USS California - Earthbound

[jayphailey]

USS California - Earth Bound 1

Donita Shira Vitaniemi, looked at her computer screen as though she wanted to bore through it with her eyes.

She’d been avoiding this. Her family never wanted her to join Starfleet. It caused problems. Her mother, Valini Vitaniemi cried, and raged and used every manipulation tactic possible, even inventing new ones to force her daughter to come home.

That just made Donita look for postings further from Earth.

Now, they were in a new timeline. This Valini Vitaniemi was not the same one.

Donita enjoyed the quiet. No passive-aggressive updates from home. No videos with her mother quivering her lower lip.

She also felt guilty. As if by not announcing herself to her mother's analog here, she was letting her mother down in a whole other dimension.

She pressed record and started to speak.

-*-

Several hours later, Donita looked at a carefully worded script next to her screen. She pressed record. “Greetings. I am Doctor Donita Shira Vitaniemi…”

-*-

Sometime later

Baris station hung in the windows of the USS California lounge. It was a sprawling space city. A trade hub between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. Military and civilian ships from all the local powers came and went.

They were having a layover and refuel. Some people stood in the windows and watched the traffic move. It could be sort of hypnotic. Especially if the ships were something you had a particular interest in. Donita did not.

Behind Baris Station, Sherman’s planet loomed. It was a pretty world. Donita was reading about it’s native environment. It was a total mix of Earthlike and Bot’chok-like. Plants and animals mixed and competed, creating a unique environment.

Two days from now, there would be a race. A foot race. A cross-country race. Donita didn’t think she’d win the race. But she was determined to finish it this time.

A notification came to her tablet. A new message. From Earth. The sending address evoked an old feeling of dread.

Donita headed for her office for some privacy.

-*-

Her mother looked precisely the same.

Next to her someone between a girl and woman. A girl in some matters of dress, and attitude. A woman in age.

“I don’t know who you are or who you think you’re fooling,” Valini said angrily, “My daughter, Donita, is right here.”

“I must insist you stop using my daughter’s name and face, you scam artist. You criminal! I have contacted the authorities. I have contacted Starfleet Command. Whatever trick you’re trying to pull will not work. We are Important People here, and we can bring much influence to bear!”

Donita saw that this dimension’s Valini was scared. And not terribly bright.

This dimension’s Donita looked like a hostage. She just sat quietly with fear in her eyes. She obeyed. She did what her mother wanted her to do. Donita wondered what her sibling was like at work. She was listed as Dr. Vitaniemi, a pediatric doctor in a moderately sized hospital in New Dehli.

“You are not my daughter, you not our sister. You are not part of our family. You are a scammer, and I spotted you a hundred kilometers away.” Valini said, “Whatever you have in mind, I deny it. Take off your disguise and go scam someone else!”

The message ended.

Donita looked at her tablet for a long time. Be careful what you wish for.

-*-

Sian returned from the Gym. He was working on honing his fighting edge, strength, endurance, and reflexes. Always a little better, always closer to… What?

Sian again ran into the fact that his goal was to be able to beat up anyone, and everyone at any time. This was plainly silly, so he discarded it.

A quick sonic shower and into uniform. The work of an Executive Officer was never done. His job was to manage the details of the ship, so he could present to Captain Anderson her ship and crew ready for whatever she wanted to do.

Sian had a good Operations crew who stayed on top of each area of responsibility. But he still had to double-check and review enough so he knew what he was talking about.

Then, he had to prepare to be backup captain. Aat any moment, command could fall to him, and he had to be ready.

Sian was not aware of the term “workaholic” and would be irritated to have it applied to him.

He was working the duty roster for the day after tomorrow, when he’d take part in the cross country race. He had to have enough people in place to recover the ship quickly and get into action if an energency arose. He also had to leave enough slack for people who wanted to run the race.

A message pinged at him. He picked up a tablet he wasn’t using and opened the message.

