Initial Conditions
Posted on Sun Mar 15th, 2026 @ 12:46pm by Lieutenant JG T'Vei & Lieutenant JG Rik'koshvar & Captain Maddox Greene & Petty Officer, 2nd Class Christian Avers
1,310 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Echos on the Deck
Location: Sentinel Station, Docking Bay
Timeline: 16 Hours Before Nausicaan's Arrival
The Velor exited warp and T’Vei and Rik’koshvar had their first look at Sentinel Station.
It was not pretty, the K-station was rather inelegant, with a dish-like central spire and three docking arms jutting out in a crude triangle. The hull plating was a bone-white instead of the rust-red color they were accustomed to, like something dead whose flesh had been stripped by desert wind. As jarring and unappealing as these changes were, the surprise had both officers leaning forward in their chairs.
“We are being hailed,” T’Vei reported as Rik’koshvar guided the shuttle in.
An image of a pink-skinned humanoid with round ears and yellow, crudely shorn hair the color of freshly risen kreyla appeared on the screen. “Sentinel Station to shuttlecraft, please identify yourself.”
“This is Sublieutenant T’Vei aboard the Velor. We are transferring clearance codes now.”
“So, what does she do? Warp 1? Maybe two?” the officer on the screen asked while T’Vei punched in the code.
T’Vei raised an eyebrow. “You are referring to the Velor?”
“A ship that size can’t have a large warp core,” he said.
“It does not. Warp 1.5 is its average speed,” she corrected.
The officer’s lips separated and he showed his teeth. What was he expressing? Superiority? Anger?
An affirmative chirp sounded and the officer on the screen nodded. “Codes are approved. Velor, you may proceed to docking bay 3. Welcome to Sentinel Station.”
With a practiced hand, Rik’koshvar brought the shuttle to its destination, setting it down among boxy shaped craft, mindful of the warp ring extending past the designated area. The Vulcans exchanged a puzzled look and opted to save dissecting the strange conversation for later. It was liable not to be their last.
T’Vei and Rik’koshvar moved down the ramp on stiff legs, their heads swiveling to take in the hustle and bustle of the docking bay. A human was yelling at an Andorian atop a ladder. Another was carrying a spool of cable to a nearby shuttlecraft. And another, was swiftly approaching.
“Yeoman Avers,” he introduced himself, extending his hand. This, they knew what to do. They had studied the First Contact recordings. The database had said that the handshake was supposed to be firm, but the expression on Avers’ face was clearly one of discomfort in the wake. Too firm perhaps?
“Come with me, Captain Greene will see you now,” Avers said and led them through the station. There was no time for a tour and so T’Vei’s only impression was of more snapshots of aliens, some in uniform and some not moving hurriedly about the station.
Avers stopped before a set of double doors, pressed a physical button on a panel, and ushered them in. “Captain Greene, Sublieutenants T’Vei and Rik’ov—Rik’kssh—” he cleared his throat. “Rik-kash-var. Here to see you.”
“Captain—” T’Vei began.
But not before Rik’koshvar stepped forward. “Captain Greene, I understand Humans appreciate humor during introductions. Therefore: I attempted to construct a joke about warp drive. Unfortunately….it did not accelerate.”
T’Vei failed to contain a sigh.
Maddox simply stared at Rik'koshvar. There were a few things that surprised him at this point in his career. But an attempt to be funny by a Vulcan was something new and worthy of putting in his log. Turning his attention to T'Vei briefly, who almost appeared to be embarrassed by her companion's attempt at a joke. His next thought was, did Vulcans actually feel embarrassment? That was something that he would have to research at some point. "Sub-Lieutenant Rik'koshvar. Is that your first attempt at a joke?"
The Yeoman who stood behind the Vulcans did his best to hold in the laughter. But it was extremely difficult to hide the huge smile that came across his face. Things just got interesting.
"First attempt? No. T'Vei was the recipient of my first," Rik'koshvar said dryly. "But I surmize, based on your reaction, that further refinement is necessary. Could you provide constructive criticism, Captain?"
"Or order the cessation of his efforts," T'Vei said. She looked at her companion. "That also constitutes a joke."
She stepped forward and offered her hand to Maddox. "Reporting for duty, Captain."
The Captain allowed himself to chuckle at the recipient of my first comment. Accepting the hand of T'Vei, he shook it, followed by shaking Rik'koshavar. "Welcome to Sentinel Station. By the way, the joke wasn't really bad. Mainly unexpected."
"I understand," Rik'koshvar inclined his head.
"Thank you, Captain," T'Vei said. She clasped her hands behind her back and stood straighter, towering over the men in the room. "Now, what can you tell us of Sentinel Station's defenses and the Nausicaan threat? How may we assist?"
"Please have a seat." Sitting at his desk, he leaned forward. "Four-phased type five cannon turrets and defensive shields. Along with the USS Frontier. Now what I need is officers in security at this station. Primarily a Chief Armory Officer."
The Vulcans took the offered seats. "That is why we came," T'Vei said. "We heard of the station's need for security. I have served as Armory Officer aboard the Sh'Raal the last eight years and have filled in as department chief on a number of occasions. I have settled conflicts among other species in the past, including Nausicaans. I am a capable investigator as well should the need arise. Sublieutenant Rik'koshvar is talented with defense systems, able to quickly repair or adapt systems during crisis and is capable of filling in as department chief aboard the starbase or a starship should you need both ready for conflict simultaneously."
"The type five phase cannons should be comparable to systems I have worked with in the past," Rik'koshvar elaborated. "Each turret will need to be inspected and possibly calibrated, which can be completed in six hours time, sooner with the assistance of a member of the armory already familiar with the station's layout."
"What about the Frontier?" T'Vei said.
"A day then," Rik'koshvar corrected.
"Coordinate with engineering," T'Vei added. "In the meantime I can prepare the armory's personnel, ensure action stations are set, small arms lockers are accessible by authorized personnel in case of boarding. How long do we have before a Nausicaan ship arrives?"
"Sixteen hours," Maddox answered. "Chief Petty Officer Truman has been on the station prior to its completion and is familiar with the layout. Get with her ASAP. Been going through both of your records and made some calls. And I would like to keep you both here permanently. But only if that works for you all."
The Vulcans raised their eyebrows and exchanged a look.
"It does, Captain," Rik'koshvar said.
"I will think on it," T'Vei said at the exact same time.
They exchanged another look.
"Asil would benefit from this opportunity and you have desired something new for some time," Rik'koshvar said. "It is a logical career progression."
"One with many unknown variables," T'Vei said. "One we should both consider carefully."
"May we deliver our answer to you in 24 hours, Captain? After the current threat to the station is neutralized?"
Maddox nodded. "That's fair. To add to that, I wanted to extend the position of Chief Armory Officer to you, T'Vei. I will let you all get to work in the meantime."
"Career progression," Rik'koshvar muttered as they stood.
"Thank you, Captain," T'Vei said. "We will update you on the station's readiness in eight hours," and turned to leave.
"In the meantime, you will be acting Chief Armory Officer Sublieutenant T'Vei."
"Understood, Captain," she acknowledged. Then they went to work.
=================
Captain Maddox Greene
Commanding Officer
Sentinel Station
Sublieutenant T'Vei
(Acting) Chief Armory Officer
Sentinel Station
Sublieutenant Rik'koshvar
(Acting) Armory Officer
Sentinel Station
Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Avers
Yeoman
Sentinel Station
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