Strange Beginings

Posted on Tue Jun 11th, 2019 @ 8:41am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Commodore Evelyn Mountbatten [ADMIN NPC]

Mission: Episode 1: Hell is a four letter word
Location: Deck 18, Ready room
Timeline: MD5
610 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Naxea breathed took in a deep breath as she stood before the door to the Commodore's office. While coming aboard, she had heard rumors of the ship's command staff having gone missing and now here she was, being ordered to report to Commodore Mountbatten, instead of Captain Lalor or Commander Taylor. She reached out and pressed the chime.

"Come" The voice from inside the ready room on Deck 18 came was calm.

Naxea entered and made her way to the Commodore. She was unsure of what was going on but she knew this would likely be a different reporting in than normal. She could only hop her detachment would be ready to go.

Evelyn was sitting behind the desk that Captain Lalor had inherited from the Admiral who had commanded the vessel prior. She had not, as most would have assumed, removed the captain's personal affects. She looked up from Paperwork as the marine entered the office.

"Captain." She said.

Naxea came to attention a few feet from the Commodore's desk. "Marine Captain Azhul Naxea reporting for duty, ma'am."

"Yes. Take a seat Captain." Evelyn waved her to a chair. "You have joined us in unusual times."

"I have gathered as much ma'am. May I ask what is going on?" Naxea asked, as she took the seat the commodore had gestured to.

The Commodore took a breath. "The Captain,her Xo, second officer and chief of security along with a personal friend of the second officer and a flight control ensign were enroute to Trill for a vacation of sorts. The crew were on R&R. Their shuttle was attacked and they are missing. I currently have 5 shuttles out looking for clues. But as soon as they are back at the roost, we are going to have to think about moving on if they have no news."

Space was a vast, empty void and a lot could go wrong, but for a Federation shuttle to simply disappear in the late 24th Century was odd and likely the result of foul play but there wouldn't be any certainty until those shuttle reported back. Tactically speaking, it was a mistake to put all of your eggs in a basket, so to speak regarding senior officers. "I will make sure my detachment is ready to go if need be, Ma'am."

"I do hope you are not needed captain. I do hope we find them without bloodshed but the way things are looking, we are now nearly 24 hours in and still no sign."

"If there is anything me or my Marines can do to aid in the search, I will be glad to assist in any way," Naxea offered, knowing there would likely be little to do but sit around and wait for an order. "What sector of space were they traveling, ma'am?" she continued as her curiosity began to get the better of her.

"Between DS9 and Trill." Came the reply. "We may need your marines for a rescue."

"We'll be ready if the call comes, ma'am. Should there be anything else that I should be aware of?" Naxea asked.

Evelyn shook her head. "No. Not right now." She said. "Avalon will be able to assist with anything else, she is the ships AI."

"This should be interesting," Naxea commented. "I've never served on a ship with an AI before."

Evelyn's lips twitched "I understand that. Its a first for me too."

"If there is nothing else, ma'am. I should see to my detachment," Naxea offered.

"Dismissed Captain. And welcome to the USS Elysium. "

"Thank you, ma'am," Naxea said as she stood and came to attention before about facing and exiting the office.