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SpaceBase1 — On Fate's Frontier: First Contact
#space #the_ghost #enterprise #planet #spaceship #star_wars #venator #star_trek
Published: 2022-07-25 03:44:34 +0000 UTC; Views: 16357; Favourites: 160; Downloads: 53
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Hera Syndulla sat within the cockpit of her ship, the Ghost. She looked over the mission profile on her data pad again, making sure that to re-check one last time their plans before they exited hyperspace. She took one last sip out of the mug she had been drinking from, finishing it off.Outside, the rushing blue glow of hyperspace swirled around them, creating the distinct effect of her ship travelling along a tunnel of light towards a distant destination. It was a stunning specatcle, one that she always had enjoyed since she started flying years ago. Unfortunately, she couldn’t always spare the time for it just like now. She wanted to make sure that she that she had got the details of this mission planned now to the letter. While some may have seen that as unnecessary, seeing as they were travelling to essentially an abandoned graveyard to search for parts and supplies, Hera had long since learned the importance of planning and adaptability when conducting any kind of mission, even supposed blue-milk runs like this.
Behind her the door to cockpit swooshed open and a figure in distinct painted and colourful armor walked in, grabbing hold of one the spare chairs beside Hera.
"Hey Hera. We nearly there yet?” asked Sabine, Spectre team’s resident Mandalorian weapons expert and artist.
“Nearly. Should be there in a few minutes. Are Ezra and Zeb ready in the cargo bay?”
“They were getting hooked up in their suits, I'll be down there soon.”
“Right, good. Chop, remember to keep an eye on their suits when you go out there with them.”
Off to the side in front of a console and rotating the his mechanical dome to look at her was Chopper, Hera’s faithful though oddly stubborn astromech droid.
“Wahhh? Wuuwaahh wuuwwaaahhh!”
Hera sighed and glowered at him in frustration upon hearing that. “I know that they can keep on their own oxygen tanks but it helps to have a droid monitoring them too in case something happens. And besides, they’ll need an astromech to cut through door or debris, carry stuff back and if needed, get through the security lockouts that may still be in place in these wrecks. So you’re going, no matter how much you complain about it.
“Grrrrr...Waahh waahhh” Chopper grumbled but ultimately relented. Despite his seemingly constant “attitude”, Chopper always pulled through for Hera and the team. Despite they’re rag-tag backgrounds and personalities, the Spectres had become a well-honed and effective team over the last few years. She was sure Chopper, Sabine, Ezra and Zeb would see this mission through just fine, just as they did the other others.
Though with what happened recently, she still worried.
"Hopefully this intel Rex has on this place will work out for us. We could do with some more weapons and fuel.”
“Or maybe a site for a new base. Not that I don’t enjoy our new spider infested home on Atollon, but it wouldn’t hurt to have somewhere else to go to lose the heat when we need it.”
“Not sure this place would work out much as a base. A broken-up planetoid with little atmosphere and too far away to set up effective use of supply lines. It’s remote, but maybe a little too remote even for us.
“You think this place is as abandoned as Rex says?”
"I don’t know. No one is supposed to have been here since the battle ended all the way back in the Clone Wars according to him. The Republic was cut off from this system early on when they retreated from here and was too busy fighting to come back. The system lost its value after that. It has no resources and is too far away from civilisation to be useful, so the Empire has completely forgotten about it. In fact its so off the beaten path, not even scavengers should come round here. The only reason why we know about it is because Rex saw the report on its loss when it happened. Still, thats all the reason for someone or something to hide out here and knowing our experience there usually is something to find.”
Sabine smiled, holding up one of her blasters. “And that’s why we’ll be ready for anything. We’re armed up and Ezra’s ready to try out that new lightsaber of his. Shame he didn’t include a blaster into it again like his last one. Guess he’s got a lot on his mind right now.”
"Yeah, I’m sure he has” Hera answered, not hiding the worry in her voice. Sabine looked back to Hera, her own brow lowered in concern now.
“You’re worried about him.”
I am. Has Ezra talked much with you recently? Especially about what happened?”
“No. Not really. Sure, he told us all about it when he and Kannan got back from Malachor. But otherwise he hasn’t brought it up since then. He talks about everything else like its normal but I don’t know, there's a bit of an edge to him now. What about Kannan? We haven't seen much of him since...well.”
Hera grimaced a little, knowing exactly what she was referring to.
“At this stage, there not really anything more that can be done to help his lost sight. And he’s s not really talking much either. He’s usually meditating on his own. His way of dealing with it.”
