No Time Like the Present

Posted on Wed Nov 30th, 2022 @ 10:19pm by Fleet Captain Maxwell Culver & Commander Vianola Paxidor & Lieutenant Rowena "Rena" Campbell & Xavier X-1 & Colonel Galen s'Khev

4,399 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: A Deserted Planet Is No Tragedy
Location: Triton Tower
Timeline: MD 14: 0800 hours

Max walked onto the dock between Triton Tower and Triton Seabase. Until Starfleet Corps of Engineers were able to build the new Continent class experimental docks, Triton Tower would be the ship’s main dock and the seabase wouldn’t travel too far from home - at least not for the first six months.

Even though his dress uniform was basically the same design as his standard, only a thin black line of fabric ran horizontally across the red fabric separating the red and black base colors, it was certainly not made for the warmer weather. Whatever the Romulans called the planet now, hot and tropical was the best description.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, Transgendered and Asexual guests allow me, Captain Maxwell Culver, to welcome you to Triton Tower and Triton Seabase. I’ve been presented,” he stopped and held up a PaDD, “ with orders to take command of the seabase at this time and stardate. I accept these orders, in good faith, and we will once again explore these deep waters.

In the early days of astronomy, they used to say we understood more about the void of space than we did our own oceans. In fact, our own ignorance nearly led to our own destruction of Earth. Fortunately, a message sent was a message that could be answered. It launched a great renaissance time in understanding our own planet quite a lot more.

In that spirit, we will explore these waters with the same attitude. To preserve and protect life in all forms. We are proud of our humanoid life, but more so we are proud of the aquatic species who are joining us on this endeavor. Today, we are lucky to have a Selkie from Sera IV and three dolphins from Earth to help maintain our cetacean operations center.

It is through our hope that we strive for an understanding of the species living both above and below the water’s surface.

Finally, we would like to thank our Romulan sponsors and allies for this mission. We will turn our attention to my Executive Officer Colonel Galen s’Khev before we officially launch this ship with a great waste of wine!” If Max expected a laugh, he didn’t get one.

Galen stood and listened as the Captain rambled. If there was one thing that Romulans and Humans had in common it was their want for pomp and circumstance when nothing was needed.

This was a trait that Galen hated about both peoples. So when it came time for him to speak he made sure to keep it short and to the point. He approached the podium with his Romulan fleet uniform freshly pressed. "We thank the personnel from Starfleet for restoring this facility. It will indeed assist us in learning what we can about this planet. We caution our new allies to remember that this is a Romulan world." Galen stepped back in line next to Captain Culver.

Vi stood near the Captain and XO looking over the people that had gathered for the opening and arrival of Starfleet. All she could see was a sea of people but even now her own plain clothes security staff were mingling, just in case. It was no secret they weren't exactly welcomed with open arms.

“Though the world is Romulan, there can be no doubt of that with over a million of you now inhabiting the small continents and thousands of islands and archipelagos, we are making strides not made since the Dominion War and the final days of Shinzon to hopefully create a lasting peace. And if that isn’t how this is meant to be,” Max paused and set up another of his lame jokes, “you'll find us to be little more than a few annoying parasites, like fleas biting a dog.”

Surprisingly, this joke did elicit a smattering of laughter, mostly from the elite Romulan officials.

A small snicker and what could almost be a smile came across Galen's face.

“Well, Captain Culver,” Senator Letant said, patting the CO's shoulder. “If we’ve made no peace overtures, it is unlikely we would take notice of you at all,” the Romulan politician joked to uproarious laughter.

Rena was excited to be there. It was a generous offer to join the crew, and she'd accepted it immediately. Now, she sat in an uncomfy chair in an uncomfy uniform, the sun in her eyes, as she watched the official opening ceremonies. HOPEFULLY, the CMO would be invited to speak so she wouldn't have to. With mercy, though, the Captain was succinct-though his attempts at humor were admirable (was he a father? He was EXCELLENT at the dad jokes. She'd need to find out) she was glad when the XO took over.

