First Contact (Part 3 of 4)

Posted on 01 Nov 2013 @ 1:01pm by Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Commander Scarlet Blake & Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle & Commander Norvi Stace & Ensign Im'er Mor'an & Ensign Natalie Chevalier & Lieutenant JG Victoria Crawley & Lieutenant JG Jacrux & Lieutenant Aria Rice

3,308 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Episode 04 - Exodus
Location: Setisar VI - Surface, Alien City
Timeline: MD 06 - 1125 hrs

Previously, on First Contact (Part 2)...

Once the away team had finished dressing and reequipping themselves, the wall from which they had entered again shimmered and solidified, then yet another opposite-side wall opened which indicated for them to proceed. The systematic chambering of the crew has been efficient and had kept them isolated to only one room at a time until they had been properly prepared to meet the new species in person.

And Now, the Continuation...

[ON]

Now, a very large area awaited them. It was expansive and spacious with a large dome-like ceiling. The colorful blue sky and bright sun shone down through what appeared to be a transparent force field, and the ambiance was quite different from the darkness they had been subjected to during the decontamination process. Though sparsely decorated, an elaborate collection of white thrones could be seen at the far end of the room, and each one contained a seated alien which looked almost exactly like the hologram who had been seen on Galileo's bridge. The walls were almost marble-like in appearance and were lined with carving of what appeared to be a foreign language similar to those found on the artifacts recovered from the war-torn moon of Rojar II weeks ago.

"Come closer." instructed a soft, echoing voice from overhead, though it was uncertain which of the aliens it belonged to.

Blake moved forward, to indicate the others should too, closing the gap between them as she kept her gaze focused on the people in front of them.

Rhodes followed the Commander's lead and walked to the left of the group as they progressed across the expanse of the domed area. Theron was oddly drawn into looking at the aesthetics, but didn't understand why he would.

The aesthetics were beautiful and it occurred to Delainey these beings were trying to present themselves in a pleasing light as the group approached.

Victoria stepped forward and stared at the room around them. It was almost enough to make her forget about the impromptu haircut. Almost.

Turning to view the room from every angle ensured that Jac's eyes caught every detail and possible route of attack, but also that the recorder in his uniform did as well. This was first contact, after all, and the recordings would be valued to future scholars.

Coming to a standstill in front of the throne like seats, Scarlet watched them steadily, her hands clasped neatly behind her back and shoulders drawn back in a military posture. "I am Lt. Commander Scarlet Blake of the USS Galileo. Our mission is one of scientific discovery and exploration. We meant no harm to your people by exploring this system. We didn't know you were here. But this is part of Starfleet's continuing mission; to meet new people and learn new things."

The creatures in front of the away team collectively glanced at each other and the implant devices running down the back of the spines began to pulse as they exchanged ideas and thoughts without speaking. One of the aliens, the one sitting in the middle of the group, delicately rose from her seat and stepped forward to stand in front of the away team. Her curvy hips swayed gently as she walked, and she looked exactly like the same one who Galileo had first encountered.

"We are acquainted. From your bridge." she replied in her own quiet voice, not the loud echo from overhead. "We have studied all of your species and technology. Primitive yet efficient. Legatus has provided us with much insight into your organization." she stopped speaking for an awkwardly long moment, staring at the various members of the away team with her large, black beady eyes. "We have not seen any outsiders for hundreds of grand cycles."

"It seems it's been that way by choice?" it was still phrased as a question all the same, and with a leading tone as Scarlet tried to probe for more of the situation.

Allyndra had gently pulled her tricorder around and started her own scan. So far no one had objected so she looked at the results. The aliens, each and every one showed signs of thin bones, not hollow like hers but thin. Though she was not familiar with their normal physiology according to her readings and using her own judgment they were close to being anemic as well. Muscle mass was minimal as well and to her mind it spoke of beings that were not very physical. The implants that flashed spoke of that. The other thing she noted which fit into her theory is that the readings of immune system function was to her experience all but nil. Allyndra would not quite classify them as having Severe Combined Immuodeficiency syndrome or SCID, but definitely very weak. It made sense now to her now why the rigor of the cleansing they all went through and also how the Borg fit in. The later being the 'muscle', the physical labourors.

