Special Assignment
Posted on Sun Jul 12th, 2026 @ 2:56am by Lieutenant JG Vesper Dunne & Lieutenant Bartholomew Hale & Lieutenant JG Caitlyn MacRae
1,102 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Friends and Traitors
Location: Starbase 310, Shuttlebay
Timeline: Mission Day 2, 0730
The shuttlebay of Starbase 310 was every bit as chaotic as a Cardassian vole nest. Ambassador Oryx would know, she fell into one on Cardassia. The voles were fearsome and fought in packs, their numbers terrifying and overwhelming. On the other hand, they were delicious. It was the single most terrifying and delightful experience of her life, and she'd fought in the wars against the Anticans in her youth. The activity in the cavernous spaceport stirred an anxiety deep within her, one she could scarcely explain.
A large cargo container jostled and rattled on an anti-grav sled beside the reptilian woman, her silvery pink scales glowed in the light projected by the shuttlecraft's candescent engines. Beside her stood a bored-looking security officer who glanced across at the container nervously. A shrill squeak came from within and Oryx took in a deep breath. The warm, sumptuous scent of live Sazakrat filled her nostrils. She emitted a quiet, rattly hiss of approval.
"Thank you for allowing me to transport my sustenance in this manner, Commander," Oryx nodded to another human officer. He looked distracted.
"Oh. Yes. No problem at all. It's... it's the least I could do, Ambassador," Max Bobbins nodded. The man's eyes were downcast, dark rings surrounded his eyes and his face possessed a dreary shadow of stubble. He stroked his chin as if to hide his face.
Oryx pursed her reptilian lips and considered the man for a moment as a Type-6 shuttle pierced the forcefield of one of the shuttlebay's portals and came to rest on the landing area before her. The vessel bore the markings of the USS Thunderbird, the ship that Oryx had been assigned to embark.
"Well, ma'am, this is your ride," mumbled Bobbins.
"Thank you, Commander." Oryx nodded.
The rear ramp of the shuttle lowered and the security officer sprang to attention, pushing the container onto the craft as two officers disembarked.
Bobbins was quick to approach the Thunderbird officers. "Lieutenants, uh, may I present Ambassador Oryx of Selay."
"A pleasure," Oryx bowed her cobra-like head slightly. "May I know your names?"
"Lieutenant Dunne," Vesper said. "I'm your pilot. Welcome aboard the Mishipeshu. We'll get underway as soon as your cargo is stored."
“Lieutenant MacRae, Second Officer aboard the USS Thunderbird,” Caitlyn added smoothly, mirroring the ambassador’s slight head nod even as she wondered what exactly was being loaded on to the shuttle. “The pleasure is ours. Captain Norsgaard has entrusted us to ensure a safe journey to the Thunderbird and I can assure you that you are in safe hands with Lieutenant Dunne at the helm.
Before we depart is there anything you need or additional cargo we need to load?” Her question was directed at both the Ambassador and Bobbins.
"Uh, yeah. Just the suitcase. Petty Officer," Bobbins nodded to the security officer. He looked at the case and winced behind tired eyes. The young enlisted guard cautiously wrapped his hand around the handle of the Ambassador's suitcase. It's leather was veiny, fleshy... clammy. He rushed himself aboard, dropped it off, and scurried out. Oryx gave him a slight bow for his trouble.
Bobbins raised his head slightly. "Thank you, Lieutenants. Best wishes, Ambassador. Good luck with your mission."
With that, the Commander spun on his heel and left the shuttle crew to it.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Commander." Oryx watched Bobbins as he departed, her reptilian eyes narrowing suspiciously. Then, she turned back to Dunne and MacRae. "Lieutenants, before we depart, two questions: Lieutenant MacRae, may I enquire where my food will be stored aboard your vessel. Lieutenant Dunne, I would also like to request your intentions around our maximum speed."
"The Thunderbird isn't far off," Dunne answered, his deep gray gaze flicking toward the Second Officer, "so we can do it at impulse if that's acceptable."
“Whatever makes the Ambassador more comfortable,” MacRae added. They had at present sufficient time to make up for a slower return trip to the ship if needed. “As for your food, we received instructions and special accommodations will be finalised before we arrive. And if there is anything else you need during your stay, please let me know.”
"Wonderful," Oryx smiled. She gestured a scaled hand toward the craft and hastened herself aboard. "Lieutenants, I don't suppose you'd indulge me. I'm not the thrill seeker I was in my youth, and being a diplomat has ensured that life has happened at a slow and steady pace. However," She shielded her mouth, the reptilian woman almost becoming giddy, "I would very much enjoy a little fast flying. If... if that's permitted."
Dunne smiled, connecting in the moment to a kindred spirit, "I think that can be arranged Ambassador. "
“Sounds perfect,” MacRae added. A faster journey would mean less time ensuring she didn’t manage to make some kind of grave misstep and would allow them to return to the ship as soon as possible. “Is there anything else you need or wish to discuss before we board?”
"No, no," Oryx replied. "I am eager to board the Thunderbird and meet your Captain. Please, lead the way and... I believe humans say, 'don't spare the whip'."
"Then, let's go, Ambassador," Dunne said as she led her to the hatch. "You can take the copilot's seat, that's got the best view, and," she smiled, at a kindred spirit, "I think we can take the long way around, eh?"
"I believe there is no rush," Oryx grinned.
Lieutenant MacRae followed them both, casting an eye around the shuttlebay. The space was busy yet nothing was unusual about that. “Just ensure you make the station and the ship aware,” she reminded Dunne. “In case we make anyone nervous.”
As she spoke she ensured the Ambassador’s belongings were safely stored away. Trynn’s actions were fresh in her mind and while there was no reason to doubt the Ambassador, there was always the possibility… or perhaps she had spent too long working in the shadows and seeking out hidden dangers.
After all, the Ambassador may be the best chance of successful talks.
Tapping the control panel to close the hatch she took a seat and nodded to Dunne. “Good to go when you have clearance from the station,” she offered, having to admit she too was looking forward to getting back to the ship.
She turned toward the Ambassador, who had settled into the seat beside her, "hang on, Ma'am. We're going the long way round ... and fast."
Lieutenant JG Vesper Dunne
Shuttle Pilot
USS Thunderbird
Lieutenant Caitlyn MacRae
Second Officer
USS Thunderbird
Ambassador Oryx
Delegate
Federation Diplomatic Corps
RSS Feed