Unfamiliar Faces [✱1]

Posted on Wed Feb 12th, 2025 @ 12:52pm by Captain Rovak & Commander Alex Flynn & Lieutenant Rune Thul & Lieutenant S'Lace & Lieutenant JG Eris sh'Rhavar & Mana'i & SubCommander Saa & Lieutenant Commander Atna & Senior Chief Petty Officer Gaz

2,941 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: The Serpent's Tooth [3]
Location: Senior Staff Briefing Room, Deck 10
Timeline: 0900 - MD02 (One day after Mana'i's arrival)

"Good morning." Rovak said once everyone had arrived. It was tight with a full roster in here, Rovak considered he might need to ask Saa if they couldn't add a few extra seats and a third extension option for the expanding round table. He'd already had to leave Counseling, Diplomacy and Communications off the list to ensure that twelve department heads could occupy one of the twelve places each. Ayol was standing behind the Captain dutifully, for want of a place to sit.

"As you may already know, this morning at 0330 the USS Swiftsure brought us our latest crew transfers. There is a sizable contingent of new crew in all departments. Marine, Intelligence and Aerospace Fighter Wing staff are now aboard, and on active duty as of 0900. Colonel Vhau, Director Raaku and Major Nhan will be leading each, respectively. Welcome."

More medical exams, S'Lace thought. It was time to put the Emergency Medical Hologram to work.

Eris shifted in her seat despite the tight quarters. She had a PADD on the table before her, ready to take notes when the time came. She listened as the Captain opened the briefing, looking around and making eye contact with her fellow department heads. She had seen several of the others during the Swiftsure’s transit yesterday…well, today…technically, this morning, she corrected herself.

She mentally shook off the distraction and refocused on the Captain’s remarks, resting her hands across one another on the tabletop.

Fighter pilots. Gaz said to himself, his inner monologue even had a resigned sigh. More scrapes to buff out of the hangar bay floor.

Alex felt a sudden pang of selfish opportunity. All three of the new departments were outside the chain of command. That meant no rules against fraternising, or being fraternised upon.

Lieutenant Rune Thul hadn’t heard from Mana’i since he’d left her in her quarters, and the lingering silence tugged at the edges of his thoughts. Still, dwelling on the unknown wouldn’t serve him—Security officers thrived on certainty, and Rune had trained himself to compartmentalize when necessary, intelligence history one would understand. Even so, the lack of interaction with her about his offers lingered like a faint echo in the back of his mind.

Surprisingly, he managed to sort through his morning affairs with efficiency that bordered on suspicion, at least to those on duty in the Security Suite’s Situation Room. The bewildered looks from junior officers as he swept through tasks with precision almost amused him—almost. It wasn’t like he was slow normally, but today felt different. Perhaps it was the itch of unfinished business or just the need to keep his mind occupied.

With time unexpectedly on his side, Rune made his way to the Senior Staff Briefing Room, arriving punctually alongside the other senior officers. The room hummed with quiet conversation, the faint background noise of padds being adjusted and chairs sliding into place filling the space between words.

As Rune took his seat, a fleeting glance, nothing overt, but enough to stir a flicker of curiosity he directed at Atna. Was she assessing him again? Maybe judging his punctuality this time? The thought made the corner of his mouth twitch ever so slightly, though he quickly masked it with a neutral expression.

The briefing commenced, the Captain spoke with professional decorum. Yet, Rune found his eyes drifting toward Atna a few more times than he cared to admit. Was she satisfied with his promptness? Did she even notice this time? It was a ridiculous question, but his mind had a way of chasing thoughts like shadows—especially when emotions were buried just beneath the surface.

He shifted in his seat, forcing his attention back to the matter at hand. Focus, Rune. He told himself but even as the Captain continued around him, the quiet pulse of curiosity—and perhaps something else—lingered. Rune did manage to hear all the Captain said, though processing it took a moment or two longer after he again refocused his mind.

The Andorian, Cardassian and Barzan officers looked around the room to their comrades, gathering from Rovak's tone and brevity that there wasn't time for much more. Vhau was relaxed and pleasant, Raaku was studious and stern, Nhan looked curious about each of them, lingering for a moment as if to better remember the details.

"You may also notice that we are joined by our guest, the Toa Mana'i. She will be shadowing Dr T'Zor for a time to aide with acclimation." Rovak said, gesturing to the Toa who had a separate seat behind T'Zor's, but in a position that allowed her to see within.

Eris looked in the direction of Captain Rovak’s gesture. She’d never met a…Toa…did he say…before. But that wasn’t out of the norm. The Federation was a big place, though, incorporating many cultures and species. It was hard to keep up with everyone, she told herself.

"We are also joined by our new Chief Navigator, Lieutenant Eris sh'Rhavar. Welcome." Rovak said.

S'Lace gave the newcomer a polite nod of welcome.

At the mention of her name, Eris smiled a small, nervous smile and waved a slight wave to everyone. The tension in the room was starting to become palpable.

