Earth (Part 1 of 2)

Posted on 03 Jun 2017 @ 6:50pm by Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Commander Aren Ban & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Commander Luke Wyatt & Lieutenant Tuula Voutilainen M.D. & Lieutenant Amaranai Franklin & Commander Marisa Wyatt & Ensign Miraj Derani & Ensign Mimi & Ambassador Soral Varro & Lieutenant Min Zhao & Lieutenant JG Eelim Galan & Petty Officer 1st Class Eviess & Petra Varelli Ph.D.
Edited on on 03 Jun 2017 @ 6:54pm

3,281 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: USS Atlirith - Transporter Room 2
Timeline: MD 01, 1319 hrs

[ON]

On the edge of the Sol system just outside of the Kuiper Belt, a silver blur interrupted the serenity of the cosmos when the large Galaxy-class heavy cruiser USS Atlirith snapped out of warp and transitioned to sub-light velocities. It's primary impulse engine began to glow bright orange, and a small course correction set the starship on a direct course through the outer solar system and towards Earth. In the near vicinity, the giant blue ball of gas named Neptune slowly spun on its axis. The ice giant -- Uranus' larger sister -- was a familiar sight to all in Starfleet, and marked the first waypoint on any journey towards Earth.

Inside the starship's dimly lit observation lounge, Saalm stood staring out through the window at the planet's Great Dark Spot as Atlirith passed by the uninhabitable world. Home, she thought to herself with a content sigh. Memories of the past several months suddenly resurfaced including the pain and anguish she'd suffered and seen others subjected to. She remembered her promise to herself and to several others, to bring them all back to Earth safely; most had made it, it now seemed, but not everyone.

Amaranai had been out for a run. Her leg was completely healed and she no longer had pain when she ran. She and Lirha had taken to running, either in the corridors on the lower decks or in the holodeck, to keep their exercise routine. The sexual encounters enhanced the exercise but Amaranai had built up a routine that she wanted to keep in practice as much as possible.

Returning to her quarters, Amaranai took a quick shower and dressed. As today was the day they would be arriving at Earth, she figured she would dress in her uniform. As she put her uniform on, she wondered how long she would get to wear it. Once they arrived on Earth, they would have to be interviewed by Starfleet regarding what had happened to Galileo and its crew over the past several months. She would be honest, of course, but she hadn't been as involved as some of the other crew. She was simply following orders. Regardless of what was going to happen, for now, she was a Starfleet officer and she was going to return home dressed as one.

Once dressed, she felt a small ache of missing Lirha. Knowing her lover, Amarnanai made her way to the observation lounge and saw the silhouette of the Orion as the Sol system passed.

"Good afternoon," she said and stepped closer to the woman. "I figured you would be here."

Saalm knew the voice as soon as she spoke and craned her head to look at Franklin. "It's a lovely sight, isn't it?" she replied in reference to the view of the familiar planet outside of the window. For her, as an Orion, the Sol system was one of the most diverse and beautiful ones she ever encountered, and she could only imagine the joy that Amaranai might be experiencing. "Come," she said, holding out her hand as an invitation for her to join her at the viewport.

Amaranai saw the green hand reach out to her and she smiled as she closed the distance and took the woman's hand.

"It's been a long time since I've been back to the Sol system," Amaranai said. "It will be nice to be on planet once again."

"You didn't like Kreanus?" Saalm teased. Perhaps it wasn't the best joke considering all that'd recently occurred, but the relief she was now feeling caused her to let out a soft chuckle.

"Hiding and running for my life? Trying to keep a friend alive with little to no medical supplies? Eating once every three or four days?"

Amaranai had gotten the joke and even heard the chuckle, but she couldn't help but try to make her own joke at the same time.

"You're right," she continued. "Kreanus was a beautiful place. Do you think Starfleet will let us go back?"

She giggled and squeezed Lirha's hand and smiled at her.

"How about, it will be nice to be home."

