Courier Delivery

Posted on Sun Feb 17th, 2013 @ 4:45am by Commander Aztala Germond
Edited on on Tue Mar 19th, 2013 @ 8:38am

883 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 1B - Welcome Aboard Reboot
Location: New Bajor, outlying landing pad
Timeline: Day 1 - 1230
Tags: Aztala

This was far from the first time Aztala had been on a courier ship, though it was the first time she was a passenger rather than a member of the small crew. As such, she was very familiar with all functions and amenities (or lack there of) aboard the small vessel. For her trip from Starbase 31 to New Bajor in the Gamma quadrant, she had one of the guest quarters and often went to the bridge to look at the starlines racing past, much to the annoyance of the ship's captain. There was no room in the tiny galley or her room to really stretch out and she was tired of reading books during the long trip. Maybe if she ever reached admiral, she would insist on adding a recreation and gym area to these couriers. Until then, she just had to deal with the anxiety from being cooped up in these tight spaces just a little longer.

Sitting in her spartan quarters, reading a manuscript of an old 20th century Earth action novel, the comm chirped and a voice came on. “Captain Linx to Lt Germond, we're making our approach to New Bajor. Please be ready to disembark shortly.” Clicking her PADD off, she looks up and responds, “Roger that. I'll be ready momentarily.” Slipping her PADD into the pocket of her small duffel, she walks out of the quarters and makes her way to the landing ramp, making note of the smooth atmospheric entry. “At least they have a good pilot,” she muttered under her breath. The abilities of the rest of the crew were not necessarily in question, but they all seemed on edge around her – likely due to her heritage. The pilot, however, had actually had the courage to try to talk with her about being an Orion. He seemed more interested in the culture and sciences than anything else, thankfully.

As they set down and the ship's engines started cycling down, the Captain joined her in the landing ramp airlock, starting the pressure equalization cycle for the ship. “Good luck with your new assignment Lieutenant. I'd say it's been a pleasure escorting you here, but right now, I just want some fresh air. I've never gotten used to these air scrubber systems and they can't match real atmosphere.”

Smiling tensely, she turned to him, “I spent several years on ships like this, Captain. I know how poorly they filter out various things like pheromones. At least the showers are capable enough.” Sighing, she turned back to the ramp entry door. “Either way, in a few moments, you won't have to worry about any of that.”

Finishing the pressure cycle procedure, he quietly mumbles, “No offense, but this trip has been the most stressful I've ever had... I know all your paperwork is in order and your record is spotless and you seem a very honest sort, but still... I grew up listening to my grandfather's tales of fighting Klingons and Orion slave girls so I have a bit of a preconception, I guess.”

“We're not all cut from the same stereotype, Captain. For example, I grew up thinking that all humans were greedy and rude like the traders that visited our colony. You're far more civilized than those drunkards.”

He just stood there and blinked at her a few times absorbing that before replying. “That's a good point. I'll have to remember that.” With that, he punched the release on the airlock and both doors slid open letting in a fresh breeze, the air of the New Bajor spaceport a welcome change from the shipboard air.

Walking down the ramp into the midday sun, Aztala shielded her eyes as she looked around for the main building. Rather than a building, she instead found a man in a starfleet uniform standing near the bottom of the ramp. “Welcome to New Bajor, Lieutenant. I'm Ensign Rigby and I'll be processing your local transfer to the USS Unification. I'm sure Commander Lambert would have met you personally, but he's been rather occupied with things in orbit. If you'll please follow me.” With that, he turned and started walking briskly towards a small outlying building.

Entering the building, there was just a communications and computer terminal and a small desk – obviously not the best equipped federation liaison, but it was enough to do the job. “Sorry for the lack of amenities, but we're just one of the small outlying landing pads. We don't actually do much most of the time.” He quickly keyed up the necessary documents and looked them over, digitally signing the customs and registration forms and smiled, turning back to her. “All done. Ready to talk to your new CO?” Nodding her agreement, he turned back to the console and tapped a few keys. After a minute, Commander Lambert appeared on the screen.

Aztala snapped to attention, throwing a brisk salute. “Lt Aztala Germond reporting for duty, sir. Request permission to come aboard.”

“Granted, Lieutenant Commander. Let's save the rest of the introductions for when you're up here. Prepare to beam aboard.”

“Yes, sir.” With that, the comm channel disconnected and her comm badge chirped and a random voice asked, “Ready to beam aboard Ma'am?”

“Ready and waiting.” Smiling at the Ensign, she dissolved into the silvery transporter sparkle.

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