Federation Day

Posted on Fri Dec 12th, 2025 @ 1:05am by Commodore Wilkan Targaryen & Crewman 2nd Class Viktoriya Nikolayenko & Commander Ash Randall & Commander Zhora zh'Roothi & Lieutenant Commander Kuzos & Lieutenant Commander Sora Bernadotte & Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari & Lieutenant Urvasi Elandorn & Lieutenant Amber Laurell & Lieutenant Joshua Silas & Lieutenant (J.G.) Dylan Blake & Ensign Sayori Nakai & Ensign Mirakylin Yumerieva

6,041 words; about a 30 minute read

Mission: 6. Distress
Location: U.S.S. Enterprise
Timeline: 2439-08-12, 09:00

Captain's Log, Stardate 116611.99:

Today is Federation Day, an annual holiday celebrating the founding of the United Federation of Planets. While this is a holiday for most within the Federation, Enterprise is not as lucky. We're proceeding on course for the Chamra Vortex, a nebula in the Rakhari sector, to conduct a six-week mapping and survey mission of the area. The mission is especially risky for the Enterprise because the vortex is home to millions of asteroids and is riddled with pockets of volatile toh-maire gas. I can only hope that we have a smooth ride.

Crewman, Second Class, Viktoriya Nikolayenko wondered if she'd made the wrong choice by signing on to the Enterprise. It was the Flagship of the United Federation of Planets, it was exploring strange new worlds, and it was a posting many dreamed of, but for her the dream was becoming a nightmare. Ever since the Enterprise had encountered the creature known as Tchema, the Commodore had been a little more on edge than he normally was. While that wasn't a big deal for the typical Yeoman, for her it was as she served as his personal assistant.

The Commodore was always a bit uppity and definitely had a demanding personality. Most of the time when he asked her to do something it was because he'd forgotten to ask her earlier, but he was never actually cruel. That was until recently. Something happened after the incident with Tchema and she didn't know what it was. She'd even snuck and taken a peek at his schedule to see what the cause might've been. The only guess she had was it was something to do with the call he'd had with Rear Admiral Veegg. She didn't exactly know what had happened between them, but she did know that Wilkan was usually a bear after dealing with him, but not like this.

With today being Federation Day, it was especially worse. Enterprise was nowhere near Federation space, in fact she was on an extended mission in foreign territory in the Gamma Quadrant, so many of the pomp and circumstance moments they'd normally be part of were out of the question. Viktoriya wondered if that had something to do with the Commodore's attitude, but he'd never really been one that cared all that much about the ceremonial side of Starfleet. Still, she had been placed in charge of the Federation Day festivities and she was going to do all she could to make sure that the day went off without a hitch.

If only the crew would be as accommodating.

"I'm humbled that the Commodore picked my establishment to be home to the Enterprise's Federation Day festivities, Viktoriya. It means a lot that a humble Ferengi restaurant was picked for such an important occasion."

Yeoman Nikolayenko sighed, "You can save the grandstanding Quark. Today's Federation Day and you're telling me that you can't provide the crew with the traditional meal?"

"I'm just a humble hologram," the replica of Quark answered, "but, no, we don't have the menu that the Commodore requested available. I can swap it out for a synthetic meatloaf?"

"Synthetic meatloaf?" The Yeoman asked with an annoyed laugh. "The Commodore requested, and you assured me, that a traditional Federation Day meal could be provided for the Commodore's guests this evening. Instead, you're telling me now that you can only provide a synthetic meat loaf?"

Quark nodded, "If you like I'll throw in the stardrifters at half off."

"Half off when you use our power, our life-support, and our replicators?" The young woman questioned.

"Three quarters then?" The hologram countered.

Viktoriya rolled her eyes, "Keep it up and I'll let you be the one to tell the Commodore that the meal's going to be different."

The Ferengi relented, "Ok, it's on me."

The Yeoman crossed her arms, "Truth be told I'd rather you tell him, but I suppose I can handle it. Get me the final plans and preparations so that I can report out on everything to him. Hopefully we catch him in a good mood."

"Would you like a stardrifter for the road?"

Viktoryia answered astonished, "It's 9:00 AM!"

"I didn't hear a no," Quark countered cheerfully.

She chuckled, "It's a no." Turning on her heel, as she walked toward the door to speak with the Commodore she wondered if her no should've been a yes.

