To a new beginning

[Cptn_Giovanni 0]

"To a New Beginning"

Log entry 34: 16 July, 2157

 

"It's finally safe for you to beam down to the surface, sir" a Security officer told Giovanni. After hearing about the successful ending to the negotiations talks in Lycria, Sergio was eager to get down to the surface to help finalise the process. A few moments later, Sergio rode down the lift to E-Deck, where he hopped onto a shuttle pod with a few MACOs and Security Officers in tow. The young MACO at the cockpit quickly fired up the pod and soon, they left the Challenger's shuttle bay and headed down to the surface of Lycria.

 

As the shuttle broke the planet's atmosphere, Sergio got a very good look at the devastation caused by over six decades of civil war. It seemed that no place on the surface was spared at least some kind of heavy damage. Finally, the pilot had begun to make his procedures for landing at the capitol city. It was perched on the highest cliff on the planet, dominated by a large and regal white castle whose spires reached past the clouds.

 

"Ahh, I think that's it" exclaimed Sergio to no one in particular. "How many other castles are there that are this high and resplendent?" replied one of the science officers. Before anyone could reply, the pilot landed the shuttle on a launch pad adjacent to the castle and opened the hatch. "End of the line" replied the pilot. Sergio exited last and followed the rest of his party to the castle entrance.

 

Already, he could see Lycrians and Challenger crew alike, help in aiding to the injured and begin the long and arduous task of rebuilding. It seems that the capitol city that was breached not long before the peace talks. It seemed a matter of time before the Rebels would reach the Imperial Castle and take it by force. As if to read his mind, a darked winged gentleman approached him.

 

"It was only a matter of days really..." he said, voice trailing. "Days?" asked a clueless Sergio. "Yes, days.. before we broke through the Imperial defence and took the castle. Lucky for them that we came to terms" Sergio getting it, nodded. "Yes. Excellent timing" The darked winged fellow nodded. "Excuse me. I did not properly introduce myself. I am Lexington. Supreme Leader of the Rebel Tribe"

 

"I see" replied Sergio. "I'm Captain Giovanni of the Starfleet vessel Challenger" Lexington made a polite bow to Sergio, who returned it cordially. "I must thank you for your crew's gallant efforts of finally bringing this conflict to an agreeable end" The two nodded as they proceeded up the steps into the castle proper. They were taken to a large banquet hall, with all sorts of arrays of Lycrian food and drinks.

 

Sergio took a seat with the rest of the Challenger crew, sharing their wary glances at the weird looking charred flying things on the table and bright pink drinks in crystal goblets. The whole table stood to attention, as the regal figure of a young white winged woman walked into the room, with her entourage. Everyone then took their seats. "I must thank you all for attending" the woman said.

 

"I am Queen Octavia of Lycria. I'm glad we finally came to terms, and I am willing to comply with the will of the people of Lycria" she said. Lexington snorted. "You'd better" he replied bluntly. "Elections for our new government will take place in a few days, and we expect you hand over your power to them" "As I've stated before. I will submit to will of the people. Both of us do not desire any more bloodshed" the Queen replied.

 

Outside, Lycrians and Challenger crew worked to aid the injured and begin the process of reconstruction. Challenger provided medical and construction supplies as well as food and blankets for the more severely hit areas of Lycria. The dinner between the two rivalling factions was tense and awkward, but otherwise uneventful. But it marked a first milestone in the planet's history. Sergio hoped that this would lead to both sides to open up and work together in rebuilding their shattered planet and populace.

 

A FEW DAYS LATER...

 

The Challenger and its crew stuck around and visited nearly every area of the planet, and helped the Lycrians run a smooth election. By the millions, the Lycrians queued and cast votes for a new democratic government. Watching this from his Captain's seat, Sergio's attention was broken when the Communications Officer told him of approaching ships. "It looks like the first of the support ships are arriving" she told him.

 

Immediately, the Challenger was hailed by the lead vessel. Acting on instinct, the communications officer patched it to the view screen. "Ah! Captain Fuller!" said Sergio. "Sergio" nodded Fuller. "It's good to see you. Heard what you guys did. Nice job.. but I think we'll take over from here. Fuller out!" with that, the screen went blank. In front of him, the armada of about five or so small freighters, and science vessels formed up in front of the Challenger.

 

On the long range sensors, he could see that ten more vessels of similar size were only an hour away. Knowing they had done all that they could, Sergio recalled his crew and bade his fond farewells to the greatful Lycrians. The crew returned to the ship, within the course of an hour. Once the last pod arrived back, Sergio ordered the helmsman to change course away from Lycria.

 

 

TWO WEEKS LATER....

 

It was a bright and sunny summer's day when the masses of Lycrians stood and watched as the planet's first Prime Minister and democratic government was officially sworn in. The citizens voted in favour of a new government to be formed leaving the Royal Family with reign over the planet , albeit with limited capacities. With the help of Starfleet, the elections went smoothly and ran without event.

 

The new PM elected was young, but totally unbiased towards either the Royals or the Rebel Tribe. In addition to him, was a new parliament, ministers for planet affairs, both internal and external, with Starfleet remaining to care for their defence and reconstruction until the Lycrians can manage to do so on their own. With the planet in near ruins, this is estimated to take at least forty to fifty years time. Nonetheless, the Lycrians remain optimistic of bouncing back and building their planet 'better than ever'.