Infinite Diversity

Posted on Mon Apr 26th, 2021 @ 9:30pm by Captain Hov'qIj Lon'HocH'tul & Lieutenant Frederick Carlow

Mission: Heroes of the Hov'hurgh
Location: Bridge, IKS Hov'HurgH
Timeline: 2409

“HoD, the USS Infinite Diversity has entered the system and is transmitting a hail on an old encrypted Alliance signal,” SoS reported as she eyed the data coming into her station, commenting with a snort of laughter. “If that does not sound like a Vulcan ship, I do not know what would.”

“Federation Dreadnought Galaxy Class Refit, listed as an exploration and diplomatic vessel. Their shields are up, weapons are not reading as charged. Commanded by Admiral T’Vyn, with two Defiant class escort vessels as support,” came the report from tactical, “HA! you were... wait, that’s odd. Nearly her entire personnel file is classified and her crew are ghosts too.”

“He is right. The only reports on her seem to come from the public diplomatic record and various conflicting media accounts,” the communications chief confirmed. “Apparently the admiral is a skilled and well known ambassador, and there are survivor accounts of some pretty impressive battles if their journalists are to be believed.”

The red-braided Klingon colonel sat back in her command chair, the gravity of the situation that she had put her ship and crew into was starting to sink in. “Are you seriously telling me that nothing has slipped off of their ship? No leaked data, no disgruntled crew complaints... Nothing?!?”

“No crew complaints, no crew compliment available... arms and armor unknown,” the wary tactical officer replied, glancing at his sometimes volatile HoD. “It looks like they sent a ghost to greet a ghost. They are as classified as we are.”

“Put the hail on-screen,” VaQ’taj ordered, cutting off any further delays.

=^= This is Admiral T’Vyn sol N’tae, commanding officer of the USS Infinite Diversity. We are responding to a request made by Colonel VaQ’taj, Daughter of D’lyn. We come in peace.=^= the impossibly young looking Vulcan woman on the screen said in fluid, phlegmy Klingon, unaided by the translators.

The small, delicate looking Vulcan’s jet black hair was cut in a reverse bob that parted down the middle and framed a smooth, slender face. Her eyes were pools of golden honey that stood out starkly from the average Vulcan browns and blacks. Those eyes were lined in a soft gray, serving to accentuate a gentle almond shape, while a hint of a sparkling green eyeshadow dusted the lids. Across her forehead stretched a delicately braided gold rope that bore a single, sparkling azure tear drop charm, which dangled at the center of her pointed brow.

To her right, in the first officer’s position, sat a rather large, dark haired Klingon male that bore a long scar down the left side of his face that barely avoided his eye. To her left was a middle aged humanoid female that could have been any number of races, and was likely some kind of empath or telepath. A tall Andorian that nearly matched the color of the teal shouldered uniform that he wore, stood off to the side awaiting his orders and the rest of her bridge crew was a study in the differing alien cultures. A dark clad, white haired human stood at the panel behind her, watching and listening intently as he occasionally prodded at the electronics.

“You are too young for the rank that you wear on your neck, Admiral,” VaQ’taj said in surprise, glancing to Tenas, “Have things truly gone so badly for the Federation that those so young wield such power?”

The bridge crew on the Infinite Diversity glanced at each other, some stifling humor while others looked indignantly at the screen. Their Vulcan admiral, however, maintained that calm, unreadable demeanor, completely unphased by the apparent insult other than a slight twitch of her eyebrow. She didn’t interrupt, seeming curious as to just what his answer might be.

“Aw, dreb,” The Kolari mercenary palmed his face with a heavy sigh. He turned his green gaze to VaQ’taj, “I’ve heard about this one. She’s older than she looks and she bites, hard if provoked. Thankfully, for a Fleeter she can be kinda reasonable.”