Unfortunately Viktoryia's path bought her into direct contact with Lieutenant JG Dylan Blake who'd just arrived into the room. Twisted hurriedly to avoid colliding they bumped shoulders soundly before exchanging awkward apologies.

"I'm sorry," Dylan started quickly reaching out to steady the younger woman.

The young Crewman looked at Lieutenant Blake, quickly gathering her composure, "No need, Lieutenant, I was a few light-years away. I think I should be the one apologizing to you."

Dylan smiled softly. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," he glanced toward Quark. "Can I help somehow?"

"Time travel's pretty much the only thing that can help me right now, Lieutenant. Well, that, or a disaster of some sort." She didn't want to wish a problem on their journey, but she wasn't thrilled about telling the Commodore about what had happened.

"Be careful what you wish for," Dylan chuckled. "If you're sure I can't help somehow with your plight I'm going to press Quark for a night cap. It might be mid morning for you but for me after a night shift it's - what do they call it? Gin o'clock?"

"Might want to be careful with that," the young Yeoman answered. "After all, you never know what'll come next, especially on this ship." It was a gentle tease as she walked away for the Turbolift.

Amber was as usual in her office, she was busy planning her appointment schedule so she could spend some time on the bridge, which was something she quite enjoyed. Being part of the Senior Staff definitely had it perks.

Ensign Mirakylin Arkalia Yumerieva stopped outside the Counseling Offices on Deck 8. She sighed in musing to herself about her decided nickname change, but wasn't sure how to go about it. However, counselors were always the go to when you had questions about life that wasn't medical, so she took time out from performing Escape Pod Diagnostics and updates to see one. She walked into the Counselor offices main wait area and walked up to the Receptionist Desk, saying, "Hi, umm, I don't have an appointment, but who do I see about a nickname change?"

“Did I hear you say nickname change?” Amber grinned as she emerged from her office. “That would be me, please come on in.”

Mira heard the voice and turned towards where it was coming from. There, a young dark haired female, no fur, ears not seen, no head ridge marks, Terran possibly?, standing in the Chief Counselor's Office door. She turned back to the reception desk, curtsied while saying, "Thank you for your time," then shifted herself towards the office and walked over. Her height of 6' 1" was 8 inches taller than the 5' 5" high Chief Counselor. The height, though, mattered not to Mira. She was an ensign, while this was a Commander as well as the Chief Counselor.

Pausing at the door, she nervously looked down towards Amber and said, "Are you sure, Commander Bernadotte? I'm..." She stifled herself, drew in a breath, let it out, then then went through the doorway to the chair in front of the prominent desk in the room. She waited at the desk faced forward in perfect posture. This was command. Don't draw attention, don't stand out, be quick, get the job done, don't waste their time, punishments can be worse than you think. She waited for Amber to sit down to initiate the conversation about the nickname change.

Amber smiled. “Don’t worry about it, but you have me mixed up I’m Lieutenant Amber Laurell, Chief Counsellor. Commander Bernadotte is in Ops.” She grinned as she motioned the very tall woman to a seat. “Please take a seat.”

Mira blinked, a blush occurring under the short fur upon her cheeks. "Please, I'm sorry for saying the wrong name... please don't hold it against me, Lt. Laurall." She sat down, her tail snaking through the opening in the back of the chair, facing towards Amber's chair. Her tail moved around to lay in her lap, where Mira began to absently stroke over the end of it with nervous Energy. While, so far, in the Federation, among Star Fleet she had not met many of 'those' of the ill bent towards control and sadistic tendencies, ingrained into her were the harsh and hard lessons in her young youth on Arlekia, then continue growing up and being among civilians who did not understand her slower maturity rate and their cruelness about it. Still, she wanted that nickname change, knowing she grew up with 'Emma', but really liking Commodore Targaryen's nickname he gave her on the bridge, 'Mira', a shortening of her first name of Mirakylin. She waited for Amber to seat herself before asking about the process.

Taking a seat Amber offered a warm smile. “Don’t worry getting mixed up is easy, I know I’ve done it plenty of times before!” She grinned. “Now you mentioned a nickname change? That’s not something people usually come to see me about, it normally just happens, but you're obviously concerned about it so tell me why.”

