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Distress Call

Chapter 8

The alien ship looked nothing like the large delta winged shape of the Rhabwar, and it looked even less like the finned cigar shape of the Tragenhad or the Trafalur. To Valentine, as she studied the image on the Casualty Deck’s repeater Screen, the lines of this ship would look more at home flying next to the Enterprise or the Ender Wiggin.
She did a quick search of known warp nacelle configurations and saw that it had much in common with the first generation warp drive designs of several races in the Federation. “Captain Fletcher.” she called out “could you send that image to my LCARS terminal then switch the screen I will configure to one of your repeater Screens?”
“You have the image now.” replied Captain Fletcher.
After a few moments, Valentine said “I have taken a frame of your video feed and placed it in a split screen with a sequence of images of early warp drive designs from Federation history.”
“Very interesting. I will send your feed to Trafalur and Tragenhad. You will know you are connected with them when you see your feed on the Casualty Deck’s repeater. When you begin your comments, be sure to let the crew of the Tragenhad know that you are not an expert in propulsion.”
“Yes sir.”
When she saw her cue, Valentine said “This is Valentine Wiggin. While I am speaking to all in this conversation, I wish to clarify for the crew of Tragenhad that the speciality I am training for is medicine, not propulsion. What I am presenting here is based on what is taught about the history of Warp Drive development to every student at Starfleet Academy. Now, to all. As you can see in this comparison, those what Tragenhad referred to as pods in their reporting have a close external resemblance early experimental warp drive units tested by various races in the United Federation of Planets. Two of the tools I have with me to demonstrate to the Monitor Corps and to Sector General should be able to tell us if my hunch is correct. I will try to train a member of Rhabwar’s crew to use one of the tricorders during the exploration of the alien ship. I will be able to monitor the readings– ”
“Excuse me Valentine,” interrupted Dr. Conway “I’ve been given a brief demonstration of a tricorder. Do I understand correctly that a tricorder can get readings from a ship before we have boarded it?”
“Yes sir. It should be able to - unless that ship is shielded in a way that the scan cannot penetrate.”
“You will give Captain Fletcher his basic instructions on how to use one to scan the technology, then you will be partnered with him during his external survey of that ship. When we all go over there,”
“If we go over there.” interrupted Captain Fletcher.
Dr. Conway ignored the interruption “When we all go over there, you will use the other tricorder in the medical function to assist in searching the ship.”
“Yes sir.” Valentine replied. Then she said with a softer voice “I hadn’t expected to go into the deep end of the pool so quickly.”
Captain Fletcher said “Welcome to the Monitor Corps. We expect to work with you to the best of your ability. Your record shows that you successfully completed the open space portion of your Starfleet training. Since the purpose of your assignment to Rhabwar is to learn our rescue operations to share them with Starfleet and Starfleet Medical, you are being treated as a full member of the crew because we intend to do our part to earn the tools and knowledge your Federation and Starfleet are giving us.”
Dr. Murchison added “But no matter how deep the deep end gets, we do not intend to let you get in over your head.”
Captain Fletcher said “Please continue your report on those suspected warp drive units.”
***
Dr. O’Mara sat with Commander Troi in Ten Forward while Enterprise and Vespasian broke from their orbit around the Formic planet. They were heading first to Earth where Sector Marshal Dermod would meet with President Bala and then with other world leaders. Their discussion of Andrew Wiggin’s recovery from his treatment in his old realm was wearing thin when Useless entered the lounge along with other members of the Prime Team.
Dr. O’Mara called out “Hiccup.”
“Yes?” replied Useless, Chamaco and Peg-Leg at the same time.
Dr. O’Mara took a breath then said “Now I understand part of why you three have fully embraced your call signs. If this is not a good time please say so, but I’m asking if the Hiccup known as Useless would join Commander Troi and myself for a talk.”
“I’d be happy to,” replied Useless then as he walked to the table he continued “and please do call me ‘Useless.’”
“I’m not ready to do that, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be ready to call you that.” Dr. O’Mara gestured to the empty seat then said “I have been reading the books of your adventures and I have seen how that was a regular insult used against you. From hearing your reports and discussions over the radio, you seem to be a well adjusted individual, but I am concerned by your embracing such a derogatory slur as your name.”
“Sir. May I ask, how far have you gotten in the books?”
“You have just met the Dragon Furious on Berserk.”
“Ordinarily, sir, I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you so I’d tell you to keep reading and you would find out, but I don’t think you are reading them for pleasure.”
“You are correct. You are a person of some importance on this ship, and I’ve been told that you are the leader of the Wilderwest - the King - but that in almost all but formal settings and occasions you prefer to be called ‘Useless.’ I would have to be comfortable with why you wish to be called that before I would call you by that name.”
