Post Number: 187 *Top Secret No Longer*

Posted on Mon Feb 3rd, 2025 @ 2:05am by Captain Marius Pontmercy & Lieutenant JG Celine Quinn & Lieutenant JG Fara Galaway & Commander Jordan Haines & Lieutenant Paul Eschenauer & Lieutenant Jude Haines & Lieutenant T'Shas Cruz & Lieutenant JG Lirian Tarel & Lieutenant V'Lar & Chief Petty Officer Rhyth Baines & Lieutenant Thomas Ryan MD

2,680 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Secrets

On:

Tom Ryan gathered all of his materials together and made his way to the conference room again. He had gotten all of the permissions needed to share the project that Bradley's team had been working on. He had no idea what a lot of it meant, but figured anyone who understood nuts and bolts and not bones and ligaments would understand.

Marius entered the conference room, knowing that they only had a short while before the away team left. He pulled up the information he had been reviewing previously while he waited.

Rhyth's light footsteps brought her into the room with V'Lar not that far behind her. Rhyth wasn't that used to being in this sort of meeting so took her seat in her usual relaxed manner, V'Lar meanwhile went over to the replicator while reading her notes.

Paul made his way into the meeting. He was very interested in regards to what they were going to do in regards to moving the base and hoped everything would work out. As the pilot, this would be very interesting for him to steer the base.

Jordan walked into the room and glanced around, nodding at Paul as he took a seat next to Captain Pontmercy. He was ready to jump into the fray. This was going to be very informational for him.

Jude came in with a coffee in his hand and looked around, choosing his seat, where he would be more centrally located. He nodded to Jordan, glad to see he was back. He would ask about his uncle at another time.

Lirian enters quietly, but confidently, offering a polite nod or a small smile to those present. She finds her seat without unnecessary delay, her Betazoid eyes subtly scanning the room, picking up on the emotional undercurrent before the meeting begins.

T'Shas entered the Conference room and looked around before taking a seat next to Lirian.

Within a few moments everyone had gathered, and settled in around the table. Marius looked up from his data padd, noted that everyone was assembled, and set it down.

"Alright Doctor Ryan, what information do you have for us?"

Tom stood up and spoke. "Twenty One years ago, Admiral Bradley and a team were given the opportunity to take this base, and expand on it. There had been rumors flying around in the intelligence community about the Synthulans, but no one knew anything or had ever seen them. So we thought."

Tom pulled up the plans on the screen. "I present to you Project PNY. The idea was simple, create a base that not only can cloak, but can move at warp speed and impluse while cloaked. The base chosen was this one and they began work immediately under the disguise of other upgrades."

Tom continued. "Everything had been tested prior to the installation of the materials. However, they were not prepared for a spy. Apparently, someone had been leaking the idea out. And the Synthulans got a hold of the idea. And they wanted it for themselves. So they came to the base, basically killed and destroyed the base, tortured the Admiral for information and left when the fleet arrived to save them. They know Admiral Bradley is the only one left who had the entirety of the plans for this."

"Regardless, I believe these plans, which were recently restarted here, could be used to help you move the base. I want to end with I am not an engineer nor was I on the team that was building this. So I can't help you other than giving you this information and the story behind it. Being on the Synthulan intelligence group, I was aware of them." Tom concluded. Marius' face held an expression of confusion, and so he cleared his throat and started to speak.

"The technology required to ensure structural integrity of a structure this size going that fast has to be remarkable, but are we sure that that is something we can replicate as quickly as we need it?"

Trust Starfleet intelligence to pick the type of base that wasn't really outfitted for it for warp experiments Rhyth thought as she glanced up from her PADD that was now full of equations "Theoretically yes sir." she said "The base is already outfitted with thrusters so it already has inertial dampeners, we'll have to replicate a fair few more of them but we'd have enough to at least handle the lower warp factors."

Tom spoke again. "It's my understanding sir that the materials you require are already here. The team has been working on this for months now. But not at a rushed pace. I'm sure with additional hands and a fire, this might get completed quickly or enough done so that the base could go."

"We'll be running right up against time." Rhyth said "The space required to build the central component, the materials needed, the laying of new circuit paths, the exterior construction required... It's going to take a good few days which fortunately we have."