She shook her head slightly, missing the feel of the hair, and thought the individuals of the Borg were slaves but now they were slaves of slavers possibly. She let the tricorder slip but many things right now seemed clearer than a few hours ago. It would be important information that Commander Blake should know.

The alien woman clasped her hands together at her belly much like she had on the bridge, then remained very still as she answered. Out of the corner of her eye she watched the flying creature use her device to collect information but did not mind the gathering of biological data.

"By choice. Yes." she answered, then briefly elaborated. "We once explored as you do. To the north beyond the great globular stars. Until many grand cycles ago we discovered the Borg consciousness." she paused and the device on the back of her neck glowed and pulsed again. "An aggressive and dominating society. Diplomacy failed. We returned to our star but they followed. Many of us perished in the struggle. Relocation and isolation were the only option for fear of their return. We do not explore anymore." she pointedly explained.

Allyndra listened but there was something missing in the equation. "Pardon me if I may, they followed and you left your home but you seem to have control. If that control is good, then what have you to fear of them?" She wanted to know more about how long a grand cycle was but one thing at a time.

"We do not fear the Borg. We now control them. A necessary adaptation which came too late in our war." came the alien's reply. "We do not seek more exploration. The Borg are but one of millions of races in the galaxy. Perhaps there are others who are more dangerous. We prefer to not encounter them. Our devastation was significant just from one single species. It is not practical to continue to explore." she logically explained, obviously referring to the Borg and their thirst for destruction.

Allyndra nodded. They were not the first, her own people had done that but for far different reasons. Her thoughts turned back to the alien physiology readings. "I am curious how long is a grand cycle? That is in terms of what you know about how we measure time."

The implant on the back of her neck once again pulsed as the alien quickly calculated the measurement of time in terms of a unit which the away team would understand. "One grand cycle is equivalent to a hundred long cycles. A base ten measurement." she paused and her voice became even softer and more soothing. "You refer to the period of time as a 'century'." she answered.

Allyndra made her own quick calculation. "And you have seen how many of these grand cycles?" The question hung there but in her mind that meant this creatures could give El-Aurians a run for their money in longevity. It might also explain further the general frailty that she had observed.

Realizing the Akkadian was most likely asking for her age, the woman did the mathematical conversion for her in order to save time. Her mind was, after all, much more efficient at math and data processes. "I am three-hundred and nine," she paused to add the unit of measurement, "years old. In your time reference."

As the conversation progressed, Lt. Rhodes removed his tri-corder casually and began a scan. He could not scan anything beyond the walls of this large domed chamber in which they stood. He could identify the away team, the 8 members of the new species, and surprisingly no Borg in the room. There were no energy weapons active nor scanning. Although, in addition to the transparent shield being generated above them, he did pick up another harmonizing energy signal very similar to it. He considered, No doubt they have something active and ready to initiate for their protection or to isolate us, if the need arose.

Theron considered the situation and found need to ask a question. His mind went back to a class on diplomacy at the Academy. The instructor had said to never insult in question nor accusation, just ask the question.

Lt. Rhodes put his hand up by his mouth and cleared his throat gently. Rhodes took a step forward, "If I may Gracious Sir. . . You have said that you control the Borg . . . , yet we have not seen them here since our arrival. Is there a reason for their absence?"

Studying the Tandaran with curiosity, the tall and pale alien blinked once while looking at him. "I am gender female." she replied, searching the Federation Standard database for any reason why she had been addressed as 'Sir', a male noun. "The others are gender male. Gender male. Gender female. Gender male. Gender female. Gender female. Gender female." she explained the sexes of the different members seated on the thrones in apparent order, but it was unclear from which direction she was counting. She blinked again when the data processing device at the top of her spine suddenly retrieved a block of data regarding Federation command hierarchy, specifically the naval tradition of referring to the one in command 'Sir' regardless of their gender. "You may call me 'sir'. It is acceptable."

