An Understanding

Posted on Fri Jul 31st, 2020 @ 9:00am by Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Season 3: Episode 4: Cause and Effect
Location: Science Lab
Timeline: After a Critical Point in History
833 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Arri looked towards Varis after she asked him to remain in her lab. "Thank you for remaining here, Mr. Varis." She noted.

"No worries Commander. What can I do for you?" Varis spoke with his hands and his portfolio around his back. He knew that they were in the past he would become a popular person. That said he hoped that the Science Chief would be sympathetic and perhaps even helpful. The gods knew he needed a friend especially now.

"There's another reason why I requested to be assigned to the team as your second. I want this situation resolved as swiftly as possible and for your authority, broad as it is in this situation, to end swiftly. If we are deployed on this mission, It's imperative we minimize any cultural impact." Arrianna mentioned. "Right now. Scientist and Philosophers are planting the very seeds of Earth's modern world, and would influence the birth of the federation. Ideas are being championed in this time that would mold humans for centuries to come."

Varis smiled and held out his hand. "Commander we find ourselves agreeing yet again. If there is one thing I hate as much as fiddling with time, it is being in command. If I can help it we are not going to the planet. However, there are a number of issues to think about here. First is this could be a paradox, specifically one that is predestined. It could be that we are meant to be here right now..." His voice trailed off as he allowed the concept of that to sink into the scientist's head.

She shook his hand. "Oh I hope it isn't a Predestination Paradox, then we'd have to ensure it played out according to history. It is not something I relish pondering. If we have to do some sort of damage control to ensure history flows correctly." Arrianna noted. "We'd end up having to take the best course of action based on an infinite amount of possible outcomes that even both of us could not possibly fathom. This is why my people have outlawed meddling with time. It is one of the few offenses we punish with life in prison other than murder. And then we'd have to live with doing something, possibly so repugnant to our principals, that we'd just have to live with it." Arri shook her head. "This is not what I joined Starfleet for, but it may be one of the few options we'll have. I joined starfleet for a very different purpose; to develop means and technologies for the Federation to successfully resist the Borg. A noble goal, one I'm willing to work tirelessly towards."

"I wish the Federation would outlaw meddling with time. But alas no..." Varis pulled his portfolio to his chest and crossed his arms as he spoke. He was about to talk about something that may be touchy for the Commander. "...Tell me Commander how long have you served on the Elysium?"

"At least three years, Varis." Arrianna mentioned.

"I am trying to gauge how well you know the crew. My biggest worry at the moment is that someone on this ship is going to go souvenir hunting. Can you alleviate that worry for me." Varis' demeanor changed from slightly inquisitive to one that was matter of fact. There was no room to beat around the bush when it came to time.

"i believe Souvenirs may be the last thing on our minds, Mr. Varis. We've barely survived a trip through the Abyss only to end up the seventeenth century. I strongly believe this crew would want a way home, and these are Starfleet Officers to the core." Arri noted. "And to be honest, this crew has had its fill of temporal matters."

Varis nodded in agreement with what she said. "All of that might be true. However, I would wager that one of them would be willing to change something, something that they think is minuscule but could have great repercussions. That above all is my greatest fear here, and what we have to watch out for most."

"Which is why we are keeping the team doing the contact small Varis. I can vouch for all the officers on this team. But the more people we bring on, the more your concern might become reality." Arri noted.

"Any incursion team built must be built under the K.I.S.S. method. That is to say Keep It Simple Stupid..." Varis said with a smirk. "...The smaller the team the better. Only the people and gear that is absolutely needed nothing more. No one talks to anyone that is not needed. Call it paranoia but I am trying to make sure that we all have a home to go back to."

Varis pulled a small device out of his pocket, it resembled a tricorder. His fingers danced over its controls as he began to compute every possible outcome for the future. He had to be ready or every eventuality.