New Beginnings

Posted on Tue Jan 17th, 2023 @ 6:07am by Commander Sandy "Phantom" Risa & Lieutenant Brandy "Raven" Davies & Captain Linda Wilson & Lieutenant Commander Rayek trLhoell & Lieutenant Commander Brendan Dernah MS & Lieutenant Commander Klarth & Lieutenant Commander R'elle

4,881 words; about a 24 minute read

Mission: Into The Void
Location: The Bridge
Timeline: shortly after Shorn was arrested

The Bridge was quiet. Too quiet. The Captain was in Sickbay, having been stabbed by the assassin Shorn. The assassin had been apprehended by LT jg H'orri but was herself in critical condition due to being stabbed by the assassin's poisoned knife. The Sr officer was Lt Commander Sandy Risa. It appeared she would take over as XO as Elle had transported the XO off the ship before the dimensional jump.
However everything was about to change. From near the main viewscreen, came a fearsome roar. Even the Caitian counselor R'elle had never heard anything quite like it. The there was a glow, a golden shape that quickly solidified into a figure. Most Starfleet personnel would recognize it or should from their days at the academy. The hunchback feline form was unmistakable. The white fur and the unique feline features. Certainly not Caitian. She was unmistakably a Vedala! The oldest spacefaring race in the galaxy. Also one of the most powerful and reclusive.

Silence fell over the crew. The situation was undoubtedly very serious. What was going to happen next?

Rayek was at an auxiliary station on the Bridge, reading over past mission logs. He was present, but not quite part of the crew yet. He knew he was only tolerated because of Captain Hadenbeer's say-so. But with the Captain in Sickbay, seriously injured - he couldn't help but wonder if his welcome would be revoked if she didn't make it.

Rayek's search of the logs was interrupted by a roar and like many on the Bridge his attention turned towards the front where appeared a felinoid form.


Then she spoke in unexpected soft feminine tones. “Greeting crew of the Lionheart. We have been watching you and aware of your troubles. We will help you as we need you and your ship.” With that she threw her arms up and roared again. This caused several things to happen. One, communication was restored with Starfleet command and Adm Janeway. Two. Capt Hadenbeer, H'orri and the assassin disappeared form Sickbay and the Lionheart. Three. A green skinned woman appeared on the bridge. “...So I told her...” her voice trailed of as she realized she was not where she was anymore. “OK, where am I? And who are you?”. Four. Outside a shuttle appeared in the void on an approach vector to the Lionheart.

“Aunt Kathy?” The tall, Orion woman said as she saw the viewscreen. Then she saw the Vedala. “Oh, oh Boy! Crashing comets!”
As Janeway came on the screen she said “Lionheart, this is Janeway. I.. Linda? What are you doing on the Lionheart?” then she saw the Vedela. “Never mind Captain. I think I understand.”

Rayek tapped the combadge he'd received just the day prior. =/\= "Computer. Intruder alert. Security to the Bridge." =/\=

R'elle followed suit as she tapped her combadge. "Security, this is Counselor R'elle, belay that order. We're good!" She turned to Rayek "It's ok Rayek. I recognize the species. They are part of the Federation. Security would be helpless before their power anyway. They don't mean us harm but I suspect they need our help."

Sandy was totally caught off guard by what just happened but her mind was quite literally in tune as to what was happening. "Stand down security. Everything is good. No need for security personnel to be here" she said adding to what R'elle said. Addressing the image, "How may we be of assistance to you,?" Sandy inquired.

The Romulan expression twitched as first the Counselor and then the Acting XO both broke with protocol to cancel security. Since when were Orions part of the Federation? Sure, there were a few individuals - like Jada - that had managed to find their way into Starfleets ranks but they were the exception not the rule. Perhaps it was the Orion's obvious familiarity with Admiral Janeway that made the difference - much like it had for himself with Captain Hadenbeer.

However, given that but a day ago the ship, and it's AI computer Elle, had fled the Admiral and her fleet of Klingon allies by jumping to an alternate dimension - the Romulan wondered at the wisdom of allowing the Orion freedom on the Bridge. She could be Janeway's attempt to gain control of the ship.

