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Cptn d'Ka

The Stuff of Nightmares

The Stuff of Nightmares
SubCommander Korjata and Captain d'Ka

 

His eyes a deep purple, Captain d’Ka’s otherwise contemplative expression appeared brooding as he regarded SubCommander Korjata while Missouri’s command staff filed into the conference room. They had just received word that the USS Byron had exploded inside Aegis space. USS Warren, two squadrons of Aegis’ fighters, most of Aegis’ asteroid field and their defense grid had reportedly vanished, presumably from a chroniton bomb.

 

Soon Missouri would approach the blast radius, garnering many uncertainties. Could they take Missouri and the frigate USS Tsinghua through the chroniton field safely, or would they have to circumvent it? Just how defenseless was Aegis, and who—or what—would they be defending against? Had Aegis no resources left, or were there certain rudimentary assets available? With half the Frontier Task Force occupied elsewhere, to whom could they look for assistance if needed? Question upon question plagued the captain’s thoughts, causing the purple to darken, bordering on deep black. He continued to stare, though the Romulan was not the subject of his musings; it was something beyond.

 

To the captain’s right, Tactical Officer Sojek steepled his fingers in the customary Vulcan manner. He had calculated several tactical procedures and had determined the greatest probability of enabling a successful escape from the Alien Alliance. He had also calculated the approach that would most likely create disaster.

 

Next to Sojek, Chief Science Officer Stevenson paged through digital information, comparing data and scans, and searching for answers to the exact nature of the chroniton bomb, how it could have been formulated, where it came from, and especially the absence its countermeasure, Anyons. Anyons occur only in two-dimensional systems, and that exchanging two identical particles may cause a global phase shift, which would solve the problem of the phased vessels. However, either finding or creating them was not exactly a project that could be undertaken on a ship of war. Given the prospect of future encounters with chroniton bombs, he knew it would soon have to be.

 

The door slid open to admit Chief Engineer Adira Hynson, who relaxed into her customary position at the conference table. As calm as she was beautiful, she was also no one to reckon with, having come from a long line of warriors. How she became an engineer on a Starfleet ship of war is a long story, and best left to another time.

 

Lt Col Anastis, still geared up for the infiltration that never came, sat opposite SubCommander Korjata. Still somewhat suspicious of the Romulan and the craft he piloted, his expression was grim as he regarded tr’Korjata with more than ordinary curiosity.

 

“Colonel Anastis, status of the Nei’rrh?” D’Ka’s eyes seemed to study tr’Korjata as he spoke.

 

“Clear, Captain,” Anastis replied. “We have found nothing out of order. They are working on the communication system now, to bring it to working order...”

 

Who... is working on the communication system?” His gaze diverted to the colonel.

 

“Engineering is working on the communication system, sir.”

 

After a glance at Commander Hynson for verification, the captain’s attention returned to the Romulan. “I understand that your craft is very different, SubCommander, and that its systems are delicate and possibly beyond our engineers’ grasp. Is it acceptable that they attempt to correct the problem, given the possibility of inadvertent damage?”

 

The SubCommander nodded. "Best to bypass the built-in comm system all together." He shrugged. "Rihan engineering. I think a Starfleet module from a Runabout should get it going until a full rebuild can be performed." He stopped before this was all he talked about.

 

“Very well.” D’Ka nodded. “Commander Hynson, inform your crew that SubCommander Korjata will direct all repairs on his craft, as a precaution against further damage.”

 

She nodded with a “Yes, Captain,” and sent a message. She, too, seemed to be intrigued with the Romulan’s presence, though her focus returned immediately to the captain.

 

A sound of hydraulics brought the crew’s attention to Commander Lie’ri. “The latest from Aegis, Captain,” he said upon entry. “ They are not sure how long the phased state will last, but at this point they are defenseless. Captain Ramson does have a few ships and fighters in the area, but nothing that could repel the full force of the Alien Alliance if they decide to attack while the other ships are out of phase.” He followed d’Ka’s gaze to tr’Korjata, then relaxed into a chair.

 

After another pause, d’Ka leaned forward to rest his forearms on the table and regard the others. “SubCommander, have you any insight into this? Is it possible for Missouri to enter the chroniton field without compromising any of the ship’s systems?”

 

"Into a field? In the research I've read, the particles will dissipate if a charge is not maintained on them. The time is rather long though, possibly months, so it would not be my first choice. The shields on the Nei'rrh are protected, for the most part. I'm guessing your ship does not have the modifications."

 

“And you would be correct. If the the blast radius is large enough, it could delay our arrival long enough to allow an alien incursion. At this point, I will assume that because the Alien Alliance has a chroniton bomb, their craft are capable of guarding against it, so they could conceivably mount an attack through the field.