“Are the both of them at least talking to each other about it?”
“I don’t think so and that’s even worse. I feel like they’re avoiding each other because of it.”
Sabine sighed. “It sure is tough. We’ve already lost someone and that’s bad enough. Worse when you’re trying to help others over their grief over it and you don’t know how.” to which Hera nodded to.
“Everyone's taking what happened to Ahsoka hard, Ezra especially. I think he feels guilty about it, like its his fault, that he could have saved her. She had become a good friend, a second teacher for him, maybe even a part of the family. Ezra cares deeply about the people loves and if they get hurt or if he loses someone, it cuts deep down for him. That’s what happened when he lost his parents. I just hope he doesn't dwell much longer on it. With Kannen, he’s keeping himself isolated, but with Ezra, he’s pushing harder, probably too hard.” Hera looked down to the floor in thought while Sabine bit her lip, before talking once more.
“Well...me and Zeb will keep an eye on him out there, so don’t worry.” she reassured.
“Thanks. Maybe after we’re finished here, I’ll talk to both of them on-to-one about it. For now though, lets focus on the mission at hand.”
Way ahead of you.” With that Sabine’s smile returned. It wasn’t much, but the Mandalorian’s optimism was infectious and just what Hera needed to get out of her melancholy. You can’t defeat an Empire being stuck in a rut afterall.
With her sense of action returned, Hera turned back to the ship’s forward dashboard, flipping a switch connecting to their comm systems.
“Ezra, Zeb, you two ready for some space dumpster diving?
Sure thing Hera,” answered Ezra, his voice betraying none of the attitude that worried her. Instead he was as wisecracking as ever. “I mean, not so sure about Zeb, he’s still getting the last seal on and I don’t think he’s keep to go.”
“I’d like to see you try to put on a space suit that two times less your size and not even made for your species.” Zeb grumpily replied in his usual grumpy tone. “And no, I’m not keen on going out there into a deserted junkyard. We always seem to get jumped by the Imps when we do and this suit isn’t going to help me blasting back at them.”
“Well Zeb, you’re quick thinking on your feet, so you’ll do fine.” Sabine added.
My feet? Theres going to be no gravity out there, kind of makes it challenging.”
“You know what I mean, Zeb.” Sabine answered in mock frustration, actually enjoying their banter between them as their team often did to with other.
“Yeah, yeah, I know, I know.”
“Just remember not to throw up in your helmet. That would be embarrassing.” Ezra quickly added.
“I swear kid, you are not as funny as you think you-”
“Alright everyone,” Hera interjected, ending things before they could actually escalate beyond simple ribbing into an actual nuisance. “We’re exiting hyperspace...now.”
Outside, the swirling vortex of hyperspace soon disappeared, replaced by black, star filled space, along with a broken-up planetoid and the remains of several ship halting in front of them. The planet was large, looming over everything even as it hung in the background, its surface a dark, desolate grey. Closer to them and in front of them already was a massive debris field, littered with the remains of so many fighter and ships from both the Republic and the Separatists. Already in front of them were two Venators, one even with it’s hull split in half.
“Ok so let’s...” Hera began, only to be cut off.
“Bwrreewahhh! Bwwrreewwahh!” beeped and muttered Chopper in a alarmed tone. He was moving around agitated, his domed head spinning between the ladies to his side and the console he was plugged into currently, shaking side to side on his two legs.
“What the? What wrong with him?” asked Sabine.
Hera was also staring at Chopper in suprise, only for a beeping alarm to sound off now from her pilot’s console. Hera turned and looked at, studying the data that was just being read-out to her.
“Wait a minute...what the?”
As the Ghost moved up ever so slightly, clearing the line of sight between them and an obscuring venator, the reason for Chopper’s alarm became clear.
Ahead of them were three ships unlike any that they had ever seen. The one in the centre was the largest, consisting of two main parts: a large oval shape on top that stretched out towards the front. At the back of the oval, the ship connected to another component with two necks. The lower component had embedded into its front a rounded section that was lit up, probably serving a function of some kind, while further back two pylons stretched out and up from each side into two large separate modules that in all likelihood must have been the engines, with several grills running along their sides and front sections, colored with deep blues and red respectively.
On either side of this ship were the two others, smaller in size though not by much. While a different configuration from the centre ship, they still made use of similar components, an oval saucer on which at the front was the round light section and two brightly colored modules at the back, connected by pylons this time onto two catamaran structures that connected directly onto each side of the saucer’s top. Between the catamarans was a pod of some kind.
