Preparation

Chapter 41

[Bridge]

    James and Racheal were the last to arrive when T’Sol turned to James “Captain I took the liberty of plotting the course to Alben Sir; awaiting your orders” he stated.

    “Excellent” James replied awaiting for the go ahead from Engineering when his Comm went off “Yes.”

    “Herek here, we can depart anytime Captain; all systems are green for go” he informed James.

    “Thank you Lieutenant, Lake out” as he looked over at T’Sol “Lieutenant she’s all yours; you know the routine” Lake ordered with a grin.

    “Yes Sir…. Going to one half impulse until we clear the outer markers” as the Ship began to move then bank to the required coordinates. Minutes later “We’ve cleared the outer markers and ready to go to slipstream on your command” T’Sol stated.

    “Make it happen Mr. T’Sol” as the Vigilant jumped to slipstream….they were on their way for hopefully a successful mission.

[Deck 3 Mess Hall]

    Lieutenant Nox, Ensigns Benna and Jen sat at the table going over the intel the Captain had provided them since the Intelligence area really didn’t have a place to meet.

    Reading over the information Nox couldn’t believe what she was reading as she looked up at her counterparts “Here you both need to read this” as Nox slid the PaDD over to Mark and Yesrin then commented “What they do to woman in that place is beyond despicable “ then she paused waiting for them to finish reading “IF anyone approaches us in this manner you have my permission to put them down for good.”

    Mark looked to Nox “Being a guy I would never even imagine doing those types of things to any woman” he stated with disgust.

    Yesrin chimed in “If any guy tries this stuff on me I’ll put him down so fast his mother will feel it; providing that low life even has one” as she grinned with fervency.

    “Ok, so this is how it’s going to go…..we’ll go in under the cover of darkness with full tactical, explosives, and weapons. Also make sure you have an extra two batteries for your phaser.” Then looking to Yesrin “Please don’t take this the wrong way, and it has no bearing on your abilities, but because the three of us has never worked as a team before I’ll be taking point, Mark will have our six and Yesrin I would like you between the two of us…..at least for this mission” Nox ordered.

    Yesrin smiled “Whatever you need…..you lead and I’ll follow and I don’t blame you for being cautious with me but rest assured I’m able to execute my job very well” she replied.

    “I’m sure your excellent at Infiltration but we need to get in, grab our package, and the four of us get back out of there alive to tell the tale” Mark interjected with a smile.

[Intelligence]

    After their meeting Nox unlocked the equipment case and grabbed three wrist computer with an orb for each “I’m going to download all the intel maps so each of us have a copy just in case we should get separated for some reason” as she set to work.

    Looking at the equipment Mark turned to Nox “So what do we want…..vests or utility belts” he inquired already knowing what her answer would be.

    “Vests since we’ll be dressing like the locals” Nox replied “Was there any doubt” as she grinned.

    “Looks like you two can pretty much read each other’s thoughts” Yesrin commented with a light chuckle “I can see I’m going to fit right in with you both.”

    “That’s the plan” Mark stated while he continued to grab what tech they would need for the upcoming Op.

[Bridge]

    Everyone was at their Stations doing what they were trained to do when Racheal asked “Lieutenant T’Sol what’s our ETA to Alben.”

    Keeping an eye on his screens he replied “We will arrive at Alben at twenty two hundred since we will be able to slipstream the entire way there.”

    “That’ll work out perfectly, that way the Infiltration Team can go right in and find then extract AJ then we can be on our way before anyone on the surface is any wiser” James added looking over at Racheal then continued “Of course we’ll all be keeping a watchful eye on everything so we don’t end up with any unwanted surprises while they are on the surface.”

    “We certainly don’t need anyone mucking up the works while we’re above the planet” Maria chimed in with a grin.

    “That’s for sure Lieutenant” James replied with a grin then tapping his comm “Lieutenant Nox this is the Captain.”

    Hearing the call “Yes Captain” Nox answered.

    “We’ll be arriving at our destination at twenty two hundred” James informed her.

    “That’ll work out perfectly. We’ll be ready to depart soon after and that will give us plenty of time to get to the extraction point to rendezvous with AJ and get her out of there” Nox replied as the team were getting their things organized.

    “Excellent” James commented “When you’re all set to go make sure you three get some rest if you can.”

    “We’ll certainly try Captain but usually the adrenalin keeps me from sleeping….you know just before an Op’s about to start” Nox replied.

    “Do your best Lieutenant” then James paused “I guess I don’t have to remind you to be safe and get the four of you back here safely.”

    “Always Captain” Nox stated with a grin then returned to the task at hand.

    Racheal looked over at James “I have every confidence in those three so I’m sure everything will go as planned” she stated.

    “So do I but I’m always a little concerned every time one of the Crew leaves the ship and from what I’ve read Alben gives me the creeps just thinking about it” James replied knowing deep down Racheal was right.

