Posted by Commander Heathcliff Rinker (Chief Medical Officer/ Psychiatrist) in First Contact…Arrival of the GUS Redemption…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Civilian Jessa Novar (Child) in First Contact…Arrival of the GUS Redemption…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Commander Heathcliff Rinker (Chief Medical Officer/ Psychiatrist) in First Contact…Arrival of the GUS Redemption…when the past does not match the present or the future
Posted by… suppressed (17) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Chancellor Pellan Vell held his breath as the Galactic Union Ship Redemption broke from the celestial web and exploded into the Milky Way. For weeks the ship had traveled with only the prism like rainbows cutting through the pitch darkness of the universe. While mesmerizing, it made one feel off balance and dizzy when staring out the view ports of the ship. No crew in centuries had traveled this far. Secretly, in the silence of night, Pellan had let his thoughts wander to the what if’s of the mission. What if there was nothing to find when they exited the celestial web. What if they could not find the PRISM or the lost Elders. What if they could not eventually return home to Vela Astria at the end of the mission. These inner thoughts were kept private and out of public consumption. The crew had volunteered for this with rabid fervor. The several hundred thousand had been hand selected among millions who clamored to be part of the crew.

The moment this ship settled into the space of Milky Way galaxy, an audible exhale erupted from throughout the Galactic Union fleet. It was not in awe of the tiny spec of metal off their port bow. It was in awe of the stellar landscape. No one on the ship had ever seen this array of stars. Everything was foreign but exhilarating. For the Galactic Union, this part of space did not even have a name or designation. Pellan felt a sense of exhilaration fill his body he had not experienced since his youth: full of possibilities and adventure.

“All ships report,” the voice of Supreme Commanding General Adar Vyce broke through the silence of the bridge. It snapped the bridge crew into action. Within moments voices began calling out the statue of each ship exiting the Celestial Web behind the Redemption.

Chancellor Pellan Vell and Supreme Commanding General Adar Vice.

Ship after ship emerged from the blackened void of space. Destroyers, cruisers, frigates, escorts, science, medical, supply, transport, and freighters: The Galactic Union came with every type of ship to not only defend but colonize. The ships sizes varied widely as did the number. They filled the celestial sky in a display only the battle hardened from years of conflict with the Borg, the Dominion, or the Cardassians would remember. After the sheer amount of them, the other more interesting fact about the ships were they all looked exactly the same. The entire aramada of ships were the same bullet like shape as the Beacon of Light that the Elders arrived in. Some ships were small enough the bullet like shape was easily visible. Other ships were so emense, that they looked almost spherical. Every ship appeared to have no viewport: Only a hull that resembled a liquid metallic silver color with the faintest sheen of blue surrounding them.

The bridge of the Redemption erupted into a controlled chaos as each station compiled the reports Pellan requested. The efficiency of each department was meticulous only responding when necessary however the sheer number of people on the bridge created a white noise effect. If one listened they could pick out that from the agriculture station all food transports were accounted for and production was at maximum capacity or that indoctrination corp had completed their final preparations for meeting the Federation. Pellan watched the screen on the arm of his chair as he read over the diplomatic and governmental information. Adar Vyce did the same with the military, tactical, and strategic reports.

“When our ships exited the celestial web there was a shockwave of sorts. Our ships were not effected but our point of contact was. I placed an energy envelop up to help dissipate the effects after the initial bombardment,” Vyce stated in a controlled tone.

Casting a glance at Vyce, Pellan waited for the curt nod by the head of the military before clearing his throat. ” Everyone put on your smiles. It is time to say hello and be friendly. Open all hailing frequencies and run in all known languages along with Galactic Basic.”