His Mom and Dad looked at him from their living room. It was a different house, but Sian recognized some pieces of decoration and furniture. Stuff that had sentimental meaning for his parents.

In between them was… another Sian. Thinner. Lighter looking.

“We wanted to return your message,” Sian’s dad, Zorba, said “We welcome you to our timeline. Your suggestion that we treat you like a lost cousin has merit, but this situation is different. We’re happy to hear from you. We’re as happy as can be that you’re here. But that joy is tempered by the knowledge that somewhere, your Mom and Dad are suffering an unspeakable loss. We have a room for you here. When you’re in the area, or if you get a long leave, come on home. We look forward to hearing from you and about your adventures as you go along.”

Sian noticed his mom smiling her “I’ve got a joke” smile.

The thinner, lighter-looking Sian said “I’m a power systems engineer in Dorlatta city, here. It’s like a giant Impuse power system, but different.”

Unable to restrain herself, Sian's mom put on a little festive hat. It looked very old and worn, the way an old keepsake stored away for decades might look. It was a maternity hat. Bolian mothers wear them when they have a new child to celebrate the birth and mark their new status.

Sian recognized it as the one his mother wore when he was born.

“I have a new boy!” She said.

Sian grinned. So did the one on the screen. Zorba looked at the table and tried to control a chuckle.

“It's a lot easier than last time,” Sians mother, Siobahn, said. “Temporal anomaly babies might become a hit!”

Sian smiled at his new family as they made their welcomes and goodbyes.

There was a second message. Sian opened it. It was his new brother. “Hey, Listen. I really enjoyed my time in Starfleet, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But I was not really…” Sian searched for the right word “I wasn’t in balance during my time in Starfleet. My priorities weren’t where I needed them to be.”

Sian wondered where his brother was going, and how it was relevant.

“I want to encourage you to speak to your ship’s counselor. Make sure your … that your mind is heading the right way. I was conflicted internally, and it robbed me of some of the joy and fulfillment I should have had. I don’t know how parallel our experiences are. But you know, a check-up from the neck up couldn’t hurt. I’m rooting for you, brother.”

The message ended. Sian sat and considered. The other Sian looked… happier. Lighter.

Sian resolved to schedule an appointment later.

But for now, there was work to do and a race to win.

-*-

The race started in David’s Town, and the course followed the highway, a country road and then a hiking trail, to another road and then to Pevneyville. It was not quite half a marathon. The main challenge of it was changes in elevation.

Besides a contingent from the USS California crew, there were people from several different ships and locals. They milled around, socialized and reviewed the course. It was well-marked.

Then the crowd chanted along with the start clock until it reached zero and off they went.

-*-

Sian ran grimly, pushing himself to keep a pace that just a little uncomfortable.

Before long, he was in his groove, running well. There were a few people ahead of him. Human runners. Most humans were decidely average in their physical abilities. Running was something the human body excelled at. They didn’t have to work as hard to get good at it and when they worked at it, they could out run most humanoids over a long distance.

Sian had worked very hard, and kept up a good pace. But he was still looking at the back of a few humans who took running very seriously.

Sian kept up. He knew he’d have to find a sprint somewhere inside at the end. He kept going.

-*-

Donita ran at an easy going pace with her new friend Sally. Sally Sherman was a descendant of the original settlers on the planet. She explained that she’d married into the Sherman name.

Farming was a lifestyle choice. People on Baris Station and Gerroldopolis, the Capital of Sherman’s planet enjoyed the freshly grown food farms could provide. But it was a luxury item. Everyone had replicators.

So, the farms and ranches were small, kept by people who enjoyed the lifestyle enough to commit to it.

Sally pointed out plants to Donita.

“We won’t be seeing any wild animals today,” Sally explained “Seeing a bunch of people all running in one direction scares the hell out of them, They think it's a human stampede or natural disaster. The wild ones make themselves scarce.”

