A Vulcan in limbo
Posted on 02/09/2021 @ 1:27pm
Edited on on 02/23/2021 @ 4:07am
Mission:
Men Of Good Conscience
Location: Lotus Starbase
As he rematerialized away from the classified meeting, Syntron’s stoic demeanor heightened while heading back towards his quarters. The consequences of his decisive decision were at the forefront of his thoughts. He was now a civilian among Starfleet personnel.
He entered into his quarters and engaged the locking mechanism as he sat down at his office desk. He swiftly composed then sent a concise message to the first officer of the USS Phoenix notifying him of his resignation as captain of the ship. He provided no further details or rationale regarding his actions, including his resignation from Starfleet itself.
Next, he began to pack the few items that belonged to him, including his two musical instruments. Often during times of distress that did not involve immediate action, he would utilize one of the instruments as a means of meditation and reflection. No such inclination manifested within the whirlwind of his current situation.
Uncertainty prevailed as he contemplated options regarding a next step.
* * *
After a long interlude of hushed whispers and clandestine orders floating about the station, Rogers finally found a spare hour or two and got about looking for more answers to satisfy his need-to-know. The thing about a front line base like Lotus Fleet's Capitol class, the promenade was the only place to find R&R facilities; unless you were a resourceful, and clandestine, engineer. Like all Star Fleet facilities there were out of the way back-water rooms, off the beaten path, that were almost never visited by anyone except the rank and file grunts who needed to operate the various equipment stationed within these nondescript places. And these very same characteristics of rarely seen rooms were the same characteristics that always drew the resourceful engineer's of every base in their quadrants; a place to shoot the bull and dis on the higher-ups.
Rogers found the place unusually crowded when he entered Docking Bay Maintenance spares store room on deck 162, far below the officers quarters on deck 14. The station was on a weird, quasi-lock-down and he had expected only a couple staff hanging around doing what maintenance does, looking for parts or taking the endless inventory that Operations brass always seemed to demand 'Right Now!". Here however was almost fifteen engineers taking a break and talking in subdues whispers. David exchanged a couple of pleasantries with a few NCO's as he made his way though the crowded space toward the station's assistant chief engineer, Lieutenant Benjamin Smith, near the rear wall.
"Any news Ben?", David asked seriously. He knew that anything of import that happened around the base would be fairly well known by the engineering staff. No matter what went down, either on board a ship or on a base, was always gossiped about by the engineers.
"Buck!" the lithe Martian responded. "Nothing at all Commander. Its like the entire station phased out of existence! I was talking to Tobia over by Comms about an hour ago and he said they've locked everyone out of maintenance there."
Smith took a furtive glance about the room then leaned in a bit closer.
"P.O. Shay was kicked out of Ops after the alart, Not so much as a how-do-you-do ... just escorted to the door by Samji. But before she left she noticed that the Alsea wasn't answering hails of the Fleet Captain!"
David nodded an affirmation as Ben confirmed his own suspicion's. "Yeah Ben, something nasty is afoot alright. But it ain't a war footing, otherwise Gonzalez and Harding would be lording their grunts all over the station."
Rogers looked around the somewhat crowded room again, trying to see if perhaps any flight control or Ops NCO's were about.
* * *
After his sparse belongings were gathered and arranged by the door of his quarters, Syntron exited out of the entryway then headed toward a turbolift. Entering into the empty region, he directed it to the level with an arboretum. He briefly considered his options as it moved smoothly through the levels. As the doors parted open, he turned and headed towards his destination.
Walking slowly among the varied foliage, he came upon a section of Vulcan vegetation. He studied the plants for a few moments. He had been requested on multiple occasions to return to the Vulcan Science Academy, but his priority had always been Starfleet. The events that occurred in the recent covert meeting were surreal at best and were disturbing in a multitude of ways considering the orders given. As a consequence, the paradigm had now shifted. Was his role in Starfleet truly over?
Gazing at the flora, he recalled a child memory that the heat of Vulcan's summer killed most vegetation, with plant life only flourishing once the rains come. In the desert during times of drought carnivorous plants were able to survive by catching any animal weakened by its thirst. Is that the level of desperation that Starfleet command and the Federation Council were now exhibiting?