Mira's face scrunched as her head tilted. The smile, the grin, the easy speech, Mira could tell, wasn't forced, wasn't for control, wasn't for preparation, but honest inquiry and humor at the mixup, not at her. She now managed to understand the words, just not hear them. She looked confused as she answered, "It... just normally happens? Isn't it, recorded? I mean, since escaping Arlekia, everybody in command, teachers, doctors, family elders, call me Emma even at first meetings... that means my nickname is in my records, yes? It was... it was... given to me by my rescue family, those who took in the traumatized Arlekian kid to raise as their own... and that nickname was everywhere, even at the academy. But... "She blushed, "Commodore Targaryen called me Mira... short for Mirakylin... and... and.. it feels more natural, and I like it better than Emma.. so, may I please change my nickname to Mira from Emma? I mean no disrespect to my rescue family... but, I.. umm, really like Mira better. That is okay.. or, is it, not? I... I.. wait for your verdict."

“Ahh I understand, not so much a nickname but the name you were given by your adoptive family.” Amber nodded. “The decision is yours, if you want to be known as Mira then you can by all means do that. Known names, that is names people like to be known by, are recorded on file but only for simplicity. If you want to change Emma to Mira then you can submit the change for Starfleet’s records.”

Mira picked up more on the Counselor's relaxed and inquisitive attitude than just what she was saying. Mira visibly relaxed as she thought through what was said. She did a small, quiet giggle as she replied, "Well, Emma is the nickname they gave me. My full registered name is my first and second name from my Alekian family, Mirakylin Arkalia, while my last name is my adoptive parents name of Yumerieva. They just always abbreviated called me by my first name initial and second name initial, 'M' and 'A', Em Ah, Emma. While, Emma is okay... I like Mira better." She tilted her head and smiled a small smile, "You're easy to talk to.. thanks. Since the Federation has records of everything, where do I sign to change my recorded nickname?"

“Well seeing as it’s your main name that you’ll be changing you’ll just need to fill out a quick form to prove its you, then Starfleet’s can update your records. I can load up the form for you, you'll just need to answer any questions that pop up, and sign it.” Amber smiled as she picked up a PaDD and pulled up the correct document. “I like to make those who come to see me feel welcome, and at ease. Now just fill out this brief form, and select submit and you’re all done.”

Mira gladly accepted the PADD from Amber and put into it the information. 'Mirakylin Arkalia Yumerieva, nickname Emma change to Mirakylin Arkalia Yumerieva, nickname Mira'. She touched the 'submit' button to send it on its way. She smiled to Amber and handed the PADD back. She paused, looking at Amber, her face scrunched up a little in thinking. After a few moments, she asked, "Counselor Laurell, how is your caseload? Do you have room for another person to counsel in the near future? I.. could use a good talk, to work on trusting more."

“I don’t think that would be a problem Mira” Amber smiled as she used the new nickname. “Just let me know when is best for you and I’ll get you slotted into my calendar. As I always say my door is always open.”

A genuine smile appeared on Mira's muzzle from both the use of the nickname and Amber having a spot open for her. She stood up and replied, "I will get back to you after I check my schedule, I am looking forward to it. However, sadly, at this time, Escape Pod Diagnostic Maintenance awaits once more." She headed for the door, turned once to look back at Amber with a smile and nod, then went out the door, a frown already appearing on her face from thinking about where she left off... and how many more she had to do.

Kuzos stood at the main tactical console at the rear of the Enterprise bridge and watched the other Enterprise crew members and their relaxed attitudes. He found it awkward to be here at this particular time. This was a Federation holiday. He was not a federation citizen. He was Vorta and until recently he was the liaison officer for the Founders and their once enemies the Federation. Now he was a member of the crew, their chief tactical officer thanks to Founder Odo and Commodore Targaryen. It was a great deal to take in. he looked down at the federation uniform he wore and knew there were those that resented him wearing it, thought his wearing of it soiled it heritage, history and legacy despite his good standing. He sighed inwardly and just continued to observe.

Commander Randall, at the main Engineering Station, busied herself with refinements to what she called her 'One-Fifty' project. The Chief Engineer knew precisely how far warp power could be stretched and stressed without risking overload and was codifying what those limits were for the Enterprise. The 'book' to Ash was more a set of guidelines bordering on suggestions and, in some cases, it was Ash that had written that book and she was, in this case, writing an addendum to the book to set official guidelines for 'pushing' the envelope, in this case, to 150% maximum power. The Enterprise had, at its disposal, more power than it could possibly utilize for shipboard systems, if they dared use it, but there were risks in utilizing the Coaxial core in that manner. Pushing the warp core to 150% was the safer option if the situation called for it. Their experience with Tchema had been one of those situations and they'd made due by other means. In the future there would be another option.

