Moves and Mayhem
Posted on Fri Apr 24th, 2026 @ 8:00am by Captain Daegan Baas & Lieutenant JG Jorra Benn & Lieutenant JG Rosaline Belikov
2,102 words; about a 11 minute read
Mission:
What was Lost is Found
Location: USS Harper
Timeline: MD 7
The news from the Valkyrie had sent the personnel at SB 152 scrambling. Survivors of a starship from over hundred years ago had been found beyond the edge of known space no less. If that wasn't fantastic enough it seemed that they were found living alongside the Romulans they had apparently been fighting with.
The Valkyrie had requested a ship with specialists in late 23rd century technology in order to restore what what had been already known along with those that could ease them into the 25th century.
Right now the USS Harper warped toward the Valkyrie's position.
Having finished with the latest planning session the ships XO, Commander McRae entered the lounge pausing by the bar. He was greeted with a nod as the his usual was whipped with the real thing. As the concoction was poured over ice he sipped it. "Perfect as always. Thanks."
Scanning the various crewmembers, civilians, and specialists moving about he spotted their passenger by the forward view port and he made his way there.
Stepping up to the upper level, "May I join you?"
The half human/half Bajoran was sipping his Tonkian ale when he was approached by Harper’s XO.
“Of course, Commander. Please,” Jorra Benn said as he gestured to the seat across from him. “By all means. How long until we rendezvous with Valkyrie, sir? I seem to be starting a new job.”
Pulling a chair out he sat, setting his long island of the table. "Well we still have a few days. We have to do thing the old fashioned way. These galaxy class ships don't have the right hull geometry for a quantum slip strip. To be honest I'm kind jealous."
“That’s understandable. It’s an exciting opportunity. I’ve presented the concepts for years in the classroom, but to apply them in the real world, that’s what’s fun. She lacks the geometry and a quantum core. The stream drive requires a quantum matrix analogous to a warp matrix for the warp drive. That’s just scratches the surface, Commander,” Jorra replied.
"All very true. And with the boxy configuration of the new ships Starfleet is producing it doesn't seen like the QSD is going to get installed across the fleet. Making getting those assignments even more sought after. Used to be that these Galaxy class ship got all the good deep space assignments. Now they are going to the Sovereign, Vesta, Inquiry, and Odyssey classes."
He shrugged, "Progress I suppose. So what are you looking forward to more, the idea of exploration or being the number two engineer on a Vesta and working with an actual QSD?"
“Exploration has piqued my interest since I was a kid. I spent most of my childhood in San Francisco. I’d see ships and transports and Starfleet officers in uniform all the time. I have also been a teacher most of my career, Commander. So to get the opportunity to be second in command of the department and teach about quantum technology….to be honest, that’s something to get excited about.”
"I'd imagine that getting out of the classroom would add to that excitement as well."
“You’d be correct. I always enjoyed teaching, and come across some gifted students. I started to get antsy and I wanted to…kind of….break loose and do something different with my experience,” Jorra said. He was about to continue when he saw the lounge doors part to reveal a young woman entering the room. He was visibly distracted by an olive skinned woman with long, dark hair.
“Commander….who….is that?, a very intrigued Jorra said.
McRae turned in his seat and smiled at the Lieutenant's reaction, though he could understand it. "Oh yes. That is another soon to be crew member of the Valkyrie."
Stepping into the lounge, Rose was looking for a Lieutenant Jorra Benn. She’d been told they were also joining her new assignment and wanted to get a feel for the man. Having not long put her daughter down for a nap, she wanted to use this opportunity to meet her fellow officer. Glancing at the Profile she’d retrieved from Starfleet’s database, she started scanning the room, looking for him.
Turning back to the door McRae waved as he called out. "Lieutenant..."
Hearing someone call out, Rose spotted the commander wave her over and waved back in acknowledgement before walking over to the pair, “commander, lieutenant, May I join you. I’m Lieutenant Belikov, Starfleet Intelligence”
“Welcome aboard, Lieutenant. I’m Jorra Benn, Engineering. Call me Benn. Please, take a load off. Can we get you something to drink? I make a decent martini. I think the bartender will let me behind the bar.”
Taking a drink from his glass McRae was chuckling to himself. He had half expected him to stand to greet her but the offer to mix her a drink was a nice move.
“No thank you. I’m on permanent infant duty so drinking would be irresponsible.” Rose said with a polite smile as she took a seat, “I simply heard you were onboard and wanted to meet you before we rendezvoused with the Valkyrie. Oh, and thank you for the lift Commander, you run a tight ship”
Lifting his glass to her, "Thank you very much. We were just talking about how the sleeker ships, able to be equipped with a QSD were getting all the deep space assignments now a days....that and a bit of the Mr. Benn's background. He' will be the Valkyrie's assistant CEO."
“Infant? Congratulations are in order! Boy or girl?” Jorra also saluted Rose. “My reputation apparently precedes me. I never realized I was so important, Lieutenant. I’m good at my job, but it’s not every day that an attractive Intelligence Officer seeks me out,” Jorra said slyly.
