Chapter 106. Lexington personnel meet Sindi people
Captain Olly Lion looked around at the people present, and then took a deep breath. "We have received new orders. Our star mapping mission is temporarily suspended. Instead, we will head to meet the Sindi."
There were expressions of surprise on the faces of everyone present. No one expected this. Ingmar took a deep breath. He was in no hurry to deal with this race again. After all, the last encounter almost resulted in the destruction of the known universe.
"The Sindi invited us. They wish to establish diplomatic relations with the Federation. Starfleet sent us to find out the Sindi's sincerity," Ori Lion continued. "These talks will not immediately lead to a binding agreement. They can only prepare the ground for future meetings. We must explore whether there is sufficient consensus for future cooperation. If the situation matures, we will be replaced by senior diplomats, They will continue to negotiate."
"So send us first, because we are the least important," Security Chief Atlan concluded loudly.
Potterson's cold gaze fell on her, but she was undeterred. Before the commander could make any move, Ollie interjected: "This is an important mission. If these talks are successful, it will open a new chapter in the history of the Federation. But this kind of thing cannot be without risks."
Ingmar looked at him in surprise, but wished he didn't show it. The captain was expected to defend the orders of Starfleet Command. Ingmar had hitherto recognized him as an absolutely loyal man. The captain never questions an order or considers room for variability in an order. But he knew the risks, and for Ingmar, it was at least a surprise. Captains generally avoid any risk and will act conservatively when possible.
"Commander Ingmar, you have the greatest experience with the Sindi," the captain addressed him directly, interrupting his thoughts. "Please tell us what awaits us there."
The eyes of everyone present were focused on him. Apparently, they think he now knows everything there is to know about the Sindi. As if he was an absolute expert on this race. However, the Republic had few encounters with the Sindi themselves during its conflicts with them. They grapple more with the consequences. Ingmar himself had even met a Sindi only once. That's when they got contacted by Otis. Not long after they destroyed the Sindi's weapons. And this Otis has great similarities with humans. Yes, he's even friendly. He communicates with Captain Noah and requests information about the incident. Although Noah was hesitant, he still provided the information. This was his entire experience with this race.
He had to control himself and didn't want to respond arrogantly to his colleagues. He thought it was unbelievable that Captain Olli had asked him so suddenly. It’s also good to have some forewarning. Give me some time to prepare. Because while these events are important, half a year has passed. Suddenly, he easily forgets things and then others may blame him later.
"Well, it's been a while since this happened," he began slowly, trying to collect his thoughts and memories. "We also have very little contact with the Sindi people." He succinctly summarized the events that took place half a year ago. From his perspective, some things are even older. After all, he also spent half a year in another timeline with the Republic. So for him, a year has passed since the discovery of the weapon. This is also the incident he describes in detail. As for his experiences in the alternate universe, he only mentioned trying to gather information on Crawling Cindy's home planet. The rest he found unhelpful and too personal. He didn't want to share these memories with anyone except the crew of the Republic with whom he had worked before.
"So I don't know much about the Sindi," he concluded his brief report.
Disappointment showed on everyone else's faces. They clearly expected him to provide more information. From their expressions, it seemed as if they expected him to know every secret of the race. This expectation is obviously too exaggerated. Commander Porterson looked at him suspiciously. He didn't seem to believe Ingemar's words. Apparently, he believed Ingemar was withholding information. However, he didn't say anything.
"It doesn't help us much," Ollie said at last. "We ended up getting the information only from the mission report from that time." He sounded a little arrogant, as if he wanted to blame Ingmar for not knowing better now.
Ingemar's heart welled up with cold anger. What exactly does the captain expect of him? Conjuring endless amounts of valuable information from the crew of the Republic at that time? Was he suggesting that the crew at the time was deliberately withholding information? This is absolutely ridiculous. Ingmar wondered again how this man had become a captain. He's a joke and completely unfit as a captain. Only the generals sitting behind their desks would have such an idea to put him in charge of this difficult diplomatic task.
Ingmar said nothing more, and the captain turned his attention to everyone present. "As ordered, we will fly to the agreed rendezvous point. We will then see what the Sindi are truly planning to do. I want your respective departments to remain highly focused. We know the Sindi are a cunning race. I want us to Be prepared for everything and don't let anything surprise us. Adjourned."
Without words, the officers stood and hurriedly left the room. Ingmar had no particular interest in staying any longer near Captain Olly, so he left as quickly as the others. If led by the likes of Ollie and Porterson, the mission is doomed. The captain's last words already showed how prejudiced he was. How he distrusted the Sindi people. Maybe he had a reason, but for a task like this, he had to keep a more objective perspective. Otherwise, negotiations will quickly fail.
Ingmar took the elevator back to the upper bridge with the others. There they took their seats again and awaited the captain's orders. He also needed to signal a new course. Although he had announced it during the meeting, direct orders had not yet been issued. Furthermore, the navigator does not yet know the location of the target.
