Shards and Smoke - Part One

Posted on Fri Jan 1st, 2021 @ 1:43pm by Fleet Admiral Heather Duval & Captain Ariel Gilmore & Commander Victoria 'Enyo' Yamaguchi & Commander Ethan "Hardcase" Duval & Lieutenant Commander Ouros Yamaguchi

Mission: Mission 105: The Mirror, Shattered
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard / USS Charal
Timeline: 0900Hrs - September 28th, 2393

Fleet Admiral Heather Duval stood in silence as she watched the USS Charal undergo the final checks it would need to carry out her assignment when she noticed the lights of the docking scaffold began turning off and slowly folding away, the work bees and cargo shuttles slowly seemed to clear out as she beheld the power of the massive starship seemed to slowly come alive before her, its warp drive systems began powering up as the ships internal lighting system began to activate. The older human female knew that the USS Infinity was undergoing the same routine checks and final systems checks for her own preparations to leave for their shared assignment.

Meanwhile seated on her bridge was Captain Ariel Gilmore, she was wearing the alternate universes uniform, as were all of her crew, she was wearing a pair of knee-high boots, a skirt and the standard uniform top with sleeves, many of the women who populated her crew were wearing the same uniform, all with knives and sidearms. "Alright, before we get underway, anyone got a few words they wish to say... for the occasion?" Gilmore inquired with a gentle smile on her lips.

"Sir, There is no darkness but ignorance" came the voice of Lieutenant Kaylen Chegwidden, her pixie cut really suited her delicate looking features as Lieutenant JG Naris Terisso smiled, her black hair contrasted sharply with her facial features. "Skipper... May I?"

"Sure," Gilmore answered.

"Weary with toil, I haste me to my bed The dear repose for limbs with travel tired; But then begins a journey in my head To work my mind, when body's work's expir'd: For then my thoughts-from far where I abide- Intend a zealous pilgrimage to thee, And keep my drooping eyelids open wide, Looking on darkness which the blind do see: Save that my soul's imaginary sight Presents thy shadow to my sightless view, Which, like a jewel hung in ghastly night, Makes black night beauteous and her old face new. Lo! thus, by day my limbs, by night my mind, For thee, and for myself no quiet find." the handsome Boslic woman explained.

"Skipper, mind if I toss in another Shakespeare quote before we go?" Lieutenant JG Leslie MacLeod inquired, he was a rather slender looking man except he was in the process of growing a goatee for this assignment, it looked to be half-finished or so.

"Sure El-Tee," Gilmore commented with a soft smile.

"And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind is closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and do it gladly so." MacLeod explained.

Duval raised an eyebrow. "Well said Lieutenant, everyone remember his words for what they are, a call to not let ourselves fall prey to the worst parts of our natures... for that's what caused my Federation to turn into an Empire," he explained. "Its also why I'm here with you and not Commander Bowman," he commented. "Thank you, Lieutenant."

"Of course sir." he turned to Gilmore. "All departments have finished their check-in skipper, they report ready to get underway."

Gilmore nodded her head. "Alright, get me the dockmaster."

"Control tower ready us sir."

"Starbase Vanguard Dock Control, this is USS Charal. I request permission to depart?"

The answer was instant. "USS Charal, this is Starbase Vanguard Dock control, clearance to depart granted."

"Very well, seal the airlock and detach all moorings."

There was a series of loud thuds echoing throughout the ship's superstructure as the crew went about removing the moorings, the ship sat motionless inside her docking frame. "Helm, aft thrusters to one quarter, port and starboard at station keeping..." Gilmore explained evenly. "Whenever you are ready helm, take us out," she added, as Lieutenant Kaylen Chegwidden went about driving the massive ship out of the drydock scaffold area. "We are clear and free to navigate." Chegwidden turned her head as she regarded Gilmore in silence.

"Set course out of the system, increase speed until we are able to go to warp speed." Gilmore tapped the combadge affixed to her chest. "Bridge to Engineering, what's the status of warp engines?" Gilmore inquired via the ship's com system.

"All ships systems are at a hundred percent, warp drive standing by at your command sir." came the response.

"Excellent," Gilmore answered. "Helm set course three three eight mark six one and engage at warp nine," she commented, the heading was part of the mission plan, to draw off any who would be chasing the USS Charal. This mission would be dangerous enough without anyone else wanting to cause further issues or concerns.