While star-charting, the Placid has encountered an unusual vessel: a ship of alien design, definitely old and worse for wear, containing a substantial number of humanoid life forms.
Normally we would simply hail the vessel and continue on our way. However, there are a few reasons why the normal procedure won't do on this occasion.
For one thing, the alien ship has not responded to our hails. As far as our sensors can detect, it doesn't have any means of sending or receiving ship-to-ship communication.
For another, that ship is cruising blithely toward an old, abandoned, enormous Romulan minefield.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Factually correct, but needlessly dramatic in structure.
I forgot that there's no fun allowed on the bridge.
[VULCAN FEMALE] If that were truly the rule, you would never be permitted on the bridge.
That would be a compliment from anyone else, but from a Vulcan it's downright hurtful.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Progress, Lieutenant Sylek?
Fine, ignore me.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Petulance does not suit you, commander. –Sylek, report.
[VULCAN MALE] There is an internal communication system on the ship. I may be able to establish contact once I pinpoint the frequency being used.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Tie in the universal translator and monitor their intercom for the time being. We will make contact only after ascertaining that they understand us and can comprehend the danger.
[VULCAN MALE] Naturally, captain.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Your tone suggests to me that the commander has influenced you with her attitude.
Ha! I win again!
[VULCAN FEMALE] That will do, commander. Do not distract Sylek from his task.
Yes, sir.
[VULCAN MALE] As far as I can discern, the passengers aboard the alien vessel are nominally aware that they are in space, but they are neither in control of the vessel nor aware of any external threat.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Lieutenant On'Xin, what level of shielding does the vessel have?
[EFROSIAN FEMALE] It's not a shield configuration I'm familiar with, but it seems to be equivalent to what we would generally see on a civilian transport vessel. It's holding up well against natural hazards such as space debris and cosmic rays, but it'll collapse like a Regulan bloodworm when those mines start going off.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Lieutenant Sylek, is the universal translator primed for two-way translation?
[VULCAN MALE] Yes, captain.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Cut into their intercom. I will speak directly to them.
[VULCAN MALE] Ready, sir.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Attention, passengers of this vessel. Do not be alarmed. This is Captain T'Pin of the starship Placid. We have made contact with you to inform you of impending danger to your vessel. We will receive any reply made on this communication system. Please acknowledge that you have heard and understood this message.
[VULCAN MALE] No direct reply, captain. Some low chatter at insufficient volume for translation. They may be–
[UNIDENTIFIED] Inua, this had better not be one of your pranks.
[UNIDENTIFIED (2)] It isn't me, Ataden! Hoden, tell them it isn't me!
[UNIDENTIFIED (3)] It wasn't Inua, Ataden. She's been in the upper garden with me.
Let my log reflect that neither the captain nor the communications officer seems to know how to handle the situation. –Captain, if I may...
[VULCAN FEMALE] [...] Proceed.
Sylek, put me on. –Greetings to you, Ataden, and to all on your vessel. Am I correct in assuming that this is the first time an alien has made contact with you?
[UNIDENTIFIED] If you are not one of the Denonid, then you are indeed the first of another race to make contact with our people since our ancestors began this voyage.
We're honored to be your first contact. I am called Becker. As my captain stated, your vessel is in danger. Do you have any ability to change your trajectory?
[UNIDENTIFIED] Our course was charted and programmed long ago. It was believed that freedom to change course would lead to conflict among our people.
I see. The problem is that you're headed for an area with external dangers beyond your vessel's ability to withstand.
[UNIDENTIFIED] How can you know what our vessel can and cannot withstand?
Long experience, Ataden. If you would allow it, one or two of the crew would be happy to board your vessel to discuss the danger and assist in finding a solution.
[UNIDENTIFIED] We have only one external hatch, which we cannot open until the predetermined time.
We have the means to enter your vessel without compromising the integrity of its hull.
[VULCAN MALE] [...] Extensive low chatter. Evidently they are struggling to make a decision.