 

“Captain Archeletta, have you anything to add?” All turned to the communications screen on the conference room wall where the young commanding officer of the USS Tsinghua had been listening patiently, her expression thoughtful and calculating, mirroring d’Ka’s, though she was definitely human.

 

Not at the moment, Captain. But I do have a question for the SubCommander.” Her gaze shifted toward him. “What would it take to modify our shields so we can negotiate the chroniton field?

 

"You have to install anyon generators at each shield pallet. Each one takes about an hour to do. That's not the hard part. That's making sure they are all aligned. If they are not, you merely magnify the problem and throw yourself even further out of phase if you are hit. If the shipyards are intact I think we can alter about a ship a day." Nijil felt a headache coming on bigger than the one he had now.

 

“So we will go around the field.” D’Ka glanced sideways at the tactical officer. “Mr. Sojek, would that be your recommendation?”

 

“There is no alternative, Captain.”

 

“Commander Stevenson,” D’Ka continued, “we will rely on you and your science team to keep us well away from the chroniton field.” Stevenson nodded.

 

The SubCommander interjected. "We should launch probes to see exactly what the field would do to a ship. We could even map out the area, providing the probe survives."

 

“I appreciate the suggestion, SubCommander. However, that would take additional time away from travel, and that the probe survived would not necessarily give us certainty that the ships would. How long should it take us to travel around the field, Mr. Stevenson?”

 

“To stay completely clear of the blast radius, approximately sixty standard minutes, Captain.”

 

“Very well. Commander Lie’ri, notify helm to alter course immediately to circumvent the blast area. Captain Archeletta, anything else?”

 

“No, Captain. We will maintain constant communication.”

 

“Agreed.” D’Ka’s eyes swept the conference table. “If nothing else, carry on. Lieutenant Sojek, a security detail to stand by as an escort for SubCommander Korjata when he chooses to visit the bay. Inform the quartermaster that we will need accommodations for three. Put them on deck four.”

 

After acknowledgements, the captain rose to tower over all but Commander Lie’ri. “Lieutenant Sojek will escort you to your quarters, SubCommander. We may need your expertise again, but for now, you and your crew need rest and nourishment. The diplomatic quarters are well stocked.”

 

The Rihan spoke. "Before I rest, if I may contact Aegis I'll inform them of my recommendation given what I know. I should at least transmit our tricorder readings to them."

 

“Of course. Lieutenant Tan will assist you. Commander Lei’ri, remain.”

 

* * * * *

 

Several minutes later, D’Ka secured the conference room and moved slowly to the observation window. An eerie glow shown in the distance, a grim reminder of the blast field, and within it, nothing.

 

“Fickle particles, ‘Ri,” he began pensively. “The Byron is gone. And of her crew, not a sign.” His hands braced on the windowsill, head bowed and eyes closed.

 

“You grow weary, Captain. You must rest.”

 

D’Ka’s brows knit into deep furrows, as if in pain. “The fighter pilots and the crew of Warren are terrified, ‘Ri,” he whispered. “The command staff is terrified as well, hiding it as best they can. Captain Bithrai is the only stable one among them. Their emotions run high, ‘Ri. They are difficult to ignore… or repel.”

 

“Captain Bithrai has faced worse situations and emerged unscathed, Keann-aí.* You, however, cannot endure much longer without rest.”

 

A wan smile broke for a second. “And a warm Enl’licdh?* I will, my ever-present f’airre,* but only after I address your concerns.”

 

“Yes. I have two concerns, Captain, the most prominent being the artificial intelligence that the SubCommander said was piloting the Byron. This is an exceptional level of technology, more than we anticipated in the Alien Alliance. The next concern is their probable ability to attack and destroy those who are trapped in the chroniton field.”

 

The black of the captain’s iris faded as he considered Lie’ri’s thoughts and turned away from the starfield. “Valid concerns, ‘Ri,” he said casually, “however… I doubt that this was an actual artificial intelligence. If it were, it could have easily adjusted and countered the maneuvers of the pursuers. That said,” he paused, “it is also possible that the bomb was not meant so much for Aegis as for its defenses...

 

“...which leads us to the Alien Alliance’s ability to enter the field and, as they say, finish the job.” He sighed and regarded the pulsing glow one last time. “Return to the bridge, contact Aegis, and inform them of our findings. Wake me when we are within visual range of the station.”

_____________

Keann-aí - Sindar for "captain", reserved for the most respected.
Enl’licdh - a heady Sindar brandy, similar to fine Cognac.
F’airre - Sindar for "faithful watchdog".

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