Beyond Strange

[Cptn d'Ka 0]

Beyond Strange

It did not take Commander Lie’ri’s Qr’var instincts long to detect the malaise in Captain d’Ka as he stood mid-bridge, staring at the starfield created by USS Missouri’s flank speed shot through space to intercept the USS Byron. He had been in the same position for hours, without the slightest twitch or any sign that he was even breathing. In the decade they had served together, Lie’ri had never seen him like this.

USS Byron, one of two Zumwalt class stealth destroyers, had been reported missing in Nebula 236A four days ago. Since then, she had suddenly emerged from the nebula unscathed, but headed for Aegis without reporting to the Task Force, nor had they replied to hails.

“Status.”

Startled by the captain’s sudden movement, his, “Status quo, Captain. Byron is still on course,” was late enough to draw d’Ka’s attention.

“It makes no sense, ‘Ri,” he said, turning slowly to return to the command chair. “There are no lifeforms aboard, and yet something is in control. I know Captain Mitchell. If he is there, he is undetectable, which is more than disturbing.”

“An enigma, Captain. I would say impossible, given your abilities. And yet…”

“...and yet, the truth remains: I do not sense him at all, nor do I sense any others.” As he leaned toward his second, d’Ka inhaled deeply, as though it were his first breath in hours. He held it for a moment before a slow exhale. “Any response to our hails?”

“None, Captain.”

“Inform Iowa’s Captain Kelley of our situation. Contact the Warren and the Tsinghua. Tell them to continue shadow on our flanks. Bring Captains Bithrai and Archeletta up to speed on the situation. We are to consider Byron hostile until proven otherwise.”

Commander Lie’ri nodded to Operations officer Tan. She had been watching the captain as well and seemed relieved that he had finally moved after… two hours? Three? He had lost count. When he looked back, the captain had resumed his previous disposition. Immobile, hardly breathing, his fingers steepled as he stared at the starfield. Or staring through the starfield? It was difficult to tell.

 

* * * * *

 

Captain Chirakis jerked up from her dream, not so much alarmed as perturbed. She didn’t often have a peaceful dream, and she had been enjoying it. “What?” she said irritably into the darkness.

“Take your position in Command and Control. We are approaching Byron’s coordinates and we may go dark. You might be needed to relay messages.”

“What?”

“Must I repeat myself?”

“Of course not,” she growled, massaging her forehead against a growing headache. “Why not Captain Ramson? She is in command, she is telepathic, and there would be no need to relay”

“Captain Ramson is not my bondmate. I am forbidden.”

“Well, that’s a new one,” she snapped. “Very well. I’m on my way.”

At 0230, she casually stepped out into CnC. Heads turned in surprise, coffee cups disappeared, and a few stood. A wave of her hand and a, “Carry on,” put them back to work, their questioning expressions unanswered.

After pausing to study the tactical display, Kirel turned toward the security console. “Officer of the watch, report.”

“No word from USS Byron, Captain” Lt MaCheski replied. “They appear steady, on course to the designated coordinates. USS Missouri reported ninety minutes out. They are accompanied by USS Warren and USS Tsinghua. Missouri is considering Byron ‘hostile until proven otherwise’.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Kirel turned to face the young woman. “You have the conn.”

After a brief look of surprise, she straightened up. “Aye, Captain. I have the conn.”

“Report when Byron has arrived at the coordinates.”