But Sally did introduce Donita to several dogs that lived on the various farms as they ran past. Sally knew the names of the dogs and the people who came out of their houses to say hello. The Dogs all thought a mass of people running was the most fun in the world, and barked like mad at it. A handful of dogs joined the race, having a great time.

A number of horses and cows also had strong opinions about people running by, both good and ill.

Donita pet the ones who seemed amenable to the idea.

-*-

In sick bay that evening, Donita scanned Sians knees. He’d damaged them, running the race. A small dose of healing nanites would repair it. She didn’t have to do anything invasive.

“You need to take the next two days and stay off your knees,” Donita said “After that, they’ll be as good as new.”

Sian smiled “Thanks, Doc.”

“I’m putting in the orders. You’re off duty for 48 hours.”

Sian’s smiled fell off “Donita, I’m fine. I can do light duty.”

She looked at him “Why?”

Sian said, “Why what?”

“Why did you run so hard? We’re here to be tourists.”

“What’s the point of joining a race if you’re not going to try and win it?”

“Well, I got to meet eight dogs, three horses, and a cow, as well as numerous people.”

Sian face betrayed confusion.

“You’re off duty. Come back in two days, and I’ll recertify you.”

“Doc!”

-*-

[jayphailey]

USS California - Earthbound 2

The Honor Den was an aggressively Klingon place. Heavy hull metal beams from old ships were repurposed into the decor of the place. Klingons signs, sigils and banners hung from the walls and overhead.

Grelka enjoyed the sights and sounds. It was tuned for the Klingon senses. And the food was excellent.

Tavis the Vulcan stood out. He straight facedly sampled small bits of many Klingon dishes. The wait staff and the cooks were watching to see how he was doing.

Grelka just finished off the biggest, juiciest targ steak she’d had in a long time. It was a lovely experience. The sides were perfect. She wondered why the chef wasn’t working for a House Lord.

She stopped and looked at the decor every few bites, noting where each piece came from.

A Klingon in Warrior’s armor joined them at their table.

“I am Kozalak,” He said “Grelka of the USS Califonia. And Tavis, also of the California. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Grelka drew her disruptor and placed it on the table next to her food “State your business.”

Kozalak grinned “I represent certain interests inside the Empire.”

“You have not engaged my interest,” Grelka said.

“I admit to some small curiosity,” Tavis said.

“Grelka, you are known in some circles of the Empire. You’re currently held to be a Warrior of House Javos.”

“Irrelevant. I have fought for my place. I have created it with beam, blade, and competence.”

“Your Captain’s reports on you are glowing.”

Tavis said, “I notice you have not stated the reason for this interaction.”

Kozalak said, “I read your history, Grelka. Betrayed by your family, dishonored, and run out of Klingon Society like a common criminal.”

Grelka said, “My honor is intact. Your measurements of honor are in error.”

“We can bring you back. My backers have the status and influence to return you to the status you lost. To pay you the wealth required to live in the style appropriate to your station.”

“What station is this you refer to?” Tavis asked.

“She has not told you? In her home timeline, Grelka was the daughter of a Klingon House Lord. Her father commanded fleets and was heard by the Council.”

“And what must I do for your backers for them to restore wealth and status?” Grelka asked.

Kozalak said, “We’d like someone inside reporting to us.”

“How would I enjoy my newfound wealth and status if I stayed inside Starfleet?”

“Specifically, your Task Force Taffy Six. They concern us.”

“You seem to know almost everything anyway.”

“A honey pot,” Tavis said.

“What?” Kozalak asked.

Grelka looked at Tavis.

“An Earth term. A prospect is lured with things they want. Once they become accustomed to having their desires met, the price is renegotiated,” Tavis explained.

Kozalak said, “My backers know talent. They know that people are the ultimate resource.”

Grelka said, “I am no one else’s resource. I choose where I go and what I do when I get there.”

“Yet, you wear the uniform of Starfleet, and follow your ship’s chain of command.”

“I have made my choice.”

