Phoenix Arises

USS Phoenix

Captain’s Personal Log

Stardate: 88825.4

Upon arriving to the Starbase, I was immediately whisked away to a series of meetings and debriefings. It became apparent as I travelled about the station that the conflict arising from the orders emanating from Starfleet and the Federation council were continuing to have burgeoning repercussions among the personnel. The unusually cordial and easygoing mannerisms among the different departments had downgraded to curt and abrasive interactions. As a Vulcan such mannerisms would normally be superfluous at best, yet these interactions were even recognizable to one such as I.

My crew were no exception to these affects. Upon my arrive to the Phoenix, senior bridge crew personnel bombarded me with questions as to what was going on, did I truly resign, and why I was now back in command? Under the circumstances, I did not elaborate on any details regarding the mission we took upon ourselves in order to prevent an all-out galactic war, our encounters with Iconians nor the three doomsday devices we faced. Instead, I had to dismiss their curiosity under the guise of restricted information.

Subterfuge is not a natural inclination to Vulcans. It is an ability that has been challenging to embrace let alone hone. Yet moving forward, withholding information from my crew and to a degree deception may not be limited to what already transpired but will likely be woven throughout the upcoming mission. The old act of prestidigitation that was popular on Earth in previous centuries seemed to be the best analogy that I can relate to my situation.  Although I will not be performing any actual type of magic tricks, I may need to perform actions akin to sleight of hand regarding how we carry out our given mission in contrast to what will be my covert mission: operating towards thwarting the misdirection that has infiltrated the essential components of Starfleet. This will be problematic due to the order I’ve been given to seek out and apprehend those I am clandestinely still working with. I anticipate that this will test the loyalty of my crew once my orders to them begin to conflict with the orders given to me.

Prior to the events that caused Captain Kheren and I to resign from Starfleet, the Phoenix was on the cusp of a shakedown cruise. A full shakedown never occurred and therefore my first order was for the crew to prepare to launch then run a sequence of full diagnostic tests on all systems and within all departments. As this was being enacted, a message arrived from Fleet Captain Allen Samji. He notified me that LieutenantJonathan Livingstone was being reassigned to the Phoenix. Given the nature of our last encounter, I notified the bridge to have the lieutenant report directly to me upon his arrival. This may add yet another twist to an already convoluted situation.

Syntron concluded the entry and walked over to a closet concealed within a wall. He extracted a small case then removed the instrument within. As he placed it on his shoulder and under the side of his chin, he reflected that he had not touched the violin for an extended period. He swiftly manipulated the pegs to tune each string before grasping the bow clasped within the open case. He applied rosin to the collection of bound hairs before sweeping the bow across the strings. The sound resonated with soft clarity.

A series of scales followed to refamiliarize himself with the neck as he adjusted the angle of his bowing hand. Once his hands synchronized with the instrument, he considered pieces of music that he had previously memorized. The first movement of Vivaldi - The Four Seasons began with its iconic and uplifting string tones that were to represent the awakening of Spring.  He paused for a moment to engage the accompaniment of another violin, a viola, and a cello. He restarted the piece.

As he was concluding the first movement, a dissonant tone interrupted the music. Syntron disengaged the holographic instrumentalists then responded to the hail.

“Captain, I wanted to inform you that Lieutenant Livingstone just arrived onboard the ship and is on his way to your quarters,” Ops officer Garvex P'Trell announced.

“Redirect him to the Captains’ Ready Room, Lieutenant,” Syntron commanded as he placed the instrument back into the case then stored it away.

“I will inform him, Sir,” the lieutenant replied before closing the channel.

Syntron adjusted his uniform as he headed out of his quarters then onto the turbolift.

“Deck 1,” he announced.

When he stepped out of the turbolift, he was immediately greeted in front of the ready room door by a tall blue-feathered avian humanoid blinking huge golden eyes at him. The voice that came out of the massive silvery beak was surprisingly soft, even musical, and in perfect galactic standard; and it did not come from a universal translator but directly from the hot fruity breath of the twin-pipped, blue-collared elongated throat.

''Lieutenant Jonathan X Livingstone, science officer, reporting as ordered, Captain Syntron.''