“I understand, sir.” Useless went on to explain Snotlout’s sacrifice and how all that he had learned from his cousin had become a part of his identity as the King.
***
While Nurse Naydrad checked the seals on Valentine’s space suit, she said “Don’t let the bickering you’ve heard between Captain Fletcher and Dr. Conway bother you. That has become a regular thing between them and it does serve a purpose. Captain Fletcher is an expert in assessing alien technology and he has command of the scene until he is convinced there is not a military threat, or a safety hazard. Once he has made that determination, Dr. Conway takes command of the operation. Of necessity, Dr. Conway is focused on the rescue part of this while Captain Fletcher is still making his assessment of the situation. Should the Captain find a threat, Dr. Conway will follow the Captain’s decision. None of us will like it, but that rule has been put in place for our safety.” She connected a hose then said “The other seals look good. Now, put on your helmet, seal it up then do a pressure check.”
***
Valentine and Captain Fletcher rode a sled equipped with small thrust and breaking rockets as well as with attitude control thrusters. Captain Fletcher piloted while Valentine scanned for signs of hazards during their first flight around the ship. With none detected, the Captain used the other tricorder to make an assessment of the ship’s technology. “The good thing is that I am detecting no indications of weapons on this thing. The bad thing is that I think the warp drive system has been damaged by a few of the impacts. We will contact the nearest Starfleet starship and ask their engineers to review the tricorder recording, but I’m sure they will only agree with our conclusion.”
“Yes sir.” replied Valentine, then she asked “Can we go back to what we’ve been thinking is an empty lifeboat fitting? I’ve been thinking about the details, and about the raised shape to the other side of the centerline. I’m thinking those are duel use vehicles - lifeboats and shuttles.”
“You’ve learned to look at and think about mechanical details that critically at Starfleet Medical?”
“No sir. These thoughts are based on things I’ve learned back in my old realm.”
As the Captain guided the sled around and they approached the shape from a different angle, he said “There is why we see only one part of the ship missing. The other shuttle or lifeboat has some impact damage.”
Valentine shined a light on the area of suspected damage. “Those are definitely holes in the hull.”
The Captain replied “The edge distortions suggest the impact was outside to in and that is consistent with what we’ve seen so far on what appears to be the upper part of the ship.” He guided the sled past the impact holes then changed course. “”We are going to finish up this inspection with close looks at those two suspected airlocks. The details I studied in the empty shuttle docking port suggested that those shuttle port hatches are not designed for airlock operations.”
“Friends Fletcher and Valentine.” Dr. Prilicla interrupted “They are aware that you are near their ship. I am detecting a mix of curiosity, confusion, and fear. So far, I am detecting no emotions suggesting hostility.”
“Thank you Dr. Prilicla. Their fear may be from the way we’ve been flying. We’ve pulled off some unusual moves with our lights waving to try to make out details beyond the punctures. They may be afraid we will hit them. We will be less reckless when we approach the airlock.”
***
Commander Riker sat to Dermod’s right at a conference table on Vespasian. He was briefing Vespasian’s executive officers. Riker had finished the briefing on the structure of Starfleet and had started with the Cylons and the Colonies of Kobol in his briefing on what they would be expected to know of the customs on the worlds they would be visiting.
Sector Marshal Dermod interrupted with “I had heard a few comments about these beings and I want to make sure I have this straight. The Cylons and the Colonies had been at war with each other in a long costly conflict before they came to this realm.”
“That is correct, sir.”
“Yet, not only did King Hiccup work to bring about a peace between them, with that agreement in place, the whole Federation welcomed them as new members of the Federation community?”
“That is also correct, sir.”
“But you have not been able to make peace with the International Fleet.”
“We have attempted negotiations with them but they refuse as long as we continue to protect and stand with the Formics. We will not compromise on that issue. The Formic Queen asked for, and the Formic race has been granted membership in the United Federation of Planets. Because they are rebuilding their population from the devastating result of the war in the realm of the International Fleet, the Federation has waved the participation requirements for them. However. The Queen has assured all that when their numbers are strong enough to permit it, they will take up their part in Federation and Starfleet activities.”
Riker paused for a brief moment then added “Sector Marshal Dermod. I understand that you, yourself, already know this and that you are asking for this information so that it can be placed on the record that will be shared with the rest of the monitor Corps, and with the worlds of the Galactic Federation. Therefore I will add this. Many in Starfleet and the Federation have reviewed all that is available to us on the history of the conflict between Humans and the Formics in that realm and we have concluded that conflict started because the Formics did not understand that Humans were intelligent. Even with that, errors of judgement were made on both sides during that initial conflict within that Earth’s solar system. Beyond that, the long and vicious war that followed was prosecuted by the International Fleet which kept the Formics on the Defensive. The Formic Queen has acknowledged the Formics’ role in the start of the conflict and she has apologized to those of the International Fleet realm who have come over to this realm and accepted membership in the Federation. I say all this in the hope that it will help those who will hear or read this record to understand who we in Starfleet and the Federation are as a people.”