Urvasi's tail movement showed she was at ease and feeling some of the mood from the Bridge. She had been through 'Federation Day' on board other starships, but not the Enterprise. Each ship handled the day differently, as well as the Academy. She yiffered gently at memories at standing at attention through various, almost every hour, ceremonies at the Academy, while Starships were better in that they 'celebrated' with dinner and interaction besides the one ceremony. However, a running theme, besides celebrating the Federation, was a relaxed demeanor to where it was harder to get into trouble and attitudes were relaxed more for more 'let hair down' interactions between departments, besides between shipmates. However, she could feel focused intent coming from the Engineering Station as she yiffered again. She said in a low voice, pitched for Ash, "Please, Commander Randall, get a coffee delivered and let some stress out of your body, you're too intent."

Ash looked the direction of Urvasi and winked. "Perhaps I will take a moment to get myself some coffee and let what I am working on, simmer, for a minute or two. We had power demands that required some acrobatics with power management and a little bit of creativity utilizing our support ships. I'm not interested in a repeat so i am codifying what our power systems are actually capable of without risking damage or overload." The Chief Engineer explained, while she stood up and made her way to the port replicator.

Urvasi caught the wink in the corner of her eye. A slow sigh let out as she could feel the 'intent' on the bridge lessen. Urvasi's left ear followed Ash as she spoke. Urvasi shifted her muzzle to speak towards Ash in her carrying pitched voice, "And why Sol was immediately hooked up when I was beamed aboard the Enterprise in the Tchema Mission. Well, when I am off duty, I am good with console damage control, so if you needed an extra set of four hands, I have two physical and two mental and would willingly assist." Urvasi thought nothing of how Ash and she were speaking. Vulienrey and L'Tandrey, being tree dwelling races, knew how to pitch forward their voices several trees over to speak far without shouting or booming, 'I am here' to others, including predators, around them. She could pinpoint Ash without disturbing anyone else on the bridge, while she knew Ash was keeping her voice low to not disturb others but yet let Urvasi's acute hearing pick it up as normal, loud conversation. "Just let me know."

Sora was sat at her usual operations station, leaning back in her seat and listening to the banter between her crewmates - as much of it as she could hear, in any case. She had had some time to process the events of the previous mission, and finally felt settled in to the crew. Still, the celebration of Federation Day - incidentally on the same day as the Terran Empire would celebrate Empire Day - remained something that seemed a little foreign to her. After all, she was known to a celebration of military might and Imperial authority, not one of harmony and co-operation. "Did I hear someone talk about a coffee run?", she asked, waving her empty cup around. "I could go for another. I've only had three so far today, that's far below my average intake."

"How do you take your coffee Commander?" The Chief engineer asked, quietly, as she stopped next to the Operations head.

Urvasi yiffered gently to herself and almost asked for a cup as well. But, she knew Ash only had two hands, so Sora and Ash would make two. She would wait till they got theirs, then go ahead and use her telekinetics to get her own. However, she could not help but quip in a low, humored voice, "With a slight whine of command mixed in and computer code sprinkles on top... if I remember overhearing that correctly."

Sora raised an eyebrow at Urvasi's comment, but decided not to respond. "Black. Very strong. Thanks," she replied to the Chief engineer's question. A ping from the Ops console drew her attention, and she looked over. "Ah. Another calibration reminder," she sighed. "Remind me to turn those off."

"Black, very strong." The Chief Engineer confirmed as she headed off without collecting the coffee cup. "I think I'll get a carafe and save some time and effort going forward." She commented.

Behind them occupying the central seat while the Commodore was otherwise occupied Commander zh'Roothi had been quiet while the others spoke. The mood on the ship had felt somewhat strained since encountering Tchema, the lull of the Federation Day holiday on the eve of their upcoming survey mission had offered the Andorian plenty of time to reflect on their endeavours.

Lieutenant Sulu stepped over toward the Executive Officer and handed off the datapad that she carried, "Preliminary sensor reports on the region, Commander. Nothing's in our current path toward the Chamra Vortex." She glanced up at Commander Kuzos, "Have you ever been there before, Commander?"