All three ships flew in formation, their gleaming white and black painted hulls contrasting with the rusting dull wrecks they flew between. And they were beginning to move towards the Ghost.
“Just our luck then, huh?” spoke Sabine, her sarcasm laced with not to subtle worry over whatever they had just run into.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain Shon continued looking over the report compiled by his chief engineer, going over all the information they had uncovered from the derelicts in the system and from what they had been able to bring back aboard the Enterprise. He was particularily interested in the report O'Brian had made regarding the few androids they had recovered and since brought back online, of which he had just had the pleasure of meeting.
As he mulled over Kirayoshi‘s report on his new...friends, he supposed, an alert began sounding from Kyona’s console. He turned around and faced her just as she had finished studying whatever she was seeing.
“Sir, I've got something our sensors, ” she said. “3000 km off starboard. It just appeared there along with a disturbance in Subspace."
3000? That was close. To close for comfort if they were just picking it up now.
“What is it? A ship?”
“Yes, definitely. Small, about 40 m long, of an unknown configuration.”
“On screen.” Shon ordered. The viewscreen in front of them changed, now showing the image of a new craft as it crested over the hulk of a derelict.
It was different in design to the others they had been studying. It was small, about the size of two runabouts put together roughly. It was vaguely rhombus shaped, with what looked like two windowed compartments stacked on top of each other the at front centre of the ship, On either side were round door like configurations, likely docking ports. At the rear were three protrusions, definitely engines of some kind while in the centre top was bubbled canopy with what looked like a turret.
At this stage, without any information about it, Shon couldn’t place what type of ship it could for sure, as it could range from a scout, long-range shuttle to a personnel gunship. Whatever type of ship though, he realised just how important and critical this moment had just become. This was it, first contact with whoever lived in this galaxy.
“Tem, analysis. What are our sensor’s telling us?”
“I’m reading four lifesigns aboard. Two I cannot recognise but the other two are human for certain.”
Just like on some of the derelicts. Humans in another galaxy. And these ones were alive. Maybe, if they could talk to them, they could begin to understand more about this incredible mystery. But first, he had to see to the safety of his crew.
“Kyona, raise shields, Jirelle, advise our escorts to do the same. I see what looks like a turret there.”
“Yes sir, they are armed.” she replied. “Looks like a mix of the weapon types we found from the derelicts. Though likely not enough to cause significant damage before we returned fire.”
“Have they targeted our ships or sent out a comm channel.”
“Not yet sir.” Jirelle answered.
Then he had an opening. To start this thing on the right foot.
“Lieutenant, open a hailing frequency.”
“Sir, we're still in the process of translating the language from the derelicts, assuming of course they utilise the same language. It may take some time for the UT to translate to them still.” raised Tem.
“I should also point out sir the potential risk.” interjected Kyona. “That ship could belong to any group we could imagine. From pirates to a hostile force.”
“Your observations are noted. But we'll learn nothing if we keep ourselves from initiating any contact and we could leave a wrong impression about our intentions if we stay silent. I think we should try.” Shon then nodded to Jirelle, confirming his order.
“Aye sir. Opening hailing frequencies.”
With that, Shon began to speak, looking directly at the ship on the viewscreen. “This is Captain Va’kel Shon of the Federation Starship Enterprise. We are on a mission of peaceful exploration in this system and have no hostile intentions. We wish to open a communication channel with you. Please respond.”
Now all he could do was wait and hope.
---------------------------------‐-
Hera and Sabine watched as the three ships angled towards them. As they did, Ezra and Zeb entered from the door behind them, clad in their spacesuits but with the helmets off. They walked up up beside The two and got their first look at the mysterious visitors. While Zeb's face contorted into confusion, Ezra’s in contrast was somewhat in awe and genuine curiosity, his eye widened slightly and his mouth agape.
“Woah. Who are these guys?”
“No idea.” Hera answered him.
“They don’t look Imperial.” added Sabine. “Or like anyone else we know.”
“Doesn’t mean they’re friendly though,” interjected Zeb, “Those are big ships, don’t think we’d like to tangle with them, not our own at least.”
Behind them, Chopper once again began making beeps and gurgles.
“Buah, wuuahh wuuahh wuuh waaahh.”
“Chopper says they’re sending a comm signal.” Hera explained.
Put them on,” requested Ezra with intrigued enthusiasm, “let’s hear what they have to say.”
Hera took to the dashboard and flicked several switches. Soon enough they heard a voice through their radio. It was organic, sounded like a man speaking in a even-handed yesterday authorities tone. But it was.. off. None of the words he was saying made any sense. It must have been a different language, but it wasn’t one any of the Spectres had ever heard.
