Didn't See That Coming

Chapter 37

[ Six Months Later ]

    Sitting at the Conn, Captain Lake was looking over some reports on his PaDD when Tactical called out “Captain I have the Divergent on long range scanners” SanChez informed command.

    But before James could answer Communications spoke up “Captain the Divergent is hailing us Sir” Ensign Mc Doogle stated.

    “On screen” Lake ordered as he stood out of respect. Moments later a familiar face appeared “Commodore Chi, what do we owe the pleasure.” 

    “Captain Lake always a pleasure. We’ll be to your position in a few minutes; we need to talk if I may come aboard’” Rebecca commented.

    “Absolutely, I’ll meet you in Transporter Room Two then” James replied wondering what was going on.

    “See you soon, Chi out.” Turning to his Number One “Commander you have the Conn” Lake stated then headed for the Transporter Room.

    James no more than arrived when Chi materialized then he called out “Commodore on deck” as everyone present snapped to attention out of respect.

    “As you were people” Chi ordered before stepping off the pad and extending her hand “Captain it’s nice to see you in person” Rebecca commented with a smile “Could we meet in your Ready Room.”

    Shaking her hand “Yes, of course…..right this way” James replied with his interest being peaked as to why Chi was here.

    [ Ready Room ]

    As the doors swooshed open James gestured for Rebecca to enter first as he followed “Can I offer you something to drink and please have a seat.”

    Sitting at the round table “No thank you James, I’m fine. As for the purpose of my visit; the higher ups feel your talents, as well as your Crew's are being wasted on this Ship and I have to agree. Let’s face it any number of Ships could handle the missions you and your Crew have been on lately that’s why I am offering you a new command on a brand new-state-of-the-art Ship.

    James let out a brief sigh “I certainly didn’t see that coming” he replied with a smirk “So fill me in on the details.”

    Rebecca pulled out a disk from her pocket and loaded it into the table hologram device showing the specs and ship configuration “This is something we’ve been working on for little over two years now. We’ve taken the X11 Shuttle design, enhanced it, and used that to create a small and very fast Ship. We’ve in effect created a new class of ship…..we’ve designated it the ‘Crimson Class’” she explained seeing James’ curiosity had been more than a little peaked “ It has three decks with the latest Warp Core, also a Quantum Slipstream Drive, and is heavily armed with phasers and quantum torpedos.”

    “Wow! That sounds like quite the Ship. So what’s the Crew compliment” he inquired.

    “Yes it’s really something, to say the least. Let me be frank, I’ve had you in mind for this Command for quite some time. To answer your question it utilizes  a Crew of ten. That being said I want you and your original Crew from the Wave Rider to man this Ship; also I’ll be adding another Engineer for the QSD and also one more Infiltration Specialist to your Team” Rebecca concluded with a smile.

    Thinking a moment “Well I can only speak for myself but yes I’d be happy to take Command of this new wonder” then he paused “With your permission I’d like to gather my original Crew now and see who would be interested to come along; hopefully they all will agree to the move.”

    With a smile “James you must be reading my mind, I’d really like to know now who’s interested” Chi answered.

    Tapping his Comm “Would the following Officers please report to the Ready Room immediately. Commander Reese, Lieutenants T’Sol, SanChez, Herek, Zebot, Nox, and Ensign Benna.”

 Minutes later all we assembled as Chi began “I’ll keep this brief and let your Captain fill you in on the details but here’s the condensed version. We’ve created a new class of ship which is very fast and heavily armed. Captain lake has consented to taking Command and I would like his original Crew to come along. So what say you” the Commodore inquired.

    Everyone looked around at the other when Racheal spoke up “ Commodore you can count me in; this sounds interesting. After a few minutes everyone in the room agreed with Racheal.

    James was over joyed “Thank you all so much for coming along and for your continued support; this should be fun.”

    Rebecca grinned “I thought you all might be interested in this new adventure, so thank you” then turning to James “Meet me at DS 7 and we’ll let you gather your things then we can make the switch. As far as this Ship is concerned I already have Crew on standby to fill in the gaps. One more thing, your new Ship will still be the USS Vigilant and this one will be rebranded as the USS Victory. So I’ll see you all on DS 7 soon” tapping her Comm “Divergent, this is Chi, I’m ready to come home” as she disappeared from sight.

    After the Commodore left James dismissed those assemble. Racheal walked over “Looks like we’re in for yet another new adventure and I’m glad it’s with you” she whispered with a smile.

    “Ditto. I guess we better get back to the Bridge before the Crew starts thinking something’s going on in here” James responded with a chuckle.

