Camping Trip

Posted on Saturday October 1st, 2022 @ 9:35pm by Lieutenant Commander Niali Deval Dr & Lieutenant Steven Edgeware

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Mion Nova
Timeline: Current

ON

Newly promoted Executive Officer Niall checked her quarters to ensure she had not forgotten anything. Puss sat in his tree looking at her with hurt eyes. He knew she was leaving him and made his feelings clear with vocalizations throughout the previous night hence her lack of sleep. “You will be fine you know that Ensign Prut will take excellent care of you as he always does!” She finished her coffee and placed the cup into the replicator. She quickly dressed in khakis, boots, shirt and finished it off with an explorer's hat. She laughed as she looked in the mirror creasing the brim with her finger she asked Puss, “well, do I look the part?” Puss yawned, passed gas and turned his back on her. “Love you to kit,” she said blowing him a kiss.

Tapping her comm she said =/\= Lieutenant Korial to Lieutenant Edgeware, Lieutenant Elliot, hope you are both ready for our trip? Please make your way to the shuttle bay as soon as possible, we will be taking the Apollo, Niali out. =/\=

She shouldered her pack which included a medical tricorder and first aid kit, rations, marshmallows, tent, and sleeping bag, and checked her phaser and two extra power packs. She threw her swimming clothes and a change of warm and cool clothing and a book. She blew a kiss to Puss and left for the shuttle bay. Arriving she stowed her gear and began her pre flight checks. Niali had chosen the Apollo as it had enough room to sleep four or five persons of needed and lots of storage space.

One of the first things his teachers at the academy had said. If the mission was a difficult or dangerous one. Once it was over if R&R was offered. Take it. So when Niali suggested this camping trip. Steven jumped at the chance. He acknowledged her call and then hoisted his backpack. He had even managed to get hold of a flask of his Great Uncle Neville ‘s thick vegetable soup. A perfect companion to any camping trip. Steven headed out of his quarters.

Jason walked into the shuttle bay, his pack made a small thump as it hit the deck "The idea of unrecycled air sounded the most appealing."

Jo grabbed her bag with the essentials and went up the shuttle's ramp she stowed her gear and took a seat.

"Hi, Doctor Are you up for another mission?" Jo asked.

Niali looked at Steven as he boarded. “Glad you could make it. I for one am looking forward to some fresh air and a lot of swimming although, of course, we don’t know much about this place. It should take us about two hours to get there. Can you fly?” She asked.

"I have the proper ratings, I'll do preflight and checks." Jason picked up his pack and walked up the rear ramp, "Did you pack a machete?"

“I was going to do the flying but if you want to have at it! As for a machete no, we might need one you’re right, I’ll go get one.” Niali left to find the right replicator.

"We can split the flight duties." Jason said as he started the checks "Tell the computer to replicate a bolo style they have a longer sweet spot for chopping plus the handle is typically more forgiving when you grab it."

Niali was away a few minutes then returned with the requested machete. “Had to go to engineering for this.” She put it in the rear bulkhead bin sat down and strapped herself in. Taking out her PaDD she looked over the sketchy information on Mion Nova. “I think we are all on first name terms on this trip, everyone in agreement?”

“ Yes,” Steven said in agreement

"No problem with that" Jason paused switching some shuttle systems into standby "Internal power too standby, engines are go, Thrusters show green, Nialli can you check the reserve fuel?"

She nodded and her fingers touched the console. “Reserve fuel full. The trip should take us about two hours so long s we do not run into anything along the way.” She turned to Steven. “By the way, Steven Ensign McTaggard was looking for you, she had a large backpack and Wee one was inside it. Did you invite her on the trip?”

“ No. She must of overheard. Can we go without her please?” Steven said.

"It's fine with me, it's not like we're going to run into anything outrageous, or are we expecting a run in with something that goes bump in the night?" Jason said leaning back and smiling.

