For the first time in a long time, Karyn Reyas was meeting with everyone from the science department. The last time she recalled having everyone in the same room was shortly after the ship had launched over thirteen years ago. Sat before her were the best and the brightest that Starfleet had to offer the Odyssey. She knew them all, most of them served with her from the Triton while the rest had come from the last ship named Odyssey and a few had joined the ship since its launch in 2386. 

Deciding to assemble everyone in the dedicated holodeck assigned to the science department, which was a huge room itself without holographic features enabled, the commander had set up the holoprogram to show a simple briefing layout room which allowed the different sub-departments to gather together. At the front of the room she would chair the meeting and a holographic recording of the meeting was being broadcasted to the cetacean ops. This meeting was required to ensure that the whole science department were clear on their objectives for the upcoming mission. 

“Good morning everyone,” Reyas said as she took her seat and picked up her mug of raktajino and the PADD with the meeting’s agenda on it. “This is the first time since our launch that I have gathered you altogether and the days ahead will require our entire department working closely together. As you all know, the captain plans to take the ship into a region of space known as the Belt of the Tkon Outreach. However this belt is built on numerous anomalies and the records we retrieved from Outré indicate that its inhabitants believed the Tkon kept an outpost at the centre of it, hence its name. It’s our job to ensure we have all of the information at hand to assist with dealing with what this belt will throw at us. Everyone will be involved in reviewing the data we retrieved from Outré, so let’s begin handing out sub-department priorities.”

Reyas looked down at her notes on her PADD and started the process of informing everyone what area they would be working on. The Belt of the Tkon Outreach would not outsmart them and they would be prepared for what awaited them. Whatever it took. 

With a mug of Tarkalean tea in one hand and his chin resting in the palm of the other, Lieutenant Flemen was slowly sipping on the hot beverage while reading everything that Starfleet had on the Tkon. He sat in the ship’s library after deciding that the escape to the large room, which contained lanes of consoles and books surrounding its edges, would give him the space to think and study. The captain had made it his priority to revise everything he already knew about the Tkon and review all of the latest information that Starfleet had recently discovered. He was grateful that he was not the only one assigned to the job. Sat opposite him was Lieutenant Tomaz, who was also deeply reading the records. The Barzan strategic operations officer was also drinking the same beverage as he was, Flemen had suggested it to him. 

Blinking several times, Tomaz looked away from his holographic screen and at Flemen to give out a slight moan. “Craigen, you never mentioned how many different ages there were of the Tkon. This stuff is going to take me ages.”

Chuckling slightly at the remarks coming from Tomaz, “I thought you were concentrating on their technology?” He asked aloud, still focusing on his reading of the recent discoveries in the Alpha Quadrant.

“I am, but they’ve all been categorised by their era.” Tomaz complained further. “I’m trying to see what we have on their technology on being able to move planets and stars, to see if there’s anything we can use there as a form of defence or perhaps even help us journey through that belt but I keep getting referred to the Age of Xora.”

Looking over to his colleague, Flemen smiled as he knew why. “That’s probably because Federation archaeologists have theorised that during the Age of Xora the technology they used to move their planets and stars was what may have caused their central sun to go nova.”

“Sort of an overuse of their technology?” Tomaz assumed. 

Nodding to confirm, Flemen explained further that it was one theory. “Try changing your search parameters and perhaps focus on the technology their portals have. When they disabled the Enterprise-D, the technology to defend against it was never explored further for sometime. It might be worth seeing if anyone had any luck with it, you may want to include the Ferengi history database as well.”

“Ferengi?” Tomaz questioned. 

Flemen gave another nod. “Yeah, the Ferengi were there as well.”

“Thanks.” Tomaz responded as he got back to his work. Focussing on his work, the Barzan spoke up. “So Craigen, how are you enjoying being on the senior staff now?”

Smirking at the question, the Lumerian answered while still taking notes. “I thought it was a bit of a culture shock, but it’s not as bad as now that I’ve had some time to get used to it.” 

“Is it true you used to lead your hazard team on your last ship?” Tomaz questioned next.

“I did.” Flemen responded. “Why?”

“Just curious why you never applied for any of the ones on Odyssey.” Tomaz stated. 

“Odyssey already had team leaders and the diplomatic department was the largest one I’ve ever served in before. I wanted to focus on that before considering any other position.” Flemen then looked over his screen. “Anyway, now I’m a senior officer joining the hazard team is off the table for me.”

Laughing at that point, Tomaz agreed with it. “Do you miss it?”

“The training perhaps, but not the actual missions.” Flemen said. 

“To many unknowns?” Tomaz questioned. 

“Yep, just like this mission and it gives me a headache just thinking about it.” Flemen commented. “So we best get back to our reading-”

“Or there’ll still be too many unknowns.” Tomaz interjected with. “Don’t worry Craigen, we’ll have all of the information read and understood before teatime.”

Finishing his mug, Flemen held it up. “Talking of which, I could do with another. How about you?”

Rubbing his eyes, the Barzan nodded in agreement. “Please.” He said handing his mug over and going back to his reading.

The two of them knew this was going to take them a long time.

Enjoying a good medical problem always kept Doctor Slyvexs on her toes, especially when it involved other practices too. She was fortunate enough recently to support the science department with their discovery of the hologram known as the Farmer and now she stood in main engineering with Lieutenant Commander Jen and Commander Hunsen. The three of them had been tasked in working on how to protect the crew and ship from the various dangers that lay ahead of them. 

“The thermobaric clouds don’t worry me, as long as the intake manifolds don’t overheat.” Hunsen remarked as they went through each barrier one at a time. “Lukiz, you’ll need to ensure that T’Rani and the whole flight control department know they can’t expect anything more than one half impulse.”

“Understood.” Jen said as he took a note on his PADD. “That said, I know T’Rani is working with Naef later today to plot a course to avoid the thickest areas of the region. She noticed some subspace eddies, so she was saying she would like an early warning system setup for them.”

“Doc, are you worried about the clouds?” Hunsen asked Slyvexs, who was sitting on one of the small stools around the main engineering command console, also referred to as the engineering pool table. 

Looking up from her PADD, she shook her head. “No, radiation levels are low enough that the shields will protect the crew.”

“It’s the same for the plasma field that follows,” Jen stated. “Again nothing too significant to worry about besides intense plasma storms. We may want to look at how we reinforce the structural integrity field and improve the inertial dampeners.”

“Good idea.” Hunsen remarked.

“I’d have my staff on standby to assist with any space sickness then.” Slyvexs stated. “The radioactive Mutara class nebula concerns me.”

“It’s not quite like the Swallow Nebula, but I agree with the doctor that we need to do something or the crew will end up with radiation burns or worse.” Jen said.

“From these long range scans, the nebula would appear to have massive amounts of subnucleonic radiation, even with adjusting our shields and the use of some inoculations, it wouldn’t be long until the crew suffers.” Slyvexs remarked. 

“What’s the best course of treatment?” Hunsen said. 

Shaking her head again, Slyvexs explained there wasn’t. “Entering stasis is the only treatment.”

“Stasis?” Jen questioned the doctor. “That seems extreme.”

“Stasis chambers can prevent the organic matter from being so badly affected from radiation exposure.” Slyvexs.

“I’m not sure the captain would be happy to hear we need to place us all on stasis.” Hunsen stated. He looked down at the map they had of the nebula. “I mean we would only be out for two days as the ship went through at full impulse, but who would be left to run the ship?”

“I suppose the Emergency Holograms would have to do it.” Jen suggested. “Can we not just fly around the nebula?”

Slyvexs shook her head, “I’m no pilot but it would take weeks, if not months to get around.”

“Let’s put that problem to one side for now.” Hunsen said. “Doc, do you mind taking a look to see if there’s alternatives.” 

“I can but I’m certain what I’ll find is exactly what I’ve shared.” She replied, not sounding convinced she will find an alternative. 

“The dense region of subspace vacuoles should be easy to get through, but we may want to send a probe ahead of us to map it out. A better picture would aid us, especially with auto-navigation.” Hunsen said. “Then we need to deal with the type-four singularity.”

“Is that just a prettier way of saying a black hole?” Slyvexs asked.

“Sort of.” Jen remarked. “I’ll speak with temporal and quantum mechanics to see if they could adjust the chroniton integrator in the main deflector to filter out any temporal distortions, we don’t want our sensors picking up any time-delayed reflections.”

“Good idea, while you’re at it, let’s run a level-one diagnostic on the multidimensional wave-function analysis module. I’m sure the captain would appreciate an early warning system with the singularity as well.” Hunsen suggested. 

Jen nodded in agreement while Slyvexs just looked at both men, almost speechless at the techno-babble they just spoke. “How do you guys remember all of that?” She asked, almost in awe.

“The same way you remember the difference between each organ and how each one is different in a range of species, doc.” Jen answered.

She chuckled at his quick response. “I still want to see what’s on the planet, if we find it. Any chance the probe we send ahead could send us those scans back?”

Hunsen appreciated the doctor’s initiative, especially with her eagerness to always learn something from other departments. “I’m afraid not.” He said, automatically sensing her disappointment before she slumped her shoulders. “We’d be lucky if it survives the vacuoles, let alone the singularity.”

“Well I feel sorry for that probe.” Slyvexs said, almost deadpanned as she looked back at her PADD. “So besides everything else almost ripping the ship apart, we only have one barrier that could kill the crew.”

“Indeed we do.” Jen said.

“Let me head to sickbay to see if I can get some other ideas then gentlemen.” Slyvexs said as she politely left their company, she wasn’t too keen on suggesting to the captain they went into stasis, so she was eager to find another idea. Sleeping in one of those coffins was not appealing to her. 

“A beacon?” repeated Commander Duncan.

“We know it sounds almost far-fetched but Starfleet has already found a number of them in the Alpha, Beta and Gamma Quadrants. From what they’ve discovered the network itself does spread this far and the network would seem to suggest where you’re heading one of the beacons is there too.” spoke the holographic representation of Commodore Bennet.

Working in the captain’s ready room, Commander Duncan had joined Captain McCallister to begin fine tuning their game plan for the Belt of the Tkon Outreach when the call from the commodore had come in. 

McCallister was sitting behind his desk while Duncan was perched on the edge of the sofa. Captain McCallister had sent all of their data on Outré to the USS Discovery the evening before and the news that they were heading to the outreach to see if there was anything there. Bennet had called and informed him of what Starfleet had ordered almost every ship in the fleet to do. It would appear Odyssey was now part of that large collective response. 

“Is there anything else you can share, sir?” McCallister asked his superior.

“Negative, besides the fact that a former directive is still in place.” Bennet stated. It was obvious he was being careful in what he said with Duncan in the room. “If this Tkon Outreach is in fact a Tkon outpost with a beacon, then I want the Odyssey to investigate it and do whatever it takes to repair it. The more beacons we sort out the more we can bring this crisis to an end.”

Duncan shot a confused look at McCallister, it was obvious in reference to the ‘former directive’ the commodore mentioned. McCallister ignored the look as he acknowledged the orders from Bennet and the two of them exchanged one last lot of pleasantries before the channel was closed. 

“I take it the directive he mentioned is the one I can’t know about but was the one that Bexa resigned over?” Duncan inquired. 

Sighing heavily, McCallister nodded his head. “Please don’t push the issue on it Max.”

“I won’t.” Duncan said with assurance. “Shall I let the crew know we’ve got new orders?”

“Yes please.” McCallister said, “I’ll start work on reading through what the commodore sent over about these beacons and how we are meant to repair them.”

“Just another day in the delightful Delta Quadrant.” Duncan said as he got up and left the ready room to get their day started properly.

“Captain’s log, stardate seven-six-five-oh-seven point eight. Encrypt log entry. Our arrival at the Belt is imminent but for the first time as a captain my worries about taking the Odyssey into what is clearly a treacherous area of space are getting the better of me. The dangers that await us have me debating whether crossing this expanse is worth it all. And god forbid we find Omega. As per Starfleet orders, I am undertaking this mission under the directive as a precaution. With everything that is surrounding this Tkon Outreach, it would not surprise me that Omega would appear out of the blue. I have ordered the rearming of our remaining gravimetric torpedoes. I just hope we won’t need them.”

Quietly standing in his ready room, listening to some easy music being played by a piano, Captain McCallister had his eyes closed as he faced the wide slanted bay windows in his ready room. A moment of peace and clarity was what he needed. His former first officer would tell him that a moment to think and pray to the Bajoran Prophets helped her calm her nerves, while his current first officer would fall back to his former life as a counsellor and suggest some slow breathing techniques. McCallister had found over the years that a combination of the two with his own twist helped. Arms crossed against his chest and a mug of hot tea held in one hand, helped him take a moment before the chaos of their next mission was about to start.

He hadn’t heard the ready room door chime go off the first time until it went off the second time. Opening his eyes and turning around to turn the music off, he looked over at the door to the bridge and told his guest to come in. 

The doors parted making their usual whooshing noise, allowing for Commander Duncan to enter. With a PADD in one hand, McCallister’s right-hand man approached him and before handing over the device to him, he noticed the mood and demeanour of his captain. Being the former chief counsellor, Duncan could read the captain’s body language very well. “You okay, sir?” He instantly asked with a tone of concern in his voice. 

McCallister nodded, dismissing the note of concern away and gestured to the PADD in Duncan’s hands. “What do you have Number One?”

“Status update, sir.” Duncan answered as he passed it over to him. “Tremt and Doctor Slyvexs have completed bringing the entire stasis chamber network online. They believe the final set of diagnostics will be completed by this afternoon.”

Shivering at the thought of having to go into stasis for part of their journey did not sit well with McCallister. The radioactive mutara class nebula had challenged his crew for sometime as they tried to find a way of not having to place the crew in stasis. Sadly they had not been able to find a solution in time. “And our holograms?” The captain asked.

“Lukiz has finished the last of the updates to their programmes, you just need to give the word and activate them all. He has also set up additional shielding units around the computer processing cores, key clusters of bio-neural gel packs as well as around holographic projectors. Portable emitters are also being charged up. The back up ODN networks are also ready to kick in the moment a gel pack fails. He has considered almost every fail-safe in the book and more.” Duncan answered. “Cetacean Ops is also ready for the handover.”

Without a doubt, James was impressed at the might of the Odyssey. While almost everyone on the ship would have to go into stasis when they crossed a toxic nebula, the ship would be left to be run by the ship’s complement of Emergency Holograms and those who were aquatic based. Cetacean Ops, would be in command of leading the ship for almost two days while they were all  under. Leaving the ship under the command of their Cetacean Ops leader, Lieutenant Commander Charlin Quendez, an Antedean that had previously served under McCallister on the Triton, was the only course of action the captain could take. Quendez was a fine officer and was supported by a strong team in Cetacean Ops, in fact those who served there were some of the best minds that McCallister had ever encountered. Quendez being one of them. All of them had just become the ship’s caretakers for forty-eight hours. 

The intercom went off and T’Rani’s voice could be heard. “Bridge to Captain McCallister, we are approaching the edge of the belt.”

Placing the PADD down on his desk, McCallister walked straight out and onto his bridge with Duncan in tow. Entering the bridge, the two officers were spoken to as T’Rani continued to share her update as her superiors took their seats.  

“We will be approaching the edge of the thermobaric clouds in two point five minutes, sir.” T’Rani took her position at the helm. “Dropping out of warp now and engaging impulse engines.”

The aft turbolift doors opened, allowing for the rest of the senior staff to enter. This was a particular occasion when McCallister couldn’t deny any of them wanting to see what laid ahead of them. The entire crew had been working around the clock and the stress was plain across their facial expression. Close to exhaustion, they knew what was needed to prepare the ship for the dangers. All of them took their positions at the range of stations that were available. 

Slyvexs made her way to the available seat to McCallister’s left. Though it was saved for Lieutenant Flemen, who would normally advise the captain on diplomatic matters, the Lumerian officer had opted to take up a position at Mission Ops II next to where Lieutenant Tomaz was sat at Mission Ops I. The two men in the past twenty-four hours had crammed over every piece of detail that the computer had on the Tkon, effectively becoming the ship’s experts on the ancient civilisation. Their involvement would be relied upon if they eventually found the Tkon world once they had crossed the Belt. 

The Denobulan doctor gave her captain a reassuring smile. Her years of experience and wisdom was always welcomed, so he had no issue in her sitting in Flemen’s seat. 

“I’ve got a visual of the clouds.” announced Reyas from the science station. Her statement broke the silence that had started to form on the bridge. 

Looking over at his wife, McCallister signalled to her to put the image up on the main screen. With a few taps on her console, she showed everyone else the first wall they had to climb. The journey through the clouds would take them at least twelve hours while at half impulse. 

“Are we ready to enter?” He asked his crew.

Turning around in his chair at ops, Jen looked at his commanding officer. “All systems are good to go, sir.”

“I’ve re-enforced the shields with the main deflector and increased power to inertial dampeners. We can’t do anything more than just ride through the waves for now.” Hunsen spoke up from engineering aft stations. 

Before he had the chance to give the order to go, McCallister was interrupted by Lenjir at tactical. The proximity alarm went off and the Tiburon man looked up from his tactical readings. “Sir, I’m picking up a small ship, no bigger than a runabout. It looks like it’s being dragged into the clouds by a subspace eddy.”

Looking around and above him at his security and tactical chief, McCallister was curious to know more. “Put it up, Cline.” He ordered and the viewscreen adjusted to show a vessel the captain didn’t recognise. “Lifesigns?”

“One, humanoid.” Lenjir stated. “Sensors are stating that it is a Pendari.”

“A Pendari?” Slyvexs questioned.

“They’re a warp capable civilisation; known for their strength and bad temper.” Flemen answered. He had turned around in his chair and was facing the viewscreen.

“Well let’s hope we can turn that temper around.” McCallister uttered. “Can we tractor the ship into the main shuttlebay?”

“We can.” Jen said with affirmation.

“Then do it.” McCallister said as he stood up, “Cline, Craigen, Sylvexs, you’re with me to meet our guest. Number One, hold our position here and monitor for any other subspace eddies. I don’t want to be dragged in yet.”

“Aye sir.” Duncan replied as the three officers joined their captain heading to the port turbolift. 

The main shuttle bay’s tractors guided the smooth and aesthetically looking small craft onto the deck plating with a gentle thud. Moments after, with a security team surrounding them armed with phaser rifles, the captain and his team approached the vessel. A side door hissed open and a very tall humanoid man stepped out. He was huge. Standing at least seven feet his shoulders were so broad he had to step out of his ship sideways. His muscular frame could be almost seen through his skin-tight clothing he wore. He didn’t appear to wear much either, his clothing was quite scantily but it covered what could possibly be his genitalia area and the top part of his chest. His bulging muscles in his arms and legs were clearly on show along with his tight eight-pack abs. From what Flemen had briefed the team on their way down, the Pendari were known to display a show of strength in their appearance, their tone and mannerism. One would have to almost equal it to gain their full respect.

Appearing quite fierce in stature, he looked around the room and noticed the well armed detail and then before him McCallister and co. 

Remaining in his place, to keep a strong posture, McCallister welcomed their guest. “I’m Captain James Preston McCallister. You’re on board my vessel, the Federation starship U-S-S Odyssey.” As he spoke he realised he had made his voice deeper, which was unlike him. 

Moving towards McCallister, the tall Pendari stopped just a meter away and looked down at the human. His cranial ridges made him look almost like a Klingon-Human hybrid. Without knowing much about Pendari lifespan, McCallister would have guessed his visitor was in his early forties. “I am Shu’varn, Professor Shu’varn. Thank you for helping me back there.”

“You’re welcome.” McCallister said, still using the same tone in his voice. “These are my officers,” He said indicating to them with his hands, “Lieutenant Commander Cline Lenjir, my chief security and tactical officer.” He then pointed to his doctor. “Commander Slyvexs, my chief medical officer and Lieutenant Craigen Flemen, my chief diplomatic officer.”

Shu’varn just nodded to them all as he was introduced. “Captain, I appreciate you bringing my research scout in before I was destroyed. My vessel was heavily damaged by the subspace eddy that trapped us. By saving me, you have saved over eight years of work. For that I am in your debt.”

“One of our directives is to aid those who we can help.” McCallister stated. Gesturing towards the cuts and bruises across Shu’varn’s body, the captain continued. “I am sure Doctor Slyvexs would be happy to treat your injuries and my engineers can lend a hand in repairing your vessel.”

“Your charitableness is valued, thank you.” Shu’varn said. “What are you doing this close to the Belt though?”

“We’re about to enter it.” McCallister answered. “I take it you know it as the Belt of the Tkon Outreach?”

“I do.” Shu’varn said, still standing in the position he had taken after departing his craft. “I am primarily a professor of archaeology and the Tkon Empire has been one of the many ancient civilisations I have studied for my entire career. The outreach has been cited in many cultures’ historical records in this region. I have been mapping the thermobaric clouds for the past six months in an attempt to find a way through that would not damage my scout. I wish to pass through them to head to the centre to determine if a Tkon outpost truly exists there as told by many myths and legends I have encountered.”

“Professor, if you’d be happy to share your research then I am certain we would be happy to bring you along for the ride. We too are heading to the centre.” McCallister shared. 

Stretching his arms open, the Pendari stepped forward with a massive grin and pulled the captain into a bear hug. “Your generosity is endless, thank you captain.” Shu’varn said before letting go of the captain.

