Scanning The Unknown

Chapter 13

    Captain Lake arrived aboard the Vigilant a little before twenty hundred carrying a platter of deep fried veggies along with one beer for each Crew member. James thought it would be a nice gesture as well as a team building exercise for his Crew. They filed in a few at a time until everyone was back aboard before twenty hundred “Welcome back home” James commented with a grin “Please help yourselves to the platter of goodies and there is one beer for each of you. I thought we could sit for an hour or so and just shoot the breeze before retiring for the night.” The Crew thanked James for his thoughtfulness while enjoying the food and beer. About twenty two hundred everything was cleaned up and the Crew went to their respective Quarters to get a good nights sleep before starting another Mission.

    Daniel and Katlyn walked into their shared Quarters getting ready for bed “So do you think the new cloaking generator will hold for the Mission” Katlyn inquired with a smile. “It sure as well better or this could go south real fast” he replied with a grin “One things for sure, I’ll be keeping a close on it until we’re off that Planet.” 

    Maria and T’Sol were getting ready for bed when she asked “T’Sol are you ready for the next Mission?” “Yes, I believe I am. Logically I have planned for all possible outcomes once we are on Tiburon. The new cloaking generator should work well.” “I sure hope you’re right. Well good night T’Sol” she replied. “You was well Maria” he answered.

    Nox and Mark were sitting on their beds talking for awhile “Mark I understand you’ll be working in Engineering for the duration of our Mission” Nox commented. “Yes, at least it’ll give me something constructive to do” he replied with a grin “Besides I don’t mind learning something new; and you’re going to be on the Bridge working a Science Station I take it.” “Yes it will be like ‘old home week’; I haven’t been doing anything science in years but I think I still remember how” Nox answered with a smile.

    Racheal was in the shower and James lay on his bed going over some things on the Computer Screen. She walked back into their quarters with her sleeping attire already on as she climbed into bed. Looking over at James she stated in a low voice “Sorry I’m not Katlyn sharing these quarters with you” Racheal commented with a big grin. James snickered “That would probably be a little awkward since we won’t be seeing one another socially any more and  I do need to stay focused” he replied. Racheal was very surprised hearing the news “Oh….I didn’t know….sorry for the short romance” she commented with sincerity “

Sleep well Captain” as she rolled over in bed. “You also Commander. Computer lights out” as the two went to sleep.

    The next morning everyone was up early to get ready for what lay ahead. Some grabbed breakfast while most everyone grabbed their preferred morning beverage of choice. About zero seven forty five the Crew went to their assigned Stations without James saying a word; this made him feel like the Crew had melded together well.

    Captain Lake walked onto the Bridge seeing everyone one was at their Stations including Lieutenant Nox “Welcome to the Bridge Lieutenant” James commented with a smile “Ok people let’s say we get the show on the road. Mr. T’Sol how’s the preflight coming along.” “Done Captain and awaiting your order to depart” he replied. “Excellent; Science and Tactical please make sure we have clear sailing ahead. Helm get us going at your convenience” James ordered. “Aye Sir” as T’Sol contacted the Dock Master for clearance to depart. Soon they left the dock and were going at one quarter impulse “Helm as soon as we clear traffic, warp eight if you please” came the order “As you wish Captain” moments later “Initializing warp eight now Sir” Helm replied; now came the six day trip to Tiburon.

    Three days passed with everything going as one would expect and the Crew performing their duties very well as per their training. About mid morning Tactical called out “Captain long range scans are showing a good sized Ship directly in our path” SanChez informed the Captain. “Have they picked us up yet on their long range scans” James queried with some concern. “No Sir, I don’t believe they have” she replied. “Helm drop us down to warp four for now; no sense in bringing any undo attention to ourselves” James ordered. “Dropping to warp four now Captain. That would seem like the logical course of action” T’Sol commented being quite sincere in his observations, invoking smirks from the rest of his colleagues. “That it would Mr T’Sol” James replied while appreciating Vulcan mannerisms.  

