Expert Opinion

Posted on Sun Jun 21st, 2020 @ 5:07am by Captain Nycolas Temple
Edited on on Tue Jul 7th, 2020 @ 1:19pm

Mission: Into the Wild
Timeline: Deck 5 - The Luna Eclipse

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Arthur Torres Dr. & Commander Nycolas Temple
Mission: Into The Wild
Location: Deck 5 - The Luna Eclipse
Timeline:
Thu Jun 22nd, 2017 @ 3:40am


Walking the fine line between being late and early, Arthur strode along the corridor toward the deck nine observation lounge. The computer led the way, flashing a small blue light from the wall panels at every junction so Art could find his way among the sprawling corridor structure of the starship. His mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of the tensions arising in the region when he reached the doors to the lounge, hardly noticing as they swished open to let him pass through.

The lounge was a large space with a wide, curved window that allowed for an impressive view overlooking Pandora's dorsal sections. For being one of the smaller starship designs in the fleet, it had a certain majestic quality that Artur appreciated. There were many within Starfleet who felt that modern designs should take into account the likelihood of combat before all other considerations -- theirs were thick, blocky designs meant to protect crews against all forms of attack. But that failed to account for the true purpose of Starfleet, in Arthur's opinion. A peacekeeping and humanitarian armada, tasked with not just defense, but outreach and diplomacy needed more than battle-ready designs. The sleekness of the Starfleet vessels were a reminder that exploration and diplomacy were the first duty of everyone who swore to uphold the uniform. Something that too many within Starfleet's upper ranks had forgotten.

There were only a dozen or so small tables in the room, and a small self-service replimat sequestered in one corner. That made it easy enough to spot the captain. Commander Nycolas Temple stood silently near the far end of the room, looking out the large window, nursing a drink in one hand. Feeling slightly guilty at interrupting the man, in what was obviously a personal moment of quiet, Arthur headed for the replimat instead of his new CO. He could furnish himself with a beverage before intruding on the Commander's solitude.

Nycolas had been deep in thought; but there was nothing troubling on his mind. Indeed, he was considering how darn lucky he had gotten to be captain of this exciting assignment, with this team of eclectic but talented crew, and all while on the ship of his dreams. As he watched the stars whiz by from the Luna Eclipse's bay windows, knowing also that his family were just a few floors away, he marvelled at the fortunate life he now enjoyed. It hadn't come easily, nor without a struggle, but that only made the moment sweeter.

He became aware of another person in the room, though only after hearing the replicator suddenly start working its magic. He turned around to see who the visitor could be, yet didn't immediately recognise the face. However, an unfamiliar face had never stopped Nyx from making a friend before.

"Greetings!" Temple called out across the lounge, raising his glass high in recognition of the officer.

Art turned, holding his freshly-replicated mug of coffee. "Commander Temple. You looked preoccupied."

"Always," Nyx replied with mirth, and more than a little flippancy, "Comes with the job,"

Arthur nodded, understanding, and joined his new commanding officer by the window. "It never fails to inspire. Something about that oceanic expanse..." He glanced away from the view beyond the window at the captain, holding out an open hand. "Lieutenant Arthur Torres, your new strategic-ops chief."

"Your timing is impeccable, Lieutenant," The captain smiled as he returned the handshake, "And I don't just mean tonight. We are certainly going to need your expertise for the next phase of our journey."

"It seems that way. Brass is concerned, I think. We've got too much potential for things to go wrong here." The lieutenant sipped at his coffee. "I'm sure they sent it along ahead, but aside from serving here in an advisory capacity to you and the other department heads, I'm to file regular reports for sector strat-ops as well?"

Nyx nodded, but there was a hesitation in his voice, "Yes, I'm sure they did. I have to admit, I've been a little distracted of late and haven't had the chance to catch up on paperwork." He laughed a little to hide his embarrassment before continuing, "So you're here to work with our Mr Griffin and Smith?"

"Yes, I'll be with both your security and intelligence departments. Truthfully, however, I'm hoping that I can take some of the pressure off your back. I'll be passing a regular report to your desk every morning, outlining new developments for the theater. Which should be especially helpful, considering where we're headed." Arthur massaged the warm sides of the mug between his palms. "I've been reading up on the Expanse. Seems like there's a lot of potential out there. Both good, and bad."

"Sounds like you'll have your hands full," Nyx smiled, "It's the unknown that worries me most. I can understand why Intell wants regular reports, you know. What little we knew of the Expanse before could be entirely changed after the Federation's absence from the area. I guess it all depends on who's winning - the good or the bad."

"And that's what concerns me. I think that the Pandora's presence in the area could be a bit of a pressure point, so to speak."

Nyx agreed, as much as it pained him to admit, "Starfleet had considered that possibility, hence why our mission is mostly scientific. We just need to tell the locals that."

Arthur's finger tapped the edge of his mug for emphasis. "Each time we've entered the Expanse we've discovered something new and unsettling, in terms of the position of the regional powers. There are obviously warp-capable species in there that we know nothing about. These... 'Ravagers', for example, are certainly hostile. If they were to begin expanding their operating range down the corridor and out of the Expanse we could be looking at a potentially destabilizing force in the region. I'd like to set up an automated listening post on the interior side of the corridor, so Starfleet at least has some warning if a swarm of hostile pirates decide to become migratory."

"That may prove helpful in defending against the Ravager's advancement," Nyx nodded, "I'll make sure we have clearance from Intell first."

"I am also concerned about the Tzenkethi and the Breen. With the Cardassians pushing into this region, hard, the Breen are going to be looking for any way to shore up their defenses. Seems to me that the inside of the Expanse would be the best place to do that. Obviously, it would be helpful if we could gather any new information about their colonies and the state of their military assets, within the Expanse. Same for the Tzenkethi. I think recent events only show how close they are to opting for open conflict with the Federation. If they are allowed to move unchecked within the Expanse that gives them an alarming amount of freedom to stage an assault on Federation space."

The captain couldn't help but smile, "Our concerns are many. If only we could solve them all, Lieutenant. We will need to learn and observe as much as possible - as long as it is safe to do so." He leaned back again in the lounge, "We had a close call with the Tzenkethi, I certainly won't be rushing into any regional conflicts again without knowing all the facts."

Arthur chuckled, "I'm sure Starfleet command will be happy to hear that."

"Aye," Nyx replied, turning back to look at the stars. Though he'd been feeling lucky before, now it was tinged with a serious dose of reality. "As uneasy as I feel about the journey ahead, I'm glad to have someone of your expertise onboard."

He raised his glass to Torres, "Welcome to the Pandora."