Preparation

Chapter 35

    Once back aboard the Vigilant James turned to his Officers “From now until we arrive your task is to memorize your cover stories and get to Medical and get altered if needed and dressed in the native clothing. Also I’ll ask Commander Roan to instruct you with the sword so go change and meet him in Holo Deck One in thirty minutes for an hour of instruction before you do anything else” Lake ordered.

    “As you wish Captain” both Officers replied as they entered the nearest Lift “Computer Decks three” James ordered before looking at his Officers “I’ll get us underway while you two get started with everything. I’ll also contact Engineering after we get going concerning the two ladies.”

    Racheal turned to Maria “After our session with Commander Roan why don’t we meet in my quarters; we may as well learn our cover story together since we don’t have a lot of time” she suggested with a smile.

    “That’s what I was thinking since we’ll be spending the next few days together anyway” she replied with a grin.

    James exited the Lift walking onto the Bridge “Commander Roan report” he ordered.

    Roan stood facing Lake “Not much to report Captain, things are just about the way you left them Sir” he replied.

    “Good. We have a new mission which we’ll be leaving for soon. I do have a task for you. I assume you’re experienced in edged weapons being Klingon; specifically a broad sword” he inquired.

    “Yes sir I am, why do you ask if I may be so bold” Roan inquired a little surprised at the question.

    “Our next mission requires both Commander Reese and Lieutenant SanChez to be somewhat proficient with a broad sword” James explained.

    Thinking a moment “Lieutenant SanChez, from what I’ve seen, is already quite proficient with edged weapons but the Commander I am not so sure about” Roan replied.

    “You’ll have one hour for instruction so I’ll leave how to divide the time between them up to you since you are the expert in such matters” James commented having his full trust in his Officer.

    “As you wish Captain” as Roan left the Bridge for Holo Deck One.

    Looking around the Bridge Captain Lake thought it was time to get underway “Lieutenant T’Sol, clear all moorings and get us underway….thrusters then one quarter impulse until we clear the outer markers” came the order.

    “As you wish Captain, starting sequence now” his hands moving swiftly over his console “Moorings released, thrusters activated” as the Ship started a slow turn away from the docking arm “Cleared docking arm going to one quarter impulse now.”

    Tapping his chair comm “Mr. Herek slipstream ready to come online” James inquired.

    “Yes Captain, slipstream is at your disposal.

    Tapping his comm once again “This is Captain Lake, we’ll be going to slipstream soon so you may want to steady yourselves, Lake out.” Mr. T’Sol plot a course to Antos IV, warp eight.”

    “Understood Sir, plotting course and going to warp eight now” T’Sol replied as the ship lunged forward “Arrival to Antos IV at current velocity is twelve hours.”

    Waiting for several minutes “Black alert, Mr. T’Sol initiate slipstream” James ordered as the Bridge became almost like night under Black Alert.

    “Slipstream in 3..2..1…initiated” as the stars turned into flashes of light streaking by “Captain arrival time is now six hours to Antos IV Sir” T’Sol stated in his usual Vulcan manner.

    “Thank you Lieutenant” as James settled back in his seat for the next few hours.

    Roan made his way to Holo Deck 1 where Maria and Racheal were waiting for him to arrive. Walking in Roan handed Maria a very dull double edged sword “Ok Ms. SanChez lets see your skill” he ordered. They sparred for about seven minutes with Maria blocking most of the advances and even managed to hit Roan a couple of times. “Ok looks like you are quite skilled” as he relived her of the sword.

    Looking at Racheal “Your turn Commander, dazzle me” he said with just a hint of sarcasm. Racheal took a few more hits than Maria had and failed offensively. “Here let me show you a few things” as Roan helped her adjust her feet and stance for more of a solid hit. Then he showed her a few blade moves to be much more successful. “Let’s try it again” as the two Officers started sparing again and this time Racheal had a much better success rate as fifteen minutes went by. “Good now I want you and the Lieutenant to spar for the next thirty minutes. Computer two four foot long pugilist sticks. The ladies started with each one blocking pretty well but Maria was getting in more strikes; the last one was a hard hit to the let shoulder as Racheal winced then shook it off. She cleared her mind of everything and focused on Maria this time.  After more exchanges Racheal saw an opening and hit Maria hard in the midsection. Maria immediately bent over gasping for air; seeing what happened Roan walked over “Slow deep breathes….the pain will pass shortly.” “Maria sorry I didn’t mean to hit you so hard” Racheal commented actually feeling bad for her friend. Maria looked up with a grin feeling much better now “Remind me never to piss you off Commander”  she replied hearing Roan chuckling “I think you both will do well on the away mission so I think we’re done here” as he turned and left.