Discreetly, the Romulan activated his surgically inserted inner-ear comm by running his hand through his hair in seeming frustration. He turned back to his console so his silent mouthing wouldn't be seen and attempted to contact Elle, who had been uncommunicative ever since the Captain had been in Sickbay.

~/\~ "Elle? Are you receiving this? Do you recognize the Orion? What can you tell me of her?" ~/\~ as he silently questioned the AI, he kept one eye on the Orion.

=/\= "Yes I am and I do. She is Capt Linda Wilson. Adopted Daughter of Adm Jim Wilson and his Wife. She is currently assigned as CO of the USS Bellerophon. She is also Adm Janeway's god daughter." =/\= came Elle's reply.

Rayek took in this information. God-daughter to Janeway... so obviously the Orion was the Admiral's puppet. Rayek then looked to the Felinoid species standing by viewscreen. Commander Risa's words played back in Rayek's mind: "They are part of the Federation. Security would be helpless before their power" What were these feline-like creatures? Certainly not Caitian.

Once more Rayek silently commed the AI.

~/\~ "Elle, what species is this that Commander Risa is addressing?" ~/\~ He sneaked a glance towards the Felinoid, unhappy at his lack of information on the species.

=/\= "Vedala. Regarded as the oldest Spacefaring race in the galaxy. Very powerful, usually very reclusive. They usually only appear in times of big trouble. At least that's what the file said." Elle replied.

That was very interesting information... and worrisome too if what the AI said about their appearance timing was true.



SICKBAY

Klarth had been monitoring his patients in sickbay when three of them disappeared. He turned to S'Lace to see if she knew what had just happened but she was equally confused. "Elle, did you just transport my patients somewhere?"

Elle said over the communicator, "It's kind of a developing situation, I'm going to transfer you to the bridge."

S'Lace raised an eyebrow slightly at yet another disappearance but trusted that the doctor would inform her of anything she needed to know.



BRIDGE

Klarth materialized on the Bridge he was close to Rayek. Klarth had learned his lesson from the recent assassination attempt and was now armed at all times. He pulled his phaser and aimed it at the unknown Orion woman on the bridge and said "What in the name of Kahless is going on here and what have you done with the Captain?"

Rayek, from his seated position, had to crane his head to look to the Klingon after he materialized. He was puzzled by Klarth's words. What had happened to the Captain? Rayek wondered.

“Hey pal! Watch the phaser. Your talking to a superior officer and pointing a phaser at a superior officer is a court martial offense.” Linda said. “And I didn't do anything with your captain! She did!” Linda said pointing at the Vedala.

“Lt Commander Klarth. Put that phaser down! That is Captain Linda Wilson of the USS Bellerophon. Captain Hadenbeer, Lt H'orri and the assassin are all here. We will take good care of them” Janeway pointed out.

“Indeed. She has been selected as your new Captain!” The Vedala said.

“What? Wait a minute Lady? I didn't ask to be reassigned! I have a ship! A good ship with a great crew! I was just fine where I was!” Linda said.

“Nevertheless, you have been selected to be the new Captain!” The Vedala said.

“It would seem you are stuck Captain! I'll make all the necessary arrangements!” Janeway said.

“But..But..” Unfortunately it looked like she was stuck here. She sighed. This really sucked. She had been yanked away from her ship and crew and was now stuck in another dimension forced to be the captain of a ship and crew she knew very little about. She had heard of the Lionheart. It was scuttlebutt for weeks now. She never expected to be transported aboard much less captain her.

Rayek did not like the changes that were happening, but it seemed that for moment he was powerless to alter them. He eyed the 'Vedala' wondering just how powerful they were that an Admiral 'rolled over' and accommodated them so easily. Were they Q-level omnipotent?

"Okay, okay," says Klarth as he holsters his phaser. Then he goes to greet the new Captain with an open hand. "Welcome aboard he says to her warmly, and forgive me Captain, we just had an assassin running around the ship today so we are all a bit jumpy and you're not in uniform." Then Klarth looks at the Vedala, frowns and says, "And this transfer hasn't exactly gone through the proper channels!"

"Tell me about it! I was at a costume party when I was yanked away and ended up here." Linda said.

