//------------------------------// // Episode 7: Making friends and threats // Story: Star Trek Equestria: Reformatted: Wild Access // by Captain_Cosmos //------------------------------// Proxima paced back and forth in her ready room, Sela sitting on the couch that was in the room. “I have so, SO many questions.” She stated flatly. “As do I.” Sela responded. “Chief among them, how they got re-elected.” “According to the official reports, both of their opposition were found assassinated in their quarters. And investigations revealed that it was a third party and not a political stunt.” Vance responded. “So with them off the hook, they won the election by default.” “I call horsecrap there.” Proxima replied. “T’Kara and P’Tapa were on track to be elected. They literally had no opposition from the general public. They were the logical choice.” “I do not understand it either captain.” Vance responded. “But what’s done is done. They are N’Var’s representatives. And like it or not we must respect the democratic process.” He said. “Understood sir.” Proxima responded. Clearly not happy about it. “What matters now is their motive for opposing Harmony’s admittance into the academy now.” Sela said. “They have now become her biggest obstacle since we now have an answer to the Eugenics Act.” “Good to hear that you have an answer there.” Vance responded. “And I wouldn’t worry too much about N’Var. Word on the street is once you quell their concerns, the council will unanimously vote in Harmony’s favor.” He said. “That does not mean that N’Var’s representatives will not waste everyone’s time with pointless arguments.” Proxima countered. “Can’t disagree with you there. It seems like most of the council’s time is spent arguing about pointless things.” Vance said. “Well, thank you for the heads up Admiral.” Sela said. “Now we know to prepare to spend hours arguing against illogical arguments.” “Tomorrow is going to suck. That is for sure.” Vance responded. “Be ready to call in at 1030hrs tomorrow.” He said. “Aye sir.” Proxima replied. Vance nodded before the connection cut out. With them now alone, Proxima let it out. “Those two did something to take out T’Kara and P’Tapa. I am sure of it.” She said. “I would not put it past my parents to make such a move.” Sela said. “Although it is also equally likely that it really was a third party.” “Yeah, it very well could be.” Proxima agreed. “And now we’ve lost N’Var’s support.” “A single planet objecting will do little when the majority rules in Harmony’s favor.” Sela pointed out. “You really think those two actually care?” Proxima asked. “No, I do not.” Sela replied. “Clearly they are just doing this to make our lives that much more difficult. If there was ever a thing they were good at, it is making lives difficult.” “No kidding.” Proxima said. “Cmdr, it is OK if you want to skip the council meeting. I can tell them something came up that required your attention.” She said, trying to give Sela an out so she did not have to see her parents again. “With all due respect captain…I have to do this.” Sela responded after some thought. “This is my chance to show them that I am not afraid of them. Which they might think if I do not show up tomorrow.” She explained. Proxima nodded. She could tell how important it was to Sela to show her parents that they don’t scare her. “It’s your call.” She said. At that moment, the doorbell rang. “Enter!” Proxima called. The door slid open to reveal a pony in a Starfleet Observer Uniform. “Captain, Commander:” A familiar voice acknowledged. Upon hearing the voice, Proxima smiled. “I love the new look Harmony.” She said. “It suits you much better.” Sela commented. “Thanks.” Harmony responded. “And I am now out and about with a Mobile Emitter loaded with my consciousness. For all intents and purposes, I am no longer the ship.” She announced. “Good. Now being stuck in starship mode won’t be a problem for you.” Proxima stated. “I am very excited to get to explore the wider Universe without such restrictions.” Harmony said.  “I am sure it will be a fascinating experience.” Sela responded. Harmony nodded. “So, what did Admiral Vance want? Cmdr Norman said something about a Priority One?” She asked. “He brought bad news Harmony. Tomorrow is going to suck.” Proxima said. “How so?” Harmony asked. “Because what might otherwise be an hour long session with the Federation council will turn into an all day affair. As we will be forced to argue against pointless and illogical arguments from a pair of individuals that do not care whether you are allowed into the Academy or not. All they care about is making mine and Captain Maxima’s lives as difficult as possible.” Sela explained. Harmony listened, and admittedly only understood bits and pieces of that. “I am not sure I understand.” She said, confused as all hell. “Yeah you kinda need context to understand why this is a much bigger problem than it seems at first.” Proxima said. “But, do not worry Harmony. Cmdr Sela and I have been down this road before. With the exact same people. And I’m confident tomorrow will end well.” She told Harmony. Harmony was growing ever more curious about the context that Captain Maxima eluded to, but ultimately decided to leave it for now. “Aye Captain.” Harmony said. “Is there anything I should do between now and tomorrow?” She asked. “Concerning tomorrow, just get a good rest. But otherwise, you have mobility now, go and explore the ship, interact with the crew. There’s going to be a birthday party in the mess hall for Ensign Trazer, open invite to the whole crew. It’s a good chance to make some new friends.” Proxima told Harmony. “Ensign Trazer’s Birthday Party. I shall be there.” Harmony said. “Anything else?” “Yes actually.” Sela responded as she approached a replicator. “Starfleet combadge. No rank.” She ordered. A rankless Starfleet combadge appeared in the dispenser bay. Sela took it in her hand and returned to Harmony and Proxima. “You’ll need a combadge so that we might page you now that you are no longer tied to the ship’s internal com system.” She explained. “Actually, Cmdr Baker has built a wireless link to the ship’s computer into my emitter. She just needs to allow the connection from the other end.” Harmony commented. “Smart.” Proxima responded. “Still, a combadge these days is useful for other stuff. Tricorder, personal transporter, locator beacon. Even if your Emitter has built in functionality a backup is always a good thing.” She said. “Good point.” Harmony responded as she took the offered combadge and stuck it onto the part of the tunic that she saw everyone else had stuck their own combadges to. “There we go.” She said. “Perfect.” Proxima said. “Now, go out and explore.” She told her. “Aye captain.” Harmony responded before she left the Ready Room. With her gone, Sela took a deep breath and let it out. “I assume you are going to the party tonight?” She asked Proxima. “Yeah I’ll be there. You?” Proxima asked. “If there will be Andorian Ale at the event. Vulcans normally do not drink but considering what our day will undoubtedly be like tomorrow, I might indulge a little.” Sela explained. “I second that.” Proxima responded. “Pick you up and go together?” “Acceptable plan.” Sela responded before she too left. Now that she was alone, Proxima sighed and faceplanted on her desk. “Unbelievable.” She said. “I swear to god her parents are a blister. Every time we think we’re rid of them they come back.” She groaned. Actually hoping that something, ANYTHING would knock Sela’s parents out of commission for tomorrow’s session. (Start to about 1:24) 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. “Observer Log: Stardate 32120626.20. As I have been informed, Crew members are expected to keep logs of their activities, both official and personal…Not sure why we’re expected to keep personal logs but I’m sure Starfleet had their reasons. Having an avatar I can control has already proven to be a worthwhile investment of my time over the course of our voyage. Not only has it opened the door a little more for a possible career in Starfleet, but it has given me the ability to interact with the crew on a more personal level beyond a disembodied voice…Now if only I knew how to create conversation.” Harmony CyberSpark was lost. She stood in the mess hall aboard the Equestria, In the middle of a birthday party. She had gone there with the intention of meeting new people…but she hadn’t realized that she didn’t know how to properly socialize with people until she was standing at the party, listening to a band play music. I am in WAY over my head. Harmony thought as she awkwardly looked around, not knowing where to start. All around she could see officers talking to each other and enjoying the party. Off to the side, Dr Boimler and Cmdr Baker watched Harmony, knowing full well what the problem was. “She’s clueless about what to do.” Boimler said. “Without a doubt.” Baker responded. “Should we say something?” She asked. “Well we can’t really leave her hanging.” Boimler said before tapping his combadge. “Harmony, you’re a wet floor sign at rush hour.” He said. Harmony blinked, before she realized Dr Boimler was paging her through her combadge. “Dr. Boimler.” She acknowledged, she understood what Boimler had said. “Ugh. Sorry, I realized too