Journey to Voad

[Chirakis 1]

Journey to Voad
Chirakis Kirel
Je’rit d’Ka

The Dahlem ship, Voad, hung like an ornament at Aegis’ Karman line as its occupants waited for a visit from Aegis personnel.  Despite Kirel’s conversation with the Voad Captain Aayrn, she still had misgivings.  She was cautious by nature— perhaps too much, but it was better than being caught off guard.  There was always a catch, always an ulterior motive.  If she were the only one involved, she might take it in stride.  She could defend herself, and if she could not, she would be the only one affected, alive or dead.  In this case, others would be involved.  All had families, and each one one would be her responsibility.

At 1315 hours, Command and Control had settled into normalcy.  Only a few knew of their mission, and it was best kept that way.  While Kirel outlined mission objectives and procedures at her personal console, she sought much needed counsel from her bondmate, Captain d’Ka.  Their psionic conversation would be secure on two levels—their private bond, and the little-known language of the Sindar.

Captain d’Ka had already exchanged ideas with Dahlem’s Captain Aayrn on many subjects, especially their desire to work together in this arm of the galaxy.  His sincere enthusiasm came with the suggestion that representatives from each department accompany Kirel to the Voad.  The proposed list included himself, Executive Officer Commander Bialar, Science Officer Lieutenant Kagih, Engineering Officer Lt Commander Aurra, Chief Medical Officer Lt Commander Pallas, and Chief Security Officer Commander Thor. 

Primarily, D’Ka assured her that all would be well.  It did not alleviate her misgivings.  

“Ag’us tá tú sin’nte ze? [And you are certain of this?]” Kirel asked poignantly. 

“Ko mór mar zin, [Very much so.]” d’Ka responded, though it did little to settle her qualms.

“Ag’us kad a tarlaíonn… kad a arlaíon nach gkeadaíonn ziad dúinn fil’eadh?” 
[And what if we are taken captive?]

There was a long pause, then a sigh.  “Kirel, Dea’rbhaím duit. Óz rud é go dtugann Sindar a gkuid focail a onóir, mar zin a dhéanann ziad. Go deimhin, tá ziad khomh khosúil. N'fheadar má bhí baint ag ár zpeikeas..”  
[I assure you, Kirel.  As the Sindar honor their words, so do they honor theirs. In fact, they are so similar I wonder if our species are related.]

“Bh’fuhl ziad?” [Are they?] she asked casually.

“Kh’éile, Tá baint ag gach zpeic’eaz ar bhealach éigin. Tá na cruinne ollmhór, ach tá forbairt na zpeic’eas motha khalach mar a fhioz againn iad go leor beag. Tá gaol againn ar bhea’lach éigin, ach tá Sindar go Dahlem go zonrach? Is é zin na heolaithe a zhin’neadh.”
[ Kh’éile, all species are related in some way. The universe is vast, but the development of sentient species as we know them is quite small. We are related in some way, but Sindar to Dahlem specifically?  That is for the scientists to determine.]

“Zin, tá muid zábh’áilte?”[So we are safe?]

“Very.  Perhaps more safe than any other place in the galaxy.”

He had slipped into Federation Standard: his less-than-subtle punctuation.  That it would be more safe than any other place in the galaxy was absurd.  However, he was more familiar with them, so she let it pass. 

As the chronometer continued its precise calibration of time, Kirel paused to stare at the main tactical screen. Voad was still at stationkeeping just inside Aegis’ Kármán line.  They did keep their distance, as they said they would.  They were polite… so far.  However, there  were too many what ifs. 

“Kh’éile.”

“What?” she snapped aloud, making a few heads turn in CnC.  She ignored them.

“Do not overthink the situation.  Continue on that path, and your fear may become reality.”

He was right, of course. He usually is.  Would she acknowledge that?  Definitely not. Instead, she stepped to her console and finalized her list of team objectives, then forwarded them to Captain Ramson.  At 1330, there was time enough for Captain Ramson to approve or adjust. Lt Garand had readied the equipment she might need.  The team was due at TR-2 in 30 minutes.

Report Memorandum
To: Kallah Ramson, Captain, Commanding Officer, Sky Harbor Aegis
CC: Scott Coleridge, Commander, Executive Officer, Sky Harbor Aegis
From: Chirakis Kirel, Captain SI-5, Chief of Security, Sky Harbor Aegis
RE:  Mission to Dahlem ship Voad, Aegis orbit, Stardate 2388.120

Proposed Team:
Chirakis Kirel, Captain, SI-5, Chief of Security, Sky Harbor Aegis
Commander Scott Coleridge, Executive Officer, Sky Harbor Aegis
Duelle Tarisa, Lt Commander, Chief Science Officer, Sky Harbor Aegis
Tae’Lynn Dran, Ensign, Science (Botany, Life Science, Meteorology, and Hydrology), Sky Harbor Aegis
Mimi Pavilion, Physician, Chief Medical Officer, Sky Harbor Aegis
Nijil tr’Korjata, SubCommander, Chief of Engineering, Sky Harbor Aegis

Proposed Objectives: 
When given permission by the Dahlem, board the Dahlem Starship Voad.
Observe and document elements of the starship and its occupants.
Observe and document any threats that could compromise the safety of the Away Team.
Observe and document any threats that could compromise Sky Harbor Aegis or its area of space.
Observe and document any ideas voiced by the Dahlem concerning collaboration with them in the areas of science, medicine, engineering, or otherwise.
Safely return to Aegis and formulate individual reports due within 24 hours.
Oral report and discussion at the convenience of Captain Ramson and/or Commander Coleridge.

Chirakis Kirel, SI-5
Captain, Starfleet Intelligence