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.