“Thank you, Commander Riker. Please continue with your briefing.”
***
“Valentine has detected no safety hazards along the exterior of the ship” began the Captain “- except for the expected residue around the impact sites in the warp nacelles and we should have no reason to venture onto those areas during the search and rescue portion of this operation. I detected nothing that suggests offensive weapons, or even defensive weapons, on the exterior of the ship. That being said, we should remember the possibility that at least some members of the crew may be equipped with their equivalent of our sidearms.”
Captain Fletcher gestured for Valentine to change the image on her terminal. The output of that terminal was being transmitted to the Tragenhad and Trafalur for the briefing. Valentine brought up a 3-d representation of the alien ship that could be shifted to be viewed from any angle and from any distance. The curving organic lines of the ship were more suggestive of the lines of USS Voyager than like any other class in the Federation. Despite the similarities in shape, this ship was much smaller than Voyager.
Jaben, the Communications Officer on Trafalur said “Given the theory that this is an experimental vessel, my initial reaction to some of the exterior markings is that this may have been a commercial cooperative venture.” Lieutenant Lazcing, The Communications Officer on the Tragenhad, made a comment in its Nidian staccato barking speech. Jaben snapped back “Watch your language, Lazcing, We’ve got a young cadet with us.”
“It didn’t translate, Friend Jaben,” said Dr. Prilicla “but I agree. I can tell that Friend Valentine was not shocked, but we should be mindful of its feelings.”
Valentine responded “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m here to learn how you do this, so I’d rather work with all of you as you are. And keep in mind that when I’ve not been at the Academy these last few years, I’ve been living and working among Vikings and Dragons. I’m sure I could teach you guys some fresh new swear-words.”
“I’m game.” replied Lazcing.
Nurse Naydrad said “Lets stay with the problem at hand for now.” Her fur rippled sharply for a moment.
“Yes.” said Captain Fletcher “As I was about to say, Nurse Naydrad has studied the details of the port airlock and it is sure it can adjust the portable airlock to get a good seal. We will go in first using that to get a feel for the situation on that ship before we dock the Rhabwar with it. Trafalur will assist Naydrad and me with that operation. I want Tragenhad to dock with Rhabwar to meet with Valentine for instruction on using one of the tricorders. If any discussion takes place for adding to one’s vocabulary during that time, I do not want to hear it on the radio. When you are sure you know how to use the thing, you are to use it to attempt to follow those trace readings Valentine and I detected during our earlier inspection of the wreck. Hopefully you will find the missing shuttle or lifeboat, or will find their destination.”
***
Valentine met the crew of Tragenhad at Rhabwar’s airlock. Lieutenant Lazcing was first through, carrying between its seven fingered hands a device that looked about the right size to fit in one of Tragenhad’s direct vision ports. “Because you are here to learn, I will give you a brief demonstration of this while we are here.” Valentine heard both Lazcing’s translated words and its barking speech. She was mildly surprised to see that the small red curly-furred Nidian wore only a utility belt and a sash that was more like a strap which held its rank insignia.
“Friend Valentine.” said Dr. Prilicla “Had we neglected to inform you that among the many races in the Galactic Federation, only Earth-Human DBDGs hold a taboo against nudity?”
“Yes. You had.” Valentine responded as she stifled her surprise. “But Dragons usually don’t wear anything either, so I can deal with it.”
“That is good to know.” said Dr. Prilicla “The feelings I am getting from you suggest that you are adjusting well.”
“Thank you, Dr.” Valentine said cheerfully then she said to Lieutenant Lazcing “Please show me your device first.”
“Yes. This is meant to be mounted in a direct vision port with this broad surface facing outside. When we make marks on the pad on the reverse, the markings or shapes are repeated larger in light on the front. My theory is that the lettering and symbols in this format could be easier to see from a distance than markings on large sheets of paper.”
“So, you are developing this?”
“Yes. I’ve been working on this, with the captain’s approval, in my spare time. I was hoping that Rhabwar would help me evaluate this model.”
“It looks simple.”
“It is simple.” said another Nidian as it came through the airlock. “I’m sorry that Lazcing is wasting your time with it.” This Nidian turned to Lazcing then said “This being is from the Federation that is responsible for improving our communications systems. What interest would they have in your simple tool which is of questionable value?”
