Cptn Neptune

Challenger set parked above Sauria in an orbital docking facility. On her Observation Lounge, Commander Rex sat staring into the starry skies, watching towards the third moon of the planet as it reached its apex. His meetings with the Saurian Council had gone well enough; they’d agreed to sign onto an affiliation treaty with the Coalition, pending coalition approval at the upcoming Geneva Summit. Despite this success, Rex found himself wondering what his role in Starfleet, and with the United Earth would be when the Challenger returned home sometime next week. There were still a few loose ends to tie up on Sauria, and some of the crew had yet to return from their various assignments or leave. There was also the matter of bringing Bill Gamble aboard. All in all, the mission to Sauria had been blissfully routine, something the Challenger crew wasn’t normally accustomed with happening. Indeed, it had been a peaceful several days, and with three to four more days left on their mission, and his task complete, Neptune felt he could finally relax. Something kept itching at the back of his mind though. There’d been no report back yet from Columbia. What were the Romulans planning? Running his hands through his hair, he let a sigh escape him. For the last six years Earth had managed to avoid all out conflict, despite nearly impossible odds, but how long would that luck continue to hold?

Mission Brief: Several members of the crew have begun actual cultural exchange, while others continue drinking. Neptune and Gamble head to a meeting with "a minister" 080606.txt

Author's Note: Thanks to my co-writer, the lovely Colonel Harper who played the Purple Lizard. :P Neptune Rex walked slowly along the flowing, burbling teal waters of the Hamjad Park high above the skies of the capitol city, he glanced to the Saurian diplomat who accompanied him. The diplomatic mission had thus far been a success much more so than his last mission as an Ambassador, at least this time he didn't toured around the scenic ice cliffs of Andoria. Gamble hadn't been allowed on this little trip, and had been left behind to idly chatter with some Saurian functionary, Neptune almost felt sorry for him--almost. The Saurian watched Neptune with a mild interest. The ambassador was pleasant enough, he supposed, though of course most ambassadors were. "Minister," Neptune finally said as he stopped beneath a flowering tree along the bank of the river. "I am sure you're aware that United Earth didn't just send us here to drink Brandy and chit-chat." It was hard to tell, with the reptilian visage, but it appeared the minister was amused. "That is as good a description of diplomacy as I have heard, Ambassador," he said. "But I presume you mean to come to the point of your visit?" "Besides the obvious cultural exchange, the UE and our Coalition are always looking for allies against our mutual enemies." "Those being?" "The Romulans," he said quite honestly. "Orion Pirates, the Klingons...the Nauscicans..." The minister gave some thought to this. "We have had cordial enough relations with some of those you mention..." Pausing for a moment, "For now Minister, for now. But how long do you think it will be after the fall of the Coalition forces before the vultures spot your lovely little planet?" "And her resources..." "The majority of our valuable resources come from things we craft, such as our brandy." He tilted his head slightly. "There would be little value in trying to extract raw materials from us." "Your people are capable of breathing five different atmospheres, are exceptionally hardy, and are skilled scientists as well as laborers," Neptune pointed out flatly. "I'd call that a resource." He inclined his head. "I will concede that point." "The Coalition of Planets needs every resource we can get." He spoke the truth; from the reports he'd gotten, Andorian Intelligence estimated that the Coalition was not fully prepared for a major combat situation. "The more members we have the better chance we all have to survive." "Joining your Coalition would mean bringing my people into a fight we had no part in starting," the minister pointed out. "How can I conscience that?" "You'd only be delaying the inevitable." "Why should we not ally ourselves with the Tholians, or the Klingons? They have been here longer than you humans." "Because they don't make allies, only slaves." "Human arrogance." The Saurian sniffed disdainfully. "You look at the galaxy and see what you expect to see." Lifting a perplexed eyebrow, "Well, given the body of evidence..." "So. You ask us to give your Coalition resources, soldiers... in return you offer nebulous promises of safety against a threat that may never materialize." Shaking his head, "It's more than that." "Oh?" He folded his arms, waiting. "It's a chance to come together as different races from different worlds in the hope of a lasting peace." "Then you would have me send my people to die... for an ideal? A dream?" "Direct military aide is only one possible way of participating in the Coalition, Minister." He considered. "Perhaps we might speak of the others." "Your people's scientific and industrial abilities could be invaluable to the Coalition," Neptune began walking again, tucking his hands behind his back. "We're looking for more than just lambs to feed to the beast." "We might be able to come to some preliminary arrangement on that score," the minister agreed, drifting along beside Neptune. "I doubt if full membership in this Coalition of yours is the best thing for my people at present." Nodding, it was better than nothing. "I am pleased to hear that Minister. After I report back to my government, I'll have some more defined offers for your government to consider."

