Star Trek: Trail of the Lexon.

[Joel]

Hi everyone. On and off, i've been doing some Star Trek writing for a little while. Some fan fic, some original and some experimental. I went through my archive of writing the other day (stored on a primative 128mb USB drive) and found this, Star Trek: Trail of the Lexon. This was my attempt (in collaboration with a friend of mine, Kat, someone who used to post here) from back in 2003 (mind you at only 18 years of age) to develop my own series of Star Trek stories. I wanted to write a series of novel length stories about the crew and ship I created. Years later, I forgot about it but suddenly had an itch I needed to satisfy and wanted to do some writing. Then I came accross this. I can't remember the head space I was in when I wrote this (apart from being in my last year of school), but I wanted to do something different for Star Trek. At the time, the last series, Enterprise, was being criticised for just repeating what had already been done.

This story was my attempt to take Trek forward. Reading back on it, some of the experiments work such as the uniforms and grittier feel, some of it just falls apart and made me cringe. I wanted to share this with you all because I wanted to resurrect this project and get it rolling again. I was inspired by the various fan productions (both video and audio) and wanted to create something unique, but also with some respect to the francise. But, at the back of my mind, I know that the story cannot continue the way it is going so I am looking for some criticism and hopefully praise, just as long as you're honest.


What I am posting is a prologue and 4 chapters. I've also noticed that there are a lot of fan fic writers on this forum, I would be very interested in making this a joint project if interested. It's hobby based, no profit and no deadlines.

I will make 5 individual posts in this thread for each chapter because there is a fair bit to read and to expect you all to read it in one lump is asking a bit much.

Thanks for your time!


WARNING: CONTAINS SEX SCENE AND COURSE LANGUAGE, SUITABLE FOR MATURE READERS ONLY.

[Joel]

STAR TREK: TRAIL OF THE LEXON
PROLOGUE

MEGOTA SYSTEM, 2388

The USS Phoenix II glided in space, around the planet. It looked simular to Earth from such a great height such as that on the bridge of the Phoenix. But it was nothing like Earth. It was an ambiguous and dangerous planet that remained unchartered. Besides, being referred to as Utopia Planitia made the title �Earth� seems quite normal. Not for long thought Captain Branson Argo as he walked through the corridor of the Phoenix with a padd in hand and an inviting smile to the officers he passed.
Being in his fifties, he�d visited many planets, made contact with a manifold of species and fought many battles. Branson (or Bran as some of his more personal contacts of seniors staff referred to him as) was an officer of great eminence. Confrontations with the Borg, the Cardassians and the Dominion marked his fame not only as an officer but a shrewd leader who held a minimum casualty rate on his crews. He was of middle height with gray hair and a matching beard. While age had not got the better of his appearance, he had a little weight on his belly that was noticeable but by no means compromising for his appearance.

It was a short ride to the Bridge. After his first step off the turbo lift, his first officer stood up out of her chair announcing �Captain on the bridge.� Her loyalty and respect for him was boundless.
He grinned with pride as he approached his chair �As you were, Commander, but in your chair now.�
She gave a chuckle as she gave a seat. �What�s our status, Commander Analopolous?� He asked.
"We�ve completed scans of the planet, the Doctor has informed us that it�s suitable for an away team, the oxygen is comparable to that back on Earth.� She replied.
"Excellent, in that case-� The Captain�s speech was broken by a violent ship tremor that nearly threw him off his seat.
"Report!� He shouted trying to recover from the blow and speak over the loud beeping noises of the computers at the same time. �Our port bow seemed to be hit with some kind of energy weapon, a ship has just de-cloaked, its origin unknown.� Announced his Tactical OfficeR.
�Raise shields, red alert� Branson ordered. On his mark, the bridge lights dimmed down and the hazard red lights illuminated on the walls. The assailant ship was fast; it circled the Phoenix maintaining a consistent stream of fire while the Phoenix attempted evasive maneuvers. The attacking ship was shaped like a combat ship. It was a dull gray in appearance, the body of the ship was left to the middle, meanwhile its wings held the weapons. Rather than long streams of lasers, it fired individual shots which seemed to cause individual tremors on the Phoenix.
The bridge of the Phoenix had started to fill with smoke, chairs and consoles exploded.
Over the noise and confusion, the Tactical officer attempted to announce �Shields at-� but was cut off by the exploding wall behind him which sent him flying over his console onto the floor, lying face up. Half his face covered with singed skin and blood.
"Ok, if they won�t respond to hails, go for the kill� Commander Analopolous announced. A tactical officer stepped in for the now deceased Chief Tactical officer. The Phoenix fired three torpedos from its saucer. 2 of the projectiles missed as it drifted around the attacking ship, but one torpedo did hit slicing into its shields. Meanwhile, their phaser fire was directed at the power source of the other ship, but it was ineffective. The shields of the other ship seemed to regenerate almost instantly after each attack. �We are reporting casualty reports from all decks, Captain.� Said the female Operations Officer. Shields have subsided and we�re being boarded!� Announced the Tactical Officer.
Branson shot to his feet and looked down to Commander Analopolous saying �Commander, I want you to have the bridge. I�m going to lead a team to fight off the intruders. Keep me informed if we�re perilously close to our graves.� Branson said.
For the first time, Commander Analopolous felt as though she wasn�t up to the task, but devoured her fear and said �Aye, Captain.�
Captain Branson departed the bridge and took a few officers with him.
The corridors weren�t much different from the state of the bridge. Dark and blown to bits in places, crewmembers lying down in pain or people running for their salvation. Branson lead the team through with his phaser compression rifle at ready for assailants. From ahead, shots could be heard. �Come on, pick up the pace.� He urged beginning to jog. The fellow officers followed him. The got around a corner to where there were officers holding their weapons close to them, urging people away from the area.
Branson approached the officer in charge and said �Report.�
�We�we think they�re in there�last time they were anyway, I�m not sure if we can handle them. I�m sending as many people in the opposite direction; they�ve�killed�.a lot of p-p-people.� The Officer stumbled not knowing what to say next. His face had soot on it; meanwhile his uniform was torn, obviously from combat.

"Alright, I�m going to lead the team in, let�s go.� He prompted.
They marched accordingly following his request, rifles at ready and forwarded into the seemingly empty room. The lack of noise or movement apart from the officers gave the room a very empty feeling; Branson pulled out his tricorder and scanned the room. �Strange, no life signs."
As soon as he made the announcement, a red laser shot across the room hitting one of his officers, their attention immediately turned to that corner of the room but more of the officers just fell. It was difficult to see the alien but it was there, but hidden in the shadow.