Well, I basically told them we could board their ship whenever we feel like it. They're probably wondering whether we're sincerely trying to help them, and what will happen if they deny us entry.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Sensible.
Or they might be wondering if we're going to charge them for our services.
[VULCAN FEMALE] The possibilities are not mutually exclusive.
[UNIDENTIFIED] One called Becker, what would you ask of the Denonid in return for your aid?
We have no demands. Making contact with new peoples is part of our mission, as is giving appropriate assistance. We would like to learn about your people, and perhaps to teach you a little about us. We have all that we need aboard our vessel and do not wish to deprive you of your own necessities.
[UNIDENTIFIED (2)] Ataden, please let the Becker come to us. It would be really interesting to see what other races look like.
I appreciate that, Inua, but please allow the Ataden to consider our words carefully.
[UNIDENTIFIED (3)] I apologize for my sister. I'll keep her off the intercom.
Thank you, Hoden.
[UNIDENTIFIED (3)] ...How do you know my name?
[UNIDENTIFIED (2)] Because I said it, stupid! The Becker listens and remembers!
Ataden, would you prefer that we give you an interval of time to make a decision?
[UNIDENTIFIED] No, one called Becker. You indeed listen and remember, and your powers greatly exceed ours. If you would come in peace and friendship, we would welcome you.
We would be honored. Allow us a brief interval to prepare, then no more than two of our people shall board your vessel.
[UNIDENTIFIED] Please contact us before you arrive so that we may be prepared to welcome you.
We shall, Ataden. –End transmission.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I regret that I had not recalled your experience as communications officer aboard the Kingfisher.
It's been a while since I flexed those brain muscles.
[VULCAN FEMALE] ...I have just recalled why I do not generally associate you with intelligence and diplomatic fluency.
That cuts deep, captain. –Sylek, wasn't I pretty impressive just now?
[VULCAN MALE] It was indeed an impressive performance.
Thank–
[VULCAN MALE] Quite atypical of you.
...Captain, permission to select my team.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Granted. I will leave all further arrangements to your discretion.
I'm bringing Logan, if you care.
[VULCAN FEMALE] May I inquire why?
You may, but I'm not telling you until you both stop ganging up on me.
[VULCAN MALE] I did not intend–
[VULCAN FEMALE] She is attempting to stimulate a reaction. Do not indulge her.
You're the exact opposite of fun, captain.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Noted.
[[THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE SHIP'S RECORDER AND A TRANSCRIPT OF THE INTER-VESSEL MISSION LOG. THE RECORDED PARTIES' NAMES HAVE BEEN ADDED AS ATTRIBUTIONS AFTER THE FACT.]]
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: I can't believe you're making me wear an exosuit.
CMDR BECKER: I can't believe I'm taking you on a mission after what happened on Psi Secundus.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Hey! That turned out okay in the end, didn't it? –Plus you got a godchild out of it!
CMDR BECKER: This way, even if you touch some random object–
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Hey–!
LT CMDR LENNOS: Sorry, Logan, but the commander's right. It's better for everybody this way.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Hmph. What's the atmosphere like over there?
LT CMDR LENNOS: Let's just say you'll be better off with your own air supply.
CMDR BECKER: Count your blessings, Logan.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: I'll count your blessings...
LT CMDR LENNOS: Commander, you'll want to duck down a bit. I'm detecting ceiling heights around 5.5 feet.
CMDR BECKER: Looks like I picked the right man for the job after all.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: You're gonna tower over those poor little guys. Luckily–
CMDR BECKER: Yes, very luckily. –Len, have the bridge contact the Denonid and let them know we're headed over.
LT CMDR LENNOS: Transporter Room to Bridge. The team is ready for transport.
CPT T'PIN: Sylek, reopen the channel. –This is Captain T'Pin. Ataden, two of my people will be transported into your vessel momentarily. They should appear close to your present location.
ATADEN ROTAL: I can only trust your word, Captain T'Pin.
CPT T'PIN: As I must trust you with my finest officer. –Transporter room, energize.
