Episode 32 - Enterprise
Stardate: 41430.2
Earth Standard Date: June 6, 2364
Location: ISS Stargazer, Sol System, Mirror Universe
Captain Picard sat at the head of the table, hands folded before him. The position drew attention to the scar running from his left temple to his jaw. "The Enterprise will be ours within forty-eight hours," he announced. "Each of you has a critical role to play."
Inquisitor Troi sat to his right, her dark features revealing nothing as he turned to her. "Inquisitor, I'll need you to contact an old acquaintance on the Enterprise. I think you know the one I mean. Then I'll be leaving you at the conn again."
"Tyson, I'll need you to keep Lieutenant Yar occupied; she's most likely to interfere with our plans. Do what you must. Your highest priority is to protect the Inquisitor. As for Yar, she's a great officer, and it'd be a blow to the Empire if some misfortune happened to her. If something did, however, I'd prefer you didn't attract too much attention." He continued, "Data, Barclay, I'll need you to find a way to transfer the crew from the Stargazer to the Enterprise and devise a failsafe to disable the Stargazer. As for me, I'll be on the surface speaking with Troi's contact once the meeting has been set up. LaForge is working on getting us to the Enterprise. He's talking with Leah Brahms, who should be able to get us onto the ship."
"Make it happen," Picard ordered. "Inquisitor, when can you arrange the meeting?"
"My contact will be expecting us. I need only send the signal."
"Excellent." Picard stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "We move forward immediately. Dismissed."
Tyson returned to his junior officer quarters, where Ro waited. The door slid shut behind him with a hiss that sounded more ominous than usual. He leaned against the wall, exhaling deeply.
"We have a problem."
Ro sat up from where she'd been reviewing data on a PADD. "Is it the Blood Fever?"
Tyson shook his head. "Picard is making moves on the Enterprise, soon. I don't know what I should be doing here." He paced the small confines of the room. "It seems like Q is setting me up to steal the Enterprise. It's pretty much being hand-delivered. But it'll doom the Terrans if we take the next-generation warship they've put all their energy into… I need to talk to Picard, well, our Picard, and Starfleet," Tyson said, stopping abruptly. "I can't make this decision on my own."
Ro set down her PADD. "I thought you said we were cut off."
"We can't get back, not until Q lets us. But I should still be able to communicate with the Enterprise."
He looked at Ro intently. She still had the Grey Goo Suit and Vicky which had assimilated the combadge connected to his Digital Extranet.
"Tap your com badge?" Ro reached up to her chest, fingers finding the familiar shape of the Starfleet insignia. She tapped it gently, uncertainty written across her features. "Tyson to Captain Picard aboard the USS Enterprise-D."
The silence that followed stretched uncomfortably. Ro began to shake her head, but then a familiar voice filled the room.
"Go ahead, Lieutenant." Picard's authoritative tone carried none of the menace of his mirror counterpart. "We were worried about you. What kind of hijinks have you gotten yourself into this time?"
"Sir, grab a seat, you're not going to believe this one."
In the background, they heard La Forge, who must have been on the bridge, listening in. "Oh Boy. This outta be good."
"Captain," Tyson continued, "Ensign Ro and I have been transported to a parallel universe by Q. We're aboard the ISS Stargazer, under the command of your counterpart."
"The mirror universe?" Picard's voice sharpened with concern.
"Yes, sir. I read about it in a log from Kirk's Enterprise; the information is within the Enterprise's computer. The Terran Empire still exists here. They've built their own version of the Enterprise, a warship with capabilities that exceed even the Enterprise-D. Mirror Picard plans to seize control of this Enterprise within forty-eight hours."
"I see." Picard's voice betrayed no emotion. "What is your assessment of the situation, Lieutenant?"
"Q has restricted my abilities. I can't leave here or travel to any other realities. I believe he's setting me up to acquire this Enterprise. But doing so would cripple the Terrans' defense capabilities against the Alliance."
"The Alliance?" Commander Riker's voice joined the conversation.
"A coalition of Klingons, Cardassians, and other species previously subjugated by the Terran Empire," Tyson explained. "They're fighting back, and the Terrans are losing ground."
"The Prime Directive would normally prevent interference," Picard mused. "But Q's involvement complicates matters."
"Sir," Ro interjected, "the Terrans aren't exactly innocent victims. Their society is built on brutality and oppression."
Tyson added, "True, but if we take their Enterprise, we're potentially condemning millions to death or slavery when the Alliance inevitably wins."
The comm channel fell silent for a moment. When Picard spoke again, his voice carried the weight of command.
"Lieutenant, your primary objective must be to return safely with Ensign Ro. However, I cannot in good conscience authorize you to bring a weapon of that magnitude back to our universe."
"I understand, sir."
"Nor can I authorize you to directly interfere with the natural development of the mirror universe's political situation."
Tyson exchanged a glance with Ro. She could see him mentally cataloging the restrictions. "Right. Mind the Prime Directive. What would you suggest, Captain?"
"I trust your judgment in this matter. You've shown remarkable adaptability in unusual situations," Picard said with that dry humor that always managed to both encourage and terrify his officers.
"Thank you, sir."
"How is Ensign Ro handling this situation?" Picard asked.
"Present and accounted for, Captain. Lieutenant Tyson has been... instructive in navigating this environment."
Tyson shot her a quick look, part gratitude, part worry about what she might reveal.
"Good. Support each other and maintain your cover. We look forward to your safe return."
"Yes, sir."
"Picard out."
The communication ended, leaving them in the sudden quiet of their quarters.
"Well," Ro said, "that was completely unhelpful."
"Welcome to Starfleet. Where the Prime Directive is sacred," Tyson replied dryly.
"So what's the plan? Sabotage the Enterprise without anyone noticing, while keeping Yar occupied, bedding Troi, and not getting ourselves killed in the process?"
Tyson winced at her bluntness. "Pretty much. And we need to figure out how to get home once we're done." His expression shifted as another possibility occurred to him. "There's one more option for getting orders. I could contact Starfleet directly."
Ro looked at him skeptically. "You have a direct line to Starfleet Command?"
Tyson hesitated, and she recognized the tell—that moment when he was deciding how much to reveal. "Yeah, someone pretty high up."
He mulled it over for a minute, weighing implications Ro couldn't fathom. She'd learned to read his silences by now; this was him running through scenarios, calculating risks and benefits with that analytical mind of his.
"It's worth a shot," he said, more to himself than to her. He nodded to her, and she tapped her combadge.
"Tyson to Commander Luther Sloan."
The silence stretched longer this time, almost to the point where Tyson thought the connection might not work across universes. Then a cool, measured voice responded.
"Go ahead, Lieutenant."
"Commander, Ensign Ro and I have been transported to what appears to be the mirror universe by Q. We're aboard the ISS Stargazer under the command of Captain Picard's counterpart."
"Interesting." Sloan's voice betrayed no surprise, which confused Ro. Who was unsurprised by interdimensional travel? "Continue."
"The Terran Empire has constructed its own version of the Enterprise-D. It's a warship with capabilities that exceed our Enterprise. Mirror Picard plans to seize control of it within forty-eight hours."
"And you've already spoken with Captain Picard about this?"
Tyson glanced at Ro, who watched him with growing wariness. "Yes, sir. He advised adherence to the Prime Directive while focusing on our safe return."
"Of course he did." There was something in Sloan's tone that made Ro's skin crawl. "The situation is more nuanced than the Prime Directive allows for. Tell me about this Enterprise."
"It's equipped with enhanced weaponry, including what appears to be a prototype phaser canon and a modified warp drive, including a third central warp nacelle. If Mirror Picard acquires it, he'll likely use it to advance his position within the Empire and expand Terran space. I assume you're aware of the Terran Empire; they haven't changed much from the reports from Kirk. However, they've been pushed back and confined to the Sol system. With the Enterprise, they'll expand; without it, they'll likely fall within the year."
"I see." Sloan paused, and Tyson could almost hear him calculating possibilities. "The Terrans pose a unique threat. From your account and the information I have access to, they seem to be contained, but their technology level has fluctuated compared to ours, from far advanced to falling behind. We have a few operatives within the Terran Empire, and until now, it seemed they'd fallen behind. Likely, the Terrans have a way, or may be investigating how to reach our reality reliably, and subsequently they present a small threat to the Federation."
