Episode 57. Operation: Reclaim Earth – Mission Two
Context
- Coordinated Universal Time
- Monday, August 5, 2024 - 14:58
- Location
-
- Space
- Lunar Orbit
- NATO Starbase
- Main Conference Hall
- Timeline
- Schak'Irra Timeline
- Previously
-
After a series of revelations about the temporal contamination of 1954, the crew of the USS Enterprise tries to regain a semblance of normality. Captain Rodriguez and Commander Chen have turned their duel with Tarsi into a cautious alliance, while Manu, the ship's custodian, has been promoted to Science Attaché. But the war and the secrets of High Command still hang over them...
Characters
| Name | Affiliation / Branch | Title / Rank | Species | Original Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agnes V. Rodriguez | NATO / Special Fleet | Captain | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
| Angie Chen | NATO / Special Fleet | Commander | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
| Anthony Michaux | NATO / Starbase | Admiral | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
Manifest
| USS Enterprise | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | NATO |
| Location | Docked at the NATO Starbase |
| Captain | Agnes V. Rodriguez |
| First Officer | Angie Chen |
| Pilot | Eric Corda |
| Communications | Emilie Flores |
| Operations | Charlene Savea |
| Tactical | Eric Corda Charlene Savea |
| Science | Manu |
| Advanced Weapons | Eros Vitos |
| Sickbay | Victor S. Calpel |
| Counselor/Consultant | Manu |
| Custodian | Manu |
| Passengers | Tarsi (Confidential) |
TL;DR
During a briefing at the starbase, Admiral Michaux announces the second mission of Operation Reclaim Earth: the Nauvoo ships will be tasked with restoring contact with the NATO bunkers. But at the end of the meeting, he holds Agnes and Angie back: the Enterprise, deemed unsuitable for the main mission, is assigned a special operation whose details remain... classified.
Story
The weekend was full of activity aboard the Enterprise.
In preparation for the next missions, we refined our organization chart according to each crew member's skills.
Manu is finding his feet at the science station, while Charlene supervises him.
Little by little, we are filling our gaps and gaining better control of the new protocols specific to our new ship.
On Monday, as planned, we head to the main conference hall of the starbase, where all captains and first officers have been summoned.
And for once, Angie and I are on time.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
What are you doing, Agnes?
Why are you getting up?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
I am taking the other seat, next to yours.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
That one does not suit you?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
No. Some idiot spilled soda on the floor, and my feet are sticking.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
That is your fault.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Um... why?
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
If you had not stolen Manu from the starbase cleaning service, the auditorium would be spotless. Ha ha ha!
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
I did not steal him. I recovered him.
As a reminder, he was already working for us aboard the Mercator.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
Shut up... Here comes Michaux.
Around us, the conversations gradually fade. The last officers take their seats. Chairs scrape the floor, and a diffuse murmur still floats through the room.
The atmosphere subtly tightens.
Everyone knows this kind of meeting never announces good news.
Adm. Anthony Michaux
Hum... hum.
Good morning, everyone.
I will begin by congratulating you for achieving last week's mission objective. Thanks to your efforts, we once again control our satellites in orbit around Earth.
For the last few days, our specialists have resumed their observation work.
Unfortunately, we have still not managed to establish communication with our bases on Earth, because of the thick layer of radioactive clouds blocking us...
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
Hey, Agnes...
Do you think he is going to ask us to babysit the Nauvoo again?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Hmm. Probably.
I do not see what else the Enterprise could do right now.
Adm. Anthony Michaux
... However, the mission was not a complete success, since we mourn the loss of the USS Washington and her one hundred thirty crew members, following a treacherous attack by an unknown enemy.
In their memory, I ask you to stand and observe a minute of silence.
The entire room stands.
Silence settles, heavy, almost artificial. I stare straight ahead, trying to stay focused, when I notice Angie move slightly closer.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
Hey, Agnes...
He forgets to mention that his fleet would have been wiped out if we had not been there.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
That can be explained.
When we returned, I confronted him in his office.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
Are you insane?
Why did you do that?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Do not talk too loudly.
Everyone is looking at us.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
You did not tell him we picked up an alien, did you?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
No.
Do not worry about that.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
Phew.
Good thing, because that bastard would have been capable of dissecting Tarsi without anesthetic.
Adm. Anthony Michaux
You may sit down.
Let us now move on to the next mission.
The Nauvoo ships will be tasked with traveling to Earth and docking with the bunkers scattered across NATO territories. Once contact has been made, the crews must assess the situation, resupply the bunkers, repair life-support systems, reinforce insulation, and provide medical assistance.
Finally, they will have to repatriate key personnel to the starbase in order to ensure the continuity of the survival effort.
That is all for now.
You are dismissed.
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
Of course.
He summons us, gives a mission to the Nauvoo... and what are we supposed to do?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Do not get angry, Angie.
He is watching us.
At that moment, I see the admiral leave the stage and head straight toward us, his gaze locked onto ours. Around us, the officers are already beginning to leave the room.
Adm. Anthony Michaux
Rodriguez. Chen.
Stay a little longer. I have a mission for you.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
We are not escorting the Nauvoo?
Adm. Anthony Michaux
No.
The Enterprise is not really suited to that kind of work.
You are going to take part in a special operation.