Syntron glanced over at lieutenant Garvex P'Trell sitting at the Ops station who reacted by shrugging his shoulders, indicating he had no idea how the X'Ell officer arrived onto the bridge faster than the captain. Seeing the subtle interaction of the two, the remaining antenna of the Andorian assistant CSO Kalynda Hunter impulsively curved inward.

A look at the blinking fiber optics imbedded in the feathered crest told the Vulcan how the X'Ell had managed to beat him at the door. He had used the advanced brain implants of his reclusive homeworld to tap into the transporter system of the ship; something that was as mundane as walking back on the Dyson Shell where he was born, several centuries earlier.

Seeing the pips on the uniform, the captain gestured for X'Ell officer to follow him into the Ready Room. As the door closed behind them, Syntron motioned for the officer to approach the replicator.

“May I offer you a beverage Lieutenant Commander?”

''Thank you Captain. I will partake to whatever you will be selecting. I will however warn you that the peculiar way of drinking of my people is sometimes... surprising to those with your... physiology.''

It was clear that the bird-like officer was refering to the fact that he had a chitinous beak, not soft fleshy lips. One thing for sure, he would not sip his drink.

“Understood,” was all he replied.

The Vulcan ordered plomeek tea.  One in a tall glass and the second in a bowl with a long straw, providing options for how the officer would consume his beverage. He carried both to the nearby elongated table then set them down.

Syntron sat down then indulged in a sip before speaking.

“What were the specific orders given to you by Fleet Captain Allen Samji, Lieutenant Commander?” he inquired as he set his glass down.

Livingstone looked at the straw, noticing it's plant-based smell and texture and gobbled it in a few quick chomps of is beak before responding.

''To do as best I can to follow my duties as a Starfleet officer; most of all the First Duty. And that among all of Starfleet's officers I would ever serve with, even in Lotus Fleet, there would be few who would be as a good a guide in this as you, Sir. I am eager to learn.''

The X'Ell could still remember vividly the speech he got from the Starbase commander about the First Duty, word for word;  ''the first duty of a Starfleet officer is to the truth; historical, truth, scientific truth or personal truth. And if  a Starfleet officer can not fulfill this duty, then that officer is not fit to wear a Starfleet uniform.''

It made quite an impression on him. And so did Captain Syntron's record when he studied it, noticeably in that context; especially the very last part of it, subtitled; resignation.

The captain leaned back in the chair as the avian officer spoke with textbook precision about Starfleet duty. The irony was not lost on him given their current circumstances. For he and his long-term Lotus fleet members were put in the awkward position of defying Starfleet orders in an attempt to follow and uphold the spirit that Starfleet doctrines intended.  They were in stark contrast to what they were ordered to do.

Syntron leaned slightly forward.

“That acknowledgement is reassuring Lieutenant Commander. It is certainly our intention to endorse the principles that Starfleet represents, such as Directive 010: Before engaging alien species in battle, any and all attempts to make first contact and achieve nonmilitary resolution must be made."

The captain paused for a moment and took a sip before continuing.

“What is the upcoming primary mission of the USS Phoenix as described to you by the Fleet Captain?”

''Sir, I was not briefed about any specific mission for this ship; only to report to you. I am aware of the primary Rule of Engagement you are quoting. It agrees with my oath of duty. I am also aware that this ship is a science vessel dedicated to deep space exploration. That too agrees with my oath.''

Jonathan paused a moment before continuing.

''Sir, I am a X'Ell. That is what the X in my chosen designation, here in your civilization, stands for. It therefore means that my oath to Starfleet comes with the explicit exemption for me of any act that could cause harm, even in the course of my duty. This goes above and beyond any rule or order, necessity or situation. Call it my... Prime Directive, Captain. This is inviolable and non-negociable. It is even physiologically impossible for one of my species to begin with... Thus, I may use the stun settings on a phaser if this is the one and only last mean to resolve a situation, or implement a forcefield or a hold to contain and defuse violence; but that is the extent of what I can do in this regard, Sir.''

His big eyes fixated on those of the Vulcan.

''Captain, if that will not be adequate under your command, you may reject my transfer order with no prejudice to you, this ship or me, Sir.''