Kuzos looked to Lieutenant Sulu and replied shaking his head as he did. "I am afraid not Lieutenant. My former duties as military commander and planetary governor kept me otherwise occupied. I am sure we will find the vortex quite interesting if not fascinating."

"Never know," the young woman answered. "Mutara Nebulas are pretty, but I won't lie that I'm a bit worried about all the asteroids and the potential criminal activity. Though, our records of the region are from the mid-24th Century. Did the Dominion clean it up since then?"

"The vortex is beyond pretty Lieutenant if reports are to be believed and as for the Dominion cleaning it up, It is a vortex, there is only so much cleaning up one can do. However, I digress. Yes, the Dominion has 'cleaned' it up. Made it safer to navigate." Kuzos replied.

The Andorian XO bit back a sigh as she examined the sensor report Sulu and brought her. It made for dull reading, just like the journey had been thus far adding to her downward mood. "Thank you, Lieutenant," zh'Roothi returned the datapad. "We'll need every sense to monitor our passage in the Vortex carefully. As fascinating as Mutara Nebulas are they present us with additional headaches by distorting our sensors and disrupting shields." She continued. "If there are still rogue factions working within the Vortex we should be cautious along with navigating asteroids potentiality manually. Lieutenant Elandorn I presume that won't be an issue?"

Urvasi shook her head as her tail also did a small double shake itself as she replied. "No XO, not a problem. I am up on my training scenarios as well as my personal practice holoadventures. The Enterprise sensors will have enough clarity see around us, and anything shift gravity changing nearby will be picked up by my psi senses. I have us, XO."

"Good to hear," the Commander replied. "I didn't expect anything less."

Attention diverted, Aidan beckoned the woman over as he studied the incoming data. "Datari to bridge, are you seeing what I'm seeing? Long range sensors are picking up a signal. It may be a ship but it's too unclear to identify it. I'll try to clear it up." Just as he spoke, however, the signal faded just as fast as it appeared.

Sora looked at the sensor shadow and frowned. "Cloaking device of some sort would be my guess," she remarked, as she tried to bring up what little data the sensors had been able to grab. "Definitely some sort of ship. I'll scan for any abnormal radiation in the area."

New to Astrometrics, Aidan took the time to familiarise himself with his new domain. The lab was modern and large. From the centralised main console he looked out on a large, curved and perhaps slightly domed screen. Aside from the screen there was a large horizontal sheet which could both be described as a milk glass plate or a table. Aidan regarded it as a kind of projector. One motion could seemingly grab an image from the sheet and project it midair.

He smiled as Sherlock seemed to try and make a grab for the currently spinning objects. "They're holograms Sherlock, you can't grab them in this form of projection. We'll go to the holodeck later, there you can chase and dodge all you like. Right now I need you to return to Saeri, and I'll be there soon." With a chirp first of protest and then of acknowledgement, the blue disappeared in a single blink.

"Whoa!", Sayori exclaimed as she entered the astrometrics lab. She had been sent there to feed some new data into the system that had been transmitted by Starfleet, and slightly jumped at the sight of the flying lizard. "Sorry, just here to upload some updated maps." She tilted her head slightly. "I don't think I've seen this particular species before."

The Trill regarded the newcomer for a moment. "You're not the first to say that, not will you be the last," he explained patiently, "and don't worry he won't be flying around without me nearby. He's just zipped home to watch my little girl, he teleports." He gestured towards a nearby workstation. "Plenty of space here," he smiled, then offered his hand. "I'm Aidan. Or.. Lieutenant Commander Datari I suppose, if we're being formal. Chief Astrometrics, I got here not even a day ago."

"Ensign Nakai. Sayori," she replied as she took the offered hand and shook it. "Junior science officer. I haven't been on board that long either."

A rapid beep came from the observation console.

Attention diverted, Aidan beckoned the woman over as he studied the incoming data. "Datari to bridge, are you seeing what I'm seeing? Long range sensors are picking up a signal. It may be a ship but it's too unclear to identify it. I'll try to clear it up." Just as he spoke, however, the signal faded just as fast as it appeared.

Looking up at Sayori, the Trill was the picture of confusion. "Fancy a project? We need to boost sensors and recover that signal. We have a mystery on our hands."

