byrd Man]

...McCoy. As in Leonard McCoy? As in Carter McCoy?! I know it's been a long time, but certainly Carter isn't old enough...is he?

Looks like I should have finished all those personnel files.

"This is Vaughn, Doctor Peters is with-" The ready-room doors open and Peters marches out. "Doctor, it's Mc-"

"Off duty," Peters said, obviously disgruntled. I suppose I was right.

"McCoy...you're on your own. Call in the other doctor if you need to."

I sit back in the seat and exhale. "What is it about ships named Enterprise?"

I'm about to reply to the commander when Nurse Johnson calls from the delivery room.

"Doctor, she's fully dialated! Pulse is fading, she could be going into cardiac arrest!"

I nod to Vaugh and sign off.

I rush into the room and check her pelvic regions. A squirming mass of flesh is poking its way out.

"Nurse Dera, prep the panels. If she start sto crash, I want to shock her back."

"Wouldn't that kill the baby?"

"It's half-Klingon. This little shock will be the easiest pain it'll have to endure."

The woman's husband stands next to her, holding her hand with worried eyes.

"Okay now. Start breathing and....PUSH! PUSH! PUSH!"

The woman screams out as the baby starts to slip out of her. The lump of flesh and mucus is screaming and trashing.

"Pulse is 50 and dropping....24....she's going to crash."

I spring up and grab the panels, placing them on the woman's chest.

"Here we go....one, two, three, CLEAR!"

BBZZZZT!!!

The electricty courses through her body and she wiggles from the shock.

"Still nothing."

"one, two, three, CLEAR!"

BBZZZZT!!!

I look down as the woman's body dances from the jolt. The heart is still not beating, worst of all I don't hear the baby crying.

"Alright. We're going to have to remove the baby out manually. Nurse Johnson, keep on with the paddles."

I slap on a pair of rubber gloves and reach down for the baby that is half-way out of the womb.

This is one hell of a first day.

 

[Byrd Man]

35 minutes into my assignment on the Enterprise. Let's review, shall we?

• I've been hit on by two very attractive nurses who will be spending many lonely nights with me.
• My commanding officer threatened me while he was half drunk.
• Said commanding officer was suspended from duty for, what I assume, is drinking on the job.
• The old First Officer, the legendary Elias Vaughn, gave me a combination of the "stink eye" and the "checking me out" eye.
• A pregnant human is dying on my table in the middle of giving birth to her half-Klingon child.
• Her Klingon husband then threatened to kill me if anything happened to his wife or unborn child.

Does that cover it? I think so.

BBZZZZT!!!

The pregnant woman bucks and kicks as Nurse Johnson hits her with another jolt of electricity.

"She's back!"

I hear the woman's deep breaths as I sit between her legs. Half of the baby's head is now sticking out. The Klingon ridge is prominent on its forehead.

"Alright, now. PUSH!"

The woman screams and I reach in just in time to pluck the newborn out of harm's way.

The alien baby thrahses and screams as I try to hold on to it. Nurse Dera swoops in and wraps it up in a towel.

"Congratulations....it's a girl."

Both parents are beaming proudly as Dera hands the baby over to the woman.

I'm hot, sweaty, and covered in bodily fluids and afterbirth. The smile on my face couldn't be any more wider.

I'm now 36 minutes into my commission on the Enterprise.

This is going to be one hell of a ride.

 

[Franklin Richards]

Bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise.


"Commander, if I may. Science Lab I has requested that our path away from Sector 001 might pass by Wolf 359 for a short layover."

I assumed the Commander knew that the resources of Science Lab I actually meant me. I don't really know the man. I think Lt. Commander Sovik from the Academy had worked with him. Something about Sovik not being mature enough.

Sovik? The vulcan? The man must have been 70 years old. You'd think Vulcans would pick up things faster.

Oh crap. I just flaked a bit. How long was I starin' at him?

