“First Officer’s Log: Stardate 32120519.12. Upgrades to USS Equestria are complete and we are ready to embark on our mission. Given the nature of her changes, The Equestria has been recommissioned with the registry number NX-122723. The crew is saying their goodbyes in the event we do not come back from this mission, and Captain Burnham has come to us with an interesting idea.”
“It might be a good idea to go to the 10-C first.” Captain Burnham told Commander Sela. The both of them were walking down a corridor.
“The 10-C?” Sela asked. “For what reason would we go to the 10-C?”
“Because they might know something about Cybertron. Something that could help you on your mission. The 10-C have been around for millennia and live in Extra Galactic Space, if there’s a lead, they would likely know about it.” Burnham reasoned.
“Given we have little else to go on, that sounds like a logical course of action. I shall take it to Captain Maxima.” Sela responded.
“Discovery can take you right to them. They actually asked for our presence so it works out nicely.” Burnham commented.
“I do hope the 10-C will not mind you bringing a plus one.” Sela replied.
“Equestria might want to hang back and let us approach the 10-C first. Just in case.” Bunrham said.
“That sounds like the best course of action.” Sela responded.
“Where is Captain Maxima anyway?” Brunham asked.
“Saying goodbye to her parents.” Sela responded. A hint of Sadness in her voice, a hint Burnham picked up.
“Is something wrong?” Burnham asked.
“No. Nothing is wrong.” Sela lied.
Burnham could tell Sela was lying, but decided not to press the issue since it was likely none of her business. “Alright. Just let us know when you’re ready to leave.” Burnham said.
“We shall do that.” Sela said. Burnham insta-transported back to Discovery, leaving Sela in the corridor. Sela stood there for a moment, contemplating that she had just lied to Captain Burnham. She took a deep breath, before she walked off to find the Maximas.
The Maximas meanwhile were in Proxima’s Ready Room. Hannah and Belana wishing their daughter well. “So do you have a plan to remain in contact?” Hannah asked.
“Series of communication buoys we’ll deploy within range of each other.” Proxima responded. “The hardest barrier will be the Galactic Barrier. But beyond that we should have no problem getting a signal through.” She explained.
“Do you have everything you need?” Belana asked.
“Yes, I made sure to double check that I had everything in my quarters.” Proxima said.
Hannah just smirked as she moved her hand out from behind her back and held up a stuffed Elephant. “Mr. Trunk here must’ve blended in so well then that you forgot him.” She said.
Proxima saw the elephant and blushed as she extended her horn and took the stuffed animal in her magic. “Ahem…right, that.” She said.
Belana couldn’t help but chuckle. “We’re so proud of you Proxi.” She told Proxima.
“Feels like just yesterday I brought you home for the first time.” Hannah said. “And now here you are. A captain of a starship, about to head off into Extra Galactic Space. Man I wish we were going with you.” She said.
“Are you telling me you DIDN’T try to convince Uncle Vance to approve a transfer for you two?” Proxima asked with a chuckle.
“...He said we were needed here.” Belana admitted, pouting a little. “When you find Cybertron please take lots of pictures.” She said.
“I will momma.” Proxima responded as she hugged her mothers. “I’ll miss you guys.” She said.
“We’ll miss you two Proxi.” Hannah and Belana responded.
At that moment, the sound of a doorbell sounded, letting them know someone wished to enter. Proxima quickly backed out of the hug, hid the Stuffed Elephant, and retracted her horn. “Enter!” She said.
The door opened and revealed Sela standing there. “I hope I am not interrupting anything.” She said as she entered the Ready Room.
“Nah you’re good Sela.” Proxima responded.
“Captain, Captain Burhnam offered to take us to the 10-C outside the Galaxy. She theorizes that they may know something about Cybertron that will help us in our mission.” Sela told Proxima.
“That’s a good idea.” Proxima replied. “First step in any mystery is asking around.”
“100%. Someone always knows something.” Hannah said.
“Indeed.” Sela responded. “Now that that is settled, Commander Norman also wanted me to let you know that Ambassador Starscout is waiting for you in Engineering. It would seem that the Harmony Core needs the magical signature of the starship captain in order to fully activate.” She explained.
