#9 Bridge discussion

Posted on Wed Jun 22nd, 2022 @ 9:53pm by Captain Rogue Green {Meji} & Commodore Cyndi Song & Commander Jamie O'Connell & Lieutenant Tara Herculoid PhD & Lieutenant James McTavish

Mission: A Patrol and Supply mission
Location: Bridge
Timeline: current

ON:

Kahn and Green stood in front of the panoramic transparisteel viewport on the Bridge. They were between it and the FC and Ops consoles, both of them with hands clasped behind their back as they stood next to each other, both lost in their own thoughts as they could see a portion of the city and the surrounding terraformed terrain around it. A city of roughly 15,000 souls, and then the cleared, explored, and used land from the outskirts of town, surrounding the city in a perfect circle, a 300 kilometer stretch of open woods, fields and a portion dedicated to wetlands and the lakes, which led out to a sea further south. There were a few fishing villages out at the shore, from colonists who had wanted to give it a go and Mayor Jones had said yes. The data had been limited but Green had read what she could. Basically, a well-established colony that has decided to grow slow enough to allow for the envirinment to get used to them. They, in turn, look to see that whatever life is on the planet will not be completely disrupted by their presence. They didn't want another Earth from the 21st century.

The Bridge was busy today, Kahn noted. It made sense. A new planet, developed and yet unexplored. And, people liked to see things with their own eyes. But, deep in the well of her soul Zenni could feel Kahn had locked in on something through the Core. Sensing a...presence? A place? Zenni wasn't sure but she kept her face stoic and let Kahn maintain his high use of Core so she would no alert Green. Zenni really wanted boots on the ground, anyway. She was a scientist, after all. Suvak announced standard orbit achieved.

Song was still in her Ready Room, so Green spun halfway and looked back. "Thank you, Mister Suvak. Maintain our position and speed on orbital flight path. Carry on." She looked over at Kahn, feeling the young woman's excitement. "Itching for a hike, Counselor?"

"Damn right I am," smiled Zenni. "I want to go check out that archipelago. Look at that water, even from here it is clear aqua and white sands. I see a form of palm tree on the sensor images. Please, Commander, let me have a research team. Bikini tops and Starfleet hiking shorts. Tank tops for the fellas," she smiled and winked.

The Commodore had walked out of her office just as Green had asked the question and Zenni began answering. Kahn hadn't seen Cyndi come out so Ro never stopped her from speaking, the rest of the Bridge all getting some amusement out of it. "I'm pretty sure 'bikini' isn't in the Starfleet dress code, but I will check to make sure. What do you think, Commodore?"

Zenni froze in place saying quietly to herself, "Oh shit." She slowly turned to face the rest of the Bridge, grinning innocently.

Lieutenant James McTavish was at the Science Consoles. and after overhearing Zenni and Ro had to chuckle, scanning all of the settled area of the Planet....he was amazed at all the different varieties of greenery and fauna the Planet possessed. James already was considering a field trip with Heather knowing this place was a Biologists dream and also knowing she would be like a kid in a candy store, which thinking about it, put a smile on his face.

A few minutes later Commander O'Connell stepped out of the Lift and on to the Bridge after hearing that they were in standard orbit around the Planet. Jamie walked over to the rest of the Command Team "Good Morning Commodore, Commander....I see we've arrived" he stated trying to get used to his new surroundings and the new pecking order around here.

Green gave another glance out the window before inward toward center Bridge, speaking and smiling as she went. "We have indeed, Jamie. Looks to be quite the visit. Shore leave and duty, all in one. Since it is sub-tropical I do not have a problem with the desert away uniforms, khaki and light material for heat. The colony itself is situated in a cross breeze from the ocean so it's relative temp in the center of town is 84-F, with 57% humidity."

"Icky and sticky unless in light clothing." Stated Kahn. "Trill is sub-tropical for a great portion of atmosphere so the humidity won't bother me too much." She had seen McTavish hide his grin during her last retort and knew he wanted to explore, as well.

