Star Trek Coda

Chapter 7: The calm before the storm

DEEP SPACE NINE, BAJOR, 2383

Two hundred years later on the space station Deep Space Nine, the path set in motion centuries ago continued. The station stood in orbit of Bajor, glistening like a jewel in space. Three ships dropped out of warp and approached the station; The USS Voyager, the USS Titan and the USS Enterprise-E.

Admiral Janeway, Captain Riker and Captain Picard were sitting around the table in the wardroom. They had been called there for a conference call with General Stanson, the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. Within a few minutes, the screen flashed on and they were greeted with the face of the General. He was in his fifties, with a few wrinkles. He was battle-hardened, it was clear on his face. Nonetheless, the Captains and Admiral Janeway knew him to be a fair man, to the point and while willing to make tough decisions, he only did so when he had to.

He greeted them and began the briefing. He was brusque, but still warm. "Good evening everyone. It is an honour to be here before you on this historic mission. Let's get down to business. As you know, you will be using the recently discovered Borg transwarp conduit to reach the Delta-Quadrant as members of an exploration and diplomatic task force.  There you will continue Starfleet's mission of exploration, making contact with new worlds and reconnecting with worlds Voyager made contact with more than six years ago. You'll be aiming to share our technology and determine the potential for a new Federation of Planets in the Delta Quadrant. Admiral Janeway's expertise and experience of the Delta Quadrant will be vital, which is why she is the obvious choice to lead the mission. You have three of our finest ships and crews. I have complete confidence that you will make the mission succeed. You have the blessing of the entire United Federation of Planets."

Janeway looked serious, "We understand the nature of the mission. But we've discussed some concerns. The objectives of the mission feel colonial. We are going into a new region of space to share ideas and culture mutually, but it seems Starfleet is also hoping we will expand the Federation's reach. That's how it appears. And this is only confirmed by the heavy military presence aboard our ships. None of us are comfortable with MACOs onboard. They haven't been aboard Starfleet ships since the Dominion War. Their presence seems at odds with an exploratory mission.

Stanson sighed, "I understand your concerns, which is why I have made sure this mission is being led by three Captains who understand the fine line between exploration and colonisation and the danger of having such a heavy military presence with your fleet. But the decision comes from the President, you will leave with this mandate and with these troops. And truth be told, you likely will need them. The galaxy has become a more dangerous place."

Captain Picard interjected, "The galaxy has always been a dangerous place General, that doesn't mean we can compromise what we stand for."

The general looked him straight in the eye, and gave only two words in reply, "then don't." It was only two words - but they told a story - the General agreed, and he was putting the onus on these leaders to do the right thing. It was a huge responsibility.

The room went silent, and Stanson spoke again, "I know we're treading a fine line here. But I can think of no Captains better suited to tread that line. Good luck out there."

The Captains responded and the call ended. They all looked at each other as the screen went black. "This isn't good," Riker said, "There is something they're not telling us. Stanson knows, but it isn't coming from him."

Picard replied, "General Stanson has always been a good man, who while battle-hardened from the war with the Dominion, believes in what the Federation stands for. I can see it in his eyes, he doesn't support this. It isn't coming from him."

"As he said, it's coming straight from the President," added Janeway.

They all knew something wasn't right. The President was becoming cold and paranoid. It was dangerous, but they were not politicians.

Janeway continued, "nonetheless we have our orders, we have to follow them, and we have to believe in the Federation, even if we aren't being told everything."

Nobody responded for a moment, "I have a sense of dread, my friends. I feel something dark is coming," said Picard.

"I think we all do," replied Riker.

*****

Nog was walking to the airlock. "Don't go," begged Rom.

"I have to Father, I just have to," whispered Nog as he put the last piece of luggage in the airlock. He had walked from his quarters to the airlock dozens of times. Many of those times, he knew he'd be going into a battle from which he may never come back. This time was different though, because he knew he definitely wouldn't be coming back. Yet he wasn't going into battle. Somehow this mission was scarier. It was further away and it was more unknown. Battle was easy in a way, you live or you die. You fire the phaser, you try and kill the enemy. This, this was different. Every minute he would feel the pain. Not the pain of being in the Delta Quadrant, but the pain of not being in the Alpha Quadrant.

He would miss the station, The Bar, his Uncle, Rom, but he was going on a new adventure. No matter how painful, it was time to move on. It was time to explore, to seek out knowledge, and to see the wonders of the universe. Or at least that is what he kept telling himself.

He reached the airlock corridor. When he got there, Jake joined him. They said their goodbyes, gave final hugs, took one final glance back and walked through the airlock. No matter where he was going, at least he had his best friend by his side as a journalist. That knowledge gave him that bit of reassurance he needed. It was going to hurt, but he wouldn't be alone, and that's all that mattered.

USS VOYAGER, DOCKED AT DEEP SPACE NINE, 2383

On Voyager's bridge, the crew stood at their posts, ready for the Admiral's command, "put me on fleetwide," she ordered, "this is Admiral Janeway. Today we are leaving on a mission like no other. There are a lot of unknowns, but it will be worth it, and through the expertise of these crews we will succeed. We will explore, we will discover and we will see the wonder the universe has to offer. In fact it could be the most important mission the Federation has ever launched. If you are in doubt, remember why we are here, the same reason we all joined Starfleet – to explore strange new worlds and to seek out new life and new civilisations. It is a privilege to have all of you on this mission. Let's begin."

Janeway looked around the bridge at every individual officer, crewman and official - just as Archer had done two centuries before. She had complete faith in every one of them. They were ready.

"This is USS Voyager to Deep Space Nine. We are requesting permission to launch."

Kira's voice came through the speaker, "Permission Granted and Good luck."

"All ships, break away from dock and move into formation."

The three ships resonated glory. They were powerful, they were beautiful and they filled anyone who could see them with awe. It was glorious.

Commander Kym, Voyager's first officer spoke, "Helm, bring the transwarp drive online."

"Transwarp drive is online. We are go for launch," replied the helmsman

"Engage!" ordered the Admiral

A rift opened and the four ships disappeared through it. As quickly as they drew into formation, they were gone - to new adventures, and strange new worlds. They were Starfleet explorers and they were on the most incredible mission yet.

"Goodbye," Kira whispered under her breath.