Attempting to keep his cool as he sorted himself out, McCallister straightened out his jacket and smoothed out his slightly disheveled hair. “Then if you follow Doctor Slyvexs she will take you to our sickbay and I will have Lieutenant Flemen have quarters setup for you. If you need anything, then he’d be your first port of call.”

“Again thank you.” Shu’varn said with gratitude. 

Smirking slightly at what had just happened, Slyvexs looked at McCallister without the Pendari seeing her and gave him an expression that showed her amusement at him being crushed by their new Goliath of a guest. She then turned to Shu’varn and gestured for him to follow her. Flemen walked past the captain, hiding his own delight with his right hand, before walking the other side of their tall visitor. As they left the shuttlebay, with some security escorts behind, Flemen could be heard speaking to the Pendari professor about what he knew about the Tkon. 

After the door closed behind them, Lenjir leaned into the captain, “You okay sir?”

McCallister gave out a breath and rubbed his chest. “I think I’ve got bruised ribs.”

Lenjir stifled a chuckle. “Shall I place security on our guest?”

“For now, yeah.” McCallister said, still rubbing his chest. “I’m heading back to the bridge. Have a team secure that craft and begin work on repairs.”

“Aye sir.” Lenjir replied as he noticed the captain wince several more times as he headed back to the bridge. 

Wincing still from the slight pain caused by Shu’varn’s embrace, McCallister stepped out onto the bridge and quickly stood up straight. Attempting to hide his pain, though failing miserably with it, the captain walked across to the centre of the room and towards his chair. Duncan had looked up from his chair to welcome the captain back. 

“I take it by Cline’s request that we have a visitor staying with us?” He questioned. 

“That we do.” McCallister said, as he gradually sat back down in his chair. “Professor Shu’varn is a Tkon expert, who was planning to cross the Belt to enter the Outreach as well. I’ve said we would take him with us.”

“Understood.” Duncan said, he noticed the captain’s discomfort and leaned in slightly. “You okay, sir?” He whispered.

“I’ll be fine.” McCallister said, gesturing with his hand that he was okay. “Just a Pendari formality that I’d have to get used to.” He cleared his throat and looked at the helm. “T’Rani, if there aren’t any more ships in distress, I’d like to get underway.”

“Certainly, sir.” The Vulcan pilot replied. “I have plotted a course that would take us through the least dense patches of the clouds. Minimising any damage to the ship or spatial disturbances.”

“Then by all means,” McCallister said, wincing one more time. “Engage!”

Odyssey jerked forward at half impulse and entered the swishing purple and grey clouds that surrounded the edge of the Belt of the Tkon Outreach. 

Their voyage had begun. There would be no turning back now.

“Altering course, bearing zero-five-four-mark-zero-nine-three. Reducing speed to one third impulse.” 

Lieutenant Commander T’Rani was becoming irritated at the adjustments she had to make and announcing them to the bridge crew only exacerbated her dislike for it. The original course she had plotted had taken into account numerous disturbances that sensors had detected, however after entering the thermobaric clouds she had to deal with how quickly the density of certain regions shifted. The ship could enter those dense areas but they would cause damage. T’Rani had opted to remain at her post until they were through. 

“That’s forty-seven.” announced Hunsen from where he sat in the captain’s chair. The chief engineer had volunteered to lead beta shift, he had wanted to monitor the ship’s systems during their passage and Captain McCallister had agreed. It gave the rest of the senior staff a moment to relax, take some rest before returning to the bridge to see their exit from the clouds. 

T’Rani looked over her shoulder, she too had been counting how many course corrections she had to make. She knew that the Hunsen, who was her predecessor, was not making any critical judgement about her piloting but his remark was more of a reminder about how long she had been sitting at the helm station. “Indeed.” She countered back with before returning back to her focus on the helm. 

“T’Rani, if you want to take a break, I’m happy to take over if you want to get yourself a drink.” Hunsen offered. 

“Thank you, commander, but I will take a break once we are through.” T’Rani replied in a polite manner. 

Looking down at the sensors, Hunsen shared what he thought of the clouds. “This feels like we are moving through a neutronic wavefront.”

“Indeed, the rapid changes coincide with a class nine wavefront than anything else Starfleet has encountered.” T’Rani agreed.

“Well you’re doing a grand job in getting us through the story.” Hunsen complimented the pilot.

“I am…” T’Rani paused to consider her response. “…grateful for the encouragement, sir.” 

Hunsen smirked as he could tell that T’Rani appreciated it but wanted to get back to her work. He went back to reading the latest status report and left her in peace to deal with the turbalance ahead of them.

Entering the Auditorium, with their guest beside him, Flemen was pleased to see the ship’s central hub of recreational activity in full-swing. 

“And this area is called the Auditorium, it’s where most of the ship’s social events take place.” Flemen explained, looking up at Shu’varn.

The Pendari archaeologist just nodded a few times as he looked around the room. It was like he was picking out targets as he studied it. “And your entire crew all interact with one another?” He asked.

“More or less.” Flemen answered. He pointed to where several of his colleagues sat, “In the evenings those who finish their duty shifts come here to relax and unwind.” Flemen suggested they walk over to the table his comrades had. 

“Interesting.” Shu’varn stated as he followed Flemen, still eyeing everything around him. 

Walking over to one of the rectangular tables, Flemen smiled over to his friends and introduced their guest to them. “Everyone, this is Professor Shu’varn, who we rescued earlier today.”

They all said hello and greeted the Pendari with smiles. 

Bowing his head at them, Shu’varn greeted them. “I hope I am not disturbing your evenings.”

“Absolutely not.” replied Lieutenant Tierra, the Deltan engineer stood up. “I’m Lieutenant Tierra, assistant chief engineer. This is my wife, Lieutenant Abbej and this is our good friend Lieutenant Jisaraa.”

Both women welcomed the Pendari when they were introduced. Abbej spoke up first after glancing over his attire, or lack thereof. “It’s lovely to meet you professor, Commander Reyas informed me you are a Tkon specialist.”

Taking a seat that Flemen had pulled out for him,  Shu’varn nodded. “I am, but spending some time with your Lieutenants Flemen and Tomaz, I feel they rival my knowledge.”

“Ignore them both, they only spent most of yesterday reading up on the Tkon.” Jisaraa mocked. “Are you feeling better, sir? We heard your craft was damaged by a subspace eddy.”

“I am, your Doctor Slyvexs is quite the healer.” He said. “She is quite the woman.”

“That she is.” agreed Tierra. “I’m not sure if anyone told you but we think we can begin repairs on your ship tomorrow. Nothing too serious we can’t handle, with your permission of course.”

Raising both hands to show his gratitude, Shu’varn smiled further. “I am grateful for your efforts lieutenant. Your captain and crew are very generous and welcoming.”

“Professor, can I get you a drink?” Flemen offered.

“I will have whatever you all are drinking.” Shu’varn replied. 

Looking at his friends, Flemen knew what they were all drinking. “Let me guess, another round of Risan mai-tai?”

All agreeing, the three women were grateful for Flemen to go off and get their drinks. 

Looking around the room, Shu’varn appeared almost fascinated by his surroundings. “Are you okay, professor?” Tierra asked. 

“Yes I am.” He answered. “I am confused, what does your crew do? On my homeworld, Pendari social events normally result in some sort of physical display of our strength. Will that be taking place tonight?”

Chuckling slightly at his question, Jisaraa answered him. “No, sir, not quite. Each evening we have a range of social events coordinated by our moral officer. Tonight, it is an old tradition from Earth called karaoke night.”

“Oh, I see.” Shu’varn said, just as Flemen returned with their drinks. Picking up one of the brightly orange and yellow drinks, he sniffed it and seemed to like the sweet aroma. “And what does one do at a ‘karaoke night’?”

“Sing.” Tierra explained. “One would pick a song from any style of music from any period of time from any culture and sing it.”

“Although it was cut recently to prevent anyone from singing any religious chants that could last over a long period of time. Normally it has to be a piece of music that is now longer than three or four minutes long.” Flemen said as he took his drink. He looked around and then back at his friends. “Where are Samris and Tomaz?”

“Just about to take the stage.” Abbey indicated with her drink towards the raised platform in the centre of the room. 

Flemen turned to see the Romulan counsellor and Barzan strategic operations officer step up onto the stage, both holding glasses of Romulan ale in their hands. Straight away he knew this could be dangerous and hoped neither of them showed themselves up, especially in front of their Pendari guest. 

Sitting on the upper floor of the auditorium, in the booth that was effectively the captain’s private dining area, McCallister was enjoying the evening’s entertainment with his wife, first officer, yeoman and chief medical officer. After having dinner with their sons, all of whom had requested to be allowed to leave before karaoke night started so they could go hang with their friends elsewhere on the ship, the captain was now starting to feel somewhat calmer over their current mission. Besides the odd tremors here and there, their journey had gone well…so far. 

“Oh dear lord, please don’t tell me Tomaz and Samris are about to make fools of themselves?” Slyvexs questioned aloud from her seat. 

The captain’s private dining hall was of a decent size and was just an offshoot from the upper level. It had the ability to be completely private with bulkheads that could move into place to prevent anyone from looking in or they could allow those who were in it to look down at the lower main area of the Auditorium and experience the entire atmosphere in the room. Right now, the captain and gone for the former as the good mood that was in the room was appealing to him. 

Slyvexs had a perfect view from her seat to see what was happening and with a glass of aldebaran whiskey, she was enjoying her evening off. “Isn’t there some rule about the senior staff not singing?”

“I’m afraid not Slyvexs.” Reyas remarked as she sipped on a glass of fine sauvignon blanc. “Plus, I think it’s good for Samris and Tomaz to be seen by the crew that they are fun and approachable.”

“I’m not sure if drunk on Romulan ale is a good example though.” Duncan said, indicating towards what both men had in their hands. 

Chuckling slightly at that comment, McCallister had to stop himself and give out a slight ‘ow’ as his ribs were still hurting from his earlier encounter with their Pendari guest. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen either of them get up and perform before.” He remarked. 

Court, who was leaning over the edge of the trans-aluminum railing which helped them look down at the stage, “I just can’t wait to see if they remember any of this.”

“This will be a laugh.” Reyas said as she got up, still holding her glass and pulled Slyvexs up with her. Both women walked over to the side where Court was and Reyas gave out a ‘whooping’ noise of encouragement as both men took the stage.

Chuckling at his wife’s enthusiasm, McCallister couldn’t help but smile more. He looked over at Duncan and noticed that he was playing with the glass that had Ktarian beer in it. “Max, you okay? You seem a bit preoccupied.”

“Huh?” Duncan asked, looking at his superior. “Sorry, sir. I’m fine.”

“Max, we’re off duty. Please call me James.” McCallister requested. “And are you sure there’s nothing on your mind?”

“Just the mission.” Duncan answered honestly.