"Oh, you were at a costume party. Thank Kahless." said Klarth. "I thought these were typical off-duty clothes for you."

"yeah, no! I rarely go around dressed like this! I wasn't expecting to be hurled across dimensions to a whole 'nother ship!" lInda said.

Klarth walks back and forth around the Vedala and says “I realize that you have already made you decision, but I just want to say that we are all people not toy soldiers for you to move around on some sort of cosmic chess board at your whim. The Captain had commanded the Lionheart for many years and she commanded the previous Lionheart as well. She handpicked all the crew, and she is my oldest and dearest friend.”

Elle had materialized near Klarth during his speech. She slapped his back lightly and said to the Vedala “Thank you Klarth, and she is like a mother to me, even though she also drove me nuts like a mother…you know she made be clean up my room in her quarters. I don’t even really need a room, I’m the whole ship!”

The Romulan watched as Dr. Klarth greeted the 'new Captain'. Even Elle seemed to accept this interloper readily. But Rayek was less trusting, especially with his role on the ship far less secure. For the moment, it would be best for him to keep his head down. He couldn't risk being put off the ship. Lionheart held the prototype for the interdimensional drive. He needed Lionheart to get home!

“You will find all of Captain Hadenbeer's personal belongings followed her and now your belongings are now in the captain's quarters.”

“Well that's something. So who is first officer aboard this crate anyway?” Linda asked.

“UM well Elle kinda beamed her off the ship before we jumped. I believe Lt Commander Risa is the senior most one here!” R'elle said.

“Well I am going to need a first officer, so by the authority vested in me by Starfleet command, you are herby appointed to first officer and are promoted to Commander. Assuming you want the job!” Linda said to Sandy. “Wait a minute? Elle? Is that the AI I've heard about?”

"I'll take the job and promotion and I also have my replacement around here somewhere. She is Lt. Brandy "Raven" Davies, and Elle is the ship's AI" Sandy said all in one breath.

“Counselor, how are things?” Janeway asked R'elle.

“All things considered Admiral, crew morale isn't half bad. A lot of changes happening all of a sudden but we have a resilient crew.” R'elle said. “I know several miss home. They miss federation space. I did prepare a report.” She goes over to the communications console and transmits a report.

“I understand. Thank you, Counselor. We got your report.” Janeway said.

“You have been selected to explore the multiverse. To stamp out trouble where you find it.” The Vedala said. “The void is a gateway to the multiverse. Explore and help. That is your mandate.”

“Wonderful!” Linda said.

Meanwhile, long range scanners were picking up an approaching shuttle.

“Captain, long range sensors indicate a shuttle approaching.” the sensor guy said.

Linda sighed. Looked like she wasn't going to get a chance to change. “Alright , hail them.”

“Unknown shuttle, this is the USS Lionheart. Please identify yourself.” said the coms person.

Sandy's head snapped around fast. "Ah good there is Brandy now. Her timing could not have come at a better time. Captain....." Sandy said waiting for the captain to see what she was going to do or say.

Rayek's thoughts were skeptical as he mulled over the Vedala's mission statement. It sounded like a crock-of-hnaev. He suspected the Vedala had an ulterior motive for sending the ship into the Void. But at the moment, Rayek had no clue what that reason was. The Romulan turned to look towards Ops when the man announced an approaching ship.

Sandy's mind had connected with Brandy's quickly as the shuttle drew near. Both being Betazoid's, their minds connected quickly. The both knew each other from the academy and from being friends for a long time.

"That is Brandy on that shuttle. Please allow her to dock and travel to her station. I'm going to need her to fly," Sandy said looking at at her captain.

The unexpected arrival of a specific pilot to their location seemed far too convenient for the paranoid Romulan. This had all been pre-planned. Obviously, by the Vedala... the only ones powerful enough to arrange such but again the question was WHY? What did the Vedala gain by gathering together these individuals and sending them into the Void? Topping all these questions, was one far more personal. Had his arrival in this dimension been planned by the Vedala as well? And if so... could they get him home again? It could be worth his while to accept his role here - like the counselor suggested in their session the other day... if it the Vedala could guarantee his return.