Mission Brief: The Crew has been granted leave on Sauria while Captain Rex meets with the Saurian officials. 073006.txt

Mission Brief: The Challenger nears the Sauria system, brandy awaits us. 072306.txt

Mission Brief: The UES Challenger continues to have dinner. 071606.txt

As the Challenger crew continues its mission to find the lost Starfleet crews, the looming shadow of Romulus turns It was a balmy early summer day in Hein’Rhe. Located to the east of the capitol city, the mountainous and picturesque region was home to the House of N’Dak. For one month a year, Destorie N’Dak Supreme Commander of the Galae took his leave of the politics that embroiled the great capitol of Romulan Star Empire. However, despite his bondmate’s protest, this normally turned into a working vacation, especially given the mass hysteria over the humans. N’Dak’s own thoughts had been occupied with them for sometime now, it had been several months since Admiral Valdore had gone to Betazed to begin recruiting new agents to infiltrate the Coalition network. It had not been a move he had supported as a member of the War Plans Council, and an issue his sister as Director of the Tal’Shiar had strongly opposed. It was indeed a rarity that a policy would survive despite their opposition—truly a sign of the fear that gripped the Romulan people. Destorie sat on an open air balcony of the large complex his family inhabited, over looking the city below. In one hand he held a datapad containing the latest reports from the fleet yards through out the empire. Laying next to him on a small table were half a dozen more datapads. The amount of paper work a galactic navy could produce was staggering. To his right, lay an open envelope of thick black fibers, sealed by an electronic panel; a Tal’Shiar document, most likely from his sister. He placed the datapad down containing the fleet yard report and picked up the black envelop, keying in his authorization code. He lifted the flap revealing the contents. “Interesting…” Before he could finish, he heard a set of steps coming towards him from the opposite end of the balcony. Reflexively he looked towards them, one hand gripping his disruptor. “May I help you?” Before him stood a not entirely familiar face; he recognized the man as an assistant to the Proconsul but he was unsure of his name…or his intent. “Fleet Admiral,” the young man said directly. “I am sorry to interrupt you during your vacation.” Destorie’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Of course you are,” his words tinged with sarcasm. “The Proconsul has summoned you to a meeting in the Imperial Complex.” Destorie’s eye brows shot up. Summoned Me? Who does this woman think she is? Covering his increasing irritation, Destorie stood placing his hands behind his back. “And she just can’t come here? Her predecessors have always made house calls.” The young assistant lifted his own eyebrows quizzically. “I am afraid that is not possible.” “Ahh…very well then…when I am to report to the Capitol?” “Now, we have a transport waiting for you.” “I should have known.” “If you will follow me, sir.” Destorie nodded, seething at the insolence oft Lai. Despite his age, he remained an imposing figure to most that approached him; the young assistant glanced warily at him as he stood. His fit 6’2” frame moved gracefully yet purposefully from the chair as he fell in line behind the younger man. For all of his physical attributes, it was something else that struck fear in those who opposed or dared oppose him—his piercing eyes. Sharpened and dark, they were said to look through you, beyond your mortal soul. A glaze from those eyes could mean your death. Had that been true, the young assistant leading him would have certainly found himself in the morgue. N’Dak resented the notion that