Sayori headed to the nearest console and immediately began to adjust perimeters. "Already on it, sir. Definitely looks ship-shaped to me."

"Let's see if we can boost the signal and get that ship back into visual," Aidan suggested, just as the summons to head to the bridge came in.

"I'm sorry, Will, but I'm afraid I don't have the resources to support that right now," Commander Shibren Ayi explained.

Sitting in his office aboard the Enterprise, Wilkan Targaryen sighed. Enterprise was heading to the Chamra Vortex to complete a six-week mapping and survey mission of the nebula. Not exactly the mission that he'd signed on for when he took command of a frontline exploration vessel and something far more suited for a dedicated survey vessel. This was par for the course though. Ever since he'd had his little blowup with Rear Admiral Veegg Enterprise had been subjected to less than stellar missions.

"Come on, Ayi, you and I both know this is right up the alley of Copernicus. Your garrison ship was basically built for this type of mission."

"So just because my ship's smaller than yours means it should be doing the grunt work missions? You have a huge crew compared to 47, I'm running a Nor Class starbase with 300 people. Sending 30 of them off for six weeks takes my crew down by 10%. I just can't support that right now, especially with everything that's been going on in the Gamma Quadrant," the Bajoran woman explained.

Wilkan was perplexed, "Know something I don't?"

"Well, I certainly hope not," the Commander of DS47 answered. "There's been a lot more traffic out here though, a lot of ships passing by the Wormhole that hadn't visited us before. Some we recognize, some we don't. Then there's all that stuff that the Vigilance picked up from beyond the Armistice Zone."

"First I'm hearing of it," Enterprise's Commander answered, quickly confirming that they were on a secured channel. "What about the Vigilance?"

Commander Shibren knew she'd stepped into it, "I really think that you should..."

The screen went dark with the Main Computer interrupting, "Your transmission has been terminated at the source. Please try your call again later."

After a few moments, Sora shook her head. "High levels of ionising radiation in the area where that sensor shadow was. Could be natural." She paused for a second, before shaking her head again. "On the other hand,I remember reading about some terrorists using it to hide an asteroid from sensors and crashing it into a Romulan outpost. So, maybe not natural."

Having lost his channel with Commander Shibren on Deep Space 47, Commodore Wilkan Targaryen entered the Bridge through the starboard door closest to the Viewscreen. Hearing what his Chief of Operations had said, Enterprise's Commander slowed his walk a bit, "Interesting conversation for my return to the Bridge, Commander. Something I should know about?"

Commander Bernadotte turned around in her chair. "We spotted a strange reading on long-range scanners, sir," she explained. "It very briefly appeared to be a ship, but disappeared almost instantly. Radiation scan shows increased local levels of ionising radiation. Which has been used as a sort of improvised cloaking device in the past." She thought for a moment, before continuing. "I believe it warrants investigation. The Dominion, as far as I am aware, does not use cloaking devices of any kind, nor does any other known spacefaring civilisation in this part of the galaxy. And the radiation pattern does not match the traces left by Klingon or Romulan cloaks."

"Interesting," the Commodore answered the Operations Manager. "Considering that the Klingons and Romulans haven't been invited to be part of Project Longshot and, as you said, the Dominion doesn't have cloaking technology I am just as concerned by all this. Moreso in that I just lost contact with 47. Administrator," Wilkan used his Dominion honorific, "do you have any knowledge of Cloaking Technology being used locally?" It had been a long time since the Federation had last been out this way. Who knew what all had been developed in the many years had passed since the Federation last explored the Gamma Quadrant.

Commander Randall caught the tail end of the conversation as she returned with a carafe of, industrial strength, coffee and paused, for a few seconds at the Operations station to fill the coffee cup of Commander Bernadotte. "Industrial strength, Commander." Ash advised the operations chief as she set the carafe down next to the, now full coffee cup, and picked up a second cup of coffee, a cup of coffee now in each hand, and padded over to Set a cup of coffee down next to Urvasi.

Sora nodded in appreciation as she picked up the cup and took a sip. "Thank you, Commander."

Urvasi smiled up to Ash at seeing the beverage. Then, her tail shifted to do a light touch to a calf of Ash in a show of appreciation without Urvasi having to think about it. It was just something Vulienrey and L'Tandrey just did with their expressive social ways. Her eyes returned to her console as she was building various routes for just in case with a possible cloaked ship outwards shadowing them.