The round about nature of the alien's way of thinking made Theron smile slightly. Rhodes politely said, "Thank you. My intention was just to provide the respect to one of your authority and status." Theron then canted his head to the right and said, "Yet, I also noticed that you did not answer my question about the Borg."

The more complicated question regarding the Borg was actually not so complicated to the aliens, and the woman began to explain. "The Borg are not welcome on our worlds. They have already ruined our culture in the war. Many lives lost. Much grief. And pain. Now they remain only in orbit. Aboard their vessels. We have no need to integrate them into society. No desire. They are an efficient tool for protection. Nothing more." she said, her body remaining still except for her long and delicate fingers which had interlocked themselves while she spoke.

That statement confirmed it for Allyndra. Even though the Borg had little sympathy anyplace, and the aliens had suffered, the ones that were here were now simply slaves, muscle to enforce the whims of the rulers of this place. It would be one more thing to talk to the Commander about if she had not already drawn her own conclusions but a new question popped into her head.

Allyndra curtsied deeply. If they had a full data bank of material then they should recognize that as full sign of honour. "Since you control the Borg overhead perhaps you will consider releasing from their service the members of our crew and the earlier crew?"

"The earlier crew." the alien repeated while the back of her neck pulsed again. "USS Venture, N-C-C-seven-one-eight-five-four. They were more resistant. You are more docile and curious. But from the same government. We do not understand this difference." she replied, skilfully avoiding Allyndra's request and making it clear the assembled members on the thrones had more questions for the away team to answer before they were deemed as nonthreatening.

"More resistant?" Stace questioned through gritted teeth, a stern look of pure anger now lining her soft features against her own better judgement. "We were trying to survive! We were attacked and, unluckily for us, had more firepower to resist. We meant no harm by anyone," she added, almost pleading for a past moment that had claimed her innocence. "But I had to watch as friends and colleagues of mine perished at the Borg's hands. At your hands. We didn't attack anyone. We defended ourselves."

Scarlet lifted her hand slightly towards Stace to silence her. She understood her anger all too well, but this was still a first contact scenario and had to be dealt with delicately. "We have different ship types, with different tasks," Scarlet intervened quickly, shaking her head. "Galileo is a science ship, we want to learn and discover more about what is around us. Venture had many different tasks, exploration being foremost. But you can rest assured, all Starfleet vessels are commanded by people who would never attack without cause. On the contrary, we frown upon violence for the sake of violence. We only attack if we are forced to defend ourselves. As we were with the Borg," Scarlet, although a counsellor, wasn't shy in adding the last part. They were being questioned on aggressive behaviour by a race that felt it appropriate to destroy one of their ships and almost destroy another. And she felt they needed to realise how it was for them on the other side of the coin. People who were claiming to be in fear of violence had been all too ready to use it on them, unprovoked.

Staring with her all-black eyes at the agitated woman identified as Norvi Stace, the alien then glanced at Scarlet -- their leader -- unflinchingly, and attempted to process both of their words and apparent displeasure. "We understand your vessel classification. Galaxy class. Sovereign class. Nebula class. Ambassador class. Excelsior class. Akira class. Steamrunner class. Nova class..." she ran through the entire long list of Federation ship classes currently in service, knowledge most likely gained from either the Borg or Commander Holliday.

"Your prerogative leads you to avoid violence. Ours as well." she continued in her soothing voice. "We do not seek conflict. We only defend ourselves. Our territory. As you do. Your vessels violated our territory. Twice. We acted to defend ourselves." she explained rather simply.