"I'm all for some shore leave combined with work but you'll never see me in a bikini, a one piece sure," Cyndi said "Has anyone hailed the surface? I know they know we're here but we should inform them"

Kristian stepped onto the bridge, even though she had bridge rites she seldom came up. She'd heard Cyndi's statement and after what Song had gone through recently this was a must for her. "Commodore I agree we all need this down time, especially you."

Tara glanced at the planet and turned to her sensors taking readings. "A new planet to explore, I can hardly wait."

Zenni touched her abdomen. "Oh, yeah. How soon I forget. No more belly button, just a pouch crease. So, one piece with shorts on my butt."

Green waited while Kahn finished, then grinned as she responded to Song. "I was waiting for you, Commodore. I'm sure they know we're here but they haven't extended a welcome just yet."

"Probably a show of pride," said Kahn. "Or, they're preparing for us as best they can."

Giving a shrug Green looked back at the Tactical. "Hail the planet using the com frequency given, Tactical." The younger officer acknowledged and did as she was told, nervous about her boss being up here and so close. "Channel open."

Ro looked at Cyndi and nodded 'you're on air'.

"This is Commodore Cyndi Song commanding the Federation Star Ship USS Amandora we have supplies for you. I'd like to beam down and meet you and offer any assistance we can."

The Mayor's Caitian assistant raised her browse at that and gave Lucas a knowing look. He gave a 'well, ya know' expression and shrug, then spoke up. "A pleasure, Commodore. Lucas Jones, current Mayor of Calikori and Marshal for this territory. Even these fine folks need some law and order at times. But, I hate speakin' to a voice, so..." he reached out and tapped a feed button on the side of his hovering drone, it's camera now on. "There. When you are ready to switch I have myself on visual. Hope y'all don't mind a Louisiana style tiki bar/calypso setup for our meet and greet." He was smiling, waiting for their response and for them to open visual of him standing in an open walled pub with a big-ass margarita in his hand.

"On screen," Cyndi ordered "Mayor I'd love to meet you at Tiki Bar, It's been a long time since I've enjoyed one. And that margarita sure looks good as well."

Green's eyes popped open slightly more at the sight of this rugged, well built black man. He looked like the main character from an old Earth film; Django Unchained. The black actor Jamie Foxx played the lead and his main costume was a very Clint Eastwood looking outfit. This man was wearing pretty much the exact same thing. It suddenly dawned on her why the city looked so familiar from space. It was constructed and built according to all of the ancient texts about Atlantis. Concentric rings of city separated by defensive walls, with the main government buidlings being dead center and well protected. Canals of free flowing water also created moats that had gates for opening to boats and barges, as well as bridges.

Jones smiled and used his left hand to remove his cowboy hat since he was in shade. He set it aside off camera and then removed his shades. "Nice to see you folks in person. We brought some items from Earth for agriculture and ranching. Agave is one of 'em, and where we got our tequila." He saluted with his glass and sipped before going on. "Commodore, we will send you coordinates," even as he spoke his assistant Rasha began tapping away on a PADD and nodded to him when done. "And, you are free to beam to this location at your leisure. If you choose to bring craft we have an entire landing district for visiting craft and those coordinates have also been sent. My deputies are waiting to assist and will bring you to the pavilion if you come down by craft." He sipped his drink again and licked salt from his lips. The glass was sweating it was so cold in the hot environment.

"I'll beam down momentarily," Cyndi replied "I look forward to meeting you and yes I do have crafts that will be landing.

"Well, alright then." Said Lucas with a smile. "See y'all when you arrive. Jones, out." The transmission cut as he said it.


"Nice guy," noted Zenni. "Not one for long goodbyes. But, he said it was okay. Permission to put together a team or two for craft?"