Niali smiled and turned to her PaDD. “ atmosphere Oxygen and nitrogen, long range scans show vast grasslands, mountains, and ninety percent of the moon is covered with water. What scans I have been able to complete show a large ‘animal’ population but there is no sign of sentient life but, I wouldn’t place too much on these scans.” Her face became animated. “This is what is exciting about our adventure. Also my fellow adventurers I have to inform you that the Captain wants to join us. He has given us the choice as to whether he accompanies us as he realizes that his presence might have an effect on…..” she hesitated …..” our enjoyment. What do you think?”

Jason felt the blood drain from his body, despite the discussion; if you wanted to call it that, Jason felt like he was still on a short leash, "Awesome." faking excitement, "Power to internal, we can depart when everyone arrives." Jason swiveled the pilot's chair and pulled his pack close and secured it.

“Now hold on a minute Jason, I said ONLY if we agree. So that’s one vote for no. Steven yea or nay?” Niali said.

“ I say why not let the Captain join us. The more the merrier I say.” Steven replied

“I can see why Jason is not so keen, our Captain is our Captain after all and we may feel a little strained but I agree with Steven, the more the merrier in fact we are also waiting for JoAnne. I think we should make it on a first name basis.

"That wasn't a no." Jason said as the internal lights came on "Just an unexpected wrinkle."

Niali tapped her comm lightly. =/\= Captain, we will be leaving shortly, grab your stuff we’re waiting to get under way.=/\= she laughed “I do not like hanging around”.

Just as Niali finished her announcement over her comm badge. The Captain walked up the back ramp of the Runabout shuttle. "Even as a Captain, I can arrive as I would like? Remember Captains are never late. We always arrive at the precise right time." commented Trensu as he walked into the shuttle.
Trensu had his gear with him as he stowed it in the back of the shuttle. Then walked over and took a seat. He greeted everyone there with a grin. "I hope I am not making too many problems by coming along," Trensu said to everyone and looked at Jason. "I am sure everyone wants to use our first name since we are all officers I am good with that too. But the easy thing is just to call me Trensu. my first name is a pain to pronounce." Trensu said leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes.

Niali laughed, “you don’t have a long grey beard and I’m pretty sure you are not a wizard……are you? Trensu!” She exclaimed.

Transu let out a chuckle He hoped the others would get the jokes and laugh. lucky for him he had been studying the federation and others in this sector for over 100 years though most did not know that. "more accurate would be I think a Red beard. I am not so good on the magic side, but do like to collect ships" Joked trensu.

Steven smiled.

“ My people are known for our red hair and beards. Much like the Scottish. I remember when I was once a child. Growing up in Ballybrack, there was a schoolmaster who had a great red beard. Plus the temper to match. We were all afraid of him. No one ever dared to play the idiot in his class.” Steven said with a smile.

Jason looked at the sensor display "We're still waiting on our departure window, I think we are number four right now."

“ Did anyone remember to bring an instrument like a guitar? We could have a fireside sing along.” Steven said

Niali laughed and turned it into a cough. “I can play the drums!” she exclaimed but I didn’t bring them with me.” she couldn’t help it and began laughing loudly. “I’m …I’m sorry Steven. I just can’t see us having a fireside sing…..” she was laughing so hard now she clung to her abdomen and slipped off the chair onto the floor of the shuttle. “I don’t know what is so funny but it is.”

Trensu shook his head in amazement. "Jason Check the O2 levels and carbon dioxide for being unbalanced unbalance," asked Trensu.

Steven too felt like suddenly bursting into laughter. He looked into his nap sack and pulled a tricorder out. Scanning the area he nodded. The nitrous oxide levels were a little high. Which surprisingly did happen quite often sometimes. When shuttles were first used after a long period of rest. That’s why shuttle-bay crews were nicknamed smilers.

Looking at Niali. "pull yourself together Niali. Did I miss the joke? Then he laughed some. "Not red beard, Blackbeard that's it. I messed that up. said Trensu. he looked at the crew this was going to be an interesting trip as it has started out. Trensu knew he had to stay relaxed yes he was the captain but this was to be R&R, not a mission. Trensu wondered if they really knew the difference.

Niali tried to pull herself together. She had not laughed like that for a long time and she felt elated and much happier. Finchley could go rot she would forget him and move on. “We need to go,” she said. “ Let’s get on our way, what does everyone else think?”

