Small Packages

Posted on 23 May 2012 @ 1:28pm by Lieutenant Theron Rhodes
Edited on on 23 May 2012 @ 10:16pm

863 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 01 - Project Sienna
Location: Starbase 152 - Temporary Quarters
Timeline: MD 07 - TBD

ON:

Theron Rhodes opened his eyes and sat up. He looked about and could not see much of anything in the haze about him. In fact, he could not hear much either the constant ringing in his ear seemed to block everything out. He realized he was on the ground with sand about him with scrawny plants sticking up here and there. He could not see very far. A haze or smoke limited vision to 5 meters. The ground rumbled with distant explosions. Then, someone ran past him in the direction he was facing. Then another ran past on the other side. Then another and another. Theron realized that they were soldiers in battle gear. This must be a battle scene, he thought.

A soldier stopped and knelt next to him, "Are you alright Commander Rhodes? That was quite a hit you took."

Theron was uncertain what was taking place. He looked down and on the front of his combat armor saw a blast mark in the center of his chest. He looked up and replied, "Yes, apparently, just a little confused."

"I'll stay with you until you are ready to go, again," the sergeant said, as many more soldiers continued to run past.

Just then a round metal object hits the ground in front of them and rolls between Theron's feet. The shiny sphere with lines and a blinking light was about 10 cm in diameter.

Before Theron could react, he felt a violent concussion. When he opened his eyes again, he sat up on a hard surface under him in the dark. "Lights." Theron commanded. The lights came on. Theron's head hurt. His thoughts were slightly unclear. He realized that he was sitting on the floor next to his bunk. "Time." He said in a more normal voice, and wiped his face trying to wake up.

The computer replied, "Starbase time is currently zero five thirty two."

"Ahh Keskoff!! ((curse)) I might as well get up now." Thereon said disgruntled. This was his last day aboard Starbase 152. He had been on the station for only a couple days waiting for his new assignment.

Ensign Theron Rhodes had completed his first assignment following the Academy aboard Deep Space Five. It had not been the most exciting assignment, but he knew that other opportunities would come his way. He had received orders to transfer to a Galaxy Class starship, the USS Gemini, but an unfortunate incident just prior to this put him in medical isolation for 14 days. Theron had come in contact with a Talaxian with some kind of viral infection. The Doctors did not believe that he, a Tandaran, would have a problem or be a carrier for this virus, but they had required him, in any case, to be in one of their isolation rooms for that minimum 14 day period just to be sure.

Theron knew a great deal about incarceration, since he was part of the security detachment there on DS5, but he never thought he would be kept in a small room, basically under house arrest, for doing his duty when he had to physically apprehend the Talaxian and take him to the Brig.

When the isolation period was over the Gemini was far out of range and Theron received new transfer orders, but strangely to an undisclosed assignment. He had been instructed to board the USS Forseti for a transit voyage to this new assignment.

Theron had thought more than one time, 'Now this is a Starship!' The Forseti was a massive Starship. The Vikrant Class is one of the new designs of ships the federation ship yards had been making. He was a qualified pilot for shuttles and could man a helm in a pinch, but not like the fighter craft in the 4 massive hanger bays aboard the Forseti. For most of the transit voyage Theron spent his time in one or another of the hangers watching the fighters take off and land, and talking to the ground crew. That is, when he was not in the Gym working out.

Then, at a point in deep space he had been instructed to board a shuttle craft with others. It seemed very odd to Theron. No one spoke the whole time aboard the shuttle. When it docked he was informed that he was now aboard Starbase 152. He had never heard of it before. He was informed that his assignment would be provided shortly, was given private quarters, and apparently very limited access to the rest of the station. At least he had access to the Gym to stay at his best during the wait.

But, now was the day! Theron gathered his personal belongings into a duffle bag and made his way down the corridor toward the shuttle bay. Riding the turbolift, he glanced at his orders on the PADD. USS Galileo - Nova-class starship - Cmdr Lirha Saalm, CO. - position Security/Tactical Officer. Theron's first reaction was that the small vessel was not his idea of a great assignment, but he had learned from a human long ago that sometimes great things do come in small packages.

OFF:



Ens. Theron Rhodes
Security/Tactical
USS Galileo

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