He stepped away from those plants and traveled through other rows.
Returning to Vulcan knowing the imminent dangers lurking on the edge of the galaxy seemed amiss, despite the initial instinctual inclination. Staying on the Starbase under the current circumstances did not seem like a preferable option either. What were the viable alternatives?
Once he had strolled through all of the aisles and viewed every bit of vegetation, he exited out of the arboretum and continued walking.
Eventually, he arrived at a corner café. Stepping inside, he programmed a cup of Vulcan spiced tea and a bowl of Plomeek soup. He carried a tray of these items to an empty corner and sat down at a table. While nonchalantly consuming the meal, he drew his attention down to a thin electronic tablet and scrolled through the contents. For the first time, he had nowhere to be and no urgent obligations.
* * *
After his conversation with Jureth, Kheren started meandering physically as much as he was mentally. It brought him to a more occupied, and more civilian area of the starbase, and spotted Syntron sipping tea at a corner of an automated food stall, reading something. The sight was at the same time so familiar and so jarring, seeing him in civilian clothing, he was already drifting towards him before he was even conscious his feet were carrying him there. He stopped at the replicator on the way.
''Captain's juice.''
''This item is not on the menu.''
The Andorian rolled his eyes at the slip up. I'm way too distracted... and way too angry. I need something... someone... to cool down before I strike something... or someone.
''Computer; four-hundred milliliters of Cardassian morning fish juice at room temperature, on top of ten millimeters of Rigelian blue cheese and sprinkled on top with fifty grams of cooked Earth bacon, finely chopped.''
The grey, golden-peppered thick brew in a tall glass cup appeared in the slot. Kheren lowered his antennae to smell it, found it satisfactory if a bit still too hot and went to Syntron's table. he waited for the Vulcan to lift his eyes to him.
''Mind if a rebellious former officer joins you?''
Entrenched by the contents within the electronic display resting on the table, Syntron had somehow filtered out his keen senses and was thus caught off guard by the sudden voice and presence of his colleague and former commanding officer of the USS Artemis standing before him. He looked up and gestured for the Andorian to join him as the context of his cunning words summarizing their convoluted situation sunk in.
“I would postulate that the two of us are rather an enigma on this starbase at this time,” the Vulcan offered in response, as he instinctively observed the general disposition of the former fellow captain.
Kheren took a sip of his peculiar drink and looked around as if talking about the weather.
''I'm not so sure about that. That you of all people would object is all but logical; because what the Federation is doing is highly illogical. You actually not resigning would be the enigma.''
He took another sip and closed his eyes.
''As for me, besides my own convictions and personal record in Starfleet, I am also Andorian. Yes we are a passionate, violent race; but no Andorian ever fights without a reason to do so; and I see no rhyme or reason for this... assault.''
He then looked straight at the Vulcan.
''The real enigma is; how does a society built on universal brotherhood of all sentient life takes a path of death and destruction?''
Syntron deactivated his slender electronic device as he brought his gaze upright.
“It does not take such a path,” he submitted immediately. “There is evidently something amiss occurring within the chain of command,” he added almost inaudibly as he scanned the immediate area before continuing. “This poses several key dilemmas in attempting to procure answers. First, how would the cause which created such a conflict in command be determined in the limited time available? Plus, in our current civilian status, this would be an even greater obstacle to clarify than it would have been prior to the meeting.”
He scanned peripherally this time before fixing his vision back on the Andorian sitting across from him.
“Secondly, since Admiral Kotari confirmed that the position of Starfleet and the Federation could not be compromised or deviated in any capacity, how would such an order be countered or worst-case scenario, disregarded without wreaking havoc on an already stressed fleet?”
Kheren brough all four oculars on his friend. he lowered himself and his voice closer to him.
''The only answer to both questions that has been in my mind since the meeting, is to me one and the same; by doing the right thing... and not involve Starfleet.''
His brow raised slightly as the words were processed.
“That is an almost logical alternative in the abstract, but how would one manage to carry out such a feat in practical terms?” Syntron hesitantly inquired.