Jason looked at the status board, "We're up after a cargo transfer, that'll take about ten minutes." Jason reached for the controls to bring the shuttle to full standby, "Do I delay or do we go?"

“We go,” said Niali still giggling. “We only have fourteen days when all said and done.” She began to laugh again at her own joke then sat down to take a drink of water.

Jason swung around in the pilot's chair "Transmitting flight info, please put your tray tables and seats in the upright position during launch" switching to comms "Flight control this is Apollo we are a go."

The voice on the comms chimed out "Apollo you are five by five, clear sailing, safe journey."

Jason smiled as he advanced the throttles "Here we go!"

Steven sat back and watched through the window as they began to move.

“ I am really looking forward to this” Steven said.

Niali nodded, “me too Steven, fresh air, exploration, and camping under the stars, that is what I hope Mion has in spades.” She looked at her fellow travelers hoping they felt the same.”The thing is it is a relatively unexplored world so we need to be prepared for anything.

"Did you already pick a good spot," Jo asked.

“We’ll have to reconnoiter when we get there Jo. How long until we arrive Jason?” She asked.

"Once we're out of the traffic control zone I can jump too warp and have us there in sixty-seven minutes," Jason said adjusting the course.

"Yes the great outdoors," commented Trensu. "Maybe I should have just made all of you bring a canteen of water and a knife to see what your skill are really like," said Trensu sounding serious. Trensu let them hang for a moment with a pause. Then chuckled with a grin. " Maybe not sounds like too much work," he said with a smile.

“The fact that not much is known about Mia Nova means we may well have to do some work. I for one hope to do some archeology.” Said Niali.

The medic in him became concerned when Niali said not much is known. But the awakening scientist smiled with glee.

“ I think I read somewhere the Mia Novans were terrific pot makers. There have been some rather striking examples found. The pattern work was very intriguing. However, I hope it’s safe as you say not much is known about Mia Nova. Does it kind of concern me.” Steven said.

Naili stood and moved over to the weapons locker entering her code it opened and she brought out phasers. Passing them out to her companions. “Even though this is a much needed vacation we are heading to a world that there is not much known about. There may be…probably will be dangers there so everyone will carry a phaser set on stun at all times. This locker also contains six pulse rifles and fourteen stun grenades, and we also carry a field generator so our campsite will be safe.” She snapped the locker shut. “The side arms should not be kept in backpacks, Jason what sort of weapons capability does the Apollo carry?

"This is a Delta Flyer shuttle," said Trensu looking at everyone in the shuttle. "Well, I think the new Second officer should answer that question Naili and that is..." said Trensu standing.

Steven stood up and looked around. He wondered who the new XO2 was.

"Attention to Orders!" announced Trensu.

When everyone was standing Trensu continued. "Commander Starfleet, Acting upon the recommendation of the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer of the USS Oberon, has placed special trust and confidence in the devotion, integrity, and abilities of Lieutenant Steven Edgeware. Because of these special qualities and their demonstrated potential to serve in the Second Officer position. Lieutenant Steven Edgeware is promoted to Second Officer, of the USS Oberon. By order of the Commander USS Oberon, Star Fleet." Trensu explained and smiled.

"Signed this day Lieutenant Commander Ahkhsu Trensu, Commanding Officer, USS Oberon" finished Trensu.

Trensu gave a sly smile "Now that is out of the way. I am on R&R so that makes you 2XO Lieutenant Edgeware and you have to report to the XO, Naili." he informed him.

Trensu sat down back in his chair with that same grin leaned back and closed his eyes.

Steven's first reaction was surprising. He gave a nod.

“ Thank you I will endeavor to be a good officer and not let you down.” He said.

Jason turned back to his piloting duties, "These coordinates look familiar." keying in some commands "Ah...I was on a mission in another system nearby about two plus years ago, well if you call a salvage mission with a bunch of engineers and archeologists a mission, it was actually fun."