LT CMDR LENNOS: Keep your head down, commander—literally.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: [...] Interesting lighting.
CMDR BECKER: You can exchange décor tips after we redirect the ship. –The Ataden, I presume?
ATADEN ROTAL: Indeed—and you are the Becker. I was not aware that the height of our hallways would be an impediment to you.
CMDR BECKER: It's inconvenient, but I'll be fine. Thank you for welcoming us.
ATADEN ROTAL: These are my children, Hoden and Inua. You spoke to them on the intercom.
CMDR BECKER: It's a pleasure to meet you both.
INUA: Are you wearing that funny suit because you lost your feathers?
HODEN: Inua!
ATADEN ROTAL: My child intended no disrespect, one called Becker.
CMDR BECKER: I'm not offended at all, Ataden. –We wear these suits to protect your people from any disease we might carry. It would be dreadful if we were to infect you with an alien pathogen.
INUA: What happened to your feathers?
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: We never had any!
CMDR BECKER: We are humans. We have hair, which I think is a little like the first feathers you ever grew.
INUA: Do all aliens have... hhhair?
CMDR BECKER: Some do. Some have feathers similar to yours. Some have scales, like you have on your hands and feet, but over their whole bodies. Some have only bare skin, and some cover their bodies with slime.
HODEN: Eww!!!
CMDR BECKER: Ataden, my companion is Logan, an engineer. She should be able to determine if there is any means for your vessel to avoid or deflect the dangers ahead.
ATADEN ROTAL: It would be ideal to avert the danger by such means. –One called Logan, let us go to the monitor room.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: I'm excited to work in a place built for people my height! Lead the way, Ataden.
ATADEN ROTAL: Hoden, Inua, you may remain with the Becker. Behave well.
HODEN: Yes, Ataden.
INUA: We will, Ataden! [...] Becker, let me show you our home!
HODEN: Inua, the Ataden didn't say–
INUA: They didn't say we couldn't.
HODEN: But the Becker is so large! The others may be frightened!
INUA: Only you were frightened, Hoden.
HODEN: I wasn't frightened! I was just... surprised.
CMDR BECKER: It's normal to be surprised by new and unexpected things. I think you two are very brave.
HODEN: Really?
CMDR BECKER: Really.
HODEN: The Becker said I'm brave.
INUA: The Becker said we're brave.
CMDR BECKER: You two are delightful. Show me as much or as little as you like.
HODEN: I guess it'd be okay to show you the gardens.
CMDR BECKER: Thank you, Hoden. –Inua, would you lead the way?
INUA: Yes! You'll like the gardens, Becker. They have higher ceilings than the other places.
CMDR BECKER: My knees will really like that.
First Officer's Log, Supplemental:
The Denonid vessel is a generation ship, designed to function as room, board, and transportation for the Denonid people for hundreds of years. From the information I've been told directly and picked up from various conversations, every person living on this ship was born in space, and the only knowledge they have about terrestrial life comes from their computer records.
As for the Denonid species: they appear to be of avian descent, with feathers covering all but their hands and feet, which are scaly and bear talons. They have four fingers per hand and four toes per foot, and the way they hold and manipulate objects looks quite similar to the techniques employed by Earth parrots. They also have beaks, and I think it's very likely that they would have the same mechanism as parrots for making sound. They're generally pretty shy, but awfully sweet.
I'm still trying to figure out the plumage situation. All the Denonid seem to have a dominant color, with a contrasting pattern on their backs. The Ataden's dominant color is a rich shade of orange, and one of their children is the same, but the other is green—and all three of them have completely different patterns.
Speaking of patterns: I hear the click-clack of talon'd feet. I foresee an interrup–
[DENONID FEMALE] Becker! Are you done recording your diary?
[DENONID AGENDER] Inua, it's not a diary, it's a log.
[DENONID FEMALE] Your face is a log.
Okay, okay, let's take a moment to un-ruffle your feathers. [...] That's better. Did you have something to tell me?
