Posted by Captain Marceau Renault (Commanding Officer) in Swirling Intrigue

Posted by Gamemaster Creeping Dread (GM) in Swirling Intrigue

Posted by Captain Marceau Renault (Commanding Officer) in Swirling Intrigue
Posted by… suppressed (34) by the Post Ghost! 👻
An older woman, though still in her prime, sat behind a grand and ostentatious desk. Commodore Sarah Waite gazed down at it with apathy, aware that it served more as a prop than a practical tool in her day-to-day life. The sheer size of the desk, the opulence of its design, was meant to impress and intimidate the many visitors that came to see her. Space aboard starships might be a premium, but here at the Columbia Spacedock, there was enough room for such displays of luxury—an unsubtle reminder of Starfleet’s influence.

For a moment, she allowed herself to muse on the desk’s grandeur, but her thoughts quickly shifted back to the pressing matter at hand. The SS Sojourner had returned from its latest mission less than 24 hours ago, and now it was being called back into action. The mission that had just crossed her desk was of the utmost urgency, and it left her no choice but to interrupt Captain Marceau Renault’s brief leave on Earth.

“Status on contacting Captain Renault?” she asked, turning toward the communications officer stationed near the door.

The young officer turned, his face tense with an apology. “Still no response, ma’am. Captain Renault is with Lieutenant Laursen in Iceland, visiting her family. We’ve tried several times, but it appears they’re out of range or unreachable.”

Waite’s jaw tightened. It wasn’t like Renault to be unavailable, but the timing of his leave couldn’t have been worse. The situation called for swift action, and she wasn’t about to let delays compromise Starfleet’s mission.

“Very well,” she said crisply. “Prepare a shuttle pod for immediate launch. I want a retrieval team sent to Iceland within the hour. Bring Captain Renault and Lieutenant Helena Laursen back to the Sojourner. No delays.”

The officer nodded, moving quickly to carry out her orders. Waite watched him go for a moment before turning back to the large window that offered a view of Earth from the spacedock. The blue and green globe spun slowly below, peaceful and distant. But up here, decisions had to be made. Lives depended on those decisions, and Sarah Waite was never one to shirk from duty.

“Also,” she added as the officer paused at the door, “issue a recall for the rest of the crew. I want everyone back aboard the Sojourner and prepped for departure. This mission is priority one. No questions, no excuses.”

“Understood, Commodore.”

As the doors slid shut behind him, Waite allowed herself a brief moment of silence. Her gaze remained fixed on Earth, where Renault and Laursen were likely unaware of the events unfolding above them. But that wouldn’t last long. Soon they’d be pulled back into the fray, and whatever this new mission entailed, she would make sure they were ready.

“Make sure the pilot knows we don’t have time to waste,” she murmured to herself, her mind already racing through the next steps.

There would be a briefing once the crew returned, but for now, urgency and precision were the only orders of the day. The Sojourner needed to be ready for whatever lay ahead—and Waite had every intention of ensuring that it would be.

~Creeping Dread

Two hours after the order was given a shuttle pod descended rapidly over Iceland. It circled over the residence of Laursen’s parents before it landed on a nearby empty spot.

Lt. Helena Laursen’s parents lived in Garðabær, Iceland. The house was two stories, and quaint. Her father had built the house with his own hands using historical methods. He was a carpenter of world renown. He often worked restoring historical sights. Their home reflected his skill and care. The town, like everything in Iceland, had retained their heritage, their language, and their culture. It was reflected in everything. They had to land the shuttle a ways away and walk the rest of the way.

The pod opened and a man jogged out and to the door. He knocked on it with a firm hand.

~Creeping Dread

An older man opened the door. If the officers were familiar with Laursen they would recognize similar eyes. He was slightly taller than Helena and broad in a very muscular sense. His brows raised as he took in the uniformed man. He was wiping his hands on a leather apron. “I’m Torben Laursen. I suppose you’re here for my daughter Helena or Marceau. They aren’t here right now. They went down to the geothermal pools. I’d comm them, but no electronics or outside materials are allowed in.” He gave the man directions. “You will have to check in at the desk to get in.”