[About twenty two hundred]

The three Infiltration Specialists were all outfitted in the local’s garb along with all their Tech stored in a their vests and edged weapons in a special sheath on both outside legs.

Mark looked at the front of his trousers seeing a U shaped zippered flap. It didn’t take in long to figure out the flap’s function as he stated “You have got to be kidding me” being quite disgusted at it’s intended use.

Nox looked over to Mark and Yesrin “What seems to be the problem Mark” as she snickered at his attire knowing what he was referring to before  inquiring “You guys ready for this” she inquired jazzed to start the OP.

Mark grinned “I’m more than ready to kick some creepy male ass” he responded ready to get going.

“Yup, let’s get this show on the road” Yesrin replied with a snicker.

“Good! Just what I wanted to hear. Star frosty and watch each other’s six…..we can do this” Nox stated with determination on getting AJ out of there safely. Tapping her comm “Captain Lake we’re ready….just give the word.”

“Excellent! The Transporter Room has your coordinates already so proceed and be careful down there” James ordered with some concern.

“Always Captain! I’ll let you know when we return, Nox out.” Looking to her partners “Let’s go” as the three made the way to the Transporter Room. Arriving the three Specialists walked onto the Transporter pads “Energize” Nox ordered as the three disappeared from sight.

New Orders

Chapter 40

[Mess Hall]

    The next morning the Crew assembled at zero eight hundred, James had allowed them to sleep a little longer, for breakfast which would be a common thing from now on. Each one replicated their choice of breakfast then sat to enjoy their meals and talk as per usual when everyone was together.

    As they were finishing up their breakfast the Computer informed James “Captain, Commodore Chi wishes to speak with you Sir.”

    “Computer send it to the Office” as he wiped his mouth then whispered to Racheal “Sounds like we may have a mission coming up soon” then he excused himself and entered the Lift “Deck 1” he called out. Moments later the doors swooshed open as James walked to the Office. Sitting at the Terminal “Good morning Commodore, what do I owe the pleasure” he inquired with his usual smile.

    “Good morning James. Now for the million credit question, how is the Crew getting along with the new ship” she inquired.

    “Excellent! Everyone seems to be quite pleased with the new ship and all the comments I’ve heard have been nothing but positive which I’m quite pleased with” James replied with a smile “And the shakedown went very well and the ship handled beautifully I might add.”

    “Just what I was hoping for and you have no idea on hearing your report how it makes me feel” then Rebecca paused “I have to admit this particular project had me a little worried changing your ship so many times over these past few years” then she paused a second time “I knew if anyone could pull this off from the get go it would be you James.”

    James was blown away by Rebecca’s comments almost to the point of being speechless “Thank you Rebecca for your faith in my abilities and that of this Crew” as he paused momentarily “I can’t think of another place I’d rather be than here and with this talented Crew. By the way the new members are fitting in quite nicely as well.”

        “That’s great to hear. I thought the Lieutenant and Ensign would fit in quite nicely with the rest of your Crew since they both are very dedicated to their duties” Chi responded “Now for the matter at hand….I have an assignment for you.”

    James grinned “I was expecting as much…..so what’s the task going to be” he inquired being very curious as to the nature of the assignment.

    “This mission may be a little tricky that’s why we’re sending you, your crew, and your ship” she stated then continued “You are to travel to the Beta Quadrant, Titus Sector, to a planet known as Alben where we have an Operative deep undercover known only as AJ. She has collected vast amounts of intel for Star Fleet Intelligence concerning a weapon that could shift the balance of power in that Quadrant” then she paused “Make no mistake Captain this is a vile and very dangerous planet. The male population have free reign over what they can do to the woman there and quite frankly it disgusts me. Also I’ll have a ship in the area with two squads of Star Fleet Marines on standby; once you extract AJ let Captain Hunt know and his Marines are going in and clean house in that wretched place. I’m sending you all the intel for that planet we have for your Infiltration Specialists and trust me when I say it’ll take all three of them to pull this off. Also they are authorized to use whatever force is necessary be it lethal or otherwise” Rebecca concluded.

    Hearing Chi’s orders James sat back in his chair taking everything in knowing this was going to be a difficult task “We’ll do our best not to disappoint you Commodore and we will get this AJ safely out of there” James stated being quite resolute.

    “I know you will; that’s why I’m sending you. Needless to say a successful outcome in paramount James. Leave sometime today and get there as quickly as possible….AJ’s life may depend on it” Chi replied.

    “We can be underway within two hours or less then I’ll fill in the Infiltration Team on the details after we get underway so they have adequate time to prepare. I should be going then Commodore; I have a lot to do in a short amount of time” James answered with a smile.

    “Yes you do so I’ll let you go…..god’s speed Captain and I’m looking forward to a positive outcome on this one. Chi out.”

    While standing James tapped his Comm “Crew meet me in the Lounge immediately; we have a mission to go over” as he made his way to Deck 2.

