[Galaxy] 2161.11.13 - Coalition Fleet - "Arrival"

[Anna H.]

//  Sol System  \\
 
 
The fleet, battle-scarred and battle-weary, dropped out of warp in the environs of Jupiter and continued on towards Earth.  They picked up stragglers as they rounded Mars -- civilian ships, personal skimmers, off-duty Star Fleet couriers, news scutters, and Boomers -- and proceeded onward.  Their escorts filled the COMMs with questions, hellos, and cheers ... flitting around the perimeter of the fleet, lights flashing, fireworks sparkling.
 
The battle channel was still up and running.  Coordinating in-flight repairs, transfer of personnel, medical supplies -- all this took up a lot of COMMs.  <+>  "This is quite a display," T'Pren said over the suddenly silent channel.  "We appear to have been expected."  Her voice sounded the tiniest bit wry.  <+>
 
<+>  "I think it's going to be quite the party!" Larana said from the bridge of the Sharash.  The Denobulan captain sounded excited.  "I'm glad I brought my pretty dress!"  <+>
 
Silence for a moment and then, <+>  "Yes, well.  All that aside ... where are we heading once we get to Earth?" This was from Captain Rakul of the Menzoberranzan.  The Andorian sounded slightly nervous.  <+>
 
<+>  "We'll head for Star Fleet's orbiting station.  It's at the L5 point ... sending coordinates now," Captain Spearling said, laughter in her voice as she directed Boatswain Hannah Grayson to do just that.  "I'm sure they'll find berths for everyone -- along with help and parts for repair."  <+>
 
<+>  "We're running low on supplies!" shouted Captain Horzt from the Flaxlatrox Cha.  "We Tellarites will require food before we make our way back to our home system!"  <+>
 
<+>  "Yes, yes," Rakul said, "your appetites are legend, Captain Horzt!  I'm sure the Humans will be more than accomodating for their allies."  <+>
 
The flotilla of ships -- large enough to begin with and growing as they neared Earth -- tightened up their formation as they approached the third planet from Sol.  <+>  "Damaged Star Fleet vessels and coalition ships that require repair will be taken directly into space dock," Sasha said.  "As soon as we get within their range, the station's control center will be in contact and will get everyone sorted.  Then, according to my orders, we are all to be transported down to San Francisco, to Star Fleet Headquarters.  Please join us, everyone.  We would be honored by your presence."  <+>
 
A silence greeted her words for a moment.  Then a soft voice came over the COMMs.  <+>  "We are ... shy.  We will leave you here.  Tell Captain Archer we do not forget, and we would be glad to have him come visit us again."  A short pause, and then, "We invite all of /you/, as well.  Until then ... goodbye."  The Aenar ships formed an even tighter formation, zipped upwards out of the fleet, and shot homeward.
 
<+>  "Thank you," Sasha replied.  "We will not forget all you did.  See you soon."  <+>  A hiss of static was the reply, as the Aenar ships moved out of contact.
 
//  Outside Star Fleet Headquarters, San Francisco, Earth  \\
 
Having turned the Challenger over to the maintenance team at Space Dock, Sasha had been practically dragged off to her quarters by her yeoman, Yuki Masahiro.  There, he'd put her through an almost-tortuous grooming routine.  Now she emerged from the shuttlepod, freshly scrubbed, dressed in her best formal uniform.  Her medals and rank pips shone in the sunlight -- sunlight! -- as she stepped down and moved away from the 'pod.  She joined the group of COs already present:  Captain Finney, Captain Horzt, Captain Rakul, Captain Larana, and SubCommander T'Pren.  An honor guard awaited them, holding banners with the sigils of all the Coalition races.  On the other side stood the United Earth president, dignitaries from the Mars colony, higher-ups within the Fleet, and their corresponding members from the other races.  
 
Beyond them, a crowd -- a crowd like Sasha had never seen.  Hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of beings.  All the races were represented -- she could make out the blue of Andorians in the crowd, see a smallish squad of Tellarites that had bullied their way to the front.  As Sasha and the other COs were joined by the rest of the Captains of the Coalition ships, they walked forward toward the assembled dignitaries.  When they passed the Honor Guard and the trumpets rang out, their music was immediately drowned out by a roar from the crowd.  Larana waved to them, an impish smile on her face, and they roared louder.  The applause and cheers rushed over them in a wave.  Sasha felt her cheeks pink up a bit -- this kind of thing was /not/ why she did what she did.  But it was expected.  So, here she was.
 
The president moved forward, applauding and smiling, and began to shake hands with all the COs.  Behind the COs, a large transport began to offload the rest of the crews from the Coalition ships -- everyone who wanted to come down, at least -- and the crowd reacted with unrestrained cheers.  As the COs walked down the double line of dignitaries, Sasha saluted the command staff.  "John," she murmured, as Admiral John Brown grinned down at her, "I'll never forgive you for dragging me into this."  
 
He laughed.  "Oh, come on now, Captain," he answered.  "You could never keep your feet out of the fire for long."
 
She squinted up at him.  "It was hotter than usual this time."
 
"But now you've all banked the coals," he replied, becoming serious.  "Good work.  There's a promotion in this for you, I'll make sure of --"
 
"No thanks, John."  Sasha was serious too.  "I'm staying with the Challenger."  They shook hands.
 
After the meet-and-greet, the party.  Banners flew, music began to play, food and drink were brought out, and the crowd descended on the crews.  But Sasha and Roger Finney were pulled aside.  Admiral John Brown spoke to both of them, his well-worn face crinkled in a smile.  "Enjoy the party, but stay sharp.  There's going to be an announcement made shortly -- one that's going to affect the entire Human race, and all our allies too.  I think you'll both want to be there, and don't worry ... you're on the list."  He shook both of their hands again.
 
"But until then -- enjoy yourselves!"  He turned around and a microphone was stuck in his face.  He grabbed it and turned to face the newsies.  "People of Earth!" he shouted.  "People of Andoria, of Tellar, of Vulcan, of Denobula, of Rigel, of Coridan! The Romulan War is /over/!!"  The cheers began to rise up again, so John spoke over the din.  "And here they are -- the brave men and women of Star Fleet -- of the Andorian, Tellarite, Vulcan, Denobulan, Rigellian, and Coridan fleets! -- the victors!!"  The cheering was absolutely deafening.  Screens around the plaza began showing the faces of the crew, as the little newsie cameras caught them.  Sasha looked up to see T'Pren bowing, Rakul frowning, Larana laughing and waving, all from various screens.  She and Rog were shown together, they both nodded seriously, then turned and smiled at each other.
 
It was over.  It was really, truly over.  
 
 
Captain Sasha Spearling
Commanding Officer
FCL-04 Challenger
 
<NPCs apb Anna
PCs borrowed with respect>
 
 
   
 


  		 	   		  
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