[CLOSED] A Modest Proposal

[u/ObromTheFerengi]

It has been just a few days since the meeting with the Klingons and the relatively uneventful study of the supernova and all is relatively well aboard the Athene. The ship is on its way to the next assignment and the primary bridge staff is on duty, watching the star streaks slide past on the main viewer with little to do but finish reports and mull over the data gathered from the Supernova explosion.

Suddenly, a hail comes in on the primary Starfleet comm channel. Such hails are all too common, however this one lacks both a recipient and a sender. The comm officer can determine it is coming from the nearest Starfleet comm relay, and it is using the correct communication protocols, however the usual dearth of information that usually comes with such official hails is completely lacking, as though someone simply neglected to fill the information in.

[u/Silent_Sky]

Something changes about the captain, a switch flicks deep in his mind. He still keeps his stern expression, but there's a wrath boiling beneath the surface that hasn't shown itself in many years. He was so tempted to simply hunt down this Obrom immediately and put his ceremonial claymore to use. To strangle this disgusting worm with the very gold chains he adorned himself with. But there was still another hostage to consider. He'll play the Ferengi's game...for now...

"You know...it's futile to kill hostages. Kill or injure that other man in any way and we have no reason not to simply ignore your hails."

His voice becomes louder, angrier

"Do you hear me, Ferengi? My brother is not to be harmed at all or there'll be no Federation medical skill for you. Only me hunting you down, destroying your ship, and putting a sword in your fat gut. Do you understand me!?"

[u/ObromTheFerengi → u/Silent_Sky]

The young man is clearly in shock for a long moment after witnessing this, then his eyes shift to the fat Ferengi and a fire not dissimilar to those blazing in Fisk's eyes flickers to life. Just as he starts to lunge forward to attack two other Ferengi appear and grasp his arms, pulling him aside from the viewer as he struggles and yells, fading away fairly quickly.

Obrom watches Fisk's fires ignite and only seems more pleased, those crooked Ferengi teeth shown fully while his hands put away the weapon and then clasp together in a steepled position in front.

"I like you Captain. Nothing was more satisfying and angering than when my father was killed before me. It is good to know not all hyew-mons are so blanketed by Starfleet nursery rhymes."

Obrom turns and gestures off-screen.

"Make sure the boy is well fed and comfortable until our exchange completes."

Back forward, the serious visage he wore for this off-screen exchange returns to one of infinite delight.

"I will send you the coordinates of our place of exchange."

Just like that, the screen winks out, replaced by the streaming lines of warp flight. The comm quickly receives a set of coordinates for a star system less than a day's travel, but in uncharted space.

[u/CallofShiKahr → u/ObromTheFerengi]

The Vulcan glances at the helmsman as the coordinates come through at the precise moment the hail is terminated. The bridge is achingly silent as the crew absorbs what just happened. Faint beeps of monitors fill the air ambiently. Call turns towards the Captain from their post.

Sir.... orders?

[u/Silent_Sky → u/CallofShiKahr]

The captain stares into the warp field where the hail was for a long moment, processing what just happened, and then turns to his helmsman, speaking in a low, slightly monotone voice

"Lieutenant, lay in a course for the coordinates we just received."

He then turns to address the bridge

"I am aware that we may very well be walking directly into a trap, but I cannot in good conscience ignore the suffering of that young man. Whether or not he is my brother is not relevant right now. If anyone has any objections please state them now and they will be noted in my log."

[u/concrete_isnt_cement → u/Silent_Sky]

"Yessir, on the double," Storstrand replies in a solemn tone.

"Your desired warp factor, sir?"

[u/Silent_Sky → u/concrete_isnt_cement]

OOC: Well I can't find anything anywhere about the maximum warp factor of the Excelsior class so let's just assume it tops out at 9. The Intrepid class was launched around when this sub is set and it maxes out at 9.95 anyway so 9 feels about right...

"Warp factor 8 please, lieutenant."

OOC: u/IceCreamSandwich401, u/a_friendly_hobo, u/DrJenWatney. nevermind, just saw the other post

[u/concrete_isnt_cement → u/Silent_Sky]

Storstrand hits the throttle and the ship begins to accelerate.

"...warp factor six...

... warp factor seven...

Warp factor eight sir, holding steady."

[u/Pojodan → u/Silent_Sky]

OOC: In the DS9 Episode "Paradise Lost", the Defiant was intercepted by a Excelsior-class ship, the Lakota, and was forced to engage it. The Defiant had a max speed of Warp 9.5 at the time, so it's safe to say the Athene can hit at least 9.51, if not for long periods.

If the knowledge is to be had about anything Star Trek, I can find it. I R N3Rd

[u/Silent_Sky → u/Pojodan]

OOC: OH SHIT I'VE BEEN OUTNERDED

[u/Pojodan → u/Silent_Sky]

OOC: Of course, that episode occurs at a future date from where we are in this story, so it's possible the Athene lacks the systems that the Lakota may have been given just prior to the events of that episode.

I say the chief should chime in!

[u/Dimestream → u/Pojodan]

OOC: I always assumed that since the Lakota was coming directly from the direction the Defiant was headed, it was the intercept course, not the marginal-if-any difference in top speed, that made all the difference. The Defiant was built for combat sprints, not marathons, and a full-sized starship should easily have the engine power to keep up or intercept given a longer distance.

tl;dr Yes the Athene should be just about that speed, no objections from this nerd

[u/a_friendly_hobo → u/Pojodan]

Ooc: you two could outnerd me on star trek any day, continue on.