Gateway to the Future

Posted on Fri Feb 14th, 2020 @ 12:55am by Commodore Loatha Targaryen & Captain Wilkan Targaryen & Captain Bakti Kret & Galatea & President Gruzy of New Xindus & Commander Nathan Hawkins & Captain Nathan Bishop & Commander Ash Randall & High Commissioner Jasmine Haynes & Lieutenant Commander T'Lisha "Hawkeye" Bishara & Patton O'Sullivan & Lieutenant Commander Victoria Rigby M.D. & Lieutenant Commander Lily Snow PhD, MD & Petty Officer 2nd Class Corvus Hannah & Secretary Jonathan Grayson of United Earth & Councilor Jahra Naron of Bajor & Captain Ryan Walsh & Zoey Parker & Colonel Mok'leth Kevan House of Kilrah

4,417 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Genesis
Location: Bridge, Starfleet One
Timeline: 2430-01-06, 13:45

OOC: Alright everyone we're arriving at Gateway Station for our meeting with the Dominion. I'm going to open this up for reaction posting to seeing the station and the Dominion Battleship. I plan to post a bit more on Friday, but wanted to give everyone a chance to give their initial impressions. Due to the importance of this moment all characters are on the Bridge.

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"We are approaching Gateway Station," Galatea announced as she stood by the aft workstations.

Admiral William Teagarden smiled at the reporting. After five days of travel they had finally reached their destination and the possibility of peace with a long standing enemy. It was something none of them could pass up, but probably all were weary about. He looked to the man sitting at the chair to his left, "Mister President would you care to do the honors?"

The Xindi nodded from his seat - the normal chair occupied by Commander Hawkins. Rising to his feet, the imposing figure stepped to the center of the Bridge. "Helm, please slow us to one third."

"Slowing to one third impulse, aye sir," T'Lisha said as she slowed the Allegiance Class ship down.

As the ship slowed, the starfield around them shimmered into an expansive starfield with an impressive sight in the center. Gateway Station - the Federation Outpost assigned to protect the Bajoran Wormhole - hung in space with the Denorios Belt shimmering behind. It wasn't alone though. While Gateway was a large structure something just as amazing hovered alongside - like a tick burrowing deep into the skin. The Dominion Battleship was docked to one of the outer portals, obstructing the view of the station in many places.

"You don't see that every day," the Admiral mused as they slowed.

"Thank goodness for that." Bishop muttered from the XO's chair. "Look at the size of that monster!" As he took a step toward the viewscreen as if it would afford him a better look.

Commander Randall glanced up from her engineering station to look at the main view screen and then went back to what she was working on. It was big, heavily armed and armored and it was there to impress. Following SOP, Ash started a warp system diagnostic with the result to port over to Commander Kaldiran and queued up primary and secondary power system diagnostics to follow. All would complete before they reached Gateway Station.

Commander Hawkins, standing near the rear of the bridge having given up his seat for the President whistled lowly at the scale of the docked vessel. It was utterly enormous, the rugged support vessel the Spock would look like a speck alongside it.

Vikki held back, feeling a little out of place on the bridge. The sight that beheld them was as astounding as her crewmembers expressed but she couldn't deny that her thoughts were more so of the body and minds held within.

William looked at his XO, "Indeed, Commander. Hopefully things don't get too out of hand with them."

Galatea added in her two credits, "I have conducted an analysis of the Dominion Battleship. It is heavily armed and designed for prolonged combat, just like us."

"Would you support that theory, Commander Haynes?" William asked his Security Chief.

"Confirmed Captain, the Battleship weapons are formidable, and on parr witho our own." Jasmine said, then going on. "With the support of the Spock, we should have the upper hand." Jasmine pointed out.

The Admiral nodded in response, "What I like to hear, Commander." He looked at the display, seeing the menacing vessel. "I wonder if this is what people think when they see us."

Hannah held back, just behind the Bajoran ambassador. He didn't like the way the man looked and, despite his assurances elsewise, he didn't believe he was 'feeling fine'. He wondered if the headaches returned. Aside from that, his complexion was pale but his eyes red rimmed and puffy. Still, this was the second large, alien ship he'd seen in as many missions and he was starting to wonder if he should keep expecting such going forward.

"It is a thing of beauty," Naron said as he stepped forward toward the viewscreen. His gaze, however, wasn't on the Dominion ship, but the Denorios Belt beyond it. He'd seen the activation of the wormhole, of course, but it was always a sight to behold. The entrance to the Temple was just there. And, muttering a prayer for sanctity from the Prophets, he knew he would need their wisdom, guidance and help more than ever before.

