Olon's Quest

Posted on Wed Mar 15th, 2023 @ 11:57pm by Commander N'Garzi Zora & Lieutenant Xavier Leiko & Commander Amaya Lance

Mission: Wrath of the People
Location: Vespae System
Timeline: MD07
706 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

"Entering orbit of Vespae IV," the Conn officer reported.

"On screen," Zora ordered as she rose from her seat. The planet that appeared had a similar look to that of Mars in the Sol system, though it was browner in colour than red. There was nothing extremely remarkable about it but she guessed that was exactly the ideal location for terraforming projects. "Leiko scan the system, any signs of any unwanted company?"

Xavier pressed a few buttons on his console and watched as the scan results came in. "Not as far as I can tell," he replied, somewhat unsure. "However, we're getting a lot of interference from the asteroid belt. There could be a Borg cube in there and I'm not sure the sensors would detect it."

"Perfect for smugglers," Zora said more to herself. "Hail the station. Commander Lance to the bridge."

"They're hailing us," Xavier reported. "On screen?" He asked, turning in his seat to face her.

Zora nodded. The viewscreen changed to be filled with the face of a Dresden, his smooth skin glistening under the bright lights of the station's command centre. "I'm Commander Zora, first officer of the USS Athena, we received your distress call and came to offer our assistance."

"Commander Zora, I am Olon, the lead scientist. Thank you for coming so quickly. We were recently attacked by a group of Heeni pirates or smugglers... whatever they call themselves. They took valuable equipment and threaten months of work. You must get it back."

"Your report said that you have injured crew members too?" Zora asked, internally questioning the man's priorities.

"They'll live," Olon said hastily. "But our equipment, the research it's all gone."

Before Zora could reply, the turbolift doors opened and Commander Lance stepped onto the bridge. "This is Commander Lance, the commanding officer," Zora introduced, the words almost sticking in her throat.

Amaya gave a cautious nod to Zora, then focused her eyes on the screen.

"Y-yes." She too, recognised the faint awkwardness of it all. "Commander Amaya Lance. What can you tell us?"

"We think they have a base of operations in the Heeni Range, the asteroid belt on your sensors. We only have auxiliary ships, no match for their level of fire power," Olon replied. "You must get them back Commander."

"We will," Zora said. "We will send a team over to assist with your wounded and repairs before the ship heads to the Range. Athena out."

The viewscreen returned to the view of the station and the planet below as Zora turned to face Lance. "I'll take a team to the station while you and the others head to the Heeni Range and search for the smugglers."

Momentarily taken aback by how forward Zora was being, Amaya took a hesitant moment to process what she was saying. Zora was, effectively, taking charge. The lump in Amaya's throat stuck there. "O-okay," she said quietly, acquiescing to the decision.

"Unless you want to go to the station?" Zora asked, unsure about Lance's hesitation. "Though as the commanding officer, I wouldn't recommend it."

"N-no, that's your responsibility. The ship's Captain should remain with the ship," Amaya answered, a little thankful that she wouldn't have to lead an away team like that. "You should take the lead."

"I'm sure you'll have more fun finding the smugglers," Zora said with a slight smile. She gave a curt nod and moved towards the turbolift, tapping her combadge as she went. "All department heads prepare for mission details and away team assignments."

Xavier signed out of his station and rose out of his seat, intent on joining the first officer on the away team, that was protocol after all. He had barely taken a step when his eyes met with Zora's and she shook her head.

"As you were Leiko," Zora said as the turbolift doors parted. "The Heeni Range sounds like it's going to be a right pain in the rear and the Commander will need your expertise here." Plus I need you to keep an eye on her! She thought as loudly as she could, her eyes shifting slightly in Lance's direction.

Xavier nodded, "aye Ma'am," he understood both messages loud and clear.