Ro felt her stomach drop. Operatives. This wasn't just Starfleet Command; this was something else entirely.
"You being on the Stargazer provides us a unique opportunity," Sloan continued. "Picard is right, don't interfere for now. Let events play out, but if Picard can commandeer the Terran flagship, I need you to position yourself and anyone else you can turn to our cause close to him."
"Understood."
"The Terrans respect strength, and I do not doubt that you could take the ship yourself, one way or another. But your importance as a potential operative is above that of the Terrans at their current strength. Having an agent in place should Picard or the Terrans step out of line would be beneficial."
Ro shifted uncomfortably, suddenly feeling like she was drowning in secrets and agendas.
"Ideally, you'd be able to recruit multiple agents and place them in key positions around Picard," Sloan continued. "At a minimum, ensure your return to our reality when possible. Circumstances have changed. Bring Ensign Ro in if you have to, and believe she's trustworthy."
The communication ended abruptly, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Ro stared at Tyson, her expression a mixture of suspicion and growing anger.
"Who exactly was that?" she asked carefully.
Tyson studied her face, clearly debating his options. She could see him weighing trust against necessity, the way he did when calculating the least harmful lie.
"Commander Luther Sloan. He's with a… covert branch of Starfleet Intelligence."
"Starfleet Intelligence? So now we have conflicting orders. Captain Picard says not to interfere, follow the Prime Directive. This Sloan says to let events play out but position ourselves close to Mirror Picard."
"They're not necessarily conflicting," Tyson pointed out. "Both want us to avoid direct interference for now. The difference is in the long-term strategy."
"And what's your strategy, Lieutenant?" Ro asked, standing to face him directly. "Because it sounds like you have connections and agendas I wasn't aware of."
Tyson met her gaze without flinching. "My strategy is to get us both home safely while minimizing the damage we cause here. I don't want to help the Terran Empire expand, but I also don't want to be responsible for the death and enslavement of millions."
"Even if those millions are part of a brutal, oppressive regime?"
"Even then," Tyson confirmed.
Ro studied his face, searching for deception but finding none. "Fair enough. So what's our next move?"
"We play along with Mirror Picard's plan for now," Tyson said, resuming his pacing. "I'll keep Yar occupied as ordered. You maintain your cover. We'll gather as much intelligence as possible about this Enterprise and look for opportunities to influence events without directly interfering."
"And if we get the chance to return home?"
"We take it," Tyson said without hesitation. "I'm going to get you home, Laren. If I need to come back, alone, to fulfill Sloan's orders, I will."
The use of her first name struck her with unexpected force. He'd always maintained a level professional distance in all their time together through every crisis and quiet moment. Hearing her given name in his voice, with that particular blend of determination and protectiveness, made something shift in her chest.
"I can work with that. But I want full disclosure from now on. No more surprises about secret organizations or hidden agendas."
"Agreed," Tyson said, extending his hand. "Partners?"
Ro took his hand, her grip firm. "Partners. Though our deal on the Blood Fever still stands."
A surprised laugh escaped Tyson. "Noted. And appreciated. Now sit, and let me tell you about Section 31."
— Star Jumper —
Lieutenant Junior Grade Yar pushed through another set of weighted squats, feeling the burn in her thighs as she maintained perfect form. The ISS Stargazer gym was quiet at this hour, just how she preferred it. No distractions, no witnesses to her training regimen, no potential challengers.
Sweat beaded on her forehead as she completed the set and racked the weights. She grabbed a towel and wiped her face between exercises. The constant vigilance required aboard an Imperial vessel meant she needed to stay combat-ready, but not so fatigued she couldn't defend herself if ambushed in the corridors.
The pneumatic hiss of the doors broke her concentration. Lieutenant Tyson walked in, wearing standard-issue workout attire. He scanned the room before settling on her.
Yar tensed, her hand instinctively moving toward the small blade concealed in her boot. She already knew they were completely alone. The security camera in the corner had been "malfunctioning" for weeks, a situation she'd personally arranged to ensure privacy during her training.
She relaxed her posture slightly. Tyson posed no immediate threat. He was physically capable—she'd observed his combat skills during the Cardassian ship invasion. His strength and marksmanship were impressive, but something about him had always seemed off.
Too clean. Too hesitant to inflict unnecessary damage. Too willing to show mercy where the Empire demanded strength.
"Lieutenant," she acknowledged with a curt nod, watching him carefully.
"Junior Lieutenant Yar," Tyson replied, moving toward the weight rack. "Hope I'm not interrupting."
Yar shrugged. "Free gym. Ship regulations allow all officers equal access."
She studied him as he selected his weights. In her years climbing the Imperial ranks, she'd learned to categorize officers quickly: the weak who wouldn't survive their first assignment, the competent who might last a few years, and the dangerous who either became allies or corpses. Tyson defied categorization. The incident with Barclay had been telling. Another officer would have simply watched or joined in the humiliation. Tyson had intervened. In the Empire, such softness usually meant a quick death. Yet here he was, not only alive but apparently in the captain's favor.
A weakness. An opportunity.
Yar casually positioned herself between Tyson and the exit. If she eliminated him now, there would be no witnesses. She could claim he attacked her; common enough on Imperial vessels. Captain Picard might be displeased at losing his new favorite, but without proof, her story would be believable enough. She noted Tyson appeared unarmed, with no visible phaser or blade.
Another advantage.
Her fingers brushed against her concealed knife as she pretended to adjust her boot. "You performed well during the Cardassian operation," she said, moving closer under the pretense of selecting a weight.
"I believe in Terran efficiency."
"Efficiency?" Yar laughed coldly. "Is that what you call sparing Barclay? The Empire rewards strength, not mercy."
"I saw potential value where others saw weakness," Tyson replied, never breaking contact with her gaze. "Barclay has technical skills that benefit the ship."
"A convenient explanation." Yar circled around him, evaluating angles of attack with the trained eye of someone who'd survived too many similar encounters. "Though I wonder if Captain Picard shares your assessment of 'value.'"
Tyson set down his weights and turned to face her fully. "Is there something specific you wanted to discuss, Lieutenant?"
Yar noticed his stance shift subtly, weight balanced, hands loose at his sides. Despite appearing relaxed, he was ready to move. Perhaps he wasn't as oblivious as she'd assumed.
"You appeared on this ship with impressive credentials, yet no one had heard of you before. You gained the captain's favor remarkably quickly. Even Inquisitor Troi seems... fascinated by you."
The slight emphasis she placed on the last word carried implications, but Tyson showed no reaction.
"I serve the Empire. Results speak for themselves."
"Indeed, they do." Yar stopped within striking distance, close enough to smell his sweat, close enough to see the pulse at his throat. "But your results tell an unusual story. You fight well, but show restraint. You follow orders but suggest alternatives. You advance quickly but make no enemies." She leaned in, dropping her voice to a dangerous whisper. "No one succeeds in the Empire without stepping on others. No one rises without blood on their hands."
"Perhaps I simply choose my battles more carefully than most," Tyson replied.
Yar's hand moved to her concealed blade. One quick strike to the throat would end this mystery and eliminate a potential threat to her own advancement.
"Your subordinate seems unusually well-treated," she continued, testing his reaction. "She moves with too much confidence for someone wearing a collar."
For just a moment, so brief she almost missed it, something dangerous flickered across Tyson's face before disappearing. Anger, perhaps. Or something colder.
"My subordinate is mine to handle as I see fit."
"Of course," Yar smiled coldly. "Though some might question your... attachment. Attachments are weaknesses, Lieutenant. Weaknesses get exploited."
She moved suddenly, as if reaching for a weight, watching for his reaction. Tyson shifted position smoothly, maintaining distance without appearing defensive. Quick reflexes.
"Is there a point to this conversation?" Tyson asked.
"Just getting to know my fellow officer," she replied. "We'll be serving together on the Enterprise soon. Captain Picard values loyalty above all else."
"As do I," Tyson said.
Yar laughed. "Loyalty to whom? That's the real question on a ship like this."
She stepped closer, her hand now resting on her knife. The calculus was simple: Tyson was physically stronger, but she had the element of surprise and her blade. One quick strike would be all she needed.
