All Aboard Star Maiden

Posted on Sat Jul 25th, 2020 @ 4:59pm by Captain Abigail Laurens & Lieutenant Odan Tran

Mission: Into The Delta Triangle
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: BACKPOST:

BACKPOST:

The 84 years young Varro materialized on the transporter pad of the USS Astraea. He regretted not being able to shuttle aboard, which would have granted him the opportunity to view the Akira Class vessel up close. For a moment he took pause and reflected on the Starfleet vessel’s name - Astraea. He was an avid reader, and since joining Starfleet only a few years ago he developed a fondness of reading paper print. While it was not accustomed to his people, he had very much adapted the desire to curl up with a good book. He considered it a luxury when he found such a text. Though Tran never discriminated, he was willing to read anything, an old instruction manual, a religious text, a mystery novel, whatever he could get his hands on. This hobby awarded him a plethora of odd and interesting information. More recently he had read a seemingly ancient Greek Mythology text, it was a real treat, and he recalled reading the name Astraea. If he remembered correctly Astraea was a name bestowed to the ‘Star Maiden,’ who was the daughter of Astraeus and Eos. She was considered the virgin goddess of justice, innocence, purity and precision. To Tran this name, and those words seemed fitting for a Starfleet vessel.

“Hello sir, welcome aboard,” broke through Tran’s thoughts as the transporter officer sang out.

Tran blinked and then instantly smiled, “Oh, yes! Hello there! I got a little caught in my thoughts.” The old man stepped slowly from the transporter pad, he watched his feet, his movements were careful. His movements reflected his advanced age. Before long he had shuffled his way over to the transport console, he dropped his arm over it, his other arm moved to adjust his stachel, he traveled light. “Thanks for the warm welcome, I am Odan Tran. What’s your name Ensign?”

The officer stared at the small statured man, a little taken aback. Few people took time to pause and talk to him. He had grown used simply accepting a respectful nod, or the odd hello or thank you. “Well… Ah… My name is James Castle, sir.”

“James Castle, that’s an interesting name. Where do you hail from?” Tran inquired as he continued to smile at the man.

James smiled back, “Well sir, I was born on Earth’s moon, a Luna colony. I am human.”

Tran nodded respectfully, “As yes, Earth’s natural satellite, I bet you had the most beautiful views. Earth is lush with greenery and many oceans.”

The man nodded back, “Yes sir, I did. It really is a beautiful view from up there. What about you sir?”

Tran smiled more, “Well, don’t get me started, I love to talk about myself.” He motioned his hand playfully, “I am from all the way in the Delta Quadrant. Many of my people have settled a planet called New Varro, a beautiful place. Though I spend many of my years out amongst the stars, so I guess space is really my home. I am a Varro, we are a lot alike; but when I turn around my Varro ridges will give it away.” Tran let a small laugh escape his lips, “Well Mr. Castle, thanks for the welcome. I won’t be on the ship long; but, I hope to see you around.” Tran lightly tapped the edge of the console, “You have yourself a wonder shift.”

“Thanks sir, I hope your short stay is an enjoyable one,” replied the human.

Tran turned and headed toward the transporter room doors, “I’m sure it will be.” He flashed back one last smile before he stepped between the swoosh of the doors. Now in the hallway he reached to tap his COMM badge, “Tran to COMM. Maybe I am old fashion; but, I was wondering if I could say hello to the Captain? If it isn’t too much of an inconvenience, I’d like to say thank you for the ride. If she isn’t too busy…” The white haired and frail looking man stood and awaited a reply.

Abigail had finally started making headway through the pile of PaDD’s on her desk and was just contemplating a latte when her commbadge chirped. “Captain Laurens, we have a Lieutenant Tran who has just come aboard and has requested to meet with you?”

The Captain smiled and tapped her commbadge to reply. “Of course Ensign, please tell him he may come to my ready room.” Once the communication was closed, she leaned forward and started tidying up her desk while she waited. Latte was always more enjoyable when you had someone to share them with.

Within a few moments Tran stood at the doors of the Captain’s Ready Room after he received word that the Captain would fulfill his request to meet with him. He tapped the door’s indicator to signal that he was outside. He waited and smiled at the few officers that were present on the bridge. He fought the urge to walk over to them, get to know them, ask them their names, and talk about himself - all on account of the Captain expecting him. Tran wanted to be timely.

“Enter”! Abigail called, rising to her feet and tugging her jacket down lightly. As the doors parted, revealing her guest, the Commanding Officer smiled warmly. “Lieutenant Tran,” she welcomed, holding one hand out toward him. “Welcome to the Astraea. I hope your journey here was without incident? Can I get you a drink or anything?”