[Lounge]

    Moments later everyone was assembled waiting on what the Captain had to say as he entered the room looking around “Good you’re all here already, thank you. Now to the matter at hand. 

This mission may be a little tricky. We are to travel to the Beta Quadrant, Titus Sector, to a planet known as Alben where there is an Operative deep undercover known only as AJ. She has collected vast amounts of intel for Star Fleet Intelligence concerning a weapon that could shift the balance of power in that Quadrant. Make no mistake this is a vile and very dangerous planet. The male population have free reign over what they can do to the woman there and quite frankly it’s disgusting from what the Commodore stated. Also there will be a ship in the area with two squads of Star Fleet Marines on standby; once we’ve extract AJ I’ll let Captain Hunt know and his Marines are going in and clean house.” Handing a disk to Nox “Here’s the intel for that planet, and from what Chi says it’ll take all three of you to pull this off. Also you are authorized to use whatever force is necessary be it lethal or otherwise”  James concluded

    Commander Reese spoke up  “So when do we leave Captain” she inquired knowing this one would not be an easy assignment.

      “That depends how soon Engineering can have us ready; Lieutenant Herek, timeframe?” James asked.

      “Looking over at D’Nall then back to the Captain “We can be ready to depart within the hour if you wish Sir” Daniel answered as D’Nall nodded in agreement.

    “Excellent make it happen; Engineering is dismissed” as all three officers left the Lounge for Main Engineering. Turning his attention to Nox “Lieutenant I want all three of you to go over the data the Commodore has provided so you’re ready when we arrive. Use whatever resources you need and needless to say we are counting on you all heavily for this one” turning once again “The rest of you I’d like to be on the Bridge in fifteen minutes so we’re ready to depart when Engineering gives us the all go” the Captain concluded as the rest of the remaining crew dispersed.

    Racheal stayed behind wanting to speak to James privately “Sounds like this may be our most challenging mission ever” then she paused “Do you think we can actually pull this one off” she inquired with some concern in her voice.

   Looking at his First Officer “Yes I do……we have to for everyone’s sake….especially AJ’s” James replied knowing what was at stake here “Let’s get to the Bridge” James stated as the command team left the Lounge.

Vigilant Specs

 In between writing another chapter I decided to share more about the current Vigilant just to give the reader a feel for the Ship.

Specifications: 

Ship Type: Hybrid: Utilizing X-11 Shuttle Design Turned into a Standalone Ship.

Role: Section 42: Classified

Dimensions: Length: 48 meters ( 574 ft.)

                     Height: 29.4 meters ( 96.5 ft.)

                     Width:  13.5 (Including Nacelles) meters ( 541 ft.)

                     Decks: 3 

                     Design: Modular

                     Expected Life: 80 years

                     Standard Refit: 4 years.

                     Major Refit: 20 years.

                     Resupply: 1 year.

Crew: 10 Officers & Enlisted

Propulsion Systems: Caries B-grade Mod 2 Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Assembly to power the Starship’s one Shoshi Sigma-class 2 Variable Warp Drive Unit and twin Vervyn TK-40 MK 5 Combat Subatomic Unified Energy Impulse Units.

Quantum Slipstream Drive: Maximum Velocity: 200,000,000c

                                             8 Hour Maximum (6 Hours cool down period.)

Performance: Warp 7 (cruising)

                       Warp 9.7 (maximum)

                       Warp 9.9 (emergency for 6 hours / 3 hour cool down)

Tactical: Six type-10 Annulated Confinement Beam-jacketed phaser arrays. Three fore with three aft, variable-payload MK 80 direct-fire launchers utilizing quantum torpedos. Three fore and three aft. 

Hull Type: Tritanium Polycomposite

Defenses: Armour : 15cm Microfiber Reinforced Ablative Armour deflector shields

I've been learning Chat GPT 5.2 which is an AI browser based ap. Over the next few months I'll be showing images, click on image to enlarge, of the ship's interior starting with: 

Deck 1:

This is the Bridge with a large viewing window allowing for a panoramic view of space. Starting on the fore-starboard is the Helm/Navigation Station followed by Command at  fore-port. Both chairs are on a slider system allowing the Officer to move left or right to access their screens. At aft-starboard is the First Officer/Science station and at aft-port is Tactical/Communications station. Even though it's compact it allows the Captain eye to eye contact with the rest of the Bridge Crew.

Behind the Bridge is the Transporter Room able to transport up to four people at a time.

Next is the Ready Room for meetings between Command and a few Crew. The screen in the center displays different areas of space used for briefing purposes but also displays other information as well. Also from this image the controls for the Transporter are evident on the wall behind the glass.

Behind the Ready Room the Lounge resides. This offers a comfortable space for the Crew to relax and also used for meetings with Command and the entire Crew at once.

At the aft part of Deck 1 is a small Science Lab equipped with the latest technology being used by several of the different Sciences. Also is a Holographic Table to view data, experiments, and other scientific data.