he be accountable to the Senate, let alone a liberal bureaucrat such as Lei. ~ ~ ~ “Jolan tru, Fleet Admiral…please be seated.” Destorie glanced at the woman speaking to him, and nodded slightly…just enough to be respectful. He pulled the chair out and sat down with out ceremony. “What is so urgent that it could na wait for my return from Hein’Rhe or that you could not have contacted me by visual communiqué?” Lei looked carefully over the man before her, his directness caught her off guard, but only slightly. “I am genuinely concerned about your lack of respect for the Senate and our power over you…” Bureaucrats…seething did not do justice the emotion swelling inside. “With all due respect, Proconsul,” he cut her off abruptly, making no attempt at diplomacy. “I have been charged with the protection of the Empire, and I will do as I see fit to carry out that mission.” Lei lifted her eye brow. “Silence…” Now it was Destorie taken aback. Silence, was not a command that was often given to the most powerful man in the Imperial Navy. More from sheer surprise than obedience…silence was indeed what the Proconsul received. “Fleet Admiral,” she said regaining her composure. “There was a reason why Valdore was chosen to lead the War Plans Council over you…and this is it: You’re propensity to act independent of the Senate, not to mention your dubious ties to the Tal’Shiar…” “I really hope you did not drag me out here to insult me,” he said unwilling to allow the woman before him to out posture him, and thus gain the upper hand. “I could have gotten this from my bondmate!” The raised tone in Lei’s next statement told Destorie it was time to stop pushing. Regardless of his power, she was still the Proconsul of the Empire, and any conflict between her and himself would not be in the interest of the Empire. “Silence…your sharp tongue and wit may win you favor with the Senate and Vice-Proconsul, but they will not help you win my favor.” Lei allowed that to linger before she continued. “Despite my protests,” she said slowly. “You will have your war eventually. But the blood of our people will be on your hands if you fail.” “We will not fail.” “Your arrogance will be your downfall.” “And hubris yours.” The two starred each other down for a moment. “However,” she said breaking the uneasy silence between them. “With Admiral Valdore dispatched to Betazed, you are the senior member of the War Plans Council, and as such will lead the council in his absence.” Destorie allowed a grin to appear on his face. Her true intent had been shown. She could have just as easily informed him of such a decision via satellite communiqué or even via courier, but she’d called him here…to tell him personally…a warning that she was watching him. “I am honored.” “Let us hope that you lead with the interests of our people, not your house.” “I have never,” he said firmly, “placed my house before the Empire. That is treason, and unless you’re calling me a traitor…” “Of course not,” an attempt to defuse the situation. “Very well then,” he said feigning respect. “Is their anything else, Proconsul?” “Yes,” she said detecting the faux-respect, but largely ignoring it. “You will be expected to report regularly to the Senate. Unlike your previous arrangements, insubordinate independence will not be…tolerated.” “Are you threatening…me?” He almost laughed. Chillingly sober, Lei looked him dead in the eyes, “Not at all, I’m informing you that your leash has been—tightened; don’t hang yourself on it, Fleet Admiral.”

A note from the Author: This log should be dated: Aug 21, 2155...NOT...June 9, 2156...heh...sorry about that.

Mission Brief: Dinner a la Neptune 070206.txt

From what I can see, and I'll let Atragon reply to this with the better response, the chatinterface is only taking registered names.

