Bridge Training: Cardassian Conspiracy (Part II)

Posted on Sat Feb 3rd, 2024 @ 7:07am by Cadet Senior Grade Meghan Stefani & Cadet Senior Grade Daniel Weaver & Cadet Junior Grade Emma Mendez & Cadet Junior Grade Shafin Todenhöfer
Edited on on Sat Feb 3rd, 2024 @ 7:28am

1,254 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Cadet Cruise

[PREVIOUSLY]

Shafin leaned over shoulder level with Meghan at the science station. "Good work," he said to her. "I think knowing all the reasons why we could be screwed gives us valuable information."

Meghan glanced at him and nodded. You generally needed to know the facts and the odds before you could determine what your options were.

[CONTINUED]

"Helping or hurting, Shafin? Which one is it?" Daniel said as he approached, hearing Shafin's comment. As he got closer to them he uncrossed his arms. "Shafin, do you think we can get a coded message to any nearby Starfleet ships for assistance. Preferable one the spoo... I mean Cardassians won't detect?"

Meghan whispered to Shafin. "Through Astrometrics, possibly. Using the long-range sensors."

"It's helping," Shafin replied looking at Daniel. "There's a time and place, Sir. This is neither. I'm balancing your energy out" explained the man. "Yes, I can get a coded message out to nearby Federation starships. That I am certain of."

"Do it, Shafin. If this turns into a firefight, backup would come in handy." Daniel replied

Shafin nodded. "That is sound logic" he stated.

He turned to look at Megan. "Meghan... How long would it take to prepare a probe to act as a relay for a transporter? If we can save the crew and disregard the ship I would call that a victory."

"The gases in the nebula are unstable. We won't be able to maintain a transporter lock long enough to beam anyone on board. It's too risky. I think we should use the probes to get a visual on the ship and assess their status before deciding any course of action, sir. We won't get a good signal, but it should be enough for the computer to clear it up." She still felt there was something wrong. Nebulae didn't fluctuate the way this one did. Meghan didn't think they should rush in when they were more likely to get in trouble. And if that ship was what it was purported to be, they'd need help to get any sort of transporter lock.

Daniel looked into her eyes and nodded his head. "You're right. Prepare a probe. Let's get a better look at that ship. Let's verify they are who they say they are and decide how to proceed when we have a clearer pitcher." He placed his hand on hers and smiled before being distracted by an alert coming from the Op's console.

"Cardassian Ship is requesting a dialogue, sir." The Ops Cadet looked up from his console and raised a brow. "What are your orders?"

Daniel looked over at the Cadet before looking back to Meghan. He hated Cardassians. All the stories he heard from his mother and her friends. Stories from his relatives. What he leaned about the Dominion War and their role in it. He couldn't stomach the idea of playing nice with them, but Shafin was right. His person prejudices had to be put aside if he was ever going to make it through this. He gave Meghan another smile, before walking over to the center of the bridge. "Put them on."

Meghan was relieved she didn't have to keep arguing her point. Especially with Daniel. She immediately began to put together a list of what the probe would need and sent it off to be prepared.

The main viewscreen switch from a view of the nebula to that of a Cardassian in front of a Cardassian Union insignia. Almost immediately Daniel recognized the smug smile on his face before he opened his mouth to speak to them.

"Starfleet vessel. I am Gul Tusar of the Cardassian Union. Please state your intentions in this space."

Daniel took a moment, looking around the bridge at everyone there, before his eyes briefly stopped at Shafin. He stared at him for a moment, trying to signify to him that this was going to be uncomfortable before turning his focus back to the main view screen. "This is Cadet- Captain Weaver of the Federation Starship Cavalier. We are answering a distress call from a Bajoran science ship trapped in the Nebula. If you could offer some assistance we would appreciate it." He quickly looked back to Shafin and gave him a shrug. As he looked back to the viewscreen, he caught he smug look from the Cardassian once again.

"Captain Weaver. That vessel is wanted by the Cardassian Government. We are here to claim it and return them to Cardassia Prime where they are to be put on trial for their crimes." The Gul replied in a matter of fact tone before adding. "Please stand aside."

Daniel looked over to Shafin, surprised at how complicated this distress call suddenly became. He couldn't recall much about his grandfather's ship, but he didn't remember hearing anything about them being wanted by the Cardassian Government. Then again, they were Bajoran and the dislike between the two species was so strong he could easily see the Cardassians making up something like that even if it wasn't true. He quickly gestured to the Op's Cadet to mute the transmission before approaching Shafin. "Could they be telling the truth?"

Shafin looked at Daniel and nodded, composing himself for a response. "They very well could be telling the truth as they perceive it, Captain. The Bajoran Government continues to place Cardassians on trial for war crimes, and likewise, the Cardassians continue to hunt Bajorans for similar offenses." He contemplated and processed the information. "I would encourage conversation. We will want to hear the Cardassian's out but cannot accept what they say at face value."

Meghan's console pinged. The probe had launched. Now to wait for it to get far enough into the nebula to help them get the information they needed.

Daniel nodded to the Op's Cadet, signaling him to unmute the channel, as he turned toward the viewscreen and began to walk toward it. "Gul Tusar... I understand you have a mission to capture these alleged fugitives and bring them in where, if I understand your laws, they are already guilty and the trial is just a formality. However, you must understand our dilemma. This ship sent out a distress call and, as Starfleet Officers, we are obliged to help. Now, they say they are in danger and require assistance. You say they are criminals and must be brought back for their crimes. Perhaps if you can give us proof of these alleged crimes we will be more than happy to step aside and leave you to your duties." He gave a slight paused before adding. "After your proof has been verified by my people to be genuine, of course."

Gul Tusar seemed displeased, looking off to the side, at someone not on screen. He leaned back in his chair and let out a bit of a sigh, a smirk on his face, as he gestured to a nearby Cardassian officer. "We would be happy to send you that information, Captain. However, it may take some time to get an authorization from our government to release that information to you. Perhaps, you can help me understand why the Federation is so willing to protect Bajoran terrorists. Wouldn't it be wiser for you to surrender them to us in the hopes of fostering peace between our two governments?"


(To be continued...)

Senior Cadet Daniel Weaver
Acting CO

Junior Cadet Shafin Todenhöfer
Acting XO

Senior Cadet Meghan Stefani
Acting Chief Science Officer

Junior Cadet Emma Mendez
Acting Chief Security Officer

Gul Tusar
NPC by Daniel Weaver

 

RSS Feed