The Arrival of the Prowler (Part I)

Posted on Thu Oct 26th, 2023 @ 6:21am by Commodore Samantha York & Commander Joren Tal & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe

1,372 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Broken Mirror
Location: Briefing Room

ON

The Prowler slipped quietly into the shuttle bay during shift rotation. With the help of Sam, they arrived unnoticed--except for the shuttle bay crew. The only other people she notified were her new XO and the chief of security.

After giving the SWORD team time to settle in, Sam called another briefing for her senior staff and the new arrivals. As this was mostly business, she set out coffee, tea, and a small assortment of fruit and breakfast rolls. Then she took her seat at the table and waited.

Joren was the first to arrive. "Commodore," he nodded, before taking his seat next to Sam.

Alex arrived early with Alora and John at his side. He wanted to make sure he was professional and on time. No need to show up late, it wasn't his style, so he wanted to make sure he made a good impression. As he entered he nodded to Sam and Joren before turning to John. "Go get some coffee, John."

John nodded his head. "You guys want anything?"

Alex took a second before replying. "Coffee. Black. Sugar and Betazoid Cream."

"Got it." John said as he turned to Alora. "What about you, Boss Lady?"

"Ginger tea, two sugars." She smiled her thanks.

"I'll take a raktajino." Joren answered simply, as he stood to greet the new arrivals.

Alex walked over to Sam and Joren, extending his hand to them, as he put on a slight smile. "Commodore... Commander. Commander Alex Knight.." He gestured to Alora. "Commander Alora Knight... my wife and second." He gestured to John. "My sec.... my..." Alex paused. With Alora now his second in command of the team, a position John was and he had no issue giving it over to her, he wasn't sure where John fell anymore. With a slight laugh he questioned. "John.. what are you again?"

"I am whatever you and the Boss Lady need me to be. Your right hand. Your left hand." John replied with a bit of a chuckle. "Just don't ask me to be your feet because I don't dance. I got to left feet." He chuckled as he walked over with a small tray of drinks.

Joren shook the offered hands in turn, before grabbing the drink and respectfully nodding. "Commanders, Joren. I don't believe we have met."

"A pleasure to meet you," Alora replied. "Please, call me Alora."

"Nice to meet you, Joren. Alex if you prefer. We're both Commanders and we're both Knight so I can imagine the confusion." He replied with a smile before releasing Joren's hand. He turned around and took his coffee from the tray and looked back. "Before anyone else gets here I feel we need to discuss a few things. If that's all right?"

"Of course," Sam replied. "I only know what Max sent me, and I would like to hear your take on this, and your suggestions."

"The Prowler is... unique. It and the device that was built to jump between universes was designed by someone from my universe. If there was more than one device of its kind then I am willing to bet he knows something." Alex took a sip from his mug and nodded his head. "Now... We can go there in my shuttle or we can find a way to expand the bubble that surrounds the Prowler, before the jump through universes, to engulf you ship along with it. It's a big ship and it might strain the device, but we believe if we use your shields it might lower the strain."

"With what I know of the Mirror Universe, and the mission we're gonna undertake, I'd like as much firepower as I can get." Joren stated. "However, we'd also like to come back. No use in getting us there if that breaks the device or the ship."

"The Calypso has plenty of fire power," Sam said to Joran. "As long as we're only dealing with a small number of ships. If we're dealing with an armada, then we'll have to improvise."

Then she turned to the Knights. "We'll gladly use our shields. I admit that I'm curious about what we may find. I also understand the importance of stopping whoever is behind this and bringing all of us back safely."

"I would like to make sure we have an understanding when it comes to a few things. Whatever trip we take to my universe... the Mirror Universe will be just that. A trip. I don't want this ship, or its crew, being swept up by its chaotic politics. We maintain the mission." Alex paused slightly before adding firmly. "Second: I've been assigned, by the Admiral, to deal with the device or devices that are being used to jump universes. I want to be clear, between all of us, that my goal is to destroy them. This situation only proves how dangerous they may be and Admiral Hunter feels our device is the only device that should exist. As crazy to you that over universe maybe it's home to us. We have loves ones, family, there and we don't want to lose that connection."

"My senior officers already know that you are the only ones who will be dealing with whatever device or devices allow these marauders’ to cross into our universe," Sam assured him. "Although my chief intelligence officer isn't happy about it." The Knights had a right to know there was one person on the ship not entirely happy with the hands off policy. She looked at the three visitors for another moment. "I can also assure you that we have no desire to spend any longer than we absolutely have to there. This is our home. We have an assignment to carry out. Once that is done, we will be more than happy to return here." She hoped that would assure Alex of her intensions.

"I will protect our universe and our way of life until my dying breath," Joren stated, "And with all due respect, the less ours and yours intersect, the better for both universes. So, we'll be here to finish our mission, and as far as I'm concerned, that's all."

Alex gave Joren a firm look, his eyes locked and face stern, until a smile appeared. "As would I, Commander. The other Universe may be where I come from, but this is my home. Starfleet gave me that and I would do anything to keep it safe. However, I want you to understand, this Universe could be a safe haven for those on my side. We found a home here... found acceptance. Some on that side don't have that and maybe, a place like this, could give them hope for a better life. After all, it took us in. Why not other who need it?"

"I won't stand in the way of anyone willing to adapt to our way of life and adopt the values of Starfleet." Joren conceded, "But I will stand up against anyone endangering our colonies or betraying our values." This touched on a very personal belief of Joren, and no matter if it were Cardassians or Imperial mirror universe people, he would not back down on this.

Alex looked over to Alora, then to John, only to return his gaze back to Joren. He simply nodded his head in agreement and replied softly. "I get it and I feel same as you, but let's not pretend this universe doesn't have its fair share of dangers or those who are just as quick to betray Starfleet, or the Federation, for their own personal ideals. I'm not saying you’re wrong, so please don't take offense, I am simply pointing out neither universe is perfect. Commander, believe it or not, we're cut from the same cloth. We believe in the same things, had we met under different circumstances we could have been great friends, but I was born there and raised to be an Imperial Officer."

(To be continued...)

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Commander Joren Tal
Executive Officer
USS Calypso

Commander Alexander Knight
Commanding Officer
The Prowler

Commander Alora Knight
First Officer
The Prowler

Lieutenant John Mackey
Second Officer
The Prowler

 

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