"Um. I have some new temporal techniques for scanning. It was a... <ahem> a part of my Senior Thesis and it could improve our transwarp wavefront network. Wolf 359 is ripe with ambient temporal chronotons and it would be a perfect place to make our first attempt outside of the lab."

A moment passes in silence. Nothing but the blips coming from Tactical.

He's sizing me up or something.

"Sir."

 

[wiegeabo]

"Commander, if I may. Science Lab I has requested that our path away from Sector 001 might pass by Wolf 359 for a short layover."

I assumed the Commander knew that the resources of Science Lab I actually meant me. I don't really know the man. I think Lt. Commander Sovik from the Academy had worked with him. Something about Sovik not being mature enough.

Sovik? The vulcan? The man must have been 70 years old. You'd think Vulcans would pick up things faster.

Oh crap. I just flaked a bit. How long was I starin' at him?

"Um. I have some new temporal techniques for scanning. It was a... <ahem> a part of my Senior Thesis and it could improve our transwarp wavefront network. Wolf 359 is ripe with ambient temporal chronotons and it would be a perfect place to make our first attempt outside of the lab."

A moment passes in silence. Nothing but the blips coming from Tactical.

He's sizing me up or something.

"Sir."

I stare at the ensign for a moment. And I notice several of the crew doing the same. But a quick glance from me reminds them of where their attention should be. I stand up from the chair and casually walk over to the ops station. The ensign gulps noticeably.

"Ensign...Puk, isn't it? The Changling?"

 

[Franklin Richards]

"Ensign...Puk, isn't it? The Changling?"

"Terran, sir. I was born on Earth."

Wow. My usual response sounds out of place when I say it to him.

"But if you mean my race, then yes. I --- I suppose I am a Changeling. And uhhh it is Puk. Yes sir."

Nice recovery. I am so stupid.

"Sir."

 

[The Question]

"I must say Officer, quite the group you had assembled their. They are still ... fresh as it were and hopefully you and I can mold them into an effective fighting force. Regardless, I wanted to talk to you because I wanted your opinion. You have lead these men before, hence I wanted to know what you think, of your men, of me. I am quite strict in enforcing discipline wanted to know if you have any advice. You may speak freely."

"Oh and before I forget (slaps comm badge). Captain Rourke? Security team reports ready.

"Only advice I could offer is that you give them due respect. A few of them are rough around the edges, but they're all professionals. Don't work them harder than they need to be and trust their experience, don't ask them to do anything you wouldn't be willing to do yourself, and you'll get plenty of respect in return. Basically, don't give them any reason to hate you. Give them every reason to fear you, absolutely, but not to hate you. That ain't practical. As for the matter of what I think of you... well, I don't know you. You're an officer. I was afraid you might be a pompous ass. You still might be, but you seem like you know what you're doing."

 

[wiegeabo]

"Terran, sir. I was born on Earth."

Wow. My usual response sounds out of place when I say it to him.

"But if you mean my race, then yes. I --- I suppose I am a Changeling. And uhhh it is Puk. Yes sir."

Nice recovery. I am so stupid.

"Sir."

I force myself not to grin as I mentally review her service record. "Relax, Ensign. Born on Earth, eh...?" I say with a nod. Taking a step closer to her, I lower my voice a notch. "Odo's a good man. I trust him, and he trusts you. That's good enough for me."

I bring my voice back to it's normal level. "A good idea, Ensign. Maiden voyages are all about testing our systems. This sounds like a good, and useful, test," even though I have no idea what you just said. "Carry on, Ensign Puk."

 

[AnorexicBatman]

Originally Posted By The Question

"Only advice I could offer is that you give them due respect. A few of them are rough around the edges, but they're all professionals. Don't work them harder than they need to be and trust their experience, don't ask them to do anything you wouldn't be willing to do yourself, and you'll get plenty of respect in return. Basically, don't give them any reason to hate you. Give them every reason to fear you, absolutely, but not to hate you. That ain't practical. As for the matter of what I think of you... well, I don't know you. You're an officer. I was afraid you might be a pompous ass. You still might be, but you seem like you know what you're doing."