Commander Analopolous sat in the Captain�s chair with the interior of the bridge collapsing around her. The ceiling light had fallen and consoles had been blown over- it was a mess, the ship tremor once more as she fell forward, hitting her head on one of the fallen consoles. Blood ran down from her forehead, she raised her head to see something distressing on the view screen. It looked like a worm hole opening up ahead of them but different at the same time. For instance, while the entity took a whirlpool shape, there were streams of other colours like orange and red, different to any other worm hole she�d seen. Worst of all, it was growing larger and surrounding the ship.
Commander Analopolous could feel the ship being dragged into it, weakly she rolled onto her side, getting dizzy from the bump on her head. Then, everything went black.

[Joel]

Chapter 1.


The sun shone down upon Starfleet Academy headquarters, San Francisco. It was a warm day, a great one out to be at the beach or going for a walk. This is what Scott Riley thought while sitting inside a boardroom overlooking the glamorous gardens absorbing the exuberant summer sun. Instead of fantasising what could have been, he returned to his seat, looking at holographic image of the USS Lexon in the sitting above the holo-plate on the boardroom table. He spied on it with his piercing hazel eyes.
Scott was in his early forties, which didn�t really show in his appearance. He had no hint of grey in his hair, was slim and had hardly any wrinkles on his forehead. He�d looked after himself well. Meanwhile, his uniform was in pristine condition. Though, given his ranking of Captaincy, nothing less was expected. His outer jacket didn�t
�It�s a Sovereign Dreamweaver class ship. USS Lexon has been designated to the Isulrai System in the Gamma Quadrant. Since the Lexon won�t be deployed through a wormhole that leads to this quadrant, she has been equipped with a Slipstream Matrix. I�m happy to announce that you will be the Captain of this ship.� Admiral Anthony Marlow said in his dry English accent as he sat back in his chair.
Scott was aghast. He became animated but then his expression slowly receded to his serious, focused character. �I can�t begin to thank-you for this honour, Admiral. Words can�t describe��Anthony smiled with admiration �You don�t need to thank me; it is merely a bi-product of your hard work and determination. Personally�I think it�s somewhat overdue.� It wasn�t characteristic of Admiral Irvine to be so complimentary and generous with his graces, but for milestone occasions, he made the effort. Being in his mid sixties, he was quite a weathered elderly man. His skin was dry, particularly around his eyes. Meanwhile, his hair was of a fine, grey texture that could partly be seen through. He was a direct man, very to the point, the hard work he put into his career was certainly reflected in how he carried himself as a person.
"I concur. I don�t mean to criticise at such a celebratory moment, but I�m sure for the rescue operation back on-�
"Don�t even begin to justify it! Scott�innocent lives were lost, how could you expect the board to jump at promoting you after so many lives were unnecessarily sacrificed.� Anthony said with a change of tone to his voice that hinted at a more disciplinary attitude. Scott took a deep breath and slowly continued. �It was a difficult decision to be made. In the long run it saved more lives. What I had to do was untenable, under the orders of Starfleet.�
�I don�t dispute that, Captain. In fact, I�d be the first on the board to extend empathy. But the fact remains, the timing was not right. Embrace what you have now. Don�t get caught in the past. That�s one reason that you did move on�because of your ability to make the most of the moment, not go through life commiserating the losses.�
�This again. Look, Admiral, I appreciate-� Scott was cut off by the door chime. "Enter.� Admiral Marlow instructed.
The doors open, a white, gangly man in his thirties entered. He had thin blonde hair and a sharp nose like an eagle. Meanwhile, the skin around his eyes was dark. He�d been working for Admiral Marlow a bit too long thought Scott.
�Commander Isaacs. We were just having a briefing on the new ship, the USS Lexon. You�ve just missed the announcement of the new Captain.� Admiral Marlow said standing with a smile, looking to Scott. Scott snidely thought to himself.
"Congratulations, Captain. Quite a prosperous responsibility you have there. It�s quite a special ship.� Commander Isaacs said in his quick American accent.

There was something that Scott didn�t like about Commander Isaacs. Was it the fact that he got around like a crane? Maybe it was the impulsive voice. Whatever the X factor, it bothered Scott.
He responded with as much warmth as he could muster �Thank-you for the vote of confidence. Although, I do believe I�m up to the challenge.� He said this still sitting down.
�Challenge, Captain? I must say a very curious choice of words. I�d prefer to see it as a responsibility and commitment rather than�a challenge.� Commander Isaacs said with a nasty expression to his eyes that Admiral Marlow couldn�t catch.
"Well, Commander, perhaps you�ll know for sure when you�re a Captain.� Scott said with a grin.
"I look forward to it.� Commander Isaacs responded.
�I�m sure your commitment will be boundless.�
At that point, Admiral Marlow could detect what was happening and butted in. �Anyhow, Commander Isaacs, you were here to brief the Captain on the maiden voyage of the Lexon.� He said pointing to the padd. "

Certainly, Admiral.� He replied turning to the screen mounted on the wall. A schematic of the ship came up. Isaacs focused on Scott once again. �Captain, in collaboration with the USS Odyssey, your mission is to venture into the Megota System and find the Utopia Planitia. You are to deploy Starfleet�s newest technology, the Genesis Torpedo onto the surface of the planet. This will make terra forming much easier and speed up time necessary for colonization. Then, another two years is required so that the ships can safely secure the planets and run the necessary diagnostics. When the planets are inhabitable, both ships are to return to Federation space.�
Scott laughed �A two year plan in less than a hundred words, Commander. I�m impressed.�
�There�s obviously more to it than that, Captain.� Admiral Marlow responded, tightening the colloquial manner he exhibited prior to Isaacs�s presence.
"You will be starting off ahead of the Odyssey with thanks to the slipstream technology on the Lexon. The Odyssey, though she is being launched through a wormhole.�
Scott also changed his tone to match a person of great concern. �Why is Starfleet doing this, Admiral? The disappearance of the Phoenix was never determined. Time hasn�t healed those wounds for quite some time, including mine.�
�Times have changed, Captain. We have ways of detecting danger and withdrawing from a situation unlike before. It won�t be a disaster like before. The Lexon was made for this mission. In you thesis, Captain, you made it very clear that for many years, Starfleet disdained a valuable opportunity to both discover new space and if possible, determine the fate of the Odyssey. You passion and knowledge for the issue made you a suitable candidate to lead up the recovery team.� The Admiral said
�This mission focuses on colonisation, not rectification. Besides, what�s to guarantee nothing will go wrong?� Scott asked.
Admiral Marlow paused at the thought of this and answered very reluctantly. �We can�t guarantee it. You�re quite right, Captain. But Starfleet has always taken risks when embracing the known. It�s unavoidable. As Dr. Phlox of the very first Enterprise said in his biography stated- if you want to discover the unknown you have to embrace new ideas.�
I hardly call this new; we�re visiting old ghosts from the past. I respect your decision, Admiral and yes, I am honoured to have this mission, but surely I can�t be the only one here. You can�t tell me there was a concessus on this.� Scott argued.
�No, there was much debate and many of the points raised were simular to yours. But as the Admiral says, Starfleet is about discovering the unknown. Tell me, Captain, how long should Starfleet keep its tail between its legs? Do we have to wait for the disaster to reach us?� Commander Isaacs proposed.

It was the first time where the Captain for once agreed with the Commander as he thought about it deeply. This could be an opportunity to make a real discovery, to show Starfleet I can make a difference despite what the past suggested. �There will be an opportunity to withdraw on the first sign of trouble?�
"Absoultely.� Admiral Marlow assured. �Captain, I�m sure you know that the last time the Phoenix checked in with a Starbase was when it was damaged. They suggested repairs, but Captain Argo was too damn stubborn. It�s no wonder they went missing in combat�if that is what happened. Since then, Legislation has been introduced to prevent such unwise courses of actions to be taken. We�re standing on much stronger ground than we were back then. Captain, this is invaluable, you are making history.�
Yet again, Captain Riley was taken aback by the Admiral�s words. He knew within himself it was a once in a lifetime opportunity- for him anyway. He�d been on thin ice with Starfleet in the past, but this was a chance to reverse the odds. �Then in that case how could I refuse?� Scott asked boastingly.

Admiral Marlow and Commander Isaacs simultaneously reciprocated a smile as though they�d made an achievement or gained an upper hand.
"Then it�s settled. The ship is docked at Deep Space Nine, you will be sent there by shuttle in three hours. Your first officer, Commander Eden is currently taking command of the ship until your arrival. Before leaving, I advise you acquaint yourself with your helm officer, Ensign Despres. You will have your first dose of his piloting skills sooner than you think because he�ll be taking you to Deep Space Nine. He�s a fine officer.� Admiral Marlow said.

"As I said, Admiral, it�s a pleasure.� Captain Riley said with a smile.
The briefing continued for a few minutes longer, the Admiral gave Captain Riley the location of his helm officer and left it at that.

For Scott, the briefing was over. Admiral Marlow and Commander Isaacs remained behind in the briefing room. That didn�t bother Scott, despite agreeing with the Commander, he still didn�t like him. As Scott walked through the gardens, he contemplated what was ahead of him. Potentially, it could be something to make him the renowned Captain he always dreamed of, but at the same time could be the death of him.Scott tried not to focus on it as he walked further through the garden. Rather, he thought about the sunny day he was no longer deprived of (for three hours anyway). The location Admiral Marlow gave the Captain to find turned out to be in one of the shuttle bays in the academy. It was separated from the rest of the Campus, so it wasn�t the most convenient walk, about fifteen minutes worth. After all, part of the instruction was to find a specific shuttle. Scott saw it.
Judging by the outer burnt, stripped shell, the type 9 shuttle looked like it had been in a battle. Meanwhile, nacelles were opened up and looked quite messy. As he entered the bay he saw a male officer step outside dressed in a federation uniform talking to one of the female officers who seemed to be repairing the shuttle judging by the grease he had on his hands and clothing. She seemed disappointed by something, almost like it was directed at the officer. The male returned to his duty and returned to the inside of the shuttle.
Scott began walking to the shuttle; he entered to see the same male sitting at a console with his back to him. �Excuse me.� He politely said.
The Ensign jumped a little in her seat and spun around. �Have you every heard of knocking or using the chime?� He asked in a way that only she could because of his distinct French accent.

�I�m sorry, but this is area is open to all staff. All the same, I would have startled you had I have knocked or pressed the chime.� He said with a friendly smile.
He stopped for a moment and looked at his neck. Not the actual skin on his neck but his uniform, she saw the Command pips on the neck of his shoulder and instantly stood to attention. �Captain, do for give me, please. You just startled me that�s all, I�m not normally so�edgy.�
"At ease, Ensign. I noticed you were busy so it�s understandable. I hope I�m not intruding anything, Ensign�� Scott stopped for a moment to look down at his padd and then continued ��Ensign Despres. I hope I got that right.�
�Perfectly, Sir. I shall be your helm officer.� He stood, still fairly stiff and feeling some guilt for her outburst.
�Relax, that�s an order.� Scott said pointing to the chair Ensign Alexandre Despres was sitting on.
Alexandre returned to his immediate position but still facing the Captain. �We�re having trouble with the warp drive and propulsion system, as you could probably tell from the outside, it�s not in the best condition."

[COLOR=windowtext][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Scott turned to one of the consoles next to him showing a diagram of the ship on one of the computers, some areas coloured in green (for functioning well) and a few areas in red (in need of repair). He tapped the console and brought up details of the damage. �No, it certainly is not. So you�re having feedback difficulties with the nacelles. You do realize you can re-route the signal?� He asked looking up to the Ensign.
�Already tried, Sir. Problem being, the primary power source has already been damaged so there�s not enough energy left to even power the primary systems. I tried explaining that to the Lieutenant outside but she�s so set in her ways. It will need to be replaced.� Alexandre reported. The Captain nodded �In concur, Ensign. I�m hoping this isn�t the shuttle you were depending on getting us to the Starbase.�
"Absolutely not. It�s docked and secured. They just had me assisting with the maintenance in the interim. Is there anything I can do for you, Sir?�
�No, not for now. I have some reading to do so I shall check back with you in the next hour or so to see where you�re at. I can�t get you a drink or anything?� Scott offered.
Alexandre smiled and said �No need, replicators are still functioning."

�Always the bare essentials. Carry on, Ensign.� Scott said and then left the shuttle and decided to revisit the gardens he was missing out on. Alexandre carried on with the duties he was assigned. Captain Riley was pleased with his helm officer to date. Thought a bit jumpy at first, he seemed friendly and co-operative enough. The Lexon was swarming with activity. Having squads of officers running to and from stations and decks to prepare for their maiden voyage only added to the stress and complexity of the task at hand. It usually never was this manic, but the future was unforeseeable given the perilous nature of the mission. However, camaraderie never was absent, even in times like this.
Amongst the fuss and rushing was an officer with an ulterior motive. While he worked for Starfleet (an esoteric division that even some Captain in Starfleet were ignorant of) he wasn�t really a crewmember. He was sent there to fulfill a task that would make things potentially worse for the Lexon. He materialized onto the transporter pad in transporter room three. The middle height man stood stoic looking at the transporter officer with a padd in one hand and a briefcase type object in the other. He had red hair and piecing blue eyes as though he meant business. He stepped off the transporter pad and handed the male Ensign a padd that would give him authorization to move about the ship. No questions asked when one of Starfleet�s highest ranking officers has given the green light for it to go ahead. �Is there anywhere particular on the ship I can take you, Sir?� The Ensign behind the control panel politely asked.
The red headed man bluntly answered in a monotone Texan accent �No, return to your duties, Ensign. I will take myself to where I need to be, the Lexon is aware of my presence. For security reasons, please send any transmissions throughout this ship announcing my arrival.� After he finished what he�d have to say, he simply departed the transporter room that terminated any chance of the Ensign asking him another question. Trouble was there wasn�t much he could ask him. According to the padd he read, he was to meet with the current commanding officer, Commander Eden. There wasn�t much point if she was expecting him. He felt confused because the red headed man had given him an order not to raise awareness of his presence, yet he was serving under Commander Eden�s command. Being fresh out of the academy, it was quite a dilemma. Well, he said don�t send a transmission; perhaps I should inform a superior in person. Problem being, I�d be abandoning my post. He thought to himself. His gut instinct told him to stay put in which he did. The nameless red headed man had made his way to engineering, he passed a female supervising officer the same pad. Yet again, it was unknown as to whom to inform since he�d given her the same direction as he did the Ensign in the transporter room. It was most overwhelming but the padd only stated an inspection of engineering, nothing more. If anything was tampered with, it could be recorded in the log books (but alteration or none, this impromptu visit was going to be recorded for future reference). Making his way passed the large double doors that would reveal engineering; he took a good strong look before proceeding. Engineering opened up after a small work area full of computers into a large semi-circle shaped area to fit the warp core into. Surrounding the warp core were two tiers that ran rings around the warp core with computer consoles on top. The red headed man took the lift up to the first tier, followed it around until he found a sealed area preceded by a narrow hallway. There was a secure door at the end of the hallway judging by the inconsistent steel blue colour and control panel where there would normally be button to manually open the door in the event of a power failure. He put in a code and the door opened without dispute.
The doors open to reveal what was reminiscent of the back room of a Federation shuttle with computer panels on the wall. Except, there was a cavity in the floor with a sealed hatch. Yet again, the red headed man punched in a code to access it and it opened. Up through the hole in the ground came a large steel cylindrical object labeled Genesis Torpedo. He�d found for what he came for, this was confirmed by the sinister grin on his face as he leant over the object.
He placed both hands on either side of it, suddenly, the lid of the object opened and out popped smaller cylinder, except this one cylinder transparent with green non-transparent gas in it. Carefully, he unscrewed the cylinder and placed it onto the floor next to him. After that he opened his case to reveal a similar transparent cylinder, except the gas in this was a yellow-orange type colour. After screwing the cylinder back in and placing the object back under the floor where it belonged he departed engineering, informing the officer he was finished. He followed exactly the same route back to the transporter room as he came and acknowledged the transporter operator before stepping onto the transporter pad to be beamed out and he was gone.

[Joel]

Chapter 2 - Part 1.

With every distance covered, she became increasingly uncomfortable thanks to her rigid uniform. It consisted of a Starfleet outer jacket, with a dark blue tank top beneath. Unlike its predecessors, the trousers were separate as opposed to a one-piece jumpsuit. Meanwhile, her footwear consisted of black, zip-up knee high boots that were exposed outside of the uniform with the trouser legs tucked into them showing their slender properties. The Starfleet Uniform had undergone many modifications and designs. While she didn�t like the feel for it, she was pleased for how it emphasized her features. Meanwhile, her blond hair was tied back tightly which was consistent with her personality.
Helena (or Lieutenant McCarthy as she preferred to be addressed) ran through the metallic corridor. The heels of her boots tapped against the solid floor with each step, making a �tink, tink� sound. All this was a by-product of pursuit. The corridor was white from the floor but narrowed toward the ceiling. The colour scheme was quite dark, a faded bronze tinged with a distinctive dirty rust shade which matched the overpowering smell of the corridor.
Sweat ran down her forehead, phaser rifle at ready, unbeknownst to what lurked around the corner. It was set to the maximum setting, there was no such thing as taking chances or prisoners. Survival of the fittest may have been old as dirt but it was going stronger than steel. Voices could be heard from ahead as she turned the corner leading to what appeared to be an open area. Helena surreptitiously entered the large room, it was a cargo hold . It can�t be she thought to herself. You could keep a dozen shuttles in here�perhaps this is where the artillery is kept. While keeping those thoughts as mental processes rather than vocal utterances, she needed down and hung her rifle on her shoulder. The hold was crowded with crates and other large boxes that couldn�t be lifted by flesh and blood. They provided good cover and would make an ideal shield. She crawled, listening to the indignant voices, keeping low to avoid making a shadow.
�Liar, don�t tell-� One voice began as another one
�Watch your mouth, let us not forget who sold us short during the wake operation� said the darker, omnipotent voice.
Helena had crawled to a point where she was behind a crate twice her height, as she peered around the crate, seeing the two Cardassian dealers. They seemed to be alone, at least for now. A strange noise came from the wall opposite to her, like a beeping, it was definitely electronic. One of the Cardassian�s waked over to it.
It was a communications outlet. A voice, quite distorted and rushed came from the device �We are not alone!!! Starfleet is here. Just one as far as I can see, female, she ran off, we lost her but she could be in your vicinity.�
It was the darker voiced Cardassian who responded �Idiot! How did you let her get away? How did they find out we were here. She�s obviously not alone. You make sure she�s neutralized or you�ll know what it�s like to be on the run�except you won�t get so far.� Having said that, he terminated the transmission. He turned back to the other Cardassian and announced �It�s no longer safe for us here. We must move.�
�I object� the other Cardassian stood forward and continued �I refuse to leave this here; after all it is MY property.�
�Property you stole from the Federation Outpost in which we had a treaty with.�
Helena had her communications badge activated the whole time, it sent everything through to a cloaked ship she had docked near the ship. The information was being sent back to Starfleet as they spoke, she�d come for what she needed, information- valuable information that could save lives but on the other hand exterminate just as many. It didn�t matter now though, she was ready for anything. She shot up on her feet with her phaser rifle at ready shouting �Then perhaps we could split it into thirds!�
The two Cardassian traders twisted around in horror, together they chanted �Kill her.�
Suddenly, Cardassian guards charged from their hiding places behind the crates and dark shadows. It had been covered the whole team, how they didn�t see her before was beyond her but irrelevant, like a knee jerk reaction, she aimed her phaser rifle at the nearest guard and pulled the trigger, he plummeted onto the floor with a cry of pain.
Helena dropped to the ground, rolling across the floor, reaching onto her belt arming a federation issued assault grenade, she pitched it across the cargo bay, and it exploded on impact sending the guards flying. Simultaneously, an alarm sounded.
A Cardassian grabbed her from behind, her fingers let loose of the rifle, with her strength, she threw him over her shoulder, he then lay in front of her, looking up to her in horror as she drove the heel of her boot into his chest. It punctured through his heart, oozing blood from his chest with murderous screams acting as a backdrop to his death.
She was weary of the footsteps approaching her, she bent down toward the dying Cardassian and drove her hands onto his waist gripping onto his dagger, while in the leaning over position, she threw her leg backward so her heel met with the approaching Cardassian behind her, spun around and drove the dagger into his spine as he bellowed over from the pain of being kicked in the face. �So which one�s the back stabber now?� She said in her distinctive Northern cockney accent. The two dealers had fled from the cargo bay, she was now alone with their guards, and they circled around her, weapons at ready- she wasn�t backing down. The Cardassian she was facing readied his weapon, she dived for the floor then something most unexpected happened. She heard the words �Computer, pause program.� Well if only it was this bloody simple on real missions she thought to herself.
She angrily got onto her feet to find everyone in the room had been frozen, facing her in their poses, all except for one; a human Starfleet officer standing outside the circle. A male Starfleet officer, Helena observed.
Male uniforms were slightly different to female uniforms. Firstly, the outer jackets weren�t cut so tightly and their under garment was a short sleeve top. Meanwhile, the footwear was radically different. They were ankle high black boots that were concealed beneath the trouser leg.
"Uhh...Lieutenant McCarthy?� He asked awkwardly with his New York accent.
Helena briefly smirked which was immediately followed by a disdainful frown �Depends who�s asking and what mood I�m in.� She verbally punched.
The officer stepped between the two paused Cardassian characters and extended his hand �Ensign Bradley Weston, I�m your assistant for the Lexon.�
Her cold, blue eyes rolled down to his hand and then back up to his eyes, almost like she was bored. Bradley rejected his hand feeling idiotic.
�I�ll be blunt, Ensign. I don�t see why I�m being assigned with an assistant nor will I probably ever understand it. I�m perfectly capable of running my own department without having some�understudy to take notes, get my tea and ensure systems are running properly.� She said.
He replied, in the hope to defend his worthiness �Well�well, I also�talk with staff-� His defense was cut off by her eyes rolling.
"Liaise, Ensign.� She said with apathy. He felt really incongruous, not knowing where he stood, if he had a placement in any of this at all. �I�m sorry to disturb you�like I said I just wanted to introduce myself.�
Helena looked down for a moment, thinking to herself Why don�t I want to knock this guy out? Why is he here? Oh, that�s right�I want to prove myself�such costs�such�
�Lieutenant?� He asks.
She�d completely missed what he said and confessed �You caught me off guard, repeat.�
"I was wondering if I could tempt you for a coffee in the lounge.�
�First you interrupt my program and then you drag me away from it�you�re brave, Ensign� She says with a sarcastic smile and a cocked eyebrow. �All right�I�ll give you a try.� She said licking her lips, walking around him, she said, �Computer, end program.�
The environment she was once accustomed to vanished on her mark. The cargo bay, the Cardassian bodies, the crates, the smell, the temperature and even her weapon vanish. Even her bloodstained heels had suddenly cleaned themselves. All that remained were the two officers and her sweaty appearance. �Come on� she prompted.
Bradley had his fists clenched with nerves. He followed her trying to keep up with her metaphoric personality.