    Walking back to command “Lieutenant T’Sol lay in a course for DS7…..warp nine if you please” the Captain ordered just before sitting.

    “Aye Captain….course laid in…..initiating warp nine” T’Sol replied as the Ship went smoothly to warp.

    Once arrived to the Station James tapped his comm “Commodore Chi this is Captain Lake we have just arrived and awaiting your orders.”

    “Excellent. Have your original Crew take the next couple of hours to pack up their belongings. Also my Executive Officer will beam over momentarily to relief you of command; he will also take care of breaking the news to the remainder of your Crew. Let me know when you and your Crew are on the Station and I’ll escort you to your new Ship which is at one of the Docking Arms” Chi concluded.

        “As you wish Commodore, we’ll see you shortly” James replied before addressing the Bridge Crew “Those of you who are leaving with me, you’re relived from duty so please gather your belongings then meet me in Transporter One in two hours.”

    Everyone proceeded as ordered when Lieutenant Commander Roan walked over “Excuse me Captain, but what I’ve heard is true…..you’re leaving this Ship to take a new command.”

    “Yes it is. The XO from the Divergent will be here soon to relieve me of command so at that time he’ll explain everything to the rest of the Crew that is remaining” James explained a little concerned about their sudden departure.

    Snapping to attention “Sir it has been an honor to serve with you even though it was for a short time” Roan stated before extending his hand.

    Shaking hands “At ease Lieutenant Commander and it has been my pleasure. You have a bright future in Star Fleet so keep doing the same great job you have been doing” James answered with sincerity.

    Just then a beam of light appeared on the Bridge “Commander nice to see you again” James commented with a smile.

    “You as well Captain” the XO replied “Computer this is Commander T’Spree, Captain Lake, James is hereby relieved of command. All command codes transfer to myself this date and time forward” came the ordered.

    “Duly noted. Captain Lake, James is hereby relieved of command and all command codes transferred to Commander T’Spree” the Computer confirmed.

    Turning to James “Captain you are relived of command. Good luck on your new Ship; I hear it’s a beauty.”T’Spree commented.

    “I stand relieved and thank you Commander; the Ship’s all yours” James replied then turned to get his things in order.

    Two hours later everyone gathered in the Transporter Room One and each stepped onto a pad with everyone carrying two duffels “Operator beam us directly to the Station” came the order.

    “Captain it’s been an honor serving with you Sir…..initiating transport” as all eight disappeared from sight.

New Culture

Chapter 36

    The two Officers materialized at the predetermined coordinates “Welcome to Antos IV; I’m one of the Overseers” he stated. “Thank you Sir. Has our Engineering Team arrived yet” Racheal inquired with a smile. “Yes about an hour ago” as he paused “They are hard at work but the issues are more complex than we first thought so you ladies may be here for awhile until they can effect repairs” the Overseer replied. “That’ll be a good leaning experience for us being able to interact with a very long forgotten culture” Maria stated with a grin. “Yes I suppose it will be quite the experience for the both of you” then he pulled out a hypo from under his long robe “If I may, I need to insert a grain sized device under your skin. When the repairs are finished you will feel a tingling in your arms; at that point you will walk back here and I will part the holo-screen for you to return to your Ship, any questions.” “Just one. So we’ll have to give these women a reason why we are leaving to return to our home I assume” Racheal inquired. “Yes that part we leave up to you and your discretion” the Overseer instructed. Taking out a small device he parted the holo-screen so the ladies could walk into this new world.

    Walking along Racheal noticed just how beautiful this place was; sunny skies, warm breezes, very green and lush vegetation, and beautiful wildflowers growing by the road’s edge “Maria have you ever seen such a beautiful place as this before” Racheal inquired.

    “No. My home was just the opposite of this; hot, dry, and dusty. This is a welcomed change from what I’m used to” Maria replied with a smile. Minutes later they came up over a small rise seeing two women standing across the road with weapons at the ready.

    Looking at Maria “Let me do the talking since I’m supposed to be Second in Leadership of our warriors.”

    Grinning “Have at it; I’m curious how you’re going to handle our time here anyway” Maria replied jokingly. Racheal just grinned wondering the same thing herself.

    As they walked closer one of the Viking women stated “Halt! What brings you to Caldera” as both women stood about six feet tall, long blonde braided hair, blue eyes, and a muscular body that any man would sell his soul to have with shield in front of her and sword drawn.