Valentine evaluated the other Nidian for a moment then knelt before Lazcing. She looked it in the eye then said “Let me tell you about the rescue operation I assisted this crew with before we came here. An act of aggression caused a number of Formic GLEGs to be trapped in below ground chambers and quite a few of them were injured. It was lucky that most of the children in the nursery were not injured in the attack. But, shortly after their rescue, the children came down with respiratory irritations. Rhabwar and the Ender Wiggin, two of the most advanced emergency response ships in existence were there working on the problem. The cure for the problem ended up being giving each child a bath then rest in a ward with plenty of fresh air ventilation. So, from where I stand, the simple approach still holds a valid place in what we do. Please tell me more about your device. I can think of a few people in Starfleet who would be interested in working with you to develop it.”
“I’m not expecting to reach high level communication with this,” Lazcing said with new energy “I will be pleased if we can use it to make it clear that we want to try to communicate. Many times, in the first few moments of a first contact, one of the parties may be distracted in dealing with their instinctual fight or flight response. So, my Idea is to use simple graphic devices to catch their attention in what I hope would be seen as a non-threatening way.”
“I like your thinking, Friend Lazcing.” Dr. Prilicla had still been hovering nearby “I will talk with Captain Fletcher about assisting in the test of your device. However. I suggest you hold off your discussion of it for now. Captain Fletcher wants you to focus on the tricorder training so that Tragenhad can get under way as soon as possible.”
“Yes sir.”
***
Sector Marshal Dermod, Dr. O’Mara and Captain Picard sat with Andrew Wiggin and Useless in the Bridge level conference room. Dr. O’Mara and Captain Picard had been doing most of the talking and their discussion had focused on the evolution of the Prime Team and the Dragon Army. “On one level,” said Dr. O’Mara “I am still amazed that the concept worked so well for you. I’ve read the related portions of this ship’s logs so I understand - as well as anyone can - how the two groups came together, but it is the level or responsibility on which you have placed them that I have the problem. I see the Monitor Corps equivalent being that we Take the Diagnosticians from Sector General and place them on Vespasian under Dr. Conway’s direction then let them call the shots on Monitor Corps activities in the sector. Their madness seems to be what is needed at Sector General, but I know I couldn’t stand the stress of worrying about what they would do next each time we gave them that power.”
“On one level,” said Andrew “that’s a fair comparison, but it is not that clear cut and simple.”
Useless added “Even in the earliest days when we were still figuring out how it would work, we were not operating completely on our own. We could develop plans and make recommendations, but our work had to be reviewed by Command Level officers before we could actually carry out a plan.”
Captain Picard said “Part of why it works so well is that each of them is comfortable with every member of the team. Each of them have proven that they can step back and let the needed strength of another member of the team call the shots on an operation. For example. Fishlegs, who is about as far as anyone can get from being a Viking warrior, came up with a great idea, then he worked with Camicazi and Mr. Worf to develop that idea into what was needed to bring about a swift, and relatively bloodless, victory over the Sith Lord’s Imperial Forces. Because of the review process while the plan was being developed, everyone directly involved in the operation had faith in the plan and they had no problem with the fact that a bard was calling the shots. Fishlegs had full faith in the information he was getting from Furious and Furious had full faith that everyone else knew what to do to carry out their part of the plan.”
Dermod asked “But what about the unknown? The element of surprise?”
Andrew replied “Bean and the Dragon Army did a fine job improvising when Grimmel disrupted their plans by transforming to a better person in this realm.”
Dr. O’Mara said “I’ve read the reports on that operation. I’m sorry to say that I know some officers in the Corps who could not have handled that situation. They are too much Alpha Types. They would have tried to maintain control of the situation and would likely have quashed Grimmel’s transformation. I’m understanding the system now. You on Enterprise got lucky in having a group of people come together who could work well without the influence of an alpha. Then, those in the positions of responsibility were able to grasp the mechanics of that luck and success then worked to ensure that it did not become corrupted.”
“Of course you are able to grasp it Dr. O’Mara.” said Marshal Dermod “In your younger days, you might have been a fine candidate for the Prime Team. But, of necessity you have insulated yourself in an Alpha Dog personality to carry out your duties at Sector General.”
Dr. O’Mara held an expression as hard as stone while he looked at Dermod. After a noticeable period of silence, O’Mara said “I guess that means that I’ll have to get use to the thought of searching for more personalities like Dr. Conway, Nurse Naydrad and Dr. Prilicla to populate the teams for the Monitor Corps.”
“Not just yet.” replied Dermod “We still have more to learn about these teams and their places throughout Starfleet then evaluate if the idea is compatible with Corps procedures.”
“Thank goodness.” said Dr. O’Mara, “Clear heads may yet prevail.”

