ST: The Last Starship

[Poohbah]

Mexican food from a replicator just seems . . . wrong.

[Johnnie Lyle]

Mexican food from a replicator just seems . . . wrong.

That’s why we don’t use them for chili.

Though chili isn’t Mexican. It’s Greek.

[Poohbah]

Mexican food from a replicator just seems . . . wrong.

That’s why we don’t use them for chili.

Though chili isn’t Mexican. It’s Greek.

How do you get proper tamales on a starship?

[Johnnie Lyle]

Mexican food from a replicator just seems . . . wrong.

That’s why we don’t use them for chili.

Though chili isn’t Mexican. It’s Greek.

How do you get proper tamales on a starship?

Clandestine rendezvous with a shuttle off Chintoka.

[MikeKozlowski]

It’s back!

Again, your best characters are your Klingons. Karzz is a delight. Very much in the hussar tradition.

One question - does Starfleet follow Royal Navy age of sail practice when it comes to captains, assigning junior ones to the big boys, especially flagships, and more senior ones to the independent cruisers? Or more modern practice of bigger ship = more senior captain?

Given that the cruisers are usually furthest from Federation headquarters, it makes sense to put your most experienced and trusted officers on them, and a newer captain on a makey-learnie cruise as a dreadnought, battleship or home fleet captain. Especially if I have a senior admiral on board.

Conversely, it seems Kirk was assigned ENTERPRISE as his first command, which is very much a feather in his cap. But both he and Harriman, at least, look to be very green captains when assigned ENTERPRISE. Conversely, Picard is very senior when assigned to ENTERPRISE, and other GALAXY class captains are equally experienced, which fits their explorer role (they don’t appear to be very good battleships).

John,

...It's complicated.

StarFleet does have regulations and procedures for command selections, but an unofficial/unwritten tradition from the Old Days also still has a lot of pull: Command Recommendation (more on that in a minute).

As you mention, the RN custom of command assignment tends to be what ends up happening. Even at the time of the Mikeyverse, the CAs/CLs and variants are still the point of the spear, and you have got to be good to get one. If you're not, the Type Command Detailer at HQSF gets a message - SKIPPER BLUE, meaning a relief for cause has been directed by the Commodore, or SKIPPER RED, which means the captain has shuffled off this mortal coil and is now communing with the Great Bird Of The Galaxy. But, I digress.

Command of a ship of the line (CL/CA/DN/CV) in StarFleet means you are very, very, very good at what you do. But things start to diverge at this point. CA skippers need to be diplomatic warriors, but DN skippers need to be Diplomats who are exceptional at wielding a blunt instrument in concert with others of the same kind. They also need to be galactic-level technical and organizational leaders. In CAPT (O-6) Lyle's case, he showed himself to have all those things, but also showed a unique and complex understanding of Klingon culture and military capabilities, sufficient that one of his staff reports ended up on the desk of Important People(TM). He was already serving as XO aboard STAR DOMINION and had gone through the PCO School with the understanding that he would get FEDERATION when she came out of overhaul - but STAR EMPIRE and STAR LEAGUE were having the usual X-class conversion issues and needed a CO ASAP to get things moving.

The issue here is that STAR EMPIRE and STAR LEAGUE were highly coveted commands - once they got them working, they would be the most powerful starships in the galaxy, bar none - and military custom and courtesy required that a senior DN skipper get them. But the first DNX out the door was going to be STAR EMPIRE, and her first job was going to be making a point to the Klingons. DREADRON 1's commodore knew Lyle, knew his reputation, and knew exactly what kind of skipper he needed - a decision pushed along by ADM Smillie's gentle, polite request to get a DNX into RIMFROST, lest ye find yourself the StarFleet liason to Rura Penthe. The Commodore went to the TCD and, in an exquisitely phrased Command Recommendation memo, suggested that the TCD send young Mr. Lyle to his ship and PDQ, please and thank you. With that, CAPT Lyle became CO STAR EMPIRE and got her sorted out in time to join RIMFROST. The issue now was that the TF33 flagship was going to have to have the best, most state-of-the-art C3 facilities available - and that meant STAR EMPIRE got the job. The other two DN commanders, with considerably more seniority and angling for their own stars, were miffed and said so.