“That is more than adequate, Lieutenant Commander,” the captained assured as his gaze met the intensity of the avian officer. “It aligns precisely with how my crew is expected to conduct themselves on any mission we are tasked with or any encounters that may unexpectedly occur during or in between any such mission. In your response to my query, you have also confirmed that you are an officer that can differentiate between blindly following the letter of a law or a potentially questionable order and discernment of its inherent intention or potential consequences.”

''Ayes, Sir; I still have some difficulty in assimilating this inter-relationship hierarchical structure of yours. But I am learning. That is what I am here for.''

Syntron was now walking a very fine line in how much he was prepared to divulge to the newly returned officer, especially before they even launched. Thus far it seemed apparent that Livingstone was not sent as a sort of agent or corroborator for the corrupted agenda that had infiltrated the very core of the Federation. Knowing the integrity of this X'Ell officer he calculated that the probability of such a corruption was highly improbable yet was unwilling to merely assume anything at this point. Too many unexpected and implausible events had already transpired.

The captain took a moment to enter information into the PADD angled on the table in front of him.

“You will be serving as the chief science officer aboard the USS Phoenix, effectively immediately,” the captain announced. “Lieutenant junior grade Kalynda Hunter will be serving as your assistant. Once you are settled into your quarters, she can enlighten you with the details of the upcoming shakedown run that we will be conducting to test out new upgrades that have been implemented throughout the ship.”

''Thank you, Sir. I shall be ready on your command.''

Syntron looked up from the PAAD.

“Would there be anything that you require in your transition here, Lieutenant Commander?”

''Negative, Sir; it is my duty and pleasure to adapt, learn and grow. I can accomodate myself with the amenities provided on standard vessels and installations.''

He paused and lowered his feathered head on one side, blinking.

''If I may, Sir; you are also undoubtebly aware that I am endowed with cybernetic brain impants that allow me the use of any electromagnetic-based implement directly with my mind. On my world, this is universal and routinely applied to most of everyday life. For example, I can tap into your transporter grid to move myself anywhere aboard, like your holographic officers. This is how we do on the vastness of my homeworld; or activate systems looking at them instead of touching and possibly infecting them. But I am aware that some among you, young species, find it... disturbing. If you do not approve, I shall refrain from such activity.''

“You are welcome to avail yourself of all your capabilities, Lieutenant Commander,” the captain confirmed. “Efficiency is essential during normal operations and paramount in emergency situations. In between the tests during our initial shakedown run, please schedule in opportunities to test out your cybernetic brain implants with our various systems. You can coordinate this with the other departments heads so that we do not have conflicting events transpiring.”

''Aye, Sir. Thank you for this opportunity. I will endeavor to give you my best. I shall learn much under your command.''

The avian officier finished his drink in his peculiar swallowing head lifted straight at the ceiling, but then looked once more to Syntron, this time with unblinking eyes, but his fiber optic headress flashing.

''Sir, I was sent to this exchange program because I am known among my people to have a particular... abnormal compulsion; one that you young races call... curiosity. So, I will understand if you choose to not indulge me in this. But if I may ask, Sir; your inital inquiry seemed to imply that I could, or should, have some specific information from Lotus Fleet Command. Is there something I should be aware of, Sir?''

Syntron contemplated the revelation along with the inquiry for a moment before responding.

“Curiosity is rather ubiquitous among many species of humanoids. Therefore, your proclivity towards inquisitiveness may not standout as an anomaly in Starfleet; provided it is implemented in the professional manner you just demonstrated.”

The captain shifted slightly in his position before replying to the inquiry.

“Regarding your orders and mission objectives… despite an intensive series of meetings and debriefings with all key Starbase officials, any plans regarding your transfer here to the Phoenix were never addressed.”

He leaned forward to face the avian officer with a stoic gaze.

“Therefore, it was a logical decision to ask you directly about any additional orders or mission objectives that may have accompanied you aboard the ship.”