Intharia smiled at Eris. Atna gave an expressionless nod.

Alex gave her a thumbs up, she had already met her several hours ago, but didn't want to appear disinterested because of that.

Tactical Support departments' chiefs sat among the other senior staff. The crispness of their uniforms, the measured way they carried themselves—it was unmistakable. Starfleet material through and through.

Rune’s sharp eyes swept across the room, his instincts as a Security officer quietly cataloging the new faces. As each new chief made eye contact with him, he offered a respectful nod—brief but deliberate, a silent acknowledgment of shared duty. His gaze lingered slightly longer, his mind working to link faces with names Rovak had dropped. Rune’s memory was sharp, but it never hurt to reinforce the mental notes.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. They were Starfleet’s finest, well he hoped for all their sakes, but Rune had learned long ago that uniforms only told part of the story. Experience, decisions made under pressure—that’s where true character was revealed.

His thoughts drifted, if only briefly, to his time in Starfleet Intelligence. A familiar itch surfaced, the kind that came from instincts and undying habits. Okay not so much immune to change but still wired deeply. Perhaps it was time to review the Intelligence roster—see if any old contacts had found their way into this new chapter. Connections mattered, especially when they could help get the new departments integration with their crew quickly and more effectively.

Snapping back to the present, Rune noticed the new Chief Navigator when introduced. Without hesitation, he leaned slightly forward, his voice cutting through the low hum of the room with practiced ease.

"Welcome, Chief Navigator," he greeted, his smile genuine but measured, the kind that spoke of professionalism layered over subtle curiosity.

His attention shifted for a brief, lighter moment when their Toa guest met his gaze. Rune’s demeanor softened as he gave a quick, casual wave, accompanied by a warm smile—a contrast to the stern professionalism he typically projected. The gesture was small, fleeting, but sincere—a rare glimpse of the man beneath the uniform.

Then, just as quickly, he straightened, his expression slipping back into the composed focus expected of a Security chief. But the spark of connection lingered, a reminder that even in the most formal settings, small gestures could carry significant weight. He had a feeling that because Mana'i compared him with her brother may have poked the 'only-child' trait in him to want a sibling--of any kind really at this point. Perhaps this wish could be granted, he mused as he continued to listen to the Captain and others.

"Please accept my apology for the lack of welcoming pleasantries, however as my next point will illustrate, we have a time-sensitive issue to address." Rovak said.

"Yesterday at 1452 hours, approximately two minutes after Mana'i's arrival, the anomaly undertook it's scheduled shift to another universe. All previous shifts have resulted in empty positions within extragalactic space in their universes, however on this occasion it appears that the anomaly has linked us to a position within a solar system. Initial scans tell us that it is likely to be on the outer edge of a galaxy quite identical to our own milky way."

Rovak brought up the display of the simple eight-planet system on the room's holographics, as well as a second map showing its predicted relative position at the outer arm of the very similar galaxy. "At 0930 hours, I will be leading an expedition through the anomaly to investigate the system in the Excalibur. The expedition will conclude at the first sign of trouble, or within six hours of the next scheduled shift."

"Further to our investigative goals, at Commander Atna's suggestion I am announcing the creation of a new subdepartment within the Science division, Multiversal Sciences. Dr Intharia T'Zor will serve as Chief of the new subdepartment, who will be dedicated to the full-time study of the anomaly and all we discover through it. A responsibility well-earned, Doctor." Rovak said with a nod to the Asari scientist.

Thari felt herself blush a darker blue, but hoped that other than Atna, most wouldn't recognise it.

"Commander Flynn will remain in command here. Lieutenant Thul, I would prefer to keep you here at Tactical in the event that we require support from the station. All newcomers will also need to remain aboard to ensure departmental readiness. Chief Gaz, I will need you to also remain aboard to support them." Rovak explained.

"SubCommander Saa, I would like you aboard the Excalibur. Likewise Commander Atna and Dr T'Zor. Those not required elsewhere, you may join us, or not, at your desire, but you must make yourself known to myself or Yeoman Ayol by 0925. To those whose current requirements preclude them from their desired location, rest assured that there will be time after a few days to reassess and redeploy based on any preferences."

Atna and Thari both nodded, they had expected as much.

"Captain, please take along Assistant Chief Tactical Officer Lieutenant Akaar Zuul as your security and tactical chief, I've worked with him before, I trust his skill and judgement to keep you all safe." Rune spoke up after hearing he was to remain behind. He didn't like it but understood it, he'd make a note of it in his log. As he thought that he grinned.

"Very well." Rovak agreed. Zuul was one of the many new faces he had not had any time with up-close, this would be an opportunity to meet the man, if nothing else.

Saa acknowledged with a businesslike nod. It would be a good opportunity to field test the modifications they'd begun to the alien timeship.

Rovak folded his hands in front of him on the table. "I do not have anything further. Are there any questions?" Rovak asked.

"Will you be requiring a medical staff on this mission?" S'Lace inquired. She knew some officers thought an EMH was sufficient. For her the EMH was a useful tool but they possessed...limitations...