"..Yes. It will be." Saalm stole a quick kiss from Amaranai's lips then wrapped her arm around the shorter woman's shoulders to pull her close while the two of them watched Neptune slowly vanish from sight as the starship moved closer to Jupiter.

The Andorian captain's voice sounded over the ship-wide intercom to inform the crew of their pending arrival at Earth. "This is the captain," he began, "We'll be arriving at Starbase 001 in ten minutes. Standby to initiate docking protocols once we enter orbit. All passengers, report to transporter rooms one through three with your belongings and prepare to depart."

Allyndra had become a Captain Dunsel, basically someone with nothing to do. The injured had plenty of attendants on both the starbase and now on this ship. The few with the most grievous injuries were being attended to and already arrangements had been made for specialists to handle them. She could not help but spare a thought for the former chief flight officer Miraj. Scans had indicated that the clots had dissolved but still things were not normal, far from it. She was waiting in the cargo bay, but her thoughts were not for here but her own home. There had been a slew of messages waiting from the Council and the House. She had responded to what she could but other thing would require her presence and she had no doubts that fleet would have plenty of questions as well. One more obstacle to get by before she could get to her home.

Inside the cargo bay, Tuula rolled up to her chief. She still didn't know what would happen to the crew; whether they would be kept together or scattered to the winds. After a series of treatments, including regular mind melds, the brain damage from the Klingon torture device had been almost completely reversed. But the psychological scars still remained. "Allyndra..." she said quietly. For her, she at least had the knowledge that she was going home to help her through the pain. "Thank you... for everything."

Allyndra smiled and turned slightly to the assistant chief. "I am not sure I did as much as T'Lin managed. It is good to have you back. How are you feeling?"

"Better..." She took a deep breath, shuddering at the thought at what she had went through on the last mission. She was still piecing everything together in her mind. "It will feel good to be home, though."

"I am sure it will be. I look forward to getting away and to mine as well. So much to do there when I get back." Allyndra mused.

"Yes..." Tuula paused for a moment and bit her lip. "I hope they keep us together," she blurted out, in a rare burst of emotion in her and Allyndra's professional relationship.

"I do as well. There is bound to be an inquiry and what will come of that I cannot predict. Let us hope the Twins bless."

In the brig, Miraj heard the announcement of their arrival and didn't know whether to feel better or worse. On Earth would be a hospital full of specialists and surgeons who would try and reassemble her brain, and give her back her ability to fly. Or they might not. It might be where she was condemned to a life of ground pounding, and never know the freedom of a ship moving with her, breathing with her, responding to her touch, ever again.

She would be glad to leave the monotonous walls of the brig, but it was entirely possible she'd be swapping them for a penal colony. Who knew, she and Lirha may end up in the same rehabilitation group. She wondered if New Zealand had nice weather. And what time of year it was in. She settled back on the bunk, and waited for whatever escort would take her to the starbase.

Luke watched as the ship went into orbit around Earth, today was particularly busy as ships zipped around them going about their normal routine trade ships, shuttles, and other Starfleet vessels. Luke couldn't remember how long it had been since he saw the beautiful green and blue planet he called home. He uncrossed his arms and went to the staging area that was designated to them upon arrival. Luke was dreading the questions to come.

The observation lounge was quickly filling up. The sight of Neptune, filled Aren with relief. At least I got them home. He thought to himself. He occupied a small table and was sitting quietly, just watching the mood shift. For the briefest of moments he wondered what an empath would feel at this moment, or how they would describe the shift in mood. Aren could only shake his head.

Marisa remained unobtrusive as she stood looking out one of the large windows in the observation lounge. She wasn't quite sure how she felt. Happy to be going home, sad that there was a high probability this was the last time she'd be with any of these people. She looked around, noting the people she's talked to, the ones she'd gotten to know. The one she lo... No, she wouldn't go there. Not right now. Later, when she was alone and had time to work through her feelings. Had time to heal. If she had a chance, she'd ask to be transferred with the rest of them, but as she wasn't originally on the Galileo, she wasn't sure if Starfleet would consider her request. They were just as likely to send her somewhere else. She hadn't even seen Petra in a week. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. There was still the formal inquiry to go through. She would definitely take a few days off to do something. See her family? Maybe. Or maybe do some work somewhere.