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Distress Call

Chapter 8

The alien ship looked nothing like the large delta winged shape of the Rhabwar, and it looked even less like the finned cigar shape of the Tragenhad or the Trafalur. To Valentine, as she studied the image on the Casualty Deck’s repeater Screen, the lines of this ship would look more at home flying next to the Enterprise or the Ender Wiggin.
She did a quick search of known warp nacelle configurations and saw that it had much in common with the first generation warp drive designs of several races in the Federation. “Captain Fletcher.” she called out “could you send that image to my LCARS terminal then switch the screen I will configure to one of your repeater Screens?”
“You have the image now.” replied Captain Fletcher.
After a few moments, Valentine said “I have taken a frame of your video feed and placed it in a split screen with a sequence of images of early warp drive designs from Federation history.”
“Very interesting. I will send your feed to Trafalur and Tragenhad. You will know you are connected with them when you see your feed on the Casualty Deck’s repeater. When you begin your comments, be sure to let the crew of the Tragenhad know that you are not an expert in propulsion.”
“Yes sir.”
When she saw her cue, Valentine said “This is Valentine Wiggin. While I am speaking to all in this conversation, I wish to clarify for the crew of Tragenhad that the speciality I am training for is medicine, not propulsion. What I am presenting here is based on what is taught about the history of Warp Drive development to every student at Starfleet Academy. Now, to all. As you can see in this comparison, those what Tragenhad referred to as pods in their reporting have a close external resemblance early experimental warp drive units tested by various races in the United Federation of Planets. Two of the tools I have with me to demonstrate to the Monitor Corps and to Sector General should be able to tell us if my hunch is correct. I will try to train a member of Rhabwar’s crew to use one of the tricorders during the exploration of the alien ship. I will be able to monitor the readings– ”
“Excuse me Valentine,” interrupted Dr. Conway “I’ve been given a brief demonstration of a tricorder. Do I understand correctly that a tricorder can get readings from a ship before we have boarded it?”
“Yes sir. It should be able to - unless that ship is shielded in a way that the scan cannot penetrate.”
“You will give Captain Fletcher his basic instructions on how to use one to scan the technology, then you will be partnered with him during his external survey of that ship. When we all go over there,”
“If we go over there.” interrupted Captain Fletcher.
Dr. Conway ignored the interruption “When we all go over there, you will use the other tricorder in the medical function to assist in searching the ship.”
“Yes sir.” Valentine replied. Then she said with a softer voice “I hadn’t expected to go into the deep end of the pool so quickly.”
Captain Fletcher said “Welcome to the Monitor Corps. We expect to work with you to the best of your ability. Your record shows that you successfully completed the open space portion of your Starfleet training. Since the purpose of your assignment to Rhabwar is to learn our rescue operations to share them with Starfleet and Starfleet Medical, you are being treated as a full member of the crew because we intend to do our part to earn the tools and knowledge your Federation and Starfleet are giving us.”
Dr. Murchison added “But no matter how deep the deep end gets, we do not intend to let you get in over your head.”
Captain Fletcher said “Please continue your report on those suspected warp drive units.”
***
Dr. O’Mara sat with Commander Troi in Ten Forward while Enterprise and Vespasian broke from their orbit around the Formic planet. They were heading first to Earth where Sector Marshal Dermod would meet with President Bala and then with other world leaders. Their discussion of Andrew Wiggin’s recovery from his treatment in his old realm was wearing thin when Useless entered the lounge along with other members of the Prime Team.
Dr. O’Mara called out “Hiccup.”
“Yes?” replied Useless, Chamaco and Peg-Leg at the same time.
Dr. O’Mara took a breath then said “Now I understand part of why you three have fully embraced your call signs. If this is not a good time please say so, but I’m asking if the Hiccup known as Useless would join Commander Troi and myself for a talk.”
“I’d be happy to,” replied Useless then as he walked to the table he continued “and please do call me ‘Useless.’”
“I’m not ready to do that, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be ready to call you that.” Dr. O’Mara gestured to the empty seat then said “I have been reading the books of your adventures and I have seen how that was a regular insult used against you. From hearing your reports and discussions over the radio, you seem to be a well adjusted individual, but I am concerned by your embracing such a derogatory slur as your name.”
“Sir. May I ask, how far have you gotten in the books?”
“You have just met the Dragon Furious on Berserk.”
“Ordinarily, sir, I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you so I’d tell you to keep reading and you would find out, but I don’t think you are reading them for pleasure.”
“You are correct. You are a person of some importance on this ship, and I’ve been told that you are the leader of the Wilderwest - the King - but that in almost all but formal settings and occasions you prefer to be called ‘Useless.’ I would have to be comfortable with why you wish to be called that before I would call you by that name.”
