Captains' Table - Part II

Posted on Monday February 28th, 2022 @ 1:25am by Lieutenant Commander Curzon Bennett & Lieutenant Steven Edgeware

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: USS Oberon - Observation Lounge
Timeline: MD04 1330

::ON::

Tran followed Captain Bennett to the table and took a seat. He looked at the other freighter captains and took their stock. A motley bunch to be sure but he had heard of Captain Rath Ch'Koather of the Sun Runner but hadn't actually met the Chen. They were all competent Captains.

Java took his seat. His uneasy feeling about this run was now prickling his mind. He had served with Tran five years ago. On another transport ship with a cargo of medical supplies and technical parts to Deneva. The journey had been a long one due to the ship only making warp two. So of course a poker game or two had been played. He’d won a few games on that run. Unlike Tran.

'It's about as standard a run as we can hope for, given present circumstances,' Bennett replied to Rath with an easy smile. 'A short hop across Klingon Space to deliver parts and supplies to the New Haven colony. I understand they're short of replacement parts for their farming equipment - their single replicator can't quite keep up.'

Smiling back at Bennett "A short hop across Klingon Space easy, Right....." replied Rath with a slightly sarcastic tone in his voice. rath pick up some food and put it on his plate. then took a sip of water.

Sakaan quietly slipped in the door and made her way to the table, taking up one of the last free seats. Bennett nodded at her neutrally. 'Lieutenant Sakaan, captains. Our mission adviser and primary point of contact for this mission if I, or Commander Miller should be absent.' He indicated the Commander sat to his left. 'I trust your transports are functioning adequately so far?' He had read the schematics and wasn't entirely confident in their performance.

He had to voice his concerns and now was as good as any time. Java lifted a hand.

“Captain Bennett forgive me for saying this. But is the Oberon capable of keeping us safe from the Klingons?” Java asked.

"I would say yes," interrupted Rath. "Let me guess you forgot to scan the ship on Their way in? Or is it you did not read the mission briefing fully, Captain Java? I would say with our ships, and the Oberon, if the Klingon house is small we will be ok. If it is a big one we are not going to do so well. What's that Earth saying? Ah... yes screwed? This is nothing new to me, I have been around the Klingon border most of my life. It's like cards it just depends on which one you draw," said Rath.

"He is right Captain Bennet, we only have type 6 phasers. Back in the day, oh say, 100 years ago that was adequate to fight off most marauders but our weapons systems are at least a century out of date. Add to that, they don't always work. The targeting systems work well enough on a stationary target, but not very well against moving targets, especially warships of the line." Tran added.

"That being said I must say I am impressed with your ship Captain," Tran offered.

Java was not happy with Rath answering for Bennett like that. But held his tongue.

He chuckled in response, before looking to his Executive Officer, 'yes, I'm glad somebody other than the crew is.' Bennett looked around the table, 'you all read the mission profile before we headed out. Starfleet is stretched on both borders minding what's left of the Cardassians and Romulans. These ships are the only ones available to resupply New Haven. Our orders are clear, we are to utilize the Khitomer Accords and cross the Klingon Empire on the most direct path possible to the Beta Quadrant colonies.'

'The Oberon is equipped with some of the most sensitive sensor equipment in existence,' the new commanding officer explained in a quiet, confident voice. 'If the Klingons decide on a rash course of action we should be able to detect them well before they arrive on-station to harass the convoy.' Bennett took a moment and looked them all in the eye, 'we have two runabouts and a Delta Flyer craft to deploy in order to supplement our considerable firepower. Should combat ensue, the Klingons should engage us first - there's no honor in destroying a transport when there are warships about, after all. In that case, you are all to make the best speed to New Haven. Fly your ships apart if necessary, the orders are quite clear. Our transports cannot fall into Klingon hands.'

"May I request that we borrow some of your famous Starfleet engineers to take a look at our engines just in case we have to run?" Tran asked.

Java watched Bennett closely for any reaction to this request.

"Yes, sir, Captain Bennett. I will be ready to go soon. I have only two requests. To have an engineer look at the power conduit junctions. The ship has gone through a few updates but the power distribution system has a few problems when I fire my weapon systems conduit junctions across blow the ship. Also six Photon torpedoes. Most of the time Starfleet seldom issue any to us to supply runners," informed Rath.

Bennett thought for a moment, then nodded. 'I can spare Engineering and Operations officers for what you need.' He looked at the the schedule in front of him. 'We're due to cross the border in a few days. I think a stop before the border to concentrate on repairs, maintenance and torpedo transfers might be a good thing.' He looked around the table.

Java wondered why it took Bennett so long to answer. His feeling of uneasy was almost palpable.

From her end, Sakaan nodded curtly.

"That would be most appreciated Captain Bennett", Tran replied.

'Good,' Bennett responded with a weary smile, 'it's the least we can do to ensure you're safe.' He adjusted his glasses and looked about the table again, 'now, is there anything else?'

Java raised a green hand.

[To be Continued]

::OFF::

Lieutenant Commander Curzon Bennett
Commanding Officer
USS Oberon

Lieutenant Sakaan
Mission Adviser
[PNPC Lt. Cmdr. Curzon Bennett]

Cpt. Raz Java
Transport Captain
USS Dover
[PNPC Lt. Dr Steven Edgware]

Captain Rath Ch'kaohrer
Commanding Officer
USS Sun Runner
[PNPC Lieutenant Ahkhsu Trensu]

Captain Tran Sh'veqan
Commanding Officer
USS Huron
[PNPC Ensign Joanne Grant]