    Racheal walked up to Maria “So would you like to garb a shower then come by my quarters for something to eat then we can start memorizing of cover story together” she inquired.

    “Sure, but definitely a shower first; I feel pretty gross” she replied with a chuckle as the two Officers left the Holo Deck.

    After their showers Maria met up with Rachel in her quarters. “Maria what you you like to eat” Racheal inquired. “A bean burrito and some nacho chips would be nice and maybe a cola to along with it” she replied. “Ok coming right up” as Racheal went to the replicator and grabbed dinner for two. The ladies sat eating talking about the upcoming mission when Racheal inquired “Any thoughts about the mission” she asked curious where Maria’s head was at. Thinking a moment “It’ll be unusual that’s for sure but the chance for a little  physical activity isn’t a bad thing.” “No it’s not” Racheal responded as the two finished their meal.

    Grabbing their PaDDs Racheal began to read their cover story “Ok so we’re from Grandoon, a three week’s journey southwest from Caldera. I’m Racheal, obviously, the second in leadership and you’re Maria our best warrior.” “I’m starting to like this already” Maria chimed in with a grin. “We are Saltarian Warriors seeking refuge among the Vikings. Our village was attacked by Druids which caused the death of half of our warriors. With the approval of the Viking Leader we’ll send for the rest of our warriors; if not we’ll leave in peace” Racheal explained.

    Thinking a moment “That last part could get tricky. If they say yes then what do we do and if they say no then we’ll have to leave; hopefully our Engineers will have things all fixed by then” Maria commented with some concern.

    “I guess we better pace ourselves and not be in a hurry. Remember Star Fleet wants us to experience as much of their culture as we can while we’re there so we can write up a report when we return” Racheal replied.

    Maria grinned “Oh ya I forgot about the whole culture thing. I guess we better just play it by ear then” she responded.

    “Yes that sounds like a good idea,  playing the mission by ear which isn’t much different than any other mission we’ve been on” Racheal stated with a grin “I guess we better get to Sick Bay and get fixed up; I have a feeling we’ll be there soon.”

    The two Officers walked into Sick Bay as the EMH met them “Welcome I have been expecting you; please have a seat there and there” as she pointed to two different bio-beds. Walking over to Maris first “You already look the part we just need to lengthen your hair and braid it” the EMH stated “This won’t hurt” as she started the procedure. Ten minutes later “There, all set” as Maria felt her hair “Nice…instant hair growth” she commented with a grin. The EMH turned her attention to Racheal next “You look pretty much the same but I need to give you more abdominal muscles…..this will not hurt but may feel a little strange” as she set to work. Minutes later “Looks good Commander” she stated “Both of your attire is in the other room and let me know if you acquire any assistance” the EMH stated before returning to her other duties.

    Walking into the room they noticed two stacks of clothes along with armor and a bag “I guess we better undress and get this stuff on” Racheal commented as she started disrobing. Taking the first article of clothing Maria held it up looking at it “Is this someone’s idea of a joke or is this supposed to be a bra…..it won’t even start to cover my breasts.” Racheal laughed “I guess it’s meant to cover just the ends by the looks of things” and Maria laughed as well. After putting on their bras and panties next came a full bra of heavy leather lined with a homespun type of material with metal reinforcements. The shorts were very short made the same way. Next was the armor starting with leg braces going just below the knee and a formed piece going over the kneecap followed by a metal plate going over the top of the foot. The boots were soft leather going over the ankle held in place with leather straps. Arm braces went from just below the elbow down and over the wrist with another metal plate going over the back of the hand. 

    Minutes later Racheal heard a knock on the door. Looking at Maria “Come in.” Opening the door an Ensign walked in carrying assorted weapons “Hi ladies I have some goodies for you” as she started handing things out “There is a double-edged sword,  careful it’s rather sharp, a sheath that goes on your back, an oak shield to protect your midsections, and two knives. The bag contains a sharpening stone for your edged weapons, a skin with water in it, some dried meat, and a breechcloth with belt for evening wear. Any questions.”

    Maria looked at the female Ensign “What the hell is a breechcloth” she inquired. Before the Ensign could respond Racheal placed her hand on Maria’s arm “Don’t concern yourself I’m well acquainted with that particular item of clothing” then she turned to the Ensign “If there’s nothing else I think we can take it from here, thank you” as the Ensign gave a nod then left the room.

    “We may as well sit and be comfortable until the Captain lets us know we’ve arrived. To answer your question about the breechcloths, they were used on my planet as part of the mating ritual” as she explained in detail how they were worn “One could see your leg from the waist to the floor so I see why it’s their sleeping attire” Racheal explained with a grin.