FINALLY, it was done, and she stood up. She was planning to mingle and schmooze for a short time - long enough to say she put in an appearance and networked, but just short enough that she wouldn't overdo it. Finding her way to the food, she helped herself to some snacks and stood back to watch. As a psych, she learned much more from WATCHING people than she did from their words. And this crew gave her plenty of information.

Max stood proudly. Looking up at their former base, now the sides lit green instead of unlit. The Imperial Romulan banners flew long and proud against what used to be a Federation building. He returned his attention to the new Seabase. Gleaming white, a Federation emblem on top of either side. The Starfleet delta beneath the Federation emblem, followed by two red streaks that reached down to beneath the crashing waters.

“Let’s see this project launched,” Max announced, taking back the attention of the crowd. “It’s been months in talks, years in planning, and now just weeks in assembly. Now we stand proudly before Triton Seabase. Let’s launch this base in Terran fashion.”

Max held up a bottle of Dom Perignon, swinging the bottle as he’d practiced in the holodecks, Max hit the hull and shattered the bottle without cutting himself.

“Triton Seabase launches at 0800 tomorrow. For now, enjoy a tour of the vessel, enjoy the foods and drinks - real alcohol!” Max announced. “Real Romulan ale, supplied by the Federation as a gift to our new Romulan partners in this endeavor. Today, we enjoy a party and the opportunity to meet each other. Tomorrow, the adventure begins!”

Once the official launch was over Galen faded into the background. It was an easy enough activity for someone who served the Tal Shiar. Galen never had an idea or reason to want to mingle and make friends. He took a glass of the Romulan Ale and stepped into the shadows as it were. People watching would be the best way for him to get to know this crew. If all went well, Galen knew that he would not be on this Seabase for too long. He took the position here for the Federation computer access. Perhaps they knew where his sister was.

Jack was dressed in his best. Almost a completely different person than he had been that night in the bar. Of course, he had come to lay eyes on the intriguing captain who would run this base. Max Culver was a contradiction in terms. An El Aurian who would fit in as well among the Fenris Rangers or Section 31 as he was comfortably playing Starfleet captain and host of a large diplomatic party. He was a compelling man and hard to take his eyes off of. Jack couldn't deny the attraction.

The Romulan colonel was the point of Jack’s interest at the moment, however. “Colonel,” he said, seeping into the same -perhaps the only - shadow on the sunlit planet. “Good to see you again,” Jack greeted the unhappy looking man.

Galen did not recall meeting the man. Then again in the years, he had to preside over the planet, he met a fair number of people of all different races. Even though Galen did not want to be bothered, he knew that he couldn’t appear to be too ungracious. So, he nodded by way of greeting to the newcomer.

Jack returned the greeting, with a simple nod. “I do believe we may have a similar problem,” Jack noted. He took time to allow his eyes to fall on the new captain. “When the Romulans ran things here, we weren’t even a consideration. With Starfleet here, I suspect things will change.”

Jack reached out a grabbed a glass of champagne. “This captain is going to be a real pain in the ass, for you first, and then for me. I’m surprised the Empire, what’s left of it, would allow this atrocity on a planet they’ve rightly claimed.”

Jack downed his champagne before walking away.

Galen watched Jack walk away and two things occurred to him. The first was exactly how many people thought Romulans were underhanded. 'I guess I have some of my comrades at arms to thank for that,' Galen thought. He may not like Culver, but that did not matter. The man was the Commanding Officer and deserved loyalty, if for no other reason than that. The other thing that Galen thought about was exactly how much the Rangers left a bad taste in his mouth.

Max was midway through greetings and handshakes when he noticed his security officer, her eyes cruising across the wave of people. She seemed to always have a neutral face during "business hours". The only real fun he'd seen her have was when they had kicked the shit out of a bunch of Nausicaans and a bunch more Klingons, destroying a bar and nearly dying in the process. It forced him to make a mental note to check in on the new bar being built on Triton Tower's ground level.

It had pissed off plenty of Romulan dignitaries, but as far as Max was concerned, that was half his job here. Pulling out a pair of aviator sunglasses, he slid them on and doffed his dress uniform jacket on a sunchair. A yeoman quickly removed the jacket to Max's amusement.