Niali sat down next to him in the navigator's console and brought up the stats for the planet. Looks like we can choose between the mountains and forests or the grasslands and the oceans on the second continent. There are three main ones, none of which have names. There was volcanic activity about one hundred years ago on the edge of the mountains and forests of the first continent. The weather can change” she took a drink of her coffee, “quickly from strong sunshine to snow and storms. There do not seem to be any seasons on Mia Nova. Any questions ?” She asked.

Jason keyed up the long-range sensor suite, "We're still a few minutes from full sensor views, I'm interested in this grassland area there seem to be better landing options as well."

Unfortunately, his first act as 2XO was to admit his information on the vessel. Was a little sketchy. But then seeing the registry number jogged Steven’s memory.

“ If memory serves I believe the vessel has all the usual weapon systems. However, I do believe this particular one is a special model. With a slimmed-down version of a quantum torpedo launcher. Starfleet wanted to test it on an actual shuttle. They picked us.” Steven said

Jason leaned back as the autopilot took over "Photonic missiles, micro torpedoes, and micro quantum torpedos, 4 phaser banks and if this isn't a fourth-generation version it should have the modulating shields and metaphasic array." pausing to key in something "... and variable geometry nacelles with tetraburnium alloy hull."

“Good,” said Niali thoughtfully. “Does anyone have any questions before we land?” she asked the assembled party.

“ Actually yes. Has everyone had their shots? Just in case theirs some insects out for a tasty meal.” Steven asked.

“No, I have not had any for a long while,” Nilali said.

Jason smiled "Mine are mostly up to date," Pausing to swing around to the controls "we're now under ten minutes to our destination, three minutes until we drop out of warp."

"Mine are definitely up to date," Jo said.

Niall sat down next to him. “We should be within sensor range shortly. I believe there are storms in the upper atmosphere that might give us trouble but, I am sure a brilliant pilot like yourself can put us down safely.” She smiled and whispered, “are you okay?”

Jason shifted in the pilot's chair, he looked up at the clock "Dropping out of warp in 3, 2, 1." The star fields became static again, their destination square in the main view, "There's a couple of options here, there's a rather massive clearing on the edge of one of the larger forests, it's furthest from any of the storm cells, thoughts?"

“From my point of view, I think it best if we stay away from the storms if possible?” She waited for any other ideas.

Jo was on the sensor/scanners. I'm not detecting any technology or life forms other than simple animal life. I do think we should avoid the storms as much as possible, the galvanic energy discharges from the storms are great enough to damage our systems. Perhaps we could find a sheltered landing spot. A large cave, maybe? Jo suggested.

“A sheltered landing spot is a must you’re right there Jo,” Niali said. “We can always stay in here but in my opinion, we have come to be outside and explore and, to that end I would rather be in my tent. However, these storms look pretty lethal if we are caught in them.”

Trensu listened to Niall and Jason talk. He did not open his eyes and stated in his laid-back position in the chair. " see how fast the storms are moving if there is a spot you like we come in from behind a storm and a small valley with high hills on the sides might work too." suggested Trensu.


Jason edged the nose down and then began to ease off the throttle, he could see on the instruments he was still in a good glide path, the heads-up display kicked on showing the projected flight path into the atmosphere, and the craft rumbled slightly as the hard part of the descent began, "Disengaging main engines, switching too atmospheric systems now, glide path is good for the valley." Jason pulled back on the flight controls slowing to an atmospheric speed, "The valley is coming up on the left, I'll circle back and bring us down."

The horizon shifted as Jason made a leisurely bank to circle back to their final destination "Final approach, slowing to a hover."

Things came to a stop with a soft thump as the landing struts hit the ground followed by the whine of the engines going from idle to shut down.

OFF

Lieutenant Commander Ahkhsu Trensu
Commanding Officer
USS Oberon

Lieutenant Commander Niali Korial Dr
Executive Officer
USS Oberon

Lieutenant Steven Edgeware
Second Officer
USS Oberon

Lieutenant Jason Elliot
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Oberon

Lieutenant JG Luna Winters
Chief of Security
USS Oberon

Ensign JoAnne Grant
Chief Operations Officer
USS Oberon