The entrance to the pools was easy to find. People were waiting to get in. The woman at the desk smiled. “Lockers and showers are to the right. Please remember no electronic devices are allowed in the area of the pools, no food, drink, or clothing of any kind. You must shower with the provided non toxic soap and thoroughly rinse before you enter. Please enjoy your stay.” She repeated her instructions as each person approached, without really seeing anyone in front of her.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“Pardon me. Please make way. Coming through.” The uniformed man called out as he cut through the line and arrived at the reception desk. “I’m not here to bathe and won’t be going in but need an urgent message passed to Captain Renault and Lieutenant Laursen. They have thirty minutes to ready themselves for departure. If they’re not ready I’ve been authorized to take them in whatever state they’re in at that point. I’ll be at the shuttle pod by her parent’s house. Thank you and have a pleasant day.” He turned and left while thanking everyone for their patience.

~Creeping Dread

NL Reginald Green stepped out of the shuttle pod and made his way to the engineering. He always found them cramped due to his size which was likely more psychological than actual but he was ever happy to get out of it. What he saw in Engineering was a surprise; he had returned on the first pod back up when the recall came and yet both Gagarin and Serinde were there.
“Ensigns, you didn’t go planetside? Rule number one of naval action. You never know when action may happen so take all leave opportunities as soon as you get them. You snooze. You lose as is the case now.” He didn’t wait for them to answer. “Status on recalling the crew?” They looked at each other and Serinde shrugged ever so slightly. “Well, this isn’t a committee.”
“Sir, Alpha shift is present less Petty Officer Fawkes. I heard Warrant Officer Jackson say there are five yet to return but each has responded they received the recall and are en route.”
“Lt,” said Sasha, “Is Petty Officer Fawkes returning? You know, after the news about his father?”
Green sighed and tugged at his beard. “I don’t know,” he said quietly. “Rough news. He had a turn for the worst, his father. But if he responded to the recall we will find out soon. I know he was going to talk to fleet branch about options. I don’t know if he had the chance.” He cleared his throat. “Gagarin, find out the remaining crew still to come and their ETA’s and report back. Serinde, run a pre-flight check on all systems, fuel and supply status. You were doing fuel consumption comparisons on the trip back. I’d like to see that and your recommendations.”
Both yielded aye, Lt’s before the three turned to their tasks. For Green it was examining the engineer performance evaluations that he had started while on their way back. Honestly there wasn’t much to add but he, with an eye for regulations, did have annotations to make.
- Engineering Officers

It was a game of telephone between staff. Finally a staff member entered the pool area and tapped Marceau on the shoulder. “Mr Renault?”

“Yes, Monsieur?”

“Someone is waiting at the Lauren residence for you.”

“What did they want?” Marceau asked.

“I don’t know, that is all I was told,” said the staff member.

~ Capt Renault

Helena shrugged. “Probably Edílon. You know how he is when you come to visit. Still like he’s 11 years old.” She grinned and relaxed back in the pool. “My brother can just wait. We just got home.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau nodded. “Thank you.” Marceau told the staff member and smiled. He relaxed, his arm around Helena. “Oh, ‘elena, comme j’en avais besoin,” he said, drawing out the last word. “Your brother can wait until we are done.”

~ Capt Renault

Helena closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. “I’ve always enjoyed the pools.” She laughed suddenly. “Do you remember that summer, when we had leave from Mars? I hurt so much you told me to come soak, but I wouldn’t without you?” She laughed some more. “You had been avoiding coming here for years.”

Marceau laughed. “Oui, ouiep, je me souviens.” He said. “I remember. I am not the most modest person in the world but I had my reservations about coming here.” He smiled, “I am glad you won that one.”

“Another hour? This does wonder for my leg.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau nodded. “Oui. Another hour will do wonders on my sore muscles.”

~ Capt Renault

Three Starfleet officers reentered the pool and cut the line in a much more brusque manner. They stopped at the reception desk and gave the receptionist a very stern look. “It has been a half hour. We need Captain Renault and Lieutenant Laursen to exit immediately or we’re going in for them.”

