ST: Battlefront "The Battle for the Vega Colony"

[[ Episode 1.1 ]

Edgar joined the other bridge officers in the briefing room. Within moments, Captain Qat'Ammek entered with a PADD in his hand. The bridge crew looked onward with concern reflected from the captain’s eyes. “Thank you all for arriving so early before our shift. At 0400 hours this morning Starfleet Command received disturbing reports indicating Borg activity near the Vega System. The USS Khitomer was redirected to investigate. At 0630 we received a distress signal from the Khitomer and have been ordered by Starfleet to assist on a priority one level. We will be assisted by numerous other ships, but the initial reports from the Khitomer inform us that the Vega System is a battlefield.”

Edgar felt a moment to speak up was primed. “Sir, if we’re heading into a combat zone, it might be helpful to have a few tricks up our sleeve, especially against the Borg. Might I suggest we prepare a number of viruses that can distract them long enough to gain the upper-hand.”

“Impossible.” Chief Harris interjected. “The majority of our research indicates the Borg would adapt far too quickly to any computer or biological virus we may introduce.”

“I agree. The Federation has a strict policy about using biological warfare against any enemy species.” Medical Chief Pryor sided.

“I’m not suggesting biological warfare...” Edgar began to explain but was cut off once again.

“I think to keep on the progressive of recognizing inorganic life forms we should include the use of computer viruses as bio warfare.” Captain Williams finalized. “Lt. Skinner, set a course for the Vega system, maximum warp. Cmdr. Pryor, prepare sick bay to receive those injured by the Borg, as well as other compromised officers. Lt. Cmdr Harris, prepare engineering for combat. The rest of you, to your stations.”

Edgar followed the Captain onto the bridge and took his place at OPS. The captain continued to bark orders to the bridge crew as the New Orleans flew at maximum warp to the Vega System. “Harris to the Bridge.”

“Go ahead, Commander.” The captain replied.

“Ensign Calvin I could use your assistance in Main Engineering.”

“On my way, sir.” Edgar responded as he headed to the turbolift. He held a PADD in his hand that had a few details about different types of computer viruses that would directly interfere with intercommunications, nothing that could be copied to other cybernetic life forms. He held up his tricorder and downloaded the program off the PADD, preparing for any need to upload it in defiance of the direct order to not use it. As the turbolift doors opened, Edgar was returning his tricorder to the holster on his belt, and tossed the PADD in a nearby replicator unit meant for producing the items. “Cmdr Harris, reporting as requested.”

“Calvin. I want you to work on configuring an EM pulse modification to some of our torpedoes. Hopefully it’ll have a similar result to your proposal using viral weaponry.”

Edgar smiled. He always felt that Commander Harris was an excellent mentor. “Aye sir.”

The lights went red and sirens began to wail. The computer voice echoed her “Red Alert” across the halls of Main Engineering. “Looks like we may need that faster than we thought, Eddie. Get moving!”

Edgar ran to a console nearby and began working on a way to configure a photon explosion to emit an EM pulse instead of being kinetic. “All hands Battle stations. We’ve engaged the Borg. Ensign Calvin report to the bridge.”

Loved it!!! Great STUFF!!

((Thanks, Eris! hope you like the rest of it!))

“Go; he needs you up there. Chen, take over working the EM pulse modifications.” Chief Harris shouted as Edgar ran back to the turbolift. Edgar once again rode the turbolift back to the bridge, whereupon he saw that Ensign Nok was lying dead next to the conn.

“Calvin hail the Khitomer let’s find out what we’re dealing with.” Capt. Williams ordered. Edgar gave the typical “Aye sir” response. “Onscreen.”

“This is the USS Khitomer...” Edgar listened as the Khitomer’s Emergency Medical Hologram detailed what the sensor logs had seen prior to being lost and asking for assistance. The Captain turned to Edgar once again. “You have experience in patching internal sensors in record time, head over to the Khitomer and assist them however you can.”
Edgar nodded and headed to the transporter room. He felt his emotions running high and could hear his heart pounding the coppery green blood in his pointed ears. He tried to focus on some meditation techniques a Vulcan once tried to show him, among other things. Edgar smiled thinking back to his friend’s chiseled face and stopped once the turbolift doors opened again. Within moments, Edgar was in Auxiliary Medical and speaking to the EMH managing what triage he could.