Tran instantly smiled as he passed through the swoosh of the doors. Even though Tran was technically wearing his preverbal Federation hat on this particular mission, covered currently in his Federation diplomatic attire, he still respected her authority and he was still a Starfleet officer first and foremost. He gave her a relaxed salute before he accepted her hand and shook it gingerly. “Captain Laurens, it is a privilege. My journey has certainly been without incident. Drink? I’ll have whatever you’re having. If I’m lucky, you’ll pick something I’ve never tried before. Life is all about new experiences.” He readjusted his travel satchel and continued, “Thank you for meeting with me. I have no doubt you are very busy, I just wanted to extend my sincerest gratitude to you for welcoming me aboard your fine vessel. While I will only be on your ship for a short while, until I reach the delegation in the Kessik System, I want you to know that I am more than willing to work for my supper, to earn my keep. If there is anything I can do to help lighten the load around here do not hesitate to ask.” His smile was still wide and bright.

"It's my pleasure to have you aboard Lieutenant," Abigail said with a smile, motioning for him to take a seat before sinking back down into her own chair. "I trust you've already been given your assignment for your quarters and given access codes for everything you may need?"

Tran nodded, “Yes, everything seems to be in order, you are most gracious.” He carefully lowered himself into the chair offered to him. “I do not know how familiar you are with my people Captain. We Varro have a saying: Do not take their word for it, go and see it for yourself.” Tran let an innocent laugh escape his lips, “Maybe my people took that saying all too literal, in the 1970s, my ancestors launched a ship of explorations and it continued on until 2375 when most of my people eventually settled New Varro. That’s over 400 years of exploration, 400 years of seeing it for ourselves. I guess what I am trying to say is… I am really looking forward to being on your ship, if even for a short while. I like to do, and see things for myself - and there is surely no greater place to see and do than on a Starfleet vessel. I am overwhelmed with pride to be aboard.” Tran spoke calmly, as he was a humble man. “What can you tell me about the Kessik System?” he finally asked.

“Honestly, very little,” Abigail said apologetically. “It’s part of the Delta Triangle. That region of space is known for mysterious happenings. There are two main points of interest, at least for us in the Kessik system. Kessik IV is a dilithium mining colony with a small outpost. Kessik III has a small civilian population, it’s primarily a trading hub though it does have a small dilithium processing plant, primarily for immediate local use. It’s never really come up as much of a place of interest for anyone. I believe our sole interest there is simply establishing if there is any truth to the reports that indicate our person of interest may be or at least have been there.”

Tran nodded as he listed to the captain, “I like to think that every point in space is a point of interest. Everything can be interesting if you go into it deeply enough. You can know the name of a star system in all the languages of every alien in the Milky Way, but when you’re finished, you’ll know absolutely nothing about the system, the lifeforms there. So let’s go there, look at the system, meet the people, see what they are doing - see what they are about, that’s what counts. I learned very early that taking the time to appreciate things, can reveal the most interesting aspects - maybe even your persons of interest.” Tran looked about her room and took it all in, “Is there anything I can do for you, your ship… in the interim?”

Moving to the replicator and ordering the drinks, Abigail returned and handed one across to him. “Tell me, Lieutenant Tran, what will your plans be after we arrive in the Kessik System?”

Tran warmly accepted the drink offered to him. “At my age it is simply a pleasure to serve the Federation and Starfleet in any capacity I can. I happily follow any order, and find value and worth in any experience. Truly a great honor.” The male took a sip from his drink, “Delicious, thank you…” He paused for a moment then continued, “A dozen or so delegates are meeting in the Kessik System, I will be negotiating a modest agreement between several parties. The mission isn’t overly glamorous, but I like to think of it as a stepping stone where each step counts. It is the small agreements, the small peaceful negotiations which build our strength as unifiers of peace and prosperity. Maybe this agreement will spark additional agreements and my work will take me there… who can say?” Tran simply smiled as he fell silent.

Abigail smiled. “A unique perspective to take,” she complimented gently. “Well, just know you’ll have a home aboard the Astraea so long as you want it,” she said warmly. “Now is there anything else you need from me to get settled before we depart?”

"No, no, a ride is all I need. Thank you so much for the warm welcome, and for taking the time to meet with me." Tran gave her a polite nod, "I'm sure you are very busy. I'll let you get back to it..."

"Of course," Abigail said with a warm smile. "Welcome aboard Lieutenant, I'm sure I'll see you again soon." She watched as he stood up and made his way out of her ready room before turning her attention back to the PaDD's on her desk. There was still a lot to be done.