    “The more I hear about this mission the more I’m looking forward to it” Maria quipped “If I’m not overstepping here….maybe James wouldn’t mind seeing you model this attire once the mission is finished” as Maria grinned. Racheal gave her a look not knowing what to say. “Relax Racheal all of the original Crew knows you two are….how should I put this…..an item. We all think that’s a very nice thing, by the way.”

    Racheal let out a sigh of relief  “Are we that obvious and yes I guess you could call us an item” as a smile came across her face.

    Maria couldn’t help but laugh “Are you kidding me….I mean the way you two look at each other is a dead give away but not to worry your secret is safe with us” as she paused a moment “Actually I’m kind of jealous of you two, I’d love to find some romance aboard ship.”

    Racheal smiled “Thank you and maybe you will at some point. So I assume this mission was tailored made for you given your sexual preferences.”

    Maria grinned “Yes I guess you could say that and I intend to enjoy it to the fullest.” Before Racheal could reply “Commander Reese and Lieutenant SanChez please report to Transporter Room One” James ordered over comms from the Bridge.

    As both ladies stood “I guess we’re up and I have your back. Oh ya let’s drop the rank from now on” Racheal commented with a smile.

    “Likewise Racheal” Maria replied with a grin as the two Officers left for the Transporter Room.

Unusual Assignment

Chapter 34

    After two days of rest and relaxation the Crew we’re back aboard awaiting new orders for their next mission. James and Racheal had a delightful evening of dinner and dancing being able to forget their ranks, at least for a little while, as they enjoyed being with one another well into the night.

    

    The following morning James was at his desk, with a mug of coffee nearby, going over a few recent reports when his Terminal sounded. Typing in his security code the screen came to life “Good morning Commodore, how you are this morning” James inquired with a smile.

    “Very well James; I would like to meet with yourself and Commander Reese in an hour in my Office; oh yes and have Lieutenant SanChez accompany you as well” Chi ordered with a smile.

    “Understood Commodore, we’ll se you in one hour. Lake out.” Tapping his comm “Commander Reese and Lieutenant SanChez please meet me in Transporter Room One in thirty minutes; we’re to meet with the Commodore.” “Both Officers responded “As you wish Captain.”

    Shortly James secured his quarters before making his way to the Bridge. Walking towards command he was pleased to see Roan at his station already. Approaching with a smile “Good morning Lieutenant, how are you” James inquired.

    Turning Roan saw his commanding officer and stood “I am doing well Captain and yourself Sir” he replied in his usual Klingon manner.

    “I’m doing well also. You have command for the next couple of hours. Commander Reese, Lieutenant SanChez and I have a meeting in Commodore Chi’s office shortly for our new orders” James explained.

    “Understood Captain” as Roan walked to the Center Seat and sat.

    James grinned as he tuned to enter the Lift “Deck 2.” Moments later he arrived and walked Ito the Transporter Room seeing Maria and Racheal having already arrived waiting on their Captain. Walking in James smiled “Good morning ladies, I trust you had a pleasant night.”

    “Yes quite pleasant, thank you Sir” Maria replied then paused “I was surprised to be included in your meeting with the Commodore Captain.”

    “There must be something in our next mission that will require your area of expertise” James answered “Besides it’ll be good exposure for you should you want to advance in rank at some point.”

    “Yes, it never hurts to rub elbows with the Brass every once in a while” Racheal commented with a grin.

    Turning James addressed the Operator “Lieutenant beam us to Commodore’s Office if you would please” came the order. “As you wish Captain. Transporting now” as everyone disappeared from sight.

    Arriving on the Base the Officers entered Chi’s Office. Seeing the Officers Rebecca moved her PaDD aside then stood with a smile “Good morning everyone” she stated seeing the Lieutenant was a little nervous, she went over to her to try and put her at ease somewhat “Lieutenant SanChez so nice to see you again” as Rebecca offered her hand.

    Maria was quite surprised at her actions but smiled and shook hands with Chi “Thank you Commodore, likewise” she replied with a smile.

    “Please everyone, have a seat around the table and we’ll get started” Rebecca commented as all three sat. “Let me preface your new mission by saying this is a most unusual one and you’ll see why as I get into the particulars.” “You’ll be going to Antos IV where the Antosians make their home. This is a very intellectual civilization as they thrive on unique historical depictions. They have created several different civilizations with some of their inhabitants reprogrammed living in a holographic world thinking their reality is very much real. One such civilization consists of Viking women who are known as the “Viking Women of Caldera.” Chi explained then continued “They reached out to the Federation for assistance since the holo-emitters for this world is glitching and they are at a loss on how to correct the malfunction.”

