Lundra - Part Two

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

2,390 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Interlude 1 Gamma Quadrant
Location: Holodeck

[ON]

The shuttle had been traveling through the inky expanse of space for nearly three and a half hours on its journey to Lundra, but so far, the adventure had unfolded with little excitement, leaving Emilynn feeling a bit disappointed. The ship's sensors hummed softly, scanning their surroundings, yet each reading returned nothing remotely intriguing.

Emilynn and her companions were navigating the tedium of the journey, and for the past hour, they had been subjected to a non-stop monologue from Tia about the ongoing projects in the science department. While the work they were engaged in was indeed significant, their enthusiasm about it had waned. Even though Emilynn was not one for small talk she tried to maintain a small measure of decorum, occasionally drifting into the conversation, sharing snippets of wisdom her mother had imparted. However, each interjection seemed to only extend the barrage of Tia’s information, stretching the conversation out by an agonizing twenty minutes more.

As Emilynn cast a sidelong glance at the Commander and Finn, she noticed their eyes had glazed over, a clear sign that they had both mentally withdrawn. Emilynn couldn’t help but think that in that moment they would both welcome a Romulan warbird decloaking in front of the shuttle. The chaos and danger of such an encounter would surely serve as a welcome distraction from the relentless scientific chatter pouring from Tia’s lips.

Tia had finally settled into looking at the PADD she had brought and Emilynn took the opportunity to change the direction of the conversation. She knew by her sensor reading that the nebula on the port side was much larger than the one on the starboard side and that meant they would encounter it first before being sandwiched between the two. It would give her an opportunity to study the reading from the single nebula in hopes of being able to decipher when both were in the mix.

“We should be approaching the first of the two nebulas on our port side within the next ten minutes, Commander,” Emilynn reported, glancing up from her station. She noticed a spark of energy in his demeanor as her words registered.

“Very good, Ensign. What is the composition of the gases in that area?” he inquired.

“It’s primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Sir, but I’m detecting trace amounts of nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen as well,” she replied, her eyes glued to the display.

“And what’s the density?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his expression.

“Approximately 5200 particles per cubic centimeter, based on these readings,” she answered, feeling confident as she recited the data.

“Alright, and how long until we reach the second nebula?”

“At our current speed, about fourteen minutes, Sir.”

“That sounds about right,” he confirmed, skillfully adjusting their course on the console. “We will encounter significantly more turbulence once we near the second nebula. Let’s keep a steady eye on the shield polarity.”

“Yes, Sir,” she acknowledged, her voice steady, yet the anticipation of what lay ahead quickened her heartbeat.

“What are your thoughts on our heading?” he asked, turning his head slightly to glance at her, a playful grin spreading across his face.

“My thoughts?” she looked at him puzzled. “Aren’t you the pilot, Sir?” she quipped back, mirroring his grin, but a flicker of uncertainty could be seen in her face.

“Yes, indeed I am, and a very good one at that,” he said with pride. “But what if I wasn’t here? Would you choose this heading?” a light challenge in his tone.

Emilynn paused, feeling a bit taken aback by the question. Sensors and readings were one thing, but there was a certain finesse required to pilot a shuttle, especially through delicate and chaotic space near two nebulas.

Noticing the discomfort on her face, he pressed gently. “Look at your sensors, Emilynn. What do they tell you? It’s not always about what’s physically in front or behind you, or even what’s on either side. Look at the atmospheric readings right before we meet the second nebula.”

She hesitated, resting a hand against her forehead as she concentrated on deciphering the complicated data. Her mind raced with possibilities, trying to process what he was asking.

“Stop. Look at me for a moment,” he instructed, his voice firm yet calm. When she met his gaze, he continued, “You’re complicating this. It’s not hard.” He wasn’t angry; in fact, his demeanour conveyed a genuine desire for her to grasp the concepts he was presenting.

“Now, tell me what the sensors reported as we draw nearer to the second nebula,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of her knowledge.

She opened her mouth to respond but instinctively shifted her gaze down to the screen. He stopped her gently, “No, without looking. You know this. What did they report?”