One thing that stood out as Helena and Bradley walked through the corridor was the discrepant yet similar presentation of the two officers. Bradley, well groomed with his brunette hair, slightly tanned, white skin, middle height and neat looking uniform. This juxtaposed with Helena who was also neat with her hair, was sweating while her uniformed was roughed up from the combat she was in, the top area of her outer jacket (from the next down to her upper chest) was open. Meanwhile, their heights matched.
Contrary to their introduction, there was no silence in the hallway. �So, what other ships have you served on?� She pressed as though it was a job interview.
�Captain Michaels on the USS Galactic and Commander McCoy on the USS Emiteer.� Bradley responded.
�I have read your bio; I heard you were the top of your class in your final year of the Academy in Plasma Engineering- TRUE?� She pressed yet again.
�True.� He replied to match her tone.
She immediately changed the subject. �So why would such a fresh officer like yourself want to share a drink with me?�
�Well I never said anything about sharing, I was hoping for separate drinks.�
�You funny little boy, you need to get your arse slapped.� She replied.
"Well you are my superior.� He smirked.
�Don�t try that *beep* on me, Ensign.� She said coldly as they turned the corner.
The interior of a Federation class star base were fairly consistent with the interior design of Federation Starships. Whenever there wasn�t a computer console mounted on the wall, it was coated a metallic grey colour to give its modern feel.
Helena and Bradley entered the crew lounge and took a seat by the window. It was fairly busy since it was about lunchtime; officers talking at the tops of their voices and raising their drinks to things they felt were significant.
Helena and Bradley faced opposite one another with a chessboard between them. Helena challenged Bradley to round of chess. He was more than willing to comply after he returned from the bar with two drinks.
Bradley was backing the white piece, so he moved first. Helena was the first to take a kill, while a horse taking a pawn was nothing major, she was still at the advantage for pieces.
Helena smirked and said �never pass up a good opportunity to advance forth, Ensign, you may just have the advantage worked against you�.
"I like to take small steps� he defended.
"I prefer to start in the deep end myself, but horses for courses�.
Bradley sat up, thinking about possible other moves. His objective wasn�t the King- it was the Queen. He considered that to be the power piece due to its virtually limited capabilities. The problem was, Helena had her well guarded with a few pawns and a castle. Perhaps she shared similar views on the Queen. There was a way he could take out the castle with one of his bishops, the problem being was that in two moves she could be take out his bishop but before that, make a move on one of his other horses. He procrastinated for a second; his focus on thought was broken.
�Do it� Helena tempted with a deceiving smile as she watched his hand hover over the board.
Bradley sat back and watched her as though he could read her thoughts �And risk taking one of my pieces out? How do I know that this isn�t some clever ploy to see you have the advantage?�
Helena crossed her right leg over her left leg, fiddling with the zip on her boot returning the stare �I hope you�re not going SOFT on me, Ensign.�
�How hard would you like it?�
"I beg your pardon?� She frowned with disgust.
"I was just-�
�Don�t!� She ordered.
The remainder of the game drifted by slowly and silently. Bradley considered himself the village idiot, all he wanted to do was to get to know her and establish a rapport. However, his efforts had contrary results.
About twenty-five minutes of kills passed, Helena consistently on top, she ended up winning. She stood up.
"Well, that�s game. I suppose you and I have some work to do�on a few areas including etiquette. Let me just tell you something, Ensign, I left the weak puddles back in Manchester and that�s where I intend to leave them. If I ever encounter them, I�ll step on them with great apathy; don�t let yourself fall under my heel. You�ll be seeing more of me. I have some hands on work ahead of me; don�t bother me for the rest of today.� She said and walked off in a curt manner.
Bradley took a deep breath, aghast and intimidated not knowing if following her into the hallway was a prudent course of action to take. He decided it wasn�t and watched the view of space while slowly sipping his second drink.