    A couple of hours went by “Captain we’re being hailed” Maria stated at the Comms Station, which was next to Tactical for easy access. “Send it to my Station” James ordered. “Transferred Sir” she replied. Opening a channel “This is Captain James Lake, Commanding Officer of the USS Vigilant and who might you be.” An older gentleman appeared on the Screen “Captain Lake, I am Chief Marshal Deron. I am the Constable for the Actium Sector; please state your business here” he stated matter of factly. “Chief Marshal Deron we are merely passing through your area of space on our way to the Sierra Sector; we are a Science Research Shuttle” James replied hoping that would satisfy the Chief Marshal. Deron turned talking to someone off screen for a few minutes before returning his attention to the matter at hand “That’s quite a large Ship for just being a Shuttle” he commented being very stoic. James smiled “It’s a new type of Shuttle the Federation has developed for Scientific Research to free up their larger Ships” he explained keeping a poker face. “I see, then you won’t mind if we scan your Ship just to keep things on the up and up” the Chief Marshal inquired. “No not at all; you’ll see I’m being truthful about our intentions” James replied before ending the conversation. Turning to his Crew “I sure hope the Commodore was correct about our advanced weapons being shielded from scans” he commented “Helm should we need to make a hasty exit be ready.” “Aye Captain.” After several tense minutes “Sir we’re being hailed again” Maria informed the Captain. “Chief Marshal I hope you’re satisfied with your scan results” James commented. “Yes I am Captain, you may be on your way and thank you for your cooperation in this matter” Deron replied “Safe travels.” “Thank you Chief Marshal and have a good day, Lake out.” Everyone let out a sigh of relief as the Commander commented “That was a close one; I’m happy that went well.” James turned towards his First Officer “Yes so am I.” “Tactical let us know when we’re out of long range sensors from that Ship. Helm as soon as we’re out of range, warp nine if you please. James received an “Aye Captain” from both his Officers.

    The next two and a half days went by without incident “Captain we are about to enter the Sierra Sector and are about eight hours from Tiburon” T’Sol informed his Commanding Officer. “Good, steady as she goes Helm. Tactical lets get this Ship cloaked” “As you wish Captain” Lieutenant SanChez replied. “Engineering we are cloaked; if the generator even so much as sneezes I want to know about it” James ordered. “As you wish Sir” Lieutenant Herek replied.

    Meanwhile in Engineering “Lieutenant Zebot I want you and Ensign Benna to assume Engineering duties. I want to focus all my attention on the cloaking generator” Daniel ordered. “Sure thing Lieutenant” Katlyn replied then instructed Mark on what to keep an eye on. Even though she was the same rank as Daniel, Katlyn had no problem following Daniel’s orders since he was the Chief.

    Back on the Bridge Racheal was instructing Nox on the scanning procedures before they arrived at Tiburon “Nox not knowing if you’ve done these types of scans before I just wanted us to be on the same page” Reese explained with a smile. “No problem Commander, and no I have not done this thorough a scan before. I am here to assist you so any information you can give me will be helpful” Nox replied with a smile. The Captain was very pleased to see these two Officers working so well together for the first time. “Commander what speed do you require for the Scans” James inquired. “Probably one quarter impulse would be good” Racheal replied. “Helm as we approach Tiburon drop us out of warp and enter their atmosphere at one half impulse. Once we are at the designated coordinates drop to one quarter impulse and Commander Reese will direct you during their scans” James ordered being quite glad when the scans were completed. “Aye Captain, as you wish” T’Sol replied in his usual Vulcan manner.

    As the Vigilant approached Tiburon Helm dropped out of warp and slowed to one half impulse as directed. Keying in the predetermined coordinates “Captain we’re approaching the designated coordinates and dropping to one quarter impulse” T’Sol informed James. “Good, ok ladies looks like you’re up” James commented with a grin. “Helm bring us about thirty degrees to port” the Commander ordered while setting up her console to begin the scans. “As you wish Commander’ Helm replied. Racheal started scanning a small quadrant at a time “Doesn’t look like there’s any kind of shielding to slow us down” she called out then turning to Nox “You scan the even numbered quadrants while I scan the odd ones.” “Aye Commander” Nox replied looking at Racheal with a smile. The next two hours went by quicker than the Captain had anticipated when he called to Daniel “Engineering how’s the cloaking generator holding up; any concerns” James queried hoping for the best. “The generator is doing fine and no there are no concerns what so ever” he replied. “That’s a relief; but keep a close on it none the less” James ordered with relief in his voice. “As you wish Captain” came the reply. About two hours later “Captain the scans are complete anytime you want to get out of here” Racheal commented “I will transfer the scan data to an extra PADD we have for the Commodore’s use” she commented then turning to Nox “Thank you Lieutenant for your help; it’s very much appreciated.” “You don’t have to tell me twice” James answered with a grin “Helm get us out of here.” Aye Sir” as T’sol plotted the course for return to normal space. Nox smiled at Racheal “You are welcome and anytime you need an extra hand please let me know” she replied as she looked at James “With the Captain’s permission of course.” “I will keep that in mind” Racheal commented “If you wish you may return to Deck 2.” Nox nodded and turned to leave the Bridge. After Nox left Racheal looked at James “Thank you Captain for the extra help; it certainly made my job easier” she said. “Anytime Commander” he replied.