She and Luke had watched Spamalot, although it wasn't quite the same with Miraj in the brig. Still, that was another fond memory she would take with her. Marisa mentally hummed one of the songs in her head as she watched the ship approach Earth.

"Very nice view is it not?" Mimi said to Marisa as she stepped up to join her at the window.

Marisa had been lost in her thoughts. She turned and smiled at Mimi. "It is, indeed. You never quite get tired of it, do you?"

"I do not." Mimi replied. "Earth reminds me of the homeworld, it is a lot like the pictures I have."

"Petra told me about your search. Have you had any more luck finding your homeworld?" Romulan and Vulcan were far more familiar to her than Klingon, so Marisa wasn't sure if she would be of much help, but she was curious.

"Now we are home I plan to see what I can do about looking into the area of space where the data we found showed it could be." Mimi replied not mentioning what Allyndra had suggested. "But I do not know how it will go."

"It's never a sure thing when you know where to look. It's much harder when you don't have exploration records." Marisa paused and looked quizzically at Mimi, one eyebrow raised. "Have you considered looking at merchant records? If the Klingons have classified the area, maybe there have been some random civilian vessels in the area? Their records would be easier to find, if there are any. You might look for stories of strange aliens in the region. People talk, especially about oddities they discover in their travels." She shrugged. "Sorry, just a thought."

Mimi cocked her head to the side a little as she thought about what Marisa said. "I had not thought of that, merchants do have more room to explore. Someone could have gone that far and met the Bespiri or a Nekomi."

"It's always possible. Especially if it was a Klingon merchant ship." Marisa shrugged. "I have heard a few tall tales told by Klingons over a mug of bloodwine. Someone may have heard a story and told a friend. While we're on Earth you might see if there are any stories of strange aliens from Klingon space. There are bound to be a few Klingon historians you could ask."

"I doubt any Klingon stories can be trusted." Mimi remarked "They will be very... over the top.. I think would be the right words."

"True, but sometimes there is truth in the boasting." Marisa often found that there was often a kernel of truth in story. Sometimes it was a cautionary tale, but if Klingons were taking of strange aliens, if the story was fake, the fact that they knew enough about the aliens to ring true was worth noting. It might not come to anything, but it was worth looking into.

"I will look into it, I might get lucky." Mimi smiled at Marisa then turned her attention to the view of earth until the call came to go to the transporter rooms.

Eviess sat in the lounge finishing her drink and watching as the Earth grew closer. This would be a very difficult time for her, carrying the burden of a secret that could destroy the person she loved. She was glad to be back on Earth, back with Starfleet but part of her ... well part of her didn't know what to think of things. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up at Eelim.

Eelim had noticed for days not that Eviess was under stress. In fact he'd noticed it on the Chaka. He'd asked her several times but she hadn't said anything that was solid. "You're still not going to tell me what's going on are you?"

Eviess looked at the Cardassian. "It's a difficult thing Eelim. It doesn't matter now." She shook her head.

"It will be alright. What ever it is." Eelim said.

She smile wishing she could explain how his friendship had been a great help during this time. She stood up, "We should go get ready."

Eelim silently gave a nod and followed her out of the lounge.

Min meanwhile, stood waiting her turn with others in the lounge, carrying little more then a small travel bag, all the effects she had taken aboard the Galileo scattered across the nebula with the remains of the old lady. In a few hours she would be off this ship, her life here over and her new life on earth started. She was looking forward to the change of pace, of being in one place, always coming home to her daughter, seeing her family whenever.

In high orbit above the beautiful blue Human homeworld, USS Atlirith slowly coasted toward Starbase 001. Orbital traffic was light at this hour of the afternoon, and only three other starships could be seen in the distance. An aging Excelsior-class heavy cruiser was in the process of departing spacedock while two Steamrunner-class light cruisers lazily patrolled the vicinity between Luna and her bigger sister.