“Yeah, I know the feeling.” McCallister said, just as the music started up. “Come on, let’s enjoy what your protege is about to sing.”

“Yeah, let’s!” Duncan agreed and got up to join McCallister who was moving over to where the others were.

As they approached, the music (which was quite upbeat) was blaring through the speakers around the room and had most people moving. Both Samris and Tomaz started to sing, the words appeared on the holographic rolling screen before them, they shouted out “my, my” but didn’t have a chance to finish the sentence as the ship was rocked hard and everyone almost fell to their feet.

Grabbing his wife tightly, McCallister steadied her and himself. He hadn’t been wearing his uniform, instead was wearing his civilian clothes (as had everyone else) for the evening, but he still had his combadge on him. Tapping it straight away, he called up to the bridge and asked what was going on.

“That sir was us leaving the thermobaric clouds.” reported Hunsen, “We had to push the impulse engines a bit to push past a forming subspace eddy but we’re out and clear for now. What are your orders sir?”

“Have Delta Shift take over and set a course for the next barrier, maximum warp.” McCallister ordered. 

“Aye sir.” Hunsen said before closing the channel. 

“Here’s to surviving bad weather.” Slyvexs said, raising her glass. 

“We’ve got a plasma field to get through next.” Reyas said.

“Well then, here’s to getting through the next stormfront.” Slyvexs said, correcting her earlier toast and taking a sip. 

Joining the doctor, McCallister took a sip from his own drink and was glad that part one was complete. He only hoped that the plasma fields would be just as easy as the thermobaric clouds.  

“I need those emitters online by fifteen-hundred hours,” Jen complained as he walked along deck eight with Lieutenant Tierra. “Or the captain won’t be able to activate the entire Emergency Holographic package as planned.”

“They’ll be ready, I promise Lukiz.” Tierra answered as they approached the nearest turbolift. “Anyway, we won’t be entering the nebula until later on in the evening, why does the captain want the holograms online so early?”

Shrugging his shoulders, Jen had no clue. “Those were his orders. I suppose with him being a former operations manager, a past experience has taught him better.” He offered as he tapped the call button for the lift

“I have to admit, I am not looking forward to our deep sleep tonight.” Tierra said as the doors opened allowing them to enter the cart. 

“Deck one, bridge.” Jen ordered, “I’m not looking forward to being in stasis either. At least we know the ship is in good hands.”

“Don’t you mean fins?” Tierra corrected him.

“Indeed.” Jen said, as the lift took them upwards. 

The lift arrived a few seconds later on the bridge and both of them walked out. Tierra went over to the engineering console at the back of the room, while Jen relieved his deputy at the ops station at the front. 

The ship was getting close to the plasma field that was their next obstruction along their path to the Tkon outpost. He had already readjusted the main deflector and had loaded up the correct programs into the short range sensors that would calculate if a plasma storm was forming close to them. Bringing the ship’s transpectral sensor array online, a piece of the sensor gear that was only used when the ship had to navigate plasma fields, Jen wanted to help his former academy classmate as she piloted the ship through this next hazard. T’Rani, was not on the bridge yet. He knew that she was still resting in her quarters, most likely meditating. Jen had been worried about her for sometime. Since the Archanis Campaign and the loss of her husband, T’Rani had kept her focus on her work. Beforehand she would on occasions join him, Lenjir and a few others in the Auditorium for a meal or two. Now she rarely left the confines of her quarters unless she was on duty. 

As he brought the array online, straight away the scanners picked up several objects ahead of them. Checking the readings twice, he was surprised to see that a small task group of ships laid ahead of them. Surprised that people would actually attempt to break the Belt of the Tkon Outreach, Jen wondered who they were and began the normal scans. As the captain was not present on the bridge, but Commander Duncan was, Jen turned around in his chair to face the first officer. 

“Commander,” He said, grabbing the man’s attention. “I’ve just turned the transpectral sensor array online and I am seeing a few ships ahead of us in the plasma field.”

Looking up from the captain’s chair, Commander Duncan had been reading a PADD when he had been disturbed by the joined Trill. Duncan, like Jen, appeared surprised to hear they had encountered another group travelling along their path. “Do we know who they are?”

Looking back, Jen compared their energy signatures to anything in the Starfleet database and the results came back negative. “No, sir.”

Tapping his combadge, Duncan requested for the captain to join them on the bridge. Moments later the captain had left his ready room and asked what was happening. After being briefed, the captain ordered them to alter their course to approach the small flotilla. Calling up Flemen and Professor Shu’varn to the bridge, Captain McCallister was curious to know if their Pendari guest knew the unknown travellers. 

Flemen walked out of the same turbolift that Jen had only just used with Tierra. Bopping his head slightly, to avoid the low beam, Shu’varn followed Flemen onto the bridge. Thankfully, the professor had decided to wear more clothing compared to the limited attire he had worn when they had rescued him outside the thermobaric clouds. Nevertheless his mighty build could still be seen through his clothing. Jen had struggled to look away at how attractive the man was and caught himself staring at him on a few occasions. Thankfully Shu’varn had not noticed. 

After the captain had explained to the professor what they were seeing ahead of them, the Pendari agreed to take a look and soon enough was standing closely behind Jen. The joined Trill ops officer could feel Shu’varn almost touching him and the hairs on the back of his neck felt like they were standing up as goosebumps shivered down his spine. 

“Lieutenant Commander Jen, would you be generous to show me their warp profiles?” Shu’varn asked. 

Not replying with words, Jen just nodded and pulled up the sensor readings on his display which prompted Shu’varn to invade the ops officer’s private space as he leant in to read the console. “Ah, yes I know them.” He said and rubbed Jen’s shoulder as a sign of gratitude before looking back at the captain. Jen’s face went red and the Trill couldn’t believe how immature he was being. 

“Who are they, Shu’varn?” Flemen asked. Formality between the lieutenant and the professor had appeared to drop as the two had spent a lot of time together in the past twenty-four hours. 

“The Tok’lar’fern.” Shu’varn answered. “They’re an extremely religious civilisation, who believe the universe was created by gods they call the Originals.”

“Should we avoid them?” McCallister asked. 

“They only become aggressive if you speak ill of their gods. In fact I spent some time with the Tok’lar’fern before I approached the Belt. Their religion and culture is built on many myths and legends from their past. They regularly come into the Belt and attempt to reach the centre of the Outreach, it’s a sort of pilgrimage for those with extreme beliefs.”

“Do they ever reach the centre?” Duncan questioned. 

“No.” Shu’varn answered. “From what I found out no-one who takes on the pilgrimage returns home.”

“Do we know why?” Flemen wondered.

Shrugging his shoulders, Shu’varn wasn’t able to answer properly. “From what I can guess, their technology prevents them from passing through the toxic nebula. They believe if they can pass through it then they are cleansed and are able to approach the Vault of the Eternity Seed.”

McCallister was impressed with the Pendari’s knowledge but wanted to know more about what he had just said. “The Vault of what?”

“The Eternity Seed.” Shu’varn repeated. “The Tok’lar’fern are not the only civilisation in the region who believe that ‘when the sky burns and blood from the creator is dropped the cavern will open’ to reveal the Vault of the Eternity Seed.”

“And what is this seed?” Jen asked, staring at Shu’varn. 

“No-one knows. Some think it is a source of extreme power, or a source of eternal life. Though many think it is a super weapon.”

“A doomsday device?” Duncan inquired as he crossed his arms. “So, let me guess these Originals, are they the Tkon?”

“Yes I believe they are.” Shu’varn answered. “But the Tok’lar’fern do not believe that.”

McCallister, who had gone quiet, was considering all of his options before him. “Well, I think it may be rude to fly pass without even saying a hello. Lukiz, send a general greeting on all channels, let them know we mean no harm.”

Jen nodded in acknowledgement of his orders and got on with the task at hand. 

“Captain, one more thing you should know about the Tok’lar’fern.” Shu’varn added while Jen was busy, “their species is quite small.”

“Small?” McCallister repeated. “How small?”

“At least half my size, so can I suggest when they answer your hail you are sat down. They do not like tall people.” Shu’varn advised. 

Looking at his officers, McCallister took the hint and indicated for them to sit down. Shu’varn sat next to Flemen on the small seat beside him. 

Jen then noticed they were getting a response and he looked over his shoulder. “They’re responding to us sir.”

“Put them up.” McCallister ordered.

Slowly he opened his eyes, he blinked several times and then the painful and powerful effects of his drinking hit him hard. A wave of nausea and regret quickly followed. Looking around at his surroundings he soon worked out he was not in his own quarters and he turned his head to see who was beside him. More remorse flew over him.

T’Rani. 

Rubbing his face, Lieutenant Samris tried to slowly get out of the bed and then stopped as he realised he had no clothes on and he could not work out where any of his items were. Memories of last night started to flash through his mind. He remembered drinking an excessive amount of Romulan ale, singing with Tomaz and then the rest appeared to be a blur. However the memories of having sex with T’Rani was itched into his mind deeply. 

He hated himself for it. Ever since she had lost her husband, she had approached Samris several weeks ago to ask for help with meditation and then they began undertaking  Vulcan neuro-pressure. Numerous sessions in and the physical contact between them had turned sexual. Samris had felt like an idiot for allowing himself to give into it all, especially as he knew that T’Rani was still grieving in her own Vulcan way for her husband’s death. Nevertheless, being Romualn meant that he could endure the more intense neuro-pressure she wished to undertake to help her sleep and rest. 

Having to leave her bed naked, Samris worked carefully in almost pitch black darkness trying to find his clothing. He found his vest and pulled it over him as quickly as possible. Next he found his combadge, but still couldn’t find any of his underwear or trousers. Stepping out of her bedroom, Samris entered the lounge area and noticed that a majority of T’Rani’s uniform lay spread across the floor and over the armchair. He still couldn’t see any of his. 

He then heard a murmur and stopped in his tracks, realising that there was someone else in the room with him. Turning around he looked over and instantly his eyes grew big as he saw Tomaz sitting up from the sofa which he had been lying on. Tomaz, who was also nursing a hangover, took in one deep breath from his breathing masks and stopped in shock of seeing his friend’s almost naked body.

“Samris, put something on!” Tomaz said in protest. “I don’t want to see any of that!”

Covering his private area up with his hands instantly, Samris told his friend to keep his voice down. “Do you know where we are?” He whispered.

Tomaz looked around and then realised that he wasn’t in his quarters or Samris’. “No?” He answered back. “Where are we? Is this Craigen’s quarters?”

“No, T’Rani’s. We need to leave, now!” Samris remarked. 

As quick as a rapid-fire torpedo launcher, Tomaz got up when he realised where they were. How the hell did they end up here? He couldn’t remember anything. He looked down and saw he was shirtless. “Where’s my shirt?”