The EMH understood that Edgar was better suited for engineering tasks over triage tasks, and directed him to get to Main Engineering on Deck 3. Upon arrival, Edgar found that the Borg was attempting to establish a foothold there. As he quickly disabled a few drones as he charged through the main entrance, the drones found a slight issue handling the two-pronged attack as Edgar’s position moved through and then behind the barricades the Khitomer engineers had constructed. “Some reinforcements!”

“Just be happy anyone can get through, it’s a battlefield outside!” Edgar snapped back, fumbling on his tricorder. “Do you have anything that can upload into a drone?”

“How ‘bout a dead one?” an engineer offered. “Maybe...It’s worth a shot.”

Edgar took his tricorder and attempted to plug it into a port on the drone’s arm. There was minimal affect to the other Borg fighting in Engineering. “Damn. I need a live one.”

It was a bit difficult, but eventually a single drone was knocked down near enough to Edgar to exploit the proximity and upload the virus. The drone immediately grabbed his head and attempted to tear at the circuits on his face. The virus was intended to cause severe memory leaks and consume any amount of memory with null data. The result was a massive headache. While the drone attempted a memory flush to regain some functionality, the virus proceeded to initiate a secondary protocol. Outbound communication ports were found and disabled, one by one, until the drone was communicatively disabled. The virus took one more step, and uploaded itself to other drones, repeating the process. As the memory banks reached capacity, everything shut down at precisely the right moment: just before the collective would disconnect the drone from the hive and consider it lost. It continued to upload into other drones, not killing but disabling them. The battle for Engineering had been won.

Edgar moved quickly to an engineering console and shuffled a few LCARS chips around, and then reprogrammed a few more reroutes in the system. “Ensign Calvin to the bridge, is anyone alive up there?”

“Calvin? This is Commander Davis. Who are you?”

“Engineering crewman of the New Orleans. Captain Qat'Ammek sent me over to help get your systems online.”

“Ensign...Thank you for your help but...I fear you should get back to your ship. If you need any assistance from any officers under my command, request it and I’ll send them your way.”

Edgar could tell there was a sense of dread in Davis’ voice. The dread transferred to him easily as he marched to the Khitomer’s transporter room. There waiting was a familiar face of a science officer: the Vulcan he had connected with from the academy. “Solek?”

“Edgar...I am relieved to see you friend; I heard about the attack on the New Orleans. I am pleased to see you are safe.”

Edgar’s heart jumped a bit into his throat. He felt his emotions running high and in conflicting directions. “It’s good to see you too Solek. I haven’t heard any details yet, just that I’m out of one battle and heading into another.”

“You are agitated. Do you require my assistance to gain some control?” Solek offered. Edgar’s adrenaline skyrocketed and he felt horribly distracted.

“I believe that would be immensely helpful right now.” Edgar stuttered. Solek proceeded to perform a mind-meld with Edgar. As their minds joined, Edgar felt a slight loss of control of his feelings, and the bond he and Solek had shared once before was revived at full strength. Solek’s own emotions towards Edgar intermixed and brought the feelings even higher, eliciting a physical shutter and sigh from both men for a half second. Solek then separated these emotions and proceeded to contain them both in temporary blocks to allow for logical thinking to be unhindered. Solek removed his hands and looked at Edgar’s bright green eyes.

“Thank you, friend.” Edgar said, feeling collected for the impending sorrow he was about to witness on his own ship. The transporter operator indicated the coordinates were locked in. “Energize.”

The bridge of the New Orleans was a complete wreck. Solek moved to a nearby science station to read internal sensors. “Edgar, from what I’m reading it appears that we’ve suffered heavy casualties. The Borg utilized the transporter signal when you boarded the Khitomer to gain access and take parts of the ship. Sir...the bridge crew has all been defeated. Given that you are the last remaining officer onboard with Bridge Officer training...you are in command.”

Edgar’s eyes darted around the bridge, everyone now looking at him for orders. “F&$%.”

“Captain,” Solek began, “What are your orders?”

Edgar looked at his friend and thought about the question. “Stand down to Yellow Alert. Damage Report?”

“Shields and Weapons at 50%, warp drive inactive, Impulse engines still functional; Auxiliary Power at 25%. Captain, we are being hailed by the Seacole.”

Edgar sat down in the captain’s chair with hesitation, “Onscreen.”

“This is the Seacole. Our transporters and engines are down but our medical bays are empty. If there are any ships capable of transporting injured to us we are happy to assist.”

“This is the New Orleans, we’ll beam the survivors of any ships adrift to you in a moment. Solek, scan for life signs aboard any nearby ships that are adrift.”