“I understand, sir.” Useless went on to explain Snotlout’s sacrifice and how all that he had learned from his cousin had become a part of his identity as the King.
***
While Nurse Naydrad checked the seals on Valentine’s space suit, she said “Don’t let the bickering you’ve heard between Captain Fletcher and Dr. Conway bother you. That has become a regular thing between them and it does serve a purpose. Captain Fletcher is an expert in assessing alien technology and he has command of the scene until he is convinced there is not a military threat, or a safety hazard. Once he has made that determination, Dr. Conway takes command of the operation. Of necessity, Dr. Conway is focused on the rescue part of this while Captain Fletcher is still making his assessment of the situation. Should the Captain find a threat, Dr. Conway will follow the Captain’s decision. None of us will like it, but that rule has been put in place for our safety.” She connected a hose then said “The other seals look good. Now, put on your helmet, seal it up then do a pressure check.”
***
Valentine and Captain Fletcher rode a sled equipped with small thrust and breaking rockets as well as with attitude control thrusters. Captain Fletcher piloted while Valentine scanned for signs of hazards during their first flight around the ship. With none detected, the Captain used the other tricorder to make an assessment of the ship’s technology. “The good thing is that I am detecting no indications of weapons on this thing. The bad thing is that I think the warp drive system has been damaged by a few of the impacts. We will contact the nearest Starfleet starship and ask their engineers to review the tricorder recording, but I’m sure they will only agree with our conclusion.”
“Yes sir.” replied Valentine, then she asked “Can we go back to what we’ve been thinking is an empty lifeboat fitting? I’ve been thinking about the details, and about the raised shape to the other side of the centerline. I’m thinking those are duel use vehicles - lifeboats and shuttles.”
“You’ve learned to look at and think about mechanical details that critically at Starfleet Medical?”
“No sir. These thoughts are based on things I’ve learned back in my old realm.”
As the Captain guided the sled around and they approached the shape from a different angle, he said “There is why we see only one part of the ship missing. The other shuttle or lifeboat has some impact damage.”
Valentine shined a light on the area of suspected damage. “Those are definitely holes in the hull.”
The Captain replied “The edge distortions suggest the impact was outside to in and that is consistent with what we’ve seen so far on what appears to be the upper part of the ship.” He guided the sled past the impact holes then changed course. “”We are going to finish up this inspection with close looks at those two suspected airlocks. The details I studied in the empty shuttle docking port suggested that those shuttle port hatches are not designed for airlock operations.”
“Friends Fletcher and Valentine.” Dr. Prilicla interrupted “They are aware that you are near their ship. I am detecting a mix of curiosity, confusion, and fear. So far, I am detecting no emotions suggesting hostility.”
“Thank you Dr. Prilicla. Their fear may be from the way we’ve been flying. We’ve pulled off some unusual moves with our lights waving to try to make out details beyond the punctures. They may be afraid we will hit them. We will be less reckless when we approach the airlock.”
***
Commander Riker sat to Dermod’s right at a conference table on Vespasian. He was briefing Vespasian’s executive officers. Riker had finished the briefing on the structure of Starfleet and had started with the Cylons and the Colonies of Kobol in his briefing on what they would be expected to know of the customs on the worlds they would be visiting.
Sector Marshal Dermod interrupted with “I had heard a few comments about these beings and I want to make sure I have this straight. The Cylons and the Colonies had been at war with each other in a long costly conflict before they came to this realm.”
“That is correct, sir.”
“Yet, not only did King Hiccup work to bring about a peace between them, with that agreement in place, the whole Federation welcomed them as new members of the Federation community?”
“That is also correct, sir.”
“But you have not been able to make peace with the International Fleet.”
“We have attempted negotiations with them but they refuse as long as we continue to protect and stand with the Formics. We will not compromise on that issue. The Formic Queen asked for, and the Formic race has been granted membership in the United Federation of Planets. Because they are rebuilding their population from the devastating result of the war in the realm of the International Fleet, the Federation has waved the participation requirements for them. However. The Queen has assured all that when their numbers are strong enough to permit it, they will take up their part in Federation and Starfleet activities.”
Riker paused for a brief moment then added “Sector Marshal Dermod. I understand that you, yourself, already know this and that you are asking for this information so that it can be placed on the record that will be shared with the rest of the monitor Corps, and with the worlds of the Galactic Federation. Therefore I will add this. Many in Starfleet and the Federation have reviewed all that is available to us on the history of the conflict between Humans and the Formics in that realm and we have concluded that conflict started because the Formics did not understand that Humans were intelligent. Even with that, errors of judgement were made on both sides during that initial conflict within that Earth’s solar system. Beyond that, the long and vicious war that followed was prosecuted by the International Fleet which kept the Formics on the Defensive. The Formic Queen has acknowledged the Formics’ role in the start of the conflict and she has apologized to those of the International Fleet realm who have come over to this realm and accepted membership in the Federation. I say all this in the hope that it will help those who will hear or read this record to understand who we in Starfleet and the Federation are as a people.”