[DENONID AGENDER] The Ataden asked us to bring you to the monitor room.
[DENONID FEMALE] We've never been allowed in the monitor room, but maybe we can take a peek when you go in.
That's up to the Ataden. [...] While we're walking, do you mind if I ask you some questions?
[DENONID FEMALE] Nope! I like answering your questions, Becker!
Good. If I ask anything that you think is rude, or makes you uncomfortable, you can just tell me that. I'm curious, but I don't know enough about you to know what's rude or upsetting to you.
[DENONID AGENDER] We'll answer your questions, Becker. We're very brave.
You certainly are. My first question is about the color of your feathers. Is that all right?
[DENONID FEMALE] You must be sad not to have feathers.
[DENONID AGENDER] Inua–! –I'm sorry, Becker. I'm sure you look very nice to other humans.
It's okay, Hoden. Actually, I'm curious about why you two have different-colored feathers, and what the patterns on your backs mean.
[DENONID AGENDER] Your colors must not be like ours.
Probably not. When two humans have a child, the child usually inherits a color that's a mix of the parents' colors.
[DENONID FEMALE] Really? That's so weird! We'd look terrible if our colors were like that.
[DENONID AGENDER] I'd look terrible, but I think Inua would probably look okay. Her birth parent is white.
Do you inherit your color from just one parent?
[DENONID FEMALE] Yes, the color of our sire parent.
...I think I might have missed something about your biology. Which parent is the Ataden to you two?
[DENONID AGENDER] They're my birth parent, and Inua's sire parent.
Okay... That wasn't an option I'd considered, but it's not unheard-of. –What about the patterns?
[DENONID FEMALE] Those tell others whether we can birth or sire children.
You're kidding me.
[DENONID FEMALE] Remember Heti and Oggam from the lower garden? They have the same pattern as me! We can all be birth parents but not sire parents.
...How many patterns are there?
[DENONID AGENDER] Four. There's the sire pattern, the birth pattern, the sire and birth pattern, and the null pattern.
[DENONID FEMALE] Hoden's pattern is null. It's pretty, isn't it?
Yes, it's lovely. ...So this is all normal, polite conversation for you?
[DENONID AGENDER] I mean, we don't talk about it much. We all learn it when we're little, and then we just... know.
That's... well, I really shouldn't judge. It's very different from what we do. –Actually, come to think of it... maybe we're just less straightforward about it than you are.
[DENONID FEMALE] If you did have feathers, what would your pattern be, Becker?
I'm not sure. It's not usually a hard question for humans, but it's complicated for me.
[DENONID AGENDER] It's okay, Becker. Not having feathers must make things a little confusing.
Maybe that's it. –Thank you for explaining it to me. It's extremely interesting.
[DENONID FEMALE] You're welcome!
[DENONID BIGENDER] Hello, one called Becker. Come inside. –Hoden, Inua, wait for me in the gardens.
Thanks, children. –May I sit down? My knees could use a break.
[DENONID BIGENDER] If you don't mind the floor– I see you don't.
[HUMAN FEMALE] Bec's not fussy. –I'm afraid it's bad news, Bec. There's no way to turn the ship from here.
I suspected there might not be, but we had to try.
[HUMAN FEMALE] There's also worse news.
...Of course. What is it?
[DENONID BIGENDER] Your engineer was able to determine when the outer hatch will open.
Please tell me it's not in ten minutes.
[HUMAN FEMALE] Ten hours—but that sounds much better compared to your guess.
Yikes.
[[THE FOLLOWING IS FROM A TRANSCRIPT OF THE INTER-VESSEL MISSION LOG. THE RECORDED PARTIES' NAMES HAVE BEEN ADDED AS ATTRIBUTIONS AFTER THE FACT.]]
CMDR BECKER: So, to sum up Logan's somewhat rambling explanation–
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Hey!
CMDR BECKER: –the generation ship is scheduled to reach the planet it was programmed to find twenty-some generations ago within the next ten hours, and that planet happens to be on the far side of the minefield that the vessel is about to cruise into.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: And that means, even if we somehow were to redirect the vessel, the hatch would pop open anyway.