“I am picking up life signs on four ships that are adrift.”

“Helmsman take us within transporter range of the nearest ship.”

The process of relaying the survivors to the Seacole took close to a half hour of effort, all the while reports continued to flood in that elsewhere in the system the Borg were still attacking the Vega colony. As soon as the last injured were transported to the Seacole, the Renown hailed the ship.

This is the New Orleans. How can we assist?" Edgar spoke over the channel.

"Captain, we had to eject our warp core but are otherwise fully functional. We're offernig any spare supplies to your ship if they are needed. We're getting reports from Commander Kelly on the Vega Colony requesting assistance."

"We'l take whatever you can spare, captain. Thank you." After the supplies had been transported to the ship, Edgar ordered helm to plot a course to the Vega colony; best possible speed.

Upon arrival, the distress signal from the colony was loud and clear. Edgar stood and passed command off to the highest ranking officer on the bridge and ordered Solek to follow him to Transporter Room 1. “Edgar, I must insist you stay onboard.”

“Your objection is noted, now shut up and stay at my side.” The two officers entered the transporter pad and stood ready for beam-out. “Energize.”

The Vega colony was clearly being overrun by Borg drones. There was a small makeshift headquarters prepped by Commander Kelly trying to direct Starfleet personnel in an effort to retake the colony. Edgar and Solek found a primary task force attempting to fend off drones from assimilating the civilians. After fighting off a number of drones, remodulating weapons a countless times, the Cmdr Kelly contacted Edgar and informed him of an uplink tower due east of his position.

Edgar still held his tricorder with a copy of the virus he utilized in Main Engineering onboard the Khitomer “Can you get me to that uplink tower?”

“I believe so. The Borg are still disjointed in their tactics. What did you have in mind, sir?”

“Ok I’m ordering you to never call me that when we’re alone.” Edgar said, smiling at his friend.

“I thought you would find it amusing...you were saying?”
Edgar continued answering the original question flashing his tricorder, “I still have a replicator virus that should keep the Borg preoccupied long enough for the ground crew to retake the colony.”

“Your solution sounds a bit unethical, but effective.” Solek commented. The two moved closer to the tower and began assessing the defenses of the uplink tower.

“I'll note your objection in my log. As it stands for me, I see little other options, and none on-hand with us right now. The virus is effective and non-lethal. It simply consumes their memory, uploads itself to other drones and equipment, then disconnects their communication and erases upon any semblance of a reboot from the memory leak. It isolates them, and keeps them distracted with the fractal replicating memory leak, unable to address the upload aspect. Once the leak reaches capacity, they go into a minor reboot and are rendered disabled.”

“That is definitely non-lethal. Edgar, look: it appears that there are four defense turrets and two drones at each turret. If we can disable just one of those generators underneath the turret the shields should fluctuate enough for us to infiltrate the perimeter and access the uplink controls.”

“Good.” Edgar raised his sniper phaser rifle and fired at the turret above the nearest generator. The shot was unexpected, and the turret was destroyed within seconds. Drones from the generators began moving in towards the group, and Edgar provided a row of mines that disrupted their paths. “Buggers still can’t resist a bomb. Good.”

Solek covered fire, protecting Edgar as he jammed the generator, bringing down the forcefield. The moment the generators went down, another drone transported down by the tower. “Solek, I’m going to need help with this.”

Solek turned and fired a few phaser shots at the new drone. Edgar took the opportunity of distraction and laid out another line of mines between he and the drone. As they exploded, Edgar charged past and jammed his tricorder connection port into the closest Borg access port and uploaded the virus. Within seconds, the nearby drones collapsed into a heap of spasms. The lone drone struggled to move. “New Orleans, this is Ensign Calvin, ready to beam out.”

Solek and Edgar started moving away from the uplink station and heard a singular voice from the lone drone one more time, “H-help...me.”

Edgar and Solek stopped and looked at the drone, and then each other. The two moved their position near the drone and Edgar put a hand on the now one of one. “New Orleans, three to beam up. Have a security detail meet us in the transporter room. Energize”

As Edgar materialized into existence onboard his ship, three security officers met him with mild shock at what the third individual was. “Ready Phasers!”

“Hold your fire! He’s been separated from the collective. Get him to the brig, keep him disabled as long as you can.” Edgar commanded. He and Solek now travelled back to the bridge as the security detail proceeded to escort the former drone to the brig. “Status report.”