Because he still felt that damned cursed Orb pulling at him. "I would like to go in, see if the Prophets will admit me to Their Grace."

"For the time being we are planning to steer clear of the Wormhole, Ambassador. While the Dominion has come through to our side we don't want to press our luck and go to Gamma unless absolutely needed. The Treaty of Bajor still limits our access to the Gamma Quadrant," Lynzl informed before Admiral Teagarden could.

Galatea spoke up from next to Commander Haynes, "We are being hailed by Gateway."

"On screen," William ordered as the image of the station and ship became that of the Bajoran CO of Gateway. "Hello Captain," William greeted to the younger officer.

"Admiral," he answered pleasantly. He saw the Federation President sitting nearby, "Mister President, I thank you for joining us for this endeavor."

The Xindi nodded, "This is too important for me to sit on the sidelines, Captain Bakti. Has there been any news from our Dominion visitors since we last spoke?"

"No and that's what's concerning," the blonde Bajoran replied. "We've authorized shore leave for the Dominion vessel and expected, at minimum, for Weyoun to visit the station during this time. Not a single Dominion representative has boarded the station."

"The Jem'Hadar don't eat or drink, Captain," Admiral Lynzl interrupted from the upper level behind her husband. "We shouldn't be too surprised by that."

"I spoke with our resident expert on Weyoun though and he found it odd," the Captain said a bit more forcefully than he may've meant to.

Lynzl looked a bit perturbed, "I wasn't aware you had one."

Gateway's CO nodded, "Our local barkeep Quark has given some insight. He had a shop on Deep Space Nine during the Dominion Occupation during the war. He said Weyoun was rather fond of sampling cuisine and alcohol."

"Interesting because the Vorta were genetically modified to not be influenced by tastes," the Fleet Admiral commented.

"But they do appreciate textures," the Captain answered with a grin.

"So," the President interrupted, "Since we have yet to hear from our Dominion guests I suppose we should take this opportunity to come aboard the Station ourselves for some rest before the real work begins."

The Bajoran nodded, "Due to Starfleet One's stature I'm afraid that she's unable to dock internally. We have made arrangements for you to dock at Pylon 2. A nav point will be uploaded to your flight controls momentarily."

William nodded his approval to Commander Bishara to take them into position.

"Yes sir," T'Lisha said as the instructions were uploaded. Carefully guiding Enterprise to Pylon 2, without hesitation or scratching the paint, she docked at the upper pylon. "Docking procedures complete sir's," she finished smiling.

"Mister President, you, your delegation, and the crew of Starfleet One are welcome to visit the station as my personal guests during this time," Bakti reported. "We may not be as architecturally intriguing as the old Terok Nor Station, but I think you'll find us a fun home away from home."

Gruzy looked at the two Admirals, "We'd be delighted."

"How about dinner at Quarks - 17:00 tonight?"

"We will be there," the Xindi answered from next to the Admiral.

Lynzl smiled, "Look forward to it."

"Excellent. Until then," the screen went dark.

Teagarden crossed his arms, "Odd. He spoke as I'd have expected Weyoun."

"Captain Bakti is known for being a little eccentric," Lynzl added.

"But we are more than happy to accept his invitation. Any who wish to attend are more than welcome," the President was directing the comment to his delegation, but it also extended to Starfleet One's personnel.

Vikki made a note, knowing that it was perhaps expected for her to also attend. In all honesty, she was looking forward to meeting the Dominion, the complex minds of the Vorta appealed to the counselor.

Commander Randall confirmed the completion of the basic diagnostic runs on the warp system and the primary and secondary power systems and then logged out of her engineering station. With Starfleet One preparing to dock with the station she'd need to be in main engineering to oversee power and system tie ins.

"Mr. President," Naron said, moving forward another step, his hands folded within the voluminous sleeves of his robes. "I do not believe your presence on the station is a good idea. We have spoken previously about the nature of this 'coincidence' and I'm still not convinced it is coincidence. The Pah Wraiths are like the Prophets, time is meaningless to them. All things happen as one to them. Knowing the Dominion would arrive here could very well be part of their plan. You are the leader of the free galaxy, your safety is paramount. I suggest you either remain behind on Starfleet One or, better yet, return to Earth."

"I appreciate your concern for my safety, Ambassador, but my place is here," the Xindi answered. "Normally you are correct and I should be as far from this front line as possible, but its the very reasons you mention that my presence here is needed. If I'm not here the Dominion may think that the Federation isn't serious about peace. That's just as dangerous for the galaxy."

