"Altair"

[STSF Seiben 0]

PART II – “Altair”

 

 

Somewhere in the Alpha Quadrant

 

The sleek starship sped along effortlessly in a remote, uncharted region. Though small in size – roughly the size of an Oberth class Science ship, the unconventional delta-shaped ship was to be Starfleet’s first foray into the world of cloak technology. Top secret and known only to a handful of people, the USS Altair (NX-3000) was in its final stages of space trials.

 

Inside the compact but State-of-the-art Bridge, the Altair’s captain Penelope Creighton-Ward sat in the centre command chair sipping a glass of Earl Grey tea. “I’m pleased to see that testing have been going quite well lately,” she said in her upper class British accent.

 

“Right then, one last test for today. Mr. Tracy, please bring us to a stop and initiate the cloaking device” ordered the Captain. With a few presses of a button, the Altair cruised to a quiet stop. Seconds later, the Altair disappeared. “Mr. Tracy, take us around the system, for a game of hide and seek. Let’s see if the California can find us”

 

Behind an asteroid, the Miranda class USS California was waiting. “We’ve lost Altair, Captain,” replied the tactical officer. “Alright then, Mr. Xiang. Let’s see if we can’t find them. Scanners on full, search for their energy trail or warp signatures,” ordered the captain. “Yes sir” replied Xiang, and the hunt was on.

 

***

 

A few hours past, and the game of cat and mouse went on. “Contact the Altair. We can’t find them anywhere. Looks like that new cloaking device of theirs really works quite well” the captain said. “As well it should, Captain,” the XO said. “Starfleet put a lot of resources in developing it. I gotta say, it’ll make our jobs so much easier if cloaking devices were standard on all our ships”

 

“Sure would” smiled the Captain. “It’d be nice to even up the playing field a bit” the pair watched on as California’s comm officer hailed the Altair. “California to Altair. We’re giving up search of your vessel.” Moments later, the Altair rematerializes by a small moon.

 

“Well, Captain tests have all worked out, Starfleet command should be pretty pleased” Creighton-Ward nodded on the view screen. “Indeed they have good reason to. We’ve still many tests remaining, but this is a very promising start. Thanks for your help, Captain. That should just about do it for today”

 

Before anyone could respond however, an urgent message from Starfleet popped in for the Altair. A grey haired admiral appeared on screen to Creighton-Ward. “Captain” he said. “Change of plans. I know the Altair hasn’t completed initial testing, but we’ve just received urgent news coming from Romulus. Please proceed immediately to Starbase 33 outside the Neutral Zone. You will receive more details upon your arrival”

 

“Yes sir” responded Creighton-Ward. She looked to the captain of the California who was still on hold on the other line. “Well, Captain it looks like we’re needed elsewhere. Thank you ever so much for your assistance.” She then turned her attention to the young lady at helm.

 

“Lieutenant Sanders, set a course for Starbase 33, maximum warp.” The Altair shifted position and gracefully jumped to warp. “Well, tad sooner than expected but c’est la vie” muttered the Captain to herself as the ship headed to its ultimate destination.