After what seemed like a long few minutes, Ollie and Porterson finally appeared. Apparently, they had something to discuss that was none of the rest of the crew's business. For some reason Ingmar had an inexplicable feeling that he was the subject of their discussion. But if that was the case, they didn't show it.
Captain Ollishi sat back in the command chair and looked around the bridge. Porterson stood next to the captain, arms crossed in front of his chest. He would rather stand than sit down. Maybe it's because it makes him look more dignified. This effect is really necessary for him considering his appearance.
"Helmsman, you can find our target coordinates in the computer. Starfleet has sent the data to us and transmitted it directly to the navigation computer." Ollie instructed Depp. Captains have an annoying habit of calling all officers by rank or title only. It's like everyone has no name. It was almost his way of emphasizing his special status. It's really sad.
Depp knew this, so he simply found the corresponding data on his computer. He then set the target coordinates and let the computer do course calculations. After a few seconds, the calculation is complete. "Course set, sir," he reported.
"Then drive the speed to Wa
p7. "The captain ordered, leaning back slightly in his chair.
"Yes, Captain," Depp responded. His fingers moved quickly over the console, and soon the Lexington entered Wa
In p7 state, rush towards the goal. Even though the target is less than eight hours away, it will still take a while to get there. This was enough to give the fleet commander some time to relax. Therefore, Ollie ordered the second watch to enter the bridge. Because he wanted to have his main crew present when he arrived at his destination. Apparently, he believed they were more qualified than the rest of the shift.
Ingmar has no objection to this. His replacement, however, took an unusually long time to appear on the bridge. Everyone else had taken over duty, but his replacement hadn't arrived yet. Ingmar handed over the shift with a slight annoyance, gave him some information about the current situation, and then turned quickly to catch the elevator. He hopes to return to his residence as soon as possible. He had to be back on the bridge in six hours, so he would at least have some downtime to keep himself in shape. Although he wasn't sure how much down time he would actually find. Usually, as soon as I lie down, the image of Shu Ran will appear in my mind.
Just as he was walking towards the elevator door, Commander Porterson suddenly squeezed in. He stared at Ingmar coldly. He didn't say a word until the door closed behind them. Then, with a voice firmer than steel, he said to Ingmar: "You think you're better than us, don't you?"
Ingmar looked at him in surprise. "What does it mean?"
"Do you think you can fool us into not knowing anything about Cindy?" Porterson continued grimly.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ingmar replied frankly. What do these accusations mean?
"You know more about Cindy than you let on." Porterson seemed very confident in his words. "And you deliberately put us in danger. Why?"
The more Porterson talked, the stranger the situation seemed to Ingmar. This person seems to be worrying unfoundedly. "That's ridiculous," Ingmar responded. "I have reported everything I know."
"I don't believe you." Potterson said no more because the elevator stopped and the door opened behind them. He reluctantly made room for Ingmar. Ingmar was about to step out of the elevator when Porterson's eyes became more and more piercing. "I'm going to find out what you're up to, remember," Porterson said at last. "And I'll keep an eye on you, Ingmar."
Then the elevator doors closed and Ingmar stood alone in the corridor. How is this going? Porterson clearly suffers from paranoia. There is no other explanation for his behavior. Ingmar shook his head, then turned and walked towards his residence. He was sure that he would find no peace in the next few hours. In addition to Shu Ran, Porterson was also wandering in his mind now. He couldn't tell which one made him feel more uncomfortable. Sometimes, fate brings people to strange places and encounters with strange people. It was as if somewhere there was a fateful man sitting there, taking all this as a kind of entertainment. Didn’t ancient peoples also believe in fate? I believe that the goddess of destiny will spin the thread of destiny for everyone. Occasionally, they will tease some people and mess up their lives. Just because they find it interesting. Sometimes Ingemar is not sure if this is a similar situation. Otherwise, how could he explain why he came to the Lexington. He would rather return to the Republic. Although it's not all golden and bright, overall, it's still much better than here. Again he wondered how everyone else was doing. Tiny, Nilf or Captain Noah.
Captain Noah stared in amazement at the scene outside the window of the small shuttle on which he was now heading to his destination. He refused to give up and came here himself to see the new ship. Most of the shell is unfinished, looking more like an unfinished steel behemoth. Still, it had made a lasting impression on him. The surrounding docks obscured the full view, but Noah had seen the ship in a computer simulation, so he knew what it would look like in the end. He could only admire the wonderful design over and over again. The designers did a fantastic job and went above and beyond. Noah once thought that there could never be a more beautiful ship than an old one. But now he's no longer so sure.
"Captain, do you like this ship?" asked the pilot of the shuttle.
It took Noah some time to realize that he was being asked a question. There was no one else on board except him and the pilot. But he still wasn't completely used to his new rank.