late that I didn’t know the first thing about socializing with new people.” She said. “Clearly.” Baker responded. “Not to worry though, Cardassians excel at conversation.” She said as Kasey called up her combadge hud and tapped at it. Phlox raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What’re you doing Kasey?” He asked. “This.” Kasey said as she finished what we was doing, and proceeded to turn off both hers and Boimler’s communication function. “Harmony, can you still hear me?” She whispered. Harmony blinked. “Cmdr? What is this?” She asked, it sounded like the voice was in her head. “A feature of the emitter. I thought ahead to what you might be asked to do and felt that a com system that only you can hear might be beneficial.” Kasey explained. “Pretty cool eh?” She asked. “Useful, that’s for sure.” Harmony said. “Indeed.” Baker responded as she glanced around. “Now, Socializing 101. Step one, walk up to someone and introduce yourself.” She told Harmony. She scanned the room for a potential first contact. Hm…Vulcan ensign at the bar? No Vulcans are hard to befriend. Ferengi Lt by the cake? No he’ll probably try to get her into a shady business opportunity…Aha! Reman Lt. Perfect. “See that Reman Lt by the stage?” She asked. Harmony looked at where Baker said, and nodded when she saw a male Reman officer standing there with a drink in his hand. “I see him.” She said. “Go and introduce yourself. He doesn’t bite.” Baker urged. After a moment of hesitation, Harmony walked over to where the Reman was standing. Once she got within their earshot, she spoke up. “Hello there.” She said. The Reman Officer, who was idling around not paying attention, redirected his focus to where the voice came from, smiling when he saw a mare smiling at him. “Oh, hello there. Forgive me but I don’t think we’ve met. I thought Captain Maxima was the only pony we had onboard?” He asked. “I’m Harmony CyberSpark.” Harmony introduced herself. “This is the Avatar I chose to be able to move around and interact with people more personably without being a disembodied voice.” She explained. “You’re Harmony CyberSpark?” The Reman asked. “I thought I recognized the voice. Hm. Your new appearance looks good on you.” He said. “Thank you Lt…” Harmony trailed off, not knowing the Reman’s name. “Obelisk. Lt. Rile Obelisk.” Obelisk introduced himself. “It’s nice to meet you in person Harmony.” He said. “Nice to meet you too Rile.” Harmony responded, shaking Rile’s hand. Harmony heard Kasey’s voice after a sec. “Step 2 for making a new friend, talk about interests.” She was told. “Ask him what he’s into.” While Harmony and Rile got to know each other, Proxima, Sela, Shron, and Risa were discussing how Proxima, Sela, and Harmony would be unavailable the following day. “So, you three will be in the holodeck all day tomorrow?” Risa asked. “That is correct.” Sela responded, holding a glass of ale in her hand. “Which means Shron is in command.” “Aye sir.” Shron replied. “Though I’m confused. The council couldn’t POSSIBLY have that many concerns could they?” He asked. “There are not enough possible concerns to fill a day with debate.” Sela responded. “Tomorrow will mostly be taken up by a pair of representatives who do not care about anything but making mine and Captain Maxima’s lives difficult.” She explained. Risa and Shron both raised an eyebrow in confusion. “...Yeah you might need to elaborate there.” Risa said. “I mean, I know your parents were representatives and caused a ruckus when Captain Maxima was before the council but they’re out of office now right?” She asked Sela. It was pretty common knowledge what had happened the day Proxima went up before the council to fight for her right to apply to Starfleet. Proxima and Sela very much wanted to say that Sela’s parents were out of office, but that would have been lying. Sharon picked up on their silence and deduced the truth. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He said. “Weren’t they due to be voted out in favor of their opposition?” “The opposition was found assassinated and it was determined that my parents had nothing to do with the act.” Sela explained. “So with their opposition gone they won the election by default.” Risa deduced. “Now I see why you have Andorian Ale commander.” She told Sela. “Indeed. One can only hope that a miracle takes my parents out of commission for tomorrow’s council–” Sela said before being cut off by a flash in which the scene around her turned into a dark room with only her parents standing before her, staring at her. Spooked, she involuntarily jumped and dropped the glass, causing it to fall and shatter on the ground, spilling