Get your own Free Home Page The rest of the crew went back to work while Wedge
and Mara followed Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok out of the room. They
went through a door to exit the Conference Room, where they had first "beamed
in" to. The door led to a circular room with many displays and control
panels. In the center of the room were two comfortable-looking chairs,
with additional seats on either side. Crewman were walking around
purposefully, going about their respective duties. The new arrivals
knew were they were immediately
"This our bridge," Janeway said when they arrived. "It's
not overly huge, but it serves its purpose well. From here, we control
almost every function of our ship, including communications, navigation,
flight control, sensors, operations, limited engineering, and complete
weapons control." She moved her hand to a large screen on the center
of the forward wall. "This is the main viewscreen, where we view
communiques and optical data, but it can be configured to display almost
any information."
Wedge and Mara nodded and looked around. "Impressive,
Captain," Wedge said. "Our Star Cruisers use holographic displays
to convey information. I am impressed at your space efficiency.
On the 'Yavaris II', our bridge is easily three times the size of yours
to control the same systems. Our turbolasers are not controlled directly
like your weapons; we simply assign targets to the firing crews, meaning
our weapons are far less precise."
"Our computers," Janeway said, "have bioneural circuitry, which
are stored in bioneural gelpacks. The bioneural circuitry increases
the processing speed, and they have a longer life, with lower maintenance
than a standard Optical Data Network, or ODN. However, the system
is also susceptible to viruses." Janeway briefly remembered the disaster
with Neelix's cheese.
"Let's continue with the tour," Chakotay said. He led them
to a turbolift door at the rear of the bridge. They stepped inside
the lift. Mara expected him to key in their destination, but he placed
his hands behind his back.
"Engineering," Chakotay commanded.
The lift made a muted trilling sound, and Mara felt a slight
change in inertia. They were moving downward.
*A voice-activated user-interface,* Mara thought. *Nice!*
She kept her face clear of any expression of surprise.
Wedge, however, wasn't as skilled at controlling
his expressions.
Janeway noticed the General's look of curiosity
and quickly explained. "Almost everything on this ship has an oral
user-interface. You can work practically any function via voice commands.
Useful, but not always practical."
The lift stopped and the doors slid open with a
light *swoosh*. They stepped into a large, multi-leveled room, which
was abuzz with activity. Crewmen in gold uniforms moved about the
many consoles, running diagnostics and taking readings. In the center
of the room, rising up several levels to the high-domed ceiling above was
a cylindrical, glowing column. Colors swirled about in its depths,
ranging from cerulean blue to lavenders and lilacs. It reminded Mara
of the ch'hala trees in Imperial Palace on Coruscant, whose bark change
color when ever pressure was applied to it. She had a pretty good
idea of where she was.
"This is Engineering," Janeway explained. "The column
you see in the middle is our warp core. We use a matter/antimatter
reaction power source. The antimatter is contained within an electromagnetic
field. By controlled annihilation of deuterium by anti-hydrogen atoms,
we can create enormous amounts of power. The mediator in this reaction
is a dilithium crystal, the only material we know of which is unreactive
to anti-hydrogen when subject to high-frequency EM fields. The EM
fields render the structure "porous" to anti-hydrogen, which allows the
antimatter to pass through the crystal without actually coming into contact
with it. The warp core produces enough power to run the whole ship,
with the power being transmitted through the Energy Plasma Grid via EPS
power taps. A small amount of this power is bled off to the warp
nacelles, which, when energized, alter the geometry of the fabric of space
around 'Voyager', creating a warp field and allowing us to travel faster
than light."
"In effect," Chakotay said, "we are halfway inside an alternate
universe called subspace. An Earth scientist named Albert Einstein
theorized that faster-than-light travel in our universe is impossible,
so we're going where the rules are slightly different, so to speak."
"In sublight," Janeway continued, "we use more traditional fusion
engines. Since our phasers, our energy weapons that we use, only
travel at lightspeed, they are ineffective and even dangerous at warp,
we can't use them. However, our photon torpedoes can be used since
they maintain a limited warp field for faster than light travel."
Wedge and Mara watched as engineers scurried back
and forth, working on various systems. Mara instantly wished that
Isaacs' team ran as efficiently.
"Our sublight engines," Wedge explained, "are almost the same
units, but your warp drive is most imressive technology. How do you
measure the performance of warp dive?"
"The speed a ship is going at warp is translated into warp factors,"
Chakotay said. "The higher the factor, the greater the speed.