“Thank you, Commander Riker. Please continue with your briefing.”
***
“Valentine has detected no safety hazards along the exterior of the ship” began the Captain “- except for the expected residue around the impact sites in the warp nacelles and we should have no reason to venture onto those areas during the search and rescue portion of this operation. I detected nothing that suggests offensive weapons, or even defensive weapons, on the exterior of the ship. That being said, we should remember the possibility that at least some members of the crew may be equipped with their equivalent of our sidearms.”
Captain Fletcher gestured for Valentine to change the image on her terminal. The output of that terminal was being transmitted to the Tragenhad and Trafalur for the briefing. Valentine brought up a 3-d representation of the alien ship that could be shifted to be viewed from any angle and from any distance. The curving organic lines of the ship were more suggestive of the lines of USS Voyager than like any other class in the Federation. Despite the similarities in shape, this ship was much smaller than Voyager.
Jaben, the Communications Officer on Trafalur said “Given the theory that this is an experimental vessel, my initial reaction to some of the exterior markings is that this may have been a commercial cooperative venture.” Lieutenant Lazcing, The Communications Officer on the Tragenhad, made a comment in its Nidian staccato barking speech. Jaben snapped back “Watch your language, Lazcing, We’ve got a young cadet with us.”
“It didn’t translate, Friend Jaben,” said Dr. Prilicla “but I agree. I can tell that Friend Valentine was not shocked, but we should be mindful of its feelings.”
Valentine responded “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m here to learn how you do this, so I’d rather work with all of you as you are. And keep in mind that when I’ve not been at the Academy these last few years, I’ve been living and working among Vikings and Dragons. I’m sure I could teach you guys some fresh new swear-words.”
“I’m game.” replied Lazcing.
Nurse Naydrad said “Lets stay with the problem at hand for now.” Her fur rippled sharply for a moment.
“Yes.” said Captain Fletcher “As I was about to say, Nurse Naydrad has studied the details of the port airlock and it is sure it can adjust the portable airlock to get a good seal. We will go in first using that to get a feel for the situation on that ship before we dock the Rhabwar with it. Trafalur will assist Naydrad and me with that operation. I want Tragenhad to dock with Rhabwar to meet with Valentine for instruction on using one of the tricorders. If any discussion takes place for adding to one’s vocabulary during that time, I do not want to hear it on the radio. When you are sure you know how to use the thing, you are to use it to attempt to follow those trace readings Valentine and I detected during our earlier inspection of the wreck. Hopefully you will find the missing shuttle or lifeboat, or will find their destination.”
***
Valentine met the crew of Tragenhad at Rhabwar’s airlock. Lieutenant Lazcing was first through, carrying between its seven fingered hands a device that looked about the right size to fit in one of Tragenhad’s direct vision ports. “Because you are here to learn, I will give you a brief demonstration of this while we are here.” Valentine heard both Lazcing’s translated words and its barking speech. She was mildly surprised to see that the small red curly-furred Nidian wore only a utility belt and a sash that was more like a strap which held its rank insignia.
“Friend Valentine.” said Dr. Prilicla “Had we neglected to inform you that among the many races in the Galactic Federation, only Earth-Human DBDGs hold a taboo against nudity?”
“Yes. You had.” Valentine responded as she stifled her surprise. “But Dragons usually don’t wear anything either, so I can deal with it.”
“That is good to know.” said Dr. Prilicla “The feelings I am getting from you suggest that you are adjusting well.”
“Thank you, Dr.” Valentine said cheerfully then she said to Lieutenant Lazcing “Please show me your device first.”
“Yes. This is meant to be mounted in a direct vision port with this broad surface facing outside. When we make marks on the pad on the reverse, the markings or shapes are repeated larger in light on the front. My theory is that the lettering and symbols in this format could be easier to see from a distance than markings on large sheets of paper.”
“So, you are developing this?”
“Yes. I’ve been working on this, with the captain’s approval, in my spare time. I was hoping that Rhabwar would help me evaluate this model.”
“It looks simple.”
“It is simple.” said another Nidian as it came through the airlock. “I’m sorry that Lazcing is wasting your time with it.” This Nidian turned to Lazcing then said “This being is from the Federation that is responsible for improving our communications systems. What interest would they have in your simple tool which is of questionable value?”