“Sir, we’ve restored warp engines, auxiliary power is at 50%, full power and weapons. Awaiting your...sir, we’ve received a message from Admiral Quinn. He’s ordering us to join the fleet in taking down the Borg Cube.”

“The word is given. Stand by for Red Alert.” Edgar commanded as he took to the captain’s chair. Solek noted mentally that Edgar was stepping up to the commanding role admirably. “Calvin to Engineering: did anyone pick up that earlier task of modifying to utilize a photon torpedo to generate an EM pulse?”

“Negative, Sir. We reassigned those tasks a lower priority.”

“Very well...prepare what weapons we can to any unknown methods of modulation for battling a Borg Cube. Bridge Out.”

“Sir?”

Edgar turned to Solek, “All we can do is assist. Let’s make it count.”

“Aye, Sir.” Solek replied. It wasn’t long before the sight of the Borg Cube towered on the view screen on the bridge. “Orders?”

“Red Alert, full power to shields. Helm, stay back a bit and keep our speed at optimum maneuverability. Arm torpedoes and ready a high yield at the first sign their shields are under ten percent.”

The bridge instantly buzzed with activity following out their orders. “Helm, keep us on this side of the cube; fire all phasers at will.”

The weapons fire wasn’t much but it was effective. Solek understood the tactic Edgar was attempting. “Sir, might I suggest we transmit a high density tachyon beam at the cube? It may be enough to disable their shields long enough.”

“Helm, face our deflector array towards the cube.” The orders were followed, and the bridge remained silent and tense as the ship rotated to the desired position. A small chirp came from Solek’s science station.

“Sir, we are in position.” Solek announced.

“Activate the deflector.” Edgar commanded. The blue beam shot towards the Borg ship and severely impacted the nearest shields.”

“Captain, the cube’s shields are down.”

“High yield torpedo volley, FIRE!” Edgar shouted suddenly. The tactical officer jumped a bit in surprise as she carried out the command. Two photon torpedoes short forth from the bays and rocketed towards the cube.

“Direct hits from both torpedoes, sir!” Edgar smiled at the tactical report.

“Good. Bring us about; let’s not get too close. Full power to aft shields. They’re not going to like us after that stunt.” The bridge once again responded promptly, turning tail to put more space between the two vessels. Other ships began exploiting the hole in the Cube’s defenses, and by the time the New Orleans had spun her full circle the cube was almost at meltdown. “Fire all!”

The final volley from all ships hit the broadside of the unshielded cube, finally ending in it’s destruction. “Captain we are being hailed.”

“Onscreen.”

“This is Admiral Quinn to command New Orleans. Respond.”

“This is Captain Calvin, good to see you, Sir.”

“Likewise, Ensign. What’s the situation in Vega?”

“Everything appears to be resolved, Sir. The Borg cube has been destroyed, the colony should be retaking her foothold, and the Khitomer is recovering.”

“Casualties?”

“Too many to count, Sir.”

“Understood. When you can, report to Earth Spacedock for further instructions.”

“Aye, Sir. New Orleans out. Helm, set a course for Earth. All hands...this is acting captain Calvin: stand down Red Alert. Admiral Quinn has ordered the New Orleans back to Earth Spacedock. In case you aren’t aware, most of the senior offices, along with many other fine officers, fell in battle at the hands of the Borg invasion. It will take some time to get new assignments posted. Regardless of our loss of command, everyone has performed admirably today. I’m granting a thirty six hour shore leave to all hands upon arrival at Earth. By that time tomorrow, I will have new postings sent to those who are awarded them. Captain out.” Edgar sunk into his chair for a moment, exhausted from the day’s events swirling through his head. He stood and walked to the turbolift, “Solek you have the bridge. Inform me when we reach Earth.”

Edgar sat down on his bed in his quarters, finally taking a moment to decompress. “Acting Captains Log: supplemental – The Borg attack on the Vega system has taken many Federation lives. Most of the senior officers are dead, which has left the command of the New Orleans in my hands. I’ve lost many friends and mentors. We’ve been ordered back to Earth Spacedock by Admiral Quinn, where I’m certain to be debriefed on my involvement.”

At was two hours before the ship came to orbit around Earth. Solek relayed the update over the comm., which was met with minimal instructions to dock and disembark at will. As most of the crew disembarked, Solek made his way to Edgar’s quarters. “Enter.”

“Edgar? Is everything all right?” Solek asked. He noted Edgar was lying on his bed, working on a PADD.

“I’m fine...I just want to finish writing this report for Quinn before I leave the ship. What can I help you with?”