"Alright! Bring her in. Tell her she is free to dock in the shuttlebay." Linda said.

The comms officer relayed the message telling her she had permission to dock in the shuttle bay



ENGINEERING

LT JG Suri Shadai is at an engineering station. Around her, several engineers are running about fixing things. Explosions are heard coming from other areas. It seems chaotic, but controlled chaos, so to Suri it is a pretty typical day. Suddenly her station is flooded with data. It is coming in so quickly that at first, she doesn't even recognize what it is but then when she realizes she gets up out of her chair and just stands there gaping for a second. She looks to the left and right of her eager to tell someone else about what is happening but everyone else seems to be busy with one crisis or another so she just continues to stare at the screen herself for a minute. Then she taps her combadge. "Bridge" she says.

"Bridge here" comes a reply.

Suri starts to talk getting more and more animated and excited as she goes, "Normally I'd contact Commander Sheppard with this first but I know for a fact he is busy putting out fires. Literal fires in one of the pylons…. Anyway, this is LT JG Shadai. I'm at the dimensional drive station and you would not believe the data that is pouring into the terminal. I took Quantum Mechanics at the academy and aced it but this is way beyond that like decades beyond that. My friends Boris and Nathan wouldn't believe this! I wish I could tell them about it? I know, I know the whole drive is classified to begin with. Anyway, it appears that we are receiving data on how to adapt our dimensional drive to traverse some sort of dimensional gateway.”



BRIDGE

"Not surprised. We are supposed to traverse the multiverse it seems." Linda said "So it helps to know how to do it!"

"Indeed!" The Vedala said. "Ship Elle! We see much potential in you but first you must mature. You need to grow up. In many ways you still act as a child. Once you mature you have great possibilities! " She turned to face Janeway who was watching on the screen. "Admiral Janeway. It is our wish that you no longer pursue Elle and that no charges brought against Devon Hadenbeer! We believe she did the right thing."

"I..well I can't guarantee anything but I will relay your wishes to my superiors." Janeway said.

"Very well! " she turned to face the crew once more. "Then I bid you farewell!" She threw out her arms and with a roar vanished as if she was never there. The viewscreen went blank as contact with Starfleet was lost once again.

Elle was trying to keep it professional, but she couldn't stop beaming and standing there slack-jawed with a goofy grin on her face. And inside her head she was running and around the bridge and doing cartwheels! Up until a short time ago she had been in hiding for years and Hadenbeer and Jones had been her only friends, both of them had been terrified that if anyone else found out about her the whole ship would be impounded and dismantled for scrap around her and so she remained hidden. Then from the moment she had been found out, she had been on the run. Hadenbeer's worst fears had become a reality Janeway was after them. But now thanks to this mysterious Vedala she was FREE! Elle didn't want to admit even to herself how close she had been to telling the Vedala off for transporting Hadenbeer off the ship and subbing in a new captain. But thankfully she had showed rare restraint and held her tongue. She couldn't wait to tell Devin all about it when they had a private moment....Oh she had forgotten, she wasn't on the ship anymore. Elle's ear to ear grin had started to turn to a frown as that harsh reality finally set in. Her Captain, best friend, mentor, mom, was gone.

"OK well looks like we're stuck with each other. OK so I need to change. Could someone show me to my quarters? I'm not familiar with the layout of this class of ship. Elle, you're the ship right? would you be so kind to guide me to my quarters?" Linda asked.

Elle struggled to recover from her musings but managed to say "Yes, I think that is a great idea." She knew that her and this new captain had a lot to talk about.

As the Bridge crew were each coming to terms with the unexpected situation they found themselves, Rayek was rapidly doing a background search on not just the new Captain, but also the suspiciously timed arrival of Lieutenant Davies in an alternate dimension. His past experience with replicant clones made him far less trusting that the arriving Starfleet personnel were actually who they said they were. They could just as easily be these Vedala creatures.

After sending the files to his PADD, Rayek glanced over the new XO. "Commander. Permission to leave the Bridge, to greet our new pilot and escort them to the Bridge." Typically that would be a Security members role but as no one else seemed to be stepping forward to such it, Rayek with his years of past Sec/Tac experience couldn't just ignore the omission. "Doctor, perhaps you would care to join me?"