VADM Prescott invited them into his office for a cup of coffee and discussion. It was made clear that no reflections were being made on them personally or professionally, and it is possible that suggestions were made that if, after quiet thought and contemplation, they could not work amicably within this admittedly temporary framework, that there were some APA command slots opening up in the near future that could certainly use their years of skills and experience. With that, VADM Prescott blessed them and bid them return to their duties.

Mike

[gtg947h]

Mike,

A meme I saw yesterday brings this question to mind, from someone with only casual familiarity with TOS and the movies... what's the deal with redshirts in the Mikeyverse? As in, do they actually suffer the casualty levels that pop culture believes them to? Do they have a reputation for such, does it affect recruitment, or what is the real deal with them?


I love it when authors give the backstory and explanation for things outside the story itself, thank you! I guess it's the advantage of the "message board serial" format...

[jemhouston]

Please tell me VADM Prescott maybe a future Commander Starfleet.

[MikeKozlowski]

Mike,

A meme I saw yesterday brings this question to mind, from someone with only casual familiarity with TOS and the movies... what's the deal with redshirts in the Mikeyverse? As in, do they actually suffer the casualty levels that pop culture believes them to? Do they have a reputation for such, does it affect recruitment, or what is the real deal with them?


I love it when authors give the backstory and explanation for things outside the story itself, thank you! I guess it's the advantage of the "message board serial" format...

gtg,

I think it's actually been demonstrated on a couple of occasions that redshirts had the second or third highest casualty rates in TOS and in the Mikeyverse, they're lower than that - SFMC, combat shuttle crew, and StarFleet Corps of Engineers have the dubious distinctions of being the top three on a day-to-day basis - but Fleet lore has created a legend around Security Forces/Security Police that to put on the DEFENSOR FORTIS shield (actual red shirts went away decades ago) is a sure way to put yourself in danger.

StarFleet recruiting had the good sense to lean into this, and the "So You Want To Be A Redshirt?" ads are classics that cast SF/SP as the guardians of the guardians with a touch of humor thrown in, and they've been successful enough to draw occasional sniping from the Marines.

And it's my pleasure to do backstory, believe me - my only problem there is keeping track of it, because you guys are going to keep me honest.

Mike

[MikeKozlowski]

Please tell me VADM Prescott maybe a future Commander Starfleet.

Jem,

Not in TLS, but in ST: Valedictory he'll be back with a couple more stars.

Mike

[Poohbah]

VADM Prescott invited them into his office for a cup of coffee and discussion. It was made clear that no reflections were being made on them personally or professionally, and it is possible that suggestions were made that if, after quiet thought and contemplation, they could not work amicably within this admittedly temporary framework, that there were some APA command slots opening up in the near future that could certainly use their years of skills and experience. With that, VADM Prescott blessed them and bid them return to their duties.

Perchance, is VADM Prescott a mustang?

[Johnnie Lyle]

VADM Prescott invited them into his office for a cup of coffee and discussion. It was made clear that no reflections were being made on them personally or professionally, and it is possible that suggestions were made that if, after quiet thought and contemplation, they could not work amicably within this admittedly temporary framework, that there were some APA command slots opening up in the near future that could certainly use their years of skills and experience. With that, VADM Prescott blessed them and bid them return to their duties.

Perchance, is VADM Prescott a mustang?

Sounds more like VADM Prescott is well acquainted with the benefits and drawbacks of being a flag captain, especially if the admiral is inclined to . . . meddle.

[MikeKozlowski]

VADM Prescott invited them into his office for a cup of coffee and discussion. It was made clear that no reflections were being made on them personally or professionally, and it is possible that suggestions were made that if, after quiet thought and contemplation, they could not work amicably within this admittedly temporary framework, that there were some APA command slots opening up in the near future that could certainly use their years of skills and experience. With that, VADM Prescott blessed them and bid them return to their duties.