“Right, I’ll head down there now.” Proxima replied. “I’ll be sure to send a transmission once we’re outside the Barrier.” She told her mothers.
“Stay safe Proxi. We love you.” Hannah said.
“Ahem, love you too moms. Take care.” Proxima responded. She tapped her combadge, and Insta-transported directly to Engineering, leaving Sela with her mothers.
With Proxima gone, Belana turned to Sela. “You’ll look out for her whenever possible right?” She asked Sela.
Sela responded with a nod. “I give you my word that she will return from this mission. It is the least I could do.” She hesitated for a moment before continuing. “If I have not adequately expressed such previously, allow me to extend my gratitude to the both of you, and to Proxima…for everything. I owe all three of you a great deal.” She said.
Hannah and Belana understood where it was coming from and the both of them pulled Sela into a comforting hug. “You are always welcome with us Sela.” Hannah said.
“Thank YOU for being so patient with Proxima. I know her magic can go against all logic at times.” Belana told her.
Sela gave off an unnoticeable wince when she was hugged, but she very quickly returned it, before backing off. “I have found it best to just accept her abilities as logic. Especially after we made first Contact with Equis.” She said. “And…I will admit that I have a…personal fondness for Proxima that perhaps runs deeper than that of a sister that I have come to consider Proxima.” She added.
Hannah and Belana glanced at each other, before glancing back at Sela. “You have a crush on her.” They deduced.
Sela stared at the two, while trying to think of an answer. Finally, she relented. “I know that it is something, I do not know if I would categorize it as a crush…” She said.
“You said that your personal fondness for Proxima runs may run deeper than that of sisters right?” Hannah asked. “I would say that is a pretty good indication of a crush.” She reasoned.
Sela considered Hannah’s words, and agreed that it made sense. “That is sound reasoning.” She admitted.
“You two are gonna be out there for a while. Plenty of time to explore this crush of yours.” Hannah said.
“I would not wish to jeopardize what we already have.” Sela replied. “For one thing Proxima’s sexuality is not known.” She said.
“Sometimes you just have to take that risk.” Belana responded. “And if you don’t you’ll end up regretting it for the rest of your life.”
“A valid point.” Sela responded. “I do not know what the future may hold for any of us. However I will always have Proxima’s back to the very end.” She said.
“That’s good to know.” Hannah responded. “We’ll let you get to it then.” She said.
“Take care Sela.” Belana said.
“Live Long and Prosper.” Sela responded, raising a hand and gave them the Vulcan hand gesture. While also MEANING it this time as opposed to the last time she uttered the sentiment.
Hannah and Belana returned the gesture, and they both Insta-transported out. With them gone, Sela returned to the bridge, where Proxima had just transported back up to. “Alright everyone. Status?” Proxima asked.
“All crew is onboard and all supplies loaded Captain.” Norman responded.
“Energon secured?” Proxima asked.
“Yes Captain.” Norman responded.
“Weapons online and compliment of torpedoes is full.” Shron reported.
“Security systems online and crews are working on a brig solution for the Cybertronians should it be needed.” Yamik reported.
“Shields and Sensors are fully operational.” Risa reported.
“Thank you. Engineering, Medbay. Report.” Sela said.
“All ready down here. Harmony Core is online, and the Spore Drive is ready.” Kasey reported.
“We’re standing by ready to receive casualties.” Phlox said.
“Harmony?” Proxima asked. “You ready to go?”
“Yes Captain. I am ready to depart. For real this time, and on your orders.” Harmony responded.
Proxima turned to Norman. “Open a shipwide channel.” She said.
“Channel open.” Norman responded, opening the channel.
“USS Equestria, this is Captain Maxima. We are about to embark for Extra Galactic Space. I know that most of us probably did not have going outside the Galaxy in mind for our first mission following graduation. But if this week is any indication, sometimes life likes to throw curveballs at us. But I know that this crew is ready for the voyage ahead. This is why we joined Starfleet. To explore the unknown, to seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. The coming voyage will be difficult, but I know that we will weather anything that comes our way. This is what we all trained for. Let’s get it done.” Proxima said, ending her inspirational speech.
After the channel was closed, Proxima started barking out orders. “Helm, request clearance for departure.” She said.