There was another twitch of the Vulcan’s eyebrow on the screen and Admiral T’Vyn watched the Kolari male that the Klingon was addressing, studying him briefly, almost curiously, before returning her pale gaze to VaQ’taj. “I have been told on a number of occasions that I... age well, Colonel.” It wasn’t a lie, but then, it wasn’t the entire truth either. Something the mask of serene neutrality that sat on her delicate features would never betray, “However, I assure you that I am far older than you might imagine.”

Having run some simple extrapolations from the information gathered so far in their current timeline, Hov’qIj sent some suggestions to his Captain’s station about what one might expect or, more truthfully, what variables that could be housed aboard a ship of that size. Things ranging from cupola beams of various sorts to a spinal lance rumored to be able to tear many types of vessels in half. Also clearly it had at least some of the “Venture Class” upgrades, bringing it screaming into a new day in age. If there were any truth to the reports and computer mock ups, the crew of the Hov’HurgH could in no way take anything for granted from the Infinite Diversity.

As her First’s information played across her holographic head’s up display, VaQ’taj nodded slightly. She had known what the dreadnoughts were capable of in their time, but the numerous alteration possibilities that presented themselves were impressive and even hinted a bit at her own modular designs. It made the red-braided colonel grin involuntarily as she considered the idea that her and her crews’ work still possibly lived on, being used by those that she had accepted as allies so long ago.

“A battle between our vessels could be glorious, Admiral,” the Hov’HurgH’s HoD admitted, the impish grin still sitting on her lips, “Perhaps you would be interested in running a battle simulation with me in one of our holodecks once we have seen to more pressing matters?”

“That is an intriguing idea and while I would not object on most grounds, I must demur due to the classified nature of a good number of our systems, as well as yours, Colonel. It is rare that anyone thinks to invite me to such things,” the Vulcan Admiral answered as a brow quirked upwards curiously, then said something that tended to be uncharacteristic for one of her race, “It is a thoughtful gesture and I thank you for it.”

A chuckle escaped Colonel VaQ’taj, “Pleasantries from a Vulcan... Diplomat indeed,” she said, rising from her command chair, “Perhaps a test of wit and tactic in less classified vessels then?” She had always liked ‘thinkers’, people whose minds worked differently than most. And the dainty, deceptively fragile looking Vulcan on the screen struck her as being one such mind.

“Anyway, on to business. We can discuss frivolities later,” the red-tressed Klingon woman said, waving her hand in front of her as if physically dismissing the thoughts of battle, and as she continued, a subtle look of shame settled on her features, “I have a good number of survivors and wounded to return to you.”

Stroking his white whiskers Commander Hov'qIj of the house Lon'HocH'tul could not help feeling ill at ease in the situation. Not knowing who or what they faced seemed the rule of the day. This Admiral could just as likely be another Tal Shiar spy and with the power of a dreadnaught at her disposal and being in a far better tactical position would likely do heavy damage.

Meanwhile, at the same moment aboard the Federation ship, Frederick Carlow was stroking his white whiskers. He wondered if there would be a chance to meet these new people. Back on his old ship there had been a Klingon, but she had always been sort of hush-hush about things relating to her people and he barely knew the gruff captain that served as the second in command of the Infinite Diversity.

Maybe they could have brunch. Did Klingons have brunch? Carlow caught himself before he managed to raise his hand, like a child in class, to ask the two powerful women speaking before him.

~’Fascinating,’ as a famous Vulcan once said,~ Tr’yu’s thoughts whispered in Tenas’ mind like the flutter of ghostly wings. ~Interesting how the good admiral arrives so quickly after Hov’Hurgh’s arrival.~

~As if she knew to be here ahead of time, like us. Tenas frowned in his thoughts. That gave the merc an idea. He typed to VaQ’taj’s HUD using his holo-interface. [joHwI’, Admiral T’Vyn believes in the Khitomer Alliance. You won’t find a better contact Fleet-side before the Empire starts watching us. She won’t talk over channels, encrypted or otherwise. Maybe a face-to-face meeting is in order.]