What...what are they saying?” asked Sabine.
“I don't know. Some of it sounds like gibberish but I can make out some it.”
As the man’s voice repeated whatever he was saying however, it began to become more clear.
"La seitan Va’Kel Shon tu lanis Federation esperra Enterprise. Eia cada on a mission ve peaceful exploration in this system and have no hostile intentions. We wish to open a communication channel with you. Please respond.”
“Did he say Federation? Like the Separatists?” asked Sabine.
“Can’t be,” added Zeb, “those look nothing like the one their barges. Unless this is some fancy prototypes they abandoned?”
“Ok, thats it.” Hera declared. She flicked several switches and took hold of the joystick. “I'm turning us around. Whoever these guys are, they look like they mean business and we won't be able to take them on if they get nasty.”
“Hera, wait." Ezra started. "We don’t know who these are. What if they’re actually friendly? They just said they’re on an exploration mission. Maybe they could help us.”
I’d like to believe that Ezra, really. But like you just said, we don’t know who they are. For all we know this is some Imperial trap with some new kind of ships. And even if they’re not, those ships arn’t like any we’ve ever seen, and that’s really concerning. We’d be better getting out of here while we can and reporting this to Rebel command, then we can decide what to do next.”
Ezra looked like he was about to protest but stopped himself, seeing Hera’s logic. They’d been deceived by the Empire and others several times already and they’d nearly got killed for it each time...and the last time they did lose someone, while his master got hurt. Hera was right, they had to play this smart. He wouldn't let his friends get hurt again because of him.
“Yeah, OK, you’re right.”
Hera smiled slightly, before turning back to controls.
“So much for our supply run.” Zeb sarcastically quipped, before folding his arms together in frustration.
“Entering hyperspace in three, two, one...”
---------‐---------
Shon watched as the small ship, after he had repeated his message, turned around back in the direction it had come from and after a few seconds, disappeared, shooting into the vast depths of space, presumably activating its propulsion drive. To say that he was disappointed with this quite true.
“Sir, the ship has left...I think.” Tem stated from her duty station.
Shon lifted a eyebrow, while his antennae moved apart from each other. That was a strange way for Tem to phrase it.
“What do you mean?”
“Whatever engine they're using, its not warp drive.” She answered. “I’m not detecting any of the residue material a ship leaves after they jump to warp. Just a disturbance in Subspace in the area they left. And I can’t seem to track them either, I was only able to see them for a few seconds before they completely dropped off our sensors.”
“It did look like it moved though,” piped up Commander Winters from his seat. “Looks like its fast too. Whatever it is.”
“Keep a lookout for cloaked signatures just in case. Did they receive our message?”
The did. It’s just a matter of if the UT fully translated it for them. Reviewing the comm log, it looks like it has.”
Yet they decided to leave.” mulled Winters. “Probably the best move really, with three to one odds on numbers alone with bigger ships they know nothing about.”
“Hhmm.” Shon raised a hand to his chin, considering this first encounter. One the one hand, no shots were fired, no angry demands or threats were made or anything else as disastrous. But on the other, nothing but silence on their statement of peace, an immediate pulling back after he gave it and no start to any kind of dialogue that could help either of them understand each other and find common ground.
Not the first contact he hoped for but not unexpected either, nor was the final word of it either. They’ll be getting another chance soon enough he was sure. And if nothing else, it was no less an exciting moment. They had just had their first glimpse at the people of another Galaxy.
For now, he had to followup this up the chain of command.
“Send a message back to Deep Space 30. Request that they divert any nearby ships to our position, including a courier to take back some of our findings.”
Aye sir.” With that, Jirelle began composing a message. As she did, Commander Winters walked alongside Shon.
“What do you think Captain?” he asked, “Have we got off on the right foot at least, or shot it off instead?”
“I don’t know Samuel. I’d like to think so on the first count. But with any luck, we’ll find out soon. Here’s to it turning out for the best.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
Oh Shon, you have no idea...
This was a doozy of a one to write and I can only hope its halfway as good as I want it to be.
But yeah, the moment of first contact between the two galaxies. A momentus moment. One that can't possibly lead to anything bad in anyway whatsoever in the future when you meet these guy's neighbors.
🙃
But really, this probably is the best way it could start when these two galaxies meet. It may take a while, but these two are going to rely on each other for what is to come.
Credit for this great commission goes to
Star Trek and Star Wars are copyrighted and property of their respective owners
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