Perchance, is VADM Prescott a mustang?

Poohbah,

As a matter of fact, yes. He started out as a shuttle maintenance specialist, and was urged to try for a commission. While at the Academy, he found he had a knack for command and ended up on the CA/CL track, ultimately commanding Polaris (CC) and Agincourt (CG) before taking over as Commodore CRUDIV 18. From there he made Flag rank with a series of sector and in-space commands. He's currently assigned to 2nd Fleet.

Mike

[MikeKozlowski]

...It's back.

Kumerian was waiting in the rotunda, tapping one foot and checking his chrono with barely concealed irritation and being studiously ignored by those moving through the space. Finally, one of his upward glances was rewarded by the sight of the elder warrior striding purposefully through the door.

"About time," Kumerian growled as they turned to head for the Command Tribunal. The elder warrior smiled and replied, "Always set your traps before you go hunting, Ardak."

Kumerian snorted as they strode past the Marine guards. "You're starting to sound like Chang."

"Fear not, my friend. I only quote good Klingon proverbs."

The massive doors swung open, and the two entered a domed room with a dais at one end where presided the men known colloquially as the Inquisitors; the heads of each of the Klingon services save for Kumerian himself - M'Chach, the Commandant General of the Marines, General Colchok, Chief of Staff of the Army, and at the center, beside Kumerian's empty seat -

Senior General T'haal Chang, Chief of the Imperial Staff. Whipcord slim and craggy, a black patch riveted to his left eye, his ridges smoother and less pronounced than most Klingons after surviving a late outbreak of Augment, a neatly trimmed gray mustache hiding his mouth in the dimly lit Tribunal. The look glaring from his one good eye, however hid nothing, and Kumerian briefly thought that 'angry' would have been an improvement.

The elder warrior and Kumerian came to attention and saluted, the crack of fist against armor echoing sharply off the walls. Chang said nothing, resting his jaw on one scarred fist. M'Chach and Colchok knew better than to say anything, so all remained in place until Chang snarled, "Do either of you realize what you are calling down?"

The elder warrior smiled most politely and replied, "But of course, General. I would not have thought of disturbing you or the rest of the Imperial Staff were it not so."

"Do not test me, Grandfather," Chang replied with clipped words. "No matter your position, you play with fire."

"I do no such thing," the elder warrior replied with equanimity. "I hope to extinguish it. You keep it burning with your refusal to acknowledge that Lord Kruge is a traitor against the Empire."

Chang's eye flared wide and he rose from his seat, ready to call down sanction upon the two men, but the elder warrior cut him off, nothing polite about his tone now. "If you wish to strike me - strike us down - go ahead. I shall laugh from Suto'vo'qor while you explain to the Chancellor how you allowed this to happen.

"Assuming, of course, he allows you to survive long enough to try. So - shall we take a few moments to discuss this? Time is short, and every moment brings us closer to Lord Kruge suceeding."

Chang was about to roar out a response before General Colchok smacked the dais' surface and snapped, "General Chang - ENOUGH!" That got Chang's attention, but he was still glaring in fury at Kumerian and the elder warrior. Colchok turned back to the elder warrior and with a quiet edge said, "Grandfather, if you have proof, show it now. Your life may well depend on it." The Elder Warrior inclined his head respectfully and said, “Of course, General,” and with that he withdrew a small holocaster. A fluorescent green dot appeared, shimmered, then expanded into Kruge’s official ID scan.

On later reflection, Kumerian would recall that the next twenty tup were the most quiet he had ever experienced in that chamber. The Elder Warrior spoke calmly, quietly, and respectfully, but with a steely firmness that made it clear no challenge would be brooked. When he was done, he bowed respectfully and awaited the response. There was silence from Colchok and M’Chach, but Kumerian was sure he could hear the throbbing vein on Chang’s forehead.

