Lundra - Part One

Posted on Thu Apr 10th, 2025 @ 3:48am by Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Ensign Emilynn Dove

3,346 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Interlude 1 Gamma Quadrant
Location: Holodeck

[ON]

Emilynn stood outside the holodeck, her gaze fixed on the index display listing all the operations department’s training simulations. Her fingers tapped lightly against the console as she scanned the various programs. Each simulation represented a unique learning opportunity.

“Computer, begin program 3281,” she commanded.

=^= Program Complete. Enter when ready. =^=

Emilynn stepped into the holodeck. The moment she crossed the threshold, the surroundings morphed into a well-lit, medium-sized conference room with sleek, modern furnishings. An oval table dominated the center of the room, its smooth surface reflecting the overhead lights.

Seated around the table were three officers. At the head of the table, commanding attention was a man with dark hair that shimmered with subtle hints of silver, perfectly combed back to reveal his strong face. He wore the uniform of a Commander. His warm smile, genuine and inviting, radiated a blend of professionalism and approachability.

"Glad you could join us, Ensign," he said, his voice deep and confident. He gestured to an empty seat at the table, encouraging her to join the discussion. Emilynn moved toward the table and settled into one of the empty chairs.

She gazed around the table and took in the other two officers. One was a female lieutenant wearing a blue uniform, depicting her as a science or medical officer. The other officer was an ensign like herself, in the mustard yellow uniform. He sat unconcerned on the other side of the table. Emilynn felt a swell of excitement at the prospect of contributing to what promised to be an engaging and educational experience. Emilynn recalled how the last one had challenged her, and her heart raced at the thought of the unknown experiences ahead.

“Alright, listen up,” the Commander announced, rising from his seat and striding confidently toward a view screen on the room's right side. The once-dark screen flickered to life and was soon filled with a vibrant, detailed map of the stars. He touched the screen, and a section of the map expanded. “This is Lundra,” he continued, his voice resonating with enthusiasm and seriousness. “It’s an L-class planet situated in the Morcari sector.” He paused momentarily to look over at all of them. “The captain has determined that the safest and most efficient course of action is to utilize a shuttlecraft for this mission. The trip will take approximately five hours to Lundra if we don't run into any trouble. We will have two to three hours to locate and forage for our samples before boarding the shuttle and returning to Liberty.”

The Commander’s gaze intensified as he elaborated, “We’ll need to navigate through this narrow expanse,” he indicated. The map zoomed back out and showed the plotted course on the screen. “On either side of our course lie treacherous nebulas, which will pose significant challenges for our navigation systems and sensors. I will be at the helm, piloting us between these nebulas to Lundra.”

Turning to face the assembled crew, the Commander emphasized, “Each of you has been carefully selected for this mission because of your unique skill sets and expertise. Your roles will be crucial as we navigate the physical challenges of our journey and the mysteries that Lundra may hold.”

“Lieutenant Baxter, as our science officer on this mission, your extensive expertise in botanical sciences has led to your selection. Would you be so kind as to explain our mission objective for the team?”

“Certainly, sir,” she said, standing and approaching him. “May I, sir?” she asked, pointing to the view screen.

“Of course,” he replied, giving Tia a warm smile before relinquishing the floor and view screen to her. He quietly returned to his seat at the head of the table and listened as she began speaking about the mission objective ahead of them.

“The doctor has requested that we collect two distinct species of plants for our study. Each species is visually unique.” The screen changed from the sector map to a detailed image showcasing both plants. This first depicted a plant with vibrant leaves and striking flowers, while the other looked like more like a weed from Emilynn’s perspective. “This one” she said pointing to the weed on the viewscreen” is very rare and hard to find. We’ve been told that Lundra has a good amount of growth within the northern hemisphere so that is were we should begin our search.”

As Emilynn studied the images, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, conjuring distant memories of her mother. She felt a sharp pang of longing in her chest—how she missed her mom. A bittersweet smile crept onto her face as she imagined her mother’s presence. If she were here today, she would undoubtedly take charge of this mission with her usual enthusiasm and expertise, lighting up the room with her boundless energy. Emilynn sighed quietly and continued listening to Tia.