  Racheal smiled while not getting too close “Greetings. I am Racheal, Second in Leadership of the Saltarian Warriors” turning towards Maria “And this is our best warrior, Maria she is called. We would seek an audience with your Leader over a matter of vital importance to our Sisters.”

    Lowering their weapons somewhat “Where do you call home” the other Viking woman inquired but still on her guard.

    “We are from Grandoon; about a three weeks journey southwest of Caldera” Racheal replied with a smile. 

    Lowering their weapons the rest of the way the Viking women finally broke a smile “ I am Tabitha and my sister is Sophia. Follow us to our village” as they led the way.

    Letting out a mental sigh “It is very nice to meet you both” Racheal replied then they followed the women staying a little distance behind them.

    “Did you see the bodies on those women…..now I know I’m going to enjoy our time here” Maria commented with a grin being very careful not to use the wrong words that would cause suspect.

    Racheal laughed “You know you can pick your tongue up off the road anytime now” she whispered in a joking manner. 

    Several minutes later they arrived at the Village and proceeded to walk further in. There were many, many small huts forming a large arced circle. Looking around there were some blondes, some with reddish hair, and the rest either brown or black hair all long and in braids of one type or another. But all the women had one thing in common; they were all at least six feet tall, very muscular bodies along with large breasts.

    Finally they arrived at a larger hut in the middle of all the others “Wait here” Tabitha instructed their new arrivals. Walking out of the hut were two other women; one had long braided long flaxen hair while the other was more blonde and both with blue eyes. Both were very muscular and very strong. “Greetings I am Shania, Leader of the Viking Women of Caldera. This is my Second in Leadership and counsel Aldea.”

    With a smile “It is pleasing to us to meet you both and your tales of battle are legendary among our Sisters. I am Racheal Second in Leadership of the Saltarian Warriors of Grandoon and this is our best warrior Maria” she replied.

    Returning the smile “It is pleasing to us to meet you as well Saltarian Warriors” Shania stated as Aldea nodded in agreement “Tomorrow about mid morning I will assemble the High Council; at that time we will hear your tale. For now you will be our guests here in Caldera and if you require anything please let us know.”

    “Thank you Shania that is very kind of you which is pleasing to us” Racheal answered with Maria nodding in agreement having taken her cue from Aldea.

    “But for now you are both our guests and it would be pleasing to us if you would share in our hospitality. Soon it will be time to begin preparing the evening meal and we would enjoy hearing about your home as we share a fire together” Shania commented with a smile.

    “Yes we would enjoy your hospitality as well as your fire this evening” Racheal replied as she started getting more into character.

    Meanwhile as the conversation was going on Maria couldn’t take her eyes off Aldea; such a beautiful and strong looking woman. Noticing her gaze Aldea smiled “Perhaps you would like to help me gather wood for the fire while the Leaders are talking” she inquired with a smile.

    “Yes that would be pleasing to me” Maria replied quickly getting into character as the two women walked off to gather wood.

    Walking into the woods the ladies started picking up wood that was laying on the ground as Aldea spoke “Maria you seem very quiet around Racheal” as she smiled.

    “Yes, I have great resect for her leadership so I tend to let her do most of the talking; especially in this situation” Maria replied happily returning her smile.

    “As well you should…..that says a great deal about what a strong character you have as a warrior. We will pile the wood here then we can pack it up and head back” Aldea commented with a smile becoming quite fond of Maria even though they had only met a very short time ago.

    After all the wood was gathered, Aldea picked up two wide long leather straps having a handle on both ends and handed one to Maria “This will make carrying the wood less cumbersome” she stated with a smile before moving very close to her. Reaching down she gently ran her hand against the back of Maria’s as she whispered “You are a very beautiful women Maria…..perhaps it would be pleasing to you to share my bed this night.”

    Maria stood a little stunned at the moment thinking [This woman doesn’t mess around] before smiling and placing her other hand on top of Aldea’s “Yes, that would please me.” Having packed up the firewood they headed back to the village.

    Meanwhile Shania and Racheal sat talking about various leader type things when Shania asked  “I think Maria and Aldea are getting acquainted quite nicely considering they are not back from gathering wood yet” she commented with a chuckle “Being our guests, would you consider sharing my bed with me this night….not in an intimate way unless you would find that pleasing.”

    Thinking for a few moments not wanting to blow the mission, Racheal smiled “I would be honored to share your bed” then she paused “I do have a partner back home so perhaps nothing intimate between us” as Racheal placed her hand on Shania’s arm “ And I mean no disrespect but my partner and I are only for each other” she replied fingers mentally crossed she hadn’t just messed up.

