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I
The planet dubbed Aries was a swirling angry mass of clouds, now pink, then red, suddenly orange. Dangerous and deadly, yet beautiful to look at. Colin was content to just sit back in his chair and watch the patterns twist and change. He enjoyed planetary survey missions--some of his contemporaries found such work dull and unexciting, but not Colin. Frankly, he had had more than his share of excitement in the Mavaki system and he was looking forward to some uneventful peace and quiet.
Traveling through the Baudelier system on impulse power, mapping and recording each planet, gave his engineers an oppoortunity to effect repairs and offered the rest of the crew more time to settle in. He included himself in that statement. He and his first officer were off to somewhat of a rocky start and he wanted to change that. He preferred to avoid an adversarial relationship if possible, but only time would tell.
"Mr. Ryan?" he directed the question towards the science station. The CSciO would spent most of hiis time in his office or laboratories, but on primary scientific missions such as this one, he belonged on the bridge.
"Tell me about this planet."
Daniel cleared his throat. "It's a Class A Gas Supergiant. High gravity, hydrogen thick atmosphere with a small frozen planetary core composed mostly of nickel and iron. There is no surface sir, it's a chemical sea of liquid metal."
"Shall we launch a probe?"
It was the fourth planet they had analyzed, and the most interesting by far.
Daniel Ryan shook his head. "We'll need to fly closer to the atmosphere. The ion storms would not only interfire with the probe's sensor recordings, but would most likely throw it off course."
Colin frowned at the turbulent vision on screen. Ion storms. He didnt't relish the thought of passing the ship through something like that.
"What about sending a shuttlecraft out and launching a probe from there?"
Daniel considered the idea for a moment. "I don't think that would work. The gravity's too dense. The shuttle is too small. It wouldn't be able to escape the atmosphere. But Prometheus could."
Delor Kovos became instantly alert as he responded to the challenge. "How close do we need to get?"
"We just need to dip into the upper atmosphere long enough to launch a probe, and get out. Ejected from that distance, the probe would still be able to use its tracking system." Daniel said assuringly once he had glanced briefly at his console.
Delor turned to Colin with a determined expression on his face. "I can do it." he said confidently.
Colin nodded, slowly. "Alright, Ensign. Take her in, 1/8 impulse."
Slowly, Prometheus descended, the globe onscreen becoming larger and larger. The writhing clouds darkened ominously as they dipped into the turbulent atmosphere. The ship trembled as it was buffeted by ionic winds and repeated streaks of blue lightening flickered uncomfortably close by.
"Launching probe." Daniel announced, and within seconds a small, metallic object streaked from Prometheus, vanishing through the roiling clouds.
"Alright. Get us out of here, Ensign." Colin commanded, wincing as blue lightening lashed out suddenly and struck the ship. Several consoles at Colin's station crackled and smoked. Consecutive bolts of blue energy followed, streaking across the viewscreen, narrowly missing the ship. The trembling vibrations beneath Colin's feet ceased as Prometheus pulled up and away from the planet's deadly atmosphere and Colin breathed a sigh of relief.
"Damage report."
"Shields are down to 50%, minor damage in engineering....and several bridge consoles have been damaged." Turek replied, unable to resist the urge to point out the obvious.
Colin wrinkled his nose at the acrid odor of burnt circuitry directly before him. He sighed. "I guess we need to get an engineering team up here for repairs."
************
"Acknowledged, Captain." Rhianna spoke into her commbadge, gritting her teeth at the news. Now she would have to pull one of her teams off their regular repair assignments and send them to the bridge. As if she didn't have enoug to do.
What business did they have flying this close to a planet with such a volatile atmosphere anyway? Who cared about a probe to collect data? Obviously not a location for a potential colonly, the Captain should have MOVED ON. How did he expect her to complete repairs when he insisted on causing more damage? She sighed as she re-ran a level one diagnostic at the panel in front of her.
"There you are."
Rhianna looked up at the sound of Ari Denyri's voice and frowned slightly. Her aCEO regarded her with his pale blond hair, unruly as usual, and that grin--he was always so cheerful she could barely stand it. He was calm and helpul and a damn good enginner to boot. And the worst part of it was, she had never seen him lose his temper.
She was jealous. She admitted it. The other engineers loved him--they never questioned his orders. Or talked back. Or looked at him with sullen disapproval. He had done something she didn't seem capable of--he had won their loyalty. And for that, she couldnt forgive him.
"Now what?" Rhianna asked ungraciously.
Ari, as always, seemed oblivious to her moods. He grinned wryly. "More trouble, unfortunately."
"Do I even want to know?" She sighed and reluctantly gave him her full attention, setting aside her tricorder.
"When we got hit by that lightening bolt, it disrupted the holodeck memory. We didn't lose any programs, but there is some damage."
"Well, it'll have to wait. There are too many other things to do." she replied shortly. *Like fixing the bridge consoles.*
"Roger." He offered a mock salute. "I just wanted you to know."
"Thanks." she muttered, returning to the task at hand.