Rose gave Jorra a curious look at his flattery, “thank you, and Yes, I have a daughter. She’s only a few months old but she’s the most inquisitive little thing over ever seen. She’s always exploring every inch of any room she can get to.” Rose answered with a warm smile, “so you’ll be the assistant engineering chief? I guess I’ll be relying on you to keep the ship running?”
Jorra grinned widely. “Amongst other things. I also seem to be the only local quantum slipstream expert, so I’ll be spending a lot of time overseeing that. I can align the dilithium compositors in my sleep and field strip a warp coil with my eyes closed. I know my stuff, Lieutenant. I didn’t get your first name.”
McRae was leaning back watching the two, sipping his long island.
Rose smiled at him, “you’re quite sure of yourself Lieutenant, I hope that self-assurance doesn’t come back to bite us” she said, admiring his confidence, “and no, I didn’t give you my first name. But a little mystery never hurts”
Jorra liked her more and more. This could be fun, he thought to himself. “I’ve been lucky along the way, with support from people close to me. But, yes, I’ve had to be self confident in my career. It’s not too often someone gets a new opportunity with a second go at a career,” Benn smiled back at Belikov and continued. “You’re right about the mystery part. Guess I’ll just have to work a little harder to get to know you a little better. We can get to know each other.”
He turned to Commander McRae. “You haven’t said much, Commander. Anything to contribute to our friendly conversation?”
He chuckled. "Oh don't let me stop I'm just enjoying the banter; waiting to see if she completely shuts you down or not." Laughing as he stood. "Well I wouldn't want to be a third wheel so I will excuse myself. You both enjoy your evening."
“Thanks, Commander. Have a good night, then. And thanks for the lift. Send my best regards to the Captain,” Jorra said. He took another sip of his drink and turned back to the attractive lieutenant sitting across from him.
Rose gave McRae a polite nod before turning back to Jorra, “so, you’re a Quantum Slipstream Specialist? Parents must be proud”
“I am and I would hope my family is proud. I try to talk to my Mom as often as I can. Subspace comms can be spotty aboard ship, as you probably understand. I lost my father when I was really little, wish I could remember more about him. I was raised by my Mom in San Francisco. She’s an incredible woman. How about you? Tell me more about you, Lieutenant. You mentioned a baby daughter earlier. What about the rest of your family?”
“I’ve got quite the family. Two brothers, two sisters. Mom’s retired, dad’s at the Marine Corp Academy as an instructor. I call them when I have time, though I haven’t had the chance for a while. I’ll call them up when we get settled in on the Valkyrie” Rose said, trying to think of when she’d seen them all last. “I’m not sure what my siblings are up to”
“Quite the family indeed. I’m an only child, it’s been just my mom and me as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t like I was lonesome for friends or anything. I was surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins and such,” Benn said as he paused for another sip of ale. “So, Ms. Belikov, what do you for fun? Especially with a little one in tow. Is her father in the picture? I’d like to meet him.”
Rose's composure cracks for a moment before she puts a smile back on her face, "for now, I'm focused on my work and my daughter, I find time to relax when I can, but it's not a priority for me. What about yourself? Any hobbies?"
“I’m kind of a history buff. Particularly twentieth century Earth. I also like to study languages like Klingon, Vulcan, ancient Bajoran. Lest I forget entertaining lovely and charming Starfleet Lieutenants,” Jorra joked. “Come on, just tell me your first name. I refuse to call you Lt. Belikov when we’re off duty. Alright…listen. I’ll give you one and you give me your first name. I bet you didn’t know I am half Bajoran.”
Jorra touched the bridge of his nose. “No nose ridges. My family name is Jorra and my first name is Benn. Your turn.”
Giving him a smile, Rose guessed she’d reward his efforts. He was putting a lot into getting his answer. “Rose Belikov, human-Romulan Hybrid. And I’m a bit of a history buff myself. Mainly military history of earth”
“Earth, huh? Do you have ties there? It appears we have that in common, Rose. My mom still lives there, like I said earlier. Would you…ummm….like some company when we disembark for Valkyrie? I just have a few things to gather from my temporary quarters.”
Meanwhile...
Having made his way across to the lounge he sat at the bar enjoying the rest of his drink. He had looked back earlier to check on the pair. Did Benn have a shot? Only time would tell but unless he got a drink tossed in his face or otherwise completely shot down he would most likely never know one way or the other. He lifted his glass but seeing the Captain enter the lounge.
Captain Zumara joined McRae at the bar with a smile. "Evening Tom. Long island?"
"As always. Can I get you one?"
"No. I will stick with my chardonnay thank you."
McRae grinned. "I keep tryin..." He was interrupted a hail over the ships comms.
== Bridge to Captain Zumara. ==
Just as her wine was set on the bar top, "Zumara here."
== Ma'am we've been hailed by the Valkyrie. Some of the Romulan survivors have taken hostages. Two have been executed. ==
She looked to McRae who's face had gone from his usual relaxed jovial off-duty expression to one of deadly seriousness.
"Increase to warp 9. And recall all senior officers to the bridge." The pair left as the summon for the ship's senior officer went out over the ships' comms.
Commander McRae
Played by Baas
Captain Zumara
Played by Baas
Lieutenant JG Jorra Benn
Soon to officially be our Asst. CEO
Lieutenant JG Rosaline Belikov
Soon to officially be our Encryption Specialist
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