She looked back at him. “Well…” She took a breath, recalling the data. “I noticed a significant increase in gravitational forces on the starboard side, which in turn caused changes in the density of the gases in that area. This would consequently increase the atmospheric pressure surrounding them.”

“That’s exactly right. So, what should we do about our heading?” he prompted, a glint of encouragement in his eyes.

“We would want to navigate around those areas,” she replied confidently, feeling more assured as she pieced together her thoughts.

“Very good,” he commended, turning his attention back to his console with an air of satisfaction. “What’s my new heading, Ensign?”

With a surge of pride swelling within her, she beamed as she looked at the map and sensor readings in front of her, “I recommend a heading of 090 mark 270, Sir.”

“Acknowledged. 090 mark 270,” he repeated as he inputted the new heading, feeling a rush of connection with the ensign sitting beside him. For the next hour, they made additional course corrections, flying steadily through the cosmic tapestry that surrounded them.

It was only in the midst of their calculations and adjustments that she recalled Finn and Tia were onboard—silent observers in the grand adventure they were navigating. The shuttle thrummed with a mix of excitement and trepidation, as they ventured deeper into the stunning unknow.

Althought the turbulance wasn’t as bad as it could have been, it certainly wasn’t non exisitant and Emilynn stomach felt qweezy by the time they reached the exit of the expanse. The last half an hour was spent in silence until they finally reached the northern hemisphere of Lundra.

Emilynn smiled as she initiated the transporter sending the away team to the surface of the planet below. For the next two hours, she was engrossed in analyzing the same stream of sensor readings, her attention unwavering as she monitored their every fluctuation. Keeping a secure lock on her teams location had been a breeze, and as the time approached for their return, the anticipation grew within her.

Their journey back through the expanse mirrored their earlier approch. They had successfully navigated the area with the two nebulas and now only one remained. Emilynn anticipated another three and a half hours as they made their way back to Liberty, the familiar hum of the engines providing a comforting backdrop.

Just as they were about to bid farewell to the remaining nebula, a flicker on Emilynn's sensors caught her attention. A debris field materialized ahead, scattered remnants of what once may have been a vessel.

“Commander, I’ve detected a debris field directly ahead,” she reported concentrating on the sensors. “It wasn’t present before. Should we adjust our course to avoid it?”

“Ensign, please clarify the composition of the debris field. What are your readings?” he replied, his tone steady but with an underlying tension.

“The analysis shows traces of organic material mixed in with significant amounts of Duritanium, Kelindide, and Rodinium metals,” she said, her fingers flying over the console as she processed the information.

“Did I hear you correctly? Kelindide and Rodinium?” he asked, the urgency in his voice unmistakable. The combination was alarming, given its implications.

“Yes, sir, that’s correct,” she confirmed, her pulse quickening.

“Are you detecting any other ships in the vicinity?” he inquired, his gaze fixed on her.

“No, sir. There’s nothing else on sensors.” she assured him.

“Kelindide and Rodinium are materials commonly associated with Cardassian vessels. Are you picking up any lifesigns?” he pressed, concern etching deeper lines into his face.

“None, sir,” she reported, frowning at the data display in front of her. “There are none.”

“Alright, log the coordinates of the debris field—” he began, but before he could finish, Emilynn interrupted him, her voice edged with urgency.

“Commander, there is another ship. I’ve picked up a very faint distress signal emanating from within the nebula. It has a Bajoran signal, sir.”

“Red alert,” he commanded. In that instant, both Tia and Finn snapped to attention, their bodies straightening in their chairs as adrenaline surged through their veins. Finn swiftly abandoned his post in the dimly lit cargo area, leaving Tia to tend to the samples. He assumed his position at tactical, eyes scanning the monitors with sharp focus.

The Commander's voice rose slightly, laced with urgency. “Are we able to identify any lifesigns onboard that ship?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, her eyes darting across her instruments. “I’m reading six lifesigns.”

“Open a channel to the vessel,” he ordered, anticipation rising in the air.

“We are unable to establish a link, sir,” she said, “It appears their communications array has sustained significant damage.”