    James spoke up “With respect Commodore but why us; can’t any Ship effect repairs for them. It sounds fairly routine to me.”

    “You’ll understand as I explain further. This culture has a uniqueness to it, absolutely no men are allowed in Caldera. The women are at least six feet tall, very muscular with long braided hair,  are very attractive with eye appealing bodies and as I understand it, dressed in leather and metal armor while being very sexually free with one another. Also time is of the essence so between all these factors the mission was turned over to myself. Star Fleet knows we have a very fast Ship and the type of women aboard that can pass for a female warrior.” Chi explained “Any questions so far.”

    Maria spoke up “If I may, are we going to actually have to prove ourselves with our fighting skills and what about our physical appearance, my hair is rather short so will that be a problem” she inquired.

    Rebecca smiled “That’s why I chose you for this mission. As I understand it you are very well versed in hand to hand combat as well as edged weapons so should that scenario arise then you would be the one to step up” she explained “Also my Medical Team has sent the parameters to your ships’s EMH so it will make any modifications to your person and replicate your warriors clothing and weapons as well.”

    Hearing the explanation put a smile of her face “Sounds like fun to me” Maria responded with a smile.

    “And what do we do about the engineering situation” the Commander inquired “Surely we may not be able to handle the repairs.”

    “No of course not that’s why the two female Engineering Officers that are new to your Crew will be effecting repairs. They will look like you as well should the curtain fail before they can effect  repairs; in case they’re spotted by the natives. Both have the physical appearance needed and are very qualified Engineers.” Rebecca handed each of the Officers a PaDD “Your cover story and all of the information you will need is contained within. Commit the information to memory” as she looked at the two Officers “Your task is to learn as much as you can about these Viking women and experience as much of their culture as possible; Star Fleet historians are very interested in this culture since our archives are lacking. Any more questions” as Chi looked to the Officers.

    “No I think we have what we need. Since time is of the essence we’ll slipstream to Antos IV to get their as quickly as possible; also that will give our ladies time to get prepared for their mission” James replied “The Ship will leave within the hour.”

    Standing Rebecca smiled “Good luck and I look forward to all your reports. You are dismissed.” The three Officers left the Office and headed back to the Ship eager for a new adventure.

Reprieve

Chapter 33

    The next morning the Vigilant arrived at DS5 as Lieutenant T’Sol had projected. Captain Lake stood and walked up behind Helm then  turned “Ensign Mc Tavish hail the Station” she did as ordered “You’re on Captain.”

    Turning back facing the view screen “Traffic Control this is the USS Vigilant requesting a docking arm” James stated knowing he would have to meet with the Commodore shortly.

    “Welcome back Captain” as he checked his screens “Docking lower arm seven is available” came the response.

    “Understood, thanks….Vigilant out” as James looked to T’Sol “Lieutenant lower arm seven….do your thing” James ordered then returned to his seat.

    “As you wish Captain” T’Sol replied as the ship started to turn heading for the docking arm. Several minutes later T’Sol turned facing command “Ship is secure Captain at docking arm seven.”

    “Excellent work Mr. T’Sol” then he tapped his Comm “Crew of the Vigilant, I’m granting leave for the next two days, standard rotation applies. Lake out.” Then addressing the Bridge Crew “Well done everyone. Looks like the shakedown was a huge success. Once your Stations are secured you’re free to go.” Tapping his comm “Commander Jefferson thank you for your assistance theses past few weeks. Unless you have something to discuss you’re free to depart the ship.”

    “You’re welcome Captain Lake” then he paused “If I may say Sir I’m quite impressed the way you run your ship and I’ll make sure the Commodore knows the same” Jefferson stated.

    “Thank you Commander; that means a lot coming from an outside Officer and it never hurts to have a good word put in either” James replied surprised by the accolades.

    Hearing their conversation “James he’s right you know, you do run a very good ship” as Racheal smiled “And I’m not being biased either.”

    “Thank you Racheal. Being my Number One you share in our success as well; without you at my side my job would be a whole lot harder…..so thank you for that” James replied being quite sincere “Now if you’ll excuse me I need to meet with the Commodore so the ship is yours” as he rose from command and entered the Lift.

[ DS5 ]

    Walking into the Commodore’s Office complex, James walked up to the reception desk “Good morning Ensign, Captain James Lake here to see Commodore Chi” he stated ready to give Rebecca a full report.

    Looking up from her work “Captain Lake, please go right in the Commodore’s expecting you.”