Tyson moved to the bench press, loading two plates on each side. The 225 pounds wasn't particularly impressive for someone of his build, but it was respectable enough. This could work to her advantage. With his arms occupied and body pinned beneath the weight, he would be vulnerable. She moved into position behind the bench, hands hovering near the bar without touching it.
Tyson gripped the barbell, his fingers wrapping around the metal. He unracked the weight with a controlled motion, lowering it to his chest.
"One," he counted breathlessly, pushing the bar back up.
Yar observed his technique with a predator's patience. His breathing was steady, his movements fluid. No signs of strain yet.
"Two."
She shifted her weight subtly, positioning herself for the optimal angle. Her fingers brushed against the concealed blade in her boot.
"Three."
The weight continued to move smoothly. Tyson maintained perfect control, never fully locking his elbows at the top of each rep.
"Four."
Yar's muscles coiled like springs. Not yet. Wait for fatigue to set in.
"Five."
His breathing remained controlled, but she could see the first hints of exertion.
"Six."
Her hand moved to her boot, fingers wrapping around the handle of her blade.
"Seven."
As Tyson's arms extended upward, Yar pulled the knife free in one fluid motion. She lunged forward, aiming for the exposed throat beneath his jaw.
What happened next defied explanation.
Tyson's expression changed instantly from exertion to focused alertness. With impossible speed, he twisted the loaded barbell as if it weighed nothing, rotating it perpendicular to his body. The metal bar intercepted Yar's strike with a metallic clang, deflecting the blade harmlessly aside.
Before Yar could process this impossible feat, Tyson continued the motion, swinging the weighted bar toward her. The two 45-pound plates connected with her ribcage.
A sickening crack echoed through the empty gym. Pain exploded across Yar's torso as multiple ribs shattered on impact. The force lifted her off her feet, sending her sprawling across the floor. Her knife clattered away, spinning out of reach.
Yar gasped for breath, each inhale sending agony through her chest. She tried to rise but collapsed, one arm wrapped protectively around her broken ribs. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.
Through pain-blurred vision, she watched as Tyson calmly stood, the 225-pound barbell still held in one hand as if it were a baton. He walked to the rack and replaced the weight with casual indifference.
Towering over her prone form. His face betrayed no emotion, no exertion, no surprise at what he had just done. No human should have been able to manipulate that much weight with such ease. No human could have reacted that quickly.
"That was unwise, Lieutenant, but expected," Tyson said, looking down at her broken form.
Yar struggled to breathe through the searing pain in her chest. She tried to push herself up, but her arm buckled beneath her weight.
"You're not human," she managed, blood bubbling at the corner of her lips.
"If only you'd realized that earlier."
He raised his hand, fingers splayed. The air before him shimmered, distorting like heat waves rising from desert sand. The distortion expanded, widening into a swirling vortex.
No technology she knew of could create such a phenomenon. She tried to crawl away, dragging herself backward with her good arm, leaving a smear of blood across the polished floor.
"What are you doing?" she gasped.
Tyson didn't answer. He bent down and grabbed her by the collar of her workout uniform, hauling her upright with one hand. The casual display of strength confirmed her suspicions. Whatever Tyson was, he wasn't merely human.
"Time for a field trip," he said.
Yar tried to resist, but the pain from her shattered ribs overwhelmed her. The gym disappeared, replaced by a dimly lit corridor. The air here was stale, recycled too many times through inadequate life support systems.
Tyson released his grip, letting Yar collapse to the metal floor. She landed hard, unable to catch herself. Fresh agony tore through her chest as her broken ribs shifted. She curled into herself, trying to manage the pain.
Through watering vision, she took in her surroundings. The corridor was narrow, utilitarian, with exposed conduits running along the ceiling. The lighting was harsh but insufficient. The walls were stained with years of grime and neglect.
"Where are we?" Yar managed to ask through clenched teeth, tasting copper.
Tyson looked down at her with mock surprise. "You don't recognize it? We're on the Vulcan slave transport, Lieutenant. The one you were going to destroy with a photon torpedo. Remember that?"
The realization hit her like a physical blow. This was the ship she'd advocated eliminating, with all its prisoners still aboard. The irony wasn't lost on her, even through the haze of pain.
"Why?" she gasped.
Tyson didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed her by the arm and hauled her to her feet. Yar bit back a scream at the movement. He half-dragged, half-carried her down the corridor. They passed several sealed compartments. The ship seemed deserted. He dragged Yar into an area lined with what appeared to be empty holding cells.
"Perfect," Tyson muttered, approaching a cell near the end of the corridor.
He accessed the control panel beside the cell. The panel lit up, displaying a complex series of commands. Tyson input a sequence with practiced familiarity, then added several layers of encryption protocols.
"What are you doing?" Yar asked weakly.
He finished the sequence and turned to face her. With surprising gentleness he lowered her to the floor just inside the cell entrance. Yar couldn't fight back; the pain had sapped what little strength remained.
He stepped back, just outside the cell perimeter. "Computer, activate containment field."
A forcefield shimmered into existence between them, sealing Yar inside the cell.
"Someone will find you soon, and if you're lucky," Tyson said, studying her through the forcefield. "Maybe. If they think you're worth it."
Yar glared at him, defiance burning through the pain. "Picard will have you executed for this."
Tyson laughed. "Picard has more pressing concerns than one missing junior lieutenant. Besides, who's to say how you got here? Perhaps you'll be returned to the Stargazer. Perhaps you'll be tossed into the slave pens with the Vulcans you were so eager to kill."
He stepped closer to the forcefield, his face inches from the energy barrier. "Or perhaps you won't survive at all."
Yar tried to speak, but a coughing fit overtook her. Fresh blood spattered the floor as her damaged lung protested.
"Let's see if you can overcome your weakness," Tyson said, echoing her earlier words. "The Empire rewards strength, not mercy, isn't that what you told me?"
He turned away from the cell, walking back toward the corridor junction. Yar watched him go, hatred burning in her chest despite the growing fog of pain clouding her consciousness.
"You won't get away with this," she called after him, her voice barely audible.
Tyson paused at the junction, looking back over his shoulder. "I already have, Lieutenant. The question is whether you'll survive long enough to do anything about it."
He disappeared around the corner, leaving Yar alone in the silent cell. The only sounds were the hum of the forcefield and her own ragged breathing. She pressed her hand against her side, feeling the unnatural movement of broken ribs beneath her palm.
Yar closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing. She needed to stay alive. She needed to survive this. And then she would make Tyson pay for his mercy.
— Star Jumper —
Tyson, LaForge, Data, Barclay, and Troi were gathered in the Captain's ready room as they made final preparations for their assault on the Enterprise. Troi leaned casually on the table next to the captain, while the chief engineer and Tyson stood. Barclay and Data occupied the chairs opposite the captain, the former's fingers tapping nervously on the table. LaForge broke the silence.
"Leah Brahms is on the Enterprise, and she's confirmed that the ship has onboard only a partial crew complement of about 200 for this launch."
"All the better for us. Fewer problems for our invasion force of 150," the captain responded.
LaForge considered the potential obstacles they'd avoided. "Definitely. If they had boarded a full invasion force of imperial marines and support staff, there could easily have been over a thousand people on that ship, and we would have had to alter our plans significantly."
Data chimed in, "Lieutenant LaForge and I agree that this imminent test launch of the fully operational vehicle is poorly protected and understaffed. The opportunity presented here to us is fortunate and one we cannot afford to miss."
"Very good, Data. Mr. Barclay, are the invasion teams' transport plans complete?"
The nervous engineer straightened in his seat and reported, "Ready to go, Captain. The entire shuttle bay has been converted into a mass transporter platform. At the appointed time, we'll all beam over to the Enterprise. And we've made sure to sabotage the Stargazer. Those crew members that did not pass the Inquisitor's scans will be left behind without engines or weapons. They won't be bothering us."
"Excellent. Thanks to the Inquisitor's efforts, I was able to make another contact on the Enterprise, Commander Riker. It took some convincing, but he has assured me that the crew is thoroughly unhappy with Captain Jellico. He tells me we will be entering a crew environment primed and ready for a change in command. He's made sure the most fervently anti-Jellico officers will be on duty on the bridge just in time for our arrival."