Victoria couldn't stand it any longer; she had to say something. She took a step forward and stared holes into the alien's eyes, keeping her features and voice as calm as she possibly could. "Pardon my ignorance, but how were we supposed to know that it was your territory? Nobody even knew you existed before now; there was no way we could have known." Wincing at the sharpness that crept its way into her voice, despite her best efforts, she took a step back and inhaled deeply, terrified that she'd said something wrong.

Allyndra stood straight again. The creature had avoided answering she noted but then other members started up. When Lieutenant Stace started up, she could not help but see the emotion but wanted to say: 'Quiet, be quiet we are on delicate ground.' However the Commander interceded nicely. Then another member spoke up with hostile tones and Allyndra only shook her head.

"Careful, careful," she muttered. Her own world had never been marked but she knew as well that if they had felt threatened the Guilds no matter what would have unleashed the terrible weapons hidden away. She only looked pleadingly at the alien woman hoping she would and the rest of her cohorts would understand the harshness.

Delainey's eyes immediately went to Blake. She knew it would only confuse matters if she spoke up, and on top of that, as a more senior officer, it fell to Carlisle to demonstrate respect for the chain of command. Therefore, it fell to Blake to respond to Crawley's outburst and to assure the beings that Blake represented all of them. However, Carlisle was making a mental note to speak to Victoria as soon as she was able.

Scarlet turned her head enough to look at Victoria, her hand lifting a little between them. "Lieutenant," she said simply, and strangely softly, but the use of rank was enough to remind her that they were representing Starfleet, and for the moment, no matter how valid she herself thought Victoria's anger, and indeed she was battling with her own, they needed to ensure they did all they could to keep the peace that had been tentatively broken between them.

"As you can see, our experience with your Borg has affected us deeply," Scarlet looked back to the aliens, her features neutral. "The things you experienced and felt from the aggression of the Borg towards your people is what we're currently experiencing at the hands of your Borg," she tired to make them understand how what they saw as defence was actually aggression to them. "Death, injury, pain, grief, trauma, assimilation..." her voice remained gentle and she took a slow, steady breath. "We would truly like to develop a peace and get to know more about you, and I think, perhaps, the release of our people who have been assimilated by the Borg would be an excellent first step towards that, and in return we can share information with you and perhaps even help you to either interact with other races, or to keep yourself private, whichever you want and need."

"You desire peace." came the gentle reply. It was unclear if the alien had posed it as a question or a statement. The device on the back of her head pulsed quickly in harmony with those of the other seated aliens, and many awkwardly long moments passed without a word. Though the exchange of information within their species was silent, a consensus still had to be reached.

The woman finally unclasped her fingers but let them remain together at her waist. "We desire peace. And knowledge. We have not explored for many grand cycles. Too much risk." she reiterated. "We understand assimilation. Unpleasant but not fatal. A reversible process. We now wish to study one of you. Biologically and psychologically. You will not be harmed. If you agree, we will release your crew."

The alien gave the slightest point of her slender finger towards Scarlet. "We wish to analyze you. Lieutenant Commander Scarlet Blake." The leader of the away team seemed to be the most cooperative of all the members, and a side door to the large chamber suddenly materialized and another room could be seen. Two aliens walked out of it and stood on either side of the entrance, apparently waiting for Scarlet.

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

Unnamed Alien Woman
Le'kt Representative
[PNPC - Lirha Saalm]

Lt. Theron Rhodes
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

Lt. Allyndra illm Warraquim
Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Lt. Commander Scarlet Blake
Chief Counsellor/2XO
USS Galileo

Lt. JG Victoria Crawley
Psychologist
USS Galileo

Junior Grade Lieutenant Norvi Stace
Chief Research Officer
USS Galileo

Ensign Im'er Mor'an
Operations Officer
USS Galileo

Lt. Aria Rice
Assistant Chief of Security
USS Galileo

ENS Jacrux
Archaeologist/Anthropologist
USS Galileo

LT Delainey Carlisle
Asst. Chief Counselor
USS Galileo

ENS Natalie Chevalier
Ecologist
USS Galileo

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