Urgent Mission

Chapter 18

Shortly before fourteen hundred James grabbed his duffle and started out the door only to run into Racheal doing the same “Commander ready for another adventure” James inquired with a smile. “Yes I am and I get to spend time with the Crew and my favorite Captain” Racheal replied with a grin. James smiled back “Well played Commander’ he replied.

Walking up to the Vigilant, James keyed in his Security Code and opened the hatch “After you Commander” James commented as the two Officers walked inside. “Computer lights on” Racheal requested as the Ship lit up “James I’ll go and open Deck 2 so you can greet the Crew as they arrive.” “Thank you Racheal that’s very nice of you” as James set his duffle on the deck. “Here let me take that for you” she stated as she grabbed his duffle and headed off.

Shortly the rest of the Crew arrived as James greeted each one as they entered directing them to the Common Area on Deck 2. Securing the Port hatch James joined his Crew “I’ll keep this brief. We all know what we have to do during this Mission so let’s all work together like we usually do to get the job accomplished to the best of our abilities” he stated as everyone nodded in agreement “Engineering get us warmed up and ready to depart. Intelligence start getting your gear together; as for the Bridge Crew let’s get to our Stations.”

“Captain as soon as the Warp Engines are warmed up and ready to go I’ll notify you in case you want to depart before sixteen hundred” Herek commented. “Thank you Lieutenant” James answered as Daniel and Katlyn turned making their way to Engineering.

Mark and Nox headed towards the Intelligence Area at the fore part of Deck 2 and the rest of the Crew headed for the Bridge on Deck 1.

Daniel walked into Engineering going over to the Main Console keying in his Security Code. When the Screen came up he started the warmup procedures watching the readouts just to make sure everything was as it should be. Meanwhile Katlyn went to the Computer Room just to make sure all of the Ship’s systems were online and ready to go.

Arriving on Deck 1 the Bridge Crew each activated their various Stations making sure each was calibrated correctly and ready for departure. James brought up his Command Console checking each Department making sure they would be ready for departure as was his custom before a Mission started. Satisfied with all the readings, and seeing the rest of the Crew checking their Stations, James sat back in his seat “Now we wait to hear from Lieutenant Herek so we can get this show on the road” he commented still being a little concerned about this mission.

    Shortly before sixteen hundred “Captain, Herek here, the Ship is green for go and all systems are at your disposal Sir” he stated.

    “Thank you Lieutenant, well done; we’ll be leaving momentarily” Lake replied then looking over to his left “Mr. T’Sol anytime you’re ready.”

    “Aye Captain, starring departure sequence now” T’Sol replied as he called the Dock Master. Five minutes later, after the bay doors opened, the Vigilant lifted off the Deck Turing and heading out into space. 

    “Helm after we clear traffic please plot in a course to Korop, warp factor eight” James ordered. “Aye Captain” as James turned to the rest of the Bridge Crew “Science and Tactical do your thing as per usual” he ordered as his Officers responded “Aye Captain.”

    The first day of travel was routine and uneventful, which the Captain was more than fine with for a change. At the end of everyone’s shift the Ship was handed over to the Computer until the following morning at zero eight hundred; this was the usual procedure so the Crew could relax and get some sleep.

    Everyone was in the Mess Hall getting their dinners and beverages from the replicator before sitting together to enjoy their meals which was a common occurrence when on a mission. James sat eating his meal as everyone joined in the conversations, which pleased him as just another way of team building and bringing the Crew closer together.

    After Lieutenant Nox finished her meal she cleaned up after herself then walked over to James and sat in the empty chair next to him “Captain I don’t mean to interrupt your meal, but before we arrive at our destination I was wondering if I could borrow Ms. Sanchez for a couple a hour to bring her up to speed on our plans for the Infiltration” she explained.

    James grinned “That’s quite alright Lieutenant, and yes of course; anything to make your mission a success” then he thought for a moment “I’ll have her meet with you at zero eight hundred first then she can report to the Bridge afterwards; if that works for you.”

    Nox smiled “Yes Sir that would work just fine…..thank you Captain” she stated with sincerity in her voice.

    “You’re welcome” James replied returning the smile then ordered “Ms. SanChez please report to Intelligence at zero eight hundred before reporting to the Bridge for a briefing; I can run Tactical while you’re otherwise occupied.”

    Maria looked up and smiled “Thank you Captain, I was going to ask you myself but it looks like someone beat me to it” she replied then looked over at Nox with a grin.

    James looked at both officers and grinned to himself seeing those little telltale signs of flirting as he replied “You’re welcome Ms. Sanchez” then looking over at Racheal she grinned as well seeing the unspoken conversation between Maria and Nox.