Lirian listened intently, her dark eyes scanning the faces of those present as she absorbed the weight of what was being discussed. The undercurrent of emotions in the room—concern, curiosity, urgency—was clear to her. When there was a brief pause, she leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but thoughtful.

“This is an impressive undertaking,” she said, her tone measured. “From a strategic standpoint, the ability to move the base while cloaked is invaluable, especially given our adversaries. However, we must also consider the psychological impact this knowledge carries. If the Synthulans tortured Admiral Bradley for this information, then they will certainly be watching for any signs that we are attempting to complete what was started. The question is, how much risk are we willing to take, and do we have contingencies in place should they become aware of our progress?”

She let that thought settle before adding, “We should also consider the potential ethical implications of this project. A cloaked, warp-capable station is a formidable tool, but if it falls into the wrong hands—or if others perceive it as a threat—it could escalate tensions beyond what we anticipate. We should be prepared for those possibilities.”

Lirian then sat back, her gaze shifting to Captain Pontmercy, waiting to see how the others would respond to her concerns.

"You raise valid points," Captain Pontmercy admitted. "Should the Synthulans become aware of the work we are doing, or will have done by the time they find out, we will need to have a plan. If the base is indeed warp capable, then perhaps we have a secondary position in mind to move it to should the need arise." He leaned forward, resting his folded hands upon the table before them. "Having some fail-safes in place is also not a bad idea. We know the good we can do with a base that has these capabilities, but in the wrong hands...the Counselor is right. It does raise ethical concerns. I'm afraid we are running low on options at this point. Without the ability to withstand an attack from the Synthulans, we need safety. I would appreciate you working with Lieutenant Quinn," Marius said, glancing at the Chief Diplomatic Officer, "and find a way to ease those tensions should they arise."

Lirian inclined her head in acknowledgment, appreciating Captain Pontmercy’s measured response. Her gaze shifted briefly to Lieutenant Quinn before returning to the Captain.

“I’ll coordinate with Lieutenant Quinn and begin assessing potential diplomatic angles. If tensions do arise, having a narrative in place will be critical—one that doesn’t make us look like a threat but rather a necessity for stability in the region.”

She folded her hands in front of her, her voice steady. “In the meantime, I also recommend we prepare misinformation tactics. If the Synthulans are watching, let’s ensure they see what we want them to. Deception and misdirection could buy us the time we need to solidify our defenses.”

Pausing for a moment, she allowed her words to settle before adding, “And, Captain, if we are forced to relocate, we should consider not just a secondary position, but a tertiary one as well. We may not get a second chance if they find us too soon.”

Lirian leaned back slightly, her dark eyes scanning the room again, reading the shifting emotions in those around her. “I trust the engineering team will do everything possible to make this happen. My job is to ensure we’re ready for the consequences—before they become a crisis.”

V'Lar brushed at her red hair as she let out a long controlled breath "I think we're overestimating the probability of raising tensions, firstly because of the state of the Quadrant at present and secondly if we're suggesting the Synthulans I think that's going to happen anyway because of the rescue mission. We shouldn't do anything at this point except move the base away from where we currently are and go dark which means disabling the base transponder. If we get to the point of running and hiding then yes there are a number of things we will have to look at but we're not there yet and I've got lists upon lists of planets. I know that Doctor Ryan won't like hearing it but we should assume the Synthulans already know everything about this project, they had the Admiral for a week eight years ago they've had him for days already this time and who knows what that nanotechnology they injected him with has allowed them to do in the interim."

Tom Ryan frowned at V’Lar’s comment, his expression thoughtful rather than defensive. He crossed his arms, shifting his stance slightly as he considered his response.

"I won’t deny that it’s possible the Synthulans extracted more from Admiral Bradley than we’d hope," he admitted. "But assuming they know everything isn’t the same as knowing they do. If they had all the details, why haven’t they built something like this yet? Why haven’t they made a move to stop us before now?"

He exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck before continuing. "The reality is, we don’t have the luxury of certainty. We have to operate under the assumption that they know something but not everything. That means we still have the advantage—for now."

Tom looked around the room, meeting the eyes of those present. "I agree with V’Lar that the priority should be moving the base and going dark. But if we’re assuming they know everything, then we should also assume they have contingencies in place to stop us. If they get wind of what we’re doing, we could have company a lot sooner than we expect. We need to be ready for that possibility."