Valentine evaluated the other Nidian for a moment then knelt before Lazcing. She looked it in the eye then said “Let me tell you about the rescue operation I assisted this crew with before we came here. An act of aggression caused a number of Formic GLEGs to be trapped in below ground chambers and quite a few of them were injured. It was lucky that most of the children in the nursery were not injured in the attack. But, shortly after their rescue, the children came down with respiratory irritations. Rhabwar and the Ender Wiggin, two of the most advanced emergency response ships in existence were there working on the problem. The cure for the problem ended up being giving each child a bath then rest in a ward with plenty of fresh air ventilation. So, from where I stand, the simple approach still holds a valid place in what we do. Please tell me more about your device. I can think of a few people in Starfleet who would be interested in working with you to develop it.”
“I’m not expecting to reach high level communication with this,” Lazcing said with new energy “I will be pleased if we can use it to make it clear that we want to try to communicate. Many times, in the first few moments of a first contact, one of the parties may be distracted in dealing with their instinctual fight or flight response. So, my Idea is to use simple graphic devices to catch their attention in what I hope would be seen as a non-threatening way.”
“I like your thinking, Friend Lazcing.” Dr. Prilicla had still been hovering nearby “I will talk with Captain Fletcher about assisting in the test of your device. However. I suggest you hold off your discussion of it for now. Captain Fletcher wants you to focus on the tricorder training so that Tragenhad can get under way as soon as possible.”
“Yes sir.”
***
Sector Marshal Dermod, Dr. O’Mara and Captain Picard sat with Andrew Wiggin and Useless in the Bridge level conference room. Dr. O’Mara and Captain Picard had been doing most of the talking and their discussion had focused on the evolution of the Prime Team and the Dragon Army. “On one level,” said Dr. O’Mara “I am still amazed that the concept worked so well for you. I’ve read the related portions of this ship’s logs so I understand - as well as anyone can - how the two groups came together, but it is the level or responsibility on which you have placed them that I have the problem. I see the Monitor Corps equivalent being that we Take the Diagnosticians from Sector General and place them on Vespasian under Dr. Conway’s direction then let them call the shots on Monitor Corps activities in the sector. Their madness seems to be what is needed at Sector General, but I know I couldn’t stand the stress of worrying about what they would do next each time we gave them that power.”
“On one level,” said Andrew “that’s a fair comparison, but it is not that clear cut and simple.”
Useless added “Even in the earliest days when we were still figuring out how it would work, we were not operating completely on our own. We could develop plans and make recommendations, but our work had to be reviewed by Command Level officers before we could actually carry out a plan.”
Captain Picard said “Part of why it works so well is that each of them is comfortable with every member of the team. Each of them have proven that they can step back and let the needed strength of another member of the team call the shots on an operation. For example. Fishlegs, who is about as far as anyone can get from being a Viking warrior, came up with a great idea, then he worked with Camicazi and Mr. Worf to develop that idea into what was needed to bring about a swift, and relatively bloodless, victory over the Sith Lord’s Imperial Forces. Because of the review process while the plan was being developed, everyone directly involved in the operation had faith in the plan and they had no problem with the fact that a bard was calling the shots. Fishlegs had full faith in the information he was getting from Furious and Furious had full faith that everyone else knew what to do to carry out their part of the plan.”
Dermod asked “But what about the unknown? The element of surprise?”
Andrew replied “Bean and the Dragon Army did a fine job improvising when Grimmel disrupted their plans by transforming to a better person in this realm.”
Dr. O’Mara said “I’ve read the reports on that operation. I’m sorry to say that I know some officers in the Corps who could not have handled that situation. They are too much Alpha Types. They would have tried to maintain control of the situation and would likely have quashed Grimmel’s transformation. I’m understanding the system now. You on Enterprise got lucky in having a group of people come together who could work well without the influence of an alpha. Then, those in the positions of responsibility were able to grasp the mechanics of that luck and success then worked to ensure that it did not become corrupted.”
“Of course you are able to grasp it Dr. O’Mara.” said Marshal Dermod “In your younger days, you might have been a fine candidate for the Prime Team. But, of necessity you have insulated yourself in an Alpha Dog personality to carry out your duties at Sector General.”
Dr. O’Mara held an expression as hard as stone while he looked at Dermod. After a noticeable period of silence, O’Mara said “I guess that means that I’ll have to get use to the thought of searching for more personalities like Dr. Conway, Nurse Naydrad and Dr. Prilicla to populate the teams for the Monitor Corps.”
“Not just yet.” replied Dermod “We still have more to learn about these teams and their places throughout Starfleet then evaluate if the idea is compatible with Corps procedures.”
“Thank goodness.” said Dr. O’Mara, “Clear heads may yet prevail.”