"If you need me, I'll be running diagnostics on the EPS conduits." He left her then, without waiting for a reply, and Rhianna watched him go. She sighed once more, wishing not for the first time that she was back aboard the Armstrong.
*******
Turek regarded his bowl of plomeek soup apprehensively, poking at it with his spoon. Although starship replicators were dutifully programmed with the traditional Vulcan dish, they did a less than adequate job of replicating the appropriate flavor. It was becoming apparent that if he wanted good plomeek soup during his tenure on the Prometheus, he'd have to make it himself.
A shadow passed over his table, and Turek looked up to find Danel Ryan standing uncertainly before him, a tray of food balanced in his hands. Turek did not know the science officer and had spoken to him only briefly at teh Captain's dinner prior to leaving Starbase 182.
"Can I help you, Lieutenant JG?" he asked once he realized the young man had no intention of speaking.
"May I sit down?"
Although Turek prefered his own company, he was aware the human would find it rude if he stated his preferences. "If you wish to." he opted to say instead.
Daniel nodded, setting his tray down across from the Vulcan, and slid inot the seat opposite him.
Turek focused his attention on his m eal once more, lifting his spoon to his face.
"Lieutenant Commander?" Daniel tentatively began.
"Yes?" A flicker of annoyance crossed Turek's features.
"Since there are several planets in this sector whih can support life, Captain Becker has decided to allow away missions to gather further data. He is letting me choose the teams, primarily composed of members from my department, but I was hoping you could recommend security officers to accompany us."
Turek nodded. " i will have recommendations for you by 0900 hours tomorrow. Will that be sufficient?"
"That would be great." Daniel couldn't hide the enthusiasm in his voice, and continued, "What did you think of our last mission? The Romulans were a big surprise, huh?"
Turek regarded him impassively. "Indeed." He purposely returned his gaze to his bowl of soup, which was quickly growing cold.
"So how are things going with your department? Are you getting everything organized?" Daniel asked conversationally.
"I am not anticipating any difficulties." was the terse reply, and Turek lapsed into silence once more.
Daniel refused to be rebuffed. "I'm still having trouble remembering my staff's names. My department is a lot larger than what I've been used to." he added.
"Mr Ryan." Turek began with cold politeness. "I realize that humans find it comforting to engage in small talk with increasing frequencing, but it is not a Vulcan custom."
Daniel did not know how to respond to the pointed comment. "I see." he said lamely, unable to come up with a suitable retort.
He ate the remainder of his meal in silence, leaving Turek to his plomeek soup. Turek found this turn of events to be most agreeable.
*********
A request for expanding the holodeck memory to better effect repairs on damage caused by Aries' atmosphere. Submitted by Rhianna Jorrell at 1100 hours.
Permission to resupply Prometheus' stock of various medical supplies at the next starbase they came to. Submitted by Dr. Keset at 1530 hours.
A sumary of efficency and tactical readiness of Prometheus' security officers. Submitted by Turek at 1850 hours.
Colin's vision began to blur with fatigue, and he pushed away the stack of PADDs, wondering why the pile never seemed to get any smaller. He glanced at his chronometer--0230 hours. Definately time to go to sleep. No excuses or he'd be useless on the bridge five hours from now.
Leaving his desk and the PADDs that would wait for another day, he crossed the floor of his personal quarters to his sleeping area. A slight rustling sound caused him to stop abruptly. He heard--no---he sensed a whisper, barely audible, coming from behind. He turned his head, but saw nothing but his computer console and the work that awaited him. Carefully, he surveyed the room, but found nothing amiss. He was in his quarters, alone. *I must be hearing things.*
Feeling somewhat foolish, he slipped under the covers, attributing the occurance to fatigue. *Tomorrow I'll go to bed early.* he vowed silently, and within moments, he was fast asleep.
II
"You requested my presence?"
Turek looked up from his computer screen and motioned to the tall Klingon woman with his hand.
"Enter, Lieutenant."
Seyla stepped into the CSO's office, came as far as his desk and stood stiffly to attention, her eyes forward.
"I wish to complement you on the increased efficiency ratings of the security teams. I understand it is your individualized instruction that is responsible."
It was about time he recognized her endeavors. She had thrown herself into her job, dedicationg most of her free time to teaching the staff her skills, hoping it would be noticed. She was determined to show Starfleet they had been mistaken to relegate her to a secondary position. Seyla Ta'quith was meant for greater things than a subordinate role to a Vulcan.
"Thank you, sir." she said gruffly, knowing it was the appropriate--and expected--reply.
"I have your recommendations for the composition of the security team that will accompany Lieutenant JG Ryan and his scientists. I have some changes I wish to make."
Seyla frowned. The Vulcan was referring to the away team that would beam to the various planets in this system to conduct 'research' for their initial reports. The current planetary survey mission was not exciting, but she had expected there to be moments like these on a ship like Prometheus.
"You disagree with my choices?" she asked.
"I find no fault in the logic of choosing Ensigns Lear and K'rrth. However, they are young and inexperienced and should a problem arise, the away team should have a seasoned seucrity officer among its members."