He turned to Marius. "Captain, if this project is going forward, I’d recommend reinforcing our defensive systems while the modifications are being completed. If the Synthulans come knocking before we’re ready, we need to hold them off long enough to make our escape. And if we have to fight, we better make sure it’s on our terms, not theirs."

His gaze flickered to Lirian and Quinn. "As for misdirection, I think that’s a solid plan. If they’re watching, let’s make sure they’re watching the wrong thing."

Tom finally leaned back slightly, his expression neutral. "I’m not an engineer, nor am I a strategist. But I know how the Synthulans think, and they don’t play fair. We need to be just as ruthless in our preparation as they would be in stopping us."

"Captain." Rhyth said "We're talking about building the biggest warp core ever seen, we're talking about hooking that up to the station's power grid, we're talking about building warp nacelles. That's going to take everything we've got to do it in the time we have. If we start assigning personnel to bolster defences we're not going to be ready by the time the rescue team gets to El-Adrel. "

Paul Spoke Up. "If I may. There are some of us here who are able to work multiple areas. Plus we have Admiral Bradley's team. We should have enough people to do both. I know that I can help work on bolstering the defenses. I'm able to do that. And I'm sure other people, including yourself and Commander Haines, also have the ability to help. Maybe even the Admiralty and their staff. There are a lot of people and we really need all hands on deck."

"You're not going to personally have time lieutenant." Rhyth said "You're going to be spending all your time in the holodeck learning how to fly with a proverbial elephant on your back. Bolstering defences won't make a huge difference it'll buy maybe a minute maybe two minutes if the Synthulans come before we're ready and it also means we'll need a tachyon pulse mine just in case, defensive focus needs to be on shields, we're not going to win that fight if it happens so let's focus on survival. Also if I don't say it Lieutenant Chambers will we don't want anyone who isn't an engineer going near this warp core as we build it." Marius held up his hands.

"All right, all right," he said, and the room fell quiet. "We have a lot to do, and very little time to get it done. Part of the technology the Admiral was working on was a way to cloak or disguise the base. Based on our encounter with the Synthulans the last time, we won't be able to do much against their forces. I think a better use of our time is to get our stealth technology working, and getting the base ready to move. We do not have as many resources as I would like, but we will be able to manage." Marius sighed. "Look... it is a risk either way, but one we have to take. This enemy is superior to us, and we would be fools to think otherwise. I know that the away team is about to leave, anything else before I let them go?"

"Rendezvous point." V'Lar said "I'm recommending these coordinates." she slid a PADD down the table to the Captain "They're inside the Hellaspont nebula, that's achievable for us if we can move the base at warp and it's hidden enough that we can wait and see where the cards fall once the away team gets back."

Marius picked up the padd once it came to a stop, and looked at it. The distance was further than he had expected, but easily managed with a warp drive.

"Ok that looks good to me. Anyone else?"

Tom shook his head. “I am stopping by to see Admiral Olvera prior to us heading out and then will be ready to go with the away team.”

Having listened instead of speaking for a change, Jordan took his turn. “Lieutenant Haines and I will work diligently at defense and I personally will make certain we all work smoothly. You are an exceptional crew, we can and will succeed.”

Jude nodded in agreement. “I concur with Commander Haines.” Marius nodded.

"Alright everyone, you are dismissed."

Off:

Captain Marius G. Pontmercy
Commanding Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant JG Celine Quinn
Chief Diplomatic Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Ensign Fara Galaway
Assistant Chief Science Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade V'Lar
Chief Intelligence Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Chief Petty Officer Rhyth Baines
Transporter Specialist/Engineering Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Dr Thomas Ryan, MD
Intelligence/Medical
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Paul Eschenauer
Assistant Chief Flight Control Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant JG Lirian Tarel
Acting Chief Counselor
Starbase Obsidian

MCPO K'Ral de Bruinhiena
Chief of the Boat
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant JG T'Shas Cruz
Chief Science Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant JG Marty Stokes
Acting Chief Medical Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Commander Jordan Haines
Executive Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Jude Haines
Chief Security Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant David Chambers
Chief Engineering Officer
Starbase Obsidian

 

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