''Not easily... not alone... and not through... conventional channels.''
Kheren had lowered his voice into the ultrasonic range of his native Graalek language. He knew only the close ears of the Vulcan would be able to pick it up as he hid his lips in his cup to prevent any possibility of reading them. he then went on.
''But this would be an endeavor for criminals... or for people willing to face the consequences of their actions.''
Syntron was virtually stupefied as Kheren whispered the dire prognosis yet conveyed no reaction. A few seconds later, he casually reached over then slowly sipped on the tea grasped firmly in his hand. He kept the cup hovering near his mouth as well as he softly responded.
“For the sake of ideals and to uphold that which the Federation represents yet has forsaken, we are to embrace the role of outlaws?” he queried, sensing how alien such a task would be to everything he had known and followed.
“This would cross a threshold beyond the point of a likely return to the lives and careers we have known. Are you prepared to make such a leap across this divide?”
Kheren looked at him square in the eye.
''Have we not already?''
He paused a moment before continuing in the same discreet manner.
''In for a penny, in for a pound I think they say on Earth. As for embracing a... different path... ''
Elbows on the table, he put his fingers before his face as if wearing a mask.
''A while ago, I read an old Terran story which is quite popular on Andoria; about a lord, disguising himself all in black, fighting the corruption of his government on behalf of the people. One sentence I recall from it has been running in my head since the meeting; when the law becomes unjust, the just must become... outlaw.''
Elbows on the table, he put his fingers before his face as if wearing a mask.
''A while ago, I read an old Terran story which is quite popular on Andoria; about a lord, disguising himself all in black, fighting the corruption of his government on behalf of the people. One sentence I recall from it has been running in my head since the meeting; when the law becomes unjust, the just must become... outlaw.''
The Vulcan kept his reaction in check as the words were spoken.
“The concept is reminiscent of an ancient 18th century Terran quote I read back in the Academy,” Syntron noted quietly as he reflected for a moment on the axiom the Andorian had presented.
“I believe it was from Irish statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke who was quoted as writing: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Perhaps he had circumstances similar to those we are facing when presenting his adage.”
The Andorian nodded.
''So the first question is; are we good men? Then the next one would be; are we going to do nothing?''
A moment later, Syntron leaned in slightly closer and posed an inquiry.
“Is it your contention that we are to don darkened attire and battle for justice from the shadows?''
The antennae curved inward.
''That would be fun.''
Just as quickly his antennae darted straight forward.
''That would be fun.''
Just as quickly his antennae darted straight forward.
''My contention is to do whatever it takes to save what we hold dear; to the bitter end if need be; alone if I must.''
He then relaxed and curved his antennae again.
''Even if that entails wearing a black cape.''
''Even if that entails wearing a black cape.''
A puzzled expression etched its way onto the Vulcan’s stoic visage as he processed that imagery.
“That proposition is reminiscent of 20th century fictionalized characters created on Earth for serialized printed publications. They dubbed those costumed characters superheroes, and they were central in Illustrated folios originally marketed to children.”
He gazed intently at the Andorian.
“Are we to become such caricatures in order to prevent the atrocities that are being prepared?”
Again the antennae curved. But the tone remained deadly serious.
''I think we can eschew the form and consider the crux of what those... characters represent; not doing what is lawful maybe... but doing what is just and good .''
He put his callused hands between them on the table.
''I believe enough in what the Federation represents to fight for it and protect it, whatever it takes; even if it is against itself.''
he finished his drink before adding:
''I always said; don't throw the book away until you get to the last page. This is where I am now. I think only you, with your logic and deep values of peace and reason, can convince me not to do it; or that it is the only logical avenue left for me to ensure peace, as I swore to do when I once put up a uniform.''
Syntron could perceive the balance in the equation of this difficult decision abruptly shift back to him. What he recommended would have an impact on the route his dedicated colleague would take. This was a heavy burden. He could sense the virtual weight of it upon his shoulders as he considered his options.