Ash sipped her own coffee as she walked back to her engineering station. The Engineer considered the question posed to Kuzos, by the Commodore. Perhaps some lessons were learned by their adventures in the Alpha Quadrant? The Engineer gave a mental shrug at the possibility. It didn't have to be a cloak. There were plenty of hull compositions that were, at a distance at least, as effective as a cloaking device at evading detection. Detecting cloaked vessels was something Ash had considerable expertise with. The sensor she developed proved, incredibly, effective but ultimately proved far too difficult to use.

Kuzos heard the question posed by the Commodore for a moment perhaps two he was quiet before focusing on the Commodore. "Rumors, whispers in the night of the dark ones whose home is the shadows and they are just as elusive. They are older than the Iconians and more advanced. They have a name, they are called Olkcit."

Targaryen nodded at the statement, considering the implications of a potential race older than the Iconians being active in the Gamma Quadrant and what that could mean. The Iconians were the Demons of Air and Darkness, their technology incredibly advanced to the point of magic. The potential that a race older than them was active in the area was terrifying.

Noticing that Commander Sevek was not on the Bridge, Wilkan walked toward the Science Stations and saw Lieutenant Sulu sitting at the Astrometrics Station, "Please have Commander Datari come up here."

Sulu nodded, "Contacting now."

"On my way," came the immediate response.

"Yellow alert," Wilkan bellowed as he walked toward his chair next, "We need to investigate this situation. The presence of this ship, my loss of contact with 47, all of it together's a bit suspicious. Lay in a course all ahead maximum warp."

Urvasi's tail shook once in affirmation as she called back, "Aye Aye, Sir."

"To proceed with caution is an understatement . I advise extreme caution and would also advocate bringing weapons and shields online.' Kuzos answered. No trace of a smile on his face.

Sora shook her head. These Olkcit sounded like just another boogeyman. A myth, made up to scare Vorta children if they misbehaved. And yet, many would assume the Terran Empire was just that - and yet she was living proof of its existence. "Not sure if I believe you regarding the existence of these ancient people, Kuzos," she finally remarked. "Though I do agree that we need to investigate this, whatever it is. And we need to do so very, very carefully."

The feel of the Enterprise changed as she began heading towards max warp speed of 9.992.

Kuzos shifted his stance slightly to face Sora. "That is certainly your prerogative Commander." He replied evenly. I only report what I know. How you proceed is your choice."

The Commodore listened to the back and forth, considering his next move carefully. Having finally sat in his chair he looked over his shoulder toward Kuzos first, then back to Sora, before looking around the Bridge itself. "I'm inclined to proceed with the caution proposed by Administrator Kuzos as a native of this Quadrant. Commander, take us to Red Alert and bring weapons and shields online." He knew that if they were wrong about this then Veegg would have another bullet, but something told Wilkan they weren't wrong to be worried.

The Enterprise reached a plateau as the feel of her steadied out. Urvasi called out, "Captain, Helm, Warp 9.992 established."

"Steady as she goes, Helm, let's go."

Smoothing out her uniform having moved to her customary position as Targaryden returned to the bridge zh'Roothi found herself agreeing with Sora on this front. One sensor spike, although curious linked with the Commodore's communication loss warranted investigation but not so heavy handed in her opinion. Farfetched stores and rumours were not proof something suspicious was out there.

Over at Main Engineering, Ash began preparing for what she felt was going to be a 'run and gun' with, yet another, adversary that was, largely, and unknown quantity from what their motives were to what their level of technology might be. "All systems nominal, sir." She advised, in that quiet voice that always seemed to carry so well.

Kuzos tapped the instrument console and stated in a crisp, even voice. "Weapons and shield are both online and at 100 percent and we are now at Red Alert." As the bridge lights dimmed in relation to going to red Alert.

Just as the lights dimmed, the turbo lift doors parted, and Aidan stepped onto the bridge. He quickly scanned the bridge to locate his workstation, not having set foot here before. Once identified he quickly relieved the officer present. He said nothing as he rerouted his scans from astrometrics to the bridge station. "Long range scanners aren't detecting anything yet," he finally reported, "whatever we picked up before is either gone, or cloaked."

"All the more reason for us to get there sooner rather than later," Commodore Targaryen answered with a smirk. "Stations, please, all ahead."

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