"I do not anitcipate a problem on a group of planets with no sentient life." Seyla's tone was defensive.
"Nonetheless, it is wise to be prepared. I would like you to replace Ensign K'rrth on the security team."
Seyla blinked at him, disbelief evident in her features. The Vulcan wanted her to babysit a group of scientists? This was to be her reward for improving his security forces?
"But Sir, surely a more suitable replacement could be found. Lieutenant JG Mavok, perhaps?" she protested.
"Ensign Lear has the potential to be an excellent security officer and I believe she will learn a great deal from your tutelage on this mission."
From his tone, it was evident he would not relent. The decision had been made.
"Very well. If that is all, may I go?" shea sked sullenly.
Oblivious to her disappointment, or perhaps choosing to ignore it, Turek's brow rose and he nodded.
"By all means."
**********
Ignoring the hum of the turbolift as it ascended through the bowels of the ship, Naeve thumbed through the stack of PADDs she carried, ensuring she hadn't forgotten anything. Ever since they had left Starbase 182, Mark O'Conner had kept her occupied with constant requests for reports. Reports on the status of the environmental systems. Reports on crew assignments and quarters. Reports ont eh Mavaki system. Reports on current Federation-Romulan relations.
She could almost say he was inundating her with extra work on purpose. They had barely spoken since that day in her quartees when she had insulted the Ops position. At the time, she had felt vindicated. In retrospect, she realized she had been foolish, allowing her frustration and dsiappointment to get the best of her. Mark was someone she had to look at every day, work with side by side. If they couldn't be friends, they could at least call a truce. Clear the air a bit. And maybe, he'd lay off the reports a little.
The turbolift doors opened and deposited her on the bridge, where she stopped short at the sound of laughter from the science station. Giggling, to be precise. Mark was leaning over a young dark haired Ensign, casually pointing to something on her sensor screen. They were speaking softly, and Mark smiled several times. It was the same devastating smile he had used onher in that bar in Omega. And it seemed to be having a similar effect on the barely post pubescent brunnette as she giggled again.
As Naeve came closer, she could hear a portion of their conversation.
"Thanks for showing me that calculation, Commader." the girl was saying admiringly. "Maybe you could teach me some more shortcuts sometime."
"Ensign, I would love to. Perhaps over dinner one night? Say tomorrow? 1830 hours?" He glanced up when he heard her footsteps and the laughter in his eyes died.
"Commander." Naeve said by way of greeting.
"Can I help you?" Mark asked coolly, the warmth in his voice gone.
I have the reports you requested." She held out the stack of PADDs but he put up a hand to stop her.
"You can put them in my office, thank you." was the dismissive reply.
"I was hoping I could speak to you. That is, if you have a moment." she said pointedly.
Mark glanced at her sharply, then nodded. He leaned over the brunette once more. "I'll be right back." he promised.
Once in his office, Mark sat behing his desk and stared at her. "What did you want to talk about?" he asked, feigning disinterest.
Naeve drew in a breath and plunged ahead. "Sir, as Prometheus' first and second officers, we will be working closely together. It is the nature of our positions. I don't want what happened between us to have a negative affect on our working relationship."
There. She had said it. It wasn't exactly an apology for her behavior, but it was an admission. And a start.
For a moment, he sat with hands clasped over his desk, saying nothing. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he favored her with a disarming grin.
"Lieutenant Commander, we're both adults and I assure you that what happened between us is inthe past. It will not have an effect in the way I treat you."
"Really?" Naeve asked, surprised at how agreeable he was being.
"What happened at Starbase Omega was a fling between two officers on their way to new assignments. Nothing more. We had no way of knowing we'd be posted together then."
"Starbase Omega?" Naeve repeated, confused.
"I can understand your discomfort at having to work with me." he smugly continued.
"You think I'm uncomfortable because we slept together?" she said slowly.
Mark smiled benignly at her. "It's alright to feel that way---this isn't the first time I've been involved in such a sitiuation adn I assure you I can keep my objectivity as your superior. And I can understand any residual feelings you might have."
Naeve watched him as he spoke in that condescending tone of his--was he really implying that she had a--a 'thing' for him? Gradually, her temper rose and bolied to the surface as he continued.
"I'm glad you came to me with your concerns."
"May I say something now?" she asked. The inflection in her tone should have alerted him.
"Of course."
"I came here to apologize for insulting you in my quarters when I first came aboard. I was hoping to repair the damage from that meeting. I had no intention of discussing what happened on Omega." she said quietly.
"Oh." Mark seemed genuinely surprised.
"But now that you've brought it up, you can breathe easy, Commander. I don't have any suppressed feelings for you--I'm not uncomfortable, I'm not even remotely atrtracted. In fact, I don't think I"ve ever met a more arrogant, cocky bastard. Sir."
His face had turned to stone during her little speech, all previous traces of welcome gone.
"I see." he said.
"In fact, since YOU brought Omega up, perhaps YOU'RE the one with residual feelings."
And with that brazen comment, Naeve spun on her heel, her golden braid bouncing slightly, and marched out of his office, not bothering to wait for a reaction.
********
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