CPT T'PIN: Recommendations, lieutenant commander?
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: We might be able to divert the ship and prevent the hatch from opening, but we only have two hours to do the first one, and I'm not willing to risk the whole Denonid race on whatever we can rig up in that little time.
CMDR BECKER: It'd probably be easier and safer for us to set off the mines before the vessel reaches them.
CPT T'PIN: An extreme proposition under ordinary circumstances, but quite logical in this instance. –Lieutenant On'Xin, please calculate the most efficient method for detonating the mines with minimal risk to either ship.
ATADEN ROTAL: Is it truly so simple for your people?
CMDR BECKER: We have some incredible crewmates. 'Xin can tell if her equipment is off just by listening to the frequency—she's the one who's getting the mines sorted out.
ATADEN ROTAL: Our people will be greatly indebted to yours for your intervention.
CMDR BECKER: I'm sure we can square the accounts by establishing a diplomatic relationship with a newly-settled planet. Do you have any plans for your new home?
ATADEN ROTAL: We were taught that one day we or our descendants would live on a world with a sky instead of walls... but we did not know when. I never thought that I and my children would live to see that day.
CMDR BECKER: It must be overwhelming. You only have about ten hours to come to terms with it.
ATADEN ROTAL: I must convene my people to prepare them for what is to come.
CMDR BECKER: Of course. We'll let you know when we hear back from the Placid about the minefield.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: [...] They're a great leader. If they weren't obligate herbivores, I wouldn't mind spending more time with them.
CMDR BECKER: I figured they were vegetarians, but obligate...?
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Aren't all birds obligate herbivores?
CMDR BECKER: ...You think vultures are herbivores?
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Oh. Good point. I might be misremembering something Phiz told me.
CMDR BECKER: Maybe it just went over your head.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Is that a joke about me being so much shorter than her?
CMDR BECKER: Is it funny?
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: ...Almost?
CMDR BECKER: Sounds like one of my jokes, then. –Did you hear that?
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: I think I heard a scream.
CMDR BECKER: I'm sure that's Inua's voice. Is there any way to tell where she is? These corridors echo like a serious hangover.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: There's a heat sensor in every room. On this map... the highest temp is in the lower garden, with a few spikes in the upper garden.
CMDR BECKER: Damn. That's a lot of tiny hallways away.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: There's a shortcut. C'm'on, follow me. –and watch your head!
CMDR BECKER: Ow! –Half a second late, Logan.
ATADEN ROTAL: [...] Don't be foolish! –Hoden, see if you can grab her arm!
INUA: I'm not leaving! I don't want to live on a planet! I wanna stay here!
HODEN: I can't reach her!
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Whoa. I saw on the map that the gardens were connected, but I didn't realize how much vertical space was involved.
CMDR BECKER: Can you be impressed once Inua isn't standing on a ledge 100 feet up??
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: That's more like 30 feet up.
CMDR BECKER: Whatever! The ledge is too damn high!
HODEN: Don't be scared, Inua! We hafta be brave, like the Becker said!
INUA: I won't! I'm not leaving!
CMDR BECKER: Inua! Go back to where Hoden is so we can talk to you!
INUA: I'M NOT LEAVING!!!
CMDR BECKER: Inua, the vessel will be landing on the planet. It's not going to go away.
INUA: YOU'RE LYING TO ME!!!
CMDR BECKER: You won't be able to live on the planet right away! It'll take a while to build new homes—so you'll still be living in it for a long time!
INUA: ...Do you promise?
CMDR BECKER: I promise you'll be able to build a new home just the way you want it, and you don't have to leave until you're ready!
ATADEN ROTAL: The Becker speaks the truth, Inua!
HODEN: Please come back here, Inua. I'm getting scared.
INUA: ...Okay, but you better keep your promise.
ATADEN ROTAL: Careful–!
CMDR BECKER: If she slips now–
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Bec–!