Ale everywhere. Proxima, Risa, and Shron immediately backed away from the shattered glass, and Risa shot a glare at Sela. “Cmdr?” She asked. Sela didn’t hear her. She blinked a few times for the scene to return to normal. She felt that the glass was gone and glanced down to see the mess. “Apologies, I just–” She began before she noticed something above. She glanced up and saw a message written on the wall. “We have much to Discuss Sela.” Sela took a step back, trying to remain calm. It could just be the Ale. Sela thought to herself. Vulcans had been known to have strange occurrences after drinking Alcohol. However, she blinked again, and saw a new message. “See you tomorrow Sela.” “Sela? Sela are you OK?” Sela heard Proxima ask. She blinked a few times and the message was gone, as if nothing happened. For the moment, there was only the ambient sound of the party, but then Sela decided on a course of action. “Excuse me.” She said before she turned for the door and walked out of the mess hall, leaving Proxima, Shron, and Risa in confusion. Sela turned out of the Mess hall and headed straight for the medical bay, tapping her combadge along the way. “Sela to Boimler, I need to see you in the Medbay, NOW.” She ordered. “So what happened exactly?” Boimler asked Sela. The two were standing in Boimler’s office after he arrived in the medbay and Sela ushered him into his office. “I need you to issue me a neural monitor for me to wear 24/7.” Sela explained. “I saw two messages that most likely were not there before.” She said. “AFTER I was transported to a dark room with my parents.” She said. “Another vision?” Boimler asked. “Yes. A neural monitor should confirm what I saw.” Sela said as she held out her wrist for Boimler expectantly. Boimler, after a moment’s thought, got a neural monitor and wrapped it around Sela’s wrist. When it activated, He called up the hud so that he could see what Sela just saw, and it was chilling. “Two incidents now where you had visions of your parents. Something’s going on.” He said. “Are you certain that no other Vulcan onboard knows about your horrible parents?” He asked Sela. “I am certain.” Sela responded. “And I am beginning to suspect those two are behind it somehow…” She theorized. “Those two having the power to mind meld with you from across the universe. Not only is it a scary thought, it defies logic in even their own twisted interpretation.” Boimler said. “Not gonna lie Commander, I’m starting to wonder if you facing them tomorrow is a good idea.” He admitted. “I can see why you would wonder such things Doctor.” Sela responded. “However, assuming of course our suspicions are correct and they ARE somehow behind this, not showing up tomorrow might result in a worse vision, and at this time I do not wish to risk it.” Sela said. Boimler nodded. “Well, Cmdr Baker and I were planning on joining you three in case they have any concerns that the Equestria’s chief Engineer and Medical officer can quell. So I’ll be able to keep an eye on the situation and step in if needed.” He said. “That is agreeable. Thank you Dr.” Sela responded. “Does Proxima know about this latest vision?” Boimler asked. “I will tell her…But not until after the council meeting. She already has enough on her plate without worrying about me.” Sela responded. “So long as you tell her.” Phlox said. “Maybe we should ask if she can put up some kind of Mind Meld block. It’s probably possible with magic.” He suggested.” “I do not believe she can…however it is possible she has learned a spell and just never told me.” Sela said. “If we’re going to ask, it’s better to do so sooner rather than later, since we’ll have Ambassador Starscout available to talk to.” Phlox replied. Sela let out a deep breath. “I shall tell her in the morning.” She said. “Admiral’s log Stardate 32120627.10, today is not going to be a good day, for anyone in any echelon of government. Because the council will undoubtedly be tied up listening to pointless, irrelevant, illogical arguments all day long. I do not care for politicians in general, but the recently re-elected Representatives of N’Var REALLY rub me the wrong way.” “This is a bad idea.” Admiral Vance commented to President Rillak. He and another Starfleet officer were called into President Rillak’s officer that morning for a pre council session meeting. “Maybe Admiral.” President Rillak responded. “But the council has better things to do then entertain baseless arguments. And I would like to instill upon them that mentality before the session.” She explained. “They’re not gonna listen.” The other Starfleet officer pointed out. “We all know how vocal they are in