“Nevermind your shirt, where are my bottoms?” Samris pleaded.

Looking around the room, Tomaz couldn’t see them. “We really need to get out of here. Where is the lieutenant commander?”

“Asleep.” Samris said through gritted teeth, still holding on to his private area.

Picking up his combadge from the floor, Tomaz found his shirt and instead of putting it on, he threw it over to his friend. “I may regret this, but put them around your waist for now and let’s go! I will not be here when she wakes up.” 

Grateful for the help, Samris fashioned some sort of cover up with Tomaz’s shirt around his waist and the two approached the exit. Looking around the deck, they saw that the coast was clear and they ran out, heading towards the nearest turbolift. 

“Why the hell did we end up there, with our clothes off?” Tomaz asked as they got into the lift and he ordered for it to take them to his quarters which was closer than Samris’ cabin.

“Long story, but suffice to say I can’t remember much.” Samris said, trying to avoid the difficult topic of letting his friend know he was having regular sex with the Vulcan pilot. 

“I’m certain we’ve broken a few rules.” Tomaz said as the turbolift deposited them on his deck and he looked to see if it was clear. 

“You’re probably right, but let’s keep this quiet. No need to bring it up in the staff meeting later.” Samris suggested as they dashed down the corridor to Tomaz’s quarters. 

“Agreed!” Tomaz called back as they approached their destination and got in without anyone seeing them.

Sipping on a large mug of raktajino, Commander Hunsen continued to read through the data that Starfleet had sent them about these Tkon beacons. He had planned to become familiar with it before they reached their destination. If the beacon that was believed to be there was damaged, he would be the one leading the efforts to repair it. As he wanted to focus on his work, he had decided to sit in a quiet area of main engineering without anyone interrupting him. Sat on the top level, he was reading the PADD when his thoughts were disturbed.

“There you are.” spoke Doctor Slyvexs. 

Looking up from the reports, Hunsen looked over to the chief medical officer, who had just climbed one of the many ladders. “You okay doc?” Sensing she was, he was more curious to know what she wanted. 

In her hand was another PADD, she brought it over to him. “Yes, all ship-shape thank you.” She replied. “I wanted to let you know that we are ready for our stay in stasis and we’ve even been able to build one for our Pendari friend.”

“I didn’t know we had made friends with the good professor?” Hunsen questioned. 

“He seems nice enough and from what I hear is becoming quite a helping hand with this Tkon business.” Slyvexs stated.

“Not quite a full helping hand.” Hunsen shared by waving the PADD in his hand. “The captain still hasn’t told him what we have to do when we reach the center.”

“Do you think he will?” Slyvexs asked. 

Shaking his head, Hunsen replied with a simple no before clarifying his answer further. “I sense the captain is worried that sharing the knowledge may not be safe. I mean we don’t know if this guy is going to remain all nice and friendly, or that rage that Craigen mentioned might appear as we have kept things from him.”

“True, but there’s only one of him against all of us.” Slyvexs remarked. “I just hope he doesn’t wake up earlier than the rest of us.”

“Let’s hope not doc.” Hunsen agreed. “Fancy grabbing something to eat?”

“You definitely read my mind there.” Slyvexs answered. “That sounds like a great idea to me, Tremt.”

Getting up, Hunsen offered his arm to her which she accepted by linking hers into his as they left engineering to head out to find somewhere to get some late lunch.

Sat around the observation lounge for the first time in days, the senior staff of the Odyssey were assembled to discuss the next leg of their trip: the radioactive mutara-class nebula. All of them had read the numerous files prepared for the meeting by the captain’s yeoman and the recommendations made by Doctor Slyvexs. 

Thankfully they had passed through the plasma fields with no bumps or bruises. The Tok’lar’fern had kept to themselves after the Odyssey’s initial greeting and had kindly requested to be left alone. That had suited McCallister quite a bit as he wasn’t keen to begin first contact procedures while in the middle of this mission. Time was of the essence and they had to reach the centre and find out if this Tkon outpost truly existed. 

Sitting at the head of the table, the captain had several PADDs either side of him. Duncan sat to his right, with Reyas to his left. Next to the first officer was Hunsen, followed by Jen, T’Rani and Flemen. On the opposite side to them and next to Reyas was Slyvexs, followed by Lenjir, Samris, Tomaz and Court.  The uneventful trip through the plasma field had given them all breathing space to ensure they were ready and rested for the next leg of their trip. 

“Right ladies and gents, where do we stand with our preparations?” McCalliser asked, kick starting the meeting. 

Hunsen spoke up first, as the chief engineer it was right for him to begin. “Final checks on all systems were completed two hours ago sir, we have green lights across the board. I’ve set up the computer to run level three diagnostics every three point five hours in every primary and secondary system once we go under. Each diagnostic is set up to avoid overwhelming our holographic engineers with multiple troubleshooting issues at the same time. It will certainly keep them on their toes while they’re watching the shop.”

“They are holograms, multi-tasking should be second nature to them.” Duncan remarked. 

“But we wouldn’t want to tax their matrices too much in case we lose them in the nebula.” McCallister added. “Thanks Tremt, what about emergency and back-up systems?”

“All working within peak efficiency. I had my teams undertake maintenance on them all ahead of our normal schedule. Final diagnostics on them were completed an hour ago, again nothing to worry about.” Hunsen assured. 

“Good, what’s next?” McCallister asked his team.

“The transfer of command and control to cetacean ops is ready to go, you just need to give the computer the word.” Jen remarked. “Lieutenant Commander Quendez is ready too. He said his entire team is eager to make you proud sir.”

“That’s very kind of them.” McCallister said with a sense of pride that they were repreparing to do whatever it took to protect their ship and crew. “Tobias, make sure Charlin is ready to meet with me an hour before our planned long term sleep.”

Court just nodded as he took a note on the PADD he held in his hands. He was quickly taking minutes of the meeting, something he did when the entire senior staff met to discuss matters that would have significant impact on the ship or its mission. On this occasion the mission had a significant impact on the crew.

“Where are we with the stasis chambers?” He asked Slyvexs.

The Denobulan doctor turned in her chair to look at her superior, “All ready sir. Our civilian population will go in first and Cline has kindly offered the support of his security teams to oversee this. Once they are under, we will then begin on the crew.”

“Samris, what’s the latest from the crew regarding all of this?” McCallister asked his recently appointed chief counsellor. The Romulan man had been Duncan’s protege for a long time now and was more than ready for his role as the ship’s senior psychologist as well as liaison with the civilian population. 

Leaning forward, Samris’ body appeared almost rigid as he attempted to avoid eye conflict with anyone on the other side of him for no apparent reason. “No-one is questioning why sir, but we’ve just got a lot of frayed nerves. My teams have been working to limit them and before people go in we’ve prepared a presentation they will all view to reassure them that the whole process is safe.”

Chuckling slightly, McCallister understood why they all felt that way. He and Karyn had numerous groans from their sons about it all. “Just make sure there is a kid friendly one. I don’t want us scaring any of the children.”

“If you can make one to appeal to a bunch of teenagers, I have three that you could test it on.” Reyas offered.

The senior staff all chuckled at that remark related to the captain and her sons. The McCallister-Reyas triplets were well known by them all, they had all watched them grow into the young men they were slowly becoming but their mixed heritage of being half-Human and half-El-Aurian had not stopped them going through their hormonal mood swings. Reyas had joked in several meetings that she was certain that she’d prefer to raise Klingon teenagers some days. McCallister had shared how he had teased their sons that he was going to make them undertake the Kolinahr ritual of which T’Rani had offered to do for free. 

“Moving on,” McCallister said, “anything else on sensors before we enter the nebula?”

Reyas shook her head. “No, we’ve launched several probes ahead of us that will work for a limited time, almost like an early warning system. That said the radiation will eventually overload their shields and destroy them. I’ve already set up the automation system to launch another series of probes once we are in the nebula to take over from those we will lose.”

McCallister nodded and then asked, “Any sign of the Tok’lar’fern?” 

Lenjir answered, “It would seem they’re struggling with the plasma storms, they won’t pose any threat to us.”

“Scans of their ships indicate that the nebula can overwhelm their systems. We did pick up some old debris on the outskirts that appears to be pieces from their own ships who have attempted the crossing and failed.” Tomaz added. 

“Let’s hope we don’t share their fate.” The captain said as he looked down at one of the PADDs before looking back up. “And what about our guest?” McCallister inquired, referring to the Pendari they had rescued earlier.

“The professor isn’t keen and requested that he could shelter in his own ship.” Flemish reported. “Thankfully the repairs to his ship won’t be completed in time and the doctor has already prepared the stasis chamber for him.”

“I’m not having that guy roaming the corridors of my ship while we are all out. I want him to be in a stasis tube the same time our civilians go under.” McCallister mentioned. 

“I’ll prepare some sedatives to help him relax before we put him under.” Slyvexs offered.

“T’Rani, where do we stand with flight control and navigation?” McCallister questions his pilot.

“Our course has already been projected and I have ensured those in cetacean ops that will be flying the ship are aware of all helm operations.” T’Rani said. She too was leaning awkwardly in, trying to avoid eye contact with those opposite to her.

“Good, anything else?” McCallister asked aloud, everyone either said no or shook their heads. “Great work everyone, let’s get through this without any drama. Dismissed.” They all filled out and McCallister observed the awkwardness that came from T’Rani and Samris, he decided he wouldn’t bother asking what was going on between them for now. He had bigger fish to fry. 

“And you’re certain it’s safe?” Henri whined one more time as they approached the huge open deck that was designated for the stasis chamber network. 

“For the hundredth time, yes.” Karyn reiterated to her son. “This is perfectly safe and we are only going in for two days. You’ll fall asleep and then wake up without realising what has happened.”

The entire deck was busy as the final elements of the ship’s population entered the stasis chambers and were being put to sleep. This was almost it for them all. Karyn had offered to take the boys down ahead of them going under so they could see and understand the whole process. She was now starting to regret it, especially with not having her husband with her to help out. 

“I have to admit mom, it’s not appealing.” Alfie said, backing up Henri’s concerns as they could see the whole thing. “What if the hull buckles and we all get sucked out into space?”

Rolling her eyes at Alfie’s dramatic ‘what if’, which was typical of him, Karyn assured him that would not be the case. “Alfie, I promise you where all of the chambers are kept is far from the outer hull. This area is designed in an almost cocoon-like approach. The bulkheads are reinforced and containment fields are active the moment the last person goes under.” 

“So that would be dad and Commander Duncan?” Theo said as he inspected an empty chamber. “It looks pretty comfortable. Could we not just sit in them while the ship makes its crossing?”

“No.” Karyn said. “The stasis field is what protects you from the field, it shields your higher brain functions and prevents your body from receiving radiation burns.” 

“So we just sleep?” Henri inquired one more time, looking at the chamber that Theo was walking around. 

