Preflight Jitters

Posted on Tue Feb 22nd, 2022 @ 1:57pm by Lieutenant Percival Bálor Ph.D & Lieutenant Zero & Lieutenant JG Elizabeth Stone

3,490 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: The Bandits of Black Rain
Location: USS Ontario | Deck 21 | Shuttlebay

Lieutenant Stone had caught up to Percy as he was en route to the nearest turbolift, their destination was the Ontario's shuttle bay on deck twenty-one. Percy did not have time to get himself together, having given his uniform top to Haruna though none of that mattered in the moment. He would just replicate a another on the shuttle once they had gone through the preflight checklist.

Fabio had better have found someone before we get done. I am not waiting any longer than I have to thought Percy privately. "Deck twenty one," he called out to the computer as the doors of the turbolift closed. "The ice queens seemed particularly icy today" he said to Siren referring to the Ontario's First Officer.

Siren snorted. "Maybe she just needs to get laid." She quipped. Siren resettled her pack across her shoulder as they stood in the turbolift.

When they arrived at their destination at the end of the corridor that the two had taken, they entered the shuttle bay and Percy quickly scanned the room with his eyes. "That one," he said pointing to a type-14 shuttlecraft. "Go through your preflight checklist. I'll get things ready on my end. Once you are ready, I'll request permission to embark."

Before Siren could respond, however, the doorway opened behind them, and Percy turned. He found someone quickly thought Percy expecting to see some minion from Operations. Instead, Percy found himself taken aback. "Lieutenant Zero," he said addressing the man. "You're coming along?"

Siren looked between the two. She decided to get started on that preflight check rather than run her mouth about a 3rd department head joining this little side mission.

Zero stood there, looking at each of them for a few seconds, before replying quickly. "I am afraid, the only one who met the qualifications for this assignment, was myself." He walked toward the two as he continued in his monotone way of speaking. "I must apologize, Lieutenants, for my initial error with this task. I made the argument that two department heads, leaving on a mission such as this, was a mistake. Now, I find due to the lack of preparation and urgency by the Commander, I am forced to add a third Department head to this excursion. Therefore, I must apologize for that error in judgement, for going against it myself."

That is golden thought Percy as he not only received an apology from Zero, but it came with a slice of delicious humble pie. Still, the amusement of the circumstances was short lived. Percy was not about to rub it in the man's face. "It is okay Zero," the Chief Science Officer replied. "You made completely valid points in the conference room, but sometimes experience and circumstances provide a bit of an X factor that throw logic out out the airlock."

"Personally, I would rather have you with us than one of your more youthful officers like Parker. Your experience will be better suited and I need individuals that I can depend on."

"X-factor?!" Zero replied softly, his gaze seemed to shift slightly before focusing back to Percy. "I am afraid, Lieutenant, my database and experience has never encountered an X factor before. Is this a recently discovered chemical and natural compound that Starfleet has begun to test or analyze?"

Siren couldn't help but roll her eyes, though she did manage to be looking away when she did so. God, it was like having a walking computer around, he was worse than a Vulcan. She would let Percy try to explain it, he had brought it up after all. She took the pilots seat. "I will have preflight checks done shortly."

"Hey," Percy said sternly yet teasingly, directed at Siren in particular. "I am not Lieutenant Mizuhara, do not skip over anything crucial and don't bubblegum and shoelace things together. I want that shuttle safe and suitable. We're professionals here," he added.

Siren glared at Percy, honestly offended. "Of course not, sir." She spat the last word out more like a curse than an honorific. Her patience with the whole mess just about gone.

Redirecting his attention to Zero, Percy made it a teachable lesson. "An X-factor just means something that you cannot plan for, a variable that you could not properly anticipate it happening, but you just never know when something like it will happen. Did the Borg ever experience stuff like that?"

Zero seemed to look away slightly, the blue mechanical pupils shifted slightly, before he focused back to Percy and replied. "The Borg has encountered many species. However, due to the knowledge and technology that was assimilated by species familiar with them, their attempts to resist was short and provided little alteration in strategy. To my knowledge, only one particular event, has occurred which match the conditions you describe." He paused slightly, as if frozen in place, before adding. "You are not authorized to hear the details of this encounter due to orders from Starfleet Command. However, I can reveal, that event is the only time I can recollect that the Borg Collective acted... out of character."

"Interesting," Percy replied. "I would certainly love to hear more about that when I have the clearance to or it becomes acceptable for me to learn more about it; however, I do know one thing. You had your collective assess handed to you by the Federation on more than one occasion."

Zero looked at him oddly. In his experience, his remark, was an attempt to cause a reaction or prepare to harm Zero in some way. However, he was not wrong, but his facts were in reference to several victories over countless encounters. "You are correct, Lieutenant, but you are also attempting to use a small number by overlooking the greater number." He took a step toward Percy, his emotionless look firm, and his mechanical eyes focused directly into Percy's eyes. "When you take into account the small number of victories Starfleet, and the Federation as its own collective, has obtained in the numerous encounters with the Borg, you will find those victories do not balance out in the favor you are attempting to emphasize. So, if your attempt is to antagonize or elicit a reaction, you will find your task is in error. I am afraid, I do not feel a sense of victory or lose in the encounters with both groups, so I cannot express to you some kind of guilt or remorse. Nor pride or accomplishment." He seemed to pause for a bit, looking away for a moment, before looking back. "I feel, if I could, those who have used the same argument could understand that my lack of feelings is not by choice. It simply... is."

"Could we all sit around and sing kum-bye-yah later? We do have a mission here." Siren unclenched her right fist, not aware that she had made one until the pain lanced hotly up her arm. She took one cleansing breath then returned her attention to the flight control panel. "She's good to go sirs."