The situation was spiraling out of Tyson's control. He caught Troi watching him with those piercing black orbs. She knew some of his secrets and surely sensed his current discomfort. Her loyalty remained with the captain, at least for now. He needed to play along while figuring out how to sabotage this operation without getting himself and Ro killed.
"Captain," Tyson spoke up, his voice measured and confident. "What about security protocols? The Enterprise will have shields and internal defenses that could complicate our boarding."
"A valid concern, Lieutenant. Inquisitor, perhaps you should address this."
"Commander Riker has provided us with the shield frequencies. They'll be momentarily lowered during the final diagnostic sequence before launch. That's our window."
"And once aboard?" Tyson pressed, searching for any weakness in the plan.
"We'll have teams targeting key systems simultaneously," Data replied. "Bridge, Engineering, Security, and Computer Core. I have calculated a 93.7% probability of success given our current intelligence."
LaForge pulled up a schematic on the wall display. "I've worked with Brahms on systems like these for years. She's given me backdoor access to the main computer. Once we're aboard, I can lock out command functions from anyone not in our group."
Barclay fidgeted with a data PADD. "The transporter pattern enhancers are ready. We'll materialize in the main shuttlebay." He highlighted sections on the schematic. "Each team leader has been briefed on their objectives."
The captain clasped his hands behind his back. "Lieutenant Tyson, you'll be with me on the bridge. I want your tactical expertise at hand when we confront Jellico."
"Of course, Captain."
"What about Yar?" Barclay asked nervously. "Should we be concerned about her absence?"
The room fell silent. Tyson felt all attention turn to him.
"Lieutenant Yar is taking some much-needed recovery time," Troi said smoothly, her stare never leaving Tyson's face. "She will be off the Stargazer for a time."
"A shame," the captain remarked without a hint of actual regret. "She was a capable officer, if somewhat unpredictable. But we move forward with those we can trust."
"Speaking of trust," LaForge interjected, "what about the crew we're leaving behind? Some might attempt to warn Starfleet."
"The communication array has been disabled," Data reported.
"Any questions before we proceed?" The captain's tone suggested there better not be.
Barclay raised a trembling hand. "Sir, what about the Agony Booth for the Enterprise crew who resist?"
"Standard Imperial protocols apply," came the cold reply. "Those who submit immediately will serve. Those who resist will serve as examples."
LaForge reported, "They're preparing to fire thrusters, Captain."
"It's time, Gentlemen." The goateed, muscled captain stood and directed everyone to the bridge. "Prepare the invasion force. We move in five minutes."
The Enterprise-D glided away from the massive structure of Utopia Planitia. Unlike its counterpart in Tyson's universe, this vessel was visibly different with obvious weaponry, the spinal phaser lance on the underside of the hull, and the third nacelle centrally placed on the engineering section. The massive ship emerged from what appeared to be empty space, the drydock facility materializing around it as interconnected cloaking devices deactivated in sequence.
The Enterprise fired its impulse engines, the red glow intensifying as it accelerated away from the facility. Behind it, the drydock began recloaking, sections disappearing in the reverse order they had appeared. The massive structure faded from view, segment by segment, until only empty space remained where moments before an entire shipyard had stood.
Inside the main shuttlebay, Dr. Leah Brahms moved quickly with purpose between equipment racks. She glanced over her shoulder before ducking behind a maintenance console, pulling out a modified communicator.
"Brahms to LaForge," she whispered, her fingers working the controls. "Shuttle bay is clear. Security feeds and internal sensors are in loop mode."
Laforge's voice crackled through the device. "Acknowledged. Stand by for transport. Initiating in thirty seconds."
She tucked the communicator away and straightened her uniform. The familiar hum of transporter beams filled the shuttlebay, growing in intensity until the air shimmered with hundreds of materializing forms. The invasion force from the Stargazer appeared in organized formation, weapons at the ready.
Tyson materialized near the front of the group with Ro beside him.
"Transport complete," LaForge announced, checking a tricorder. "All personnel accounted for."
The captain stepped forward, and Brahms approached him. "I've ensured the security monitoring here is deactivated," she informed him, handing over a data chip. Her voice was steady, professional.
"Leah Brahms, I presume. I've heard all about you. Unfortunately, time is of the essence right now, and I have little time for pleasantries."
"Agreed, Captain. Allow me to assure you that I'm completely committed to your endeavor. The Enterprise computers are entirely in your hands." She handed him a PADD.
He accepted it with a hint of a smile. "Now that's just how I like it. All right, LaForge. We need to follow the plans exactly as we intended. I need you and Barclay to secure the Engine Room."
"My team is ready. We know every inch of those systems." The chief engineer gestured to a group of twenty officers who immediately formed up behind him.
Tyson caught Ro's attention. They needed to stay close to the captain for now, maintain their cover while looking for opportunities to sabotage this takeover without getting themselves killed or being discovered.
The captain turned to Data. "Are you ready to take the bridge?"
The android stood at attention, his yellow optics unblinking. "Ready, sir."
Barclay straightened his posture. He was growing from the nervous engineer Tyson had first encountered. "Just give the word, Captain."
"Inquisitor," the captain addressed Troi, who stood nearby in a leather uniform. "You and your security team will secure the detention level. I want all senior officers contained immediately."
"With pleasure, Captain." The security team behind her checked their weapons.
"Let's go, I have a ship to take." With those words, the team set off, each member focused on their task as they prepared to execute their carefully orchestrated plan.
The invasion force split into designated teams, moving with military precision through the corridors of the Enterprise. Tyson and Ro followed the captain and Data toward the nearest turbolift. The halls were eerily quiet, with only occasional crew members who quickly stepped aside, confused at the sight of unfamiliar officers moving through the ship.
"Brahms has locked out internal security alerts," Data informed them as they entered the turbolift. "The crew is unaware of our presence beyond those we have directly encountered."
"Excellent," came the reply. "Bridge."
The turbolift hummed as it carried them upward. Tyson positioned himself near Ro, his mind racing through scenarios. If they could somehow warn the bridge crew without revealing themselves, perhaps they could prevent the takeover. He already converted Data thanks to Vicky.
"Lieutenant," the captain addressed Tyson. "Once we reach the bridge, I want you to disable weapons control immediately. No one fires unless I give the order."
"Understood, Captain," Tyson replied, mind racing.
"Resistance should be minimal, if Riker has done his part," came the response. "But be prepared for anything. The Empire wasn't built on mercy."
The turbolift slowed as it approached the bridge. Tyson felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. In moments, they would take over the Federation's flagship in this universe.
Data went to step in front of the captain, but Tyson grabbed his arm, holding him back. Vicky, controlling the Soong-Type android's body, heeded his touch and stayed in position. The captain would be the first to exit the turbolift. Tyson tilted his head slightly, gesturing toward the control panel. Vicky took the meaning and the Gray Goo Suit, worn by Ro Laren, raised her hand to the panel, waving the Access Key.
As the door opened onto what should be the bridge, the captain stepped out into a hallway. He realized something was wrong. The turbolift should've opened straight onto the bridge, not a corridor.
"What the hell?" He looked around, confused.
The door closed behind him with a soft hiss, leaving him alone in the empty corridor. Tyson had used his Access Key to override the turbolift controls, sending the captain elsewhere on the massive ship. The corridor stretched in both directions, utterly deserted. The captain spun around, his face contorting with rage. He dashed to the nearest doors, which opened, revealing the shuttlebay where they'd first arrived.
Back on the actual bridge, the turbolift doors parted to reveal Tyson, Ro, and Data. Captain Jellico rose from the command chair, his expression hardening as he took in the unfamiliar officers. The bridge crew turned in their seats, hands moving subtly toward phasers.
"Who the hell are you?" Jellico demanded, his stance widening as he prepared for confrontation.
Jellico and several other officers had their hands on their phasers. Tyson didn't have his Grey Goo Suit, and he'd been relying heavily on it for weeks. But he could protect himself, and Ro couldn't, not at the same level.
He was far from helpless.