Pellan Vell (Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Union) and Adar Vyce (Supreme Commanding General of the Galactic Union military)

=============
Atlantis Bridge
=============

“Captain,” the officer at the conn immediately stood up vacating the seat and taking up a station reporting as he moved. The bridge was chaos but running like a well tuned machine during a red alert. Every console was taking reports from every department on the ship. Looking out the viewport it was clear there were numerous ships but the sizes of some of them were almost awe inspiring. The main ship had the design of all the other ships as a sort of bullet with a length of 20000 meters. The other ships in the fleet varied in every sort of size but none of them were larger than this mothership.

Engineering reported no major systems down and those that had been impacted would be up and running in a quarter of an hour. They could not however produce a reason for the immediate righting of the ship. The quantum shock wave should have sent the Atlantis tumbling around but for some unknown reason it had not. Engineering did report that the energy signature, which caused the Atlantis to tilt by ninety degrees, was the same as the energy signature from a month ago caused by the arrival of the Galactic Union ship Beacon of Light only five hundred times more powerful.

Science could also report the same finding as Engineering that the energy signature was the same as the one when the Beacon of Light arrived however they could answer why it was five hundred times more powerful. It was because there were at least five hundred more ships coming out of the void of space. This would create a far more forceful energy wave much like multiple waves crashing onto a coast which amplified their effects. Science could also report that there was a second energy field surrounding the ship and now acting as a shield of sorts preventing any further shockwaves from impacting the Atlantis.

Tactical, Security, and the Marines would see looking at the view port at the sheer number of ships filling space. With their expertise, they could easily infer this was a massive fleet arriving. Based on anyone’s military background, assumptions could be made about the ships purposes such as combat, supply, and transport. These departs could also report that the alien shield around the Atlantis was originating from the largest ship much like a tractor beam.

Medical was slower in its reporting due to the still taking count of crew stumbling in with mostly bumps, bruises, and broken bones.

Counseling would be there to take reports from the civilian departments along and give a psychological input when the two ships began communications.

Kelly stared out of the viewport taking a global perspective on the events transpiring. Her departments would begin collecting and reporting back to her as soon as they could. There was no reason to scream at them to hurry. Everyone knew their job.

Kelly Bordeaux CO

=/\=Captain, we have a full house here in sickbay but luckily none of it is too major. Mostly bumps, bruises, and a few concussions. Reports are still coming in but for now we are able to keep up.=/\= Heathcliff clicked off his comm. The action was always assumed to be on the bridge however when there was action on the bridge, sickbay always filled up.

Rinker CMO

Cara followed out onto the bridge. She moved toward the auxiliary stations at the back of the bridge, out of the way. She watched the view screen. “I don’a want ta attend the party they are here ta throw,” she muttered under her breath.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

River leaned in next to Cara and looked at the monitor “Neither do I counsellor. But if I have to I intend to bring a plus one” she said simply. She knew that the fleet outside was an invasion fleet. She knew that Jessa was still on board and could easily turn on them again. but she couldn’t do much about that. What she could do though was get ready for war.

=/\= Styxx to Marine country. Full tactical alert. Battle stations. The galactic union is here=/\= She ordered through her com. The second she finished her order the light in marine country went red and a steady drum beat blared instead of the usual claxon.

“By your leave Captain, the marines will be ready” She said looking to Kelly to give her the go ahead.

Mar. Capt Styxx (Marine OIC)

“Exactly as I would expect,” Kelly nodded with a neutral expression on her face. Her almost dismissive comment had nothing to do with the Marines. Kelly would need them and their expertise. She also knew they would be ready to go even before the words left her mouth.

Valerie had promptly followed the other occupants of the Ready Room onto the Bridge to see what had just happened. For a split second she couldn’t help but feeling vindicated about her ‘no drinking on the job’ stance, but the moment she laid eyes on the scene playing out on the viewscreen, the thought left her mind entirely.

Relieving the duty officer at the Science station, she confirmed the readings the young man had registerd – the massive shockwave caused by the incoming ships causing the abrupt tilt they had experienced a few moments before, and the fact that the Atlantis seemed to be surrounded by a shield of sorts, effectively being protected from any other shockwaves.