“Federation HQ has cleared us for departure.” The Helm officer responded.
“Commander Norman, signal Discovery, tell them we’ll follow them to the 10-C.” Proxima said.
“Aye captain.” Norman responded as he sent Discovery a signal.
“Helm, one quarter impulse power.” Proxima ordered.
“One quarter impulse power.” Helm confirmed. The USS Equestria powered up her impulse engines and moved forward out of Archer Spacedock.
At that moment, the turbolift door opened and Teletran crawled out and onto the bridge. “Captain Maxima.” He acknowledged.
“Teletran? What are you doing here?” Sela asked.
“If Captain Maxima will allow it, I believe I could be of use here on the bridge.” Teletran responded.
Proxima considered it for a moment, before nodding. “Permission granted.” She said.
“Captain, Discovery has sent jump coordinates and will meet us at the Galactic Barrier.” Norman reported.
“Black Alert.” Proxima ordered. The Bridge lighting acted accordingly and the alarm sounded. “Baker, is the Spore Drive primed?”
“Coordinates input and Spore Drive spinning. We’re ready Captain.” Kasey responded.
“Alright everyone. Be brave, be bold. Be courageous…It’s warp time.” She ordered.
“That is your battle cry?” Teletran asked.
Everyone on the bridge glanced at Teletran. Proxima raised an eyebrow. “I-it’s not a battle cry, perse, it’s more an order to go to warp.” She explained.
“All the greatest Captains in Starfleet history have a warp call.” Shron said. “Pike had hit it, Picard had engage, Dal had Go fast. Freeman from 2380 had Warp Me. Captain Burnham has let’s fly. It has a similar effect to a battle cry, but not so associated with battle.”
“Well if I may be blunt, It’s warp time is not a very good phrase.” Teletran responded. “A bit bland.”
“Seriously? You’re really criticizing my warp call.” Proxima said.
“Just providing constructive feedback.” Teletran responded.
“Feedback noted, let’s just go.” Proxima ordered.
The Spore Drive powered up, and Equestria did a barrel roll before disappearing in a flash of light, entering the mycelial network.
Space: The final frontier. This is the story of the USS Equestria. A ship fresh out of construction, with a crew fresh from the Academy. Together they will embark on a mission of discovery, and evolution. They will explore a strange new frontier, seek out new life and a new civilization, and boldly go farther than anyone has ever gone.
On the other side of the Galactic Barrier, Discovery and Equestria both emerged from their shared spatial cell they had used to ride to the other side after going through what was the equivalent of midday rush hour. After they emerged from the barrier, Everyone on the Equestria let out a breath they were all holding. “Holy crap.” Risa commented.
“Report.” Proxima responded.
“Shields at 50% and recharging, systems coming back online.” Norman responded. “Injuries from power surges reported on decks 9 and 10, but no casualties. We’re in good shape.”
“How the hell did we ever survive that insanity.” Teletran commented. “We went into stasis well before we reached the barrier.”
“Pure, dumb luck I guess.” Yamik responded.
Proxima tapped her chair’s armrest. “Cliff, Blitz, you two alright?” She asked.
“We’re fine captain.” Cliff responded.
Proxima couldn’t help but smile in response. “Good to hear.” She said. “Harmony?” She asked.
“That was exhilarating.” Harmony responded. “Like rough seas.”
That got the entire bridge, minus Sela, laughing. “Exactly Harmony.” Shron said.
Norman received an alert on his console. “Discovery’s hailing us.” He said.
“Put it through.” Proxima responded.
“Equestria. This is Discovery, what’s your status?” They heard Burnham ask.
“We’re rattled, but we’re ok.” Proxima responded. “I’m guessing it was a smoother ride for you than the last time you were out here?” She asked.
“Definitely smoother.” Burnham responded. “We’ll go ahead at Maximum Warp. I suggest going warp 5. That’ll give us time to open a dialogue with the 10-C and ensure our updated translation algorithms are working.” She said.
“Sounds good Captain.” Proxima responded. “Helm, set course. Warp 5.” She said. “Prestine, set up a communications buoy.” She added
“Aye captain.” The Helm officer responded as Discovery and Equestria went to warp, heading straight for the 10-C home system. After Equestria settled a buoy for communication back to Starfleet.