“Yes.” Karyn answered through gritted teeth. She knew this was going to be hard and couldn’t wait for the peace that awaited her within her stasis chamber. 

“Computer activate Emergency Command Holographic program, authorisation McCallister-one-seven-alpha-tango.” 

On the bridge of the Odyssey, the room was dimly lit as Captain McCallister and Commander Duncan were the last ones left. 

Forming into life, Odyssey’s ECH came online and appeared in the center of the bridge close to where McCallister was. The computer beeped and announced that the command codes had been transferred. The ECH’s physical appearance was of a human African-American woman in her early fifties who had straight brown hair with a few blonde highlights. She had a cheery disposition and as she recognised Captain McCallister and heard the computer speak, she gave him a friendly smile. “Captain McCallister, please state the nature of the current situation and command requirements.” Her four gold pips then appeared on her uniform, all in one row one after the other. 

McCallister had only activated her a few times since taking command of the Odyssey and so seeing her was a relief of fresh air. “Penelope,” He said, calling her by her designation. “You should have our current mission orders to access. Please update your memory banks.”

“Affirmative captain.” She said with a gentle nod. 

Named for the famed wife of Odysseus, Penelope was one of the first ECH programs solely designed away from the ship’s EMH program. As such she did not rely on medical subroutines such as the terrible bed-side manner that sometimes came with early EMHs. It was rare for ECH’s to get a name, but McCallister couldn’t deal with calling her just E-C-H all the time, so he allowed the engineers that installed her to name her after the queen of Ithaca.What made her extremely impressive was the fact she could literally control the entire ship through its automated systems and do it so fast that it could put the crew to shame. Though she was fast and impressive, she was limited in what she could do and required the support of the other holographic programs to maintain the ship with repairs and providing medical relief. 

“Update complete.” She soon answered, “I can see why now the bridge is deserted, sir.”

Pleased she knew everything, McCallister nodded for Duncan to leave and to let him complete the final parts why he headed down to the stasis chamber network. Once they were alone he activated the Omega Directive within Penelope’s program.

“This is a first, sir.” She said after his security clearance was accepted again and the computer activated certain precautions to prevent anyone from tampering with Penelope’s program. “Is there anything else I should know?”

Shaking his head, McCallister told her that she was to do whatever it took to deal with omega in case she encountered it while they were under. “Lieutenant Commander Quendez and the rest of cetacean ops will be available to assist with navigation and monitoring the crew remotely, but I’m leaving you and the rest of the Emergency holograms to maintain the ship. Life support will be deactivated on all decks, besides those for cetacean ops and in the stasis chamber deck. Transfer that power to shields and engines. Get us through this nebula as quickly as possible, do not stop for anything.” He then walked over to his seat and opened the side pocket and pulled out the mobile emitter. Not quite as sleek as the mobile emitter that Voyager had got their hands from the 29th century, it still did the job. He held it up in the air as he spoke. “There’s enough of these to ensure you all remain active, in case any of the holographic systems on the ship’s fail.” He then placed it in her palm.  

“Understood sir.” Penelope said as she held onto the device tightly. 

Looking around the bridge for one more time, McCallister smiled and gave Penelope a wink as he made his way towards the turbolift. “Penelope, the bridge is yours.” He said after getting into the turbolift and just before the doors closed on him. 

Penelope looked around at the darkened room and placed a hand on the back of the captain’s chair. She began a timer, counting to when the rest of the crew would come out of stasis. 

Arriving in the stasis chamber catacomb, something that Commander Duncan had called it earlier on in the day, McCallister saw his entire senior staff and sons all waiting for him. Smiling at them all, he gave the order for them to get in. Giving one final hug to his sons, both he and Karyn helped them get in and watched as the chambers closed on them. 

Slyvexs stood by the nearest set of monitors and she could be heard activating the ship’s Emergency Medical Holograms. Giving them their final orders, the Denobulan doctor then made her way over to her stasis chamber and got in. 

Looking around the room for one final time, McCallister saw his entire crew all now sleeping besides him, Karyn and Max. “See you both in forty-eight hours or so.” He said. 

“See you on the other side, sir.” Duncan said as he got into his stasis chamber and it closed on him.

Escorting Reyas over to her one, which was next to Henri’s, McCallister gave his wife an assuring kiss and wished her goodnight as he watched her get in and go under. 

Finally alone, he looked around and nodded to the EMH’s that he was getting in his. Swinging his legs in he looked to his left and saw Alfie fast asleep and then saw Theo the other side of him, also peacefully resting. Lying down, he activated the switch from the inside and the door closed over the top of him. Closing his eyes he took one final breath and soon was no longer conscious. 

Swimming up to the main controls, Lieutenant Commander Charlin Quendez noticed the signal that told him that the rest of their crew were now under. Signalling to everyone else in cetacen ops that the stasis chamber deck was now fully active, he closed the bulkheads and activated the special containment field around it. 

“Ceta Ops to the bridge,” He gurgled into the intercom. 

“Penelope here, lieutenant commander. What’s your status?” The ECH answered.

“We are good to go ma’am, helm and navigational control is ready down here. We just need your word.” Quendez remarked.

“The word is given.” Penelope replied. Looking over to his fellow aquarians, Quendez gave the signal and the Odyssey moved at high impulse into the mutara-class nebula. 

USS Odyssey (NCC-80000),
The Belt of the Tkon Outreach, Gradin Belt, Delta Quadrant
Stardate: 76512.8

“ECH Log, stardate seven-six-five-one-two-point-eight. After almost twelve hours in the radioactive nebula, which we have designated no-man’s land, we have had to undertake a number of course corrections due to gravimetric fluctuations and increase in radiation. The amount appears so above normal that I have had cetacean ops investigate this further. Lieutenant Commander Quendez believes his team has found something.”

For a hologram appearing in water did not bother Penelope in any shape or form. Her sudden appearance did startle some of the members of cetacean ops though as they were startled by the holoemitters bringing her to life in their presence. Some of the dolphins swam away while others gave her some distance before realising who she was.. It was the first time for the ECH to visit the large aquatic laboratory, also known as the aqua chamber. Penelope had not expected for the holoemitters to adjust her properties so that it appeared like she was floating, as a result she had to get her balance somewhat before Quendez approached her. Her swimming subroutine quickly switched on. 

Normally the Antedean would be in his full uniform, as he was able to breathe above and below water, but in this area he only wore his underwater costume, which was skin tight but showed he was a member of the science division (just like most of the members of cetacean ops). Besides him swam Lieutenant Artir, the deputy manager of cetacean Ops. The Aquan man was a bulkier in size to his superior and wore a similar skin tight apparel. His green skin made him look like an Orion but his curly emerald hair, that gently floated in the water, and his flat nose and gills gave him a distinctive handsome look. 

Before they reached her, Penelope adjusted her appearance template to reflect a similar uniform with her command red division showing and her hair tightly tied up. 

“Gentlemen, your call sounded urgent.” Penelope said as she greeted them.

“It is.” Replied Quendez. “We’ve run a quantum analysis on the space we have had to alter course for and we’ve determined that they are not random fluctuations.” Activating a holographic console, he showed her the analysis they had undertaken which was a map showing the locations of every course correction made since entering the Belt. Then overlaying it was a range of further scans taken. He was right, there was certainly a pattern forming. 

“So what are you saying? That something is making us change our course?” Penelope inquired after glancing at the analysis. 

“Indeed.” Spoke Artir. “We believe something or someone is actually trying to bring us into the center a lot quicker.”

“So is someone trying to bait us into a certain location? Any reasons why?” Penelope asked.

“None that are clear to us now, but if we continue on our current path then we believe that we will reach the centre ahead of schedule.” Quendez shared. “So either someone wants us there fast for a reason or we are heading into a trap. It’s almost like some sort of tractor is dragging us there and nudging us along.” 

“We know the Tkon have advanced technology and if we do find a beacon there, it may be what’s trying to draw us in.” Artir offered. “At the moment we don’t have enough data to truly speculate. Our Xindi-Aquatic think tank is currently determining how many variables could be at play here and what outcomes could take place.”

“What are your current suggestions then?” Penelope asked as she calculated their best course of action based on what she knew.

“Until we know more, stay on course and ensure we don’t get destroyed by the radiation. I want to send out several more probes to see if we could map some of the nebula. It may give us a better picture.” Quendez suggested. 

“Do it.” Penelope ordered and looked around the large filled chamber. “Let me know if you find something. I’ve got to join the engineering team for a maintenance update, then on to see how our crew are doing.”

Both water breathing men nodded in acknowledgement as the ECH transferred from one room to another in a blink of an eye.

The rest of the ship was not as bright as cetacean ops, as a result, Penelope adjusted her optical subroutine to deal with the lowly lit engineering. Appearing in the middle of engineering, she looked over and saw the ‘Twins’. A pair of holographic engineers that worked in unison to lead the holographic engineering team in maintaining the ship’s systems. Appearing human as well, the two of them looked over to Penelope and reacted to her arrival.

“Penny!” They both said in unison. 

Penelope had never understood why the Twins could not be made to look like Bynars or Miradorns, but instead Commander Hunsen had kept their templates appearing like a pair of humans in their late thirties. “Boys,” She said, greeting them. “What’s the latest?”

“Everything is working fine,” said Peter. 

“But we have started to detect a drain on our energy reserves.” reported Benjamin. 

Peter could be told apart from Benjamin by the fact that he had a streak of blonde hair at the front of his hair while Benjamin was just slightly smaller by two centimeters. Another reason why Hunsen had not changed their appearance was down to the fact the captain had named the Emergency Engineering Holographic Team after characters from one of his son’s favourite children’s stories. The group of six engineers had not followed in the tradition where McCallister had named her after Odysseus’ wife. Alongside Peter and Benjamin were their ‘sisters’; Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail. Each one of them had a responsibility for certain areas of the ship’s systems. Peter and Benjamin focussed on primary systems, while the sisters focussed on secondary systems while the sixth member of their team, Tiggy, was in charge of maintaining the emergency back-up systems. 

“Coming from what?” Penelope quickly asked, alarmed to hear that they were losing power.

“The anomaly we are in.” Peter answered. “We are cutting all power to all decks we don’t need and keeping those essential systems we need online.”

Now with this added bonus, Penelope considered all of the variables. “Can we survive long enough to get through the nebula?” 

Peter started to answer first, “Yes, but the moment the crew awake…”

“…we may find ourselves having to keep the ship in grey mode.” Benjamin finished. 

“Great.” Penelope replied sarcastically. “Can we find a way to stop the drain?”

“We’re trying.” Peter answered. “Tiggy is already looking at alternative ways to maintain our systems and the girls are running system checks to see what the long term effects the drain will have.”

“Could this day get any better?” Penelope moaned before she left engineering and made her way to the stasis catacomb.