    Four days had passed with the trip home being quite uneventful. The fifth day, late in the afternoon, James looked over at Maria noticing she was leaning on her Console trying to steady herself. James rose from his Command seat and walked over to her placing his hand gently on her shoulder “Lieutenant are you feeling ok” he inquired not liking what he was seeing. Maria looked up and smiled “I’m feeling a little light headed at the moment” she whispered. “That’s not good. I think you need to go to your quarters and lay down; that’s an order. I can handle Tactical” he said with a concerning smile. “Thank you Captain” as she left the Bridge. Tapping his Comm “Computer bring the EMH online please” came the request. “EMH now online” was the reply. “This is the EMH please state the nature of your emergency.” “Doctor please go to Quarters number three, Lieutenant SanChez is laying down complaining of being light headed. Check her out and get back to me” James ordered. “As you wish Captain” the Doctor replied. James could see the concern on the faces of the Bridge Crew “I’m sure she’ll be fine; just a precaution” he explained as everyone went back to there duties. A little while later “Captain this is the Doctor, please meet me in Medical on Deck One.” “On my way Doctor” James replied “Commander you have the Conn” as James hustled to Medical. Arriving he saw a young women wearing a white lab coat “Doctor what seems to be the problem with Lieutenant SanChez” he queried with concern for one of his Crew. “Nothing too serious, she is suffering from sleep deprivation. I administered a mild sedative so she should sleep through the night and can return to duty tomorrow” the EMH replied. A wave of relief came over the Captain “That is good news; I’ll have Lieutenant T’Sol keep a close eye on her until we return to DS9.” “That would be a good course of action. If there’s nothing else I’ll return to standby mode.” “Certainly and thanks for your help” James replied with a smile. “Of course Captain, that is what I am programmed for” the EMH stated before disappearing. James had to chuckle to himself “She sounds just like T’Sol” as he made his way back to the Bridge to give his Crew the good news.

    The following morning Maria was having her coffee in the Mess Hall with the rest of the Crew. Captain Lake walked over to her “Good morning Lieutenant, so how are you feeling this morning” he asked in a low voice so as not to be overheard by the rest of the Crew. “I’m fine Sir and ready to resume my duties” she replied with a smile. “Good but if there is a reason you haven’t been able to sleep, please feel free to discuss it with myself or Commander Reese. Also there are Counselors available on the base you can talk to if you wish since our Ship is attached to the Base” James explained. “Thank you Captain but I can assure you I am fine” Maria replied hoping she was right. “Good then I’ll see you on the Bridge shortly. We should be back to DS7 by late morning.”

    After speaking to the rest of the Crew, which was his usual way each morning, James made his way to the Bridge followed by Racheal, Maria, and T’Sol. Walking onto the Bridge “Computer please return Ship’s functions back to the Crew” he requested. “Ship’s functions returned to the Crew” came the reply. “Just so you know we should be back to DS7 by late morning” he informed everyone. Racheal chimed in “All the scans have been uploaded to this PADD and are ready for the Commodore” she stated as she handed the device to the Captain. “Thank you Commander, I’m sure she’ll be waiting for us when we return.”

    Late morning arrived quickly as Helm handled a flawless landing in their special Docking Bay. After everything was shut down, and the Ship was secured, James opened the Port Hatch letting his Crew file out of the Ship each saying good morning to the Commodore as they left. James was the last to leave and secured the Hatch. Turning to face Rebecca “I think this is what you have been waiting for” as he handed her the PADD. “Thank you James and I take it the cloaking held this time” she queried with a smile. “Yes it did, and Lieutenant Herek did keep a close eye on it while we were taking all the scans you wanted” James replied with a smile. “Excellent. Please get some rest, you deserve it. I’ll have your next Mission ready for you in a few days. In the meantime enjoy some down time” she commented. “Thank you Rebecca I will” James replied with a grin as he walked off going to his quarters.