''I understand your motive, Sir. What I do not understand is why Fleet Captain Samji himself asked me; not order me mind you, asked me, if I was willing to serve under your command, aboard this vessel... on a private, secured channel. He only wanted a direct answer, yes or no. Then he told me to report aboard immediately... in my own way, as you have witnessed. The entire exchange lasted 22 seconds. I checked the comm log; there was no record of it. Most... intriguing.''

That information was pivotal.  If Fleet Captain Samji personally made that request directly to Livingstone and in the clandestine manner described, it was an indication that he trusted that this individual was not only uninvolved in the turmoil occurring within Starfleet but had exhibited a level of conviction earning his confidence. It was a precarious decision the captain now faced determining what to reveal.

“Lieutenant Commander, in your preparation to become a Starfleet officer, did you encounter the Kobayashi Maru simulation?”

''Affirmative, Sir; a command crisis simulation to test an individual's response to perceived fatality; and confront that individual with that response. My own encounter with it was... inconclusive. Captain Data, my Academy instructor, called it the ''Q response'' Sir.''

“As you are then aware, the simulation’s intention allows those administering the test and afterwards those analyzing the results a margin of insight into a cadet's discipline, character and command capabilities when faced with an impossible situation.  Throughout a Starfleet officer’s career, such impossible circumstance may befall them at any given moment. It is among the many risk factors involved when signing on to serve in the Federation.”

''Affirmative, Sir. That is why I have been deemed unfit for command, since I will never commit to a harmful or destructive solution, even if it proves the only one left, even if lives are at stake.''

The captain then slightly shifted the direction of the conversation.

“As a captain there are also circumstances in which elements of information involved in a given mission must be filtered or limited to his or her crew, mostly for security reasons, at times for other reasons.”

''Understandable, Sir.''

He studied the avian officer for a moment before inquiring next.

“What is your security clearance level Lieutenant Commander?”

''It is somewhat... complicated, Sir. I have of course the standard level 8 clearance required by my rank. However, due to my X'Ellian culture, I am aware of scientific and technological data that is classified at level 10 or even highly restricted in your culture. For example, data about the Omega particle. But I am under strict orders not to discuss any of this with non-authorized personnel. Also, the sharing of more advanced data from my culture, for example the fabrication of neutronium, is forbidden by my people, even in life or death situations.''

“One reason I inquired was to ensure that you did not fortuitously breach any security protocols when you test out your cybernetic brain implants with our various systems. Based on your response and background, that concern has been nullified.”  

''I am glad to meet your approval, Sir.''

The captain leaned in slightly closer to the table.

“How adept are you in deciphering enigmatic data or information beyond your world then keeping such information internally restricted?”

''Sir, I am omnilingual by virtue of my implants. I can decipher any structure seen, heard or felt that has a pattern, from genetics to encephalograms, from insect pheromonal transmissions to human braille. The only limitation is with highly metaphorical communication, as in the case of the Tamarian civilization of El-Adrel. But with my eidetic memory, I can learn those metaphors and their meaning efficiently. Dif-tor heh smusma, Khart-lan Syntron.''

His greeting articulated in flawless Vulcan was even accompanied by the proper split-fingered gesture, although his three-fingered hand made it oddly natural.

The Vulcan processed the answer with a slight raise of a brow as the avian officer spoke. As a courtesy he returned the greeting with a five fingered hand.

''As for internally restricting information; Sir, even if a telepath could enter my mind, somehow bypassing the natural and artificial protections around my brain, the complexity of our own language and uniqueness of our thought processes would make it pure gibberish to any but one of my own kind. As for what you call torture, I am afraid my physical fragility would not allow me to endure it long enough to say anything.''

“Lieutenant Commander, I now understand why the fleet captain individually selected you to join us here aboard the Phoenix. Your rare aptitudes and unique physiology will be of immense value as we venture out beyond this starbase.”

''As your people say, Captain; we come to serve.''

The room then fell silent as the captain considered his options. Moments later he reached an unexpected decision. He cast a stoic stare at the avian as he spoke.

“What I am about to share with you must be kept in strict confidence. No one aboard this ship has extensive knowledge or awareness of what has been transpiring throughout this sector and beyond. Select information will be shared with them on a need-to-know basis until it has been determined otherwise. Is this condition agreeable to you?”