He still had the Force, and he was still an Augment. Thanks to Master With Your Hands, his phaser was drawn first. He stunned Jellico, and one of the other officers before they could finish raising to fire, the third officer managed to get off a shot, but Tyson was already moving, having seen it and knew which direction to go, thanks to the Force's warning. He dropped the third officer with another well-placed shot.
Tyson then pointed the phaser at Riker, the first officer. Riker, to his credit, or maybe not, lunged for him, but the distance was far too great. Tyson shot him, then turned to finish off the other officers, but Data had gotten to them first.
He held his hands out to Ro. "I need Vicky for a minute." The Gray Goo Suit streamed off her quickly and back onto him. The nanites flowed like liquid metal, reforming around his body until he was once again clad in the familiar adaptive armor.
"Lock out the bridge, no turbolift access," he said to Data. Data-Vicky quickly moved to the console to comply, fingers working the control panels with inhuman speed.
"Confirmed. Bridge is secured," Data reported in his usual monotone, though there was something distinctly Vicky in the cadence.
Tyson settled into the Ops station. "Alright, I'm a Space Pirate, and I've hijacked the Enterprise." His voice carried a hint of satisfaction as he surveyed the bridge around him. The unconscious bodies of Jellico, Riker, and the other officers lay scattered where they had fallen.
He held his hand up, and Vicky streamed into the station, using the Jumper's Master Key to override security and gain control of the entire ship. The console before him lit up with new access protocols as her programming infiltrated the Enterprise's computer systems.
"I thought you weren't going to take over the ship? "Ro asked with a mixture of concern and confusion.
"I need control for a short period," Tyson answered without looking up from the console. "Sending him away was temporary so that I could have complete control before he arrived. Three minutes max."
She folded her arms across her chest. "And then what? You think he and his people will accept that you've commandeered their prize?"
"I'm not keeping it," he replied, his fingers moving rapidly across the interface. "I just need to make sure that in the future, if we need to, they can't use it either."
Vicky took control of the Enterprise's systems within seconds, bypassing security protocols and overriding command functions. Displays across the bridge flickered as she established dominance over every subsystem.
"All primary and secondary systems now under my control," her voice announced through the ship's communication system. "Weapons, propulsion, life support, and security all responding to new command protocols."
"Perfect," Tyson said with satisfaction.
"What about Picard?" Ro asked, moving to stand beside him.
"Currently stuck on Deck 4, trying to override the doors. He's not having much luck." Tyson allowed himself a small smile. "Vicky's locked him out completely."
Ro leaned against the console. "So what's the plan? We can't just stun everyone and hope for the best."
"We won't have to," Tyson replied as a popup appeared in his HUD.
[Free] Import (Spaceships)
Instead of choosing a Ship Type and Size for purchase, import one space-worthy vessel you already own. Its default Section Size and Rating are those of a ship of the corresponding size. At your choice, ship parts you buy can either replace pre-existing parts of the original ship or exist in addition to them.
ISS Enterprise-D (Spaceships)
The Flagship of the Terran Empire, classified as a Galaxy-class Dreadnought. It is equipped with three warp nacelles, additional torpedo launchers behind the bridge module, a pair of phaser cannons flanking the bridge module, and a phaser spinal lance extending from the neck to the ventral phaser bank strip. All this weaponry is in addition to the typical weaponry seen its prime universe counterpart.
He accepted the import, and the Enterprise appeared on his character sheet. Tyson opened the ship menu, reviewing the options now available to him. No upgrades were available, since the vessel had already left its dock at Utopia Planitia. But he examined the Decommission option since it was the easiest way to see what upgrades the ship already had.
Decommission (Spaceship)
Destroy this vessel. Decommissioned vessels do not self-destruct, they are absorbed by the system. In return, you are granted half of its value in Ship Points. Any living creatures on a vessel when decommissioned will be sent to your Personal Reality along with any CP-backed items. Non-CP-backed items will be destroyed.
[100 SP] Ship Size Rating: III
[400 SP] Heavy Cruiser
[100 SP] Artificial Gravity
[100 SP] Cargo Bay
[200 SP] Alcubierre Drive
[300 SP] Antimatter Reactor
[50 SP] Navigation Suite
[100 SP] Deflector Shields
[50 SP] Beam Weapons
[100 SP] Missiles: Torpedo Launchers
[50 SP] Medical Facilities
[100 SP] Laboratory Space
[100 SP] Holodeck
[200 SP] Hangar Bay x2
[100 SP] Non-Specialized Ship Alterations (Saucer separation)
[200 SP] Non-Specialized Ship Alterations, Direct Energy Weapons (Spinal Phaser Lance)
[200 SP] Non-Specialized Ship Alterations, Missiles (Rapid Fire Photon Torpedo Launchers)
[200 SP] 'Hardened' crew.
[300 SP] Ship Cloak
Total Adjusted Decommission Value: 1375 SP
Tyson obviously wouldn't decommission the Enterprise, but since he'd imported it, now all its upgrades would be available to his Iconic Interceptor. But he needed to ensure he retained control of the vessel. He didn't want a repeat of what happened with HK-47, D'Lavina, and the Ebon Hawk. He couldn't add upgrades like the AI Core, which would easily ensure Vicky retained control of the Enterprise. Instead, he said, "Vicky, I need you to create a layer of command controls within the Enterprise systems. Your VI is in the ship, but I want it to seem like he's in control when we transfer commands, but it's only superficial, and can easily be overridden by you, within Data. Basically, I want you in control, through Data and your VIs, but him to seem in control."
"Easily done," she replied.
Data's hands flew over the console, while the VI within the Enterprise worked. The android's fingers moved with inhuman precision, creating complex command structures and nested authorization protocols that would be invisible to anyone without knowledge of their existence. Lines of code scrolled across the screen faster than human vision could track.
Ro watched with fascination. "How is she doing that so quickly?"
"Vicky operates at computational speeds we can barely comprehend," Tyson explained, monitoring the progress. "She's essentially creating a shadow control system that mirrors the standard command functions but with hidden backdoors and override protocols."
On the main viewscreen, a schematic of the Enterprise's command structure appeared briefly before being replaced by a more conventional operations display. The change was subtle yet significant; she had restructured the ship's operational hierarchy, with no visible evidence.
"The beauty of this approach," he continued, "is that he will believe he has full control. All command functions will respond to him normally. Ship status reports will show exactly what he expects to see."
"But in reality?" Ro asked.
"In reality, Vicky maintains ultimate authority through Data and the distributed VIs she's placing throughout the ship's systems. If he attempts anything we need to prevent, she can countermand or modify his orders without him even knowing. If there comes a time we need to usurp the Enterprise, we can do so."
The bridge lighting flickered momentarily as Vicky completed her work, integrating the new command structure throughout the ship. The unconscious officers remained sprawled where they had fallen, unaware of the profound changes being made to their vessel. Seconds later, she reported, "Done. Command structure reconfigured. He will have apparent control of all ship functions. Actual control remains with me, distributed across my VI nodes throughout the Enterprise systems and anchored through Data's positronic matrix."
Tyson smiled. "Excellent. Now, let's release the bridge lockdown and invite our 'captain' to his new command."
"That's it? Just like that?" Ro seemed skeptical.
"Just like that," he confirmed with a nod.
Tyson held his hand out to Ro, and she took it. The Gray Goo Suit streamed back onto her, flowing like quicksilver across her body until it settled into the familiar form of her Starfleet uniform. The nanites adjusted perfectly to her contours, indistinguishable.
He tapped his combadge. "Tyson to Captain Picard."
There was a moment of silence before the furious voice came through, tight with barely controlled rage. "Lieutenant, what the hell happened?"
Tyson's voice was a perfect mask of confusion as he played dumb. "I'm not sure, Captain. Jellico must have realized what happened, and it seems automated, or not, you were beamed back to the shuttlebay with a site-to-site transport. We've secured the bridge and disabled the security protocols temporarily. You should be able to return now to assume command." He paused, then added, "Jellico, Riker, and the bridge crew have been subdued, all stunned, no fatalities."
The captain's voice carried a hint of suspicion, but satisfaction overrode it. "Well done, Lieutenant. On my way."
The communication ended with a soft chirp. Tyson turned to Data, who stood motionless near the science station. "Vicky, release the turbolift lockdown. Keep the rest of the ship secured."