“We will be prepared to step in if necessary,” Patton spoke up. “He is our priority.”

"Yes, Mr. President," Naron said, rubbing his temple. "If you would excuse me, I want to see if I can find a better viewpoing of the Temple." He nodded as he moved toward the turbolift.

William let out a long breath and retired to his Captain's Chair, "Shore leave is authorized for the time being. A skeleton crew will remain aboard the ship, Commander Bishop will work out the details."

"Yes sir." Bishop replied. For himself after the recent events and feeling left out of the loop. He had already decided if the opportunity arose he would stay aboard the Enterprise rather than go to the station and over see things from the ship.

"Everybody?" Hannah, asked excited. For several reasons. One, he'd never seen Gateway Station or the wormhole and, well, he was running low on his favorite jerky and wanted to get a resupply. He hoped there was a concession that sold it on the station. But, then again, he heard the Bajoran ambassador wanted to go into the wormhole. He wondered if he could finangle his way onto that trip as well.

Despite himself Hawkins felt his lips tuck into a smirk at Hannah's exciting tone.

Randall stepped away from her engineering station and moved over near where Admiral Teagarden was standing. "Admiral, Praetor T'Jan comes to mind at this point. If you go to dinner at 1700, how will we know if it's you that comes back at 1900? Or, anyone who takes leave on the station, for that matter?" The Chief Engineer asked, pointedly.

The CO of Starfleet One couldn't argue with that concern. He remembered one of the events that led to the Dominion War decades prior was the fear of impersonation on the part of the Changelings. In the case of the Klingons it had gone so far that they did replace General Martok at one point. Replacing President Gruzy would go far in their efforts if this wasn't above board.

He nodded in agreement, "Work with Commander Snow and Doctor Porter on a screening tool. We're a few decades beyond what was used in the War. I look forward to seeing what you come up with."

"Sirs," Lily started, "we do have a quantum stasis field generator onboard the Starfleet One. We could use it to help protect from Changling doppelgangers."

"That would be effective if we can restrict access, to and from Starfleet One, to a single point of entry and turn it into a gauntlet." Ash reflected, aloud, and looked to Lily Snow. "We'll need to guard against clandestine transport as well. A subspace distortion field should do the trick, nicely. Any attempt at subspace transport would be like a bug hitting a windshield." She added, thoughtfully.

"Unfortunately that will disable our transporters as well," Galatea interjected. "Could we utilize transport inhibitors as an alternative at key points on the hull?"

"Integrate it into the Navigational Array." Snow said. "Even when the ship is docked, the Navigational shields are still active." She stated. "If we set up a on/off switch for it so we can still use our transporters." Then she looked at Ash. "At this point we could have been boarded without knowing it."

Ash nodded. "True." She replied. "We'd have to do a sweep of the ship to be certain and that would be problematic, to say the least. However, our gauntlet will be in place for those embarking and disembarking and, if I do not miss my guess, the majority of the crew will avail themselves of the stations amenities and pass through our gauntlet. That will make the few who do not a more manageable number to sweep." She observed.

"I most likely will not be going to the station." Lily said turning away. "Unless..." Her attention went to Bishop briefly. "Never mind." She said with a wave of her hand.

"Can I see you in the Ready Room, Will?" Lynzl asked as she walked toward the Deck One exit.

He nodded, "Commander you have the Bridge."

Bishop nodded as he replied, "Yes sir." Moving towards the center seat.

"Mind if I tag along?" the President interrupted

William looked at the President, "Not at all. Jasmine, come with us as well."

Jasmine was a little surprised to hear her named called. "Aye Admiral." Jasmine said, as she started to secure her station. She wondered if Nathan had said something to the Admiral. She hoped not, she did not want to discuss her own insecurities in front of the President of the Federation.

"If it is all the same I think I will stay here. The Dominion and I are old enemies thank you. Still don't trust that big behemoth", T'Lisha said.

Ash looked to T'Lisha and nodded agreement without comment and began to make her way to the turbo-lift.

Hannah thrummed, waiting for permission to disembark and what rules and restrictions would be placed on the crew going off-ship.

William stepped through the door to Deck One with his wife and the President in tow while shore leave was divvied up.

Bishop was debating on how he wanted shore leave to be handled. He was opposed to sending the whole ship's complement over to the station at one time. Rather he preferred to send a third of the crew over at a time and for a specific amount of time. But first he looked at Hannah, "Yes everyone Mr. Hannah unless you've done something that eliminates you from going." He said with a grin. Though he was inwardly glad T'Lisha would be joining him in staying aboard the Enterprise.