“It is essential that we observe these characteristics in detail to ensure we gather the correct specimens for our research,” Tia Baxter stated with earned authority. “Each species must be handled with the utmost care, ensuring that they do not come into contact with one another. Each species requires precise environmental conditions to thrive and maintain their natural properties.”

She paused for a moment, allowing her words to resonate in the still air of the room. “Once we return to the ship, the doctor will introduce one plant to the other in a controlled environment. This step is vital for our research. During this symbiotic process, there will be a short period where one plant will produce spores. The doctor will collect these. We hope that these spores are the missing link in our research. We hope to utilize them and synthesize a cure for several diseases we have been studying. If successful, this breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in medical science, potentially saving countless lives.”

Emilynn glanced at the Commander, searching for a reaction to Tia's remarks. To her surprise, he seemed indifferent, his stoic expression revealing no emotions. "Very good, Lieutenant. Thank you," he said steadily as if acknowledging a routine report.

Tia seemed oblivious to his lack of enthusiasm about what seemed to be really important to her. "My pleasure, Commander," she stated before she retook her seat at the table.

The commander shifted his focus to the Ensign seated beside Emilynn.

“Finn, you’ll be helping Tia with the storage of these plants. Yes?” he inquired.

“Yes, Sir. Engineering has collaborated closely with the doctor to create specialized containers to preserve the plants' optimal environmental conditions. I’ll be monitoring their humidity levels during our journey back to the ship to maintain their health and vitality.”

“Very good,” he said, finally turning his attention to her.

“Ensign Dove, you will be working directly with me. Your assignment on this mission will place you at the operations station, where your skills will be put to the test. Throughout our journey, you will oversee the shuttle's sensor systems. The presence of nebulas on either side of our path will create significant challenges, distorting our readings and complicating navigation. It will be your critical task to analyze and interpret these sensor outputs, ensuring we have a clear understanding of our surroundings. I’ll need you to be focused and alert during this mission.

Additionally, you will remain on board the shuttle and take the helm when transporting our team to and from the planet's surface. Your expertise in maintaining a lock on our position will be vital since the planet's thick atmosphere will hinder our ability to land directly.

“Yes, sir,” Emilynn replied, her voice steady despite the thoughts racing through her mind. As she sat there, memories flooded back of the countless hours she had dedicated to mastering the intricacies of the academy's communications array. She had meticulously learned how to modify and enhance its functions, yet now she was confronted with a daunting realization: her knowledge of nebulas and sensor readings from them was far more limited.

She knew she could confidently interpret the readings from a single nebula; however, navigating the complex dance between two nebulas was another story. It would be challenging for her to decipher data from both and make sense of their interactions, but she was up for the task.

“Alright, I want all of you to report to sickbay for radiation inoculations. It is just a precaution but the doctor insisted. Tia and Finn, I want you to go ahead and get all of your equipment aboard the shuttle in shuttle bay two. Tia, please make sure to check in again with the doctor to ensure there are no last-minute modifications to his requirements.”

“Yes sir,” Tia said, looking at him while Finn again remained silent. The Commander returned his attention to Emilynn.

Ensign Dove, Lieutenant Verapan has provided this list of proposed shuttle modifications:” He picked up the PADD lying in front of him and handed it to her before continuing. “He believes these modifications could improve our mission’s success. I recommend you review his suggestions closely and make only the necessary modifications that you feel are needed. You have the authority to use any engineering personnel you need to complete the modifications to the shuttle in time for our departure in three hours.

“Understood, sir,” Emilynn said.

“Oh, and Ensign, please complete the preflight checks as well.”

“Of course, sir,” Emilynn replied

“Very good. You all have your orders. Lets get them done. We’ll meet in Shuttle bay two in three hours. Dismissed.” he said as he stood up.