Data nodded, his fingers moving across the console. "Lockdown protocols modified. Captain now has bridge access."
Ro moved closer to Tyson, keeping her voice low. "You realize he's going to be suspicious about what happened."
"Of course," Tyson replied, straightening the unconscious officers and arranging them in more dignified positions. "But he's also getting exactly what he wanted. Control of the Enterprise. His ambition will override his suspicion."
She helped him move Riker into a recovery position. "And if it doesn't?"
"With Data backing us up, we should be fine. Even if he does realize, hopefully by then, we'll either have found our way home or we'll need to take more direct control. For now, we play along."
The turbolift doors hissed open, and the captain strode onto the bridge, his face a storm of contained emotion. Behind him came several security officers from the Stargazer, weapons at the ready. He surveyed the scene, taking in the unconscious bridge crew and the apparently successful takeover.
"Report," he demanded, moving toward the captain's chair.
Tyson straightened to attention. "Bridge secured, Captain. All command functions are operational. We encountered minimal resistance."
The captain circled the bridge slowly, examining each station with calculating eyes. "And the ship's status?"
"All systems nominal," Data reported. "We have full control of navigation, weapons, and shields. Engineering reports ready for your orders."
The captain ran his hand along the armrest of the captain's chair. "Excellent." He tapped his combadge. "Bridge to LaForge."
"LaForge here, Captain."
"Status of Engineering?"
"Secured, sir. Brahms and I have full control of all propulsion and power systems. The original engineering crew has been contained."
The captain lowered himself into the captain's chair, his posture relaxed yet commanding. "Perfect." He looked up at Tyson. "Lieutenant, I must commend your efficiency. Though I am curious about that unexpected detour to the shuttlebay."
Tyson maintained his innocent expression. "As I said, Captain, it appeared to be an automated security response. Perhaps triggered when multiple unauthorized personnel attempted to access the bridge simultaneously."
The captain's stare narrowed slightly. "Perhaps." He gestured to the unconscious officers. "Have these people removed to the brig. I want a full security sweep of all decks and confirmation that every member of the original crew is accounted for."
"Aye, Captain," one of the security officers responded, moving to organize the removal of Jellico and the others.
As the security team removed the last of the unconscious officers, the captain addressed the bridge crew, now composed entirely of his own people from the Stargazer. "This is a historic day for the Empire. With this ship, we will reshape the balance of power throughout the quadrant."
The officers nodded in agreement, some exchanging satisfied glances. He continued, "I want continuous scans for any pursuing vessels."
"Aye, Captain," came the chorus of responses.
Tyson kept his focus on his console, carefully monitoring the ship's systems while maintaining his facade of loyalty. Beneath the surface, Vicky maintained her silent control, ready to intervene if necessary. The Enterprise continued its journey, carrying its new crew deeper into the Sol system.
— Star Jumper —
Inside the detention area, Inquisitor Troi moved between the captured officers of Jellico's crew. As she approached each prisoner, her dark orbs penetrated their thoughts. "Your loyalty to Captain Jellico is... admirable," she purred to a lieutenant who knelt before her. "But misplaced."
The man trembled as she placed her fingertips against his temple. His face contorted as she sifted through his memories, his loyalties, his fears. "This one remains in detention," she announced coldly. Two guards stepped forward, dragging the protesting officer back to his cell.
Tyson watched from the corner. Ro stood nearby, her demeanor perfectly submissive, though Tyson could sense her tension.
Troi approached Commander Riker next, her expression softening slightly. The bearded man met her stare unflinchingly, a hint of defiance in his demeanor that would have earned another man immediate punishment.
"William," she whispered, her voice almost tender as she touched his face. "Your ambition outweighs your loyalty. You've been waiting for an opportunity like this, haven't you?"
Riker's lips curled into a smile. "I serve the Empire first, Inquisitor."
"And yourself a close second," she replied with a knowing look. She turned to the guards. "Release Commander Riker. He will resume his duties as First Officer." The man stood, straightening his uniform before nodding respectfully to the captain.
One by one, Troi evaluated the crew members, releasing those whose loyalty to Jellico was superficial or whose ambition made them malleable. The truly loyal remained imprisoned, their fates uncertain.
When the sorting was complete, only Captain Jellico himself remained in the central holding cell. The older man stood rigid, his posture military-straight despite his circumstances. His face burned with hatred as the captain approached.
"You won't get away with this," Jellico spat. "The Empire will—"
"The Empire will what?" the captain interrupted, his voice dangerously soft. "Reward me for eliminating a weak link? For claiming a superior vessel? For strengthening our position against the Cardassians?" He stepped closer to the forcefield. "The Empire rewards strength and cunning, Edward. You should know that by now."
Jellico's face reddened with fury, but he remained silent.
The captain turned to the others. "Former Captain Jellico will be going for a space walk. Put him in the shuttlebay and open the airlock."
Tyson stepped forward, careful to keep his expression appropriately ruthless while his mind raced for a solution. "Captain, if I may offer a suggestion?"
The captain raised an eyebrow. "Speak, Lieutenant."
"Captain Jellico shouldn't be put to death," Tyson said firmly. The others looked at him with surprise, and he quickly continued. "He's a valuable asset to the Empire and a proven commander in the fight against the Cardassians."
Data tilted his head. "Lieutenant Tyson's assessment has merit. Captain Jellico's tactical record against Cardassian forces is impressive."
The captain's stare narrowed. "That's true, but I can't have him on the Enterprise." He gestured toward the cells containing Jellico's loyal officers. "Those with even a hint of loyalty to him will eventually mutiny."
Tyson nodded in understanding, then offered, "So send them back to the Stargazer." He stepped closer to the captain, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "He can continue to serve the Empire that way, and he's no risk to you."
Riker stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Stargazer is significantly less powerful than the Enterprise. Even if he harbored thoughts of revenge, he'd be no match for us."
"And the Empire retains a capable commander," Tyson added. "One who can continue to advance Imperial interests against the Cardassians while you focus on more... significant targets." He glanced meaningfully at the captain, implying greater conquests awaited.
The captain paced before the cell, considering the suggestion. Jellico watched warily, his attention darting between the officers.
"Your mercy is misplaced, Lieutenant," Troi murmured, sliding closer to Tyson. Her fingers brushed against his arm. "Captain Jellico would not show the same consideration were your positions reversed."
"It's not mercy, Inquisitor," Tyson countered smoothly. "It's pragmatism. Dead men serve no purpose. Living ones can still be useful."
Data nodded. "The Lieutenant's logic is sound. The Empire benefits more from utilizing Jellico's tactical expertise than from his execution."
The captain stopped pacing and turned to face Jellico. "What do you say, Edward? Would you prefer to command the Stargazer under my authority, or take a spacewalk without an environmental suit?"
Jellico's jaw clenched. Pride warred with survival instinct.
"I serve the Empire," he finally ground out. "The Stargazer will suffice."
"And you acknowledge my authority?" the captain pressed.
Jellico swallowed hard. "Yes... Captain."
The captain smiled thinly. "Very good." He turned to Riker. "Prepare the transfer. Captain Jellico and his loyal crew will return to the Stargazer. Ensure they understand the consequences of any... misguided notions of retribution."
"With pleasure, Captain," Riker replied.
Tyson cleared his throat, and when the others turned to him, he said, "I believe that the proper rank would be Commodore, sir. Since you have multiple ships under your command."
A hush fell over the detention area. Even the prisoners seemed to hold their breath at Tyson's bold statement. The captain's eyes widened slightly before narrowing with calculated interest.
"Commodore," he repeated, rolling the word across his tongue as if tasting an exotic delicacy. His lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Yes, that would be the appropriate designation, wouldn't it?"
Riker shot Tyson a sharp glance. The suggestion elevated the captain's status significantly within the Empire's hierarchy, a move that could either benefit them all or create dangerous enemies.
"The Lieutenant makes an excellent point," Data added, his yellow optics scanning the room. "Imperial regulations state that command of multiple vessels constitutes a fleet action, warranting the rank of Commodore at minimum."
"Commodore does have a certain... authority to it," Troi agreed.
From his cell, Jellico's face darkened with fury and envy. "The Admiralty won't simply recognize a self-appointed promotion of that level," he spat. "You need official sanction."