Her legs wrapped around his as they twisted and rolled over one another, switching positions of who was on top. Their fingers interlocked as their sweat covered each other�s bodies. They pressed kisses against one another�s shoulders and necks, occasionally exchanging passionate kisses on the lips while their hips were interlocked moving aggressively, up and down. As usual, she ended up on top, crying out in bliss.
�Yes, yes�YES!!!� Helena climaxed at the feel of her boyfriend inside of her. They were both naked, in bed, hot and sweaty. The orgasmic sensations couldn�t compare to any of the other pleasures she valued in life. While she�d assert that her duties and loyalty to Starfleet came ahead of a lot of things, her behavior in the arms of another testified something completely different. She was on top of him, she rolled off him, lying on her back and breathing heavily- he was the same. As Helena promised to Bradley, she had her hands full.
"So how long will you be away?� Praa asked between breaths as sweat ran down his Bajoran ridges lined up on his nose.
Helena said angrily, turning over to avoid him �I don�t know!�
�Well I�m sorry but I�m quite attached to you�we are to each other�it hurts me to be without you.� He said leaning on his side gently stroking her shoulder blades with his fingertips.
She flipped her back onto the mattress looking up to him; hair untied spread back on the pillow, wet and messed up. �But you ask this every time we meet; every time you talk to me it always returns to that. Even after we�ve had sex!�
Praa sat up. �Then it sounds like I�m the only
�Shut up.� She moaned rolling over again so her back met his face.
"No, I won�t! I�m tired of being treated like a second rate person because I don�t comply with your codes of honor and loyalty. I put my career ahead of you, the least you can do-�
�Do you think I enjoy living in the dark? Do you think I get a kick out of not knowing where I�ll be and for how long?� She said, still in her depersonalized position. �You know something�perhaps it shows how much you don�t understand me�how much you don�t really know what I�m up against.� She said quietly with a great deal of pain.
�That�s not true.� He whispered as he leant into her, putting his hands on her waist, kissing her shoulder, the dimmed light slightly illuminating his olive skin. �I love you, Helena.�
Helena winced and got out of bed, she walked over to the window, looking out into space. �I don�t think it�s going to work, Praa.�
�What?� He said as he sat up.
�You know it as well as I do.�
�So, that�s it? We�re just�?�
�I can�t see any other way.� She said bluntly, still not facing him.
�I always knew it would come to this.� He said, climbing out of bed, pulling on his underpants and then singlet, followed by his casual Bajoran clothes. �I was there for you but you weren�t for me, it was alright when YOU wanted something, when YOU wanted to talk�when YOU wanted to have sex.�
�*beep* YOU!� She screamed, turning around to face him, pulling her arm over her breasts and crossing her legs closed. �I�ve put as much into this as you have, but my duties have more weight-�
�Yeah, you, the priority. I get the picture and I�m going.� He said as he walked to the door.
"And who�s going to help you get ahead with Starfleet and help you achieve those dreams you want? Who�ll keep you company on those long nights? I was there for you�� She said in desperation.
��Maybe, but you�re not now. I�ve had enough.� He said, walking out of the quarters.
She�d lost what she�d loved and it didn�t seem as though she was going to get it back. She thought to herself I�ll come through this, as always, my duties prevail over everything, the things I do best, the things I�ve always wanted in my life. Damn it!!!
Helena screwed up her face, aggressive tears were pushed from her eyes as she pushed her body against the wall and sinking to the floor, crying and hitting the wall.

[Joel]

Chapter 3 - Part 1.

The shuttle with the Captain and Ensign Despres on board exited Earth�s atmosphere and was bound for Deep Space Nine where the USS Cathexis was docked. It was a type two shuttle, much like the one that was being repaired at the docking station on Earth. Except this one was in one piece. As discussed by the Admiral, Ensign Despres sat at the helm controls while the Captain sat next to him in the passenger seat.
The Captain asked �ETA, Ensign?�
"Twenty minutes, Sir. It shouldn�t take long, we�re not even at maximum warp. I can get there sooner if you wish.�
�That won�t be necessary, I�m enjoying the time between now and later. Gives me a chance to think of how I�ll introduce myself and get started.� He confessed.
�Permission to give advice, Captain.�
�Always, Ensign.�
�I think a brief �hello� would suffice.� He said with a smirk.
�That would be a start.� The Captain agreed, turning to the Ensign with a slight laugh. He then continued �No, it�s more a case of what to do once in that chair, what initiates the mission or whom.�
�A mentor of mine always said that beginning was always the greatest leap. What follows from that is simular to the former.�
�Sound advice, Ensign.� The Captain reflected.
Alexandre moved his hands across the console, bringing up ship schematics and ensuring the systems were at one hundred percent. He looked over the green areas most meticulously to ensure he wasn�t getting any false readings. He then turned to his right hand side to make sure all i6nternal systems were operational.
The Captain picked up on this and asked �Problem, Ensign?�
Alexandre looked back to the Captain and reported �Not at all, Sir. Everything is operational. I know this sounds anal, but I cannot work on a ship running under a substandard condition. Ninety nine percent is one percent too low, Sir.�
"Not at all, I�m pleased to be working with such a savvy officer. I�m looking forward to what�s ahead.� He smiled. �I could do with a drink, can I get you anything, Ensign?�
�Not while I�m on duty, Sir.� He responded.
�Very well then, I won�t be long.� The Captain stood up and walked to the back area of the shuttle where there was a replicator.

