After the Inspection

Posted on Sat May 29th, 2021 @ 8:09am by Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Trans-Dimensional Studies Lab
1405 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure

"Computer, begin next simlation. Increase Subspace Field Coil modulation by 5.51 Cochrances, simulate artificial rift generation." Arrianna mentioned. "Next simulate detection countermeasures."

"What exactly am I looking at Commander?" Lovejoy asked as it was just him an Arri in the lab.

"A simulated quantum rift approximately one nano-meter in diameter into what is known as the mirror universe. Undetectable if you know what to scan for." Arrianna mentioned. "The very real and frightening truth Commander, is that the Terran Emperor could decide tomorrow that we're all slaves." Arri noted as she brought up a possible scenario. "Pretty much, if they figured out how the rifts work, they can transpose entire fleets and armies immediately above any world in the United Federation of Planets, instantaneously. Which begs the question Lovejoy; how does one defend against an invasion that can appear without warning, instantly? We're developing sensors here that can not only scan across space... but possibly across multiple universes." Arrianna concluded. "In essence it's an early warning system for an extra-dimensional invasion."

Garrett studied the scenario before him. It was ambitious and impressive. "Whose to say that they haven't found out how the rift works? It could very well be their marshalling their forces for something like you just told me. From what little I know of the mirror universe, I learned from my wife. She was a prisoner there for four years. I know they are extremely opportunistic and will seize any advantage they can." He looked at her simulation. "So, I think it is of utmost importance that you get your sensor grid up and functioning so we have that early warning."

"Strange, I thought I'd have to defend this research from you. We don't see eye to eye on many things." Arrianna mentioned. "You have no idea how my telepathy was overwhelmed with the overwhelming pain of my own crew, begging for the pain to stop. We're working night and day on this and our intial experiments seem to be promising. Best csse scenario. We'd be able to construct an array that could attempt to brute force the Imperial command and control networks and plant Trojans into their computers. We wouldn't need much signal strength either, because essentially we're transmitting in approximately the same place." Arri mentioned. "We can then use some of the command codes we've siezed from the ISS Elysium to attempt to compromise Imperial Fleet Command. We'll have advantages as well. Instantaneous access to their command computers." Arri noted. " In a few days we're going to test the trans-dimensional array we're going to attempt to intercept the Empire's propaganda news networks as a test."

Garrett listened as Arri explained what they were trying to do. When she had finished e spoke. "Sounds promising. If you know the carrier frequencies the Imperial Command uses, you could piggy back the array on their own communication lines, they would have to stumble on it to be aware." He paused for a moment, wanting to think on what he was about to say. No, we don't agree on much however t doesn't mean we have to be enemies Commander. We just need to learn how to disagree peacefully." The last said with a smile. " I am receptive to new, innovative ideas. So try some on me, I may just surprise you."

Arri blinked and spoke. "The best defensive is an offensive in this case. For example." She brought up an old Earth Battle. "The Battle of Marathon. The Persians brought their fleet near the greek coast and began to offload troops onto the Marathon coast. The Athenians then attacked and drove the Persian advance force into the sea, before the Persians were done offloading and could organize effectively. If we have the intelligence capability, we can assult their fleet before they are done with their preparations in a preemptive offensive." Arri brought up the battle. "We attack their attack force... suddenly.. hard... In their own universe. Right at the heart." She mentioned. "This idea will have several effects. First it will be a major morale blow to the Empire. Second, It will prove to the Empire that nothing is beyond our sight, and a surprise assault will fail. They will never expect a move this bold, because they are under the impression we are weak in this universe." She downloaded some of her strategic ideas into a PADD. "We use the scalpel when required, then we use the warhammer as hard as we possibly can muster, and invite our allies to join in on it. Prove to them that war with us will be a costly proposition."

"I'm aware of the battle Commander." Lovejoy answered as Arri finished her proposal. "Your idea is sound however, I'm not sure how receptive Command will be to it. The very nature of a preemptive strike goes against the values of Starfleet and it's charter." He pointed out. "We're not a military organization." He held up a hand to stop any protest. " I'm simply saying how Command will view this and react. I will do what I can to sway their thinking." He paused and after a moment continued, "I think a better way to achieve the outcome you are hoping for is to disguise this proposal as research. A wolf in sheep's clothing if you prefer. Or better yet, hide in plain sight." He finished.

Arri spoke. "Let's focus on the detection methodology. Later when we have the intelligence in hand, we can try selling a battle plan to the Admiralty. Also, my cousin Vanessa is a consul on loan from my people's diplomatic service. She is willing to approach other species and empires with proof of what they could be fighting, but she'll need irrefutable proof." Alena mentioned.

Garrett was silent for a moment. " Let me be clear about this, are you suggesting that we put our minds together and work on this? I was under the impression you hated me with a passion Commander. Was I mistaken? In addition to you think it will lead to any positive results."

Arrianna sighed and then spoke. "I am not fond of you Commander. You are arrogant, rude, and obnoxious. There is no perfect Starfleet Officer, me even less so now.." Arri admitted. "My alternate attempted to enslave my mind, hollowing me out as a mental extensions of herself. It was a very old form of mental warfare once practiced by my people's distant ancestors. I nearly lost myself it it wasn't for Lieutenant Carlyle." She noted. "Unfortunately for my alternate, she was not the disciplined mind that I was, and I pushed into her, angry with pure rage, and began tearing her mind to pieces. Carlyle stopped me, but not before I had absorbed the viceroy's memories. I have pieces of her inside me.. Her memories and every unthinkable cruelty her mind could contemplate." Arri mentioned. "We're two very different officers, Commander. Almost from the minute I was ready to graduate from the academy. I was called to assist in the evacuation of Romulus. And it's been from one crisis and disaster to another battlefield. Terrans, Orion Slavers, Romulans even. Then you came onboard with Commodore Mountbatten and I wondered; do you even know what we're dealing with, does anyone know that sometimes we're fighting for our lives. And then we were almost turned into our worst enemy." Arrianna sat down. "They worked very hard to make us into them... Barbaric and uncivilized. And I felt them torture my fellow crewmembers for four days." She kicked the bulkhead. "it... was.. horrible. I wanted to destroy them... I wanted to hurt them all... Ascendants if it wasn't for Josephine."

"A thin smile appeared on Lovejoy's lips. "You're honest I'll give you that Commander. However you seem to feel you hold a monopoly on pain and suffering. I can tell you first hand you don't. My wife, the person I hold more dear than anyone else in this universe was a prisoner of this Terran Empire for four years. So don't presume to think I don't know what your dealing with and please don't lecture me. You were fortunate you had this Josephine, I had no one."

Arri raised her eyebrow. "You and I... Sometimes we're foes... sometimes we're friends. I cannot understand what we are, Commander.

"I don't presume to know either Commander though I think we're more alike than either of us cares to admit." Garrett replied solemnly.