    After a couple more hours of conversation between Crew members, James gave the last order of the day “We all should return to our quarters for a good nights rest; tomorrow will be a very busy day. Sleep well everyone and we’ll meet back here at zero seven hundred” as James was the first to rise followed by the rest of the Crew as everyone walked to their quarters.

    James entered their quarters seeing Racheal already changed and in bed “Wow that was a quick clothes change” he commented with a grin.

    “Yes I’m kind of tired and left as soon as you started giving the order to retire” then she paused “You know I have this strong urge to give you a goodnight kiss.”

    James smiled  as he changed into his sleeping attire “As much as I would love that I don’t think it would be appropriate here on the Ship as per our discussion previously” he replied.

    Racheal gave a slight sigh “Of course you’re right and I will endeavor to keep my end of our agreement” she replied with a smile “Sleep well James.”

    “You too Racheal” James answered then both officers rolled over and fell asleep.

     The following morning James woke at zero six hundred and headed straight for the shower. Afterwards he dressed for the day and headed back to their quarters as Racheal was sitting on the edge of her bed “Morning Racheal, I’m going to grab some caffeine so I’ll see you down there” he commented getting ready to leave as was his custom to give Racheal some private time.

    “Good morning James, and yes I’ll be along shortly; just don’t drink all the coffee before I get there” she replied teasingly. James ginned then left their quarters.

    By zero seven hundred the Crew was assembled in the Mess Hall each having their interpretation of breakfast; some with just coffee and others with various amounts of food. James walked over to Katlyn “Good morning Lieutenant. After we touch down on Korop would you please take care of the back Hatch.”

    “Absolutely Captain” she replied with a smile.

    “ Ok everyone with the exception of Ms. SanChez let’s get to our designated Stations; it’s almost zero eight hundred” James ordered was everyone complied.

     Walking onto the Bridge “Computer, please return Ship’s functions back over to the Crew” he ordered. “As you wish Captain, Crew now has control of the Ship” the Computer replied then asked something James never saw coming “Perhaps you would like a good morning…..” James quickly cut the Computer off  “That is private and not to be spoken of again” he ordered. “As you wish Captain Lake.” He knew what the reference was referring to as he glanced over in Racheal’s direction noticing she was a little pink in the face.

    “Captain what was that all about” T’Sol inquired. “Never mind Lieutenant…..so how long before we reach Korop” James inquired wanting to change the subject. “We will arrive in two hours Sir.” “Good. Before we approach the area we will cloak and disappear” James commented while being at Tactical.

    Lieutenant SanChez entered the Bridge right on time “I’m all set Captain…..I’ll take over Tactical for now” Maria commented. “Good, I’ll let you know when I want the cloaking initiated” he replied before returning to the Conn.

    The next hour and a half went by quickly as James went back to Tactical “Ms. SanChez I’ll take over now; feel free to go get ready for the Op.” “Thank you Sir” Maria replied then left for Deck 2. James initiated the cloaking device “ Mr Herek we’ve just cloaked, please keep an eye on the generator” he ordered. “As you wish Captain” Daniel replied. 

    Shortly Helm called out “Captain I’m starting my approach to the coordinates you requested.” “Excellent Mr.T’Sol” then he tapped his Com “Intelligence, Ms. Zebot please get into position and stand by” came the order. Soon the Mission was going to start in earnest.

Touch and Go

Chapter 17    

 

    The following morning James woke in his own quarters still a little giddy over what had transpired last night with Racheal; he hadn’t seen that coming but was happy about the situation. After showering James dressed being ready for the day not knowing if Rebecca had a new mission for them or not.

    James had just put on a pot of coffee when his comm went off. Walking over to his desk “Captain Lake, go ahead” as he heard a familiar voice “It’s Commander Reese, I think we need to sort out a few things after last night; can I come over.” “Absolutely and I’ll make us some breakfast if you’d like” James replied hoping she hadn’t had second thoughts. “Sounds yummy, I’ll be right over.” 

    Moments later James heard the door “Come in” he stated when Racheal walked in all smiles “So what’s for breakfast” she asked then walked up and gave James a kiss.

    “How’s a western omelet with hash browns and toast sound; and of course coffee” James replied figuring the kiss was a sure sign everything was ok between them.

    “Works for me; I’m starving” Racheal answered as James poured her a cup of hot black coffee with a smile.

    “You sip on that and I’ll have breakfast ready in a jiffy” he replied then turned to go to the replicator. A few minutes later James brought two plates of a nice hot breakfast setting one in front of her “There you go, dig in” as he sat across from Racheal grabbing his fork and starting his meal. After a couple of mouthfuls, and sips of coffee, James asked “So what’s on your mind.”

    Racheal swallowed her food and grabbed a sip of coffee “I just wanted to make sure we were both on the same page when on duty after what transpired last night” she commented with a smile.