"Yes please see to it that Brandy and our new CEO get here in one piece please Mr. Rayek. Please doctor go with him," Sandy added.

"Yes, that's a good idea," said Klarth "We'll welcome them aboard and give them a quick medical scan, wouldn't want anyone to come aboard with the Talarian flu or something."

As two men took the turbolift down to the Shuttlebay, Rayek broached his concern with the doctor. "Dr. Klarth, this may come across as paranoid but can you do more than just a cursory medical scan of the new personnel but rather request they submit to a full medical work up? Captain included. I feel it is rather suspicious that so many of the ship's senior staff has been replaced all of a sudden. I want to know without a doubt that these people are who they say they are - and aren't some shapeshifter or clone from this Void attempting to take over the ship."

Then recognizing he was being somewhat hypocritical - since he only arrived a few days prior, added. "I will undergo the same so you can be certain of my identity as well."

"Yes, you can't be too careful can you? There has been so many personnel changes so fast. It doesn't seem paranoid to me at all," said Klarth.

Rayek glanced over towards the doctor and came to the realization that he may have like-minded friend aboard the ship after all. Rayek acknowledge Dr. Klarth's rhetorical question with a nod and sagely stated. "No, you cannot be too careful."



INCOMING SHUTTLE

"Lieutenant Davies, from what I could pick up eavesdropping, we not only have a new ship but a new captain as well?" came a voice from the rear of the shuttle.

"Yes Mr. Dernah, it would seem so. I am just curious how we arrived here. We are not where we were going. Prepare for landing please," Brandy is said as the shuttle entered the shuttle Bay and set down.

"I'm just happy to have arrived somewhere," the tall engineer said and then laughed a bit.

"As am I sir, quite happy that we arrived and in one piece" Brandy said.



SHUTTLE BAY

Rayek stood waiting at the side of the shuttlebay as the arriving shuttle settled on the landing pad and powered down. He was dressed in the standard yellow of either engineering, security or ops. As yet he didn't have an assigned role on the ship but he'd been tolerated because up until a few short minutes ago Captain Hadenbeer's intent to have him join the crew had assured him a spot. That was less certain now. He forced a smile as he watched the doors to the shuttle open.

Klarth stood next to him. This was exciting, if they were going on some kind of dimensional journey this might be the only new recruits for quite a while.

Brandy stood at the ramp as it lowered. She had her travel bag on her shoulder and right behind her was Lt. Cmdr. Dernah. "Permission to come aboard?" Brandy asked Rayek.

Rayek wondered if it must be odd to the two arriving Starfleet officers, to see both a Klingon and a Romulan standing side by side in Starfleet uniforms to greet them. Rayek acknowledged the question. "Permission granted. I am Lieutenant Rayek tr'Lhoell. This is Dr. Klarth."

The Romulan found it odd, in that moment, that he'd never heard Klarth once ever reference whom his father was or which house he belong to. He wondered if there was a reason of that absence.

Sensing that Rayek was going for formality Klarth said "Dr. Klarth son of Hergh. Welcome aboard the Lionheart."

In Romulan culture, the Elements had a way of providing what one need. Such seemed to be the case when the Klingon doctor introduced himself - with the parentage included. Rayek glanced towards the Klingon. He didn't say anything to the doctor, merely acknowledged the name with a slight nod.

Returning his attention back to the arriving senior officers, Rayek continued to speak to them. "The Commander has requested you be brought to the Bridge." Before he could proceed though, the shuttle bay door opened. The paranoid Romulan look over towards it sharply, almost as if he expected trouble.

R'elle came through the door. "Sorry, the turbo lift was held up. Welcome. I'm counselor R'elle. Welcome to the Lionheart!" She said with a smile and extended her hand.

Taking the outstretched hand, Brandy shook it and then ducked, "In coming bird!" she said as Raven came gliding out of the shuttle. Raven did a lazy circle and glided to Brandy's shoulder where he sat quietly. "Sorry about that but he's been cooped up in the shuttle forever. Um....pleasure to meet you Counselor R'elle. Brandy "Raven" Davies, Chief Flight Officer/CAG here," she added.