[Good thing I have dinner planned then, Brat.] VaQ’taj tapped back quickly, the sarcastic wit of the reply lessened greatly by the text. The Klingon Colonel was quite familiar with what the acceptable gestures were after a ‘diplomatic incident’. After all, she had caused a couple all on her own and with Tenas at her side, they had stirred up a few others as well.

To the Federation admiral, Colonel VaQ’taj said, “My sister prepares a feast as we speak. I invite you and your most trusted to join us at my table. We can have our discussions in private where we will be far less likely to play host to the ears of outside entities.”

“That would be most acceptable,” T’Vyn answered with a brief dip of her head, her eyes never leaving VaQ’taj’s, “We are already prepared to accept the wounded. Doctor Thoren will be coordinating the efforts on this end.”

Motioning to the hulking Gorn doctor at his bridge station, the red-tressed Klingon colonel replied, “Doctor Sthilg is in charge of our efforts here. I am certain that he would like to discuss the details of the transfer with your physician.”

Sthilg’s eyes were focused on his console checking on the progress of his patients. He’d been up for several days and he would be grateful for a short rest. His sleep deprived brain suddenly heard his name being spoken causing him to look up. “Yesss transssfer. All the patientsss are ready at our end, many are in medical ssstasssisss. I Can sssend your physssican their filesss.” He hissed, not bothering to hide the tiredness in his voice.

“I would appreciate that, Doctor,” the Andorian healer said, stepping forward slightly, a small smile ghosting his blue lips, “Once the transfer begins and you are under less strain, I would also very much appreciate a briefing on the most severe cases.”

The Gorn nodded as he sat back down in his reinforced chair. He was struggling to keep his eyes open at that point. He’d been up for several days and had overseen at least forty surgeries. “Of courssse I will ssset assside sssome time asss sssoon asss I can. I apologize the passst few daysss have been very tiring.”

“Of course. Rest and we will speak when you are of clear mind,” the Infinite Diversity’s doctor said with a bow of his head and a look of understanding sitting on his features. He was obviously familiar with wartime stressors on the medical field.

The reptilian medical officer gave a weak nod before turning to the Colonel. “HoD VaQ’taj, I would like to requessst a few hoursss off for sssleep. I’m unable to perform my dutiesss in my current ssstate.” Despite all his best efforts his voice was unmistakable as someone struggling to keep his eyes open.

“Go, rest Doctor, before you leave an autosuture imbedded in someone,” the Hov’HurgH’s captain said with a nod, “They can manage the initial transfers without you. Dismissed.”

Sthilg gave a weak smile before standing up and headed to the turbolift.

Saskia sat beside the science officer as she watched the interactions of those around her. She wasn't quite comfortable in the uniform that the Captain had insisted that she wear. Her long golden blonde hair was done up in an intricate mass of braids and pinned back away from her face. Her crystal blue gaze taking in every detail as she seemed to let the conversation flow around her.

Looking back to the screen and the Vulcan admiral, VaQ’taj nodded, “We are ready to begin the transfers of survivors and the less wounded. We can keep the more severe cases in our stasis chambers until the doctors have had a chance to meet.”

“I will have a proper escort awaiting you at seventeen-hundred hours, Admiral T’Vyn,” she continued, settling back into her command chair with more of a flop than a flourish, “I look forward to our discussion.”

The small Vulcan woman gave a brief nod, answering, “I do as well. Thank you, Colonel. You honor us by your willingness to work with us in this matter and it is a gesture that will not be forgotten.” With a small motion of her hand, the screen reverted to the normal starfield, ending the communication.

“Hov’qIj, you have the bridge,” VaQ’taj said as she stood, then she looked around at the officers awaiting her word. She motioned to the room and said, “You all have your orders. Tenas,” she glanced at the green skinned Kolari, “My ready room.” She then turned and stalked off of the bridge, confident that her orders were already being followed.



Admiral T’Vyn, NPC
Written by: HoD VaQ’taj

Frederick Carlow, NPC
Written by: Commander Hov’qIj