Chapter Twelve: "Arrival at Starbase Zeta", Tomorrow's Promise

ON

Neo had heard many of the crew's thoughts about the ship's docking with this starbase that the Admiral Glenn Parker mention while he was in the Admiral's Ready Room. ~Ahh, we have docked at this Zeta starbase. ~ Neo said to himself. ~I will have to explore before I become useful in this Federation. ~

Neo had remained in his liquid form for most of the week of travel but the few times were he moved about the ship in a Humanoid form with his favorite Trill spots and one or two Borg implants that he didn't realise were on him. Neo was on his way to the Bridge at the time of the docking and was sliding along in his liquid form emitting friendly feelings to the officers that passed him.

Most of the time Neo was looking around in his pool of himself at the ship's interior and memorizing details for future use. He arrived at the Bridge and morphed back into the Humanoid that was Neo to the Federation with Trill spots and one or two Borg implants.

"What's going on Mister?" Neo asked a nearby Ensign.

"We have docked---" He was cut off

"I know that, why is the crew leaving?" Neo said cutting him off.

"Well the assigned crew are taking up their new stations on Starbase Zeta." Replied the Ensign looking at Neo.

"Oh, thank you." Neo said then left the Bridge and reverted back to liquid and back into the turbolift.

< Starbase Zeta >

Neo was sliding on the starbase's deck and he was looking at the interior and comparing to the ship that brought him here. He was interested in this station and wanted to help out if he could or allowed to as a civilian.

Neo reached the Command center and remained as liquid as he was unsure if he was in the way or not, so he decided he would be in humanoid form till he was exploring or resting.

He saw the crew walking around and doing their assignments so he remained where he was and didn't move.

OFF

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Mister Neo, Changeling
Telepathic/Empathic abilities
Guest on Starbase Zeta

______________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

Lieutenant Jg. Raintree and his staff stood opened mouthed in awe, at what they saw. The Destiny Star was impressive, but none of them had ever ran into anything like this. Even the Academy holograms that Lt. Raintree spent many an hour practicing at were nothing like this. The communications center was huge, in that it was at least 24 meters in diameter with 8 individual stations. ’Good lord he thought to himself, I hope they do not plan on me manning all stations all the time."

<<11:30 Zulu>>

"EN's Ensigns Hudson, Wolfe , and Lou." Lt. Raintree began. "Until I hear otherwise, I want each of you to pick 4 people from the secondary roster, and set up shop. That will make 5 people per shift, and I will take CQ duty, for the next 24-48 hours, depending on sack time."

"Hudson" Lt. Raintree continued, "you have 1st shift which will be 0600-1400. Wolfe you have 2nd from 1400 to 2200. Lou you have 3rd , or from 2200 to 0600. We will try to work out a 6 hour schedule once we find out exactly how many people we have. Hudson, since it is 11:30, your people will only be on duty for the next 2½ hours, so if you would not mind, I would like you to assist me, and Ensign Wolfe for the next 5 hours."

"Now, I need a Phase 1 Diagnostics Systems and Replicator check. Also an extra parts inventory, and full duty roster." Lt. Jg. Raintree said, "I am going to check in to the Bridge, and find the Communications Station there. I should be back here in about an hour. Is there anything, any of you need? Oh, Wolfe make sure I get a complete power source chart, and complete back up systems list. Secondary stations locations, and see if the Designing Engineering is still aboard."

" I am getting a little hungry." Raintree continued, "How about when I get back we have a lunch/B.S. session to figure out what we have here? Lou can you check on quarters for existing staff, plus extras once you get the complete duty roster."

"Let's get to work"

OFF:


--------------------

Lieutenant. Richard Raintree
Chief Communications Officer
Operations Department;
Columbia Fleet Division

__________________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

Kel'Lora worked with her Engineering staff, and mostly with her Assistant Chief Engineer. She was smiling, she was handed a padd once in awhile.

Kel'Lora: This place is amazing

Ensign Beltran: I would have to agree Ma'am

Kel'Lora turned her head, and smiled to her assistant.

Kel'Lora: Let run some scans on a few things, then a few routine checks

Ensign Beltran: Aye Sir

With that Ensign Beltran went to work with Kel'Lora, and getting things well organized.