    

    “Well when we’re on duty, and especially when we’re on the Ship, I would expect each of us to conduct ourselves the same as we always have….in a professional manner including when sharing quarters. At least that’s the way I see our duty lives together” he concluded hoping she felt the same way.

    “Good we are on the same page then; those were my thoughts as well. I’m sure the Commodore wouldn’t be to pleased if she found out about us so I would rather she didn’t. Besides we are both entitled to a private life….key word private” Racheal replied happy they both were in agreement.

    The two Officers sat eating their breakfast and talking when James’ desk comm went off. He stood looking at Racheal “That may be the Commodore; but she couldn’t have another mission so soon” he commented on his way to his desk and sat keying in his Security code.

    “Good morning Captain Lake sorry to bother you so soon but an urgent mission just surfaced and the Vigilant is our best hope of success” Chi stated.

    “Good morning Commodore, so what’s this urgent mission all about” James inquired. Meanwhile Racheal sat quietly not wanting Rebecca knowing she was there with James.

    Rebecca explained the Mission in detail to James before giving her final comments “I know you’re not fond of these types of Missions but this is critical to the entire region of space. I want you and your Crew to leave at sixteen hundred today; that’s how critical this operation is.”

    “I knew this type of mission would pop up sooner or later and I knew what I was signing up for from the get go, so rest assured my personal feeling will be set aside and the mission will be completed to the best of our abilities” James replied as he started going into Captain mode.

    “Yes I know you will James, I have the highest confidence in you and your Crew. Safe travels and I look forward to reading your report when you return. Chi out.”

    James let out a sigh not really agreeing with this type of Mission but orders are orders and he knew he had to follow them to the letter.

    Tapping his Crew comm “Attention Vigilant Crew this Captain Lake please assemble in the Briefing Room in twenty minutes” he ordered. Then walking back over to Racheal “We have an urgent Mission and we leave today at sixteen hundred so let’s go over to the Briefing Room and wait for the rest of the Crew to arrive.

    “I knew something was up just by your demeanor; I guess the rest time is over. Ready when you are” she commented with a smile.

    The two Officers went next door to the Briefing Room  moments before the Crew started to arrive. Maria, Nox, and Katlyn all walked in together talking “Lieutenants, good morning” James stated as they reciprocated the greeting soon followed T’Sol and Daniel “Good morning Lieutenants, thanks for being prompt” James commented with a smile. A few minutes later Mark came flying into the room “Sorry I’m late Captain I just got out of the shower when you called” Benna explained as he grabbed a seat. “No problem Ensign and your not late” James assured him.

    “Ok lets get started then. We have a rather urgent Mission ahead; we are traveling to the Gamma Sector to a Planet called Korop which has a high security prison. Our Infiltration Team will slip inside and try to rescue a Scientist by the name of Krosske who possesses sensitive information that Section Thirty One believes could be catastrophic to that sector of space if it were to fall into the wrong hands.

    Turning to Nox “Lieutenant since the prison has a high degree of Security I think it would be prudent in taking Lieutenant SanChez as part of your team; unless you think yourself and the Ensign can handle the extraction attempt” Lake stated. Nox thought for a moment “I agree Captain, if the security is that high then another pair of hands may come in handy and I know the Lieutenant is well trained in ground assault techniques should it come to that.” Then James looked at Maria “You ok with this Ms. SanChez” James asked wanting to know her state of mind concerning the Mission. “Whatever you need Captain, I’m there” Maria replied as she looked towards Nox who gave her a nod of approval.

    “One last mission parameter I need to let you know about; if Mr. Krosske can’t be extracted for some reason our orders are to neutralize him” looking at his Infiltration Team “Do you have a problem with those orders; I know this is extreme but the Commodore assures me it’s necessary” James concluded. Nox spoke up “Captain we will follow your orders to their completion even if we have to take a life” she stated as Mark and Maria agreed.

    “Ok it will be a four day round trip including extraction so pack accordingly. Please report to the Ship today at fourteen hundred and we’ll depart DS7 at sixteen hundred. Mr Herek I assume that will give you ample time to get the Warp Core warmed up and ready to go?” Lake inquired.

    “Yes Captain, Lieutenant Zebot and I will have everything ready for a sixteen hundred departure including making sure the cloaking generator is online and standing by” Daniel assured James.

    “Good Mr Herek and yes we’ll be going in cloaked so we can get in and out without being detected by anyone. Are there any questions at this time” James asked as he looked around the room not seeing any hands. “In that case thank you all for being prompt and I’ll see you aboard the Vigilant at fourteen hundred; dismissed” James concluded as the Crew filed out of the room on their way to get things together for the Mission including James and Racheal.