The stasis catacomb, which Penelope believed  was a horrible name for the shelter that protected the crew, was dimly lit like engineering. As such the ECH didn’t need to adjust her optical subroutine. Walking across the deck, she noticed that her medical counterpart was scanning one of the many stasis chambers. 

“How’s it going Agnes?” Penelope asked. 

“Still scanning,” the EMH replied. Doctor Angodice was named by the captain after the legendary figure credited as the first female physician in ancient Athens. Over the years after she was first activated, Doctor Slyvexs had shortened her name to Agnes. As a result, both Penelope and Agnes were kindred spirits in a holographic sense. “No news to report. How’s everything else going on the ship?”

“We’ve got a mysterious force dragging the ship on a particular heading that we have no clue why and something is draining our power. Except for all of that, everything is fine as well.” Penelope said as she noticed that Agnes was scanning their guest, Professor Shu’varn. The large Pendari, from the captain’s records, had protested a bit before agreeing to enter stasis. Doctor Slyvexs had left standing orders for Agness to scan him regularly as she was unsure of what effect the stasis chamber would have on his physiology. 

“Anything I should worry about in regards to the catacomb being affected?” Agnes asked as she moved onto the next chamber.

“Not for now, no.” Penelope said. “But just make sure your portable emitter is closeby.”

Pulling the device she had been given over twelve hours by Penelope, out of her side pocket while still scanning, Agnes showed she had it close by. “I know if I go offline that Doctor Slyvexs would probably request for a new EMH. I’m not upsetting her.”

Smirking at the comment, Penelope had gotten to know the chief medical officer as someone who had not always been best pleased in using holograms but since being in charge of Odyssey’s medical facilities, over the years Slyvexs had come to rely on Agnes quite a bit. She was certain that a sense of loyalty was there for her counterpart. 

“I’ll leave you to it.” Penelope remarked and then transferred herself back to the bridge. 

 The moment she was back on the darkened bridge, she uplinked with the short and long range scans to update herself with what the ship could see. Besides radioactive space clouds, there was nothing else for her attention. This trip was becoming boring, even for her own program to deal with. Sitting in the captain’s chair, she began to review the latest shipwide diagnostics to keep herself occupied while also calculating every variable shared with her about their apparent upcoming doom. She accessed the Starfleet database as well to research if there was anything like this that others in the past had to deal with, and if so, how they dealt with it. She knew the think-tank in cetacean ops would be a lot more rigorous with their analysis but until they made up their minds, which could take some time due to Xindi-Aquatics known for taking time to make a decision, she had to be more prepared. 

The sliding door of the stasis chamber made its usual hissing noise as it was released from its lockdown position. Blinking once then twice, Captain McCallister came around and began to work out his bearings. Pushing up with his elbows, he looked around the room, seeing that everyone else was being brought back around. Approaching him with a smile was his ECH.

“Penelope,” he said greeting her in a groggy and hoarse tone of voice, “report?”

With a sweet smile the hologram shared that all was okay and the ship had left No Man’s Land. “Final ship wide system checks are being completed as we speak but initial diagnostics show some wear and tear on a few systems but nothing the twins or girls have not already been aware of.”

Grinning with pride, McCallister sat up completely straight. “And the crew?”

“Agnes reports no injuries or worries to have. Everyone remained in their pods and are all okay.” Penelope reported.

“I’m pleased to hear it. Anything else I need to be aware of?” McCallister inquired as he swung his legs around and saw his first officer sitting on the edge of his pod being checked over by Agnes. 

“The Cetacean Ops team have a presentation for you and the senior staff, that I think you need to see sooner rather than later.” She informed him. “They think we are slowly being pulled to the center of the Belt. 

Appreciating the heads up, McCallister thanked Penelope for her service and he asked her to remain active for the duration of the mission. He then went over to see how his sons were, especially after they had given him and his wife a hard time before going under. Thankfully as he approached them, they all appeared to be in good spirits…for now!

Feeling absolutely vamished, Commander Duncan was so keen to eat something that he headed straight to his quarters to take a sonic shower, change into a fresh uniform and grab a bite to eat. Entering his private domain, he switched on the light and headed upstairs but got halfway up when the door chime went off. Sighing inwardly at the disturbance, he walked back down, begrudgingly to see who it was.

“Come in.” He called out. 

The doors opened and his guest was Samris. Surprised to see his protege standing in the doorway, Duncan was concerned at this visit. “Samris, you okay?”

Standing stiff and tall, as if he had been called in for a grand act of insubordination, Samris kept himself at attention after stepping in. “I need to speak to you sir about a personnel matter, permission to speak freely.”

Scratching the top of his ear before crossing his arms, Duncan was confused as to why Samris was being so formal. “Samris, for goodness sake drop the formality. When it’s us standing in my quarters the rank can be left at the door.”

“I’m sorry sir, but I don’t think you’ll think that after I what I have to share.” Samris shared. 

Raising his hands to indicate that Samris needed to stop with the tone he was taking, Duncan took a seat on the nearest armchair as he unbuttoned his jacket. “Just offload whatever it is.” He instructed. 

“Sir, I need to tell you that I have entered into a sexual relationship with a fellow member of the senior staff.” Samris admitted. 

Stifling a smirk, Duncan looked at Samris as he and the captain had guessed something was going on with the counsellor and a certain someone after the last senior staff meeting. “T’Rani?”

Shocked to hear him say it, Samris appeared embarrassed straight away. “How’d you know?” The Romulan asked.

“I’m an ex-counsellor Samris, I can read people’s body language.” Duncan answered swiftly. “Samris, you don’t need to share this with me. There’s plenty of couples on Odyssey-” Duncan paused as he then realised why his former deputy department head was bringing this to his attention. “When was the last time you did a session with her?”

“Two days before your promotion to first officer.” Samris answered. 

Wincing at the response, Duncan had been the one who had suggested that T’Rani speak with Samris regarding her husband’s death during the Archanis Campaign. He had felt that her talking to a superior may have been somewhat intimidating, even for a Vulcan. The last report he had read was that Samris had suggested she undertake neurol-pressure to help with her sleeping. Looking back up at Samris, he regretted asking the next question but knew he had to. “Samris, did you engage in Vulcan neuro-pressurer with her while she was a patient?” 

“No.” He replied with a single shack of his head. “She asked to finish our therapy and a few days later approached me to assist…she said she felt there was no-one else she could…ahem..approach.” 

“So why come and tell me it now?” Duncan inquired.

Placing both hands over his face, Samris then mumbled his answer. “Before we went into the stasis chambers, I got extremely drunk and we ended up sleeping with one another. I needed to admit to it before things got worse.”

Holding back his grin, Duncan gestured for Samris to sit down. He had known the man long enough that he always played hard by the rule book and was a fine officer as well as an amazing counsellor. “Samris, I think you may be crossing what I would refer to as the grey line. You’re not breaking any patient confidentiality or in any direct contact with their therapy, but your relationship and involvement so soon after is dodgy. My advice to you as your superior is to take a step back and give the whole matter some space to cool down. As a friend, I would suggest you try and speak with T’Rani to define your relationship with her. If she is using what you’ve established as a coping mechanism that’s not fair on either of you. You of all people know that the Vulcan heart is more repressed than others, when it is hurting Vulcans find it harder to deal with their emotions as they are so raw and intense.”

Nodding in agreement, Samris confessed further how he felt. “I feel like such a fool and I am sorry for letting you down.”

Shaking his head, Duncan stopped Samris from going further with the pity party. “Samris, you’ve not let me down. You’ve served on the Odyssey for a long time and like so many of us you’ve put your career ahead of anything else. Wanting something more from someone else is natural, even for Romulans and Vulcans, so I get it but being a member of the senior staff means we need to think about our actions carefully as we are setting an example to others. If this matter with T’Rani is too much for you, then focus on building your relationships with other fellow comrades and perhaps cut back on the drinking to avoid finding yourself in tricky situations!”

Thanking the commander for his time, Samris got up and left to follow what his mentor had suggested. Watching the Romulan man leave his quarters, Duncan gave out a sigh before getting up and heading upstairs. As he got up the flight of stairs, he did reconsider the words he had shared with Samris and relate it to his own life, career and choices. Could he blame Samris or T’Rani for exploring a relationship with one another? No. Did he want something like that? Maybe. He certainly knew that the next time he entered a stasis chamber he didn’t want to do it alone. 

“Professor, I’m happy to say everything looks fine.” Slyvexs said as she closed her tricorder shut and looked up at the Pandari that was sat on one of the many bio beds in sickbay. Thankfully no-one had returned from their trip within the stasis chambers with any problems, but as she wasn’t completely aware of his physiology, Slyvexs had requested for Shu’varn to see her in sickbay for a proper checkup. 

Shu’varn thanked her and gave her a classic charming smile as well. “I don’t think I’ve ever received such impressive medical care in my life.”

“Your race is warp capable, surely their medical facilities are just as good?” Slyvexs remarked.

“They are, but let’s just say our doctors aren’t as caring as you have been.” Shu’varn said. “When we leave the Belt, I will miss my time on Odyssey and especially your care.”

Grinning at him in a typical Denobulan manner, Slyvexs rubbed his arm before walking away and then stopped a few feet before turning around to him. “Shu’varn, you could always ask the captain if you could remain on board. I’m sure a native member of the Delta Quadrant would be an incredible asset to have, especially someone who knows the local history.”

Considering the idea for a moment, Shu’varn shook his head. “No, I’m certain Captain McCallister would not agree to it, plus I like exploring every part of the galaxy to be settled in one place for too long.”

“No one said it had to be permanent.” Slyvexs stated. “Plus, we are explorers first and foremost. At least consider it.” She then let him leave sickbay to consider her suggestion. 

Certain members of the senior staff had assembled in cetacean ops on what was known as the pier. It was a platform that allowed those who did not breath underwater the ability to interact with the members of the team. Around them holographic consoles were active displaying the presentation that the cetacean ops team had prepared for the captain. 

“So as you can see captain, the numerous disturbances that have forced us to alter course are not random. The more we analysed the pattern the more certain we are this is being done on purpose.” spoke Quendez from the otherside of the pier. The Antedean was in his natural element with other members of his team surrounding him. 

“We projected our course and conducted further long range scans, it is our unequivocal belief that someone wanted us to change course and if we carry on with this heading we would miss the final barriers to the center of the anomaly and hopefully reach the Tkon outpost ahead of schedule.” Artir added.

Suppressing a yawn, McCallister tried to ignore one of the side-effects of being in stasis as he concentrated on what he was being told. He placed the back of his right hand in front of his mouth to cover up the reflex before congratulating both men with their work. “This is impressive work. It truly is.”

“I have to concur.” Reyas said as she stepped forward to be by McCallister’s left hand side. “You may have just saved us so much time. I’m keen to understand how you noticed the pattern.”