Very impressive, Starbase Zeta looks even a lot better than the last Starbase Zeta

Kel'Lora thought as she got down to work, she smiled as her hands flew across the console. Scans were coming up perfect, Kel'Lora was pleased.

Kel'Lora: Looks like everything is normal here

Ensign Beltran: Same with these scans as well Sir

Kel'Lora walked to where the Ensign was she smiled.

Kel'Lora: Good, your gonna make a very good Chief Engineer Ensign Beltran

Kel'Lora replied as she was handed another padd.

Ensign Beltran: Thank you Sir

Kel'Lora: Your welcome Ensign

Kel'Lora replied as she tapped a few things from the padd she was reading.

OFF:

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ON:

Mia had left Sickbay, she had worked hard. But right now she was furious beyond belief, Mia had found her fiancée with another woman.

Mia: How could you?

Yugato: How could I do what?

Mia: Don't give me that excuse, who is she Yugato?

Yugato: Just a girl I've been seeing

Mia: Behind my back?

Yugato didn't say anything, he just stood there. The girl was still there, Mia turned to the girl.

Mia: Get out of my quarters now

Mia yelled. The girl heard Mia and ran out of her quarters, Mia turned back to Yugato. She slapped his face, Mia was so furious.

Mia: I don't want to see you ever again, our engagement is through

Mia replied as she took off the ring, and threw to him.

Mia: Now get out of my quarters before I have Security come take you

Mia replied furiously. Yugato had caught the ring, he looked to Mia one more time then left. Yugato walked down the corridor, he then walks into a room. A panel exploded in his face after he had walked into the room, soon the red alert klaxons went off. Yugato was dead, his body laid on the ground in next to the blown panel. Meanwhile back in Mia's quarters Mia had smashed everything that was given to her by Yugato, she didn't want nothing left of him to be remembered him by. Now her entire quarters was a mess, Mia walked out of it and was walking down the corridor with tears streaking down her face. Mia heard the red alert kalaxons going off, she walked to where Security and several other people had arrived.

Mia: What happened?

Mia sniffled.

Security Officer: A panel exploded, killed that man.
The security officer replied as he pointed to the dead body that lay on the floor. Mia saw who it was, she burst into tears. And crumpled to the floor, sobbing non-stop. An Ensign had a ring his hand, he handed to Mia.

Ensign: This must be your engagement ring Miss

Mia looked up and took the ring, after she looked at Mia burst into more tears.

--------------------

Dr. Mia Nerys
Chief Medical Officer
Starbase Zeta

______________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

Pablo stepped off the Transporter Pad as he heard an explosion and the base shook

What the hell?

Pablo walked out of the Transporter Room, to go and find out what was going on. As he walked toward a Turbolift, he caught the smell of charred flesh, he found the source of it and saw a young Ensign, one he had known, his face burned...almost beyond recognition, but he knew who it was.

Yugato.

Pablo knelt down beside his Fiancée, who was crying her eyes out beside him, he put his arm on her back and patted it, before feeling an immense fire building inside him. He gritted his teeth, before standing up again, and storming out of the room.

OFF:

--------------------

Lieutenant Pablo Montana
Chief of Flight Operations
Chief Fighter Pilot
Starbase Zeta

_______________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

Lieutenant Jg. Raintree was sitting in Main Communications on Deck #1 not far from the Main Bridge (Ops), with EN’s Ensigns Hudson, Lou, and Wolfe.

EN Lou was giving a brief report of what she had found out so far about their quarters. "From what I have been able to find out, " she said, "Senior Officers quarters are on Deck #3. Junior Officers are on Decks# 5 and 6. Crew quarters are on Decks # 34, 42 and 65. Married Officer quarters are on Deck# 60, and Married Crew quarters are on Decks# 88 and 89."

"Sir," Ensign Lou continued, " I have reserved your quarters on Deck# 5, Section 11 , two doors down from the Turbo Lift. It is not a very large room, but I hope you will like it".

"Thank you Ensign," LT. Raintree, replied with a smile. "That was very kind of you. I am sure it will be most acceptable."

The Lieutenant continued, "Here in a few minutes, we will take a break for awhile. Check with the computer to see which rooms are available on your respective decks, that will save you some time. Then you will have about an hour to find your quarters, and check back here. Except for you, Lou. Since you are on 3rd shift, you do not have to report back here until 2200. But, make sure your teams know to be here at the same time.