“Captain,” Valerie reported. “I’m reading an energy field surrounding the Atlantis. It seems that we are actively being shielded against further shockwave hits like the one we just experienced.” Was something, or someone, out there protecting the ship? The thought crossed her mind, but Ashford didn’t voice it. “Attempting to locate its origin as we speak, Ma’am.” She glanced around momentarily to the Tactical console, before returning to the readings in front of her.

It would not take the science chief long to pinpoint that the energy beam was coming directly from the main ship. While the energy signature was slightly different, it was close enough to surmise it was a tractor beam.

“Captain we are recieving a hail from the alien ship,” the comms officer stated.

“Here we go again,” Kelly muttered taking a seat in the command chair. “Open the channel,” she ordered taking a deep breath.

=/\=Captain Bordeaux. This is Chancellor Pellan Vell of the Galactic Union. How are you doing this evening?=/\= If one did not know the voice was attached to a person presumably attached to the invasion fleet poised off the Atlantis’ bow, they would find the voice pleasing and charming. The tone, cadence and pitch sounded friendly and confident. It was not filled with any undertone of malice or anger. In fact it was soothing and calm. It was a voice that many counselors had when speaking to clients.

Kelly did not immediately respond but cast a glance over to Cara. As a counselor it was her job to help the CO and XO make some judgement calls about other individuals. Not having visuals helped and hurt the situation. It would allow one to envision a monster on the other end of comm line if they chose to. It would also allow one to envision the person as someone trustworthy and approachable. It was all based on someone’s perception.

Kelly Bordeaux CO

Cara didn’t immediately answer. She contemplated the words while she walked over to the captain. “Obviously whoever informed the Elders about us, these people know as well. They address ya by name. If we judge by their first contacts, they are duplicitous. They will be kind until ya don’a fall in line. I suggest playin’ the long game, Captain. Keep yer cards close ta the chest until we know more.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Kelly nodded in affirmation. “They aren’t the only ones with some insider knowledge. We know they don’t have transporter tech.” From the last time the aliens arrived, Kelly and her crew had learned a few things. Their tech was vastly superior in some ways however it appeared to be all combat related. According to Jessa they did not have replicators or transporters. The former wasn’t as shocking as the latter. Everyone had transporter tech so it was incredibly odd this race did not.

Both the voice that came through the comms and the name ‘Pellan Vell’ were completely unfamiliar to Valerie, but from every other bit of information being exchanged on the Bridge, Ashford could surmise that what they were currently going through was likely related to the events that had happened a month prior, and that Bordeaux had just summarized in the Ready Room. Silently, she continued to monitor the console in front of her, but her focus was almost completely tuned to the incoming call.

Lt. Cmdr. Ashford, CSO

=/\=Just lovely and yourself=/\= Kelly responded as if they were old friends. Her tone was thick with sarcasm. =/\=How can I help you Chancellor=/\= Flipping off the sound she began to speak with her crew. “I am not sure about the scanning capabilities of the ship so send a message down to security to begin moving people to the secure locations and prepare for evacuation if needed. Do it quietly. No alarms. I don’t want them to think we prepping. It could give us the time we need if they attack to get people off the ship.

Pellan could feel his irritation piquing however years of diplomatic training kept his tone light and airy. =/\=We could politely banter all night however I think we both know there is more to this visit than just a social call. I would like my ship and my people returned to me.=/\=

“Well that is going to be problematic,” Kelly muttered under her breath. Of the four aliens that had come here from the Galactic Union only one was still alive.

Kelly Bordeaux CO

=/\= Yes and people in hell want ice water but we can’t have everything we want all the time now can we=/\= Kelly snapped back in a firmer tone. Most of the more brilliant tactical moves in combat were based on a bluff. Right now she was hoping her assumptions were correct and that Pellan had no idea that only one of his people were still alive.

The dead silence on the other end of the line meant Pellan Vell was either communicating with his own people or debating his response. Not having visuals of each other added a new level of intuition and experience to the comm call. Most of communication was non verbal which was eliminated without visuals. After several long minutes of silence Pellan spoke.