Warp factors range from Warp Factor One, the speed of light, to Warp Factor
Ten, or infinite velocity. A ship at Warp Ten would be everywhere
in the universe simultaneously at infinite speed. Tom Paris did achieve
this speed, but there were... unpleasant side-effects." Everyone
looked like they were trying to surpress a grimace.
"Our hyperdrive," Wedge explained, "has performance ratings for
each drive measured in 'Classes'. The higher the Class, the better
the drive. We have no real scale for measuring the speed of ships
in hyperspace, just the amount of time it takes to travel between two systems
with a partcular drive. No fighting can take place in hyperspace."
Wedge seemed relieved about that last remark. "We also have a kind
of propulsion called repulsorlift drive for moving in a planetary atmosphere.
The drive repels against the planet's gravity and the flight ceiling varies
with the unit. Most ships have them for atmospheric take-off and
landing."
Janeway nodded with interest. "Perhaps we could
look into your hyperdrive ratings and come up with a speed rating for ships
in hyperspace."
"Perhaps," Mara said. "I was wondering if you could explain
more about the type of weapons you use."
Tuvok went on to explain. "We use specialized
versions of lasers, called phasers, as our main weapon. We carry
both ship-mounted and hand-held versions, as well as those mounted on our
shuttles. Our ship has twelve banks of phasers, designated Type-X.
These banks are placed around our hull, allowing us to fire from any direction.
Our hand-held versions range from personal Type-I hand phaser to the Type-V
anti-starship compression-phaser rifle. Our shuttles, though usually
unarmed, can be equipped with either Type-IV or Type-V phasers. All
are extremely powerful weapons, capable of pinpoint targeting and instantaneous
recharging.
"Our photon torpedoes are essentially a long, cylindrical tube
that contains minute packets of matter and antimatter, separated by magnetic
fields. Upon impact, the fields collapse, causing an explosion of
great destructive power. They are propelled by a warp field.
We have four launchers on 'Voyager': two foreward and two aft. However,
we have been running low on torpedoes since we cannot replace them."
Mara nodded. *Very interesting,* she thought.
Janeway led them back to the lift and said, "Sick
Bay". The lift began to move again. In no time, they stepped
into a hallway, were Janeway led them to a large, functional room with
Spartan decorations and good illumination. This was definitely a
Medical Section.
"These are our medical facilities," Janeway
said. "We are capable of treating many illnesses, from food poisoning
to Andronesian encephalitis. Sick Bay is capable of handling dozens
of cases at once, and we use some of the most advanced tools."
Janeway pointed to a table by a bed. "First
of all," she said, "the patient is placed on a biobed that constantly monitors
their condition. The patient is diagnosed by a medical tricorder,
a scanning device. They can then be treated with either drugs, instruments,
or both, depending on the situation. Wounds are healed with anabolic
protoplasers or dermal regenerators. Our ship is fully stocked with
medication of all sorts. Patients can also be resuscitated by cortical
stimulators or other means."
"Very impressive, Captain," Mara said, "but where is your Chief
Surgeon?"
Janeway nodded and gave a wry smile. "Computer,"
she said and got an acknowledging beep, "activate the Emergency Medical
Holographic Program."
A bald man in a blue uniform appeared beside Janeway.
"Please state the nature of the medical emergency," he said.
"This is our Chief Medical Officer, "Janeway said. "He
is a holographic program designed as a temporary replacement until we can
get a new doctor. Our original doctor was killed when we first got
out here, so he is our doctor now." She turned and faced the Doctor.
"Doctor, these are our new arrivals, General Wedge Antilles and Major Mara
Jade, of the New Republic Star Cruiser 'Yavaris II'."
The Doctor held out his hand and shook each of theirs.
"How do you do," he said cordially. "I am programmed to adapt to
different situations. Like the Captain said, I am a holographic program,
and the holoprojector equipment in Sick Bay doesn't exist all over the
ship. However, I do have an autonomous holo-emitter that allows me
to go practically anywhere. I don't have a name yet, but I'm in the
process of choosing one."
"Where is the rest of the medical staff?" Wedge asked.
"Aren't there any nurses?"
"About the only nurse I have," the Doctor said, "is Kes, the
Ocampan. Many of the staff were killed when we first got to the Delta
Quadrant. She is an extraordinary physician. She absorbs material
extremely quickly. In time, I am confident that she will soon be
as skilled as I am, despite the fact that she is only three-years-old."
Mara and Wedge looked at the Doctor in shock.
"Three?" Wedge said.
"Ocampans have a very short lifespan," Janeway said. "They
only live to the age of nine."
Tuvok then piped up. "Ocampans also have great
psionic skills. Kes has shown some amazing abilities, that well surpass
Vulcan telepathic skills. Since I am the only one with similar abilities
on board, I have been training her mind with various excercises."
"You mean," Mara asked, "you're a telepath, as well?"
Tuvok nodded. "All Vulcans have some telepathic
skills, however they are somewhat limited by the standards of other races."
Mara took in every iota of information. *This
is getting more interesting by the minute,* she thought.
"The Doctor," Chakotay said, getting back to the original subject,
"is an extremely skilled physician. However, his bedside manner leaves
much to be desired."
The Doctor looked at him with resentment.
"Am I excused now, Captain?" he asked.
"Yes," Janeway said, "you are excused."
"Well," he said, "it was nice meeting you. Good day."
With that, he vanished.
"The Doctor was always complaining about how people never turned
him off when they left Sick Bay," Janeway said. "So, B'Elanna programmed
him with the ability to turn himself off. He also has an autonomous
emitter, which allows him to move freely about the ship instead of having
to transfer himself via the computer. Ifyou're both ready, we can
continue." Mara and Wedge both nodded.
They boarded the turbolift once more to go to the
holodeck.
Mara found the holodeck fascinating. A holodeck,
as Janeway had called it, would dramatically increase morale, and the variety
of calisthetics and training programs showed promise for more practical
purposes. Their final stop was the Mess Hall, where Neelix had prepared
a smattering of different foods, including *grubjy* steak, spiced with
the infamous leola root. In fact, almost every dish had leola root
in it one way or another, whether it be a spice, a garnish, a key ingredient,
or even the main food. Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok sat at a table
with Wedge and Mara. Neelix came over to their table to refill glasses.
"How is everything?" he asked Wedge.
"It's wonderful, thank you," Wedge replied. "This has an
interesting taste. What's in it?"
"That would be leola root," Neelix replied. "It's the best
source of nutrition in the Delta Quadrant."
"It's very good," Mara agreed. "It would be very well received
back on Coruscant."
"I'm so happy you like it," Neelix said cheerfully.
Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok exchanged a look, the
same thing going through each of their minds. Finally, a way to get
rid of the leola root. If this didn't boost morale, nothing would.
Across the room, Kes sat with Harry, Tom, B'Elanna, Samantha Wildman and
Joe Carey.
"So, what do you think?" Harry asked his companions.
"They don't mean any trouble," Kes said. "They want to
help us."
"I'd like to get my hands on their engines," B'Elanna said.
"I'll bet you would," Tom said. He was rewarded with a
glare from B'Elanna.
"Yeah," Carey said, oblivious to the two of them. "What
do you suppose they run on? And those weapons? Man, if we had
those we could blast 8-4-7-2 right out of the sky."
Tom exchanged a look with Samantha, Harry and Kes.
When B'Elanna and Joe got started on engines, they could talk forever.
Back on the other side of the room, Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok were chatting
with Mara and Wedge about the capabilities of the 'Yavaris II'.
"Our ship is one of the most advanced in the New Republic fleet,"
Wedge said, "but I wish it ran as well and as efficiently as yours."
"Perhaps we can arrange that, General," Janeway said. "We
would be more than willing to discuss a technology trade with you."
"I will have to contact our Chief of State. She makes all
the decisions of that nature."
"Very well," Janeway replied. "I would be pleased to negotiate
a trade with her."
"Excellent," Mara said. "We will contact her when we get
back to the 'Yavaris II'. I'm sure that she will be elated at the
idea of a trade with you."
The rest of the meal continued with pleasant conversation.
Mara probed each of their minds, and concluded that the crew of 'Voyager'
meant them no harm. In fact, Janeway genuinely wanted to help them.
"Major," Wedge said once they were back aboard the 'Yavaris II',
"join me in my ready room."
"Yes, sir," Mara acknowledged, and followed him through the door.
Wedge sat down at his desk and Mara took her usual
seat on the couch facing him. He tapped a few buttons and Leia's
image appeared on the holovid.
"General," she said, "what a surprise. Is there something
I can help you with?"
"Actually, there is. We came into contact with another
ship. We caught Daala preparing to board and capture them.
We successfully defeated her attempt, and were invited over to the other
ship. They are lost in this region of space. They gave us a
tour of their vessel. She's not as big as the 'Yavaris II', but she's
powerful. Their Captain is interested in a possible technology trade
with the New Republic."
"A technology trade?" Leia repeated.
"Yes," Wedge responded.
"Can they be trusted?"
Wedge looked to Mara, indicating that she should
be the one to answer that question. "Yes, I believe so," Mara answered.
"I probed their minds, and I found no animosity there. I did discover
that one of the crew has extraordinary powers. She may be a candidate
for the Academy on Yavin." Wedge looked at her with slight surprise.
"Luke would probably be interested. Do they have anything
useful they can offer us?"
"Absolutely," Wedge replied. "Their technology is highly
advanced in some areas, while in others we are the more advanced.
I think we could be beneficial to each other."
"Han and I will leave in the 'Falcon' to rendezvous with the
'Yavaris II' first thing in the morning."
"Excellent," Wedge acknowledged. "I'm transmitting our
coordinates to you now."
"I've received them," Leia replied. "We'll see you tomorrow."
"Tomorrow. Good night, Leia," Wedge said, and closed the
channel.
He closed down the holovid and turned to Mara.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
"I couldn't find a proper time to mention it," Mara answered.
"I was going to put it in my report, but seeing that you had me speak to
Leia before I was able to give you my report, there was no convenient time
to reveal that information. Besides, I wanted to talk to Kes in private,
without her crewmates around to pressure her. I also wanted to give
her the test for Jedi potential, which I haven't found time for."
Wedge nodded in satisfaction. "Very well,"
he told her. "Get some sleep. I'll have your report on my desk
in the morning. Dismissed."
Mara acknowledged with a nod and left the room.
There was a flash of light as the tiny ship emerged
from hyperspace. The tiny, saucer-shaped freighter sped toward the
coordinates were two other ships had already gathered. The light
of Bvengi's bright sun shone on the well-worn, rusted hull of the freighter.
The freighter passed the smaller of the two ships
and approached the huge, aerodynamically streamlined cruiser. While
passing by the smaller vessel, the crew of the freighter marveled at the
unfamiliar design, indicating advanced technology. Though only the
size of a light cruiser, they knew it packed enough power to put a Star
Destroyer to flight.
"'Millenium Falcon' to 'Yavaris II'," Han said over the comm
frequency, "requesting permission to dock."
"Permission to dock granted, 'Millenium Falcon'," responded a
flight control operator. "Approach Docking Bay, and cut your engines.
We'll tractor you in and then you can switch to repulsorlifts."
"Acknowledged, Control," Han said. "We are starting our
approach... now."
Han punched the controls an the 'Falcon' sped toward
the Docking Bay of the 'Yavaris II'. As they neared it, Han ordered
his co-pilot, Chewbacca, to reduce engine power.
"Back her off nice and easy, Chewie," Han said. "Cut it
off gradually." Chewie gave an acknowledging growl, and the 'Falcon'
slowed as it was caught by guiding hand of the tractor beam. As they
were reeled in, Han brought the repulsorlifts online and began the landing
cycle.
A full escort of New Republic troopers was there
to greet them as they came down the exit ramp. Wedge and Mara were
right in front to welcome them.
"Madame Chief of State, Captain Solo," Wedge greeted them.
"Welcome to the 'Yavaris II'."
Leia and Han went down the ramp, followed by Threepio,
Artoo, and Chewie. "I'm pleased to be here, General," Leia answered.
"Is there anything else I should know about the situation?"
"Well," Wedge said as they moved out of the Docking Bay and down
the corridor, "the captain of the ship is a Captain Kathryn Janeway.
Their ship is called the 'Voyager', and they are from the other side of
the galaxy, what we call the Unkown Regions. They want information
about this sector, and are interested in a technology trade, as well."
"Are they trustworthy?" Han asked Mara.
"I believe so," Mara answered. "I probed their minds, and
I didn't detect any hostility or deception."
"What did you sense?" Leia asked.
"I sensed caution from most of them," Mara said. "The Captain
and her top officers mostly hoped that we weren't anybody who would pretend
to help them, but only try to take advantage in the end."
"Well! I don't know where they would get that idea!" Threepio
exclaimed in his typical prissy voice. He had always figured that
most people considered the New Republic a benevolent, trustworthy government.
"Judging from the account of their journey," Wedge said, "they
haven't had much luck in this quadrant."
They finally arrived on the bridge, where the proper
full salute was given to the Chief of State and her husband. They
then proceeded into the Wedge's ready room and locked the door.
"You talked to me about them considering a technology trade,"
Leia said. "Do they have anything to offer us?"
"Oh, yes!" Wedge said. He looked at Mara, as if silently
asking her to explain.
Mara took her cue and began to explain their technology.
"For one thing, they have machines, called replicators, that will create
food practically out of thin air. They have huge rooms called holodecks,
which are capable of simulating any environment. This would greatly
boost morale, and also can be used for training and calisthetics.
Their Sick Bay is also equipped with a holographic physician, which performs
much better than any of our med-droids."
"How does their physician do anything if he's a hologram?" Han
asked. "He's not even real!"
"From what I heard," Mara explained, "their holograms are not
merely images. They are surrounded by special force-fields, which
give them substance. In fact, all of the holodeck walls are covered
with a force-field when active that keeps the crewmember in a 'treadmill'
effect, meaning a practically endless room." She continued.
"Their weapons are marvels of engineering. They only have twelve
banks of energy weapons, but they are powerful enough to chase off an Imperial
Star Destroyer. They also have a plant called leola root, which is
the model of a nutritional diet." Mara told them about the other
fascinating technologies being offered by the crew of the mysterious ship.
Artoo broke into a series of ecstatic beeps and
whistles, which Threepio translated. "Artoo says that what you're
describing sounds like a fantasy." Chewie growled an agreement.
"If hadn't seen it with my own eyes," Wedge said, "I'd say it
was a fantasy, too. But this isn't a fantasy, it's*real*."
Han could tell he was very serious.
Leia turned to Mara and her voice took on a more
serious tone. "You said something about a possible Jedi candidate?"
Mara nodded. "Their nurse, Kes. She
is an alien that joined their crew when they came out here. From
what I gathered, she is an Ocampan, a race that lives only nine years.
The physician took particular pride in telling about her learning abilities.
The crew also mentioned something about psionic abilities. When Captain
Janeway and the senior staff first greeted us, I probed everyone's mind,
including hers. I was startled by how strong her mind was.
She sensed my probe, and I knew it. In fact, she communicated back.
I feel that she has an enormous affinity to the Force." Mara paused
then continued reporting her findings. "There is also their security
officer, Tuvok. He is an alien, a Vulcan. He said that all
of their race have innate, but limited telepathic skills. I have
a feeling that he might have Jedi potential, but I'm not sure."
"Have you tested either of them?" Leia asked.
Mara shook her head. "I didn't have time to
conduct the test. Besides, I wanted to ask them in private.
They may or may not want to go to the praxeum, even if they do have the
potential." Leia nodded her understanding.
Wedge suddenly clapped his hand to his forehead.
"Where are my manners?" he asked aloud. "We've been talking so much
about business that I forgot to show you your quarters!"
"Slipping a little, are we?" Han teased, while Chewie gave an
urf-urf-urf chuckle. "They say memory is the first thing to go."
"Believe me," Mara said, "if you were on the same ship with Wilma
Isaacs, you'd be in the psychiatric ward of Imperial Palace in no time."
They all laughed.
"Come," Wedge said, "let me show you your accomadations."
The quarters that Wedge led them to were spacious
and comfortable, literally fit for royalty. Guards were posted at
the door at all hours, and the doors themselves were magnetically sealed
steelcrete. The suite was locked with a retina scan, voice print,
keycard, and a sixteen-digit access code. Such security measures
were typical for a ship carrying the Chief of State of the New Republic.
Leia had no interest in relaxing in her quarters
until this business was settled. As soon as their luggage was moved
into their suite, Han, Leia, and Threepio went to the bridge, leaving Artoo
and Chewie with the task of unpacking.
Leia was greeted with a formal salute from Wedge
when she stepped onto the bridge.
"I will need to contact the Senate," she informed Wedge.
"Feel free to use my ready room," he replied.
Leia, Han and Threepio entered Wedge's ready room.
Leia sat down at the desk and tapped a few keys on one of the panels.
An image of Mon Mothma appeared on the holotable.
"Leia," Mon Mothma greeted her. "Is there something I can
do for you?"
"Yes, there is. General Antilles has made contact with
a ship called 'Voyager'. They wish to make a technology trade with
the New Republic. Call a meeting of the Senate and get back to me.
We need to take a vote."
"I will contact you once all of the members have arrived," Mon
Mothma replied. She cut the transmission.
"Now, we wait," Leia told her husband.
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