Dr. Boimler let the final patient leave after treating their injuries sustained during the venture into the galactic barrier. Nothing he couldn’t handle, but he was certain that it would not always be that way. He was cleaning up his tools with his back to the door when he heard it open and Commander Sela spoke up. “Doctor Boimler. Do you have a moment?” She asked.
Boimler turned to see the commander standing there with her hands clasped behind her. “Certainly Commander.” Boimler responded. “Is there something wrong?”
“I would speak with you, Preferably in private.” Sela responded.
Boimler nodded and led her to his office, which he sealed. “So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?” He asked.
“I assume you have received my medical records.” Sela said.
“I have.” Boimler responded.
“Have you reviewed it?” Sela asked.
“I have not, I don’t usually do so until a patient’s first appointment with me. Why?” Boimler asked.
“There is…something that I have been advised to speak with you about. A medical condition I have.” Sela responded.
Boimler blinked, caught off guard. “Medical Condition?” He asked.
“One that will kill me in 17 months if something is not done to mitigate the severity.” Sela explained.
THAT set off alarms in Boimler’s head. “You have a fatal Medical Condition?” He asked as he sat down at his desk and pulled up Sela’s medical file. He immediately saw an oddity. “What’s Emotional Suppression Inhibition?” He asked. “I’ve never heard of it.”
“We do not discuss it with offworlders.” Sela explained. “So of course you would not have heard of it.”
Phlox nodded. “Ok. So, are you going to tell me about this apparent terminal condition?” He asked. “I can’t find a cure if I don’t know what I’m fighting.”
“There is no cure, it is only possible to mitigate the severity.” Sela replied.
“Ah…Ok. Go on.” Phlox urged.
“It is pretty easy to understand. ESI inhibits a Vulcan’s ability to suppress their emotions as an average Vulcan might, it forces us to let them out more than is socially acceptable, and if we fight it, its severity worsens.” Sela explained.
Phlox had to stifle a laugh at the irony of a Vulcan being unable to suppress their emotions. Afterwards his mind raced with the obvious solution, and the obvious question. “So it sounds like you just need to let them out in order to mitigate the severity.” He said.
“If only it were as easy as it sounds.” Sela responded.
Phlox detected the hint of sadness in her voice. “Is there something wrong?” He asked.
Sela inwardly winced. She knew that question had to come at some point, but a part of her did not want to think about it. Alas, she knew she had to. “My ESI originally was not lethal, in fact its effects on me had been minimal. But that must not have been good enough for my family.” She admitted.
Phlox heard that last part, and his mind raced as he came to a conclusion. “No.” He said, horror slowly creeping up. “Surely they didn’t.” He said, hoping that Sela would not say what he knew was coming.
“I will spare you the horrific details. But to put it simply, they never treated me like their daughter. To them, I was nothing but a burden. They grilled into me the importance of suppressing my emotions, telling me that any doctor who advised me otherwise was wrong.” Sela explained. “They forced me to suppress them no matter the risks. My condition worsened over time as a result.”
At that moment, Phlox wanted to strangle Sela’s family. For ANY parent to outright tell their child to ignore a doctor’s advice was infuriating. He composed himself before he responded. “Come with me out to the Medbay. I want to perform a full neural examination.” He said.
“You should have yesterday’s tests.” Sela responded.
“No two tests are the same.” Phlox responded as he got up out of his chair. “And for all we know, those 17 months could have been slashed down to 17 weeks.”
“It does not get that much worse so fast.” Sela replied. “...But I do see your point.”
“Sela, I would HOPE that you would strive to follow any doctors orders you are given after being forced not to.” Phlox responded. “Now come on. We need to find out the new timeframe to make sure 17 months is still the timeframe.” He reasoned.
Sela agreed and followed Phlox out to the Medbay. Phlox set her up on an examination table and began his tests. “I don’t suppose there’s anything else you’d like to share? Maybe something that could result in you fighting your emotions?” He asked.
Sela considered lying to Phlox, but she had promised herself that she would always tell the truth to the doctor after years of lying to them. “My personal Fondness for Captain Maxima.” She said. “I do not know if it is a crush, or something else, but I do know that there is something there.” She explained.
