It Must Be Spring Because There's Change In The Air (Part II)

Posted on Tue Mar 18, 2025 @ 12:34pm by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Lieutenant Alanna Wells & Lieutenant Liam Blackwood
Edited on on Tue Mar 18, 2025 @ 12:44pm

1,223 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Command Center - T'mpest's Office

[PREVIOUSLY]

Liam had been following the conversation closely, his mind already working through the implications of what was being said. He had read plenty about Pangaea, but hearing it firsthand and learning about the Fey’s direct connection to the station’s leadership was something else entirely. He nodded slightly at Alanna as she mentioned the classified nature of the portal complex.

When she placed the boxes on the desk, and addressed Alanna he watched as she hesitated briefly over the promotion. Then as the attention was turned back to him his attention snapped back. For a moment, he was caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events.

[CONTINUED]

"Chief science officer?" The words came out as if he were testing them. Then, a small smirk appeared across his face. "Well, I guess this really wasn’t just a welcome chat."

He reached for the box. "Thank you, Commodore. I won’t waste the opportunity."

"See that you do not." Then T'mpest smiled. "Although I am certain it will not be boring. Science and history have a tendency to keep us on our ties. Is there anything you need or any questions you have?" She looked at Alanna. "Either of you?"

He glanced at Alanna for a moment before turning back to T’mpest. "No immediate questions, though I’m sure I’ll have plenty once I start digging into everything. For now, I’ll just say I appreciate the opportunity, and I look forward to proving you right about this decision."

"You'll do fine," Alanna assured him. I'm still around if you need anything."

Alanna looked at T'mpest. "I assume I'm still the resident archaeologist?"

"Of course," the commodore replied.

Alanna smiled. "Then I'll definitely be around. And on the station when I'm needed." She grinned. "Or just when I want a break."

Liam smiled at Alanna. "I’ll be taking you up on that." He was genuinely curious about Pangaea and the Fey, and he had no doubt she was the best person to learn from. "Speaking of which, would you happen to..." He trailed off, suddenly aware that now probably wasn’t the best time to start scheduling a deep dive into ancient portal systems and Fey history. "I’ll message you later." He shifted a bit awkwardly.

"Do I happen to what?" she asked.

Liam looked at Alanna. "I was just going to ask if you had some time later. I'd like to learn more about the Fey and, well, everything related to Pangaea."

"I don't know much about the Fey, but I can tell you quite a bit about Pangaea. Except the forbidden areas." She did know they were fey areas and thus dangerous for anyone else to go there. But what she knew of the fey came from Jason. "I can tell you that the Cardassians want control of the portal complex so they can go back in time and win the war. Some of the portals have fixed points, but most are random, so they can't really be mapped." She sighed, recalling one particular Starfleet engineer. "We have as many problems with Starfleet personnel as we do the Cardassians regarding the portals, but for different reasons."

Disappointed that she couldn’t tell him much about the Fey, Liam was at least glad to get some details about Pangaea. And there was still the opportunity to learn more about the Fey.....so there was that.

He tilted his head slightly. "Starfleet causing just as many problems as the Cardassians? That’s not exactly comforting. What kind of problems are we talking about?"

"On two separate occasions, I've had Starfleet personnel ask to explore and map the portal complex so they can study it. One even wanted to take apart and study the portals themselves. They didn't accept that we're not here to utilize whatever is on the other side. We're here to protect it. That's why I had the tunnels and underground complex officially classified under Starfleet Sciences so no other group could lay claim to them." Alyssa knew that it still wasn't perfect, but the portals were safer controlled by scientists and not Starfleet bureaucrats.

"The past two commanders of DS5 were careful to keep word of the portals from outsiders. I will do what I can to ensure they continue to be safe, even though I cannot control what the Cardassians may say or do." T'mpest smiled at the other two scientists. "But I may have a few connections the others did not, and I will use them if necessary. Fortunately, the portals are currently non-functional. I will spread that information as I can. Hopefully it will further discourage them from future attempts to take over Pangaea."

Liam let out a slow breath, shaking his head slightly. "Some people just can't resist the urge to take things apart, even when they have no idea what they're dealing with. Studying the portals is one thing, but dismantling them? That’s asking for trouble."

Liam glanced at T’mpest as she spoke. "Good to know we’ve got someone who isn’t afraid to pull a few strings when necessary. Still, we both know that won’t stop the truly stubborn ones. And I doubt the Cardassians will just let this go." He looked between them. "I assume we already have a plan in place for when they inevitably start poking around again?"

"Not a definite plan, no," T'mpest admitted. "But that is because we do not know how they will respond. However, we will be prepared for whatever they try next and this time, I intend to involve our allies in the preparations." She still wasn't sure exactly how Pangaea would be involved, but she had to get down there and see the world for herself.

Liam nodded slowly. "Fair enough." It was hard to plan for something when you didn’t know what shape the problem was going to take, but he’d still hoped for something more concrete. Either way, when the time came, he’d be ready.

He exhaled and offered a small, appreciative nod. "Thank you both for entertaining my questions. I suppose I should get back—plenty to do, and now with a new title to live up to."

"I admit, I'm glad I'll be able to spend more time on Pangaea," Alanna said. "And keep an eye on the portals." She turned to T'mpest. "Let me know when you want that tour. I think it will be...enlightening." She was curious to actually observe if there were any changes to the planet and the portals when the new commander arrived. "Until then, I'll clean out what I left in my office so Liam can settle in."

"Thank you both," T'mpest said. "I look forward to what you both accomplish over the next few months."

Liam glanced over at Alanna, offering a smile. "Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance."

Turning to Commodore he gave a respectful nod. "Ma’am."

With that, he headed for the door, already running through the long list of things he needed to tackle. One day in, and things were already proving to be interesting.

OFF

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

Lieutenant JG Liam Blackwood
Chief Science Officer
Deep Space 5

Lieutenant Commander Alanna Wells
Director of Archaeological Research and Preservation
Pangaea

 

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