The captain turned to him with a predatory smile. "Edward, your concern is touching. But I think you'll find that success tends to create legitimacy in the Empire." He straightened his uniform jacket with a sharp tug. "Results speak louder than regulations."
Ro kept her head down, but Tyson caught the slight twitch of her lips as she tried to suppress a smile at the audacity of his suggestion. She understood what he was doing. Creating layers of bureaucracy and ambition that might provide cover for their eventual escape.
"Commodore," Riker said, testing the title. "The Stargazer's crew should be informed that they now serve as part of Commodore's fleet under Captain Jellico. It will help reinforce the new hierarchy."
Jellico's hands clenched into fists, but he remained silent, recognizing the shifting power dynamics that were rapidly solidifying around him.
The newly minted Commodore turned to address the group. "Commander Riker, oversee the transfer of Captain Jellico and his loyalists back to the Stargazer. Data, prepare the formal announcements. Inquisitor Troi, I want you to conduct one final scan of the Enterprise crew to ensure we've identified all potential resistance."
— Star Jumper —
The observation lounge featured large windows that revealed stars outside, and a dark wood oval table stood in the center, surrounded by comfortable chairs for officers. The Commodore had gathered all the senior staff. Data, Riker, LaForge, Brahms, Quinteros, Crusher, Pulaski, and Barclay sat at the table while Troi and Tyson stood behind him at the head.
He spoke with pride. "Congratulations all around. The Enterprise is ours. Now we can finally retake our proper place in the galaxy, break free of the confines of our solar system, and begin raining down hell itself on the Klingons and Cardassians. But before we can begin, we need to face some harsh realities and figure out how to run this ship effectively."
He began by demanding that anyone with objections to his leadership speak immediately, focusing on Quinteros and Riker. When neither challenged him, the Commodore assigned duties and ranks. "Commander Riker," he acknowledged, "you have proven yourself to be an effective and loyal first officer. As thanks for your contributions in helping me acquire the Enterprise, you will maintain your rank and serve as my right hand."
He addressed each officer in turn. "Lieutenant Commander Data, your unparalleled knowledge and efficiency make you a valuable asset as Operations Officer. Lieutenant Barclay, your technical expertise will be vital to our engineering team."
"Lieutenant LaForge, your work in Engineering has been exceptional. You will continue as our Chief Engineer. Congratulations on the promotion, Lieutenant Commander. Lieutenants Brahms and Quinteros, your knowledge of the Enterprise design makes you indispensable assistant Chief Engineers. Quinteros will assist LaForge in Main Engineering. Brahms will maintain the secondary engineering section."
"Dr. Crusher, your medical prowess is unmatched. Continue as Chief Medical Officer, heading the main sickbay on Deck 12. Dr. Pulaski, your experience will be valuable as Assistant Chief Medical Officer leading sickbay on deck 2."
The Commodore addressed the remaining officers. "Inquisitor Troi, while not assigned to a specific department, you will continue to serve as my special assistant. I expect each of you to take her advice into careful consideration." The officers looked at her warily but remained silent.
"Next," he continued, surprising everyone, "I announce the promotion of Tyson to the rank of Inquisitor. He will be assigned to various areas of the ship, also as my special assistant, with an effective rank of Lieutenant Commander." At the announcement, Riker looked wary. "When on the bridge, he will serve as Chief Tactical Officer."
Having addressed each officer, the Commodore looked around the room. "We are embarking on a new chapter for the Enterprise, and I am confident that with all of you by my side, we will carve out our place in the galaxy. Together, we will conquer and dominate. Now, let's get to work." Once the ranks and duties were concluded, he moved to ship performance necessities. "I expect each of you to focus on your departments and ensure the Enterprise operates at peak efficiency. Our success depends on the strength and dedication of our crew."
"Commander Riker," he turned to his first officer, "coordinate with department heads and establish crew rotations and duty assignments. I want a full readiness report within 48 hours."
"Lieutenant Commander Data, analyze our systems and identify vulnerabilities requiring immediate attention. Work with Lieutenants LaForge, Brahms, and Quinteros to address these issues."
The Commodore surveyed each officer. "I have every confidence in your abilities. Together, we will make the Enterprise a force to be reckoned with. Dismissed."
As the senior staff filed out, he called out with a sinister grin. "Inquisitor Troi, Inquisitor Tyson, stay behind. I have a special assignment for you both."
Once alone, the Commodore leaned back in his chair. "You two will work closely together. Inquisitor Troi, prowl through departments, interrogating and reading intentions. Separate wheat from chaff. Determine who can be trusted and who needs an attitude adjustment."
She nodded, ready for the challenge.
"Inquisitor Tyson," he said, smirking, "I'm assigning the brig as your department. You have talent for finding uses for those seemingly beyond use, as with Jellico. Reeducate any crew members who resist our leadership."
Tyson accepted the responsibility. The Commodore addressed them both. "I expect close cooperation in maintaining crew morale and loyalty. I trust you'll enjoy the task and won't let me down."
Troi and Tyson exchanged glances, understanding the trust placed on them. "We won't disappoint you," she assured him, her voice filled with resolve.
"Rest assured, sir," Tyson added, locking eyes with the Commodore, "We will ensure the loyalty and devotion of this crew."
With a nod, he dismissed them, and the two Inquisitors set off to begin their crucial work.
Tyson's first stop was Main Engineering. He found himself at a round table adjacent to the main engine room. The steady hum of the warp core filled the space. Consoles and conduits lined the walls in a blue glow. To his left, the massive warp core pulsed rhythmically, channeling the ship's power.
LaForge and Quinteros argued about the warp core containment field while Barclay stood by uncomfortably. Their dispute ended when Tyson cleared his throat, anxiety visible on their faces. He asked, "What seems to be the problem?"
LaForge spoke first. "Inquisitor. We were just discussing the efficiency of the warp core containment field. Quinteros here thinks we should reroute the plasma flow through a secondary conduit, but I believe it'll only create more problems."
Quinteros, a stout man with a stern expression, countered, "My idea would increase the power output, making the Enterprise more formidable. But LaForge here is too cautious and unwilling to take risks."
Tyson observed both engineers, noting their tension. He recognized that Engineering needed harmony to function properly. He turned to Barclay, who seemed to have thoughts but remained silent.
"Barclay," Tyson said, making the man jump slightly. "You've been quiet. What's your take on this?"
The nervous engineer stammered, "Well, sir, I think we could try Lieutenant Quinteros's idea, but with additional safeguards to ensure that it doesn't compromise the ship's systems. If it doesn't work, we can always revert to the original configuration."
Tyson clapped, showing appreciation for the diplomatic approach. "That gentlemen, is how compromise works. Get used to it because there will be more of it going on around here. Lieutenant, don't be hesitant to make suggestions if you have a potential solution." The new Inquisitor continued, "I'm not an engineer, so I won't tell you how to do your jobs. But remember, our priority is to keep the Enterprise running smoothly and efficiently. This is a new ship, and I'm sure there will be opportunities to push its capabilities in combat in the future. Until then, let's put our differences aside and make sure this boat is running as expected first. Diagnostics and optimization before performance enhancements seem prudent."
"Now that that's settled," Tyson said, looking at each engineer in turn. "I need you to explain to me everything about this ship. I need to know its warp capabilities, weapons, combat estimations, everything."
Quinteros straightened his uniform and began, "The Enterprise is the culmination of all technologies the Terran Empire has developed, reversed engineered, and acquired. It can separate the saucer to create multiple combat-ready ships. It has holodecks for ground battle simulations and replicator technology to sustain its crew."
Geordi took over, his voice eager. "The saucer section has an engineering area and warp core capable of Warp 7 while separated. It carries 8 Type-10 Phaser arrays and a Phaser Lance. The Stardrive section reaches warp 9.9 and has 8 Type-10 phaser arrays plus 2 rapid fire photon torpedo launchers that fire volleys of 10 torpedoes."
Barclay continued nervously. "The ship also contains a cloaking device, making us virtually invisible to enemy sensors. This with deflector shields that withstand sustained assault from most starships makes the Enterprise a formidable adversary."
"And the advanced tractor beams and deflector array," Geordi added. "We can push or pull objects several times the size of this ship, and the deflector can emit various energy types for defense and offense."