"Hello and again welcome. Um not sure about the regulations concerning birds, but the previous Captain had a cat so probably not a problem." R'elle said.

Rayek eyes fixed on the circling bird, and watched as it landed He didn't seem impressed. His attention then turned to the second individual realizing belatedly than the man had the black irises typical of the Betazoid species. Immediately Rayek strengthened his mental barriers, not keen on the idea of another potentially reading his thoughts.

"I'm Lieutenant Commander Brendan Dernah. I'm not sure what position I'm supposed to be here just yet but, here I am," the tall Betazoid said smiling the whole time. It was obvious to everyone present that he was pleased to be on the ship.

"Hi, Ummm hmm, think you are supposed to be chief engineer." R'elle's tail flicked back and forth. She was wondering about this guy. How could he not know his position on the ship? Made her wonder. Still he seemed ok. She would let the Captain know of her concerns. With the whole assassination attempt, that did make her a little leary of any new comers.

"Now, that was unexpected. But, I am happy to do whatever the ship and/or Captain requires of me," said Dernah again all smiles. "Oh and these two are my kitlings, Dino and Mino," he introduced a pair of tortoise-shell ferrets who have crawled up on his shoulders.

The Romulan's cool demeanor nearly crumbled at the sight of the two playful ferrets, as they reminded him of his own much missed family companion. Thrafv - was an albino Cardassian ferret which he'd bought originally to rid the station, on which he worked at the time, of it's infestation of Cardassian voles. However, due to his wife's mothering nature - and his own fascination with the animal, the ferret instead became a household pet.

"Ohhh, they're so cute!" R'elle said. "I hope the captain likes animals. Don't know her at all yet!"

"Thank you, they thinks so too," Brendan said in thanks.

Klarth shook Lt and the Lt Commander's hands. He wasn't too keen on the bird flying around but like R'elle said it was a security matter if it broke regulations. Klarth gave each of them a quick scan and they didn't appear to have any contagious diseases or thinking of what Rayek had said, they didn't appear to be shapeshifters.

"I know that people aren't always too keen on doctor's visits," said Klarth, "but I'm afraid you both will need to go through full exams sometime within the next 24 hours.

"Great, I have no problem with that. Oh doctor you might want to scan Raven and be sure he is what he is, a Raven from Earth and not a shape shifter," Brandy added. "Remember how back on DS9 the security chief was a shape shifter who could take the shape of anything," she said chuckling as Raven looked at Klarth.

Klarth looked uncomfortable at the thought of examining the bird, but he said "Well bring the Raven along we'll get it checked out this once and nevermore. Nevermore."

(tag Brandy)

"The Commander is waiting." Rayek reminded the officers after regaining his composure. He waited long enough for Klarth to do his scans before motioning once more towards the exit . "This way please. I'll have someone from Ops arrange to have appropriate quarters assigned." Unless the all-powerful Vedala had already arranged for that too, he mentally grumbled. His thoughts towards the species that were potentially the reason for his being thrust back in time, in potentially a different universe, were not pleasant.

The ride up in the turbolift was quick and soon the newcomers and their greeters arrived on the Bridge.



BRIDGE
Rayek step out onto the Bridge giving the room a quick once over for any sign of threat or problem but for the moment all seemed calm. He looked over towards the Command Chair where he expected to find the new Commander familiarizing herself with her new chair and duties.

"Commander Risa. The new arrivals are here." Rayek stepped aside giving the others space now in which to enter the Bridge. And another round of introduction were made of the new staff.

"Commander, I'm Lieutenant Commander Brendan Dernah, your new Chief Engineer."

Sandy looked up, "Welcome aboard Cmdr. Dernah. Engineering you will find it in good shape", she said smiling warmly. ~~~My door is always open should you want to talk. You are different as am I. One day we can talk about it maybe~~~she projected. She wasn't expecting an answer either.

Turning to Brandy, "Well Brandy you finally made it. So you better fly this ship and be the best damn CAG we got," Sandy said.

"You know Sandy I am the the best at what we do right?" Brandy said chuckling.

 

RSS Feed