We're please to announce that Challenger has new Web site. Check it out: UES Challenger Web Many thanks to the webmaster. :lol:

We also have a new Quartermaster site: Challenger Quartermaster

Challenger's New Web site: Challenger Web v 2.0

Mission Brief: The Enterprise is in orbit of Alpha Centauri, where the Challenger crew is trasnfering back to their newly polished and cleaned ship, preparing for their first (last?) mission under the Command of Commander Neptune, who is preparing to give said mission to his crew. 070206.txt

The Challenger crew gets unexpected news. 062606.txt

Je suis désolé. Lo siento. Ick bin droevig. Sono spiacente. Perdóname. I’m sorry. Somehow, in any language he said, the words seemed—insignificant. Sitting in the room Elias had once occupied, made it seem that much hollower of a gesture; saying you’re sorry to the man who’s life you essentially forfeited in his own office. Neptune placed his hands to his face templing the tired hands over either nostril. Sighing, he considered his situation once more. It had not been his doing that led to Moore’s disappearance—it had been Moore’s doing. Not that Neptune blamed the man for his current situation, but…should he feel remorse over it? The crew had taken the news with shock. And being dispatched to Sauria seemed to take their minds of the loss of their Captain—the second to have that seat and to disappear mysteriously. The wisdom of sending them on this mission was beginning to crystallize for Neptune. Nothing would ever be the same though, he reminded himself. They would adjust, grow, move on, and in the end be stronger for it. It was a lesson he needed to apply to his own position. Here he was, at age 47, and starting a new life, a new career. Looking back at his life, it would have been difficult to predict, ten—five years ago that Neptune would be commanding a starship on a trek through the stars, discovering new life, and new civilizations. But, turning around, seeing the paths of destiny, he was happy he’d arrived at this point. The book of life was full of such happy accidents. The book of life contained many pages, and on each page a different narrative, a different verse—all part of a never ending story.

Neptune sat blinking at the communications screen. What were they thinking!?! The visage of Starfleet Command faded into darkness and the eerie silence filled the small room. “I am a diplomat…not a Starship Commander!” Admiral Forest’s face filled the communications screen, “Greetings Commander,” his voice was flat and unmoving. “I am pleased to hear you recovered the Enterprise and the Aldrin in one piece.” Nodding slightly, Neptune leaned closer to the screen. “Then you’ve received my full report?” “Yes, we have.” “And what about…” Forest lifted a hand, “I am only sorry I won’t be able to hear about it in person.” “I was under the impression,” Neptune lifted an eyebrow, “that I’d be returning to Earth for debriefing.” “There’s been a change of plans…” “Oh?” Shifting his weight slightly and leaning into the screen, lowering his voice, Forest nearly whispered, “With Captain Moore’s…situation…we’ve had to make some…changes to plans.” “I see…” “At the moment, Starfleet is inclined to uphold the Captains’s field promotion of you to Commander…making you…” “The next inline for Command of Challenger?” Nodding, “At least for now…” “But can’t Challenger simply return to Earth?” “I am afraid not,” Forest shook his head, “We have a diplomatic mission for, and it’s of some importance, and if you delay at Earth…” Neptune lifted his eyebrow again. What could be so important that they couldn’t delay until a more suitable Captain could be found. He’d never commanded a Starship for any length of time…blast. “What could be so urgent?” “We’ve encountered a possible ally against…forces gathering in the darkness.” “I see…go on.” “The Saurians are very apprehensive about making contact with us,” Forest said directly. “Apparently, they’ve remained mostly out of Galactic affairs, even though they’ve been in space longer than us…” “Delicacy,” Neptune almost corrected him, “but not timing…” “Well,” Forest said with a sigh. “That’s the catch. Every so often, they go into some sort of hibernation for a few weeks while they store enough energy for their mating cycle…You need to get there before they hibernate on us…” “And let me guess…they’re due in a few weeks.” “Bing bing,” Forest smiled. “Challenger is waiting for you at Alpha Centuari Commander…good luck!”

Note: Admiral Forest is not to be confused with the dearly departed Admiral Forrest.

Can I have: The Sea King

As will the UES Challenger. :P

The crew talks with Archer. 061806.txt

The Orion-y crew approaches their destination, to find the Enterprise and the Aldrin in orbit... 061106.txt

::steps away from the soccer fans, slowly...::

Klingons, Half-Lings, and Neptune Bond...oh my. 060406.txt

The crew edges near Klingon space, sans Moore. 052806.txt