''I am honored by your vote of confidence, Sir. I shall endeavor to honor it in return to the best of my abilities.''

The Vulcan moved even closer to the table and dropped the volume of his voice marginally just above a whisper.

“We have an extraordinarily difficult mission ahead of us Lieutenant Commander.”

The captain then proceeded to provide the X’Ell officer with a succinct summation of the cadet training mission followed by their own impromptu escapade aboard the Alsea. A brief silence followed as he concluded.

“That has led me here, aboard the Phoenix once again… just as I was prior to that inauspicious meeting on the Starbase. Officially, I am tasked with tracking down the other renegades to be brought in for questioning. Unofficially, to be concise… we are in a very precarious pursuit of truth.  Striving to determine the authenticity and source of what is causing high ranking members of the Federation and Starfleet to act in manners that are in direct opposition and in specific incidences, violations of established laws and directives. Simultaneously, we are seeking to determine the specific individuals and groups directly involved with these occurrences and deal with them accordingly.”

Syntron stood up and walked over to a window allowing a vista of the vastness of space to be examined as he considered how to explain the circumstance in analogous terms.

“If I were to put this situation in the realm of biology, Starfleet has exhibited undeniable symptoms of an infection. Sometimes a patient is unwilling to recognize let alone treat an illness that has manifested. They ignore the symptoms and make excuses for their decline.  Left untreated a serious infection can become fatal.”

He turned to face the avian officer.

“We are facing a similar crisis, Lieutenant Commander. I must navigate within certain boundaries to discover and treat areas of infection without causing irreparable damage to the organism itself. In this situation, it becomes a very complex undertaking because outside influences and consequences many also come into play. Additionally, violence may be used in retaliation from those we encounter or challenge. Therefore, I offer you a similar option given the information presented: you may reject your transfer order from the fleet captain with no prejudice to you. Or you can join us and take the risk of trying to rectify this very difficult threat to the core of Starfleet and the Federation.''

Al the while, the colored crest of Jonathan rose and fluttered for a good while, his eyes unblinking, his head dress flashing furiously. When silence was all that was left between them, he finally blinked.

''That is... extraordinary, Sir; even... fascinating, if it was not... most worrying.''

His feathers finally settled down and his head cocked to one side.

''As I said, Sir, short of causing or committing violence myself, I will do my duty to you, to this ship, to Starfleet and to the Federation, to the best of my abilities, according to my oath. That being said, I will use your analogy. I am most ignorant in the medical field, a weakness of my people I share. But, as far as I understand it, treating any ailment requires to treat it at the source. In the case of an epidemic, it requires finding what is called ''Patient Zero;'' the very first subject that was... infected.''

“Precisely,” the Vulcan concurred. “Our informal emphasis will be to unravel this enigma. It will not be an easy task by any means. The culprits involved thus far have been thorough in covering their proverbial digital footprints to remain anonymous while wreaking havoc from within.”

The captain then focused his attention on the PADD in hand as he expeditiously compiled a series of secured data files.

“Use your cybernetic brain implants to access the Trojan Horse file in this PADD. Despite the incongruous title, it contains a compilation of data gathered thus far in our quest to discover information and piece together leads as we work to resolve this dire situation. Optimistically, you should be able to expand our knowledge base to a much greater capacity.”

He gazed up from the device.

“There is an old Terran expression about the effectiveness of light for the destruction of noxious infectious agents. I believe it was Sunlight is the best disinfectant. We will need to skillfully shine the light of truth onto a variety of occurrences and their arbiters if we are to succeed.”

Jonathan took the PADD, his implants already flashing.

''I will make it my top priority, Sir.''

“Superb,” the captain acknowledged in a calm demeanor. The use of such expressions of gratitude was something that did not come naturally to the Vulcan. Nevertheless, he had learned implementing words of gratitude could help bridge a gap that often existed between various species and rank. He equated it to the proper bedside manner of a physician.

“Once you are settled into your quarters, you may report to your post on the bridge.”

''Aye, Sir. Is that all, Captain?''

“For now, Lieutenant Commander. Unless you have any other questions?”

''Not at this time, Sir. I shall meet you on the bridge for shakedown preparations.''