“I wanted to inform you I’m requesting my temporary assignment to the New Orleans be permanent.” Solek commented as he moved closer to Edgar, sitting next to him on his bed.

Edgar dropped the PADD and looked at his friend. “Why would you go and do a thing like that?”

“It was logical.” Solek replied, almost smiling. Edgar scoffed at the comment. “I assumed I would receive such a response from you.”

Edgar smiled, putting his hand on Solek’s. “Solek, I don’t get it...Everything that I’ve read and understood about Romulans and Vulcans imply that they’re as compatible as oil and water. Not to mention I’m also half human; another species Vulcans are supposed to at best tolerate. Why would you ever want to be around me?”

“I have found that the logic behind the distaste for both species was grounded in illogical emotions even from a human standpoint.” Solek laid down next to Edgar looking up at the ceiling.

“Solek...what’s the real reason, and put aside logic when you answer.” Edgar said, looking over at him.

“You know that reason...and I know the feeling is mutual through the mind melds we have shared in the past.” Solek admitted. There was a silence for a few moments as the two men relaxed on Edgar’s bed.

“Solek?” Edgar said breaking the silence. Solek responded with a soft grunt of a question. “Thank you.”

“You should get going. Admiral Quinn is expecting you.”

Edgar leaned over and kissed Solek on the cheek. “I’ll contact you when I’m done with the debriefing.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Damnit Sol, I ordered you not to call me that!” Edgar laughed as he exited.

((Nice! I like how you worked the character introductions into the tutorial! Especially that Borg...))

((Thanks! I've always felt it made a good Pilot Episode, I just wanted to vary some things a bit so that it was brought further into scope of a series of these. Plus I wanted an explanation why i didn't have my borg BO right out of the box. :D ))

all i have to say is wow :) you got a great imagination :) this is awsome

EPILOGUE:

“What the hell were you thinking!?” Admiral Quinn shouted.

“Sir...” Edgar began.

The admiral ignored him and continued shouting, “This virus is highly unethical and violates a number of treaties decades old...”

“Sir...” Edgar attempted to interrupt once again.

The admiral seemed to subside slightly, turning the firey rage into a scolding smolder. “The Federation has always been against the usage of bio-weaponry. Now that synthetic life forms like Holograms and androids are now recognized as full citizens, we have to consider the ramifications that a computer virus could have to these things.”

“But Sir...” Edgar protested

“Do you know what kind of nightmare I’m dealing with just from the Judge Advocate General regarding your stunt onboard the Khitomer?” The admiral stopped shouting for a moment to allow Edgar to speak.

“No Sir. It was not my intention to—”, Edgar began once again.

“If we weren’t in this nightmare of war right now you’d be court marshaled.”

“Understood, sir.” Edgar resigned into the seat across from the Admiral.

“Detail your command experience for me, Ensign.” Admiral Quinn ordered, emphasizing Edgar’s rank as though to belittle him, he was trying to move on from the incident on the Khitomer's main engineering section.

Edgar scrambled for his wording, “The crew performed admirably, particularly in fighting off bog spheres and the cube, Sir. Given the history with encounters with the Borg, I consider my short stint in command to be a great success, regardless of my methods.”

The Admiral shot a look at Edgar, “And you really think your success in the captain’s chair excuses your actions onboard the Khitomer?”

“Sir, if I can explain...That wasn’t the only time that virus was uploaded into a Borg drone.” Edgar explained. Admiral Quinn looked livid, but merely leaned forward to listen closer. “Near the Vega colony there was an uplink station that also got a dose of the virus. Due to the nature of its programming, both instances of the upload were met with success. In fact, it seems the Borg response to the attack is to disconnect the infected drone from the collective. One such case is a human drone on board the New Orleans.”

Admiral Quinn weighed what Edgar had reported. “Can you confirm it?”

“It said ‘help me.’ Given the syntax I made the decision to transport it to the brig. The security reports indicate that it is disoriented, unfocused, and showing biological needs for food and water as well as rest.”

The Admiral sneered. “Ensign, this makes at least two cases this virus of yours has obtained this outcome. I guess congratulation is in order. Even one liberated Borg is usually considered a win, but two? I do not condone your actions, but given the further details of what the true intent of your virus has...This puts me in a very difficult position, Ensign”

“Sir?”

“Your virus now has a consistency of liberating drones from the collective. This can be viewed by some as destroying a species, or by others as curing a disease. I cannot begin to anticipate the consequences and make the right decision.”