Trialana Riker sat in her chair with her leg crossed over the other listening intently to Ensign Renick. As ships counsellor, she had the reputation for being quite the philanthropist. This was a result of her soft, approachable and empathetic nature that most members of the crew could rely on. But what really made Trialana so unique was her sincerity, it was unmistakable. Being the daughter of William and Diana Riker, much of her wisdom was inherited from her parents who both held prosperous careers. While Diana had a reputation for being a great Counsellor, William (or �Will� as he was referred to by closer colleagues and friends) was known had a reputation for being a charismatic leader.
Ensign Renick (Zoritomal, or as her friends called her, �z�), sat opposite Trialana, the female Chief Astrometrics officer. She was 26 and relatively new to Starfleet having only graduated three years before her current appointment to the Cathexis. She wasn�t human. She was a Namiri, an alien race that located Earth shortly after the USS Voyager returned to the Delta quadrant. Her appearance was close to that of a human. Her facial features were really the only thing that set her apart from a human. She had very pale, milk/steel coloured skin. Along her forehead just below her fringe were faint blue veins that all Namiri had. Her accent was close to that of humanoids; however some of her vowels were pronounced a little differently. For example, the pronunciation of �A� sounded like �aaaaiii� when coming from Ensign Renick. She had short black hair stopping just below her ears.
The pair of them had been talking for about three quarters of an hour. While Ensign Renick felt it was more of a consultation, Trialana saw it more as someone who had trouble fitting in and wanting to meet new people.
"Is it because I�m strange?� Ensign Renick asked.
Trialana chucked a little which was reminiscent of a mannerism belonging to her mother. �I think you�re far too critical of yourself, Zori-�Zoro�� she started to say with difficulty pronouncing her name.
"Z will be fine.� The Ensign informed.
"Well, Z, like I was going to say, you�re too critical on yourself and that could be a reason why it�s so hard for you to find your footing on the ship. If you doubt yourself so much and feel you�re out of place, chances are you will be.� Trialana kindly pointed out.
�But it�s so hard.� She replied with a hint of a desperate cry.
�It�s never easy, especially amongst such a big community like a ship. But you�re not alone, Z�there�s a lot of other officers in your position who feel the same.�
�How do I find them?�
Trialana took a moment to think about this and softly answered �It�s not that simple. How about this�imagine you�re in the crew lounge on a break and you�re sitting on your own and you see somebody else sitting on their own (perhaps someone you work with), what�s to stop you from going up to them and introducing yourself?�
Ensign Renick struggled with this for a moment and said �It�s not really customary for a Namiri to be so extroverted; they have this habit of speaking when they�re spoken to.�
�That�s interesting because you requested to speak to me, so you�ve taken the first step. I doubt it�s beyond your capabilities.� Trialana smiled encouragingly.
�Well, I�ll do my best to challenge myself.� She replied.
�I�d like to hear how you progress, Ensign. I can already sense that you�re determined to make a change. Good luck with it.�
Ensign Renick stood up, smiled mischievously and said �Well I guess it�s time I got a move on and met some of the crew then.�
Trialana gently raised her hand and reminded the Ensign �Remember, it can�t be rushed, it�s a natural process, so do be patient.�
Ensign Renick smiled and farewelled the Counsellor.

Ensign Renick briefly returned to her quarters to get a padd she needed to hand onto the Doctor. It was standard procedure for new officers to supply the ship�s Doctor with an up to date medical profile of themselves. This would ensure that the assigned Doctor could work to the best of his abilities if the patient wasn�t conscious to supply them with the relevant information.
She entered sickbay with the padd at ready but there was no sign of the rostered Doctor at first. When first entering sickbay, the visitor would be faced with a circular room that had 8 or 10 examination beds around the room in front of the walls. Amongst that, there were tables and trays prepared with medical equipment and scanning tools.

�Is there something I can help you with?� Called a voice to the left of Ensign Renick. She turned to see an office closed off by a glass wall. She saw a man sitting in the small room behind a desk.
She walked in and said �As a matter of fact you can� with a smile, practicing some of the advice the Counsellor had just given.
The young (aged 30 at the most), African Doctor reciprocated the smile. He had fine shaved hair which blended in with his dark skin. Meanwhile, his accent had lost most of its element of ethnicity in favour of a very tidy American accent. Not too loud, nor too quiet. It was a very deep, calm and a smooth voice. �I�m Doctor Adam Tarvin; I take it you�re new here.� He said standing up with a hand extended.
Ensign Renick reciprocated the greeting by extending her hand and shaking his hand. I�m pretty sure that�s right. She thought to herself. �That�s quite right, Doctor. I thought I would just drop by and give you my medical details. According to the dossier we got in our quarters, we were instructed to give you the latest details for your records. I�m Ensign Renick by the way.�
"Ahhh, yes. Good, good, good. I think you�re the first to actually have supplied me with any details, most officers just assume that the databases will keep an up to date record. That�s only so with a medical consultation which is fairly seldom for some.� He said taking the padd and sitting down again to face his computer. He said �Please, take a seat. I shouldn�t be too long but I wouldn�t want to keep you on your feet either.�
�Oh, no, it�s ok�I�ll be fine.� Ensign Renick said almost too nervously. A couple of minutes passed as the Doctor entered the information from the padd into his computer. It was a silent and prolonged period, during which Ensign Renick decided to sit down, beginning to feel more relaxed. To attempt to break the ice, she opened �How long have you been a Doctor?�
�Four years now. I served on Earth for all that time so this is my first service as a Doctor on a Starship. It�s quite daunting.� He said before returning to the padd. �I see, you�re a Namiri. You�re my first patient of its type.� He reflected and sat back thinking. �Now don�t tell me, at the end of each month�one injection of homeostasis fluid. That�s to regulate bodily functions in your body and prevent you from hyperventilating. As far as I know, your bodies don�t quite produce enough blood cells for constant operation.�
�That�s correct. We only require a three hour sleeping cycle.�
�If you had more sleep, your bodies may be able to rejuvenate themselves and you won�t lack the energy you need.� The Doctor advised.
�I know, but it�s nearly impossible for us to sleep longer than that. We never seem to get drowsy like humans do.�
"It�s just the way you operate.� The Doctor confirmed. �Well everything seems to be in good order here. Your health is one hundred percent, I�ll just need to ensure that my medical supplies are regularly updated for your monthly dose.�
�Good, well, thank-you.� Ensign Renick said with a smile., she still felt awkward though.
The Doctor finally detected this and asked �Is everything ok, Ensign?�
"Everything is fine, Doctor�I�m just a little overwhelmed by the sudden change in my environment from a small farm on Earth to such an elitist ship like this.� She responded.
�The transition is never easy, like I said this is my first time serving on a ship. If you need anything don�t be afraid to ask.�
�Thank-you, Doctor.�



Captain Riley sat up in the passenger seat with his empty coffee cup sitting next to him, meanwhile the console to his right hand side rung out a beeping noise. Ensign Despres leant across and tapped it. They both knew what this sound meant. Not only from the sound itself but from what they could see through the window- Deep Space Nine. They had arrived.
Captain Riley in particular watched closely because he could see the Cathexis being held by the docking clamps on the station. The ship was illuminated and perfectly rounded. It appeared just as it did in the hologram on the board room table back at Starfleet Academy. Shuttles drifted all around it performing scans while some assisted with maintenance
They were being hailed. The female voice prompted �Shuttlecraft, this is Deep Space Nine, please report.�
The Captain tapped the communication panel and said �This is Captain Scott Riley, I�m here to meet with the USS Cathexis.�
There was a slight pause until he heard �I�m afraid Captain you will need to wait, we�ve had new security protocols, so we need to keep you in orbit for a few moments, it shouldn�t be too long.
�Acknowledged.� Scott conceded with a sigh.