"Hudson, once we get back, I will probably leave you here. Ensign Wolfe are going to go check out the Secondary, and Tertiary Communications centers on Decks# 135 and 136. Then you and I will go check them out once we get back. I want all of your people to find them and get used to them too during …" Lt. Raintree was saying, but was cut short by a vibration that shook the floor under his feet.

"Ok, people, I guess I am finished for now." The Lieutenant concluded. "Oh, make sure your people know where Operations is, here on Deck#1. I am sure we will have duties there also, and we all need to know our way around."

OCC: Not until much later in the evening, did Lt. Raintree find out that the vibration he felt was caused by the explosion, and subsequent death of Ensign Yugato. (Earth Space dock, Lya Station Alpha, Starbase 74, Starbase 84, and Starbase 133, which have a similar design "Mushroom" shape). Though size varies greatly, I selected the smallest one with a size of Diameter: approx. 3.8km, and a Height: approx. 5.5km with 224 decks. I can modify, or delete this data, if I overstepped my bounds by adding so much Starbase detail.

OFF:

--------------------

Lieutenant. Richard Raintree
Chief Communications Officer
Operations Department;
Columbia Fleet Division

________________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

Mia was still on the ground, but two officers helped her up. She was still crying, Mia didn't want to leave.

Mia: I don't want to go Yugato!

Mia screamed as she headed back to the body of Yugato. Def arrived, he looked around. Then he saw Mia, Def goes to her.

Def: Mia, what happen?

Mia: an exploding panel killed Yugato.

Mia cried as she looked to the charred body of Yugato.

Def: I'm so sorry Mia

Def replied as he hugged her. Kel'Lora and her Engineers arrived, Kel'Lora got her staff to get to work. She saw Def hugging Mia, Kel'Lora went over to them.

Kel'Lora: I heard what happen, I'm so sorry Mia

Kel'Lora replied to her friend.

Mia: He was the only one I ever loved

Mia cried as was still staring at the body.

OFF:

--------------------

Dr. Mia Nerys
Chief Medical Officer
Starbase Zeta

_________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

< Starbase Zeta, 1400 hrs >

For some time now the crew had been making their way from the Destiny Star over to the Starbase. Boranon had been busy handing out crew quarter assignments till she was finally able to get relief from the Chief personnel officer.

"All settled in Admiral, I'll take over now," The Lieutenant said.

Boranon nodded and handed the CPO the assignment padd. "Very good. We have over half the crew on board."

"Did you hear about Yugato?" the CPO asked.

Boranon had only heard some rumors. "No, what happened?"

"There was some sort of accident, and the Junior Lieutenant is dead."

Boranon picked up her bags. "That is sad. That shall have to be investigated of course." Boranon knew she sounded rather cold. "Take over."

"Aye," The lieutenant stepped behind the console and awaited the next arrival.

Boranon left the main transporter room and made her way to the turbolift. "Deck Five"

The lift rose up swiftly through the bowels of the massive starbase till it arrived at the destination deck.

Boranon stepped out and quickly found her new quarters. "Authorization code, Bravo, Delta, Zero, One"

The door slid open and Boranon went in making just a brief note of the room's interior. She placed her bags near the closet and turn right around and headed out. She needed to find Admiral Parker and then find out more information about this tragic death.

~ Just when things seemed to be looking up. ~ Boranon thought. ~I do hope things get better as we have colonists to deliver. ~ Then she remembered the changeling, the creature called Neo. =^= Ensign Checkov. =^=

=^= Yes, this is Ensign Checkov. =^=

=^= We have a changeling, Neo somewhere in our midst. I want the Science Department to take charge of him for the time being. =^=

=^= Admiral? =^= Rose was puzzled.

=^= Yes, you have your orders. Have your people find out as much as you can about this changeling. =^= Boranon continued. =^= Report back to Admiral Parker and myself as you learn vital information. =^=

=^= As soon as we are settled in, Admiral. Checkov out. =^=

OFF:
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__________________________________________________________________________________________

ON

Neo was on the Command deck of the massive station that was Starbase Zeta. He was also morphing into things that were small at the back of Command. Every now and again a crewmember would be confused and take a double take of Neo. Once he was on the wall and had morphed into a console and pretended to be one also. Another time Neo was on the roof being a light or piece of infrastructure and pop out to scare the crew working there.