In that moment, the conference room faded, and Emilynn found herself alone in shuttle bay two. The sleek shuttle glinted under the lights, and she admired its craftsmanship, tracing her fingers along the polished hull. She released the hatch, and the door hissed open, inviting her inside. Stepping into the cockpit, the faint scent of metal and electronics filled the air as she slid into the co-pilot's seat, adjusting the controls. Excitement bubbled up inside her; this simulated mission marked her first away assignment as a true Starfleet officer, and she eagerly anticipated the adventure ahead.

She glanced down at the PADD still clutched in her hand. As she scrolled through the suggested modifications, her brow furrowed with concern. Almost immediately, her keen eye caught several glaring red flags amidst the recommendations. ‘Why on earth would anyone consider diverting even a fraction of power from the shields to enhance the sensor array?’ she pondered. The very thought seemed reckless and short-sighted. She understood the importance of enhancing the sensors—after all, gathering intelligence in this uncharted territory was crucial. But the prospect of compromising the integrity of the shields to achieve that goal seemed irresponsible at best.

She was quite certain they would need to enhance both the shields and the sensors, as well as the navigational deflector if they were to have any hope of completing this mission successfully. She knew the stakes were high, and that this missions success relied on her making well-informed decisions. She took a deep breath, resolved to put her best effort into it and come up with a balanced solution that would fortify all essential systems, ensuring they were adequately prepared for whatever lay ahead.

Emilynn had reached out to the engineering team, enlisting the expertise of two highly accomplished engineers renowned for their efficiency. Together, they skillfully tackled the navigational deflector upgrades she had specified, transforming what could have been a lengthy process into a swift accomplishment. Meanwhile, Emilynn devoted her own focus to enhancing the sensors and shields of the shuttle, determined to ensure everything functioned at peak performance.

Emilynn conducted a series of diagnostic tests on the shuttle’s transporters and went as far as to improvise and make modifications to some emergency armbands. With careful precision, she enhanced their signal strength, ensuring she would be able to maintain a reliable lock on the crew even through the planets dense atmosphere.

Tia and Finn had been bustling about, their movements a flurry of activity as they stored away the various pieces of equipment necessary for their mission. On their final trip to the shuttle bay, they paused long enough to inform Emilynn that their work was complete and assured her they would return before the scheduled departure time.

As Emilynn sat alone in the shuttle she felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her, realizing she had just enough time left to finish her work. With her being the last in the shuttle bay it had become quiet allowing her to focus on the preflight checklist which was crucial as it determined the ship's readiness for the mission ahead.

She was intently reviewing the status of the systems, her fingers dancing across the console, when suddenly, a commanding voice broke the silence. “Permission to come aboard, Ensign?” the voice boomed with authority. Startled out of her concentration, Emilynn hadn’t heard the shuttle bay doors open, and the sudden sound sent a thrill of surprise through her. She leaped in her seat, a hand instinctively gripping her chest as her heartbeat surged.

A laugh escaped her lips. It had been ages since she had been so genuinely startled. Usually, this was her brother’s favorite pastime, always finding a way to sneak up on her when she least expected it but it had been a long time since she had seen him.

“My apologies ensign I didn’t mean to catch you off guard.” the commander said laughing softly.

“Not at all sir, please come aboard. We are nearly ready for departure.” He entered the shuttle and took his seat at the helm. He seemed different to her somehow in this setting.

“Please call me Hawk.”

“Hawk sir?” she questioned.

“It’s short for Hawthorne.” he said under his breath glancing briefly in her directions but focusing on the controls of the shuttle. She realized he was repeating the preflight check she had just finsihed. “Hawk’s a nickname I was given by my comrades when I was a cadet at the academy—not that long ago,” he added jokingly.

Emilynn imagined him to be in his late 50’s and smiled back at him listening.

“My parents believed Hawthorne had a distinguished quality about it - specifically Hawthorne Alexander Davis” he stated in an exaggerated inflection. “However, if you tell anyone I told you there will be consequences - a court martial perhaps?” he added with a wink in her direction.

Emilynn laughed and nodded her head with approval. “Our secret. I’ll guard it with my life” she joked before continuing to watch him complete the checklist. “I did complete all of the preflight checks you asked of me.” she informed him as he was nearing the end of the list.