Unexpectedly, he recollected the Kobayashi Maru exercise from the Academy. It was the no-win scenario aspect of the curriculum for command-track cadets at Starfleet Academy in the 23rd century. He also recalled that James T. Kirk was the only cadet in Starfleet history to beat the Kobayashi Maru by reprogramming the simulation so that it was possible to win. A lesson he learned from that roguish cadet was in order to have any hope of victory in a no-win scenario, one may need to proceed in an unorthodox and atypical way. This seemed parallel to what his Andorian counterpart seemed to be leaning toward.
He brought his attention back to Kheren.
“The odds of success in mounting a rogue campaign outside the domain of Starfleet against a superior adversary with highly advance weaponry are infinitesimal,” he admitted stoically. Silence fell between them like a frigid cloud for a moment before he continued.
“Yet, logic also dictates that the current scenario posed by the orders presented would lead to certain death and destruction.”
He stopped and consumed the last dregs of his tea before continuing.
“Therefore, despite the extreme risks and ramifications involved to even manage such an attempt, paradoxically, it would appear the only viable option to prevent such an all-out catastrophe would be to proceed on a covert mission of peace ahead of the actual Federation mission.”
Syntron gazed around the small corner café again, noting that it still remained mostly unoccupied.
“I am uncertain how such an unconventional mission would be coordinated, or how transportation would be arranged. However, in order to increase the odds even slightly, such a mission would require a skillful and experienced crew to handle such a difficult undertaking. Therefore, I will join you in this quest. However, we will need more than a crew of two to manage this operation. Do you have ideas about expanding this… group of outlaws?”
'I just might.''
He paused a moment, looking around before continuing.
''The less people involved, the better our chances of success. We're not going out there to fight but to prevent a fight. One lone skillful ambassador could do it. But a ship capable of ensuring prompt timing and enough protection to pull it off is a big thing to handle alone. And I can think of only one ship currently available to us to do it: the Lotus.''
He waited for Syntron to make his own estimation before explaining.
''I'm quite familiar with her and she is the only ship besides the Horizon currently capable of faster-than-warp travel; and she is decommissionned, which means unmanned and lightly watched over. If we could automate her so that a couple of experienced people could fly her, we would already be actively trying to avert this disaster before they could even mount a pursuit. The Horizon, the only ship that could catch her, is in no shape to do so. Since my departure, she is left with but a skeleton crew. But this means time is of the essence in more ways than one.''
He paused again before continuing.
''I cannot do it alone; but I don't want to involve more people than strictly necessary; especially not officers who would risk their own careers if not their futures, let alone their lives in such a venture. Hence why I only spoke to you about this. And I need your logic and reason to balance my... violent passions in such a critical endeavor of peace. However, we need someone capable of automating that ship for us... and circumventing all it's security protocols to... borrow it. And someone who would agree to risk it all to be part of such a... scheme. Finding that person, that, will be the hardest part.''
“The selection of the USS Lotus would be a logical choice as you elucidated but preparing the vessel will require personnel with the technical expertise and experience to carry out the sequence of steps required to accomplish this undetected,” Syntron noted cautiously as the reality of what was being proposed continued to weigh in on his thoughts. Nevertheless, he continued.
“Then surreptitiously unmooring and escaping with the vessel itself without triggering security protocols would require another level of expertise and timing in order to prevent those aboard this starbase from stopping it from leaving its berth. These are skills that are outside our range of expertise,” he emphasized as he kept his eyes fix on the resolute officer transforming into a reluctant renegade.
''I can deal with security protocols and distracting starbase surveillance long enough to fly out; and would you be aboard with me, you're quite capable of fooling and incapacitating their sensor grid. It's the technical part, automating the ship, that is beyond me... and even you. We would need someone else... and that is the hard part; who would be competent enough and willing enough to do so? I can think of one or two maybe... but there is no guarantee they would not instead report me... or us. I would bet the opposite in fact, considering their... record.''
Syntron considered the scope of what was being advocated and reflected on ways he could contribute to the challenges ahead.
“I could modify the sensors on the vessel to send off a false reading,” Syntron offered as he contemplated a variety of options. “It could indicate an emergency signal… perhaps requiring the ship to immediately exit out of the docking bay… in case there is difficulty escaping from the Starbase. It could be programed as a contingency plan if all other exigencies fail.”