"How goes it today, Vi?" he asked as he moved closer to her position. He looked out over the few kilometers of white sand and gentle waves. Despite the full sunshine, the faint face of the nearest moon still remained visible as it wound its way across the sky with the sun.

Max handed her a glass of the syntheholic Romulan ale, the same as he was drinking. At least for now. Later, at his house, the entire crew had been invited to a real launch party. Real alcohol, real food, and a house big enough for their entire crew, it seemed. He still hadn't been in every room yet...

Vi turned to meet her Captain and greeted him with a smile as she still kept an eye on the milling crowd. "Fine sir, thank you." She replied taking the glass from him. "There has been minimal trouble today, and my deputies have been keeping an eye on things within the crowd." She said taking a sip. "How are you, sir? You spoke well."

“Oh, well, thank you for that. And just so you know, we are a small crew. Things are going to get personal quickly, so save the Captain bullshit until we hit the ocean, huh? There’s only four of us who know what happened in that little bar, we’ll five if you count the owner. Just remember we walked out of that bar together. It’s more than any of the rest of this crew can say about getting us to this moment.”

"I wouldn't call giving you the respect of your rank bullshit, but I will try... Max." Vi attempted to be less formal and relaxed in the company of her new CO. He was right in the sense that they had bonded somewhat over the bar fight. A bond formed from being in battle together already. It would be interesting to see where it went from there.

Max nodded. His unusual way of shirking tradition was starting to wear thin with his crew. In the morning, he would be their captain. For now, it was time to make new friends.

Being an android had both its advantages and its disadvantages. He knew the day was hot and humid, and that the breeze was negligible. Unlike the organic life forms around him, he was not uncomfortable. His uniform didn't bother him the way it did some. In fact, he rather liked the way he looked in it. He was not vain, or at least he didn't think so. For the moment, he was satisfied with just watching.

The disadvantage was, he very clearly, at least for those who were observant, an android and he was too often viewed as a Synth. Ironically enough, there had been a similar rebellion on his homeworld by androids like himself and those who came after him. But it had not been as destructive. Unlike his Synth counterparts, however, he couldn't be reprogrammed - as they had been. It had been tried, on him specifically, it had shut him down, fried his circuits, and turned him into a mannequin, but they weren't able to access his core programming. They hadn't been able to change who he was.

Jack had spent the better part of thirty minutes looking for his protégé before his eyes landed on the white hair and silver-blue eyes. Approaching the captain would be impossible on this day, but he would get closer. Perhaps close enough - both personally and professionally - to ask his assistance in reaching Xavier’s home world.

From what he had learned over the last months, the android had been kept by some religious fanatic group while the ruling party and survivors of this Romulan faith conversion cabal were possibly still in need of help. But, could they survive two years in the conditions Xavier had described? Jack just didn’t know, but his gut said the android was seeking out a long-lost cause.

"Jack," Xavier greeted as he noticed the approach out of his peripheral vision. "There is not much happening here. I've scanned the area four times and I estimate a 9.875% possibility of an untoward event taking place. What brings you here?"

Jack smiled broadly before allowing a slight chuckle. “Xavier, this is a party. You’re looking for trouble, but you should be meeting people, not worrying about security. The Federation security here, along with the Romulan Empire security forces, want this Triton Seabase to be a peaceful endeavor. Even the Tal’Shiar wouldn’t act here. The Empire would not be happy about that.”

Jack looked at the X-1. He was reminded how unlike they were. The X-1 models looked human but lacked emotions. Xavier was nothing like that but in many ways everything like that. “Relax, Xavier. It’s a party and we’re here to make connections. We need either the Romulans or more likely Starfleet, to provide transport to your planet if we’re ever going to find out what’s happened. However, today is not the day for that. Have a drink, eat some cake, chat up some Starfleet personnel.”

"It is difficult for me to not be looking for danger. I was created to be a protector. It's part of my programming. Or as you would say it's ingrained in me. Plus, I have little love for the Romulans. They are the ones that, as you know, turned me into a mannequin and they tried to do much worse."