Well done, ensign. I appreciate your efforts, but I want you to understand the deeper value in this task. Consider it a vital learning experience. Here’s a piece of advice for you: never delegate your responsibilities to someone else. If you are fortunate enough to have the privilege of piloting a vessel, it is your duty to ensure that it is always prepared for whatever lies ahead. Always keep in mind that the cargo you transport – whether it consists of living beings or inanimate goods – is ultimately your responsibility. If something were to go awry with it, the accountability falls squarely on your shoulders, not on the subordinate you chose to handle the work for you.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, her gaze fixed on him, absorbing every detail of his words and demeanor. In that moment, she noticed the confident way he held himself, the respectful manner in which he interacted with others, and the unwavering integrity that shone through his actions. It struck her how much he resembled her grandfather, evoking a sense of nostalgia as memories of warmth and wisdom flooded her mind.

“Very good. Now bring me up to speed. What do we have to work with? He inquired giving her his full attention.

“Well I’ve made some modifications to the sensors of course. I’m hoping it’s enough to cut through some of the distortions from the nebulas. This should hopefully provide clearer readings and help us modify our heading throughout the expanse and in orbit of the planet. I’ve also upgraded our shield emitters by 26.3%.

He listened intently as she continued. “Engineering helped with my modifications to the main navigational deflector. We were able to improve it by a little over 11%. I know that’s not much, but we also installed two additional smaller deflectors on the port and starboard sides. These should make up for the lack of improvement in the main deflector. The small ones wont be quite as effective as the main deflector but should improve our ride through the expanse.” She paused momentarily as she reached behind her seat to bring forth the armbands she had modified.

“I also modified these armbands to boost the signals of the away team. I’ll have an easier time keeping a consistant lock on you all if you wear these.” she said holding them out for him to see.

She waited for his response but when none came she continued. “These modifications were all I could accomplish in this short amount of time.” she added and waiting again for his response with apprehension.

“I’m quite surprised by your ingenuity with the deflectors and armbands. They will prove quite helpful. Sounds like we will be well prepared with your modifications. Well done.” he said with approval.

“Now where is the rest of our away team? It appears they are late.” he said half heartedly. He got up from the pilots seat and headed back out into the shuttle bay where he took a stroll around the shuttle checking out ever detail before circling back around to the door where Emilynn now stood. Seconds later, they watched as Finn and Tia made their way into the shuttle bay, laughing about something the two of them were unaware of.

“It seems you and I have been left out of all the fun, Ensign,” he remarked, his gaze drifting down to meet hers with a hint of mischief in his eyes. A sly smile curled at the corners of his lips as he considered his next words. “I think I’ll have to assign them scut work upon our return. Or perhaps I should impose double shifts for the next two weeks? What do you think?” he inquired, his playful grin infectious.

Emilynn’s laughter rang out, bright and genuine. “That’s precisely what I’d do Hawk” she replied with a casual shrug, playing along with his jest, her own smile widening in agreement.

“Alright, everyone take your stations so we can get underway,” he commanded, his authoritative voice resonating with the kind of certainty that demanded attention. One by one, they boarded the shuttle, their earlier laid-back banter falling silent as the atmosphere shifted to one of professionalism.

“Davis to the bridge. Preflight sequence complete. Shuttle Horizon requesting permission for departure from shuttle bay two”

“Affirmative Commander, your cleared for departure. Have a safe trip.”

“Acknowledged Bridge”

Commander Davis initiated the shuttle’s startup sequence, the hum of the engines coming to life resonating through the cockpit. With a set of precise commands, the shuttle bay doors gradually slid open, revealing the vast expanse of space beyond. As the shuttle ventured forth, it glided smoothly away from the ship, each movement deliberate and controlled, setting off on its slow and steady journey.

“Shuttle Horizon to Liberty, we have cleared the shuttle bay and are underway - destination Lundra on a heading of 223-mark-85. We are transmitting our flight plan now.”

“Affirmative Commander. your flight plans has been received and logged. We will see you when you get back. Liberty out.”

[OFF]

Ensign Emilynn Dove
Operations Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

 

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