“Sir, what’s going to happen to the New Orleans?” Edgar asked.

The Admiral paused. “Well, you are the commanding officer, are you not?”

“Sir, as you have so aptly reminded the conversation, I am an Ensign. I’m not qualified to captain a ship outside emergency cases.” Edgar retorted. The Admiral sneered again.

“Viral weapon tactics aside, you did perform admirably. Normally we wouldn't consider putting someone of your rank in the captain's chair, but things are different today. I’m putting you formally in command of the New Orleans, Lieutenant.” The admiral stated, opening a drawer and bringing out a yellow pip to add to his uniform. Edgar almost fell over from the weight of the sentence. Not only was he just promoted, but his own command.

“Sir...why...?” He stammered.

“You’ve given us a weapon against a very dangerous adversary, and you have shown a great aptitude in command even when faced with a great loss. Given your actions, you’ve earned it, even if the JAG office decides to follow through with a different course. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

“U-understood, sir. Thank-you.” Edgar responded, taking his new pip.

“Lieutenant, don’t pull another stunt like that again. You’re dismissed.” Quinn ordered.

“Aye sir.” Edgar said as he exited.

Edgar walked outside and he fitted the new pip on his uniform. After marching back to the docking platform and boarding the New Orleans once again, he found his way to his quarters. Inside, he stumbled upon Solek lying on his bed taking a nap. Edgar moved quietly, and began taking off his uniform. “How did the debriefing go?”

“It was…interesting. I thought you were asleep.” Edgar said, running a hand through his blonde hair.

“I was resting, but not asleep. You presume too much courtesy trying to be quiet.” Solek responded, sitting up slightly. Edgar smiled at the sight.

“Blame it on my humanity then. We are incorrigibly habitual in nature.” Edgar removed his uniform jacket and tossed it towards the closet. “Admiral Quinn promoted me to lieutenant and gave me command of the New Orleans.”

“Fascinating...An illogical if not unorthodox response to our actions...” Solek mulled.

“I don’t know what to think about all of this.” Edgar resigned, sinking into a chair.

“Edgar, you’ve given the crew thirty-six hours shore leave. Repairs to the ship will take at least another forty-eight. I suggest you beam down to surface and relax yourself. I can accompany you if you’d like.” Solek suggested. Edgar started to chuckle at Solek’s comment, reading through the logic to find the emotional drive behind it.

“You just want to see me in a swimsuit.” Solek gave a slight expression indicating he’d been caught.

“Getting you on a beach would be the most logical method, and the situation supports such a logical action from both of us.” Edgar laughed once again.

“Fine. We’ll transport down. Do you have a preference on a beach?” Edgar said, moving to the closet to grab a change of civilian clothes along with his swimsuit.

“I believe the nature of our relationship would be most acceptable in Europe, perhaps Mykonos?”

“Done. Come get a spare suit and put some clothes on.”

In the spacedock transporter room, Solek and Edgar stood on the platform awaiting for the clearance from traffic control for beaming down to the Athens Space Port Authority. It was a short ferry from there to the island, where Solek and Edgar spent the majority of the day relaxing on the beach and spending time experiencing the local scene.

Close to four hours prior to the shore leave ending, Solek and Edgar returned to the New Orleans. Back in uniforms, Solek followed Edgar to the ready room. “Captain, have you given thought to your choice for first officer?”

“Oh no, I haven’t.”

“Then might I suggest—” Edgar stopped Solek from making his suggestion.

“Solek, you mistake my lack of thought on the matter to mean I haven’t made a decision. On the contrary, you’re my first officer. Since I am now the captain...heh...I’ll be approving your transfer, and given the circumstances, Commander Davis has already informed me he has approved your request. It is logical that you serve the position since you are now the only other qualified bridge officer on board.”

Solek began to protest but his Vulcan logic stopped him. “I must confess, that is the most logical decision, and the one I was going to suggest.”

Edgar smiled. “See, I knew you wanted the job. I’ll be in the ready room.”

Really great! I've thought about how my characters fit into the intro story, but you completely nailed it. I did not see the Borg BOFF coming. Brilliant.

I wonder what Starfleet's rules are about fraternization between officers and those under their command... :)

there was at least one TNG episode that dealt with this case (hetero of course, since stewart wasn't playing a mo this time) and a number of others with inter-Boff relations and relationships. :D

Awesome story! Do you mind if I include references to this story in mine, Josh?

go right ahead! :D