Bellatrix smiles at the response, Don't worry Officer. I'll keep your advice in mind. And I assure you, I may be a proud Romulan but I'm not pompous. Some of us have learned to respect others. Now if you will excuse me. I must report to the bridge.

She turns and leaves, that same sure and strong walking style. She takes the turbo lift up to the bridge to see that the new science officer had just arrived.

She motions to Vaughn, "Commander, won't you introduce me to our new Science Officer?"

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"I'm sorry, ensign", the Captain said as he stepped out from the ready room, a concerned look on his face.
"But we don't have time for any lengthy study of Wolf 359. You'll have to perform your scans as we pass by."

"Helm, once we're past Wolf set a course for Starbase 23, maximum warp."

"You got it, sir."

"I want all senior staff to report to the conference room immediately. Mr. Cobb, you have the con. Bellatrix, contact Your Senior Chief and have him join us there as well. I'd like to have his input as well."

Rourke entered the turbolift, along with Vaughn, Bellatrix, Puk, and Skinner and the group headed to the conference room below the bridge.

Moving to the seat at the head of the long conference table, the Captain waited for the others to arrive.

 

[Byrd Man]

Medical Bay

After changing into clean clothes, I head back through the doors into the medical facility.

"Doctor McCoy," the Deltan doctor says as he walks up.

"Doctor Ire, what can I help you with?"

"Our senior medical officer is suspended for 48 hours. As the second most experienced officer, what do we do to fill in for Peters?"

"Hmm....I say we go to two twelve hour shifts. Doctor Peters' two nurses will be divided up. Would you prefer Nurse Henshaw or Caldwell?"

"It makes no difference to me."

"I'll take Henshaw and you can have Caldwell. Once Peters is back, we'll return to the three shifts. Sound good?"

"I have no problem with it."

"Doctor McCoy."

Ire and I turn and look at the ensign on the video screen.

"As the medical officer with the most experience, your presence is required in the conference room along with all the senior officers."

"On my way," I say as I turn to Ire and nod.

"Doctor."

"Doctor."

I leave the sick bay quickly, hitting the turbolift and arriving on the conference room's level.

Captain Rourke and Commander Vaughn are waiting as I enter the conference room.

"Medical reporting, sirs.....I didn't realize I would be the first to arrive."

 

[wiegeabo]

The doors to the observation lounge open and Doctor McCoy walks in. My god, it is Carter. Which means it's been what? Fifteen? Twenty years? More? I mentally shake my head at the thought. Time seems so slow while it approaches, yet so fast once you leave it behind.

"Doctor." I say with a nod and friendly smile. "Usually better to be first than last. Especially to the first briefing. I hope sickbay is up to your standards."

 

[Byrd Man]

"Doctor." I say with a nod and friendly smile. "Usually better to be first than last. Especially to the first briefing. I hope sickbay is up to your standards."

Other than the fact that a dumb drunk is running medical, everything is perfect.

"Everything is fine. Had a slight complication with a woman giving birth, but we were able to hash it all out. The baby and mother are resting comfortably in bed."

Something about Vaughn seems so familiar, I can't quite place it. In many ways, he reminds me of my grandfather.

 

[Franklin Richards]

Observation Lounge


Puk exited the turbolift and took her place at the opposite end of the table from the Captain.

It's easy to find your spot when you're the junior senior officer. It's always last.

 

[AnorexicBatman]

Bellatrix slaps her comm badge, Officer Tarkon. The Captain has ordered for a meeting, meet the other Senior officers in the conference room. I will be arriving in a few minutes.

Some time later, she enters the room to find Vaughn, Captain Rourke, Puk and Doctor McCoy waiting for the others. She takes her seat.

 

[The Question]

The Chief entered the conference room and saluted the small group of officers.