The Whale and the Dolphin

Posted on 08 May 2019 @ 12:15am by Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Lieutenant JG Razant

Mission: Shakedown
Location: Starbase - Private Observation Lounge
Timeline: MD1 0107 hours
1446 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Razant peered out of the transparent-aluminum window on the private observation deck of Starbase 308. The room was silent, save for the quiet hum of the station itself, just how he liked it.

"Computer, reduce lighting by 75%," he commanded. His voice was deep and oily, yet smooth like Delvan pudding. The computer chirped in affirmation, shrouding the modern-looking observation deck in twilight. His ghostly, pale-green eyes shined like those of a feline's in the semi-darkness. Grumbling to himself, he rubbed at his eyes in discomfort. When he served on the Illiad, he seldom had to worry about bright lights. Most of the crew had been Andorian, with only a few Humans, Vulcans, and Rigellians sprinkled throughout. Thanks to the Andorians' sensory antennae and natural habitat on the ice-moon of Andoria, cool, dark corridors were preferential to the typical warm and bright interiors of most Starfleet vessels. Unfortunately, Starbase 308 was more like the latter with most of its crew being comprised of soft, warm-blooded Humans. Razant winced longingly - he was going to regret this promotion.

Just beyond the "glass", two of Starfleet's grand vessels loomed before him - the ship and home he had spent the last three years of his life on, and the ship that would serve as his new commission. Workbees swarmed them both, replacing the last bits of aged nacelle paneling and ferrying final supply shipments to and fro. Razant couldn't help but admire the tenacity of the station's crew. The Illiad had been slated to cast off two days later, but S308's efficiency would have them launch tonight.

Taking a step back, the slender Reman studied the two hulls. They were both distinctly Starfleet, yet different in every other way. The size disparity alone was striking. It was like comparing a Terran dolphin to a Denebian Whale. The majestic U.S.S. Andromeda nearly doubled the length and width of the small, arrow-like Steamrunner class, U.S.S. Illiad. From a design standpoint, it was clear to Razant that the Galaxy class, Andromeda was older, built in a time where Starfleet was more concerned with comfort and exploration than taking on Dominion and Borg threats. This assignment was going to be much different than the border patrol he had grown accustomed to.

Jon was aware he was getting a Reman security officer. And as they tended to be far and few in Starfleet catching sight of one in the lounge that had become one of his second homes in the last few days, it was perhaps a fair bet this was his man.

He went and took a seat near him which was no mean feat considering it was a lot darker than he was used too. The other aliens eyes kinda glowed in the darkness. Remans were one of the races that could for some be a little frightening looking and they had a reputation for being somewhat secretive too but Jon knew well enough that was down to people being uninformed and the species in general just wanting to be private.

"Amazing ehh. You enjoy coming and watching them too?" he asked the alien.

Razant whirled around, unsettled that he had not heard the visitor approaching. The figure of a man sat watching him from the shadows. While most species' sight would be hindered by the darkness, Razant could make out every detail with overwhelming clarity. The man was tall, at least as tall as him, but stockier than the lean yet sinewy Reman. Pink flesh covered the man's face and brown locks sprung from his head like Reman cave moss. From a glance, the man appeared human, but working for years as an operator-slave for the Tal Shiar had honed Razant's razor-sharp attention to detail. Nestled in the green orbs of the man's eyes were two jet-black irises. This man had Betazoid DNA - it had to be his new commanding officer.

Razant snapped to attention, "Commander on deck!"

Liam had not been expecting the alien to suddenly become so jumpy and it did look a little odd just glowing green eyes suddenly moving in front of him to his height.

"At ease Lieutenant. Before you strain something," he added. "Jonathan Reynolds. Yes I'm the Commanding officer of the Andromedia. Its a pleasure to welcome you to my crew. How was your trip out to the station?"

The Reman relaxed a bit. The Commander's eyes were much warmer than his last CO's. Captain Larrat had always stringently adhered to protocol. For a moment, Razant instinctually allowed the telepathic barrier around his mind to drop. The half-Betazoid's emotions were strong, and he could sense that the Commander would not scorn him like some of the other humanoids he encountered. He quickly raised his mental barrier again.

"It went well sir," he replied in a deep and oily voice. "I disembarked the Illiad 19 hours ago, but I am not due to report in until 0900."

He stepped forward into the light so Reynolds could get a better look at the alien he was speaking to.

"I apologize for the lighting, commander. I have adapted poorly to this environment," Razant bowed his head in respect as he spoke, "My last crew preferred darker conditions than these. I had forgotten how bright Starfleet interiors can be."

"Yes I was thinking on that myself," Jon stated sitting down. "Obviously in your own quarters and office, lighting levels are your own business but we can't really dim down the rest of the ships lights so we have to find a solution that ensures you are comfortable. I'm going to recommend going and talking to the doc. She might have a solution there."

Razant frowned, he did not like the idea of needing help, but he probably did not have much of a choice. He couldn't run a security department blind.

"Yes captain, I think that may be a good idea," he replied. Turning his attention back to the starships, he sat in silence, brooding for a moment.

"Is this your first command?" he asked, not taking his eyes off the ships.

"Yes," Jon said simply. "But I worked my ass off for this opportunity. I don't intend to mess things up. Is it your first time being a department head?" He asked back.

Turning back to face his CO, Razant replied, sighing deeply, "No, I was the chief engineer of the Nausicaan vessel, Araaka after my superior was killed in a run-in with the Klingon Defense Force - both him and captain Huuk. The first vessel, Keoras was lost in the encounter as well... many of my peers perished."

Jon had knew he recognised the prior ship in this chaps file when he had read his service history but it hadn't clicked why. He could sense the pain off the man. He was mourning and still trying to work out how to live with that. He had never been really good at saying the right thing. Liam his twin went on to make a career of that.

"I'm sorry to hear that and for your loss," he added. He couldn't make it better unfortunately.

Razant blinked in surprise. Even after his time aboard the Illiad, he was still unaccustomed to these Federation types actually caring about their subordinates. His hard exterior softened as he replied,

"I appreciate your empathy, Commander Reynolds. I may not have been able to save my captain, but I will not allow you or this crew to be harmed on this mission." He extended a spindle-fingered hand to shake his captain's,

"If I cannot protect my crew again, I will join them in death."

Jon shook the given hand. "Well lets see it doesn't come to that ehh but I appreciate the sentiment. Right I have to get going but before I do I need to invite you to a party tommorow night. Dress uniform unfortunately, in the officers mess on the station. Lots of dignatories. I'll message you the full details."

Unaware of his own melodrama, Razant replied, "I will do what I must. As you wish... Captain. I will see you at the reception."

Razant watched his commanding officer leave and wondered what lay ahead of them.

Beyond the window, the Steamrunner class ship decoupled its moorings from the station and a resounding boom reverberated through the bulkheads. With a flash, the Illiad leapt into warp like a diver into a glassy stream. Leaving the Reman alone in the dark.

OFF:

Lieutenant J.G. Razant
Chief Tactical/Security Officer
USS Andromeda

Commander Jonathan Reynolds
Commanding Officer
USS Andromeda