=/\=This standoff is getting us no where. I would like to suggest a truce and have a summit. We will send a ship over to you in a hour.=/\= Pellan’s words were crisp and commanding. He did not expect Kelly to refuse.

=/\=We have our own ship. We will contact you in two hours.=/\= Kelly made a slashing motion with her hand ending the call. Before they did anything, she would have a meeting with her people.

Kelly Bordeaux.

Kelly stood up and turned to face her crew on the bridge. This scenario every officer on the bridge had trained and prepared for however none of them ever really believed it would happen. The names of the Captain’s that had gone down with their ships were many but only one came to the forefront of Kelly’s mind. “We are out gunned and the only people in the Federation that know about this threat. The most important thing is getting our people away. We can not take the chance of them getting back on the ship which is why myself and any volunteers will go to them as a diplomatic envoy. While we are gone, I will need the crew here to hold the line as we pull a USS Kelvin.” Kelly paused and waited for those willing to volunteer to speak up. It was probably a one way mission and Kelly didn’t want to sign anyone’s name to the away party that didn’t want to come.

Kelly Bordeaux CO

River had stayed on the bridge knowing her marines would get sorted without her. She had listened to the whole conversation and knew where her place and duty would be. A one way trip with little to no guarantee of returning. How could she refuse.

River stepped forward “I’ll go. Let me suit up. After all what Captain doesn’t get an honour guard” she said not a single trace of hesitation, concern or worry in her voice. River had stared down death plenty of time and death had always blinked first.

Mar. Capt Styxx (Marine OIC)

Kelly nodded with a neutral expression on her face. Styxx’s comment did not surprise her. In fact if the Marine Captain had not volunteered up Kelly would have been shocked. River was loyal to the Federation but had blind loyalty to the crew. She would do whatever was needed for any person on this crew to keep them safe and protected.

Well it wasn’t the first time Cara had been part of a suicide mission. She wasn’t looking forward to doing it again. She would go though. And yes, a large part of that decision was based solely on the fact she was not going to sit at home like a ‘good little wife’ and let her husband have all the fun. “I’ll go Captain.” And Cara prayed to the Tuatha De that she didn’t get lost.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“If she goes, I go.” the Security Chief said from the turbolift. The doors had opened just as the Captain asked the question. “Besides… somebody’s gonna have to keep her on a leash so she doesn’t wander off.”

Mardusk, CoS

Cara shot a glance at Gravel and smirked. “I’m no wearin’ a bell.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“Thank you counselor,” Kelly acknowledged Cara directly in the pair. It was part of Mardusk’s job to fall into the rank and file of Kelly’s request however Cara’s acceptance of the spot on the away mission was purely an altruistic behavior. Kelly needed her skill and counsel.

Looking at the rest of the crew that volunteered Kelly felt a sense of pride and concern. If she had her way, she would show up alone. Unfortunately, Kelly needed the ruse to occupy the Union’s attention so the rest of the crew could escape. “Everyone with me. Lt. Dash you have the conn.” Stepping into the turbo along with the members of the away team a message blared over her comm badge.

=^=Rinker to the Captain, Jessa seems to have some insight into this situation.=^=

Rinker CMO

Kelly had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. =/\=Explain=/\= Kelly snapped. Before Rinker could reply Jessa’s voice spilled over the open comm.

“Wait what are you doing? I have this under control.” Jessa felt a flare of anger well up inside her however she quickly extinguished it. She had bigger problems than getting pissed at one of the crew.

=/\=Jessa is receiving communications from one or more of the ships off our port bow.=/\= His response was succinct and direct.

“Rinker,” Jessa moved so that she was squarely in front of him. “The crew hates me. They are never going to believe I am not chit chattin’ it up with the Union. They are going to think I sold them out. They are going to blow me out of an airlock.” Her breathing was increasing and coming out in heavy heaves. The room felt like it was spinning and Jessa could barely focus on anything except the pounding of her heart and the damn flashing light on her comm system for the Union ship trying to contact her.