    With a nod of his head James walked into Rebecca’s office “Good morning Commodore” he stated as Chi looked up from her padd then pushing it aside “Captain Lake, please have a seat”  James did as requested. “So tell me how did the shakedown go, well I hope.”

    Lake accepted the offered seat as he began “Yes the shakedown went very well. Both the ship and the crew performed admirably” he commented then paused a moment “There was one hiccup unfortunately” as James went into detail what had happened on the freighter as well as the unfortunate outcome.

    After hearing James’ report Rebecca decided to let him off the hook “There is someone I’d like you meet James” Chi commented as she said in a loud voice “Captain you can come in now.”

    Looking towards a side entrance James’ couldn’t believe what he was seeing; Captain Johnson came walking in. Looking back towards Chi “I don’t understand…..I saw the Freighter get blowed to hell…..how is this even possible” he inquired rather confused.

    “Captain Lake may I present Captain Johnson; he’s one of mine” Rebecca stated “Please let me explain. The Divergent

 was cloaked off your port side listening to the entire situation. Just before you destroyed the Freighter the Captain and the remaining Crew were beamed to safety.”

    “Captain Lake sorry for the deception but I was following the Commodore’s orders. I hope there’s no hard feelings? “ Johnson commented not sure what was going to happen next.

    After a few moments of thought “So this was a test then” James inquired still a bit confused.

    With a smile “Yes James it was a test. I had to know for sure just what your new Ship and Crew were capable of before proceeding with making any more Ships of this type. I hope you understand my position” Rebecca explained.

    “With respect, I don’t know if I should be relieved or pissed for such a deception” James replied before continuing “And what about the one member of the Captain’s Crew that lost his life.”

    “Relax Captain Lake. Johnson’s Crew consisted of convicts who volunteered for this mission with the understanding if they survived they’re records would be expunged and they would be free men once again” she explained “So the one fatality is considered an acceptable loss since they all knew what they had signed up for.” Then looking at Johnson “You’re free to go Mr. Johnson” and with a head nod he turned and left the Office hoping he would never run into this Captain ever again; he may not be so lucky the next time.

    James let out a long sigh “So I take it you’re satisfied with the results of our shakedown then” he inquired still not quite believing Chi would go to such an extent to prove a point.

    Looking James in the eyes “You Captain Lake I had no doubt about whatsoever; you are an exemplary Captain. My main concern was for the new Ship and your new Crew and I must say my expectations were exceeded on all counts” then Chi paused “ Your success will pave the way for future projects such as this and I can assure you James there will be no more tests, you have my word on that.”

    Feeling much better about the situation he now smiled “Thank you Rebecca for your confidence in the new Vigilant and her Crew; one that I’m honored to command” James replied with sincerity.

    Standing Rebecca stated “You’re welcome James. I’ll have a new mission for you in a couple of days. In the meantime have your Crew enjoy the station and unwind.”

    Standing as well “I’ve already given the Crew the next two days off for some rest and relaxation. I’ll look for new orders in a couple of days then…..is there anything else Commodore” James inquired.

    “No James, you’re dismissed” Chi replied with a smile. James turned and left the Office heading back to the Vigilant.

[Vigilant]

    Once back aboard Ship James made his way to the Bridge. Walking in “Report Number One.”

    Hearing the Captain’s voice Racheal stood turning towards James “Everything is as you left it and half the Crew are on leave” she relied “So how did it got with the Commodore.”

    Lake sat in his chair with a grin “It went well” then he paused “It seems that everyone aboard that freighter are safe and sound, except for the poor soul that Roan killed” he stated.

    Looking a little perplexed “I don’t understand; how’s that even possible. We all saw that Ship explode into a million pieces” Racheal commented.

    “It seems that the Divergent was nearby and cloaked. They were monitoring us the entire time so just before we fired the torpedos the Commodore had everyone beamed to her Ship” James explained then went on “The Crew were all convicts and were told they’d get their freedom if they survived, as Chi put it, a test. The Captain however was one of hers.”

    “Well I don’t feel so bad about the outcome then” then Racheal paused a moment “The one thing that pisses me off is these tests of hers; how much longer must we endure these” she stated.

    “Rebecca assured me this would be the last time she puts the Ship and her Crew through any tests” as James paused a moment “But just between us, I’ll believe it when I see it” he replied with a grin.

    “Yes I’m right there with you on that” she answered “Not to change the subject” as she lowered her voice “Roan will be back aboard tomorrow so I was thinking maybe dinner and some dancing on the Station; if you’d like.”

    James smiled “Sounds like a plan and I think we both could use the distraction” he replied looking forward to an evening with Racheal.