HODEN: INUA!!!
ATADEN ROTAL: Oof!
CMDR BECKER: I've got her! –It's okay, sweetie. You're okay. Jeez, you scared us half to death!
INUA: I– I'm sorry. I was just– I didn't–
CMDR BECKER: I know. Take a deep breath.
LT CMDR MCLAUGHLIN: Let me help you up, Ataden.
ATADEN ROTAL: Thank y– oof.
CMDR BECKER: Sorry for knocking you over.
ATADEN ROTAL: You saved my daughter, one called Becker. No apology is necessary.
CMDR BECKER: Hoden, would you do me a favor?
HODEN: Yes, Becker!
CMDR BECKER: Come down from there—and don't use your sister's shortcut.
First Officer's Log, Supplemental:
I'm sneaking up on the captain.
[VULCAN FEMALE] A difficult objective to reach when you are determined to narrate your actions aloud.
Shh. You're about to be snuck upon.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I shall adjust my expectations accordingly. [...] What was that?
Me!
[VULCAN FEMALE] I meant the kiss.
If you knew what it was, then why'd you ask me?
[VULCAN FEMALE] The question was rhetorical, intended solely as a comment on the location.
What, is it taboo to kiss the back of a Vulcan's neck?
[VULCAN FEMALE] It is inappropriate to kiss the back of your captain's neck while she is reviewing reports in the briefing room.
If it bothers you, I won't do it again.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I am not bothered, as that would be an emotional state. I am merely observing a discrepancy between the action and the context.
I guess this is a bad time to ask you to sit on my lap. –Kidding, captain. Mostly kidding.
[VULCAN FEMALE] As we are both here, you may summarize your report on the Denonid vessel's landing and debarkation.
They landed and are debarking in stages. [...] Don't give me that look. You said "summarize".
[VULCAN FEMALE] I concede that you are technically correct. Please advise me of any relevant details with a more appropriate degree of concision.
Yes, sir. The Denonid were able to follow the planetary evaluation protocols as written by their ancestors, and Phiz said their protocols are rigorous enough to meet Federation standards. –You should see Phiz standing next to the children. She's almost twice their height.
[VULCAN FEMALE] No doubt you found the contrast amusing.
You would have found it aesthetically pleasing, at least.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Perhaps, if you were there as well.
...Did I hear that right? Was that a compliment?
[VULCAN FEMALE] It was a logical observation. I find you aesthetically pleasing, hence I would–
Stop, stop, stop. You can't say "hence" in a compliment.
[VULCAN FEMALE] It was not intended as a– [...] You seem to be laboring under the delusion that a kiss can function as a counterargument.
More of a closing statement, I'd say.
[VULCAN FEMALE] It does have remarkable efficacy in redirecting the focus of the conversation.
Which means it's now appropriate for me to bring up a thing you said just before I beamed over.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I am sincerely surprised that you waited to mention it.
"My finest officer", you said.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I did say that.
I didn't have a chance to react at the time.
[VULCAN FEMALE] You did have a mission to complete.
But I heard you, and it really touched me.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I meant every word.
Aww.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I can only hope that the praise does not overinflate her ego.
...Whose ego?
[VULCAN FEMALE] My finest officer, Lieutenant Commander McLaughlin.
Logan?!?!
[VULCAN FEMALE] Thank you for bringing her back safely. She is essential to the smooth operation of the ship.
[......] I've never felt quite like this before.
[VULCAN FEMALE] Describe the feeling. –In the interest of scientific inquiry.
On the one hand, I'm incredibly proud of you for the setup and payoff of that joke. Absolutely devastating.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I am gratified that you recognize my efforts.
But I'm also struggling with the urge to bite you.
[VULCAN FEMALE] That would be highly inappropriate to do in the briefing room.
You're right, of course.
[VULCAN FEMALE] I anticipate that I may have a visitor in my quarters later.
You certainly can expect your finest officer.
...I saw that eyebrow twitch. I win! –and, with that, end log.