As Vulcan�s did, she sat upright with a poker expression on her face looking directly ahead to the view screen. Like most Vulcan�s (if not all), her hair was cropped short and black. But most notable, she was silent. Dead silent like the hull of an Earth bound freighter carrying rusty, disposable ship parts. At present, she was in the Captain�s chair overseeing operations while Commander Eden was in the ready room preparing reports for the Captain. At that point, Lieutenant K�tal was the officer whom Commander Eden trusted the most. K�tal was the Cathexis�s Operations officer.
The tactical officer announced �Lieutenant K�tal, we are being hailed by Deep Space Nine.�
The Lieutenant rose to her feet, still holding the same expression looking straight ahead and barely noticing the officer speaking to her. She ordered �On screen, Ensign.�
A male Klingon appeared on screen. He announced �Lieutenant, please inform the Commander that the Captain has arrived on Deep Space Nine and is ready to board the Cathexis.�
�It will be done immediately.� Lieutenant K�tal said. The transmission ended, the screen turning to black. While the Klingon�s and Vulcan�s were dramatically different, one thing that was mutual was their standards on conversation in terms of being very brief and to the point.
K�Tal turned on her heel and walked over to the ready room, ringing the door chime and then entered when the female French accent prompted to do so.
Behind the desk sat a woman in her mid thirties with straight, reddish brown hair that was untied and stopping just above her shoulders forming a crescent around her face. Her hazel eyes met the Lieutenants and she spoke in her soft, flowing French accent �Lieutenant?�
�Commander Eden, Deep Space Nine has informed me that Captain Riley has arrived on board. Shall I arrange an escort for the Captain to meet with you anywhere in particular?� The Lieutenant asked.
The Commander thought about this for a bit and then said �I�ll meet with him here, Lieutenant. That will be all.�
Lieutenant K�tal nodded and left the waiting room leaving Genevieve alone behind the desk. She sat back in her chair feeling relieved but at the same time disappointed she�d be abdicated from the Captain�s chair in favour of the first officer�s chair. Considering herself as a �by the book officer�, Commander Eden had worked assiduously and she felt undermined that Starfleet hadn�t assigned her a Commanding position. Nevertheless, the Cathexis would hopefully serve as an effective stepping stone- provided the Captain didn�t get in the way. Genevieve stretched her toes (since she�d removed her boots under the desk, feeling she could have some kind of luxury as commanding officer). She stood up from her chair and walked over to the window looking out at the spider-like space station that surrounded The Cathexis with the ships drifting around it. She sighed at the thought of one of those ships having her Captain in it. Those feelings were quite off the mark though, the door chime to her office rang. She quickly skipped back behind the desk, pulled her boots on, tucket the leg of her trousers into them and zipped them both up followed by saying �Come in� as she stood up.
The door slid opened and Captain Riley was revealed. Rugged, handsome and standing in my way she thought to herself before saying�Welcome aboard, Captain. I am your first officer for this assignment, Commander Eden.� In light of that, she stepped out of the Captain�s desk, uniform looking immaculate, her boots shiny. It was her way of saying �Take it from me if you dare�� Why is it that males only wear ankle high boots beneath their trousers? Is it their way of hiding the shoes of responsibility? Thinking to herself yet again.
Scott walked around her and sat behind his desk looking up to the Commander. �Try the view from that side of the desk, it�s not all that bad.� He said knowing that she wasn�t exactly happy to be sharing command with him.
�Believe me, Captain, I�ve sat at both sides of the desk and I know where I belong. That certainly is not here.� She said abruptly.
�I�m sure with your veneer you�d be able to pull Command off quite well. But as long as you�re on my ship you�ll learn to follow orders.� Scott said.
�Captain, I never said anything about not following orders. I was merely expressing my feelings for being here.�
�Irrespective of those feelingsyou will perform your duties as required, Commander.�
�Affirmative, Captain.� She said with a smile that would match a grin from the Cheshire cat.
�Excellent to see we have that clarified.� Scott looked to a padd that was left of his computer, he picked it up and read it. �A very well compiled report, Commander. Perhaps a promotion isn�t such an obscene notion after all. Time will tell.�

�Only to the best of my abilities, Captain.� She said.
Scott ignored the inflammatory remark while he continued to read the report. Something on it caught his eye. �Now Starfleet never informed me of this.�
�Let me guess, you�re referring to the officers accompanying us from Starfleet Command?� Eden asked.
�That�s precisely what I�m on about. According to this they�ll be completely unannounced and are currently aboard and there�s no telling of how many. According to this report they have jurisdiction to take command of the ship should they feel it is reasonable to do so.� He paused and continued to read �The only officers on board The USS Cathexis authorised to be in knowledge of the officers are Captain Scott Riley and Commander Genevieve Eden. Should knowledge of this operation extend beyond these two named officers, the ship will be decommissioned and they will be stripped of their belonging to Starfleet. If the identity of the undercover officers is to be revealed, their identities are to remain only in the knowledge of Captain Scott Riley and Commander Genevieve Eden. No ship logs are to document the presence of these officers outside of this report. Once again, serious implications such as removal of Starfleet could take place. Having accepted the roles that you now have, you are now expected to carry them out as outlined in your doctrine�s in which you signed to. If you feel you do not want to proceed, immediately inform Admiral Anthony Marlow. Please bare in mind that you will be asked to resign from Starfleet and will be ordered by Law to reside in a location of Starfleet�s choosing. As soon as the USS Cathexis leaves dock, it will be assumed that you have accepted this responsibility and will be liable for any and all consequences.� Scott froze at this and looked up to Commander Eden.
�I am not surprised to be perfectly honest, Captain. With the security breaches and attacks we have had with Starfleet, it only makes sense for Starfleet to tighten their grips on Starship movements and activities.� Genevieve said.
�But�don�t you think this is a little voyeuristic?� The Captain asked reluctantly.
"Certainly, but it�s the security of knowledge that has kept Starfleet alive for all these years.�
Scott continued to read the remainder of the memo. �Should one of the officers feel free to reveal their identity, they will address you with the following phrase: �I am the preservation of the cause.� Upon reading this memo, please delete immediately once the addressed officers have read it in full and understood it.� Scott immediately deleted the contents of the padd and placed it on his desk looking up to his second in command. �I think it�s crucial that we trust one another. Let�s set our differences aside, something tells me we�ll be relying on it for our survival.� While the Captain felt this, he also felt threatened by the fact that he was being pushed into a bureaucratic corner that he had no say in. It�s ironic that Starfleet have yet again inaugurated another conspiracy on this occasion where it was once riddled with it. He didn�t dare verbalise his thoughts though.
Genevieve paused for a moment and then finally said �I agree, Captain.�
�Good. Let�s meet our crew then.� He said standing up. The pair of them walked out onto the bridge.

[Joel]

So that's it for now. That's as far as we had come. What I intend to do is, once I get some feedback, scrap the characters, ship and story and start fresh. I basically want to use this as a model to see what works and what doesn't. This will therefore allow me to build it from the ground up. I would love to hear your feedback, good and bad. Also very interested in working with a few writers.

The reason I don't want to continue with the current ship and characters is because they were created in collaboration with my writing partner. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to commit, so i'd like to use this as a base to move off from and see where we go. But i'd like to go for the similar tone and feel if we can.