“Does Proxima know about this ESI?” Phlox asked. He DID know about Sela’s and Proxima’s friendship and how close they were.
“She does…But I have not told her it has become lethal.” Sela responded. “However she and her parents DO know about my family’s transgressions. If it were not for the Maximas, I might not be here today.” She admitted.
“If I may give you something to think about.” Phlox responded. “If Proxima is as important to you as you are implying, you need to tell her. She could very well help us break through a lifetime’s worth of indoctrination and save your life.” Phlox said.
“Perhaps…” Sela responded, contemplating the future.
“I won’t force you to tell her. But I do want you to think about it. Consider every variable.” Phlox told Sela.
“Yes Doctor, I shall think about it.” Sela responded.
Several hours into their trip, Norman received a signal from Discovery. “Captain, I’m getting a signal from Discovery.” He told Proxima.
“A message?” Proxima asked.
“Yes. They’ve made contact with the 10-C, and the 10-C have agreed to meet us.” Norman reported.
“Helm, increase to maximum warp.” Proxima ordered.
“At that speed we shall reach Discovery’s location in 1 hour.” the helm officer reported.
“Good.” Proxima responded.
“Captain.’ Everyone heard Kasey’s voice call out over the Intercom. “You might want to come down here. Been running some diagnostics on the Harmony Core. Results are interesting.” She reported.
“On my way.” Proxima responded. “Norman, you have the con.” She said.
“Aye captain.” Norman responded as Proxima pressed her combadge and insta-transported directly to Engineering.
Once in Engineering, Proxima approached Kasey. “What did you find Chief?” She asked.
Baker called up her HoloPADD from her combadge. “If you recall, Ambassador Starscout had you activate the core with your unique magical signature so in an emergency, you can keep it offline.” She said.
“Yeah, I remember.” Proxima responded.
“Well, it would seem that act has unlocked some strange behavior with the Core in regards to Harmony’s systems.” Kasey responded. “Harmony? Wanna explain further?” She asked.
“Gladly Commander.” Harmony responded. “Ever since the Harmony Core was installed and activated I’ve been feeling strange. I first tried to figure out what it was on my own but I could not pinpoint what was happening.”
“So she came to me asking if I’d help her. So we’ve been running diagnostics. And what we found was incredible.” Baker said.
“What did you find?” Proxima asked.
“First of all, a full systems efficiency boost across the board. All systems are now operating at 150% percent.” Baker reported.
“But the more shocking discovery involves our Spore Drive.” Harmony said. “And how it now needs our deflector dish to function.”
“Huh?” Proxima asked, confused. “According to Commander Stamets it doesn’t.” She said.
“Through his limited knowledge of the mycelial network maybe.” Teletran responded as he poked his body out from behind the core, holding a diagnostic tool. “But based on our tests and simulations, the Equestria’s Spore Drive was affected by the Harmony Core.” He said.
“Ok. So what happened?” Proxima asked.
Kasey called up an image of a donut shaped object. “We pulled this from the Derelict’s Database. I assume as the resident Transformers expert you know what this is?” She asked.
Proxima studied the image, and nodded after a second, recognizing what it was. “It’s a Cybertronian Space Bridge. The Transformers equivalent of a Spore Drive.” She explained.
“Bingo. To put it simply, the Equestria is now capable of opening up a Space Bridge portal from her Spore Drive and projecting the opening from its Deflector Dish.” Teletran responded.
“Are you sure?” Proxima asked.
Kasey called up a simulation they had done, and it showed the Equestria shooting a beam from its deflector and a portal opening. “All signs point to this capability. If I had to make a guess. The Harmony Core recognized it was on installed within the bulkheads of a Cybertronian, in an area of space where the regular Spore Drive system would be useless, and repurposed it to make a stable way of instantaneous travel. Which still utilizes the Mycelial Network.” Casey explained.
“Space Bridges have a mechanism for creating their own Mycelial routes. Like digging a hole if you will.” Teletran added. “It allows us to tap into the mycelial network even all the way out here where the network is more sporadic than within the confines of a galaxy.”
