On The Scene
Posted on Sun Jul 12th, 2015 @ 6:21pm by Lieutenant Commander Alexander Gunning & Captain Julius Whitlam & Commander Elliot Drake
Mission:
First Strike
Location: Main Bridge [Deck 1, USS Manoora]
The USS Manoora manoeuvred into her assigned position in the anchorage in orbit of Alpha Trianguli IV. Starbase 310 was a planetside facility, with orbital installations, maintenance docks and victualling stations in geosynchronous orbit above the main base. It was one Starfleet's most important strategic positions along the Cardassian frontier and played a major role during the Federation-Cardassian War a decade earlier.
Captain Julius Whitlam was well aware of the starbase's history, but it was the role it would play in the next war that occupied his thoughts. He sat silent and stony-faced as he watched Ensign Sel'alla bring the ship into position, the young Saurian's fingers stabbing confidently at her console.
"Jesus, that's some sight." Alexander Gunning remarked from his console. As the haze of the warp field dissipated, the viewscreen was immediately full of starships of all shapes, sizes and configurations- there were even some Klingon ships in there for good measure. As the Manoora gently shimmied into position, they came alongside one of the giant Vor'cha class battle cruisers of the Klingon Empire.
Gunning knew that it would impolite to scan it- there was a certain etiquette to these things- but he definitely wanted to go over and check it out. The interior of Klingon ships had long been a source of fascination for him.
Elliot, too, starred at the viewscreen in disbelief. "I don't think I've ever seen this many ships gathered in one place before," he remarked. "Wolf 359 didn't even have this big of a fleet." He shook his head in silence. Starfleet wouldn't have mustered to this extent unless it was truly necessary.
"We've achieved our orbit, Captain," Sel'alla reported.
"Very good, Ensign," Whitlam replied as he stood up and straightened his tunic. He turned back to Commander Gunning at Tactical, "Inform the Harbourmaster, Mister Gunning. Let them know we're awaiting further instruction."
"Aye sir. Reply coming through." The Security Chief took a quick look over the message- easily shortened. "You're required to meet with Admiral Gilhouly immediately, Sir. Both you and Commander Drake."
Whitlam nodded and looked over to his XO. "We'd better not keep the Admiral waiting, Number One."
Drake nodded in acknowledgment. "No, we better not. After you sir," he replied, rising from his chair.
As the pair headed for the forward turbolift, Whitlam looked up at Gunning. "You have the conn, Mister Gunning."
Gunning crossed the floor and took up his temporary residence in the Captain's chair with only one thought on his mind. What the hell kind of a name is Gilhouly?
Captain Julius Whitlam
Commanding Officer
Commander Elliot Drake
First Officer
Lieutenant Commander Alec Gunning
Chief of Security