Neo was enjoying his freedom aboard this station and had learned of all the hiding locations that no other member of the crew could get to. It was Neo's safe haven from all that was the universe. I like this Federation, I just hope they don't do anything to me. Neo thought as he was moving about the roof of Command.

He was watching the staff do their duties and taking in everything he can see such as personal codes and clearance codes, as it was a hobby of his to gain Intelligence on other races and empires when he came in contact with them.

~ Behind you ~ The Ensign looked around to look whom was calling him.

Hehehehehe. Tehehehe. Neo thought, as the Ensign became a bit uncomfortable.

OFF

--------------------

Mister Neo, Changeling
Telepathic/Empathic abilities
Guest on Starbase Zeta

________________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

Paul found his Quarters on Deck 22, next to the Flight Deck. All the pilots had their Quarters on this Deck, be they Shuttle or Fighter, because they may be needed in an emergency and turbolift were slower at Red Alert

22|103 - Ens P Braggins...this is it.

Paul opened the door and threw his bag on the bed, the Quarters were larger than on the ship he had just came from, and bigger than the original Starbase Zeta's Quarters.

I think I'll like it here.

OFF:

______________________________________________________________________________________

On:

<Checkov's Quarters, 1400>

Rose Checkov was in her quarter's getting everything set up. Not that there was a whole lot to set up. Rose jumped as a voice came over her combadge.

<Snip>

Boranon =^= Ensign Checkov. =^=

=^= Yes, this is Ensign Checkov. =^=

=^= We have a changeling, Neo somewhere in our midst. I want the Science Department to take charge of him for the time being. =^=

=^= Admiral? =^= Rose was puzzled.

=^= Yes, you have your orders. Have your people find out as much as you can about this changeling. =^= Boranon continued. =^= Report back to Admiral Parker and myself as you learn vital information. =^=

=^= As soon as we are settled in, Admiral. Checkov out. =^=

</snip>

Rose began moving quicker to finish settling in. All the while thinking to herself.

We have a changeling on board? He can go anywhere!

Rose sighed and started speaking out loud. "Changelings, never actually met one. Hopefully we won't have any problems. I wonder where I will find this Neo."

Rose shook her head grinning thinking how studying another alien would be interesting. Rose began running a mental checklist of what she needed to do. She needed for go find Lideah and inform her what was happening. Then she had to go check out the various science stations and assign her officers duty. She was kinda low on officers but she would make due.

She continued to set things up. She had slowed down again while thinking causing it to take longer than it should've. She wasn't paying much attention to her surroundings like she normally does.

Rose stopped for a moment and tapped her combadge, =/\=Lideah, where are you? =/\=

<1430>


--------------------

Lieutenant Junior Grade Rose Checkov
Chief Science Officer
Starbase Zeta;
Columbia Fleet Division;
_________________________________________________________________________________________

On:

(Deep in the darkest reaches of engineering)

Now if I connect here to there the expariment should run smoothly and.

There was a small explosion as her comm. Badge came to life.

=/\=Lideah, where are you? =/\=

There was a hint of anger in her voice as the reply came ==/\== On my way to sickbay to treat several small beuns on my hands. My experiment I was just running had a turn for the worst. What do you need? ==/\==

Off:

--------------------

Master Chief Petty Officer Lideah
Science Officer
Starbase Zeta,
Columbia Fleet Division,
_________________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

<< 1500 Zeta time>>

Lieutenant Jg. Raintree and Ensign Wolfe - EN made their was from the Turbo Lift to the Secondary Communications station on Deck 135 and then to the Tertiary Communications sections on Deck# 136.

"Isn’t this great? " Ensign Wolfe was saying, "They both are exactly like the simulators at the Academy. I know where I am going to stay."

Also enjoying the fact that all of the back up equipment was something he was used to, Lt., Raintree looked over at the Ensign, "Now, now, Ensign, this is a big station. You know as well as I do that only one person will be in the Secondary Communications Center at a time on a two-hour shift. One here, 4 upstairs. That way, if Comm 1 sections fails, power loss, etc. we should still be up and running."