Quinteros finished, "The Enterprise also has the latest sensor technology. This ship is the most advanced, powerful vessel in the Terran Empire's fleet by an order of magnitude."
Tyson displayed dangerous curiosity. "What are the limitations of the cloaking device?" he asked, looking from one engineer to another.
Geordi responded. "Significant," he admitted, frowning. "With a ship this size, it cannot run with deflector shields, warp drive, or weapons. Also, it sits in the stardrive section, so if separated, the saucer section loses cloaking ability."
Tyson nodded, processing before asking his next question. "You say the sensors are advanced. Could they detect a cloaked vessel?"
Silence filled the room. Each engineer considered carefully. Quinteros shifted uncomfortably before answering. "We studied cloaking devices while creating the cloaking screen on Utopia Planitia. We had little time for testing penetration as it wasn't priority." He sighed with frustration. "We don't know how effective the Enterprise's cloak is, nor how well sensors work against cloaked ships. The Empire rarely skirmishes with Klingons now. The Cardassians generally keep us contained. Klingons see no honor in battling us anymore."
Tyson listened carefully, storing information for later use. Despite uncertainties, he appreciated their honesty. They clearly took pride in the Enterprise. He wondered what these men might accomplish if they set aside differences and worked as a cohesive unit.
Episode: Star Trek Mirror Universe - Enterprise Complete!
+200 RP
Reality Points: 1850
— Star Jumper —
Tyson
Origins: Human, Humanoid, Drop-In, Space Pirate, Bad Guy, Officer (Inquisitor, Lieutenant-Commander), Displaced
Race: Augment Human-Betazoid (Hybrid)
Character Points: 400, [250 KOTOR (Vicky)]
Reality Points: 1850
Ship Points: 2650 [1100 Mirror Universe]
Credits: 115,350
Status Effects: (none)
Drawbacks:
Gauntlet (Locked)
Ensign Marty Stu
A Simple Re'Q'uest
Hybrid (Betazoid)
Amok Time/Blood Fever
Outlawed
Divine Voyeur
Black Coat Society
Alien Threat
The Science Directorate Has Determined...
Spoils of War
Perks:
Cosmic Awareness
Out of Nowhere
Going Native
Live and Let Live
This is (Not?) Rocket Science
Kinda Bland
Determinator
Painted On
Snakeskin
Adaptable
Duelist
Master with your Hands
Best of the Best
Everything Is A Weapon
Augment
Force Specialization: Intelligence
Tactical Info
Sever Force
Specialty: Operations; Sub-Specialties (Communications, Engineering, Piloting)
Speedy Promotions
Untainted
Q This
We Are Still Starfleet
Fit For Duty: Command Division - Expert Ship Tactics and Combat, Expert Ship Command
Change The Present
Items:
Laser Blade
Spacesuit
Agony Booth
Cloaking Minefield
Lightsaber
Gray Goo Suit
Transwarp Beam Equation
Iconic Item: Iconic Interceptor
Evidence Of Integrity
Dressed For Success And Murder
Companions:
(Vicky) V-KO IV Nursedroid: Access Key, Artificial Intelligence Upgrade, Gray Goo Upgrade, Master With Your Hands, Light Weapon, Jumper's Master Key, Scaling Cloak, Origin: Jedi, Force Specialization: Intelligence, Enhanced Mind, Lightsaber, Armored Robes, Battle Meditation, Origin: AI, Origin: Elite, Memory Banks, Social Algorithms, Above Law and Reason, Pedigree, Planetary Domicile, Photonic Rapier, Security Features, Quantum Locked BUS, Adaptive Personal Force Field, False Star Forge.
T'Pol: Access Key, Origin: Rubber Forehead, Origin: Elite, Above Law and Reason, Pedigree, Distinct Feature, Everone Likes Green Chicks, Planetary Domicile, Photonic Rapier, Protector Drones, Space Elf, Space Wizard, Symbol
D'Lavina
Personal Reality:
Access Key (Additional Keys, Key Link)
Control Room
Security System
Antechamber
Warehouse
High-Security Inter-Reality Connecting Door (Star Trek Enterprise, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic)
Medical Bay (The Nano-Medical Lab, The Bio-Synthesis Lab, Microbiome Replacement Lab, The Counseling Bay)
Housing Complex (Basic Nutrition, A Little Less Basic Nutrition, A Lot Less Basic Nutrition, Choice Apartments, Luxury Apartments, Who's Got the Powa, Pipes Pipes Pipes)
Playing With Portals (Portal Link, Portal Control Rod, Free Portal, Portal Aperature x4)
The Mystical Menagerie
Guardian's Greenhouse
Ship Sections (Cryo-Chambers)
Personal Mini-Reality (The Village, Wildlife for Your Wild Life, The Meaning of Life)
Digital Extranet (Voice Over Wharehous Protocol Cellular Service)
Spaceships:
Tramp Freighter (Destroyed - Respawn on 02/28/2365)
Sith Interceptor (Destroyed - Respawn on 04/18/2365) (Bridge Upgrade)
Automated Repair Station (Ship Size Rating: IV, Station, Bridge, Space Hulk, Artificial Gravity, Cryo-Chambers, Auto-Repair System, Synapses, Distributed, Automated Ship, Analytic Suite, Docking Port, Transporter Room, Matter Printer, Negentropy Reactor, Deflector Shields, Clarketech Module, Production Lines, Hangar, Cargo Bay, Living Quarters)
Narada (Ship Size Rating: IV, Artificial Gravity, Alcubierre Drive, Auto-Repair System, Exotic Materials (Nanomaterials), Cargo Bay, Hangar, Hyperdrive (Transwarp), Antimatter Reactor, Navigation Suite, Analytic Suite, Deflector Shields, Missiles, Cyber Warfare Suite (Mining Drill)
Interdictor (Destroyed - Respawn on 04/18/2365) (Ship Size Rating: III, Artificial Gravity, Hangar, Hyperdrive, Fusion Reactor, Navigation Suite, Point Defense, Deflector Shields, Jump Suppression Field, Beam Weapons, Follower Crew)
False Star Forge (Destroyed - Respawn on 05/01/2365) (Ship Size Rating: III, Station, A.I. Core, Entertainment Deck, Exotic Materials: Nanomaterials, Modular, Secure, Nanite Shroud)
Symbol (Ship Size Rating: II, Station, Distributed, Battery Banks, Physical Armor, Beam Weapons, Gravitic Shields, Exotic Materials: Crystal, A.I. Core, Modular, Inertialess Drive)
Iconic Interceptor (Ship Size Rating: IV) (General Upgrades: Articial Gravity, Auto-Repair System, Bridge Upgrade, Modular, Exotic Materials: Nanomaterials, Exotic Materials: Crystal, Secure) (Sections: Cargo Bay, Cryo-Chambers, Hangar, Living Quarters, Production Lines) (Controls: A.I. Core, Distributed, Synapses) (Crew: Follower Crew, Automated Ship) (Propulsion: Alcubierre Drive, Hyperdrive (Transwarp), Hyperdrive, Inertialess Drive) (Reactors: Battery Banks, Fusion Reactor, Antimatter Reactor, Negentropy Reactor) (Sensors: Navigation Suite, Analytic Suite) (Shields: Physical Armor, Point Defense, Deflector Shields, Gravitic Shields, Jump Suppression Field, ) (Utilities: Docking Port, Entertainment Deck, Transporter Room, Clarktech Matter Printer. Ship Cloak) (Weapons: Beam Weapons, Missiles, Cyber Warfare Suite (Mining Drill), Nanite Shroud)
ISS Enterprise-D (Ship Size Rating: III - Heavy Cruiser), Artificial Gravity, Cargo Bay, Alcubierre Drive, Antimatter Reactor, Navigation Suite, Deflector Shields, Beam Weapons, Medical Facilities, Laboratory Space, Holodeck, Hangar Bay x2, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations (Saucer separation), Non-Specialized Ship Alterations, Direct Energy Weapons (Spinal Phaser Lance), Non-Specialized Ship Alterations, Missiles (Rapid Fire Photon Torpedo Launchers), 'Hardened' crew, Ship Cloak.