"No, sir, not this time," Hannah said, raising a hand, with three fingers aloft. "Medic's honor on that."

"Lucky you added that Medic's honor Mr. Hannah. That's good enough for me." Bishop quipped with a shake of his head and a grin.

"Then I should work on making sure to keep it, Commander," Hannah said with a smile.

"Commander Bishop..." Ash called, from near the turbo-lift as it opened, her voice carrying easily across the bridge though not very loud. "Might I suggest that all personnel who take shore leave aboard the station select a confirmation code for their return or, perhaps, receive a nano-marker for identification purposes?" Ash suggested.

Bishop looked to the CEO and nodded, "Excellent idea Commander Ash, lets go with a nano-probe." He tapped his combadge. "Bishop to medical. All crew going over to the station are to be injected with a nano probe for identification purposes."

Hearing the XO's order to medical the CEO of Starfleet One nodded, to herself, as she entered the turbo-lift and the doors closed behind her.

Galatea looked up from her workstation, "Incoming transmission from the Dominion vessel, Commander."

Bishop turned in the seat to look at Galatea. "From the Dominion vessel?" He repeated trying and not sure he was succeeding in keeping the surprise out of his voice. "That is unexpected."

"Here's something even more: I attempted to reach the President, Admiral Lynzl, and Admiral Teagarden. All three are in a meeting and have activated the privacy seals. The system will not let me override," the hologram informed. "So, by process of elimination, the call falls to you XO," she smiled warmly as she said it. "I could call for Secretary Grayson if you preferred."

"No, no need to disturb the Secretary." Bishop replied quickly. His mind trying to think of reasons the Dominion would calling. Finally he sighed. "Maybe they just want to say hello." He said half jokingly. "Well since I'm the chosen one. Please put the call through Galatea and lets find out what's on their minds."

In a wink of an eye the Vorta thorn in the side of the Federation named Weyoun appeared before them, a broad grin across his face. If he smiled any broader he'd be a Denobulan, or maybe a used car salesman. "Greetings," he said with a friendly, upward lifting voice of a thousand lies. Then the voice dropped to a sour one of surprise, "Commander Bishop? I was expecting the Admiral."

"Weyoun," He acknowledged. Not surprised in the least that Weyoun knew who he was. "The Admiral is I'm sorry to say occupied in other business." Point of fact he wasn't sorry at all. He hoped it inconvenienced the Vorta. "You'll have to talk with me. What can we do for you?" He asked as he forced himself to appear relaxed in front of the being that had caused or had a hand in causing untold death and destruction along with a healthy dose of chaos among the Federation and it's allies.

The Vorta studied the Bridge of Starfleet One for a moment, like a Teacher surveying their students waiting to call on one for a dreaded answer. He resumed the pleasantries, forcing a diplomat's smile, "I would have thought that your President or one of the Admirals would have been available to speak with me - especially with the offer we are bringing to you for peace. No matter," he smiled as he said it looking off screen to one of the Jem'Hadar. "I would like to visit your vessel, to discuss our mutual interests with your President and the Admirals."

Bishop nodded, two could play at being a phony. He mustered up a fake smile of his own. "I'll be sure to let the President and the Admirals know of your disappointment. However these things do happen. I believe the President and the Admirals are engaged in a very contentious debate over where the salad fork is placed in when laying out the silverware." He said by way of explanation. Before moving to the subject Weyoun broached. "Visit our ship? To talk over our mutual interests. I thought that was why we were here in the first place and those talks were to take place on the station."

Hawkins took an instant dislike to the Vorta as the conversation continued, knots of tension began to grow among the remaining crew on the bridge as Bishop endured the heat from the Dominion representative.

"Dammit," Hannah muttered slightly to himself. Next time he has permission to go on shore leave, he needed to make sure to run for the airlock the moment he had it. Because now he was sure something would happen and shore leave would necessarily be cancelled. But, at the very least, he had his sidearm on him in case any trouble started.

Vikki shifted her weight on her feet as she linked her fingers behind her back. There was no secret to the fact that previously Weyoun could never be trusted but these peace talks meant that some trust had to be extended.

"If I may suggest..." Stepping forward, the Counselor moved to stand within the vicinity of the screen. "The dinner tonight provides a good time in which to talk to the Admiral about how we can make such a visit happen."