"I intend to leave port with a full complement. You would be my first choice Doctor, but the decision is yours." Rovak told the Doctor.

Logically as Chief Medical Officer S'Lace place was on board the station, seeing to the various bureaucratic requirements her position entailed. She thought to the stack of PADDs on her desk which never seemed to shrink no matter how much effort she placed into reducing it's height. And then there had been the Klingons...

"I will attend," she replied promptly.

Eris looked down at her PADD. On the right side of the display was her list of things to accomplish; topping the list was ‘Settle In.’

Why, she asked herself. Everything’s in crates…I could just grab my go-bag and go, she reasoned. She gave the idea another second’s thought, missing the Doctor’s question. The Captain’s statement about a full complement, though, came through loud and clear.

The Captain had expressly mentioned a “full complement.” Chief Navigator would have to be a part of that group, she argued internally.

“Captain,” Eris began. When Rovak looked at her expectantly, she went on.

“I know I’m just arriving, sir, but I’d love to be assigned to the expedition,” Eris gushed involuntarily.

"As would I! I know I've not been in your company long, but while I am here, I would like to see what more this universe of yours has to offer." Mana'i piped up from behind T'Zor.

"It'd give us a chance to get them checked out on ship's systems," offered Saa.

Rovak seemed to be considering it for a moment as he inhaled. "I had hoped Lieutenant that you might get better acquainted with the current state of operations. However, if you can convince Ensign Akzhouri to accompany you, I am sure she can use any downtime to bring you up to speed." Rovak turned to Mana'i. "You are welcome to join us, Mana'i."
Eris looked down at the PADD she was holding, considering the Captain’s words.

I mean, he does have a point…maybe I should talk to my people first and see if any of them are willing to go, she reasoned with herself.

A small but tenacious voice in her head argued against this. No, you should demonstrate your capabilities and lead your department, it coaxed Eris.

“On behalf of myself, and with all due respect, Captain, I have the utmost confidence that the Navigation officers and chiefs can get me up to speed before the expedition departs. The Navigation officers, specifically, have been running this department without me so far and I do not doubt that they will keep me informed as the expedition progresses,” Eris argued, hoping she was conveying the sense of respect that was at the heart of her rebuttal.

At Mana'i mentioning her desire to learn what our universe has to offer, Rune spoke up. "Toa Mana'i, the expedition is going into yet another universe, not ours. You'll be seeing what the Multiverse has to offer, but I strongly advise caution at all times," he said to the entire group. "Especially to those just joining us, should you be part of an expedition you must leave your expectations and assumptions here at Deep Space 13. Take the universe you are exploring as it is."

He turned to the Captain. "I recommend some time just beyond the rift to test some communications so we can remain in contact, for--emergencies." Rune said with a pointed expression at his Commanding Officer.

"A communications buoy was sent through at 0400, there have been no issues thus far." Rovak told Thul.

"Understood but a live test will help confirm all is working and it won't take a moment once your cross over. I just hope the Excalibur's engines will work in a different universe, we may encounter different physics laws when it comes to FTL travel." Rune replied with with concern.

"We have considered the possibilities Mr Thul, and intend to take all the necessary precautions." Atna answered on behalf of her department, as well as the absent Communications. She wondered in that moment what the highest level of formal education he held was, but not enough to consider finding out.

"There's a lot about the 'Excalibur' we still don't know, to be honest," Saa put in. She still hadn't quite accepted the idea of using the Excalibur's name for its alien imposter. "A few more tests wouldn't hurt."

"Everything's looking five-by-five from what we can see, as far as fundamental differences in this new universe that might muck with our tech. But I think you're right to want to be careful with this... ship. That said, if the Commander's to be believed, it's got function in more universes under it's belt than anything we've got at our disposal." Not that they had anything else larger than an Arrow-class Runabout at their disposal, Gaz kept himself from saying.

Rune nodded. "I'm just wanting you all to not take what we have for granted, anything could happen and you will be on your own. Unless you want some auxiliary crafts on standby, Captain, maybe some fighters?" He asked, "I just don't want to lose any of you, please be careful. I know I implied it already but please." He glanced around at those going with pleading eyes. He recalled the Admiral and faced the Captain. "Can we recall the Admiral if we don't hear from you on the scheduled timetable? Time is normal over there right?" He asked Atna.

"Mr Thul, we will take necessary precautions. That will be the end of it." Rovak said, wondering why Thul seemed to have so little trust in others. "Anyone else?"

Gaz was quite content to remain in the universe he'd spent all of his existence in so far, so he remained quiet.

Atna and Intharia also remained quiet, knowing their questions and answers would appear on the other side of the anomaly.

S'Lace, having nothing further to add, kept silent.

Rune nodded only as he'd not trust himself if he opened his mouth again.

"Alright." Rovak said when nothing further was forthcoming. "If anyone needs me, I will be on the Excalibur. Dismissed."

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