their objections. They aren’t going to just shut up on your say so. With all due respect ma’am.” They said. “It is still worth a try Commandant Frisk.” Rillak responded. At that moment, the door opened to reveal representatives T’Pala. “Madam President.” Mr. T’Pala acknowledged as they entered her office. “To what do we owe the pleasure of this summons?” Mrs. T’Pala asked, neither of them acknowledged the two Starfleet officers. “Thank you for coming in representatives T’Pala. I believe it appropriate to discuss today’s council session and how we shall conduct ourselves during the proceedings.” President Rillak said. Mr. T’Pala raised an eyebrow. “I am not sure we follow Madam President.” He said. “Four years ago, you raised objections to Captain Proxima Maxima joining Starfleet. And despite there being prior evidence to the contrary, you continually argued that magic does not exist even though that was not even the topic of discussion.” Rillak told them flatly. “And you refused to hear the Equuis Delegation’s response to your arguments.” “Because magic is impossible. And we maintain that Captain Maxima is an augment that is too dangerous to be in Starfleet.” Mrs. T’Pala responded. “Be that as it may. The decision was made. Today is not about Captain Maxima. It is about Harmony CyberSpark. And the discussion will remain focused on the council’s concerns and nothing else. Any comments or arguments you two make that are irrelevant to the topic at hand will not be entertained. Do I make myself clear?” President Rillak asked. “Yes Madam President.” Mr. T’Pala responded. “And further more. I want to say this now.” Commandant Frisk chimed in. “Should Harmony CyberSpark be admitted into the academy, her academic record is none of your business. So I do not want to see a single communique from you requesting to see it. Understood?” He asked. Vance and Rillak glanced at Frisk when he said that. Both were caught off guard from that request. Mrs. T’Pala gave Frisk a neutral look. “We simply wish to assure that the academy is turning out quality officers with the necessary training.” She said. “The academy turns out only the finest officers, I give you my personal guarantee.” Commandant Frisk assured them. “And that should be enough for a pair of politicians that have better things to do then obsess over a single cadet’s academic record.” Instead of responding to Frisk, Mr. T’Pala turned fo Rillak. “Are we dismissed madam President?” He asked. “Yes.” Rillak responded. “We shall see each other in council chambers in due time.” Representatives T’Pala nodded and left. When the door closed, Vance spoke up. “Commandant, what was that about?” He asked. “They spent the last four years trying to get me to turn over Captain Maxima’s academic record for them to personally inspect. I always told them to pound sand because they have no business wanting a single officer’s record without any evidence of wrongdoing.” Frisk explained. “And you did not report this why?” Rillak asked, recovering from her shock. “Because I did not feel that this was worth reporting when I had it under control.” Frisk responded. “I would appreciate it if you DID report it next time it happens.” Vance said. “If any of our cadets are being threatened, directly or indirectly, that is serious.” “Aye sir.” Frisk responded. Rillak nodded. “So, when will they be calling in?” She asked. “I told them to call in at 1030hrs.” Vance responded. “Gives them time to work out any kinks if they’re having interference.” “Good call.” Frisk responded. “The last thing they’ll want is signal loss.” He said. At that moment, the office’s intercom sounded. “Admiral Vance, we’re receiving a message from the Equestria. They seem to be having problems with their communication network in regard to real-time subspace transmissions. They predict being a half hour late to call.” An officer reported. “When was the message sent?” Vance asked. “According to the metadata, 10 minutes ago.” The officer replied. “Acknowledged.” Vance responded. “A half hour late, that would mean they’d be calling right as the session is starting.” Frisk said. “Assuming their prediction is accurate.” Rillak responded. “And in the event they don’t call in time?” Vance asked. “You said Harmony now has an avatar?” Rillak asked Vance. “Yes. I saw it with my own eyes.” Vance said. “Bring that to the council.” Rillak responded. “And Commandant Frisk, enlighten the council on what will pass for Harmony’s training. Hopefully if they are late, that will buy enough time.” “Aye Madam President.” Vance and Frisk responded. Rillak nodded. “Now, let’s go find Cmdrs Maxima.” She said. To be continued…