Making Plans - Part 1

Posted on 23 Jul 2022 @ 8:12pm by Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Lieutenant JG Ron Bumble & Lieutenant C'Tora Kuroka & Lieutenant Cassandra Higgins-Stevens

Mission: Through the looking glass
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD2 Evening
1149 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

There had been a summons from Captain Reynolds and Natasha couldn't ignore it. About 15 minutes later Natasha met up with Ron and they headed to meet with Reynolds. Natasha was rather curious as to the reason for his request and her interest was rather high. When they stepped through the door, to her surprise she noticed C'tora present and there was also Cassie. "Reporting as requested, Captain."

Cassie saw the arrival of the Commander and in truth this was the first time she had met the women. She nodded politely by way of greeting but said nothing to allow the conversation, or more likely, handing out of orders to continue unhindered.

C'Tora walked back in at a quick pace. " I had to check on a patient in sickbay Sir. " He walked to the replicator and got himself his usual green tea and sat down. instead to his normal green tea. " Ok I'm ready. " He said as he made himself comfortable " So what's on our plate today? " He asked.

Natasha had a smile when she saw her friend, it had been awhile since they had spoken, "Probably having something to do with where we are now." she stated.

Natasha paused then looked at Cassie, "Hello, I think this is the first time we've met." Looking at the woman there. "You're one of the counselors, Chief Counselor, Lieutenant Higgins. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." giving a warm smile.

C'Tora raised his mug of tea towards the ladies. " Natasha, Cassie. It is good to see you both again. " he fixed his eyes directly on Natasha. "Natasha, I owe you a dinner at the very least for you getting me out of that tight spot I was in on Star Base 308. Just let me know when would be a good time for you. "

"I will most certainly let you know." Looking directly at C'Tora then addressed the general room. "Any idea of what is going on? I am at this moment at a loss not knowing what has happened. I had heard that, we are not in our universe. Is this true? Gossip travels rather quickly on a ship." Natasha remarked.

C'Tora sighed. "Yes the rumor is true, we are in a parallel universe and we're trying to find our way back to our own universe. I've also heard rumor that if you touch your parallel twin, you'll both explode. I don't know if that's true but I'm not going to risk it."

"I've not heard that rumor, and it has been recorded that when those who have gone into the mirror universe in DS9 that Kira Nerys had been touched by her mirror universe self and survived it. She didn't explode." Natasha replied.

C'Tora chuckled. " I know, But you did start off by talking about rumors. And that's the way it worked in that science fiction holo novel I read. On a starship the rumor may be correct on the subject but far off the mark on facts. I was on the bridge after we had that bumpy ride and was checking on the crew at the time when they were discussing the situation and humor is a good way to alleviate stress. Am I worried about being here and us getting back home? I think I can say yes to that and just about every other crew personal aboard the ship as well. "

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Jon stated walking in. "My son had a little freak out upon realising we were not in Kanas any more and then the XO got in touch. Coffee, white, 2 sugars," he barked at the replicator.

Grabbing his materialised mug, he took his seat. "So the update is Commander Fox has coordinates to this places equivalent of DS21. Which is called Sempok Nor. And in control of the Alliance, which as far as we can tell is similar to the alliance that Sisko experienced in his adventures in a parallel universe. Made up of the Klingons, Cardassians and Bajorans. Caitians are apparently a lower membership not that I know the specifics of that BUT doctor apparently they are viewed as useful. Humans only if they have a special status. Luckily Commander Fox managed to negotiate we will say, as I'm not sure what she really did needs to go on record ... right now," he frowned.

He wasn't sure of the long term consequences of what Fox had to do to get them this information.

"So intially I was going to send all 4 of you but ive decided only 3 are going in now. Cassie your going in. I would prefer to send Natasha but apparently he looked at Natasha, your the intendant there. And Cassie, apparently your someone high up who disappeared for a while which I think we can use to our advantage. Ron will be your specially commissioned human scientist and Doc I want you to pose as Cassie's body guard/muscle .. however you want to term it," he finished.

Natasha shot a glance towards Ron giving him an encouraging smile then looked back at Jon, "My other self is the Intendent?" she frowned slightly. "This is interesting. However, I am most happy to stay here with you Captain. In light of our finding out information I will agree that it is best that I do so."

" So I am to be the hired muscle then? " C'Tora closed his eyes and bowed his head. " It shall be as you wish Captain Reynolds. I will do my best to protect those I am with Sir. " He frowned and looked a bit annoyed. " It is annoying to hear that Caitians are found to useful and deemed to be only servants or slaves. But they are only used as the brute warriors that we were in the past and not the Scientist, artist, engineers and doctors that we have become. " He shook his head in disgust. " I am truly grateful that I do not live in this parallel universe. "

"Sir!" Cassie was feeling a bit more pressure than she had expected. "You say that Human's are only granted status in certain circumstances... How was my counterpart granted this status... given I am Human, or Terran as they would be viewed here?"
She held herself together, forcing her immediate nervous reaction down to be replaced by a veil of confidence.

"Apparently they are one of the high ranking concubines of the current Emperor," Jon said. He knew the next question was coming but it still leaving a bad taste in his mouth. Not to mention how awkward this could be going on how he was the mans double.

"The current Emperor Liam Reynolds."

TBC

Captain Jon Reynolds
USS Andromeda - CO

Lieutenant Cassandra Higgins
USS Andromeda - Ships Counselor

Lieutenant C'Tora Kuroka
Chief Medical Officer
USS Andromeda

Commander Natasha Blackthorn
Diplomat
USS Andromenda

Lieutenant Michael Hawkins
Chief Engineer
USS Andromeda

Lieutenant Ron Bumble
NPC Jon Reynolds