~Creeping Dread

After a few specific questions for clarification and asking the officers to step aside. One of the receptionists disappeared into a back room. Then after a signal light and a bit of waving the man got the attention of one of the park rangers on duty at the pools, the message was relayed.

He walked about the pools asking for a Mr Renault and Ms Laursen. Helena opened her eyes with a sigh, “I swear, my brother.” She lifted a hand, “I’m Ms. Laursen.” The park ranger walked over, “Sir, are you Captain Renault? There are three officers demanding your presence at the main entrance. They are threatening to enter the pools if you do not.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau looked up at the man. “We will come. My deepest apologies for the trouble.” With reluctance he removed his arm from around Helena.

They stood and made their way back toward the bath house, showers, and their clothes. They emerged clothed, wrapped in their light weight jackets. Even in summer, Iceland was cooler than most people were used to.

Renault looked at the officers, “What is so important that you are interrupting my vacation by threatening the sanctity of a national site?”

~ Capt Renault

The man in the lead wasn’t perturbed in the least. “The Sojourner crew has been recalled by order of Commodore Waite. We have been dispatched to return you to Columbia Spacedock immediately for mission briefing. If you would please accompany us to the shuttlepod we will get into orbit imminently.”

~Creeping Dread

Helena was far too professional to show anything other than professionalism. On the way to the shuttlepod, she used her personal comm.

[O]Dad… yeah they found us. Could you pack my and Marceau’s bags and take them…” she grinned as she was interrupted. “You already did. Thanks. Yeah we hate it too. I promise as soon as we get back we’ll come home… No, we don’t know yet. Tell mom and Edílon we’re sorry. Love you all.[C]

Helena closed the comm and looked at Renault. “Dad’s already taken our bags to the shuttle. So we’re all set.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“Merci, Helena. Tell them too.” Marceau said to her. He followed the officers, but Helena could tell he was not happy about it. “I’d like a brief summary now, if you would.” He said. “And a damn good reason to interrupt my vacation.” He wouldn’t bring up that it was doctor ordered.

~ Capt Renault

The officer in the lead looked back at the Captain with the hint of an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry Captain, Lieutenant, but we were not told the purpose of your recall. Our orders were handed to us by Commodore Waite’s adjutant and told to expedite it.”

They arrived at the shuttlepod where the pilot stood next to the rear hatch. “We’ve got to go! We’ve got fifteen minutes clearance to get through our route to orbit.”

~Creeping Dread

“Helena can’t fly us up?” Marceau asked. “She is un pilot excellent.” He commented. “She’d have us there in no time.”

~ Capt Renault

The pilot shrugged then beckoned for them to board. “I don’t care who pilots as long as it’s now. We miss this window and we’ll have an hour wait minimum. I would rather walk back to headquarters than take the next shuttle up, at least my posterior would remain a little longer.”

~Creeping Dread

Helena spotted their bags and quickly stowed them as she ducked through the opening. She took the pilot’s seat and opened the comms. She actually by passed the Star Fleet channels and spoke in Icelandic to the local air and space traffic controller.

Moments later the shuttle lifted and spiraled out, gaining altitude quickly. She spoke repeatedly into the comms, switching channels once and then they rocketed up and through the atmosphere. Once clear she opened a channel to Columbia Spacedock. “Shuttle Toller to Columbia Spacedock. Requesting immediate docking on Commodore Waite’s orders. We have Captain Renault and Lt Laursen in board.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau sat in the seat behind Helena’s. Then he leaned back in the seat and tried to relax while they flew up.

~ Capt Renault

There was a queue of shuttle pods waiting in space for clearance. Of the three available slots - two in the Sojourner and one reserved at the Station there looked to be one which was just positioning to dock in Port 1 on the Sojourner.