Ro raised a hand to slow her roll to a stop, grinning. "I'm sure we're all chomping at the bit for some down time on actual soil. Since it would only be fair I'll stand the first duty watch on the Bridge while the CO is away. That will provide Mister O'Connell with some quality time with the Mrs." She glanced around as she kept smiling. "Whoever has team ideas can run them by me, but no one goes alone. Starfleet regs on this if exploring. Minimum is two." She looked at Song and winked as she kept right on smiling. "That's if you approve, Cyndi."

"I do approve and I suppose that means I'll have to take an escort too," Cyndi said "I'm not going to be in any danger down there."

Green gave a crooked grin, knowing Cyndi's dislike for guards. "Unfortunately, on first meeting, you have to have one sentry for your protection. This is a protectorate, not a UFP colony. It appears reasonably clear of danger so depending on who you take for your party, Commodore, is up to you."

"In that case I'll have my husband join me," Cyndi commented "I'll be just as safe with him as I would anyone else. That and I know he'll welcome a chance to be off the ship for a bit."

"Commodore," said Green. "Your husband doesn't count, he's retired. Since you can't make up your mind I'll do it for you. Nira shall go as your guard. Once she sees it's friendly she'll relax and you'll be free of her hovering. You know her, she'll run off to find bugs to eat."

Kahn was fidgeting until Green finished. "I would like to take a runabout to that archipelago. It's not far from the city and the canal system leads out that way. I'll take another officer with me."

Kristian did her best not to laugh "Commander I'll be more than happy to go with the commodore as well and I'm sure I do count. I can check out a phaser."

Green gave a grinning nod. "Fine, get off my stern, already. If no one else wants to go where you're going take Ensign Kirk. She's small craft certified so if you guys crash I know who to blame."

Zenni laughed. "Done." A quick all around nod goodbye and she started for the lift.

Tapping her combadge Green informed Nira that she would be joining the Commodore on the initial greeting of the colonists. Nira acknowledged and said she would meet the matriarch when told to. The channel was cut.

Ro looked at Kristian. "I know you're qualified, Kris. This is by the book for first meet. I would hate to be the first XO in Starfleet history who lost her CO in the first 10 days of her position. Y'all have fun. Dismissed. Get off my Bridge. Pick the one you like most," she chuckled.

"Doctor Long I'd welcome you but Nira is security and the commander is right. No offense."

"None taken commodore," Kristian said "You'll be safe with Nira and she adores you."

Green interrupted with a smile and giggle. "Wait, wait." she said, hands up to stop them. "Kris, go. By all means. All department heads should go now, then let their subs go after they've had their first day. Nothing says we can't stay for days and help survey the planet for the colonists."

***

Down on Tython Lucas sat lazily in a high-backed stool with arms on it, sipping yet another margarita. Rasha looked perturbed. "Give 'em time, Rasha. They're probably arguing over CO protection since she is a flag officer. They'll be down any minute."

Rasha rolled her eyes and shook her head. The last few run-ins she had had with Starfleet personnel hadn't been too pleasant, and reinforced her belief that all organizations had their bad apples.

Lucas Jones looked around at the no wall bar. Just like a slat board watering hole in the Everglades, except this was replicated and treated wood that would never rot away. Everything looked old and rickety like antiques, but it was all modern materials and technology. He was going to present these Starfleet folks with an idea of his. One that had been presented to him by the populace. But, for now, he sat and waited, the spot for these Feds dead center of the room with nothing to beam into. He picked his teeth with a toothpick.

***

Ro looked back and forth. "If the away team is big enough an escort isn't truly required. The more--the safer the CO, from a Starfleet way of thinking."

"Commodore let me run to sick bay grab my field kit and I'll meet you and Nira in the transporter room," Kristian said "And a phaser."

As the Commodore and those going with her headed for the lift Green called after them. "Be safe and have fun, you guys. Remember, this is their world and their home. Respect that." She gave a nod goodbye.

As Ro sat down in her chair, not Cyndi's, she anticipated further requests for shore leave and exploration teams.

OFF: