Star Trek: Mjolnir

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter One =/\=​

Stardate 57001.7 (January 1, 2380. 14:55 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
Suliban Helix
Ral Parthia System, Sector 003, Neutral Space

Hundreds of small modular ships which were interlocked to form a massive spiral-shaped space station in orbit of the system’s gas giant. Within the station was a chamber that held numerous consoles arranged around a raised platform encircled by a shimmering blue-white column of temporal energy. Standing on the platform was humanoid figure whose details were obscured by the veil of energy. In front of the platform a Suliban man spoke to the obscured figure with near religious reverence in his voice. As the two figures speak their images seem to pre-echo in a strange effect as if seeing things a split-second before they happen.

“Have you made the arrangements?” The mysterious figure, a man from the twenty-eighth century known as Jamran Harnoth, said.


“We have. We are ready to begin the operation.” The Suliban, a man known as Shilin, replied looking up from where he stood in front of the temporal communicator platform.

“Good. Did you lose anyone?” Harnoth asked from his position on the temporal communicator’s platform.

“Two of my soldiers were killed. One of them was a friend. Can you prevent it?” Shilin asked.

“You are so much like your great-great-grandfather. I’ll tell you the same thing I told him… Our agreement doesn't provide for correcting mistakes.” The Harnoth said.

“When will we speak again?” Shilin asked.

“Don't be concerned with when. Just do as you have been instructed.” The Harnoth said before it vanished.

Pressing a button on a communicator he wore on his wrist he said, “This is Shilin. Begin phase one.”

=/\= Chapter Two =/\=​

Stardate 57001.7 (January 1, 2380. 14:55 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
Spacedock
Sol system, Sector 001, UFP

Commander Callum MacLeod, a dark haired man with five o’clock shadow, sat wearing the new Starfleet command division uniform with the grey quilted shoulder section of the uniform bearing a division colored strip in the anteroom of Admiral Anthony Haftel’s office on the fourth level of the brobdingnagian orbital facility known as Spacedock in near Earth orbit focusing on the various items in the waiting room. The walls were light grey, the carpet blue, and the waiting room chairs not quite uncomfortable but also not what anyone with an internal skeletal system would call comfortable.

His reverie was interrupted by the Vulcan Yeoman. “Commander? Admiral Haftel will see you now.”

Once he’d entered the admiral’s office and stood rigidly at attention he said, “Commander Callum MacLeod reporting as ordered.”

“Thank-you for waiting for me, Commander.” Admiral Anthony Haftel said, “You’re probably wondering why you were ordered to report here for reassignment.”

“Aye, sir. Ahm more than a wee bit curious aboot that.” Callum said with a clear Scottish accent in his voice that was as obvious as the slight points on his ears that were courtesy of his maternal Vulcan grandmother, "Ah cannae believe it was at Captain Romano's request."

“Have a seat.” Haftel said. Holding up a PADD he continued on, “I think this will clear things up.”

Reading from the PADD Haftel said, “From Starfleet Command, office of the Admiralty, to Commander Callum Angus MacLeod. You are hereby detached from duty as the executive officer of the USS Carolina as of this date and promoted to the rank of Captain. You are hereby requested and required to take immediate command of the USS Mjolnir NCC-87652. Signed, Vice Admiral Anthony R. Haftel Stardate 57001.5.”

“Congratulations, Captain.” Haftel said emphasizing Callum’s new rank.

“Speaking of the Mjolnir.” Haftel said trailing off as he gestured to the viewport, “She’s a Diligent class ship. They’re a new type of tactical cruiser; all of the strengths of the Defiant class with none of the weaknesses.”

Looking out the viewport Callum saw regarded his new command, his first command, with satisfaction though his expression remained impassive. The Mjolnir was a sleek ship with its navigational deflector on its bow and a pair of forward facing launch tubes where one would normally expect a ship to have its navigational deflector. Lacking a clearly defined saucer section and stardrive section the Mjolnir consisted of an rounded off broad arrowhead shaped forward hull that flowed seamlessly into its engineering section that ended in the ship’s shuttlebay. Between the shuttlebay and the saucer portion of the hull, on either side of the stardrive section was the Guardian’s warp nacelles on their variable orientation pylons that extended out from the hull at warp and remained close in to the hull and almost completely hidden by the saucer while at sub-light.

After giving Callum a moment to process the news Haftel said, “In addition to its considerable tactical load-out the Mjolnir is equipped with advanced sensor pallets and targeting sensors from the Daystrom Institute, a prototype broad spectrum tachyon burst sensor system for detecting cloaked vessels, and Starfleet’s latest version of metaphasic shields for up close stellar research or tactical operations. Unfortunately due to time constraints due to your upcoming mission we are unable to extend you the usual privilege of choosing your senior staff, fortunately she is nearly fully staffed, All she’s missing from her senior staff is a chief flight control officer.”

“Ah ken the perfect candidate, admiral. Lieutenant jay-gee Nerah Antos.” Callum said.

“Isn’t he the Bajoran pilot that was grounded for…” Haftel said trailing off.

“Aye, that he is. But he’s also the pilot that took oot a Jem’Hadar attack ship with a damaged runabout during the war.” Callum said, “If ye were caught in cat five ion storm there is nae anyone better that ye could have at the helm.”

“That’s high praise coming from the man who literally flew a shuttle through the badlands with one hand.” Haftel said.

“Lieutenant Nerah makes me look like a first year cadet piloting a shuttle for the first time.” Callum replied.

“Its your command, Captain. I’ll cut the orders to have Lieutenant Nerah transferred to the Mjolnir.” Haftel said, “Basic personnel files are on the PADD. I will transport onboard the Mjolnir tomorrow to brief you on your upcoming mission.”

“Ah understand. Thank-ye, sir.” Callum said, “Is there anything else ah need tae ken?”

“No, Captain.” Haftel said.

“In that case, with your permission, ah’ll be getting tae the Mjolnir.” Callum said.

“By all means, captain.” Haftel said as he pressed a control on the table top. Seconds later the conference room doors whooshed open and Haftel’s Vulcan yeoman walked in as he continued speaking, “You can consider yourself dismissed, Captain.”

Looking at the burly Vulcan Haftel said, “Lieutenant, Captain MacLeod will be taking command of the Mjolnir. Please assist him with transferring his belongings from the Carolina to the Mjolnir.”

“Aye, sir.” The Vulcan yeoman said. Gesturing to the door he said, “This way, Captain.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Three =/\=​

Stardate 57001.75 (January 1, 2380. 15:22 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir – Orbiting Spacedock
Sol system, Sector 001, UFP

An hour later as Callum materialized on one of the transporter pads of the Mjolnir’s transporter rooms with Lieutenant Junior Grade Nerah Antos. the Ensign manning the transporter raised a small bosun’s whistle to her lips and the three toned sound it produced filled the air as he materialized. Standing in front of the transporter operator’s console was a grey-haired Eskan man wearing the same style of uniform as him with the three solid pips of a commander on the left side of his red command division undershirt collar and a unit insignia pin of a stylized image of the ship’s namesake mythological weapon on a on the right side of his collar. The combadge on the man’s chest was the new design that he’d heard about; a silver outline of the Starfleet delta on top of two vertical gold quadrangles. As Callum stepped off of the transporter platform the Eskan man stepped forward.

“Welcome onboard the Mjolnir, Captain MacLeod, Lieutenant Nerah. I’m Commander Damrus Rel, the XO.” The Eskan man said to his one quarter Vulcan commanding officer. Gesturing to the Ensign he said, “This is Ensign Rita Tannebaum.”

“Ensign.” Callum said acknowledging Tannebaum’s presence. Continuing on he looked at Damrus and said, “Thank-ye, Commander. Ah look forward tae working with ye.”

“Thank-you, sir. I look forward to working with you as well.” Damrus said politely, “If you would care to come to the observation lounge I have the senior staff assembled there for the change of command ceremony.”

Gesturing towards the door Callum said, “By all means. Lead on, Commander.”

=/\=​

Walking into the observation lounge, on deck one aft of the bridge, with Callum and Nerah following him Damrus announced, “Captain on the deck!”

As Nerah joined the gathered crew in line as they snapped to attention Callum looked around the room at the gathered crew, all of whom wore the ship’s unit insignia pin on their collars, his gaze settled on the most beautiful and exotic woman he’d ever seen in is life. A raven-haired woman with emerald colored skin and dark brown eyes wearing a Starfleet uniform with a support services gold undershirt with the pips of a lieutenant commander on the collar. She was certainly a well shaped woman... not overweight by any means, but she would never be described as slender. Her adoptive mother had referred to her as ‘rubenesque’ and as having a ‘perfect birthing hips’ and which paired with her ample bosoms gave her womanly curves in all the right places.

“From Starfleet Command, office o’ the Admiralty, tae Commander Callum MacLeod. Ye are hereby detached from duty as the executive officer o’ the USS Resolute as o’ this date and promoted tae the rank o’ Captain. Ye are hereby requested and required tae take immediate command o’ the USS Mjolnir NCC-87652. Signed, Vice Admiral Anthony R. Haftel. Stardate 57001.5.” Callum said reading from the PADD that Admiral Haftel had given him once the gathered crew snapped to attention.

“Computer, transfer all command codes to Captain MacLeod. Authorization Rel gamma epsilon omega three blue.” Damrus said.

“Confirmation, Captain MacLeod.” the computer politely requested.

“Confirmed, Transfer command codes. Authorization MacLeod theta zeta epsilon two green.” Callum replied.

“USS Mjolnir is now under the command of Captain Callum MacLeod.” The disembodied standard Starfleet computer voice announced formally transferring command to its new commanding officer.

“What is the ship’s status, Commander?” Callum asked in his Scottish brogue which contrasted with his slightly pointed ears that were courtesy of his maternal Vulcan grandmother.

“All systems ready and operational, Captain.” Damrus replied, “We are currently waiting on Spacedock to transfer us the Flyer class shuttle Honah Lee. As well as a load-out of the new type 2A pulse phaser pistols for field testing. All crew are onboard and we’re fully provisioned and ready to depart at a moments notice.”

“The Honah Lee?!” Callum said with surprise.

Continuing on as the Orion woman chuckled quietly at Callum’s reaction to their new shuttle’s name Callum asked, “Are the other shuttles called Puff and Jackie Paper?”

“How’d you know, sir?” Damrus asked surprised that Callum knew the names of the Mjolnir’s two Sol class shuttles.

“A lucky guess, Commander.” Callum said with a chuckle, “When is the Honah Lee due tae arrive?” Callum asked.

“As of the last update from Spacedock ops in ten minutes, sir. Ops advised they still need to load the pulse phasers onboard and do some final systems calibrations to the Honah Lee before they remote pilot it over.” Damrus answered.

“Understood, Commander.” Callum said.

Walking over to the next nearest officer, a solidly built five-and-a-half foot tall Tellarite lieutenant commander with a full salt-and-pepper beard through which two tusks protruded from the sides of his mouth, Callum said, “Ahm assuming that ye are Lieutenant Commander Prolasch Gorsach, the second officer, Chief Engineer an’ resident miracle worker unless ahm mistaken.”

Puffing up with pride Prolasch said, “You’re not, sir. No one knows this ship and her capabilities better than my assistant Chief, CPO Ez’targic, and I do; We’ve literally been with her since her keel was laid down.”

“Ahm glad tae hear that. It’s a pleasure tae meet ye, Commander.” Callum said.

Chuckling and waiving a hand dismissively Prolasch said, “You won’t think so once you get to know me. Oh and if you swing by engineering we’ll get you set up with a new combadge and a unit insignia pin.”

“Ah’ll make a point o’ doing that soon.” Callum responded.

The next officer in the line, the Orion woman wearing the uniform of a lieutenant commander in the support services division, spoke in a pleasant yet sultry voice saying , “Good to see that you’re still being your usual charming self, Prolasch.”

“What can I say? It’s a gift.” The gruff Tellarite shot back with a chuckle.

“Lieutenant Commander Navesh Tymoshenko, sir. Chief Operations Officer and Quartermaster.” The shapely raven haired Orion woman said.

“It’s a pleasure tae meet ye, Commander.” Callum said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, sir. And just so you know, Commander Gorsach isn’t actually as grumpy as he acts. He’s also one of the best engineers in the fleet.” Navesh replied honestly.

With a chuckle at the friendly banter Callum said, “Ah will keep that in mind when ahm asking for engineering miracles. Although ahm sure that ye are no slouch yourself.”

“Thank-you, sir.” Navesh said blushing a deep green hue as she spoke.

Walking to an Andorian with the rank pips of a full lieutenant on the collar of his uniform Callum said, “Lieutenant Haravishrakishayln th’Chayn, the Mjolnir’s chief tactical and security officer, Ah presume.”

“You are correct, sir. However I go by Shrak.” The Andorian tactical officer replied as his antennae moved forward unconsciously indicating he was paying complete attention to Callum “You pronounced my name very well, sir. Almost as good as an Andorian or an Aenar.”

“Ah’ve spent time on Andoria, Lieutenant.” Callum said, “While ah was there ah learned how tae pronounce names better. That an’ developed a fierce dislike o’ the cold.”

“Most off-worlders just develop the dislike of the cold and want to hop on the first ship bound for Risa.” Shrak said with a chuckle, “Not that I blame them.”

“Ahm from the Isle o’ Skye in the Scottish Highlands. Its nae as cold as Andoria, but isnae a tropical getaway either.” Callum explained before continuing down the line.

“Doctor Melina Pax. Chief Medical Officer.” The dark-haired curvy Trill woman standing next to Lieutenant Nerah said introducing herself once Callum had finished speaking with Shrak.

“It’s a pleasure to meet ye, Doctor.” Callum said honestly, “Pax? Would ye happen tae be related tae the legendary Captain Oryn Pax?”

“Oryn was the previous host to my symbiont. But that was a LONG time ago.” Melina said with a chuckle, “Quite literally another lifetime in fact.”

“Ah see. Is there anything special that ah need tae ken aboot Sickbay?” Callum said.

“No, sir.” Melina replied, “We’re well equipped and ready for anything that might be thrown our way. Including you stopping by for your embarkation physical.”

“Noted, Doctor. Ah’ll try tae make it down soon.” Callum said with a chuckle before continuing down the line.

“An’ would ah be correct in assumin’ that ye are Lieutenant Vhela, our Chief Science Officer?” Callum asked the remaining officer, a brown haired Barzan woman with the pips of a full lieutenant on the teal collar of her science division uniform.

“Correct, sir.” The Barzan lieutenant replied in a chipper tone, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure tae meet ye as well, Lieutenant.” Callum said. Continuing on he addressed everyone saying, “It’s a pleasure tae meet all o’ ye. Ah look forward tae getting tae know ye all.” Callum said. Continuing on Callum said, “Commander Rel, If anything comes up ye ah will be in mah quarters settling in.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said. Once the door leading out of the observation lounge had whooshed shut he continued on as he looked at the rest of the senior staff, “Dismissed, resume your stations.”

=/\=​

“Personal Log, Stardate 57001.8. Callum MacLeod recording.

Ah have assumed command of the USS Mjolnir as ordered by AdmiraI Haftel. Ahm beyond excited tae finally have mah own command. Ah’d be lying if ah said ah dinnae have any concerns; but mah chief engineer, Lieutenant Commander Gorsach, an’ his assistant Senior Chief Petty Officer Ez’targic, have been with the Mjolnir since her keel was laid down. Ah’ve manged tae get Nerah assigned as the Mjolnir’s CFCO which helps me feel more confident since he’s the best damned pilot in Starfleet bar none.”

=/\=​

Moments later the turbolift doors whooshed open revealing that the turbolift alcove, which was on the port side of the Mjolnir’s bridge, opened up onto a roughly circular bridge with the prototype of Starfleet’s new mark seven captain’s chair in the center of the bridge. Looking around Callum saw that slightly aft and starboard of the captain’s chair was a station with a free standing full sized console that he correctly assumed was the first officer’s station. Slightly aft and port of the captain’s chair was another seat and console that was the mirror image of the first officer/communications station and was the tactical station. In front of the three stations was the Mjolnir’s holo-communicator and in front of that the large forward station that served as the ship’s helm. On the port side of the viewscreen was the ship’s dedication plaque. On the starboard side of the viewscreen was the bridge’s replicator. On the starboard bulkhead, facing the overly large viewscreen, was the science station. In front of it was the door that lead to the conference room. Behind the science station was the library computer access station and the sensor control station. On the port side of the bridge was the mirror of the science station which served as the operations station. In front of Ops was the door that lead to the captain’s ready room. Behind Ops going towards the turbolift alcove was the Mission Ops I and Mission Ops II stations. At the aft of the bridge was an alcove of auxiliary control stations with a door that led to the head, bridge escape pod and jefferies tube access. In the middle of the alcove was a freestanding two-sided master systems display.

As Callum stepped out onto the bridge Shrak practically jumped to his feet and stood at attention behind from a freestanding console behind and to the left of the center seat as he announced, “Captain on the bridge!”

Hearing the booming announcement as Callum walked onto the bridge as Damrus vacated the center seat and stood at attention as did the rest of the crew on the bridge. Callum looked around and pondered how long he could keep them at attention for a moment.

“As ye were.” Callum said after his moment of cruelness had passed; after all he couldn’t gain the crews respect by being evil towards them.

Looking at the Damrus standing next to the center seat Callum quietly asked, “Where’s mah ready room and the conference room?”

Unconsciously leaning towards Callum before he spoke Damrus replied, “The starboard forward door leads to the conference room and the port one leads to the ready room.”

“Thank-ye, Commander.” Callum said. Speaking so everyone could hear him he said, “Do we have anyone left tae report onboard?”

“Just one, sir. Our new alpha shift relief officer, Ensign Dorian Collins. She is due to come onboard in any moment.” Damrus replied.

“Understood, Commander. Let the transporter room know that ah want Ensign Collins tae report to the bridge as soon as she comes onboard.” Callum ordered.

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied as he began tapping commands into his station.

=/\=​

Moments later the turbolift doors whooshed open causing Callum turned to look at the turbolift alcove and see short Human woman with dirty blond hair pulled back into a ponytail that ended just above her shoulder blades and wearing a Starfleet operations division uniform – with a single ensign’s pip on the gold collar – walk out of the bridge and continued walking until she was standing in front of the captain’s chair.

“Ensign Dorian Collins reporting for duty, sir.” Dorian said reporting for duty as she stood rigidly in front of Callum as she stood at attention.

“At ease before ye sprain something, Ensign. Welcome onboard the Mjolnir.” Callum replied formally welcoming her onboard. Continuing on as Dorian switched to the ‘at ease’ stance Callum asked with a smile on his face, “Can ah assume that you’ve been briefed on your duties?”

“Yes, sir. I have.” Dorian said, “I am to serve as the alpha shift relief officer on the bridge.”

“Correct, Ensign. Since ye are already up tae speed ye can consider yourself dismissed so ye can settle in an’ get a new combadge an’ unit pin before ye begin your duties at the start of tomorrow’s alpha shift.” Callum said.

“Aye, sir. Thank you, sir.” Dorian said before she headed for the turbolift.

After the turbolift doors whooshed closed Nerah spoke up having turned from the helm to watch the new crew member report for duty, “She’s pretty, in a girl-next-door sort of way.”

“As ye were, Lieutenant, before ye get any ideas.” Callum said with a chuckle.

“Aye, sir.” Nerah replied with a chuckle.

Continuing on Callum turned to look at Damrus and said, “Ye have the bridge, Commander. Come tae the ready room in half an hour and ah’ll give ye mah standin’ orders.”

Standing up Callum walked over to the towards the ready room as he did so Damrus sat back down in the command chair and sat down as he walked across the bridge towards the ready room and paused to read the muted gold dedication plaque with lustrous raised golden lettering that spelt out:

U.S.S. MJOLNIR
NCC-87652
Diligent Class Starship · Second Ship Of The Class
Launched Stardate 56949.5 · Utopia Planitia Shipyards
Sol System, Sector 001 · United Federation Of Planets​

Below this was a list of Starfleet personnel that had been involved with the construction and design of the Mjolnir and a profound yet simple quote that said:

“Risk Is Our Business ” – Captain James T. Kirk​

 

[Callum MacLeod]

Once he’d walked into the ready room Callum saw that that on the bulkhead to the right was a couch followed by a desk with two chairs in front of it and one behind it between Callum and the far bulkhead. Half way between the desk and the door was a blue outlined octagon of the ready room’s holo-communicator. On the back bulkhead was a large viewscreen displaying the ship’s crest; a dorsal view of an unmarked Diligent class vessel with it’s warp nacelles extended on top of a black triangle with rounded points and had USS MJOLNIR NCC-87652 below the image of the ship. To Callum’s left was an alcove with a replicator and a door that was labeled ‘Captain’s Head’.

With a smile on his face Calum walked over to the replicator as he said, “Computer, One bottle o’ Lime Pick-A-Pop.”

Once a clear bottle filled with a bubbly green liquid materialized on the replicator’s receiving platform Callum picked it up and walked over to the seat behind his new ready room desk and sat down.

After taking a sip of his one major vice Callum spoke, “Computer, pull up the service records o’ the senior staff.”

=/\=​

Half an hour later, as Callum sat behind the desk in his ready room, the door chime sounded to signal that someone was waiting for permission to enter the ready room. Looking up from the built-in desktop monitor Callum looked at the door as he said the standard invitation/command of ‘Come’. Seconds later the door whooshed open and in walked Damrus holding a PADD as the voice of a twentieth century musician came from the overhead speakers.

“Reporting as ordered, sir.” Damrus said standing at attention once he’d reached the desk.

“As ye were, Commander.” Callum said gesturing to the seats across from him as he pressed a button on the desktop to stop the music that was coming from the room’s comm-speakers, “Feel free tae take a seat.”

“What song was that?” Damrus asked once the payback stopped.

“Ring o' fire. By a twentieth century human called Johnny Cash.” Callum explained.

“Hmm. Ring of fire.” Damrus said with a chuckle as he settled into one of the comfortable chairs in front of the desk, “That’s what I get after having a really spicy hasperat.”

Chuckling at Damrus’ quick wit Callum said, “Coffee, Commander?”

“No, thank you sir. I had two cups of raktajino with breakfast. Any more caffeine and you’ll need to get engineering will have to peel me off the ceiling!” Damrus said.

Looking at the Eska XO with a half grin on his face Callum said, “Ah dinnae ken how ye drink that Klingon sludge. Ah tried it once; it tasted like rancid mud from the bottom o’ a bog. Ah dinnae ken how so many people can like it.”

With a shrug Damrus said, “It’s an acquired taste.”

“Ah’ll take your word for it an’ stick with a nice, non-replicated, Scotch.” Callum said. “Anyway down tae business… Ye have standin’ permission tae speak freely with me. Its nae necessary tae call the crew tae attention when ah enter a room, an’ all security personnel are tae be armed with a minimum o’ a type two phaser each while on duty, unless they are at a diplomatic function.”

“Anything else, sir?” Damrus asked.

“Not at the moment, Commander. Do ye have anything that ye would like tae discuss with me?” Callum asked.

“No, sir. Not at the moment.” Damrus replied.

“Well, in that case ye can consider yourself dismissed.” Callum replied, “If ye need me ah will be swinging by engineering tae get a new combadge an’ a unit pin.”

=/\=​

“Commander Gorsach.” Callum said to get the Tellarite chief engineer’s attention as he walking up to the warp core.

“CAPTAIN ON DECK!” Prolasch bellowed once he turned around and saw Callum standing there.

“As you were, everyone.” Callum said to the entire engineering department, “Ye dinnae need to stand at attention for little ol’ me.”

“Are you here for an inspection?” Prolasch asked.

“Ahm nae, Commander.” Callum explained.

“Good, I frelling hate inspections.” Prolasch grumbled, “They’re a lot of work for a five minute visit.”

“Well, ahmno one tae conduct inspections, but ye ken what they aboot inspections…” Callum said trailing off.

“Shine the brass and kiss the frass!” They both said together.

“So if you’re not here for an inspection then why are you here?” Prolasch asked.

“Ahm here tae get a new combadge and unit pin.” Callum explained. Gesturing at the warp core he said, “Ahmno engineer, but even ah can tell that’s a impressive lookin’ warp core that ye have there, Commander.”

“This baby is a class nine mark two core with a tricyclic input warp plasma manifold, variable compression injectors and multi-phase regulators that I’ve tuned to produce four thousand six hundred and seventy teradynes of power per second at peak efficiency.” Prolasch explained as he patted the warp core lovingly.

“Impressive.” Callum said as he took his combadge off of his chest and held it out for Prolasch to take, “Ah dinnae think that class nines were capable o’ being fit in a ship this small.”

“The class nine mark two was developed specifically for the Diligent class so they’d have the same mass to power ratio as the Defiant class.” Prolasch said.

“So in other words we’ve got enough power for a ship twice our size.” Callum said.

“Easily.” Prolasch said with a touch of pride in his voice. Taking the combadge from Callum he said, “I’ll be right back.”

Walking back to Callum moments later Prolasch handed him the new style of combadge and Mjolnir’s unit pin for his collar.

“Thank-ye, Commander.” Callum said taking them and affixing the silver outlined Starfleet delta backed by two vertical gold quadrangles to his tunic and pin of the mythological hammer Mjolnir to the collar of his uniform.

Hearing an insistent beeping Prolasch grumbled and said, “Excuse me.”

Rushing off before Callum could respond Prolasch headed for a crewman working at an open access panel as he shouted, “By the daughter of the fourth deity, how many times do I have to tell you! The impellers have to be at a complete stop – that means zero frelling rpms – before you reverse THAT valve! If you don’t it could blow and take your ugly head with it! Then I’d be short a crewman until I could get a replacement, all because of your frelling impatience. Now, do it right or I’ll assign you to degauss the hull with a micro-resonator!”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Four =/\=​

Stardate 57004.06 (January 2, 2380. 11:39 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
ECS Olympus Mons
Interstellar space, Sector 003, UFP

“Alright, what’s so important that you needed to interrupt my brunch?” Joshamee Gibbs, the Captain of the ECS Olympus Mons, a Loadstar Class freighter, said to the Bajoran crewman who was manning the ship’s helm.

“That.” The crewman, Rylan Wyln, said pointing to one of the displays on the bulkhead.

“Crap. When did they show up?” Gibbs said after looking at the display.

“They uncloaked five minutes ago. They have weapons charged, gaining on us and jamming communications.” Rylan said, “What are you going to do? We’re already at maximum warp and we’re no match for a Suliban cruiser.”

“I wish to God I knew.” Joshamee said, “Its not like we could send a distress call even if they weren’t jamming out communications.”

“They must be after the proto-matter.” Rylan said.

‘’It was too good a payday to pass up.” Gibbs said sullenly.

“Yeah, and now that ‘payday’ is going to cost us our lives.” Rylan said.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Five =/\=​

Stardate 57004.52 (January 2, 2380. 15:42 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir - Orbiting Spacedock
Sol system, Sector 001, UFP

The next morning Callum stepped out of the turbolift onto the starboard side of the Mjolnir’s bridge a few steps behind Damrus, Shrak, Navesh, Nerah, Dorian and Vhela As the rest of the alpha shift bridge crew walked towards their stations to relieve the crew members that had been manning it on the gamma shift Callum walked towards the captain’s chair to relieve the ship’s purple skinned and raven haired Alvanian gamma shift officer of the watch, lieutenant junior grade Tigan Millis.

“Quiet shift, lieutenant?” Callum asked.

“Very, sir.” Tigan said, “The most exciting thing was when Ops reported that an impeller in one of the deuterium tanks was running hot and recommended that it be replaced; which engineering completed two hours ago.”

“Understood.” Callum said. Adopting a formal tone and stance Callum continued on saying, “The bridge is mine.”

“Aye, sir. I stand relieved.” Tigan said formally relinquishing command of the bridge.

As Callum sat down in the captain’s chair Tigan, and the rest of the gamma shift bridge crew filed into the turbolift to go off duty so they could either go to the mess hall, the holodecks or their quarters to enjoy their off duty time.

“Computer, begin day watch.” Callum said to the computer causing it to begin the day watch causing the lighting throughout the ship to rise to the standard level from the reduced lighting of the ship’s gamma shift. Continuing on he said, “All stations report.”

“All offensive and defensive systems are available at your command, sir.” Shrak reported from the freestanding tactical station on the behind and to Callum’s left.

“Primary and secondary systems are fully operational, as are the back ups.” Navesh reported from where she sat on the port side of the bridge at the ops station facing the forward viewscreen, “The environmental system is producing a standard M class atmosphere in all pressurized areas of the ship and the grav plating is producing a standard one gee field in all areas with gravity.”

“We are currently orbiting Spacedock at half thrusters, Captain.” Nerah reported from the helm station in the recessed area of the bridge between the center seat and the viewscreen, “Warp, impulse and thrusters are all available at your command.”

“All communications systems are online and operational, sir.” Damrus reported from the freestanding XO/Communications Station on the behind and to Callum’s right.

“Very good people.” Callum said. Continuing on he looked at Damrus as he said, “Ye have the bridge, Commander Rel. Ah’ll be in mah ready room. AdmiraI Haftel will be coming onboard tae brief me shortly, meet him in the transporter room an’ escort him tae mah ready room. His rank entitles him tae a certain level o’ pomp an’ circumstance after all.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said as Callum stood and headed for the entrance to the ready room.

“Enter.” Callum said when the ready room’s door chime sounded indicating that someone was waiting outside the ready room on the bridge waiting to come into the ready room.

Seconds after Callum said to enter the ready room doors whooshed open admitting Vice-Admiral Anthony Haftel. As Haftel walked into the ready room Callum put down the PADD he’d been reading and stood up.

“As you were, Captain.” Haftel said with a dismissive wave noticing the new design of combadge that Callum wore on his tunic and the Mjolnir’s unit insignia pin on his collar, “Its your ship. I’m just here to brief you… as much as I can.”

“Ah see, sir.” Callum said with a smile, “Can ah offer ye anything? A drink? A tour o’ the ship?”

“I’ll pass, Captain.” Haftel said. Sitting down in one of the two seats in front of the desk, “Let’s get right to it. This mission isn’t glamourous, but it is necessary… and being watched by some VERY big names in Starfleet.”

“Ahm intrigued. Ye have mah undivided attention, Admiral.” Callum said.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Six =/\=​

Stardate 57004.82 (January 2, 2380. 18:20 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir - Orbiting Spacedock
Sol System, Sector 001, UFP

Walking onto the bridge Callum walked towards the captain’s chair as Damrus stood up and returned to the XO/Communications Station wordlessly turning command of the bridge over to Callum.

Sitting down in the center seat Callum looked at Damrus and said, “The bridge is mine, Commander. Please resume your station and signal all sections tae prepare for immediate departure an’ get the Spacedock ops on the comm-link.

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said before turning and walking back to the first officer and communications station. A moment later he continued on saying, “All sections report ready for departure and Spacedock’s Ops is standing by.”

“Operations, this is the Mjolnir. We are requesting permission to depart.” Callum said as he shifted as he sat in the Mjolnir’s center seat.

“Mjolnir this is Spacedock operations. You are cleared for immediate departure. We are transmitting an exit flight plan now, please maintain one quarter impulse until you clear the outer marker.” The voice of the female dock master on duty said coming from the bridge’s overhead comm speaker.

“Understood. Mjolnir out.” Callum replied. Continuing on once the communications channel had quietly clicked closed Callum said, “Lieutenant Nerah, take us out.”

“Aye, sir.” Nerah said as his fingers danced Nerah the helm console as he guided the Mjolnir’s movements, “Coming about…thrusters ahead one-half. Altering course heading to one one five mark zero. . . we are in the lane and ready for departure.”

Moments later the Bajoran helmsman said, “We are free and clear to navigate, Captain.”

“Understood, lay in a course for the Utopia Planita Fleet Yards and engage at full impulse when ready.” Callum ordered

“Aye, aye sir.” Nerah replied as his fingers rapidly danced across the helm console inputting commands.

“Captain, is there a reason we are heading to the fleet yards?” Damrus asked from his station.

“There is, Commander.” Callum said after turning to face his Eskan XO, “Unfortunately ah am nae at liberty tae discuss it at the moment. But rest assured as soon as ah ken ah will.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied.

=/\=​

“Captain, We are approaching Utopia Planita fleet yards.” Nerah reported turning from the helm to look at Callum.

“Understood, Ensign.” Callum ordered. Turning to face the first officer and communications station he continued on saying, “Commander Rel, Please contact the Fleet Yard Ops and request permission to dock. Then inform Commander Gorsach that we are on approach to the fleet yard and to be prepared for a major systems installation. Ah will beam over tae the fleet yard control complex momentarily.”

Once Callum finished speaking Nerah and Damrus each replied to the orders with an ‘aye, sir’ one after the other.

As Callum turned and started walking towards the turbolift alcove on the port side of the bridge Damrus stood up and walked towards the center seat to assume command of the bridge.

“Commander, Utopia Planitia has assumed navigational control. I no longer have control of the ship." Nerah reported from the helm after turning to look at Damrus as Callum walked into the turbolift car.

"Understood, Lieutenant." Damrus replied.

"Commander, the dockmaster has asked us to just sit back and enjoy the ride." Navesh said from Ops after transferring communications to her console.

Damrus turned to look at her, "Send our acknowledgement, Commander."

"Impulse engines switching to standby. maneuvering thruster coming online. We’re maneuvering to dock." Nerah reported.

"All stop," announced the helmsman seconds later, "Positive lock on docking clamps. All propulsion systems are off-line."

"Positive seal on starboard airlock." Navesh announced from the helm once a series of dull thuds could be heard indicating the walkway and various umbilicals had successfully attached to the ship.

“Good work people.” Damrus said, “Commander Tymoshenko, signal all sections to begin station keeping watch and inform engineering to standby for systems installation.”

“Aye, Commander.” Navesh replied from Ops as her emerald fingers began dancing across the console.

=/\=​

Once the turbolift doors opened Callum stepped out of the turbolift and paused for a second to get his bearings before he walked down the corridor towards the transporter room. Once he reached the transporter room he walked in and saw the Ensign Rita Tannenbaum standing at the transporter operator’s console.

“Do you have the transporter coordinates, Ensign?” Callum asked stopping a few feet inside the door.

“Already set, sir.” Rita said, “We’re ready to transport over whenever you wish.”

“Very good, Ensign.” Callum said before he turned and walked over to the transporter. Once he was standing on one of the transporter pads Callum continued on with a nod of his head he said, “Energize.”

“Energizing, sir.” Rita said as her fingers danced across the console causing Callum to feel the restricting grip of the annular confinement beam and the deep down tickle of the transport begin.

Seconds later once Callum finished materializing in one of the transporter rooms in the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yard he saw a bald, blue skinned Bolian woman in a support services division uniform with a lieutenant junior grade’s pips on her collar standing at the transporter operator’s console. Stepping out from behind the console the Bolian took a couple steps towards the transporter platform before she spoke.

“Captain MacLeod?” The Bolian woman lieutenant asked to confirm Callum’s identity.

“Yes, an’ ye are?” Callum replied as he stepped off of the transporter platform.

“Lieutenant Navia Knalf, sir.” The Bolian woman said, “If you would please come with me, sir.”

“Lead on, lieutenant. ” Callum asked as stepped off of the transporter platform.

“Very good, sir.” Lieutenant Knalf said before turning and walking towards with Callum following behind her.

Once she finished speaking Lieutenant Knalf turned and continued down the corridor until they reached a turbolift alcove. Reaching out Lieutenant Knalf pressed the ‘Call’ button beside the turbolift’s door to summon one of the station’s turbolift cars. Once it arrived seconds later and the doors whooshed open she stepped to the side and gestured for Callum to enter the turbolift. Once they were both inside and the turbolift doors has whooshed closed Lieutenant Knalf ordered the turbolift to take them to deck nineteen section seven.

“How long have ye been stationed here?” Callum asked.

“Ever since I graduated from the academy, sir.” Lieutenant Knalf replied, “Why do you ask, sir?”

“Just making small talk, Lieutenant.” Callum said as the turbolift eased to a stop and its doors whooshed open.

“This is our stop.” Lieutenant Knalf said gesturing to the open doorway.

“Ladies first, Lieutenant.” Callum said. With a smile he continued on saying, “And ye can consider that an order if you need to.”

“Yes, sir.” Lieutenant Knalf said with a smile before she turned and walked out of the turbolift and began walking down the corridor.

After a couple moments of walking down the corridor Callum followed Knalf into an office no bigger than his ready room and saw a brown haired man in a command division Starfleet uniform sitting behind a desk very much like his own ready room desk. Seeing who was sitting at the desk Callum was amazement at the sight of the former Starfleet officer Benjamin Maxwell standing there wearing the latest version of the Starfleet uniform.

"Capt..." Callum broke off as saw Maxwell's collar insignia, "Pardon me. Commodore Maxwell, Ah dinnae ken that ye were back in the fleet."

The older man's face darkened and his eyes glazed for a second. "Not many do, Callum. Most think I disappeared never to be seen again after I was discharged from Starfleet.”

Looking at Knalf he said, “Lieutenant, please wait in the corridor. I will call for you when Captain MacLeod is ready to leave.”

"When did ye get called back, Sir?" Callum asked assuming that Maxwell had been called back by Starfleet Command instead of asking to be reinstated.

Maxwell snorted and said, "A few years ago. I was offered a pardon and a promotion to Commodore if I agreed to come back. There are several officers who resent my return; but at least I'm back where I an do the most good.”

“As you know you’ve been ordered here for an installation of a new system for your upcoming mission to pick up a V.I.P and transport him to Vulcan.” Maxwell said getting down to business.

“Pardon my asking, but why do we need a new system installed for a simple transport mission?” Callum asked.

“Hopefully you won’t need to use the system, But its was ordered incase you need switch to ‘plan B’ and proceed into Romulan space to retrieve the V.I.P.” Maxwell explained as he remained seated.

“What is the nature of this system that is being installed on the Mjolnir?” Callum asked.

“The Mjolnir is actually being equipped with several systems collectively are known as a holographic masking system.” Maxwell explained as he slid an isolinear chip across the desk, “The technology was developed for the Incursion project. In essence it allows a vessel to disguise its visual and sensor profile. On that isolinear you’ll find the details on the mission and who it is you will be transporting. The mission isn’t classified, but there is significant ‘operational security’ required – all the details are on the isolinear.”

“Ah understand.” Callum replied.

“Once you’ve returned to your ship review the data on that isolinear to prepare for your mission.” Maxwell said matter of fact tone as Callum he picked the isolinear chip up off of the desktop, “Engineering teams from the station will begin installing the holo-mask at oh-eight-hundred tomorrow morning. Once you’re cleared for departure you’ve been cleared to do a run through the Ceres weapons range to get a feel for how the Mjolnir will handle in combat before you head to Beta-Gamma. Do you have any questions you want to ask?”

“No, sir.” Callum replied, “Ahm sure that any questions ah do have will be answered by the data on the isolinear.”

“In that case, fill me in on what’s happened with you since I left the Phoenix.” Maxwell said with a grin on his face looking at his former helmsman, “You must have a few stories to tell, after all you didn’t have that scar or that many pips back on the Phoenix.”

“Where tae start? Where tae start?” Callum said thinking about where to begin, “A lot’s happened since ah sat at the helm o’ the Phoenix.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Seven =/\=​

Stardate 57004.83 (January 2, 2380. 18:25 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir - Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Sol System, Sector 001, UFP

Walking through the door marked ‘Conference Room’ on the starboard side of the bridge Callum walked to the empty seat at the end of the long rectangular conference table closest to the door, on the opposite end of the table from the bulkhead mounted monitor that was used to display information during briefings.

“As ye are all undoubtedly aware we were ordered tae the fleet yard. What ye are nae aware of is the nature of the mission and the system that we are here tae have installed. Ah cannae go into much detail but what ah can tell ye is that once the installation is complete we are tae head tae Outpost Beta-Gamma on the border o’ the neutral zone and pick up a V.I.P.. The new system is being installed is a holographic masking system. Its being installed incase the V.I.P. has nae made it there an’ we need tae proceed in tae Romulan space an’ extract him.”

“Are you at liberty to tell us anything about the V.I.P. we’re picking up?” Damrus asked.

“Ah cannae at the moment, but ah will as soon as ah can. The mission is nae classified but there is a great deal o’ operational security that is tae remain in place until we drop off the V.I.P.” Callum explained. Continuing on Callum said, “Commander Gorsach, are our engines capable o’ sustained high warp for a prolonged period?”

“They’re more than capable, sir. Technically our cruising speed is warp seven, but I can give you warp nine as long as we have fuel or until we need to do maintenance on the warp drive, whichever comes first. In a pinch we could do nine point nine seven five, maybe even nine point nine eight, for brief periods. But we’d be pushing it well beyond the red line and risking serious damage to the warp coils.” Prolasch replied.

“Ah’ll keep that in mind, Commander.” Callum said, “Does anyone have anything else?”

When no one spoke up Callum said, “In that case, ye all can consider yourselves dismissed. Please return tae your stations. Commander Rel please take command o’ the bridge.”

Once the senior staff filed out of the conference room leaving Callum alone he stood up and headed for the exit. Walking out the door Callum saw Damrus begin to stand up from where he was sitting in the center seat and waved him back into the seat as he continued walking across the bridge while he spoke.

“The bridge is still yours. Ahm just passing through, Commander.” Callum said. Continuing on he said, “Ah’ll be in the observation lounge if ye need me.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said acknowledging Callum’s order and sitting back down in the center seat as he continued to cross the bridge.

Walking through the space between the first officer’s station and the tactical station Callum walked into the auxiliary control alcove at the aft of the bridge and around the freestanding master system’s display before walking through the doorway at the aft of the alcove. Once he walked through the doorway Callum walked down the corridor and past the doors on the starboard side that led to the escape pod that was designated for on-duty bridge crew and the Jefferies tubes that led to the rest of the ship. Once he reached the end of the corridor Callum walked through the door into the observation lounge and over to the windows Callum looked out into space and wondered about the upcoming mission.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Eight =/\=​

Stardate 57004.83 (January 4, 2380. 18:25 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
ECS Olympus Mons
Interstellar space, Sector 003, UFP

“The ship has been secure and I’ve disposed of the crew.” A Suliban by the name of Dhin said as he walked onto the bridge of the ECS Olympus Mons.

“How did you dispose of them? We don’t want to alert Starfleet until its too late for them to do anything.” Sajik, the other Suliban on the bridge, asked.

“I vaporized their bodies. There won’t be anything for them to find. I know what’s at stake.” Dhin replied, “Are we on course for the Helix?”

“We are. I’m also masking our warp signature so no one can track us there.” Sajik replied.

“Good thinking.” Dhin said.

“As the Humans say, ‘I might’ve been born at night, but it wasn’t last night.’.” Sajik replied grumpily, “Send a message to the Helix to let Shilin know that phase one is complete and that the ship we ‘obtained’ happened to be carrying a large amount of proto-matter that he can use to power the weapon for phase three.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Nine =/\=​

Stardate 57009.19 (January 4, 2380. 08:43 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir – Utopia Planitia Orbital Fleet Yard
Mars, Sector 001, UFP

“Captain, Engineering reports that the holo-mask installation is complete and the fleet yard engineering teams have disembarked.” Navesh reported from the Ops station.

“Is everyone onboard?” Callum asked.

“Aye, sir. We’re fully manned.” The buxom Orion replied.

"Very good.” Callum said, “Commander Rel, open a ship-wide channel an’ signal fleet yard ops that we are ready tae depart."

“Channel open, Captain." Damrus responded seconds later.

Callum unconsciously raised his voice slightly as to be heard by the ship's communication system, "All hands, this is the captain. Secure all stations an' prepare for departure, it’s time for us tae get underway. MacLeod out."

Damrus closed the communication signal on cue and returned to monitoring the various readouts on the XO/Communications station

"Fleet Yard Operations has cleared us for departure on vector three-of-six mark one-nine-two." Damrus said, “Transferring the vector to the helm.”

“I have it. Laying in the vector now.” Nerah said as his fingers danced across the helm, “Course laid in, standing by.”

“All sections report manned and ready for departure, Captain,” Navesh announced from Ops. “All moorings and umbilicals have been retracted. We are operating on internal power and all hatches show sealed and secure. Thrusters, impulse and warp are online at hot standby.”

Callum turned to look at his first officer for final confirmation of the readiness of his ship. Looking up from his interface Damrus returned the unspoken question with a nod.

“Ahead dead slow, Mister Nerah. Thrusters only until we clear the berth.” Callum ordered

"Engaging thrusters," Nerah replied as his fingers flew over the helm console inputting the relevant command sequences and made continual adjustments, "Speed: fifty kilometers per hour, clearing drydock scaffolding in twenty seconds, Captain."

“Captain,” Nerah spoke up, “We have cleared the drydock and are free to navigate.”

“Set course for the Ceres Weapon Range, ahead half impulse.” Callum ordered.

“Course set for Ceres, accelerating to half impulse.” Nerah replied.

Callum grinned as Mjolnir leaped forward, as if she were as eager to be in space as he was. Once the asteroid belt appeared in the distance on the viewscreen Callum flipped up a panel on one of the armrests of the Mark VII Captain’s Chair and began tapping on the miniature LCARS control panel. Moments later the Mjolnir banked and maneuvered hard among the asteroids of the belt, the main viewer showing her just clearing one massive rock as she streaked by.

“We are approaching the engagement area, Captain.” Navesh called out from her station.

"Lieutenant th’Chayn, we will be maneuvering, so be prepared tae compensate." Callum said as he began tapping away on the miniature LCARS panel on the armrest of the Mark VII command chair.

"Aye, aye." Shrak answered.

"Entering engagement area in five, four, three," Nerah said began counting down, "two, one!"

With a flash of the RCS thrusters the Mjolnir stood on her port side and passed between two asteroids exposing her dorsal and ventral arrays to fire on separate targets. Golden beams flashed from each phaser array, lashing out as Shrak worked feverishly, adjusting his targeting locks on the fly as the Mjolnir banked, dodged and weaved amongst the asteroids with a grace that was belied by its size thanks to the Mjolnir’s impulse engines providing as much power-to-mass thrust as the Defiant class.

“Man, she handles like a gorram fighter.” Nerah said aloud as he banked the Mjolnir around an asteroid the size of a Galaxy class ship’s saucer section while doing a full rotation along the ship’s z axis, “Permission to wing it, Captain?”

“By all means, Mister Nerah.” Callum said with a grin knowing that a stunning display of Nerah’s exceptional piloting skills was forthcoming.

As the Mjolnir righted itself it went into a tail slide and began rapidly circling a nickel-iron asteroid that looked vaguely like a figure eight with its bow facing the asteroid while doing barrel rolls.

“This is a little thing I learned called ‘hugging the donkey’.” Nerah said as golden beams of phaser energy lanced out from the forward phaser arrays over and over impacting on the surface of the asteroid with pinpoint accuracy cleanly splitting it in two equal pieces.

“You can ‘hug the donkey’?” Shrak asked in a surprised tone.

“I’ve been ‘hugging the donkey’ since flight school at the academy.” Nerah quipped back with a grin on his face.

“Alright, Mister Nerah. Ye’ve impressed us take us oot o’ the range.” Callum ordered with a chuckle in his voice interrupting the friendly banter between Nerah and Shrak

“Aye, sir.” Nerah said with a chuckle in his voice as he guided the Mjolnir through the asteroid belt.

“How long until we’ve cleared the asteroid field?” Callum asked.

“One minute three seconds, sir.” Nerah replied.

Moments later as the viewscreen showed the last of the asteroids passing the ship Nerah spoke up saying, “We’ve cleared the asteroid belt.”

“How long till we are clear o’ Jupiter’s warp safety perimeter?” Callum asked.

“One minute eleven seconds.” Nerah reported.

“As soon as ye are able tae, engage at warp nine on course for Outpost Beta-Gamma, Ensign.” Callum said as the gentle rumble of the Mjolnir and its engines could scarcely be felt under his feet.

“Aye, sir.” Nerah replied as his fingers danced across the helm console.

Moments later the Mjolnir’s nacelles extended out to their deployed position from where they rested – tucked in behind the saucer – with the blue lights of their Cernekov emitters glowing brightly as the warp field formed and propelled the ship past the speed of light causing the ship to appear to stretch out for a moment as if the saucer section was trying to get away from the engineering section.

“What’s our ETA at Beta-Gamma, Mister Nerah?” Callum asked as the viewscreen showed the familiar starburst effect of a ship going to warp.

“At current speed six point seven five days, sir.” Nerah replied after checking the readouts on the helm.

Tapping his combadge to open a comm-link Callum said, “MacLeod tae Engineering.”

Seconds later Prolasch’s voice came from Callum’s combadge saying, “Engineering. Gorsach here.”

“How are things down there since the fleet yard teams finished their work?” Callum asked.

“Everything is according to textbook specs, Captain.” Prolasch said with the annoyance clear in his voice, “They reset all the systems they touched to textbook specs. It’ll take us the better part of two days to get them tuned back to their peak performance.”

“Well ah’ll leave ye tae it, Commander. Bridge oot.” Callum said before tapping his combadge to close the comm-channel.

"Captain, The mess hall reports a physical altercation between two non-comms.” Damrus said speaking up from where he sat at the XO/Communications Station.

"See to it, Lieutenant th’Chayn." Callum said. Turning to face the XO/Communications and said, “The bridge is yours, Commander Rel. Ah’ll be in the observation lounge if ye need me.”

"Aye, sir." Both Shrak and Damrus said standing up.

As he headed for the turbolift Shrak tapped his combadge and said, "th'Chayn to Reese. Meet me in the mess hall."

"Already there, sir." Reese's disembodied voice said coming from Shrak's combadge as he walked into the turbolift, "It’s all under control. Just a couple petty officers who can’t handle their Aldebran whisky or keep from running their mouths. Chief Ez’targic and I were in the mess hall when the fight broke out. We’re already escorting them to the brig."

“Excellent work. I’ll meet you in the brig, Chief.” Shrak said as the turbolift doors whooshed closed while he tapped his destination into the control panel.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Ten =/\=​

Stardate 57031.3 (January 12, 2380. 11:09 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Foxtrot Sector, UFP

Dropping out of warp after a little under seven days spent traveling at warp nine Mjolnir began its approach sequence to the planetoid that contained Federation Outpost Beta-Gamma. The planetoid that Outpost Beta-Gamma was located on barely met the requirements to be classed as M Class. The only reason Starfleet even had a manned outpost on the planet was that the planet was the most hospitable one in the system and perfectly located to monitor the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone.

“Captain, we’ve dropped to sub-light and are on final approach to Outpost Beta-Gamma.” Nerah said as he guided the ship’s movements from the helm.

“Take us into standard orbit, Lieutenant.” Callum said while sitting comfortably in the mark seven captain’s chair.

“Aye, aye sir.” Nerah said as his fingers danced across the helm console.

Speaking in his pronounced Scottish accent Callum said, “Commander Rel, open a channel tae the outpost.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said as he began tapping commands into the XO/Communications station.

Seconds later the viewscreen began displaying the image of the outpost commander appeared on screen. The commander was a Vulcan male wearing the uniform of a Starfleet science officer with a teal turtleneck undershirt and a black jacket with ribbed shoulders. He stood perfectly at attention, as did most Vulcans.

“Welcome to Outpost Beta-Gamma; I am Lieutenant Commander Sapik, the commanding officer of this installation.” Sapik said.

“Thank ye for the welcome, Commander. Ahm Captain MacLeod o’ the Mjolnir. We’ve been ordered here to pick up a passenger.” Callum replied.

“I am aware of that, Captain. Your passenger is waiting to beam onboard.” Sapik said.

“Ahm glad tae hear that. We stand ready tae receive at anytime.” Callum replied.

“Very good. I will let our transporter room and your passenger know. Beta-Gamma out.” Sapik said before closing the channel which caused the viewscreen to revert to a view of space in front of the Mjolnir.

Standing up from his seat and relishing the faint pop in his back as he turned from the viewscreen Callum said, “Commander Rel, ye are with me. Commander Tymoshenko, the bridge is yours.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said as he turned from his station.

“Aye, sir.” Navesh said echoing Damrus as she stood up to take the center seat as Callum and Damrus headed for the turbolift.

“Ah figured that ye would appreciate being present for the beam up.” Callum said as the turbolift doors whooshed closed behind them. Speaking to the computer he said, “Transporter room one.”

=/\=​

“Captain, Outpost Beta-Gamma reports ready to transport.” Ensign Rita Tanenbaum said from the transporter control console after Callum and Damrus walked into transporter room one.

“Thank ye, Ensign. Energize” Callum replied.

A column of silver light appeared on the transporter platform and quickly formed into a middle aged Vulcan male, wearing a plain tunic and trouser set and carrying a non-descript duffle bag, who would be recognized on sight by virtually anyone with even a passing familiarity with Federation and Starfleet history.

“Permission to come aboard?” Spock asked from the transporter platform.

"Permission granted, Ambassador Spock." Callum said. Holding his left hand up in the traditional Vulcan salute Callum said, "Dif-tor heh smusma."

"Sochya eh dif" Spock said returning the gesture. Switching to Federation Standard English as he lowered his hand he said, "You speak Vulcanshu very well, Captain."

"Thank-ye, Ambassador. Mah grandmother, T'Sera, taught it tae me. Ahm sure that ah’ve picked up her inflections." Callum explained as Spock stepped off of the transporter pad, “She felt it was important for me tae ken mah Vulcan heritage, even though ahm only one quarter Vulcan.”

Gesturing to Demeres he said, "This is my executive officer, Commander Damrus Rel.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Commander.” Spock replied

“To say that I am honored to meet you would be an understatement, Ambassador.” Damrus said honestly.

“If ye will come with me, Ambassador, Ah can show ye tae your quarters.” Callum said. Looking at Damrus he said, “Please return tae the bridge and take command until ah return, Commander. Get us underway for Vulcan but dinnae inform the bridge crew about the Ambassador’s presence onboard. Ah want tae be there tae see the looks on their faces when they find oot.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said with a half grin on his face before turning and heading back to the bridge.

=/\=​

Moments later Callum was standing in the VIP quarters with Spock as he said, “Ah hope this quarters will be sufficient for your needs. It’s the best we have tae offer.”

“It will be more than sufficient, Captain.” Spock replied in the typical dispassionate Vulcan fashion.

“Our ETA at Vulcan is in just under eleven days. In the meantime, there is one o’ the new style o’ combadge for ye on the nightstand. If ye want ah can have a yeoman assigned tae ye while ye are onboard.”

“I appreciate the offer, Captain, however it is unnecessary.” Spock replied

With a nod of his head Callum said, “As ye wish, sir. If there is anything ye need while ye are onboard, please dinnae hesitate tae ask.”

With a nod of his head Spock said, “Thank you, Captain. However, if you would not mind, it has been sometime since I meditated.”

“Ah understand, Ambassador. Feel free tae avail yourself o’ our amenities at anytime.” Callum said before turning to leave the VIP quarters.

=/\=​

Walking out of the turbolift onto the Mjolnir’s bridge Callum headed towards the mark seven center seat as Damrus stood up and stepped to the side of the center seat.

“The bridge is mine. Please resume your station, Commander.” Callum said.

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said before returning to his place at the XO/Communications station and sitting down behind the freestanding console.

“Just so ye all are not surprised the VIP that beamed onboard is Ambassador Spock. We are under orders tae transport him tae Vulcan. Command has nae ordered a communications blackout but they do want us tae observe heightened security procedures so we will regulate all subspace communications an’ have security patrolling the ship an’ stationed in high priority areas like engineering, the bridge, sickbay and the shuttle bay.” Callum said once Damrus had sat down at the freestanding console of the XO/Communications station.

“Where is the ambassador now, sir?” Navesh asked hiding the fact that she was impressed with the fact that they were transporting another one of Starfleet’s legendary officers.

“He’s in VIP quarters. He wanted to tale some time to meditate.” Callum said. Continuing on Callum said, “Lieutenant Nerah, break orbit and lay in a course for Vulcan and engage at warp nine point six. Lieutenant th’Chayn, see tae the security arrangements.”

Turning to face Damrus he continued on saying, “Ye have the bridge, Commander Rel. Ah’ll be in mah ready room.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said as he turned from the first officer and communications station and stood up to head over to the center seat as Callum walked across the bridge towards the ready room entrance.

=/\=​

“Do you mind if I join you, Lieutenant?” Nerah asked as walked up to the mess hall table that Shrek was sitting at later that evening, with a tray that held a bowl of plomeek broth and glass of water.

Looking up he replied as he gestured to the table’s open seats, “Of course, lieutenant. Feel free.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Shrak asked once Nerah had sat down across from him.

“Of course. Its only fair.” Nerah replied.

“Your piloting skills are legendary.” Shrak said, “What did you do to get grounded?”

“I let a my cousin use a Starfleet shuttle to smuggle Corillan Acid in exchange for a bootleg copy of the new ‘Vulcan Love Slave’ holo-novel” Nerah said with a straight face.

“Wha.. Really?!” Shrak asked in shock.

“No. Not really.” Nerah chuckled. “I disobeyed a direct order from an admiral to not reroute to assist a S.I.D. until the rescue ship that was on route arrived. I was more than a little insubordinate, but lives were at risk and the admiral was being a pompous self-righteous frass who was more concerned with his schedule than saving lives.” Nerah explained.

“Hmm I see.” Shrak said, “Which Admiral was it?”

“Wellington.” Nerah said plainly.

“Hmmm… Calling Admiral Wellington a pompous self-righteous frass is insulting… to pompous self-righteous frasses.” Shrak replied with a chuckle in his voice.

Lifting up his glass in a toast Nerah said, “As our human colleagues would say, ‘Amen to that!’.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Eleven =/\=​

Stardate 57033.39 (January 14, 2380. 07:44 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Interstellar space, Foxtrot Sector, UFP

The next morning Callum walked onto the Mjolnir’s bridge a few steps behind Navesh and headed for the center seat to relieve the ship’s Alvanian gamma shift officer of the watch, lieutenant Tigan Millis, Callum watched as Tigan stood up and stepped to the side so she was standing beside the center seat.

“Was it a quiet shift, lieutenant?” Callum asked as one of the security officers, Chief Petty Officer Patrick Reese, relived his gamma shift counterpart and took his position standing in the ‘at ease’ position by the turbolift.

“Very much so, sir.” Tigan replied, “The most exciting thing was when Sickbay reported that Petty Officer Florez slipped coming down a Jefferies tube ladder and sprained his ankle.”

“Ah see.” Callum said, “The bridge is mine.”

“I stand relieved.” Tigan said relinquishing command of the bridge to Callum.

As Callum sat down in the captain’s chair Tigan, and the rest of the gamma shift bridge crew filed out of the bridge through the port and starboard exits to go off duty so they could either go to the mess hall, the rec deck or their quarters. Looking at the chronometer display on the port side captain’s console Callum saw that it was zero-eight-hundred hours; the beginning of alpha shift.

“Computer, begin day watch.” Callum said to the computer causing it to begin the day watch which caused the lighting throughout the ship to rise to the standard level from the reduced lighting levels of gamma shift.

Hearing the turbolift door whoosh open Callum looked over and saw Ambassador Spock walk onto the Mjolnir’s bridge and look around for a moment appraising the compact bridge.

As Callum stood up he announced, “Ambassador on deck!”

While Starfleet protocol technically didn’t require that the presence of an Ambassador be announced like the presence of a Captain or Admiral announcing Spock’s presence as if it were seemed correct to Callum given Spock’s fame and significant contributions and actions for and on behalf of Starfleet and the Federation.

Before anyone else could stand Spock said, “As you were, please.”

“Welcome tae the bridge, Ambassador.” Callum said with a smile as he stepped away from the mark seven center seat, “Is there anything ah can do tae help ye?

“I was hoping it would be permissible to see the bridge.” Spock asked.

“Of course it is, Ambassador.” Callum said. Gesturing to the center seat he said, “Would ye care tae sit down?”

“No thank-you, Captain. That is your seat, my days of command are in the past. I am content to stand and observe. Would it be permissible for me to examine your bridge stations?” Spock said.

“O’ course, Ambassador.” Callum said as he sat down in the center seat.

As Callum watched Spock slowly walked from station to station engaging in some brief conversation with each officer manning the station. Once he reached ops Spock was soon deep in conversation with Navesh about the technical capacities of the Mjolnir’s sensors comparing them to the ones that he used on a daily basis when he had served on the Enterprise under Captain Pike and Captain Kirk. Once their conversation concluded Spock walked towards the center seat.

“Captain MacLeod, I am going to go to the mess hall. Would you care to accompany me?” Spock asked.

“It would be mah pleasure, Ambassador.” Callum said as he stood up and stepped away from the Captain’s chair. Looking at Damrus he said, “The bridge is yours, Commander Rel. Let me ken if anything comes up.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said as he stood up from the XO/Communications station to head to the center seat to assume command of the bridge.

Once they had reached the turbolift alcove Callum pressed the call button to summon a turbolift car for him and Ambassador Spock. Once it arrived and the doors had opened Callum followed Spock into the turbolift car and, as the doors closed behind him while he turned to face them, ordered the turbolift to take them to deck five forward. Moments later the doors whooshed open and Callum stepped out and began walking down the corridor to head to the mess hall.

“Have ye had a chance tae look around, Ambassador?” Callum asked making small talk.

“Not yet, Captain.” Spock said as they turned a corner and headed down the corridor, “I must confess that your accent reminds me of an engineer that I once served with.”

“Captain Scott?” Callum asked as they stepped into the mess hall.

“Correct, are you acquainted with Captain Scott?” Spock asked.

“Unfortunately only by his reputation, sir.” Callum said honestly, “At the risk o’ sounding like a fawning cadet ah have tae admit that ah’ve always wanted tae meet him; along with ye and the rest o’ your friends from when ye served on the Enterprise.”

“My crewmates on the Enterprise were an extraordinary collection of individuals. The older I get the more I find myself thinking about those days.” Spock said nostalgically as they reached the replicator ignoring the awestruck stairs of the crew in the mess hall.

“Ah would think that’d be natural an’ even logical in its own way.” Callum said.

“Perhaps.” Spock said nostalgically. Speaking to he replicator he said, “One Ts’kaba.”

“Pavel seems to be correct about him.” Spock thought as the Vulcan fruit materialized, “He and his ship could prove very useful.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Twelve =/\=​

Stardate 57037.64 (January 9, 2380. 18:39 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Interstellar space, Foxtrot Sector, UFP

Walking down a corridor after the end of his duty shift Callum reached the wood inlayed double doors and walked into the mess hall. To Callum’s right was an open space with a couch along the two bulkheads. Next to the open space, going from starboard to port were eight four person tables divided into two equal rows. On the bulkhead on the far side of the rows of tables was a standard issue replicator. Walking over to the replicators Callum ordered replicator entrée one eleven and a bottle of lime pick-a-pop. Once the tray with his meal and drink materialized on the replicator’s receiving platform Callum picked the tray up and carried it over to an unoccupied table. After setting the tray down on the table Callum pulled out one of the dining chairs and sat down to begin eating his sweet chili chicken stir-fry as his mind began to wander.

“May I join you, sir?” Navesh said moments later as she stood next to the table with a tray in hand bringing Callum’s attention back to reality.

Looking up Callum saw the curvy raven haired and emerald skinned Orion woman standing there with a tray containing an order of ginger chicken, a baked alpha centaurian potato and an iced jumja tea with a hopeful yet questioning look on her face as she looked at him.

“Oh sorry, Commander… Mah mind was light-years away.” Callum said. Gesturing at the seat across from him with his fork he continued on saying, “By all means.”

“Thank-you, sir.” Navesh replied as she sat down.

“Can ah ask ye a personal question?” Callum asked as he looked across the table at Navesh.

“Of course. I’m an open book.” Navesh replied.

“Ah was wondering how ye got a Ukrainian surname.” Callum said, “After all its nae common for an Orion tae have a Terran surname.”

“There’s not much to tell. I was born onboard a freighter that my birth parents ran; it was attacked by Nausicaan pirates when I was four and I was the only survivor. I don’t remember much of what happened. A combination of PTSD and being so young, I suppose. What I do remember is that a Starfleet ship answered our distress call. The first officer and his wife ended up adopting me and transferring to Earth for planet-side duty so I could have as normal childhood as possible.” Navesh replied, “I may be an Orion by birth, but deep down I’m just a good ol’ Ukrainian girl who loves to cook and was luck enough to be taught how to cook by her baba.”

“Baba?” Callum said questioningly.

“Its Ukrainian for grandma. She’s my adoptive father’s mother.” Navesh explained, “My baba’s a fabulous cook. I can still remember the smells from her cooking when we would go over for supper. Holopchi, perogies, borscht, chicken kiev, paska. All the foods that are better for the soul than the waist line. She believes real food is more nutritious. She’s the best cook in the Federation, hands down. She makes the best food that I’ve ever had, bar none. She taught me her recipes, but I’ve never been able to get them exactly like hers. And believe me it’s not for a lack of trying.”

As Navesh finished speaking the ship’s Tellarite Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Commander Prolasch Gorsach, walked up to the table with a tray in his hands and said, “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all.” Callum said gesturing to the seat across from him.

As Prolasch set his tray with a plate of grilled Andorian tuber root and a PADD with the title ‘Protostar Assisted Super-Luminal Propulsion’ down and sat down at the table Callum continued on saying, “So how are things in engineering?”

“As good as can be expected with all the yarliq-brained greenhorns command saddled me with.” Prolasch said, “How are things up on deck one?”

With a chuckle in his voice Callum said, “Aboot the same... Minus the yarliq-brained greenhorns.”

“Must be nice.” Prolasch said grumpily. Looking at Navesh he said “How about you, Commander? How are you?”

“As good as can be expected for some who has to serve with a mangy, thrice damned, yarliq-brained shilgeran like you.” Navesh said.

With a hearty belly laugh Prolasch said, “A lady with looks and a solid grasp of ‘civil conversation’. You’re quite the catch.”

“And I’m a pretty good cook, if I do say so myself.” Navesh said.

With a nod at Prolasch’s PADD Callum said, “What are ye workin’ on, Commander.”

“Oh, this?” Prolasch said holding up the PADD, “Its just a pet project that I’ve been working on with some colleagues in the SCE.”

“Ah’d be interested in hearing more aboot it.” Callum said, “Ahm nae a professional engineer but ah have always had an interest in engineering.”

“It’s still mostly theoretical, but its about using a synthetic miniature protostar to amplify high order warp fields to achieve high order transwarp velocities.” Prolasch explained.

“Wow.” Callum said, “That’s some ‘pet project’. That would literally revolutionize exploration if it’s successful.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for.” Prolasch said puffing up with pride, “But right now it’s still purely theoretical.”

Continuing on he looked at Navesh and Prolasch with a half grin on his face and said, “Ah’ll be right back.”

Once he had walked over to the counter Callum began rhythmically pounding on the counter with a mug.

Rap... Rap... Rap.

Within moments all of the crew in the mess hall were looking at Callum and the ones who recognized the tune were rapping their fists against their tables in time to the beat of the song as Callum began singing and joined him in singing the chorus when it came up.

“There once was a ship that put tae sea
The name of the ship was the Billy O' Tea
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
Oh blow, mah bully boys, blow

Soon may the Wellerman come
Tae bring us sugar an’ tea an’ rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We'll take our leave an’ go

She'd not been two weeks from shore
When down on her a right whale bore
The captain called all hands and swore
He'd take that whale in tow

Soon may the Wellerman come
Tae bring us sugar an’ tea an’ rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We'll take our leave an’ go

Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Before the boat had hit the water
The whale's tail came up and caught ‘er
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought ‘er
When she dived down low

Soon may the Wellerman come
Tae bring us sugar an’ tea an’ rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We'll take our leave an’ go

No line was cut, no whale was freed
The captain's mind was not o’ greed
And he belonged to the Whaleman's creed
She took that ship in tow

Soon may the Wellerman come
Tae bring us sugar an’ tea an’ rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We'll take our leave an’ go

Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da

For forty days or ev’n more
The line went slack then tight once more
All boats were lost, there were only four
But still that whale did go

Soon may the Wellerman come
Tae bring us sugar an’ tea an’ rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We'll take our leave an’ go

As far as I've haird, the fight's still on
The line's nae cut, and the whale's nae gone
The Wellerman makes his regular call
Tae encourage the captain, crew an’ all

Soon may the Wellerman come
Tae bring us sugar an’ tea an’ rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We'll take our leave an’ go

Soon may the Wellerman come
Tae bring us sugar an’ tea an’ rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We'll take our leave an’ go”

Once Callum finished singing the mess hall erupted into appreciative applause as none of the crew were use to having a commanding officer sing to them, never mind having one sing a song to them that was practically required learning at Starfleet Academy.

“Thank ye.” Callum said with a bow of his head, “Ah’ve always wanted tae Do that.”

Looking at Prolasch as she spoke Navesh said, “I had a feeling that’d be something good.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Thirteen =/\=​

Stardate 57036.48 (January 14, 2380. 08:31 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Interstellar space, Foxtrot Sector, UFP

The next morning as Callum sat at the ready room desk, his combadge chirped signaling that someone was trying to reach him through the intercom. Tapping the silver outlined Starfleet delta backed by two vertical gold quadrangles to open the channel Callum spoke.

“MacLeod here.” He said.

“Commander Rel, Captain. We just received a priority one hail for you.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from Callum’s combadge.

“Route it here, Commander.” Callum said.

“Aye aye, sir. Rel out.” Damrus said before the channel closed with a quiet click.

Turning to face the monitor on his desk Callum pressed the control on it to wake it up from its power saving mode and pressed the accept button on the touch screen causing the monitor to spring to life with the real time image of Rear Admiral Robert Coburn.

“Tae what do ah owe the pleasure, Admiral.” Callum said looking at the desktop monitor.

“I have orders for you, Captain.” Coburn said, “We need to divert you from your course to Vulcan, temporarily. I’ll transmit the mission specifics to you momentarily, but the gist of it is that the we need you to participate in a coordinated search for the Eclipse; she’s an Albacore class ship under the command of Captain Anton Kalashnikov and we’re also tasked with transporting a V.I.P. We’ve tried getting a hold of them but they are not responding and they are overdue.”

“Ah understand, sir. Are there any other ships are participating in the search?” Callum said.

“Yes, one other. The Bluefin.” Coburn said.

“The Bluefin, that’s Captain Akinola’s ship.” Callum replied, “I met him one time when the Carolina and the Bluefin both made port at Star Station Echo. If ahm nae mistaken Bluefin is assigned tae the Border Service an' tae patrol near the Molari Badlands”

"Yes, Captain. But we’re all one fleet and Admiral Bouvier is working on fully integrating the Border Service into the rest of the fleet. But that’s neither here nor there. The Bluefin just completed a special assignment an you are the two closest ships so you get the job. Coburn out.” Admiral Coburn said before closing the communications channel causing the monitor to revert to the black screen of it’s power saving mode.

Tapping his combadge Callum said, “MacLeod tae Rel.”

“Rel here.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from Callum’s combadge.

“We’ve been ordered tae participate in a coordinated SAR-OP for the Eclipse. Ahm going tae send the coordinates for our search tae start from tae the helm and then I’ll come to the bridge. Make sure we’re underway at maximum warp by the time ahm in mah seat on the bridge.”

“Understood, sir. We’ll be on the way with time to spare.” Damrus replied.

“That’s what ah like tae hear, Commander. MacLeod out.” Callum replied before closing the comm-channel.

=/\=​

Moments later Callum walked through the ready room door onto the bridge Callum walked towards the captain’s chair as Damrus stood up wordlessly turning command of the bridge over to Callum.

“Report.” Callum said.

“We’re on route for the search coordinates and traveling at warp nine point nine five.” Damrus reported.

“Understood, Commander.” Callum said as he sat down in the mark seven captain’s chair, “The bridge is mine. Please resume your station.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said before returning to the XO/Communications Station.

Tapping his combadge Callum said, “MacLeod tae Engineering.”

“Engineering, Gorsach here.” Said the disembodied voice of the ship’s Tellarite chief engineer coming from Callum’s combadge.

“We need maximum warp as long as you can manage, Commander. We’ve got a missing ship and crew to find.” Callum explained.

Prolasch must have heard the urgency in Callum’s voice and responded without his characteristic sarcasm, “Aye, sir. We’ll do our best, but we won’t be able to maintain that speed for ever.”

“Hold it as long as you can, Commander. I’m counting on ye and your team.” Callum said.

“We’re on it Captain. I’ll personally baby the mains if I have to.” Prolasch said.

“Thank you commander. Bridge out.” Callum said. Addressing the entire bridge he said, “Does anyone have any questions?”

“The Eclipse, sir. Is she still under Captain Kalashnikov’s command?” Damrus replied.

“Yes, Commander. Do ye ken Captain Kalashnikov?” Callum asked.

“Yes, sir.” Damrus replied, “I served under him when he was the XO on the T’Shal.”

“Well, hopefully we find them quickly and in good condition. Does anyone else have any questions?” Callum asked.

“What kind of ship is the Eclipse?” Nerah asked from the helm, “I don’t recognize her name.”

“She’s an Albacore class ship like the Bluefin. She was dragged out of mothballs during the war.” Callum said. Continuing on he asked, “Anyone else?”

“Are we the only ship searching for the Eclipse?” Navesh asked from Ops.

“No, the Bluefin is assigned tae the search as well.” Callum replied, “We’re the two closest ships so we get the job. Any more questions?”

When no one spoke up Callum said, “Is there anything on sensors?”

After a momentary pause that she used to review the readouts on her console Navesh said, “Nothing within sensor range, sir.”

“Understood. Please begin continuous scans for the Eclipse, Commander.” Callum ordered. Turning to the tactical station and said, “Lieutenant th’Chayn, take us tae yellow alert an’ bring the weapons tae hot standby status.”

“Aye, sir.” Navesh said before Shrak echoed her as the yellow alert lights began flashing throughout the ship.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Fourteen =/\=​

Stardate 587039.17 (January 14, 2380. 08:08 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Interstellar space, Foxtrot Sector, UFP

“Captain.” Damrus said shortly after the start of alpha shift the next morning, “We’ve just began receiving an automated signal from a ship’s disaster beacon. The transponder code matches that of the Eclipse. I’ve attempted to hail them on all frequencies; no response.”

“Any details aboot what happened tae them?” Callum asked.

“No, sir. We’re just receiving the automatic signal.” Damrus replied.

“Do ye have coordinates?” Callum asked.

“Yes, Sir. I’ve already sent the coordinates to the helm.” Damrus replied.

As he turned to face the helm Callum said, “Lieutenant Nerah, adjust our course an’ tae intercept an’ take us tae maximum warp.”

“Aye, aye sir.” Nerah replied from the helm as his fingers danced across the console, “Coming to new course and accelerating now. ETA to contact is in thirty eight minutes.”

“Understood.” Callum replied, “Lieutenant th’Chayn, have SAR-OP teams ready tae beam o’er“ Callum ordered once Nerah finished speaking.

“The SAR-OP teams already standing by.” Shrak replied with a touch of pride in his voice.

“Commander Rel, put me on ship-wide.” Callum ordered.

“Aye, sir.” The Eskan XO replied as his fingers danced across the freestanding console that served as the XO/Communications station.

“All hands, this is the Captain. We have picked up a disaster signal from the Eclipse. At this point, we have no details on the actual status of the Eclipse. We’re going in, prepared for the worst but hoping for the best. All sections prepare for S.I.D. operations.” Callum said after the three toned sound of a bosun’s whistle sounded through the ship.

Once he finished speaking Callum signaled for the channel to be closed with the ‘cut it’ gesture.

Turning and looking at Navesh he noticed that she had added silver highlights to her raven tresses and said, “When did you add the highlights, Commander Tymoshenko?”

Blushing slightly as she turned from the Operations station she said, “Last night, Sir. I felt like a change.”

“Well, it looks absolutely fabulous on ye.” Callum said honestly.

“Thank-you, sir.” Navesh said blushing at the compliment.

=/\=​

“I have a positive contact on sensors.” Navesh replied from the Ops station just over half an hour later.

“Are we within transporter range?” Callum asked.

“Not quite.” Navesh replied.

“Move us in closer, Mister Nerah.” Callum said.

“Aye, aye sir.” Nerah replied from the helm as his fingers danced across the console guiding the compact ship’s movements with the skill of a professional fighter pilot.

“We’re within transporter range.” Navesh replied seconds later.

“On screen, Commander Gal. Hold our position, Mister Nerah.” Callum ordered as he leaned forward in his seat.

Seconds later the viewscreen sprang to life with the image of a badly damaged Albacore class ship slowly orbiting a red-orange world much like Mars. Emblazoned on the hull, amid scorch marks and blown out hull plates was USS ECLIPSE. As the small vessel floated in the blackness of space Callum noticed the leading edge of the saucer section had been completely destroyed, exposing sections of each of the decks to space. All over the vessels structure were signs of damage, whether it be simple burn marks, dents or full on hull breaches. The deflector dish had taken enough damage to make it flicker on and off at random. Numerous hull breaches as well as the unmistakable fact that is port side warp nacelle was completely missing and the starboard one was completely dark and missing almost all of the hull plating aft of the buzzard collector. All that coupled with the flickering of damaged power conduits and plasma fires visible through the hull breaches and view ports spoke of the small ship having been through a horrific experience.

“Mhac na galla…” Callum muttered cursing in Scottish Gaelic as he looked at the sight on the viewscreen. Turning to face Demeres at the XO/Communications station he switched back to Federation Standard English and said, “Notify the Bluefin that we’ve found the Eclipse and will take any survivors onboard for medical attention. Forward them our sensor readings an’ ask the them tae come here an’ tow her back tae base.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied before setting to his assigned task.

“Any signs of who did that to them?” Callum said turning to look at Navesh at ops.

“Sensors are detecting two residual weapons signatures. One belongs to the Eclipse. I ran the second one through the search twice to be sure; the computer says the weapons signature is Suliban.” Navesh said.

“Suliban?” Shrak asked.

“They are an unaligned nomadic species from sector three-six-four-one that are roughly equal to the Federation in terms of technological development. A small portion of them have settled on various Federation worlds, such as Tiburon. Even fewer have joined Starfleet. There is a small extremist group of Suliban, called the Cabal, that has been around longer than the Federation.” Navesh replied.

After hearing a chirp from her station Navesh tapped a pop-up and readout before she said, “Captain, sensors picking up one life sign onboard – its human and its old… REALLY old.”

“Beam it straight tae sickbay.” Callum ordered.

“Aye, sir.” Navesh replied as she began working the controls of the Ops station.

Moments later Damrus said, “Captain, sickbay requests that you come down there immediately and that Ambassador Spock accompanies you.”

“The bridge is yours, Commander Rel. Ask the ambassador tae meet me at sickbay.” Callum said standing up and stepping away from the center seat.

=/\=​

Walking into sickbay with Spock moments later Callum saw Melina standing beside one of the biobeds scanning an ancient looking human man with white hair. Looking towards them a look of recognition and happiness spread across the old man’s face as he spoke.

“Funny running into you here, Spock.” Admiral Leonard McCoy said with a hint of friendly sarcasm in his voice. Looking at Callum and noticing the slight points on his ears McCoy said, “I hope that you don’t take this the wrong way but you’re not quite human are you, son?”

“Actually quite the opposite, sir. Ahm MOSTLY human. Mah maternal grandmother was Vulcan; but besides that ahm all Human. ah was born and raised in the highlands o’ Scotland; on the Isle o’ Skye tae be specific, sir.” Callum said with a smile. Extending his hand in an offer of a hand shake Callum continued on saying, “Captain Callum MacLeod. Welcome aboard the Mjolnir, Admiral. It’s a honor tae meet ye, sir.”

“Thank-you.” McCoy said reaching out and shaking Callum’s hand with a surprisingly firm grip for a one hundred and forty six year old, “Would I be able to bother you for a ride to Vulcan?”

“We actually were already on our way tae bring Ambassador Spock there when we were detoured tae search for the Eclipse.” Callum replied.

“You don’t say.” McCoy said with a slight half grin on his face and a knowing glimmer in his eyes as he glanced at Spock

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Fifteen =/\=​

Stardate 587048.05 (January 18, 2380 14:08 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir - In orbit of Vulcan
40 Eridani A System, Sector 001, UFP

As he sat behind the desk in his ready room Callum’s combadge chirped to signal that he had and incoming hail waiting for him. After setting the bottle of lime flavored pick-a-pop down on the desktop he tapped the silver outline of the Starfleet delta on top of two vertical gold quadrangles on his chest to open the channel.

“MacLeod. Go ahead.” Callum said after opening the comm-link.

“Commander Rel, Captain.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from Callum’ combadge, “We’re on final approach to Vulcan and have been cleared to enter orbit.”

“Thank-ye, Commander. Ah’ll be there right away. MacLeod out.” Callum said before tapping his combadge to close the comm-link.

As the comm-link clicked closed Callum stood up and walked out of his ready room onto the bridge and said, “Report.”

Vacating the center seat as he spoke Damrus said, “We’ve entered standard orbit of Vulcan. We’ve have been cleared to beam down the Ambassador and Admiral to the surface.”

“Very good, commander.” Callum said as he approached the center seat, “The bridge is mine.”

“Aye, sir.” Demeres said before he turned to return to the XO/Communications station.

Tapping his combadge Callum said, “MacLeod tae Ambassador Spock.”

“Spock here.” The middle aged Vulcan replied through the combadge.

“We have entered orbit o’ Vulcan and been cleared tae beam ye an’ Admiral McCoy tae the surface.” Callum explained.

“Thank-you, Captain.” Callum said, “The Admiral and I will be there momentarily. I request that you meet us in the transporter room. I will explain more when we arrive.”

“Would ten minutes be sufficient?” Callum said.

“It would, Captain.” Spock said.

“In that case ah will meet te at transporter one in ten minutes.” Callum said.

=/\=​

Ten minutes later Callum was standing in the transporter room with Spock and McCoy while Ensign Rita Tannenbaum stood at the transporter control panel.

“Do you have the coordinates to beam the Ambassador and Admiral down, Ensign?” Callum asked.

“Yes, sir. I do.” Tannenbaum replied, “Ambassador Spock provided the coordinates a few minutes ago.”

Turning to look at Spock and McCoy Callum said, “Its been a pleasure havin’ ye onboard.”

“The pleasure’s been ours, son.” McCoy said in his Georgian drawl.

“Indeed.” Spock said, “However, we are in need of your assistance. If you would accompany us to the surface everything will be made clear.”

Tapping his combadge Callum said, “MacLeod tae Rel.”

“Rel here.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from the combadge on Callum’s chest.

“Ah will he beaming down tae the surface with the Ambassador an’ Admiral. The ship is yours until ah return.” Callum said.

“Understood, sir.” Damrus replied.

“Ahm all yours.” Callum said after tapping his combadge to close the channel.

=/\=​

Moments later Callum, Spock and McCoy materialized at the edge of a wide stone plaza that joined the buildings of Spock’s family’s villa. Looking around Callum saw Spock and McCoy standing nearby.

Gesturing towards the main house Spock said, “My father’s wife Perrin is away on business for the Vulcan Diplomatic Corps. The others should be waiting inside for us by now. If you would please accompany us, Captain.”

“O’ course, Ambassador. It would be mah pleasure.” Callum said.

“I noticed that you didn’t call Perrin your step-mother.” McCoy said to Spock quietly as they turned to walk towards the villa.

“While the term may technically be accurate, it does not seem… appropriate… to refer to her in that matter given the fact that she is quite literally young enough to be my grand-child.” Spock replied in kind.

Walking into the villa behind Spock and McCoy Callum stopped in shock when he saw who else was waiting there. Seated in various seats around the room was a collection of literal living legends; Grand Admiral Pavel Chekov, Captain Hikaru Sulu, Captain Montgomery Scott, Admiral Nyota Uhura and the most surprising of all – a legend who was generally believed to be dead – James Tiberius Kirk.

With a chuckle at Callum’s shock McCoy walked over to Kirk and said, “Damn it Jim, its been too long. Its to bad it takes a threat like this to bring us all together again.”

“You’re right, Bones.” Kirk said. Looking at Spock he asked, “Who’s this, Spock?”

“Captain Callum MacLeod, of the Mjolnir.” Spock explained.

“Ahm, honored, Sir.” Callum said, “Please dinnae take this the wrong way but why aren’t ye dead? Ah had heard that ye’d died on Veridian Three helping Captain Picard defeat a madman.”

Before Kirk could reply Spock said, “Unfortunately the circumstances regarding the events following that are highly classified, hence why it is widely believed that Captain Kirk is deceased. But suffice it to say he is very much alive and in remarkable shape for a man of his years.”

“I’ll be the judge of that!” McCoy groused. Looking at Kirk he continued on, “Jim, Where’s that nephew of mine? I haven’t seen Joseph in far too long.”

“He’s out back.” Kirk said, “He saw the big old tree and had to try climbing it. Sometimes I swear that kid’s part monkey.”

“Who’s Joseph?” Callum asked.

“Joseph’s my son.” Kirk said matter-of-factly.

“Ah dinnae ken that ye had a son…” Callum said trailing off.

“I do.” Kirk explained. Taking on a sad tone he said, “His mother was from Chal. She died five years ago at Halkan shortly after Joseph was born.”

“Ahm sorry tae hear that.” Callum said.

“Teilani was a formidable personality.” Kirk said wistfully, “I think about her a lot.’

After a moment of silence Callum said, “Ah hope that ye forgive mah askin’ but why are ye all gathered here?”

“Because of a threat to the Federation that that the tin plated dictators with delusions of grandeur who make up the majority of Starfleet’s brass refuse to acknowledge.’ McCoy said before anyone else could answer.

“When Spock found out he reached out to Command but they refused believe him so he reached out to all of us.” Kirk explained.

“Does this have anything tae do with the Suliban attack on the Eclipse?” Callum asked.

“Indirectly. Have you heard of the Suliban Cabal?” Kirk asked.

“Ahm ‘fraid ah have nae.” Callum said honestly.

“The Suliban are a race of humanoid with unique biological camouflage and mimetic abilities.” Kirk explained, “The Suliban Cabal is a terrorist organization that dated back to the time of Captain Archer. We had a couple of minor run-ins with them back in the day.”

“Ye believe that this Cabal is a threat tae the Federation?” Callum asked.

“They are.” Spock said, “While on Romulus I learned of a report from the Romulan Star Navy that indicated that the Cabal have established a base of operations in the Ral Parthia system in neutral space and are planning to infiltrate various governments in a plan to undermine our alliances and provoke wars on multiple fronts so they can establish themselves as a dominant power in the ensuing chaos.”

“Command did nae believe ye?” Callum asked.

“No, they didn’t. However we feel that this is to dire a threat to ignore.” Grand Admiral Chekov said, “Nyota and I have taken care of the red tape but we are in need of your help… and your ship. We plan on infiltrating their base in the Ral Parthia system and obtaining a copy of their database so we can find out who their agents are. That way Nyota can have her S.I. agents apprehend them before they cause too much damage.”

“Ye can count on mah help. The Mjolnir is at your disposal.” Callum said

“Well, then. Let’s get underway.” Kirk said.

“Before we do that we have a stop to make.” Scotty said.

“We?” Kirk asked.

“O’ course ‘we’. Ye dinnae think we’d let ye have all the fun do ye?” Scotty said gesturing to the rest of the group. Looking at Callum he said, “We’ll be needing a ride tae Athan Prime before we get underway for Ral Parthia if ye dinnae mind.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Sixteen =/\=​

Stardate 57056.12 (January 21, 2380. 13:02 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Approaching Athan System, Sector 003, UFP

“Captain, we’re approaching the Athan system. Navigational sensors are detecting a Federation ship ahead.” Nerah reported from the helm.

“Is it one of the museum ships?” Callum asked.

“Possibly, but she’s no where near the Museum.” Nerah replied, “That’s located further into the system.”

“Take us out o’ warp, Ensign.” Callum ordered as he sat in the center seat as Spock, Kirk, Chekov, Uhura, Sulu and Scotty stood nearby as Joseph stood next to McCoy ready and willing do dote on his elderly ‘uncle’.

“Commander Rel, put the ship on screen.” Callum ordered.

“Start off with a far view then zoom in on the name if you would nae mind, Commander.” Scotty said cryptically.

Seconds later the view screen sprang to life with the image of a refit configuration Constitution class starship against the backdrop of distant stars. The only sounds on the bridge were the chirps and beeps from various consoles. Aside from that the bridge was quiet enough to hear a pin drop as the image zoomed in to show that the gleaming dorsal hull of the lovingly maintained ship which bore a name and registry that caused an literal gasp of surprise to escape Kirk’s lips.

USS ENTERPRISE NCC-1701​

“It can’t be…” Kirk trailed

“It’s the Enterprise…” Callum said trailing off.

“But, how…” Kirk said looking at Scotty, “She was destroyed at the Genesis Planet.”

“Its actually the Enterprise - A. She was sent here tae be an exhibit after she was decommissioned. When Spock talked tae me aboot gettin’ ‘the old band back together’ ah thought ‘what other ship would be appropriate?’ So ah talked tae a friend or two an’ pulled a few strings tae get her for us an’ get the registry ‘fixed’.” Scotty explained, “Ah’ve had her rigged up like we did back when we ‘borrowed’ the original Enterprise; All the systems are automated. A chimpanzee an’ two trainees could run ‘er. Although ah did arrange for an engineering crew an’ a few relief officers for the bridge.”

Repeating a statement he had said many years ago Kirk said, “Thank you. Mister Scott, I’ll try not to take that personally.”

“Are you ready, Jim?” Spock asked.

“More than you know.” Kirk answered as he stared at the viewscreen. Looking at his son he said, “Are you ready, Joseph?”

“You bet, dad.” The younger Kirk said. Looking at McCoy he got a devilish look on his face as he said, “I’ll take care of Uncle Bones.”

“Why I oughta…” McCoy said with mock irritation in his voice as he ruffled Joseph’s hair.

“Don’t get too upset, Uncle Bones.” Joseph teased, “You need to take it easy at your age.”

“Now don’t you start, boy.” McCoy grumbled as he wagged a finger at the young Kirk.

=/\=​

Materializing on the bridge of the Enterprise moments later with his son friends Kirk has the feeling of coming home after a long time of being away. His silently reverie was suddenly interrupted by the sound of Scotty speaking.

“Ah’d be grateful if ye’d give the word, Captain.” Scotty prompted.

“Stations, please. My friends.” Kirk said as he headed for the center seat.

“Joseph, you may assist me at the science station.” Spock said.

“Sure thing, Uncle Spock.” Joseph said as he followed Spock to the science station.

“Captain, we’re being hailed by the Mjolnir.” Uhura said after she sat at the communications station and putting an old style Feinberg receiver in her ear.

“On screen.” Kirk ordered settling into the center seat as the others took their places while a sense of nostalgia and déjà vu swept over him.

“Now there’s a sight that ah never thought ah’d be lucky enough tae see outside a holodeck.” Callum said from the viewscreen.

“I never though I’d be back here either.” Kirk said with a smile looking around at his old friends with him and then back to the new one on the viewscreen, “Its like coming home.”

“My apologies for interrupting, but I believe that we should get under way.” Spock said from the science station.

“Of course. Mister Sulu, set a course for Ral Parthia and engage at warp eight.” Kirk said. Looking at Callum on the viewscreen he said, “Good luck, Captain.”

“Same tae ye, sir.” Callum said, “Ah have a feelin’ that we’ll need all the luck we can get. After all it’s like the Border Service says, ‘We have to go out; we don’t have to come back’.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Seventeen =/\=​

Stardate 57056.62 (January 21, 2380. 17:25 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir - flying in formation with the Enterprise
Sector 003, UFP

As the Mjolnir flew through the blackness of the interstellar void Callum heard the sound of the ready room door chime sound to let him know someone was waiting in the corridor to enter. After turning off the desktop monitor Callum turned to the door as he wondered who was in the corridor wanting to speak to him. Figuring there was really only one way to find out Callum spoke up saying the standard Starfleet invitation/command of ‘enter’ to let whoever was waiting in the corridor know that they had permission to enter the ready room. Seconds later the ready room door slid open with a whoosh allowing the Mjolnir’s curvaceous black and silver haired Orion chief operations officer to sashay into the ready room.

Gesturing for Navesh to take a seat across from him Callum said, “How can ah help ye, lass?”

“I was hoping that you would grant me permission to wear something besides the standard issue duty uniform while on duty.” Navesh said.

“What were ye thinking?” Callum asked as he though that the standard issue duty uniform looked good on Navesh which was quite a feat and hoped whatever she was wanting permission to wear looked at least as good on her.

“I was hoping that I could have permission to wear the female duty uniform variant that has the standard tunic and undershirt with a mini-skirt and knee high boots.” Navesh said.

After a moment’s pause Callum said, “Permission granted. Was there anything else that ye wanted tae ask?”

“Actually, sir, there is.” Navesh replied after a second’s pause deciding to take the initiative and pursue Callum.

“And that would be?” Callum said prompting the curvy Orion woman when she didn’t continue speaking.

“I was hoping that you would join me for dinner tonight in my quarters at nineteen hundred… just the two of us.” Navesh said biting her lip seductively and hoping that Callum wouldn’t reject her advance.

“It would be mah pleasure.” Callum said without hesitation and with a grin on his face, “Ah’ll bring the Breshanti ale.”

“Wonderful!” Navesh said excitedly. Continuing on she said, “I really should be getting back to my station, with your permission of course. I’m still on duty after all.”

“Permission granted.” Callum said giving Navesh permission to leave.

=/\=​

Just before nineteen hundred hours, Callum found himself standing outside of Navesh’s quarters with a bottle of Breshanti ale in one hand hoping he hadn’t misread Navesh’s intentions in asking him to dinner. Mustering up his courage Callum pressed the button marked ‘Chime’ on the control panel next to the door. A moment later the door whooshed open to reveal Navesh standing there wearing a yellow curve hugging dress had a single shoulder strap that went over her left shoulder and left her entire right side down to her curvy emerald colored hip exposed as well as her shapely legs from mid-thigh down.

“I was hoping that was you.” Navesh said.

“Ye look… absolutely wonderful, lass” Callum said feeling like he was fumbling over his words.

“Oh you sweet talker you.” Navesh said flirtatiously as she stepped to the side and gestured for Callum to come in.

As the doors whooshed shut behind Callum, after he stepped inside Navesh’s quarters, she took the bottle of Breshanti ale from and set it down on the nearby end table as he looked around at her quarters seeing the small couch in the living room area of the room, the empty dining table and the bulkhead mounted replicator on the dining room side and the door of the far bulkhead that led to Navesh’s bedroom.

“Am ah too early? Ah see dinner’s not ready.” Callum asked.

“Oh, we’ll worry about that later…” Navesh said trailing off as she grabbed Callum by his uniform tunic and backed up towards the bedroom pulling him with her.

=/\=​

Callum stared up at the ceiling. It had been among the most memorable hours of his life. Their lovemaking had been extremely physical. She’d proven to him that the rumors he’d heard were true - Orion women were nearly insatiable in bed. The bedding had been annihilated and he was sure half the ship knew what they’d been doing…not that he really cared at the moment. Beside him, his insatiable lover stirred and ran her hand over his chest. He looked down and found a pair of beautiful eyes staring back at him. He smiled and kissed her, then wrapped his arms around her. She sighed and snuggled into his embrace as he planted a kiss in her hair and inhaled its heavenly scent. He let silence reign for a few more minutes before he up.

“Well that definitely happened.” Callum said to Navesh as she lay next to him on the queen size bed, “Not that ahm upset, but someone would’ve thought that ye planned it.”

“I did. To be completely honest I’ve wanted you since we first met. I just had to muster up the courage first.” Navesh said honestly.

After a momentary pause he continued on saying, “We need tae discuss us.”

“I like the sound of that.” Navesh replied as she rolled to her side and propped herself up so she was facing Callum.

“The sound o’ what?” Callum asked.

“Us.” Navesh answered.

“It sounds quite good, does it?” Callum said honestly.

“It does.” Navesh said, “I’d like to get use to it.”

“Same here.” Callum said.

Before either of them could say anything else the ship shuddered as if it had been hit. Tossing the cover off of them Callum literally leapt out of the bed and rushed over to where he had tossed his uniform to grab his combadge off of the hastily discarded tunic.

Tapping the outline of Starfleet’s delta shield backed by two vertical gold quadrangles as it lay on his palm Callum said, “MacLeod tae the bridge, Report!”

Seconds later the voice of the beta shift officer of the watch came from the combadge saying, “Lieutenant Egan, here. That was just some spatial turbulence. We’re not detecting any more ahead. It should be clear sailing.”

“Understood. MacLeod out.” Callum said. Looking at Navesh he said, “Sorry, where were we?”

“I was just about to pounce on you like a rabid Cardassian vole and have my way with you again.” Navesh said with a grin on her face.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Eighteen =/\=​

Stardate 57056.8 (January 21, 2380 19:11 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Enterprise - flying in formation with the Mjolnir
Interstellar space, Sector 003, UFP

“So Jim, what do you think of Callum?” McCoy asked in one of the lounges on the Enterprise as he poured two glasses of Saurian brandy

“He’s a good kid. He definitely knows what he’s doing.” Kirk said as he picked up the glass.

“And he sounds like Scotty.” McCoy said picking up his own glass and held it up in a silent cheers.

“That he does!” Kirk said with a chuckle before taking a sip.

“Apparently Chekov has had his eye on him for some time. He was the one who recommended him once he heard that he was being promoted and given a ship.” McCoy said in-between sips of Saurian brandy.

“Far be it from me to argue with a Grand Admiral.” Kirk said after taking a long sip, “Pavel’s always had a good head on his shoulders I’m sure he knows what he’s talking about. What I still can’t wrap my mind around is the idea of Pavel being a ‘Grand-Admiral’. In my mind he’s still that young navigator on the bridge of the Enterprise.”

“That was a VERY long time ago… what I can’t wrap my mind around is the Orion woman I saw on his bridge.” McCoy said as he poured himself another Saurian brandy.

“You do know that she’s young enough to be your great-granddaughter if not your great-great-granddaughter, right Bones?” Kirk asked with a wry grin.

“I’m old, not dead Jim.” McCoy chuckled, “you’d have to be blind not to find her attractive. Plus there’s no harm in just looking. I never thought I’d live long enough to see any Orion in Starfleet.”

“I’m sure that you said the same thing when you met Worf.” Kirk said with a chuckle as he began refilling his glass after McCoy passed him the bottle of Saurian brandy.

“Very true!” McCoy admitted with a chuckle before taking a sip, “You ready to go over and have a fancy dinner with the young whippersnappers?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be to be.” Kirk said holding up his glass of Saurian brandy in a silent cheers.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Nineteen =/\=​

Stardate 5756.94 (January 17, 2380. 20:14 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir - flying in formation with the Enterprise
Interstellar space, Sector 003, UFP

“What’s this?” Joseph asked poking a purple mass on his plate with a fork as he sat beside his father at the table in the captain’s dining room onboard the Mjolnir hours later.

“Its grilled waaki.” Sulu said before Callum could answer. Looking at Joseph he said, “Try it Joseph. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“What would a ‘waaki’ happen tae be?” Scotty asked looking at his plate.

​

“A root vegetable from Catulla. It’s like a cross between an aubergine and a sweet potato, and its very high in protein and vitamins.” Sulu said.

After taking a bite he continued on saying, “Mmmm finally a grilled waaki with enough dess.”

Scotty skewered a chuck with his fork and paused, “Do ah want tae know what ‘dess’ is?”

“It’s a Catullan herb; basically a cross between garlic and cinnamon.” Sulu explained.

Scotty took a sniff, smelling a vague hint of garlic and cinnamon. The waaki was thick and fibrous but also very tender, had he not known it was a vegetable he would’ve sworn it was some form of meat. He nodded slowly as he munched down, which the other Enterprise crew– with the exception of Spock who was already eating his - took as a sign that it wasn’t going to do them any harm.

“So, Captain Kirk. What do ye think o’ the Mjolnir?” Callum asked.

Wagging a finger at Callum he said, “None of that. I told you to call me Jim.”

“Mah apologies… Jim.” Callum said feeling awkward about being so familiar with one of the most famous people in Starfleet history.

“She’s an impressive ship.” Kirk said diplomatically, “And from what I can tell she’s got a fine crew manning her.”

“Commander Tymoshenko,” McCoy said, “I’m sure that you have a fascinating story to tell. It’s not every day you run into an Orion woman with a Ukrainian family name serving in Starfleet.”

“There’s not much to tell, actually.” Navesh said, “I was born onboard a freighter that my birth parents ran. It was attacked by Nausicaan pirates when I was four and I was the only survivor. I don’t remember much about the attack. A combination of being so young and PTSD, I suppose. But what I do remember is that a Starfleet officer found me hiding under my bed. I hardly left his side after that. There were days where I literally sat on his lap while he sat in the XO’s seat because I refused to leave him. Looking back at it the ship’s Captain was very understanding about it. The XO and his wife ended up adopting me and transferring to Earth for planet-side duty so I could have as normal childhood as possible. Once I was old enough I applied to the academy and the rest is history.”

“Tymoshenko? Tymoshenko?” Chekov said trying to place the name, “Vould your father happen to be Commodore Richard Tymoshenko of Starfleet R&D?”

“Yup, that’s him.” Navesh replied.

“Good man.” Chekov said in his Russian accent with a chuckle, “Vith good taste when it comes to vodka.”

“Never could develop a taste for it myself.” Navesh replied. With a quick glance at and a wink at Callum she said, “I’ve recently developed a taste for all things Scottish.”

“Pfff, Scotch was invented by a little old lady from Leningrad.” Chekov said with a chuckle in his Russian accented Federation Standard English and a grin on his face as he looked at Scotty.

“Dinnae start with that again.” Scotty said with a chuckle, “She’s clearly a bonnie lass with impeccable taste.”

“Ah have tae agree with ye on that one, Captain Scott.” Callum said with a chuckle and a knowing grin of his own on his face.

“Call me Scotty, lad.” Scotty said with a chuckle of his own.

Raising his glass he said, “Tae new friends!”

As the clinking of glasses subsided Scotty looked at Callum and said, “Ye would nae happen tae have the replicator pattern for a good haggis would ye? It’s been fore’er since ah’ve had a really good one.”

“Ah actually do. Ah programmed mah gran-maw’s recipe in tae the computer. She made it by hand an’ ah scanned it to make a replicator pattern.” Callum said, “Ah’ll make sure that ye get an isolinear with it on it before ye beam back tae the Enterprise.”

“Thank ye, lad. It’s appreciated.” Scotty replied enthusiastically, “Now if we can find the pattern for a good Scotch we’d be set.”

“Aye, that we would. But I dinnae think it’s possible. The synthahol seems tae turn it in tae a foul swill.” Callum replied earnestly.

“Amen to that lad.” Scotty said. Tilting his glass slightly he said, “Have ye ever had Aldebaran whisky? Now there’s a drink that’ll put hair on your chest!”

“Well, in that case I’ll stay well away from it.” Navesh said with a grin on her face prompting a round of laughter.

“A bheil Gàidhlig nah-Alba agad?” Callum said in Scottish Gaelic asking Scotty if he spoke it.

Pausing for a moment Scotty said, “ Tha, tha mi deònach. But it’s been a donkey years since ah actually did more than swear in it.”

“Huh?” Joseph asked with the confusion visible on his face as he poked the grilled waaki on his plate with his fork.

“Captain MacLeod asked me if ah spoke Scottish Gaelic an’ ah told him that ah do.” Scotty explained.

“Captain Scott.” Prolasch said speaking up.

“Ah ah ah. None o’ that lad. Call me Scotty.” Scotty replied.

“Scotty… I don’t mean to sound like a fawning yarliq-brained cadet. But I was hoping that I could get you to autograph my favorite hyperspanner.” Prolasch asked.

“It would be mah pleasure, lad.” Scotty said with an indulging smile on his face, “As long as ye show me around your engine room.”

“That would be MY pleasure.” Prolasch said honestly.

Looking at the younger Kirk Scotty said, “Do ye want tae join us Joseph?”

“Sure Uncle Scotty! I love all that stuff!” Joseph exclaimed excitedly.

“That a boy!” Scotty said with a chuckle, “Ah’ll make an engineer oot o’ ye yet!”

“Not if I make a doctor out of him first!” McCoy grumbled with a smile on his face.

“Or if I make a pilot out of him.” Sulu said with a chuckle.

“Now fellas,” Kirk said with a chuckle of his own, “I’m sure Joseph would rather be a starship Captain like his old man.”

“Actually, I’d rather be an Ambassador like Uncle Spock.” Joseph said teasing his father with a chuckle in his voice.

With a slight nod of his head Spock spoke up in his deadpan voice saying, “Which is completely logical.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Twenty =/\=​

Stardate 57058.2 (January 22, 2380. 07:18 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir - flying in formation with the Enterprise
Approaching the edge of Sector 003, UFP

The next morning Callum was in the living room of Navesh’s quarters setting out a replicated breakfast of quadrotriticale toast, orange juice, targ bacon, and moba fruit when he heard one of the sets bedroom doors whoosh open.

“Are ye ready for breakfast ‘Vesh?” Callum asked as he was setting the bowl of moba fruit on the dining table.

Upon hearing his nickname for her, she turned to face him as she said, “What did you refer to me as?”

“ ‘Vesh’. Ah shortened your name as a term o’ endearment. However, ‘Navesh’ is such a beautiful name, ah’ll find it difficult tae stop using it altogether.” Callum explained.

Smiling at him tenderly at him she said, “Use whichever you want, I like both.”

Smiling back at her Callum said, “Ah’ll probably only use ‘Vesh when we’re alone. Although with mah luck ah’ll slip up and call ye ‘Mah darlin’ ’ on the bridge when Admiral Nechayev’s making a surprise inspection in a bad mood.”

At that Navesh giggled and said, “When is she NOT in a bad mood?”

=/\=​

Half an hour later, as he stepped out of the turbolift Callum noticed that Shrak, Nerah and Vhela were already manning their stations. Walking towards the captain’s chair to assume command Callum saw that Damrus was standing by the center seat speaking with ship’s purple skinned and raven haired Alvanian gamma shift officer of the watch, lieutenant junior grade Tigan Millis.

“Quiet shift, lieutenant?” Callum asked.

“Very, sir.” Tigan said, “Crewman Tam was treated for some strained tendons in his leg. Sickbay says he’s going to recover, but he is going to be off duty for the next couple of days. “

“Ah see.” Callum said. Adopting a formal tone and stance Callum continued on saying, “The bridge is mine.”

“Aye, sir. I stand relieved.” Tigan said formally relinquishing command of the bridge.

“Computer, begin day watch.” Callum said to the computer causing it to begin the day watch causing the lighting throughout the ship to rise to the standard level from the reduced lighting of the ship’s gamma shift.

Continuing on he said, “All stations report.”

“All offensive and defensive systems are available at your command, sir.” Shrak reported from the freestanding tactical station behind and to Callum’s left.

“Primary and secondary systems are fully operational, as are the back ups.” Navesh reported from where she sat on the port side of the bridge at the ops station facing the forward viewscreen, “The environmental system is producing a standard M class atmosphere in all pressurized areas of the ship and the grav plating is producing a standard one gee field in all areas with gravity.”

“We are flying in formation with the Enterprise at warp eight, Captain.” Nerah reported from the helm.

“All communications systems are online and operational, sir.” Damrus reported from the freestanding XO/Communications Station on the behind and to Callum’s right.

“Sensors are detecting a category four ion storm on our current heading.” Vhela reported from the science station.


“Commander Rel, inform the Enterprise. Lieutenant Nerah alter course tae give the storm a wide berth. Lieutenant Vhela keep an eye on the storm. ” Callum ordered.

Once Callum finished speaking Nerah, Vhela, and Damrus each replied to the orders with an ‘aye, sir’ one after the other.

“Coming to new course. Maintaining speed at warp eight.” Nerah said from the helm a moment later.

Tapping his combadge Callum hailed engineering with a, “MacLeod tae Engineering.”

“Engineering, Gorsasch.” Said the disembodied voice of the ship’s Chief Engineer from Callum’s combadge.

“We’ve altered course because o’ a cat four ion storm. Ah want ye tae rig for a rough ride, Incase the storm changes direction an' sneaks up on us.” Callum ordered.

“By the diseased second deity’s pustulent eye! I’ll never get the mid-range phase adjusters tuned properly at this rate!” The chief engineer’s disembodied voice said coming from Callum’s combadge.

“We’re counting on you, MacLeod out.” Callum said ignoring the Tellarite’s tone before he closed the channel with a tap on his combadge. After turning to face Damrus he asked, “Did you have a big breakfast this morning?”

Puzzled the Eskan XO shook his head saying, "No, sir. I actually skipped breakfast."

“That’s probably a good thing, commander.” Callum said, “If mah pilot’s instinct is right this ride’s aboot tae get very rough!”

“Lieutenant Vhela, what are sensors tellin’ ye aboot the storm?” Callum asked.

“The storm is a standard category four ion storm except for the fact that it has unusually strong magnetic fields. Which are interacting with each other like intense magnetic fields do in the atmospheres of gas giants. I’d be willing to bet that the auditory side effects are within the normal range of humanoid hearing.” Vhela reported.

“Let’s here them.” Callum said.

Seconds later the bridge was filled with the melancholy wailing of siren calls from the plasma storm’s magnetic fields interacting with each other.

“Well ah’ll be damned, siren calls.” Callum said to no one in particular.

“Siren calls, sir?” Shrak said turning from the tactical station as he felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine, “What are those?”

“The songs sung by mythological sea creatures from Earth. Supposedly they sang songs that would lure sailors tae their doom on reefs and jagged rocks.” Callum explained.

“Well that explains the chill that I just felt running down my spine. Let’s hope those sirens of yours don’t have a taste for starships, sir.” Shrak said.

As Callum chuckled in response the turbolift door whooshed open and Melina walked onto the bridge carrying a PADD in one of his hands. Hearing the siren calls she stopped dead in her tracks and said, “What’s that sound?”

“Siren calls from a nearby plasma storm, doctor. They’re caused by the storm’s magnetic fields. They’re nothing tae worry about. Its unusual tae see ye on the bridge. How can ah help ye doctor?” Callum said.

Holding the PADD out Melina walked over to Callum she said, “I’ve completed the physicals on the entire crew. Everyone is in overall good health. Aside from one case of Vulcan influenza, but I was able to – as you humans say – nip it in the bud before it became an issue.”

“Ahm glad tae hear that, Doctor.” Callum said as he read the report on the PADD.
“Captain.” Vhela said from the science station to get Callum’s attention.

“Yes, Lieutenant?” Callum said as he turned to face the science station.

“Long range sensors have detected a ship on an intercept course.” The Barzan science officer said.

Turning to face Shrak at Tactical Calum said, “Lieutenant th’Chayn, can ye identify the ship?”

Tapping a series of buttons on his console Shrak read he display and said, “According to the transponder data it’s the Titan.”

“Captain, the Titan is hailing both us and the Enterprise.” Damrus said, “The Enterprise is responding.”

“Put them both on screen, Commander.” Callum ordered.

Seconds later the viewscreen changed to the image of Captain Kirk and his crew on one side and on the other Captain Riker and his crew on the other.”

“Captain Kirk, Captain MacLeod, Titan requests permission to join your little fleet.” Riker said from the center seat of the Titan’s bridge with a smile on his face.

“Its good to see you again.” Kirk said with a chuckle, “How did you find out about our little endeavor?”

“I have my sources.” Riker said with a chuckle as he sat on a bridge that looked like a blend between the bridges of the Enterprise-D and the Enterprise-E with his wife and diplomatic officer Deanna Troi to his left and his first officer, Christine Vale, to his right.

“Admiral Picard told us before he put the Titan on detached duty.” Troi said with a chuckle.

“ADMIRAL Picard?” Kirk said, “I guess he didn’t listen to me when I told him not to let them promote or transfer him.”

“There were extenuating circumstances.” Riker said.

“The pending Romulan supernova?” Spock asked.

“Mhmm. He’s the CO if the Federation’s evacuation mission.” Riker said. Continuing on he changed the subject, “I’m glad to see that you getting your fourth pip wasn’t just a rumor, Callum.”

“Ah see the same is true aboot ye, Will.” Callum said.

“If the Enterprise and Mjolnir alter course for the Ryerson Nebula we will rendezvous with you at oh-nine-forty tomorrow morning and we can come up with a plan of attack using our three ships.” Riker said steering the conversation back to official business.

“Mister Sulu, alter course for the Ryerson Nebula. We’ll meet you there.” Kirk said from the viewscreen, “Captain MacLeod?”

“The Mjolnir will meet ye there as well.” Callum said.

“Sounds good. We’ll see you both then.” Kirk said.