[o] Sojourner to Toller. CPO Cleare here. Standby. Docking Station 2 on board is disembarking and preparing for departure. ETA 8 minutes. Shuttle Ganges is about to dock In Station 1. Medical priority from Starfleet. Station Docking is on hold. They are having issue with a jammed docking clamp on Shuttle Pod Starlight. They are estimating another 15 minutes to clear that problem. Please stand by. [c]
CPO Cleare, Eng

[O]Acknowledged Sojourner. Please comm the station and let Commodore Waite know about the delay.[C]

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

[o] Acknowledged [c] Fiona said before closing the channel. Another light came up, this time from the station docking ring that was jammed. Swell, she thought as she blew out a breath. Turning to Aiden she called, “Ensign Conlon, I’ve got switchboard duty here with the different pods coming up. Lt Laursen wants us to let Commodore Waite know that his shuttle to the ship will be a little delayed. Can you make that call?”
CPO Cleare, Eng

The requisite amount of time passed until the jammed docking ring was cleared. Though with being a Spacedock with multiple docking rings there probably didn’t need to have a wait. Either way the shuttlepod docked with Columbia Spacedock successfully.

~Creeping Dread

As soon as they were given the okay to do so, Marceau was unbuckling himself and making for the shuttle door. He stepped out of the shuttle, still irritated his vacation was interrupted.

~ Capt Renault

Helena stepped out of the shuttle after passing controls to the other pilot and followed Renault out. She grabbed their bags as she did. So much for vacation. It was the life they chose after all.

The head officer led the Captain and Lieutenant to a point where they were handed off to Commodore Waite’s adjutant. He was a tall and broad man with Captain’s insignia on his collar. He beckoned them to follow and explained as they moved. “Sorry for cutting your much needed vacation short. Unfortunately the Sojourner is the only ship available for the mission we need completed with some urgency.”

~Creeping Dread

“What is the mission, Captain?” Marceau asked, assuming the rank based on the insignia. “Now that I have been recalled, I would like to get to work.”

~ Capt Renault

“I’ll let the Commodore brief you fully but the gist of it is a search and rescue.” The Captain revealed. “A couple of civilian merchant ships have vanished on the route to Vulcan.”

~Creeping Dread

Marceau’s look turned concerned. “How long have they been gone?” He asked.

~ Capt Renault

Helena’s mind immediately went to their long ago mission to Vulcan and the crew mates they had lost in the attack by the Nausicans. Could they have taken the merchant ships? They were brutal thieves and pirates. The wouldn’t leave anyone alive.

The Captain stopped outside the Commodore’s office and looked back at Marceau with a solemn expression. “Three weeks for the nearest and seven for the furthest. Which has us confused to be honest. We’re in a rush because by the time you arrive at the first location at the Sojourner’s maximum warp factor it will have been ten weeks.”

~Creeping Dread

“Rations may not last that long,” Marceau said. “No one else is closer?”

~ Capt Renault

The Vulcans had faster ships. Couldn’t THEY help? Or were they trying to thin out the Human presence in the universe? They would have to clear cargo holds and take c-ration packs. Three weeks to reach where they were and then who knew how LONG to track and find them. Helena was already calculating possible shortcuts to Vulcan and trying to remember what might nearby in those areas.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

The Captain shook his head. “Of the ships Starfleet has with warp 4 engines, one is in drydock for repairs, another is top far out of range to reach them in time, and then you. The food situation shouldn’t be that dire as a trade ship takes roughly two years one way to Vulcan.”

~Creeping Dread

“Why isn’t Vulcan helping them?” Marceau asked, voicing Helena’s question as he thought of it. “They are faster than we are.”

~ Capt Renault

“For that you will have to ask the Commodore.” The Captain responded before he turned and tapped on the door chime.

“Enter.” A voice called out from within. The door parted and the man stepped aside to allow Marceau and Helena entry.

~Creeping Dread

Marceau stepped inside and offered the Commodore a polite bow of the head. “Bonjour, mons- ahem, Commodore.”

~ Capt Renault

The woman behind the impressive desk looked up and studied the two. She did so for a minute before gesturing at the two seats. “Sit. I imagine Captain Reynolds filled you in partially on the situation. Your ship is being rearmed and resupplied as a priority so that we can get you back out as quickly as possible.”

~Creeping Dread