“House Javos is a minor house at best. The Real Klingons consider it hopelessly corrupted and distorted by its proximity to Humans and the Ane. Being associated with it may bring more fights than it prevents.”

“You make it sound very tempting,” Grelka said.

Kozalak chuckled “When you put it that way. It also lacks pull among the New Klingon houses. It is not a factor, politically.”

“I’ve already said I like it, you don’t have to sell it to me again,” Grelka said.

Kozalak chuckled again and then said, “Look around you. Look where you are. You long for home. You long for a place of respect. You’ve earned that. You don’t have luck into a decent restaurant. You should be on the homeworld, managing more than one starship’s resources.”

“In point of fact, I am the reason we’re here,” Tavis said.

“Oh?”

“Indeed. I have asked Grelka to teach me about Klingon culture.”

Kozalak looked at Tavis frankly “Your previous experience with Klingons was more… Energetic.”

Tavis raised an eyebrow “You’ve read our files. This is an item of concern.”

“We’ve all fought against the Klingons and beside the Klingons,” Grelka said.

“He was part of the Terran Empire Fleet making incursions into his home dimension’s Klingon Empire,” Kozalak said “From the reports, the battles were glorious, and billions of Klingons entered Sto-Vo-Kor.”

Grelka looked at Tavis sharply.

Tavis said, “I find this timeline much more agreeable.”

“Is that why you have that goatee?” Grelka asked.

“It was the style of the time. I find it pleasingly accentuates my face.”

Grelka nodded “It does.”

“We have a place for you, as well, Vulcan. You know firsthand how dangerous humans can be when they set their minds to it.”

“The most resource-efficient method of dealing with you would be to demand an advance and then turn you over to Starfleet Security,” Tavis said.

Kozalak nodded “Logical.”

“I decline your gracious offer. Go about your business,” Grelka said.

“Do you think this Starfleet will accept you? Do you think this Starfleet will be YOUR Starfleet? You will never find a home there.”

“You lack credibility,” Grelka said.

“My offer will not stay fresh forever. If things change, then your value to my backers changes, too.”

“My greatest aspiration is that your backers forget I exist. Forever.”

“Have it your way.” Kozalak stood and walked away.

“Curious,” Tavis said.

“Some idiot playing some game, with maneuvers, persuasion and betrayals. Wheels within wheels. If I could physically reach it, I’d murder the concept of intrigue, myself,” Grelka growled.

“Do not let it spoil our experience,” Tavis said

Grelka took a deep breath “Yes. Yes, you’re correct. We will have fun. That is a victory over whatever Kozalak was doing.”

“You consider him deceptive,”

“Who’d walk straight up to us in public and ask us to be spies? He’s up to something.”

Tavis said, “To be fair, while the California is visible and notable, we are also difficult to catch.”

“Bah. Some idiotic machination. Someone’s wheel within a wheel. What is that evocative human term? Fuck ‘em.”

Tavis nodded and kept the straightest Vulcan face “Indeed. Fuck them.”

“How do you feel about Klingon music?” Grelka asked.

Tavis nodded slightly “I shall experience a new sensation.”

-*-

Kozalak and his manager leaned out of sight on a balcony. They watched Grelka and Tavis leave the Honor Pit.

**What do you think?** Ciarabalan asked.

“They found the notion of getting involved repugnant,” Kozalak said “They are far more bound to their found family on the California than to any external political ideas. Or the notion of wealth.”

**Hmmm,** Ciarabalan said.

“As with all things, such an attitude brings its own strengths and weaknesses.”

**Let us know if they try to contact you.** She thought.

“If they did it would most certainly be a trap for me.”

**We’ll spring you. You have friends in the right places.**

“I’ll report back. I have other members of the crew to approach.”

**Have fun,**

“Yes, I enjoy being called names in languages and cultures from all over the galaxy.”

Ciarabalan’s tail flipped around **We know you do.**

[Innkeeper]

I'm having fun imagining a Vulcan saying "Indeed fuck them" with a straight face.