''I would prefer it to making ourselves a door with phasers... and then disabling ships and starbase defenses left and right. We would need also to fool their sensors as to who is on board and where the ship is going. Tall order I know; Lotus Fleet personnel are the best after all and equipement around here is top of the line.''
Syntron contemplated the series of recommendations the Andorian presented as his strived to ascertain the steps required to accomplish such a degree of sensor subterfuge.
“This will indeed be a challenge,” the Vulcan admitted. “Unfortunately, this will only be one set of ordeals among the many that will likely lie ahead.”
He put the empty cup he had been holding down onto the tray and pushed it to the side.
“What is your plan on how we begin moving forward with our unauthorized peace keeping mission?” he questioned, pondering where exactly to start.
''in a nutshell; access the Lotus undetected, automate her for a skeleton bridge crew as fast and unobstrusively as possible, get her out without raising an alarm or at worse send the whole fleet on a wild goose chase... then reach the edge of the galaxy before anyone else can or stop us... and work on from there as if we were still Starfleet officers.''
He looked intently at the bearded Vulcan.
''You and I have already sacrificed our careers over this. I don't want to involve active officers who would lose everything because of us. Yet, we may have no choice. I don't have the engineering and covert ops skills to pull it off; not against Lotus Fleet. Neither do you. But I know one, maybe two who do... and may agree. But it is still a long shot. They both already paid a high price for past actions. Getting entangled in our... scheme would not be to their benefit.''
He paused a moment, looking around even as his voice pitched at ultrasonic range could only be heard by the close-sitting Vulcan. Even their combadges would not pick it up. Yet, a fruity scent started to reach the sensitive Vulcan nose; Andorian sweat.
''Yet... one even reached out to me already. I'll have to see about the other one. Please don't ask for names; not yet. I don't want you compromised if this... overture turns out to be a trap, to catch me fomenting trouble. Just my resignation already has from here to Andoria. catching me doing something wrong would certainly help this individual with the brass, if this is his true intent. I don't think so... but I have been wrong before. There is too much at stake here to be careless.''
He straightened up and finished his strange thick grey drink, obviously ready to get underway; unless Syntron would have anything further to discuss.
Syntron nodded subtly as Kheren uttered his last nerve-wracking words.
“Since time is of the essence, perhaps we should commence with the preliminary phases of this operation. If we covertly gain access onboard the Lotus, I could begin working on the sensor system modifications while you meet up with the personnel you have in mind. Beyond that will be the bridges that we will cross once we arrive to them... if I am understanding that Terran axiom correctly.”
''You have me thinking; as long as they believe the ship is still resting unpowered in her docking area, they have no reason to be alarmed. Maybe this is where you should start; fooling the base sensors. You know, like in those old heist holomovies where they put a photo in front of a surveillance camera to fool security monitoring. I understand it might not be that simple here... but worth considering.''
He stood up took a normal conversational tone.
''Thank you my friend for that meditation exercise. It was most illuminating. I shall do as you suggest. See you later."
As he left him, Kheren was already thinking about a way to test approaching covertly the docking berth of the former flagship and do primary reconnaissance. Having been a security officer most of his career, he knew better than most how to blindside Starfleet security. And suddenly, he was recalling his first days at what had been then Starbase 10, when Romulans almost took over Lotus Fleet's headquarters; until a bunch of low-ranked officers, among them one Andorian cadet, managed to foil their plans. He had crawled into so many nooks and crannies back then, he still remembered many of the starbase's blind spots that had allowed them to fool even shap-eyed Romulans.
That was some unique knowledge he could now make use of, again to save Lotus Fleet, Starfleet and the Federation; even if it was this time against themselves.
By Syntron on 02/09/2021 @ 1:40pm
Other PCs and NPCs are welcome to join in the post as you see fit.
By Kheren on 02/13/2021 @ 1:33pm
once my talk with Jureth is over, you're next ;)
By Syntron on 02/13/2021 @ 8:57pm
Ready whenever you are.