"Yes Sir, I know. It’s just that I am used to this equipment and wouldn’t have any trouble at all." Ensign Wolfe -EN said.

"Well don’t worry about that. I am not used to the equipment upstairs either, I am sure that in no time, we will all be experts with the newer equipment." Raintree said. Not wanting to be out of ear or eyesight of the rest of the crew for very long with the Ensign, the Lieutenant gestured toward the door, with his hand, and said, "Shall we go?"

As they were leaving the Ensign looked over at the Lieutenant, " Sir, is it true that we are going to have a communications blackout for a couple days?"

"Maybe so, Ensign, maybe so, but if do we will deal with it when it comes."

OFF:
--------------------

Lieutenant. Richard Raintree
Chief Communications Officer
Operations Department;
Columbia Fleet Division

____________________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

<<Starbase Zeta Ops>>

Glenn had been all over the Star Base with Commander Jenkins, it was the grand tour and everything was looking spectacular. The ops was something that impressed Glenn very much, the size of it was amazing and the amount of things that this one room could do was incredible. Commander Jenkins took Glenn back to ops to let him take over command and get settled into the new place where he would spend most of his time.

"Well I hope you enjoy your time on the Star Base and I wish you all the luck in the universe." Jenkins said, walking over to the captains chair.

"Thank ou, I wasn't expecting such a kind welcoming. Ill see you around in the fleet sometime." Glenn said.

"We have one more thing to do before I leave" Jenkins said placing his hand on the palm reader on the chair. "Computer transfer all command codes over to Fleet Admiral Glenn Parker, Authorization Omega, Alpha, Red, 4, 5."

[Command codes transferred, Star Base Zeta is now under the command of Fleet Admiral Glenn Parker]

"Thank you Mr. Jenkins." Glenn said sitting in the captains chair.

"Good luck sir. Oh I nearly forgot I have some bad news about the USS Destiny Star. I got a report from Starfleet saying that they had found some technical problems in some of the warp circuits that could put lives in danger in a couple of months. So I have been ordered to take it back to Utopia Planitia. I do have some good news though. They are sending an Intrepid Class under the name of USS Hanigan, it has some damage to it but I'm sure your engineering crews will be able to sort that out." Jenkins said.

"Oh that's a shame I was beginning to like that ship." Glenn said.

"Well these things happen sir. Ill let you get on now. Goodbye." Commander Jenkins said leaving ops.

Glenn stood up for a bit and looked around the huge room that was called ops. The crew was there looking pleased that they were finally at a new place after all the hastle they had been through. He smiled at them all making them know that they were safe.

OFF
--------------------

Fleet Admiral Glenn Parker.
Commanding Officer of Columbia Division & Fleet.
Commanding officer of Columbia Division HQ Starbase Zeta.

______________________________________________________________________________________

ON:

Mia was escorted away, but she was still crying as she was being led away. Her heart was so sad, who knows when she'll be able to happy again. Def escorted Mia to his office, once there he motioned for her to sit down. Mia sat down and Def began talking with Mia.

Mia: Oh Def, I miss him so much. I loved him, and now he's gone

Mia cried as she looked to the ring she had in her hand.

Def: I know you do, I've decided for you to come for some sessions with me about what has happened. These sessions will began once your off duty, your first session starts tomorrow

Mia: All right

Mia sniffed as she got up.

Def: You can put that ring somewhere special Mia

Mia: Like where?

Mia replied as she looked to him. Def got up, and walked over to the replicator.

Def: Computer one gold chain necklace

Def replied as the gold chain appeared. He then walks over to Mia, Def takes the ring and places through the gold chain. After he does that, Def places the gold chain necklace around Mia's neck.

Def: There, now he'll be always close to your heart

Def replied as he stepped back.

Mia: Thank you Def

Def: Your welcome Mia

Mia turns and leaves Def's office, she walks down the corridor to her quarters. Once there she looks around the messed up quarters. Moments later her quarters is cleaned up, Mia then leaves her quarters. She soon arrives to Sickbay, she decides to take her mind off what has happen. As Mia reads over a few things, she thinks about Yugato. Mia then toys with the gold chain necklace that has the ring on it, as she reads the profiles.

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