"Dinner?" The Vorta Overseer asked surprised. "I am aware of no dinner," his voice went from pleasant to one of trepidation, "Perhaps the Founders were wrong about the idea of an alliance between our two worlds?" As he said it he had a look of concern in his eyes, a momentary fearfulness. "Impossible. The Founders are Gods and never wrong." He looked at Commander Bishop, "Very well then. Since the President and the Admirals find their salad forks more important than greeting me, I will instead extend an offer to you, Commander, to visit me aboard my vessel as guests of the Dominion."

Patton considered this to be an unusual turn of events. Things were not going smoothly at all. He looked for orders, of any.

Galatea muted the channel, "Do you think this is genuine?"

"I was just about to ask you and the others for opinions Galatea. It is certainly interesting. What do you think?" Bishop asked as he looked about the bridge waiting, to hear what the others had to say.

"Uhm, Commander?" Hannah asked, slightly raising his hand as if waiting to be called on. "Does this mean shore leave is cancelled?"

“I will be the pessimist in the group,” O’Sullivan spoke up. "I do not trust their reasonings. Maybe I am a little too cautious but they extend an invite when our leadership is unavailable. Add to that, I would entertain being excused from shore leave I believe I am better served to stay behind should my concerns prove warranted.”

The hologram looked at the Security Officer with a brief display of levity, "I thought I was the pessimist of the group?"

Hannah lowered his hand with his question answered. If Commander O'Sullivan were staying aboard and on standby, then the Hazard Team would be as well. Which meant no shore leave for him. He pulled out his PaDD while considering who he could ask to pick up a bunch of packs of his favorite jerky for him. In the meantime, he started to mentally prepare himself for "duty mode".

Just as abruptly as it started it was over. The viewscreen switched from an image of an exasperated Weyoun to the Federation logo. Then the image was taken over by the view of the starbase docking port they were attached to. Galatea was momentarily surprised, "He hung up."

Bishop turned back to the now empty viewscreen, "Well, that was just rude." He looked at the others, "I wonder if he was being sincere about being a guest or there was some ulterior motive behind all this."

"Were we not the rude ones, silencing the channel and continuing to speak around Weyoun while all he had done was extend an offer of curtsey." Vikki rubbed her forehead as she realised the fragility of the situation. "While boarding their ship is not the ideal, we are all here on a peace mission and somebody has to take the first step to show we are all willing to negotiate."

"No we weren't being rude Commander Rigby, we were trying to decide the merits of Weyoun's invitation." Bishop answered decisively.

"Either way we won't know sitting around here," Hawkins sighed. "As much as I dislike it, I think we should accept his invitation."

Bishop nodded, "I'm afraid your right Nathan and in that regard, I'll go as Weyoun invited me. Commander Rigby you are more than welcome to accompany me." *Put your money where your mouth is* He thought. "Galatea see if you can reestablish a connection with the Dominion ship."

Galatea pressed at the controls for the communications frequencies. Typing quickly she sighed, "I've hailed them on multiple frequencies, Commander. They have not responded. I will continue to try."

Bishop shook his head, "It's alright Galatea. Stop. They don't want to talk and we're not going to beg them. We'll let the President and Admirals deal with Weyoun and his antics."

Patton smiled at Bishop’s words. He was thinking they were acting like children because they had kept them waiting. He would have liked to go but he had his orders and getting the President to safety from over there wouldn’t happen.

Galatea released her hold on the communications controls and nodded, "Channel closed." She was proud of the XO. This would show the Dominion that they meant business and weren't going to bow down to them. It moves them to a stronger playing field in the arena.

Vikki flexed her fingers behind her back as she felt a slight pressure building behind her temple. The crew seemed to be acting like this was an us against them situation. "I would recommend putting forward a message saying that we accept their invite Sir, as a gesture. We are here to negotiate and situations like this just encourage a stalemate and meeting at a negotiation table with tempers on both sides already flaring isn't going to do anyone any favours. If they still refuse to communicate even after the message, we have at least tried everything within our power. "

"Recommendation noted." Bishop replied. " However weren't you watching? We tried to contact them and now their sulking. No, I think we'll leave things as they are. Let the President and the Admirals deal with Weyoun."

Galatea interrupted the exchange, "Sirs, incoming transmission from Gateway Station. They are inviting our crew for shore leave and would like a schedule."

"Let them we'll be commencing shore leave within the next hour Galatea and approximately 20 percent of the crew will be allowed at a time in eight hour shifts." Bishop replied.

The AI nodded and transmitted the message as the crew prepared for what was to come next.

 

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