ILLUMINARRPG: (Prequel- 0900, 0905)- Vice-Admiral Saleke

[Charles Gatling]

Mission: In the Vanguard
Day: Prequel
Stardate: 2446.06.05

(Mars - Utopia Planitia Space Dock - Construction Bay 5 - Starfleet Command
- Vice-Admiral Saleke - 0900)

This day was going to be a busy one and the Vulcan was of course prompt.
Launch of the vessel in the construction bay now appeared to be meeting its
initial deadline which was less that two weeks away. As director of
Scientific Research and Development who's main branch was on the red planet
Saleke had two offices, one on Earth at HQ and one at the Mars surface
facility close to the Academy. His purpose for being here; a preliminary
inspection of the facilities, computer links and programming. Initial
results would be compared with ongoing diagnostics and updates until launch
and even afterward to give a baseline for future construction of the class.

The USS Raptor was of the Inquiry class, a slate of ships more than a
generation outdated but being updated and upgraded to incorporate current
technological innovations and improvements.

The honor guard that greeted him at the enclosed gangway from the station
to the nearly completed ship saluted and turned sharply to the large doors
which slid aside and he followed with Giovanna trailing in his wake. The
former mirror universe Sienna Verin was extremely nimble of mind and highly
versed in some interesting technical fields which were logical considering
that the Terran Empire, in subjugating numerous galactic species had
amassed a wealth of offensive and defensive technologies. Giovanna due to
her cooperation and assistance then was being shown ample courtesy. She was
not however at this time trusted and might never be. The savagery and
duplicity of the Terran Empire and those that originated from it was the
stuff of legends among those aware of their existence and great care was
taken in dealing with them. It was only logical and prudent, Saleke however
was prepared to extend trust when earned.

The tube was transparent which allowed a clear view of the underside of the
saucer section and port side view of the secondary hull. In comparison to
the ship his son commanded the Raptor was over 100 meters longer, twenty
meters higher and with three times the crew capacity including a marine
deck among its twenty. It was slated to be a ship of the line despite being
half the length of the flagship USS Republic but would take its place among
the primary strike/defensive craft of the Federation. A total of 12 of
these ships were currently planned and that number might be lessened or
extended depending on her performance so its maiden voyage was going to be
heavily scrutinized.

(USS Raptor - Deck 10 - Corridor - Starfleet Command - Vice-Admiral Saleke
- 0905)

Saleke and Giovanna made their way inside as the honor guard stepped to
either side of the door. Their presence would not be needed during the
inspection however the handful of technicians that had trailed the party
would and they continued ahead as the Admiral and aide followed. Saleke
would not trace their footsteps however, he had his own rounds to make.

"It's a nice enough ship I suppose."

He turned his head to Giovanna as they walked down the corridor. "Explain."

She shrugged. She had changed her form-fitting, leather uniform for one
that was dark purple though black had been her preference.

"Immensely high power curve, state of the art propulsion, weaponry and
defensive systems. Positronic computer system and interlink, holographic
interfaces and command/control. All nice, compact and powerful but she
wouldn't stand a chance against the ship the Emperor is building."

"On what do you base your comparison?" He asked as he turned the corner and
made for the lift.

"Look Admiral, you know how we are." She stopped and he did so as well,
looking back at her quizzically. "The Empire doesn't use Explorer
configurations or any of the other Federation classifications except in
rare circumstances. Every ship that we... they build would be considered by
StarFleet to be a dreadnought version. Heavily armed and armored and
created for only one purpose... conquest."

His eyes bored into hers for a moment. "While the ships of the Terran
Empire are formidable they are not invincible."

She crossed her arms under her breasts and gave him a searching look, her
stance and bearing were arrogant as always, her confidence in herself and
her abilities unquenchable, something about his statement though struck
her. "And how would you know that?"

He gave her a strange, almost mocking look in return. Vulcan mannerisms and
facial expressions could be so hard to penetrate. "I fought one."

She gave him a surprised look. "Which ship? When?"

"Nearly 35 years ago." His voice was matter of fact. "The USS Furious under
my command and the USS Rosenante destroyed the ISS Rosenante in our prime
Universe."

That made her curious. "Which ship gave the killing blow?"

"The Furious." He turned and continued walking toward the lift, reached it
in 8 steps then turned to her as the door opened. "ISS Commanders have a
weakness."

"And what is that?" The smile she gave him was mocking.

"Knowing our counterparts in the Mirror Universe is a disadvantage, while
they can anticipate our tactics to an extent they expect us to think like
them. And that is where their plans unravel."

She stepped into the lift as he spoke. "Deck 11, Computer Core."

The door slid shut.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles Gatling)

Charles Gatling
Commanding Officer
USS Illuminar
NCC 61240


"The light shines brightest amidst the deepest darkness."
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