Chang’s jaw worked silently as he searched for something, anything to say before rising, spinning on one heel, and striding away and roaring something over his shoulder as he disappeared into the shadows.

“What did he say?”, Kumerian whispered to the elder warrior.

“ ‘Come not within the measure of my wrath’.”

“Shakespeare?”

Grandfather discreetly rolled his eyes. “Shakespeare.”

The elder warrior discreetly cleared his throat as the two remaining generals turned to them, their faces set. Colchok quietly said, “We should assume that General Chang, in his own…unique manner, has agreed with you without actually saying so. Admiral Kumerian, I ask you: are you sure?”

Kumerian took a deep breath, stood straight, and replied, “I have been…concerned… for some time now about Captain Kruge. His actions since the deaths of his brother and soon afterwards his father have aroused great concern among my staff. The last straw was his unauthorized incursion into Federation space - I have no difficulty taking on a Federation any time, any place, but on our terms, not theirs. He could have caused an incident that we would have faced at a disadvantage when we were not ready. I do not know - neither of us does - what Kruge plans. At this point, I do not care. I do know he is out of control. He is out of …compliance. And he needs to be stopped.”

“Grandfather?”

“Kruge is a threat to the Empire, nothing less. We know how to deal with threats.”

There was a long pause before M’Chach growled, “Do what you must. You shall document everything. I want Kruge brought back alive if at all possible.”

Grandfather smiled gently. “So let it be written; so let it be done.” The two generals rose and walked back into the darkness, and Kumerian and Grandfather turned and left the hall. They were a few steps into the rotunda when Kumerian, still looking straight ahead, quietly asked, “When will you notify your man?”

“I have already done so.” Kumerian turned to Grandfather, a look of surprise on his face. “Before this?”

“A very wise human - do not look so startled, Ardak; there are a few- once said, ‘It is often better to ask forgiveness than permission.’ “

“Dare I ask how?”

“No, friend, you may not. Some things I may not share, even with you.”

Kumerian grunted as they passed through the doors into the plaza. “Understood. What happens next? And if you’re thinking about telling me that you cannot tell me, remember that we are talking about the finest captain in the Deep Space Fleet and one of the finest families in the Empire.

“And my lifelong friend.”

Grandfather paused, and turned to Kumerian. “As soon as I return to the research center, I shall issue the orders to detain the family. Be assured that they shall suffer no discomfort other than the food. No matter what we find, I shall not punish them. Society will hurt them far worse than any sentence. I will then issue the orders to arrest Kruge.”

There was a long silence before Kumerian said, “You realize of course that the odds of marching him through those doors are zero.”

“Mm. I am sorry, Ardak. General M’Choch said that more for the record than as a tactical instruction.”

“Not as sorry as I am. At this point I want to execute him myself.”


TO BE CONTINUED….

Mike

[Johnnie Lyle]

It’s BACK!

[jemhouston]

And the board rejoice

[Johnnie Lyle]

And the board rejoice

Yes. Mike has a genuine gift for both understanding and intertwining all the various iterations of Trek and creating something new and compelling but still familiar and comfortable.

[jemhouston]

And the board rejoice

Yes. Mike has a genuine gift for both understanding and intertwining all the various iterations of Trek and creating something new and compelling but still familiar and comfortable.

Paramount needs to hire him

[Johnnie Lyle]

And the board rejoice

Yes. Mike has a genuine gift for both understanding and intertwining all the various iterations of Trek and creating something new and compelling but still familiar and comfortable.

Paramount needs to hire him

Not until he finishes writing for us!

[jemhouston]

Yes. Mike has a genuine gift for both understanding and intertwining all the various iterations of Trek and creating something new and compelling but still familiar and comfortable.

Paramount needs to hire him

Not until he finishes writing for us!

Don't you want to see this In Imax?

[Johnnie Lyle]

Paramount needs to hire him

Not until he finishes writing for us!

Don't you want to see this In Imax?

Yes, but I don’t want a lame GoT-style ending as the showrunners outrun the author.