And Then There Were Two

Posted on Fri Jan 15th, 2021 @ 10:46am by Captain Abigail Laurens & Commander Ichiko Gail

Mission: New Beginnings
Location: USS-Astraea A - Main Bridge

The bridge was empty aside from the one dark haired human female sitting in the command chair in the middle of the space. Around her, consoles shimmered, free from fingerprints and the scent of fresh carpet and new circuits lingered in the air around them.

The soft, barely audible swish of the doors to the bridge opening was all it took to alert Abigail to the presence of another party. Turning in her seat, she smiled warmly as she recognised the familiar figure of her first officer. "So, what do you think so far?" she asked softly, motioning for Ichiko to join her in one of the three center chairs.

Ichiko admired the layout of the bridge. Almost devouring the details of the room. Curves, lights, furniture placement. She was burning this image into her brain. "It's ... new. It feels new. Smells new. Maybe too new." she smirked.

"I miss the scent of the old bridge. Though, new beginnings are always welcome. Are the chairs at least AS comfortable?" she giggled.

Abigail motioned with one hand, indicating that her friend should join her. "You're right, it's new. The plaque outside the door says it's the USS Astraea, but it just doesn't feel like it yet." She sighed softly and shook her head. "I imagine that will change once the crew is fully aboard though. From what I've been able to discern we've got nearly our entire crew back, and a lot of new faces to acquaint ourselves with.."

Ichiko took the offered seat, moving around to get comfortable, and then being content with where she was. "With all the races in the Federation, you'd think they'd grasp the concept of a tail." she muttered, but then decided that a chair was better than No-Chair. "It's a pity that your ships aren't designed to bring a piece of home with you. Something to ground the crew in their wanderings. Though, I understand that your people and mine have only been allies for a short time, and I should wait a while for inspiration to carry over." she teased with a smirk.

"It's a lovely craft though. She's named the Astraea, but I'm eager to see her *become* the Astraea."

Abigail smiled. "Where would we consider home though?" she said softly. "If it were possible, I'd have taken the bridge plaque of our Astraea. I know there's a replica on the bulkhead, for namesake purposes, a thoughtful gesture on the part of the engineer that oversaw the fit out, but I know it's not ours." She sighed and shook her head. "We just have to make this home. Our home." She paused, watching Ichiko wriggle until she was at least partly comfortable. "If you want a better chair, ask Operations to fit it before we depart. I'm sure they can find something that will work for you."

"I'll have to make that request." Ichiko conceded after a moment. then looked over at her friend, "And that question you posed, is one that rocks the souls of our advisory boards, our leaders, and our Emperor. We're worried about losing our cultural identity by joining the Federation. Losing the identity of home. It's a very deep question you posed." she explained, though she wore a soft expression, the hint of a smile. "Though, I doubt you invited me to the new bridge to talk politics."

"We'll make this home." she offered. A sense of certainty.

"You're right," Abigail offered a small smile. "It seems that this," she used a hand to motion around the bridge around them, "all comes at a price. Starfleet has made a serious request from us, and I'm afraid I need your help."

Ichiko's attention, her focus, was drawn to Abigail, "You have but to ask." she started, "In all our chats, in all our talks, you know there's only one request I can't say Yes to."

"The Federation has been using a Graviton Catapult to traverse between the Alpha Quadrant and Delta Quadrant, a device which has now been deemed unsafe and decommissioned, something that has stranded our people in the Delta Quadrant with no support. Given our recent experiences, and the good grace we seem to have favoured with the Ts'usugi, Starfleet Command has requested that we negotiate access to the Pathstone wormhole." Abigail paused for a moment, turning sideways in her seat so she could face her companion more directly. "We're being reassigned to the Delta Quadrant, effective immediately. They have advised that we are able to access the Catapult one last time if needed, but I was thinking, perhaps, under the circumstances you may be able to assist us gain access to the wormhole to make our trip easier?"

Ichiko thought for a moment, "We... being the Astraea and her crew, or We, being the Federation and her people?" she asked for clarity.

"We, being the Astraea and her crew. I would never presume to attempt to use you to gain access for the entire Federation," Abigail smiled. "No, actually, we have arrangements in place to meet with the Dalacari upon our arrival in the Delta Quadrant. The crew will be afforded some actual shore leave while we see to the rest of the negotiations."

At that, Ichiko gave a nod, "I can certainly negotiate a trip back to the Delta for the Astraea. There are certain protocols that'll have to be followed, which Pathstone will walk you through. Ultimately, it's a two step process. Modulate the shields to match the Pathstone aperture, then grant the Pathstone complex helm control. Then sit back and enjoy the ride as they say."

"I'm certain the Dalacari would love to get their hands on live data from a Federation craft, to make sure everything works across the spectrum. she offered, "I'll make sure to be there when you meet them. They can be a lot to handle initially."

"I will be happy to defer to your judgement in any way," Abigal said quietly. "You know these beings, their ways, the last thing I want is to cause an intergalactic incident because I steeped the tea to the wrong temperature or bowed when I should have saluted." She offered a faint smile. "I'm not sure why they've asked us to take lead on this negotiation, especially on the back of..." her voice trailed and she shook her head slightly. "Well, it's made me nervous."

That made Ichiko smile. "They're almost impossible to offend. Far too giving, far too curious. Honestly, I think you'll like them. Once you get past their quirkiness." she advised. "As for why us, perhaps they're just eager to get a shipmaster back to their delta who has experience and a positive relationship with one of the allied people out there?" she offered.

"Maybe they want to send us back out there to get us back on track with our initial mission? Or maybe your Admiral friend just wants us as far away from him as possible?" she played all the angles.

Abigail laughed softly. "Maybe they're just hoping that we have enough good will to garner favour?" She sighed. "It'll be a change of scenery, and a change is as good as a holiday, right?"

"There's a great many ancient Ts'usugi wisdoms about needing new experiences to grow." Ichiko offered. "I'm looking forward to seeing some new sights. Earth's moon, for instance. Such a beautiful sight, despite it being a dead moon." she commented. "As for good favor with the Dalacari, I'll let you in on a secret."

"As long as you haven't offended me, you'll never offend them."

There was another soft laugh and a subtle shake of her head. "I would never dream of offending you," Abigail replied quietly. "Now, how about we go check out the replicator in my private dining room. Though, you might need to teach the replicator how to make your tea."