"I was programmed to flirt, however. Is that what you had in mind? Is there someone I should be flirting with?"

Jack almost did a spit take. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he coughed up the liquid that went down his trachea instead of his esophagus. When he had recovered, Jack answered, “If you find anyone worth flirting with, go ahead, but I think you missed my meaning. First, I’m not ordering you to do anything. Second, I meant only that you should relax.

“If the Romulans don’t suit you, there are plenty of Federation species represented here. I know you can’t quite consume the same food and drinks we have with the same vigor, but you should be able to taste the difference between fresh and replicated. Even I haven’t had a fresh orange in years." Jack held two of them in his hand.

“Talk to people, otherwise you look just like a mannequin in the corner. Flirt if you want to. Jesus, take somebody home and have sex with them, but don’t stand here for the next several hours assessing threats. You won’t find any. We’re also covering that side, whether Starfleet or the Empire know it or not.”

“Go make some friends is what I guess I’m saying.” Jack left the words to sink in for several minutes. “We’re going to be working from this planet, so we might as well know some people. Just, not the captain, not today. We may need to ease him into the fact you’re an android.”

"I have never had sex with anyone, of either gender," Xavier said with his typical brute honesty. "Though I am fully anatomically capable of doing so.

Perhaps, I should start by simply talking with someone. Do you have any suggestions as to who I should approach?"

Rena approached the Droid. She found them fascinating and a bit annoying, ONLY because she couldn't "shrink" them. She couldn't learn their real intention just by body language and subtle linguistic tics. That scared her a bit. On her way, she helped herself to drink and snacks. She'd stay fifteen minutes and then head back to her little bungalow. Work would *officially* begin the next day, and she wanted to be prepared. She approached the group.

"Hello, Everyone. Dr. Rena Campbell. Psych."

Xavier might have resented being referred to as the 'droid' had he been able to sense her thoughts, but he was oblivious to them, so he just smiled as she introduced herself.

Vi turned to face the woman who had just arrived. She smiled at her and walked over. "Welcome to the party, Doctor. I think you'll have your work cut out with that one." She nodded in the direction of Max and smirked.

Max smiled as Vi indicated he would be a bit of extra work. Starfleet counseling services had already come to that conclusion and ordered him to counseling weekly. Apparently, he had a lot of personal hang-ups to get over. “Counselor Rena Campbell, meet our Chief of Tactical and Security Officer, Vianola Paxidor. And as El Aurians go; the younger we are, the more trouble we make.” He smirked.

After Vi had introduced herself to the Counselor, Xavier's eyes cut between them, then shook his head from side to side. "I am Xavier X1 since seemingly, we're introducing ourselves, but I'm assuming you know that."

"Why aren't your type able to help me, or my homeworld?" Then he paused, "I'm sorry, I believe I choose the wrong term. I meant folks in the same vocation as you."

Max had met the android before, along with Vi, but the question caught him off guard. “I’m sorry?” Max asked. “People of our vocation, I assume you mean Starfleet since we’re the ones you’ve approached. Why aren’t we helping you in what way?” Max was very confused.

“You’re of the civilian population, right?” Max knew, full well, that Xavier was involved with Jack and Jack was a Fenris Ranger. It stood to reason they both were.

"That is correct. Which is why I need the Federation's help."

Max and Vianola both knew the android was a part of the Fenris Rangers, but neither were sure exactly how he had become involved, or why he would wander into their party with such a query. This was a social gathering and celebration for the United Federation of Planets and the New Romulan Star Empire, not a diplomatic function.

Jack noticed Xavier with the Fleeters and the general look of confusion on their faces. He quickly swooped in to interrupt. “I’m afraid my friend may had too much of the Romulan ale,” he gave the android a hard look and a whisper, “now is not the time, Xavier.”

Xavier gave the other man with the familiar tilting of his head. He didn't know what kind of faux pas he'd committed. He'd been told to mingle, he thought that was what he had been doing. Turning to Jack, he said, "What did I do?"