“That’s not true, the crew doesn’t anything. And if anyone actually does the best way to change their minds is to do the right thing.”

Kelly cast a side glance at the senior officers in the turbo. There were a lot of mixed emotions with the crew regarding Jessa Novar. Tensions were high and the opinions about what and how to deal with her varied widely. Half the crew saw her as an adult and shared the sentiment that Jessa should be blown out of the air lock or at best thrown into the prison system to live out the rest of her life as a murderer and traitor. The other half saw her as a twelve year old child with the potential for rehabilitation. The turbo was currently filled equal halves of officers sharing both opinions on Jessa.

=/\=Bring her to hangar bay two=/\= Kelly snapped turning off the comm.

=/\= Understood=/\= Rinker tapped his comm badge and gave Jessa a moment to compose herself. “”Let’s shake a tailfeather.” Rinker was full of odd saying that were centuries out of date.

She let the silence hang for a moment before stating, “you have until the end of the turbo to speak whatever is on your mind. When these doors open the discussion is over.”

Kelly Bordeaux

Dr Heathcliff Rinker

===============
Five Minutes Later
===============

Jessa walked with Rinker thinking about his comment about right and wrong. None of this situation was fair but especially to her. She had come here thinking the outcome would be different. Instead of an easy mission, it had been filled with blood and regret. Pausing at the door, Jessa looked up at Rinker and whispered, “please don’t leave me alone with all of them.” Her rigid posture and false sense of confidence she attempted to display in her walking to the hang evaporated like the mist on the ground in the early morning. Pulling her hands into her sleeves she fiddled with the cuffs nervously.

“Jessa no one in that room,” he pointed a finger at the hangar bay door, “is going to hurt you. We haven’t since you arrived and we won’t no matter what happens. All we have ever asked of you is the truth.” It was clear how nervous Jessa was but her level of anxiety was far greater than she tended to exhibit around the crew she perceived as a threat. There wasn’t time to dissect why past the obvious from the prior conversation.

“You are going to be fine. Kelly and Ian are there and they have been your greatest advocates.” In an uncharacteristic show of personal attachment, Rinker turned to face Jessa. “Stop playing with your sleeves. It makes you appear nervous and will make everyone nervous. You are among friends on both sides so use that to your advantage.” His advice was more to calm down the kid in front of him rather than give her an advantage. The last thing he needed was for Jessa to go into one of her panic attacks and the enemy fleet thinking they were killing her. “Ready,” he gestured to the door.

Entering the room, Jessa felt more than nervous. Half the room was filled with familiar faces that she could bet where allies. The other half of the faces were people she tried to avoid at all costs. Seeing Ian and Kelly, along with Rinker at her side relaxed Jessa some. “I knew they would try to contact me when they arrived,” she said in a shaky voice, “but this fleet.” Her voice trailed off showing disbelief she could not hide or fake.

The beeping felt like siren going off on her arm. It filled the space almost deafening her even though it was not that loud to anyone else.

“Jessa,” Kelly said in a neutral tone, “when you answer that only speak in our language and after your hello I will be the one responding to the replies. Understood?” The linguistics department had pretty much created a Rosetta stone to the alien language but no one outside her senior staff knew that. It was better than way. If she was this Chancellor, Kelly would absolutely try to surreptitiously get a message to her own people. Giving them some imagined leeway was the only secret card her crew had to play.

Jessa nodded pressed the button on her suit. “Chancellor Vell, it is Guardian Novar.” She kept her message short and concise looking at everyone in the room.

No response came after she answered the hail.

Jessa Novar

Rinker CMO

Across the comm channel came, =^=Engineering to Bridge, we have control of all major systems but we are still trying to figure out the quantum energy that hit us and why we are still here. I mean that much energy should have done a lot more to us.=^=

Nightroad, CE