With Snuffles on his leash walking behind her, Saalm stepped through the door to transporter room two and patiently waited for the first group of Starfleet personnel to be beamed down from the pad.

Varro arrived with bag in hand. He was glad that Saul, his older brother, had picked up his dog and cat from the starbase and was on the way back to Earth. He studied the Admiral and her pet and smiled. He missed his beloved pets. He was glad he'd had the sense to send them ahead or they would have been on that planet with him. Varro was tired. He just needed a few days of peace and quiet to put everything into perspective.

"Ambassador Varro, good to see you in well spirits," Saalm said to the diplomat when she noticed him enter the transporter room. "I'm sure once we return, a trip to Vulcan will be next on your agenda?"

Varro inclined his head, "Vulcan stopped being my real home a long time ago. Some time at my house in London would be nice though. Perhaps a drink on Earth?" He said.

She smiled privately at that, not only to accept his invitation, but also to show her respect for his personal choice of identity. Saalm had met many different people from all species and walks of life over the years and knew it was always the toughest for those who were estranged from their homeworld. "Of course. Once we are debriefed, I would like to see your home. On informal terms."

Varro gave a nod, "I would be honoured." He gave a nod and indicated her pet. "A handsome pet, I have two of my own waiting for me. How old is your pet there?"

"Snuffles?" The green-skinned admiral turned her head to look down at her targ pup before reaching out to scratch the short fur between his ears. He responded to the attention with a soft snort then lowered his snout to allow her more access to the back of his neck. "Almost ten months," she answered while still scratching his neck. "He was the runt of his litter but he will still be growing for another couple years. What species of pets do you own?" she curiously asked in return.

Varro gave a nod, "Sometimes litter runts have a way of surprising us. I have a dog, a Great Dane, Nebula. I also have a black cat, Shnibbles."

Saalm frowned at the mention of the black feline and tilted her head inquisitively at the diplomat. "From what I remember, black cats are considered a symbol of misfortune in Human culture, no?"

Varro gave a nod. "That is a superstition amongst humans. I do not subscribe to that superstition."

Marisa walked into the transporter room and stood, waiting her turn. She had nothing to say to anyone right now, lost in her own thoughts.

Petra walked in with her current friend and clutched her bag to her. Their ordeal was almost over..she hoped. Just the formal investigation and then...well, then she would be able to move on. And get back to some semblance of normal.

With her bag clutched tightly against her Mimi stepped into the transporter room in time to make it with the first group, she joined Lirha, Varro and the rest on the pad.

When everyone else had gone through, Miraj was escorted from the bridge, by a firm but kindly security officer. She didn't know what sort of reception was waiting for her below. The Captain here had treated her with extreme caution, her part, however unwilling, in Chorag's mutiny had tarnished her, obviously. She had no idea if she was going to be similarly confined when she got onto the planet.

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

RADM Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer

Lt. jg Amaranai Franklin
Assistant Chief Security / Tactical

Nathan West
Rear Admiral
Chief of Starfleet Intelligence
Starfleet HQ

Commander Aren Ban
Executive Officer

Lieutenant JG Marisa Sandoval
Counselor

Petra Varelli
Forensic Anthropologist
[PNPC Sandoval]

Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Second and Chief Medical Officer

PO2 T'Lin
Biochemist
[PNPC Warraquim]

VADM Colin McDermott
Chief of Starfleet Personnel
Starfleet Command

RADM Harold J. Doolittle
Starfleet Bureau of Personnel
Starfleet Command

Lieutenant Min Zhao
Chief of Operations

Ensign Miraj Derani

Ambassador Soral Varro
Diplomat

Lt. JG Eelim Galan
Security Officer
[PNPC Varro]

PO Eviess
Medical Officer
[PNPC Varro]

LCDR Luke Wyatt
Strategic Operations Officer

LT Tuula Voutilainen
Medical Officer

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