    Shania smiled “That is commitment I have not seen in a long time; your partner is a very fortunate woman and it pleases me you are so forthcoming…..there is no disrespect here.”

    Finally Maria and Aldea showed up with the firewood as Shania grinned “We thought you two started your love making early” as she and Racheal laughed. Racheal could see Maria was quite taken with this woman.

    Aldea chuckled “Not on an empty stomach; food first” as they all started laughing. Maria and Aldea started the fire while Shania and Racheal prepared a stew to go over the fire in a big cast iron pot.

    Shortly their evening meal was ready as Shania walked out of the hut with a loaf of fresh bread “We can not have stew without some bread to go with it” she commented with a smile. Then she handed it to Racheal “Here tear off a large piece for each of us while I serve up the stew.” Racheal did as instructed and soon everyone was enjoying their meal together.

    Shania turned looking at Racheal “So share with us what is your home like in Grandoon” she inquired.

    Maria looked at Racheal wondering how she was going to answer the question. “Much like it is here, of course minus the Sea but we do have a stream which runs behind out village for water and bathing. Like here our village is out in the lush green country side with mountains to our south for protection” she explained with a smile seeing Maria snickering at her explanation.

    “Sounds like a beautiful place; it would be a shame if you have to leave that behind” Shania replied “But I think that would be better than complete destruction from your enemies.”

    “Yes, we would prefer that not be our destiny in this life” Racheal stated with a smile. The women finished their meal then cleaned up and put everything away until morning.

    Perhaps Racheal you would like to take a walk along the seashore before we retire for the night” Shania suggested.

    Looking at Maria and getting a look back, Racheal agreed as the two women walked off for an evening stroll.

    Aldea grabbed Maria’s hand with a smile “Maybe you would find it pleasing to lie down with me and enjoy the soft furs on my bed” she inquired.

    “Yes I would find that very pleasing” she replied with a smile. The two women walked into the hut with Aldea turning and giving Maria a passionate kiss. Smiling she returned her kiss before laying on the bed. Soon both women were naked enjoying one another. This would be a night that Maria would never forget.

    Meanwhile Shania and Racheal were walking along the shore when Racheal commented “This certainly is a beautiful night with the moon and the stars shining along with a gentle warm breeze.

    Stopping Shania faced Racheal “They dim by comparison to your beauty” she whispered then leaned in and gave Racheal a very nice kiss “I know you are faithful to your companion at home so I will not press you anymore but I just had to kiss you this once.”

    Smiling Rachel replied “That is fine and I did enjoy your kiss but yes I am faithful to my companion back home. 

    The two women walked back to Shania’s hut with Racheal laying next to her on the soft furs of  her bed as Racheal’s thoughts went immediately to James and their relationship.

    The next morning Racheal addressed the High Council with Maria standing next and just behind her as a show of respect. “Sisters of Caldera we have been attacked by the Saxons repeatedly over the last few months. Our numbers are becoming less with every attack. It is our fear that our Sisters may not be able to hold out much longer therefore we implore you to have mercy on us and allow us to join your great number of Warriors thereby strengthening both our numbers. Whatever you decide we will of course honor your words” she concluded.

    Shania stood “We will take your request under consideration. If you both would step outside we will discuss your misfortune.”

    “Understood Sister and we eagerly await your decision” Rachel replied as both women walked outside waiting for what was to come next.

    “So what will we do if they accept; I can’t see us keeping up this facade up for too much longer without causing suspicion” Maria commented with some concern.

    Thinking a moment “Well either way we’ll have to go to the curtain and wait; I just hope they get things repaired sooner than later” Racheal replied.

    After about two hours Shania emerged from the Great Hall before walking over to Racheal “The Sisters and I have considered your request” then she paused a moment looking Racheal in the eyes “I am so sorry but they do not want to take a chance of your plight following you and your Sisters here…..I am afraid the answer is no.”

    Trying to put on a disappointed face “Like I stated previously we will honor your decision; we’ll just have to figure out our future ourselves” Racheal replied feeling some relief concerning their present situation when she felt her arm start to tingle “Thank you you Shania for your hospitality but we have a long journey ahead of us so we will take our leave of you now.”

    “Of course, I understand and I wish the outcome had been different. May the Halls of Valhalla shine upon you and your Sisters” Shania stated a little sorry the Sisters were leaving.

    And with that Racheal smiled as her and Maria left for the curtain; it was time to get back to their Ship.

    Walking along Maria was very quiet when she looked at Racheal “You know if someone asked me what I thought Paradise would be like, I would tell them about this place.”  This was an adventure that Maria would not soon forget.