Under his breath, Jack answered, "We can't talk to Starfleet today about your homeworld. Especially not around the captain. "I suggested meeting some of the other crew."

Jack watched as the android turned his attention quickly to another subject.

"By the way, I have a question for you, Counselor. Are you seeing someone currently?"

Rena blinked. "Excuse me, my...type?" She furrowed her brow, but relaxed when the...man explained. AND then he asked her if she was seeing anyone. Her brown eyes grew wide as saucers.

"We can't help you because...we aren't able to read you. Part of counseling and psychology involves being able to read body language and unconscious lingual tics. Because you're made to be a specific way, you don't display those and it's harder. I am always up for a challenge, though. Stop by my office any time, and I'll take a whack at it. Being half Betazoid might give me an advantage over the humans. My human side might give me an advantage over the other telepaths," she said. She shifted her weight to her right foot, and sipped her bubbly nervously. "As to your second question, no, I am not. Why do you ask?"

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Captain Jack DiBello,” Max introduced the man who had interrupted their newest guest from his previous question; a question about his home world that Max would have to follow up on.

For now, the waifish X-1 series android seemed more interested in their counselor. Perhaps romantically, if that was possible.

“He’s an independent operator in the area. Hopefully, he and his young friend, Xavier, will be able to help guide us through the pitfalls of this area of space and the many changes since Starfleet evacuated the area. He won’t accept an official role, but that doesn’t mean we won’t stop trying to bring him on as an independent advisor.”

Jack put a hand on Max’s shoulder and a tingle ran down Max’s backbone. It was a curious sensation and he realized he liked the strong touch of the Terran’s hand. 'Was this what an attraction felt like?,' he wondered before his mind quickly returned to business. “We should talk about Xavier’s current predicament and query. It’s a valid question and it deserves an answer from Starfleet.

Max nodded. “Triton Seabase launches at 0800 tomorrow morning, Jack. What can I do between now and then?”

Jack sighed. When we talk in hours or weeks, we are talking lifetimes to an android who counts nanoseconds per day. Intentionally or not. Just hear him out and then you can make a formal decision. He probably misinterpreted my goal to have him socialize with Starfleet as a means to an end.”

Now it was Max’s turn to sigh, heavily. “I’ve got a short span, Jack. A half hour at most this afternoon. My yeoman will contact you to make arrangements.”

Jack nodded and caught sight of his protégé looking defeated. He started to move in that direction before Max interrupted him. “Jack!” he called. “Be more clear in your suggestions with him in the future. You’ve got a dejected looking friend and I have a confused looking crew.”

Jack blew a frustrated huff through his nose. “You’re right about that, Captain.”

Max returned to his small but lively crew. “I’m sorry about all that,” he told them apologetically. Wagging the waiter over, he refilled everyone’s crystal champagne flute. “What say we toast this crew?” he asked, noting the XO’s absence.

“To a small but curious crew. Instead of seeking out the planets and the stars above, you’ve decided to explore some of our galaxy’s least explored wonders. The oceans of this world!

“Congratulations, the real party is at my house tonight, it’s bigger than the seabase and the beds are more comfortable should you choose to sleep there. To be honest, I don’t even think I've seen all the rooms!” He announced with a chuckle.

Vianola let out a little smile. The Captain was quite welcoming to his new crew and it made her a little uneasy. She had hoped he was more reserved when it came to strangers of outside influence if only to make her job a little easier.

She watched as the android moved off with Jack. She was not at all happy that one was in her presence let alone potentially helping them. It had been a long time since the Mars attacks but still, it weighed heavy on her mind and soul. She knew Xavier wasn't one of the attackers that day but her prejudice from that time still hadn't disappeared. The loss of her partner still affected her to this day, and it would be interesting to see how their acquaintance played out.

Galen watched the toast and the crew as they fraternized with each other. He was very much used to a Romulan ship, and a Romulan crew, which usually did not spend time with each other.

As he watched the body language of those gathered Galen could see that he was not the only one unhappy with the captain's choices. The Romulan knew that he was not there to make friends and he would not be making any today. He was content standing in the shadows and watching like any good member of the Tal Shiar would.

 

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