Artir answered the commander. “When you spend as much time as we do in the water, things like gravimetric disturbances begin to appear like sea currents and strong storms. When there were so many, it didn’t take long for us to realise there was more going on here.”

“Very logical.” T’Rani said, sharing her version of praise for the cetacean team. “Captain, shall I proceed with the new flight path?”

McCallister nodded, “I can’t see why we wouldn’t.”

“I agree with Lieutenant Artir’s calculations that we should reach the centre in approximately eight point five hours.” T’Rani said. “The field of subspace vacolus should be easy to navigate through once we upload the flight path into the main-computer core and set auto-pilot. It can make course corrections a lot quicker than I or any other pilot can. We can jump to warp for each leg of the trip to save us from waiting around.”

McCallister looked over to Hunsen, “Tremt, will the warp engines be okay with that amount of use?”

“They’re built to do more, sir. I’m not worried, they weren’t damaged while we were in No Man’s Land.” Hunsen replied. 

“Then let’s get to that outpost, sooner rather than later.” McCallister commanded as he took one more glance up at the new flight path ahead of them.

Max Duncan felt his body fly through the air and land with a thud. His eyes flickered open, but for a moment he stayed completely still where his crumpled body laid. He heard screaming, then the crackle of a fire in the near distance. 

Rolling onto his right side, the pain suddenly kicked in. Blinking another time, he saw the body that passed out next to him. Tremt. Attempting to push himself up, the first officer failed to find any energy. Reaching out to his friend, the chief engineer, with his right hand, Max’s arm was filled with agony and his vision cleared up enough for him to see the amount of blood and burnt flesh that now existed on him. 

The agony overwhelmed him. Taking one more breath, he tapped his combadge and called for assistance from the Odyssey before he succumbed to darkness. His head hit back on the floor, he took one more glance and saw the outline of the large figure in the distance. They lost the outpost and the only thing that ran through his mind was that their mission had failed. 

One Hour Before

The planet that had resided in the centre of the Belt of the Tkon Outreach had been identified as Class L, with a breathable atmosphere. However there wasn’t much that lived there. It was close to barren. It wasn’t the most welcoming of places.

Odyssey had arrived ahead of schedule just as the team in cetacean ops had estimated and their investigation of what had been forcing them to make course directions had come true too. By-passing the last barriers in the Belt had gone without any serious damage to the ship. There had been no-one else moving through them either. The ship was completely alone. 

After arriving in orbit of the planet and conducting detailed scans they had determined the location of the Tkon outpost and underneath the vast valley was the beacon. It was damaged and was no longer connected to the rest of the network. 

After beaming down with Hazard Teams Alpha and Beta, the site had been secure and once the engineers had arrived afterwards, Commander Duncan had begun preparing to lead the team into the underground cavern to repair the beacon. 

But then a great booming voice echoed throughout the deserted land, causing the large team to react at the appearance of a Tkon Guardian. Appearing in an almost human form, the Guardian had identified itself as Portal 117 and demanded to know what they were doing on his outpost. A relatively tall individual, the Portal appeared haggard and old in his appearance. 

Approaching the Tkon guardian, Duncan had read the numerous reports about the first time Starfleet had encountered another Tkon portal in the Alpha Quadrant, as a result he was upfront and honest with him. 

“You do not belong here, stranger.” The guardian had mentioned with a strong conviction in between heavy breathing. 

Holding his hands up as a sign of his intention of not showing any harm to them, Duncan approached him and began explaining why they were here. “We have travelled a great distance, overcome many barriers to reach this planet and help make repairs to the beacon that connects it to the rest of the Vanishing Point network.”

“This Outpost has been operational way before your species was alive, why would we need your primitive help?” Portal 117 questioned, more heavy breathing followed. It was almost like he was finding it difficult to catch his breath. Did he not breathe the same gases as they did? There were too many questions to ask and so limited time to get on with their work. 

“We understand that, but the damage to the network has caused havoc across the galaxy. Surely the Tkon Empire does not want their technology to bring suffering to others?” Duncan had questioned. 

Wincing at Duncan with looks that could have killed, Portal 117 was eyeing the commander up. “You are not worthy to view our technology, let alone attempt to repair it. The beacon will correct itself…eventually.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way, we don’t want to fight you but we can’t wait for the beacon to eventually repair itself. Leaving it can cause more damage and that’s not fair on anyone. Surely this is not the legacy the Tkon would have wanted to leave?” Duncan question. 

“But stranger you come here with words providing help while being surrounded with others who appear to be armed.” Portal 117 mentioned, he then raised his hands and everyone’s weapons were removed from them and they flew across the air towards the guardian. With a single movement from his hand they all turned to dust. “Why bring so many weapons, barbarian?” 

“We are not here to fight you, our weapons are purely for defence. Nothing more.” The commander replied. 

Glaring at Duncan, the Portal took in several big breaths and then stopped looking at Duncan. “You speak the truth Commander Duncan.”

Telepathy. Duncan remembered the report of what the Tkon Portals could be like and the type of powers they had. 

“Nevertheless, you plan to complete your mission whatever I say or do.” The Portal remarked. “Your conviction is strong, your crew’s determination to reach this outpost is impressive too.”

“Thank you.” Duncan said, but he didn’t sound entirely convinced to show any sign of gratitude at the compliment. “Can you help us?”

“I said, you are not worthy of receiving the gifts of the Tkon Empire.” Portal 117 answered. 

“We do not seek to copy your technology or remove it, we just want to repair it.” Duncan assured him.

“Yet you carry the obelisk of a race we once were the caretakers for.” Portal 117 stated. “How can I believe you will not repeat your crimes here?”

“That artefact was removed for us to find this place, we did not intend on causing any disrespect. For that I apologise and I am certain we can return it” Duncan said. 

Looking around at the others, the Portal assessed each one of them. “Your people are diverse, just like the Empire.”

“My people belong to a large galactic political entity known. Over one hundred and fifty worlds work together in unison. Our aim is peace exploration and functioning cooperatively for the greater good. As I said, our mission here is exactly that. We need to repair the beacon to avoid any more hurt to the people of this galaxy.” Duncan reinforced their mission, hoping the Portal would be more lenient.

Closing his eyes and then opening them again, Portal 117 looked back at Duncan after another heavy sigh. “Peaceful exploration, but your ship is heavily armed.”

“Again, we only use our weapons for defence.” Duncan reiterated. 

“Lies.”

“Truth.”

“Your captain recently used weapons against others to stop the mighty source of power.” Portal 117 said. “You lied.”

“My captain has secured stability in this region to avoid others from being hurt by matters they are not accustomed to.” Duncan placed his best poker face on. He knew it would fail eventually. 

Portal 117 never challenged him on that comment regarding the captain. He remained silent. “Portal, if we are not worthy of viewing Tkon technology then why were we pulled here?” Duncan now asked. 

“Elaborate.”

“The barriers surrounding this planet, none of them are naturally formed and as we crossed them we had to alter our headings several times. Those changes led us here a lot sooner than originally planned. You brought us here.” Duncan shared. “Why bring us here if you don’t want us?”

Closing his eyes one more time, the Portal tilted his head back and then back to his normal spot. “You followed my…breadcrumbs? Hansel and Gretel?” He questioned Duncan.

Duncan smirked, he had compared what cetacean ops had created to the famous children’s tale of Hansel and Gretel but in reverse. Instead of dropping the breadcrumbs they had been following them. “Indeed.”

“Perhaps your people may be worthy.”

“We’d like to show you that we are.” Duncan offered.

Portal then collapsed onto the floor, instantly Duncan jumped to his feet to catch him. 

“What’s wrong?” The commander asked, almost instantly the Hazard Team medic was beside him with Hunsen as well. 

“Time, that is what is wrong.” Portal remarked, waving off the concerns and pushing himself up to his feet. “Time is against us…against me.”

“Someone once said that time is the fire in which we burn, but I don’t believe it. Stay with us, help us repair the beacon.” Duncan pleaded. 

Now in a weakened state, the Portal nodded and pointed towards the ground. An opening was formed and a set of steps, all made from rock, appeared. “Go, repair.” He encouraged. 

It didn’t take time for Hazard Team Alpha to head down the spiral set of natural stairs and secure the small area where the beacon was located, as a result Duncan and the rest of the teams soon followed. 

The Beacon itself looked exactly like the obelisk they had encountered on the ocean floor of Outré, but a lot bigger. Immediately Hunsen had noticed why the beacon had stopped working. 

“It’s been disconnected from its power source.” He shared with Duncan. 

“Can you reconnect it?” Duncan asked. 

“Perhaps, but I need more help with this. I need Karyn, Lukiz and a few others down here.” Hunsen replied. 

A quick call and almost five minutes later the others were transported down with the equipment that Hunsen had asked for. Slyvexs had come down too along with Flemen to see if they could assist Portal 117. Flemen had also brought Professor Shu’varn to assist in understanding the Tkon technology.

Lying on his back on the rocks, Portal 117’s condition appeared to have drastically changed within a blink of an eye. Scanning him, Slyvexs had started to try and find out what was wrong with him, but she didn’t need to look any further. Turning to Duncan, she grimly smiled. “Max, he’s dying.”

Surprised that such a powerful being that had existed for eons, Duncan couldn’t quite believe it. “How? He just turned our weapons to dust? He pointed to the ground and it opened for us to see the beacon. He planted the changes in the Belt for us to follow.”

“I can’t explain it but my tricorder reads his dying.” Slyvexs said. 

“Time defeats me.” Portal 117 said, “I can no longer guard this outpost.”

“What can we do?” Duncan asked the dying guardian. 

Portal then vanished into nothing. Everyone stared at each other with blank expressions. 

“What do we do now?” Flemen asked,but no-one knew the answer. 

Time passed before Hunsen called Duncan and the others down to where he was. 

“What is it Tremt?” Duncan inquired. “Please tell me you can get the beacon working?”

Nodding, Hunsen explained what happened. “When Portal…died or vanished, the power source came back.”

“We think he was using it to keep him alive.” Smyth suggested. “But we have a second problem, the interface that controls this beacon requires biological input, it seems like an advanced version of our bio-neural circuitry. Portal may have been that.”

“How do we find a replacement?” Duncan asked.

“You need a volunteer.” Sha’varn stated from where he stood behind the Starfleet officers.

“We do, but I don’t think anyone could survive long enough. Perhaps long enough to bring the beacon online but it could seriously hurt them.” Hunsen reported.

Before anyone could say anything, Sha’varn stepped forward, passed them all and entered the interface. He was shouted at by the others, but ignored their calls, instead he placed the headgear on and pulled the leavers either side activating the device. His activation caused a massive shockwave, throwing everyone backwards.

Max Duncan felt his body fly through the air and land with a thud. His eyes flickered… 

The Beacon then came online among the chaos and the injured.