“Could we use it now?” Proxima asked.
“We’d have to drop out of warp to do so, and each jump would render the Spore Drive inoperable for a period of 13 hours. At least according to our findings.” Kasey reported. “But it could be a good test. Especially since we have no idea where we’re going after the 10-C.”
Proxima nodded. “Right. Prep the Spore Bridge for activation.” She said.
“Right.” Kasey responded as Proxima insta-transported back to the bridge.
With her gone. Kasey put out a call to the engineering staff on duty. “Alright. Let’s keep examining this thing. If the Harmony Core does something else I want to know.” She said.
“It really is fascinating that magic and technology can go together so seamlessly.” Teletran commented as he resumed examining the Harmony Core, which Kasey and Harmony had asked him to help with since his Cybertronian Biology knowledge would be beneficial.
“Magic, technology, and Biology.” Kasey responded. “Three completely different schools of thinking merged into one.”
“All working in perfect—“ Teletran started before a conduit running along the wall burst and started leaking Energon.
The nanosecond Kasey saw it, she got to work. “Seal that crack!” She called out as she pressed a button to close the length of pipe along the crack to prevent more Energon from leaking. A pair of Engineers ran over to the pipe with toolkits and started patching the hole. “I wouldn’t call it PERFECT, but I will say that we are having far less problems than I thought.” She said.
“When we get to Cybertron, our doctors and Engineers will be able to work out the kinks.” Teletran responded.
“Can they really help make me 100% functional?” Harmony asked.
“Might take some time, but if anyone can make you fully functional, it’s them.” Teletran responded.
“Do you believe it would hurt to see if the Harmony Core can do what needs to be done?” Kasey asked.
“Maybe.” Teletran responded. “But unless there’s a way to actually control what this thing can do, I do see where a considerable risk could form.” He said.
“Noted.” Kasey responded.
Back on the Bridge, Proxima relieved Norman and ordered a warp dropout. “Helm, drop out of warp and hold position.” She said.
“Aye captain.” The helm Officer responded, dropping the Equestria out of Warp.
“Captain? What’s going on?” Risa asked.
“We’re testing out a new way to travel.” Proxima responded. “A Space Bridge.” She announced.
Norman’s eyes widened. “Captain, the Equestria can’t make a Space Bridge Portal.” He said.
“The Harmony Core does not agree with you.” Proxima responded. “It would seem the Harmony Core decided that it didn’t want us to not use our Spore Drive out here so it changed its functionality.” She explained.
“That was…nice of it?” Yamik responded, confused.
“Yeah I’m not sure either. That’s why we’re testing it now.” Proxima said.
“...Aye captain.” Shron, Yamik, and Risa responded.
“Commander Prestine, ready the deflector array for beam projection target the Discovery’s position.” Proxima ordered.
“Aye Captain.” Prestine responded, she sent a note to Kasey asking for further instructions, which she received.
“Captain, would this be a Black Alert?” Harmony asked.
“I believe so Harmony. Black Alert.” Proxima responded.
The bridge and alarm responded accordingly. “Prestine, are you and Baker ready?” Proxima asked.
“We’re ready captain.” Prestine responded.
At that moment, the turbo lift opened and Sela stepped onto the bridge. “Captain, what is going on?” Sela asked.
“We’re testing a new Spore Jump technology. Courtesy of the Harmony Core.” Proxima responded. “Prestine, activate.” She said.
Prestine tapped at her console and Equestria’s Deflector Dish glowed a magnificent blue. After a second, it fired a beam ahead of the ship by several hundred kilometers. At the end of the beam, a light green circle expanded to a large diameter. Large enough to acommodate a few ships side by side. “…Holy scrap.” Norman commented.
“Captain, it’s a stable wormhole.” Prestine reported.
“Norman, signal the Discovery. Tell them we made the wormhole and are coming through it.” Proxima said.
“Aye captain.” Norman said.
“Is anybody not ready?” Proxima asked. After no one answered, she spoke again. “Helm, take us in. Full impulse.” She ordered.
“Aye captain. Full impulse.” Helm responded. The USS Equestria blazed its Impulse Engines and flew bow first into the Wormhole, heading for the 10-C home system.
To Be Continued…