"Yes, she is very beautiful," he replied, staring intently at the ship. He secured that the ship would be named the Republic. This would undoubtedly be a worthy successor to his old Repubblica. Although he would never take command of the Republic himself. Such thoughts made him feel a little melancholy. He did not ask for promotion to general. Nonetheless, his merits were deemed sufficient to merit this promotion. So he was tied to his desk at headquarters. Now he was responsible for more than just a ship. This is how things went. He's not saying his new job isn't interesting. Still, he had a premonition that he would be saddened by the day the Republic departed.
"We'll be at the dock in five minutes," the shuttle pilot informed him. "Then you can go over there and watch the ships from there."
Noah looked at her a little surprised, not realizing they would be stopping here. In fact, he only wanted to do it briefly. The decision to name the ship HMS Republic was made four days ago. But he hadn't had a chance to see the ship before. Now he's finally catching up, but he expects to return to the orbiting space station immediately.
The pilot noticed his surprised expression. "I have received orders to use this route to pick up Captain Gabriel Carroll," he explained to Noah. "She is currently on board for inspection. We will take her with us."
Noah nodded. This is a good opportunity. That way he could also talk to his former deputy. But it still took him some time to get used to calling her Captain Carol. This was not because he was jealous of her, but because in his mind she would always be his second in command. She was the best deputy he had ever had. She clearly deserves a promotion. With her in command, he believed the Republic would be in good condition.
When the shuttle slowly approached the administrative area of the dock, his eyes still stayed on the ship, and finally the shuttle approached. This is a relatively small section of the entire facility that houses the computers that manage the facility. In addition, people working here can don their spacesuits and perform repairs on the outer shell. For visitors like him and Carol, there's a small viewing platform.
Noah is heading there now. If he had met Carol here, he would have wanted to intercept her on the observation deck and have a brief chat with her. No pilot or anyone else was present. When he walked in, she was standing in front of the large window facing outward, with her back to him. She's clearly fascinated by the ship, too. her ship. He walked in gently, not wanting to scare her.
"Hello, Admiral," she greeted him without turning around.
For a moment, Noah was confused, then he realized that the glass of the picture window was a little reflective. She had actually seen him. He smiled. "Hello, Captain," he returned her greeting, using his rank as well. This was their usual routine every time they met, ever since they were both promoted.
She turned around, smiled and held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you," she said sincerely.
Noah returned her handshake. He found it a little strange every time he saw her in her captain's rank. Just like a child leaving home and growing up. Trying not to be overwhelmed by his emotions, he instead said, "It's a beautiful boat."
"Yes," she nodded, looking outside again. "I can't wait for the first flight test."
"You can certainly imagine how envious I am of you," he admitted candidly.
"Sorry." She seemed a little scared. Apparently, she realized this would be his ship if he wasn't promoted to admiral. Now she felt like she had taken something from him. Although this is actually ridiculous. "I didn't mean to..."
"Don't say that," he interrupted her. "You deserve this chance. I hope the Republic is in someone else's hands."
Her relief was palpable. However, she didn't know how to respond, so she looked outside again. Noah followed her lead. So they quietly watched the work on the ship together. Small robots fly around, some carrying parts and others tightening screws on the ship. And among them, there are some people in space suits, because not everything can be done by robots.
"How's your crew selection going?" Noah finally asked.
Carol rolled her eyes in frustration. "Don't mention it. The situation is bad. Starfleet sent me a list. But I don't know most of the people on it. I don't know how to rely on them in a crisis. Of course, these are Starfleet officers, they You don't get these ranks for free. But I would rather have people whose reactions I understand." She shook her head slightly. Noah understood her very well. It's one thing to take over a crew that already works well together, but it's another thing entirely to form an entirely new one. "Unfortunately, the crew of the Republic were assigned to other ships half a year ago. There is nothing that can be done," she added ruefully.
Noah nodded. Of course, he knew his old crew had been assigned to other ships. He knew at least for some of them where they were assigned. Of course, he also understands his daughter's situation. Tiny was affected by the transfer like everyone else. She is currently serving on the ship HMS Pearl. He had not seen her since the ship set sail half a year ago. He missed her very much. He felt as if he had just met her and she left again. Although they kept in regular contact, it was certainly not the same as actually meeting each other. At first, they spoke every two days, but now they only speak once a week. Tiny had adapted well to the boat, so she didn't have much time. And it’s not like there’s something new to say all the time. She had a life of her own and he had to respect her, even though it was very difficult for him.
"You're bound to find a good crew," he said confidently.
"I take your word for it," she said boldly, secretly grateful for the encouragement he gave her. "We shouldn't keep the dock waiting any longer," then she turned.
Yes, Noah thought about it again. The pilots at the space dock are still waiting for them. When he left her behind, he said he was just going to pick up Captain Carol. He hurried after his former deputy, preparing to return with her.