“Can you determine how far into the nebula they are?” he asked, his mind racing through the possibilities.

“Based on these readings, we could intercept them in approximately eight minutes at impulse speed. I’m transmitting the coordinates to your console now,” she said.

“Very well,” he said with a resolute tone. “We have a responsibility to do everything we can to assist them.” With that, he entered the new course into the ship's navigation system, and the shuttle smoothly adjusted its trajectory toward the swirling colors of the nebula ahead.

“Emilynn, send a subspace message to Liberty,” he instructed, his gaze focused outside the shuttle. “Provide them the coordinates of the debris field and the Bajoran ship. Inform them that we are intercepting to provide aid and request their immediate assistance. I can’t shake the feeling that we might be in for some unwanted company, likely Cardassian.” He let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his apprehensions settling in his chest. “And keep a sharp eye on those sensors. ” he added with a note of urgency.

The turbulence rattled the small shuttle with the chaotic intensity of snow swirling inside a globe on Christmas morning. “Shields down to 96% Commander.” Finn stated calmly from the tactical station.

“Commander, I’m detecting a Cardassian destroyer on a direct intercept course,” Emilynn reported, her voice steady and unwavering despite the urgency of the situation. The console's lights flickered as they moved through the nebula. “They’ll reach us in less than two minutes.”

The commanders expression hardened as the weight of the implications settled in. “Inform Liberty that we have company and tell them we need immediate assitance,” he ordered, his tone firm and decisive. “Finn, bring all weapons to full readiness.” The tension in the air thickened as the crew prepared for the imminent confrontation, their focus sharpening amidst the looming danger.

“Yes sir.” they both said in unison.

“Emilynn, hail the Cardassian ship,” Command Davis instructed, his voice steady

Emilynn was supprised by his request but did as she was told. “Channel open, sir,”

“Cardassian ship, this is Commander Davis of the Shuttlecraft Horizon. Is there anything we can assist you with?” he asked attempting to sound casual and unalarmed.

A tense silence hung in the air, broken only by Finn’s voice rising from the back of the cabin, filled with alarm.

“Commander, they’re charging weapons!”

Before he could react their shuttle was grazed by the phaser fire.

“Shields to 82%” Finn called out.

The two vessels were quickly ensnared in a chaotic and frenetic dance amid the swirling, ethereal gases of the nebula. The small shuttle, nimble and agile, managed to make contact several times with the Cardassian destroyer, yet its firepower proved inadequate against the might of the larger warship.

Suddenly, from the depths of the nebula, the USS Liberty emerged like a specter, its silhouette stark against the vibrant backdrop. In a swift, calculated move, it fired a single, potent shot that struck the Cardassian ship with precision, instantly disabling its weapons array.

The Cardassians, sensing their advantage gone, retreated as rapidly as they had arrived, their vessel vanishing into the nebula’s embrace.

Amidst this lingering uncertainty, the familiar voice of the captain crackled through the shuttle's communication system, bringing a sense of relief and connection. “Good evening, Commander. It sounds like you’ve had quite the eventful day. Are you ready to come aboard?” the captain inquired, his tone a mix of concern and camaraderie, cutting through the remnants of the battle’s chaos.

Davis leaned back in his seat, allowing the captain's words to wash over him like a reassuring tide. “Yes, Sir, indeed I am,” he replied, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging within him. As he looked out the viewscreen, the imposing silhouette of the starship Liberty loomed in the distance, a beacon of safety and familiarity. A faint smile began to emerge, illuminating his otherwise weary face as he added, “So glad you could join us in our endeavors, Liberty. Thank you.”

“Of course, Commander. Welcome home,” the captain replied, his voice laced with warmth. “Come aboard, and we will go see to the Bajoran ship together.”

The training program came to end once the shuttle smoothly came to rest within the expansive docking bay of the USS Liberty. Emilynn found herself standing in the heart of the holodeck, surrounded by gridded walls that pulsed with the remnants of her simulated adventure. The exhilarating reality of the successful mission washed over her, filling her with an immense sense of pride.

[OFF]


Ensign Emilynn Dove
Operations Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

 

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