Captain’s log: Stardate 22720101
I attended the New Year’s Eve party organized by my XO. The emotions in the lounge were stimulating. My empathic abilities told me that everyone enjoyed themselves to their individual comfort levels. Except a pair of young, human Cadets who seemed fearful of unexplored sexuality and were hesitant to act on obvious mutual attractions. I still fail to understand human prudishness. However, I digress, Command has sent us to compile a linguistic database from an alien probe that appeared out of warp in the Barnard Star system. Upon entering the system, the probe began transmitting a basic mathematical equation on a wideband subspace frequency. Command feels that this is a prelude to first contact. We have been sent to the Barnard Star system to compile a linguistic database and use it to craft a reply. The Persephone having the most sophisticated communications array in the fleet Command feels we will be uniquely suited for this task. Although, Command provided an addendum to my orders last night. Intelligence has provided information that an infiltrator has made it on to my ship in an attempt to steal the alien linguistic database. It seems I no longer need to worry about keeping security busy during a research mission. In the meantime, my helmsman has informed me that we will be at Barnard Star within the hour.
Act I
Scene I
Location: Turbolift to Bridge
Ahtain mindfully past the time in the turbo lift. The only troubling part about his orders was the infiltrator and he hadn’t yet updated his XO or security chief, therefore all that was required was to clear his mind and muster his energy for the ensuing hunt. As the doors slid open, Ahtain was bombarded with the excited energy of his bridge crew. He smiled at the unending wanderlust of Starfleet personnel. Barnard Star had had energy farming and research stations since before the Federation was created. However, the arrival of a probe from a mystery species made the whole system new again.
Ahtain was struck by his helm officer's realization of his arrival on the Bridge. Being empathic gave him a clear advantage when interacting with and caring for his crew, however, it could make daily interactions jarring.”Captain on the Bridge!’
“Good morning everyone. Helmsman, what is our ETA?” Ahtain said as he stepped up onto the command chair platform. As he sat in his gray padded chair, he noticed his morning tea and briefing already available via his Andorian Yeoman, Ms. Penny. Her mate-like attention to his needs, made him wonder if she was as close to a mate as he would ever come. He accepted the cup, saucer, and PA DD with a smile and admired her as she bounced away.
“Seven minutes to Barnard Star system, Sir.” The helm officer said with the customary one eyed acknowledgment. “Very good.” Ahtain stood and descended to the deck, holding his tea and PADD. “I’ll be in my ready room. You’ll go to Yellow Alert when we drop out of warp and approach with caution. Inform me when we arrive at the probes location. Also inform the XO and security chief I want to see them when they report for duty. I'll be reading these reports.” Ahtain began walking towards his ready room. “You have the Conn Lieutenant.”
Scene II
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Ahtain sipped his tea and read through the morning reports. He was happy to see the lack of security reports. Except for a pair of amorous Cadets who chose a science lab as their lovemaking location, the crew had been well behaved despite last night’s festivities. In the past, it was Ahtain’s experience that the Human’s New Year’s Eve ceremony was a time when Humans were at their most rambunctious. Ahtain reasoned that his mixed species crew was beginning to change the spirit of the ship. Ahtain was awoken from his deep concentration by the ringing of his door chime. “Come in.” He said as he looked up to greet whoever was entering. His XO, a Deltan, entered first followed by his Chief of Security, a Barzan. They were both beautiful women, intelligent, and strong. “Ladies, good morning.” “Good morning Sir.” They answered in unison.
Ahtain thought about asking about their ETA to the probe, but decided against it. “We are ten minutes to the probe.” Said his XO. Ahtain smiled and chuckled. Commander Tabaj was a new XO and he wasn’t used to serving with a fellow empath. “Thank you. Next item, I received an addendum to our current mission. Starfleet Intelligence has provided information that they believe we have an infiltrator onboard. They don’t know how long this mole has been onboard, but they are sure they intend to sabotage the mission and steal the probe's data.” Ahtain paused. “I need security posted in mission critical areas and bar any unauthorized personnel.” Ahtain looked directly at Lieutenant Corveer. She nodded in understanding.” Yes, sir.” Ahtain turned his head towards Commander Tabaj.” Inform all department heads that only mission critical staff are to have authorized access to any information and equipment having to do with the mission, including themselves. Lists to be provided to the Chief of Security here. Then assist Lieutenant Corveer in flushing out our infiltrator.” Commander Tabaj nodded towards him.
“Now, while we are discussing the infiltrator, I think we should focus on possible sabo…”. Athain was cut off by the main lights in his ready room going out and the emergency lights coming on. “What? What is this? Meeting over, let’s get to the bridge.” Ahtain stood up and grabbed the flashlight he kept on his desk. He rounded the desk and led the others out of the ready room.
Scene III
Location: Bridge
The Bridge was in chaos when Ahtain arrived back. He was thankful for his well-trained Bridge crew. His Osnulus helmsman, Lieutenant Tanat had already begun taking control of the situation. “Tanat report!” Ahtain said as he made his way to the command chair. As he sat down, he flipped up the command interface. No power was available at his chair.
“We just arrived at the probe's location and began the process of running a communications interface. Then the main power shut down.” “Ok.” Ahtain said as he nodded to Tanat. “Commander Orban, what systems do we have access to?” The Human engineer spun around to access his ecgineering console. “We’ve access to life-support, computer control, turbolifts, and inter-ship Communication. Sickbay back up power remains unaffected. Shields, weapons, propulsion, internal and external sensors and external communications, all out.” “Injuries?” Asked Ahtain. “Sickbay reports no injuries, Sir.” The XO answered.
Ahtain nodded his head in acknowledgment. He continued nodding slightly as he held his chin with his thumb and index finger as he thought. “My feelings tell me the infiltrator’s plan has started out well.” Ahtain rose from his chair.”Security, coordinate with Engineering, find the source of the damage and search for any other potential sabotage.” Ahtain turns to face Commander Tabaj, ‘XO, coordinate with Science to try to get the sensors and communications back.” Ahtain turns to look out the view screen. “So much for an R and R research mission.” He said with a sigh, a smile, and a chuckle.
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