"Thank you, Lieutenant Stone," Percy replied back, making note to address her properly with her last name rather than Siren. "We'll be right there," he added.

Percy looked at Zero. "No," he said simply. "I did not mean to incite some sort of emotional response from you nor try to elicit a reaction. My point was just that as efficient as the Borg Collective is, no matter the amount of species added to that collective, the tactical strategies, the advanced technology, at least on a few occasions, something happened that caused an upset resulting in the Federation coming out on top....now, how about we get this mission underway? Contact the Bridge and let them know we are ready down here."

Zero was quiet, looking at Percy with an emotionless look, before replying. "I am afraid you have struck in error again, Lieutenant." He said simply. "The Borg do not get upset. They adapt and make another attempt." He took a step passed Percy, but stopped next to him, adding softly. "I must emphasize that I can only use the knowledge, I retained from my life as a Borg, to benefit Starfleet and my crewmates while serving on board this ship. I cannot use it to answer every question, or pay for every atrocity, made by a life I was forced to participate in. I must only more forward the best way I know how, and I am told, not looking back is beneficial." Before Percy could respond, the Liberated Borg, concluded with. "I will contact the bridge, as instructed." As he walked off toward the shuttle.

Lieutenant Percival Bálor entered the shuttle, not his favorite place to be, but the type-14s were a little more spacious than shuttles that he had been on in the past. It still wasn't a runabout, but it was suited for the mission at hand. He found Siren getting settled into a seat at the front of the cockpit. "Give me a moment and I'll find you the most direct course," he commented as he slid into a seat and began pulling up star charts.

"Awww, where's the fun in that?" Siren whispered, leaning in. "I'm sure Zero would love a road trip." She quipped. Her earlier annoyance with Percy having left as quickly as it came.

Zero sat down at a console configured for Operations. He tapped his gloved hands quickly around, gliding them between buttons, before opening a com channel with the Bridge. "Shuttlecraft: Oak Orchard is ready to depart, Bridge. Awaiting further instructions."

Percy settled and waited for the clearance. "I am sure Zero would want to take the shortest, most direct course, ideally one with the least amount of difficulties and avoidance of risk, but let's hear from the man himself?"

He stopped tapping on the console, focused on the monitor ahead of him, before turning to look at Percy. His mechanical pupils seemed to shift slightly before looking to Siren, than back again to Percy. "It is our understanding the whole area is a risk. Long or short, the potential for difficulties is at a constant. If you remember correctly, Lieutenant, my original course was for you to order a new amount of Zenite, which you refused in a very determined fashion. I believe we are long past the conveniences of decided which route would be a risk. Would you not agree?"

A frustrated Percy spun his seat around in a partial swivel, and promptly so. "Alright, the both of you, let's get a few things clear about this little excursion that we are going on. Because everyone from Lieutenant Commander Vetur down appears to be under the impression that this is not that important" Percy said crisply.

"Zenite is not all that common, especially the variety that I had been able to secure. It comes from an even rarer ore. This has more importance to it than I can even begin to explain. This is not about Percy going off to go get something for his precious plants."

"When balanced with the potential lives of yourself, and your crewmates, Starfleet regulations lists this excursion as an unnecessary risk. You were able to procure Zenite, which means, you could procure it again." Zero turned his chair back around, facing the monitor, as he maintained his calm and unwavering tone. "The procurement of this shipment is of important to you alone, and this decision to pursue the Zenite into a now known hostile area, shows you value something which you state has more importance than you can even explain only proves your success in your task, which includes this item, is more important."

He paused tapping on his console, turning his head slightly, to focus his vision on Percy from the corner of his eye. "While I cannot speak for Lieutenant Stone, I can however speak for myself, by revealing my priority is not the Zenite. Its to secure the safety of my crewmates. Namely, you and the Lieutenant, should this investigation prove to be far more dangerous that the three of us can endure." He turned back, continuing to tap on the console before adding firmly. "The one quality the secured my involvement, Lieutenant Balor, is one simple thing. Of all others, in my department, I am expendable. My removal from the ship will have little affect on the work done and only one person onboard will probably show sympathy for my loss." He seemed to stop tapping the console, pausing in through, before concluding. "If the decision must be made I will remove myself to ensure both of your survival."

"Zero, consider yourself two of three regarding this mission. You had better no do anything like sacrificing yourself for either of us unnecessarily. You may consider yourself as expendable, but you are the head of the Ontario's Operations Department. You also would be mourned by many should you perish on any mission," Percy said strongly.

He looked at them both. "If any of us are to die doing this, then you deserve to understand the gravity of why this is important." Percy shook his head. "This is not a selfish endeavor for me. That zenite can be used in soil to help in the growth of mahko root and several other medicinal plants, some of which are used as the only known treatments to diseases and illnesses. Securing what's left of that Zenite could save the lives of hundreds...potentially thousands."

"Hey, Percy. I'm sorry." Siren stated. "You know I tease, probably a bit too much. But I promise, I am taking this seriously, and I will fly the pants off this shuttle if need be to get it and us back home safely."

Zero's brain was filled with too much statistics and probabilities that he could comprehend immediately why the goal was worth the risk. It was the Borg part of him that was not allowing the moral aspect of their mission to overcome the math and efficiency. He knew the cause was noble and one the other two felt strongly about, but there was too much conflict in his mind to justify everything else. His hands kept stopping and starting again. Struggling to tap the console and maintain focus on his task. He knew a response was required. An acknowledgement of the goal and, similar to Lieutenant Stone, an assurance he would do his part to complete it.

Finally, his hands stopped completely. He clenched them, for a moment, as he looked over to Percy. "Regretfully, my experience as a Borg, does not place me in the best position to weigh in on the nobility of your goal. The data still comes out to this goal being a far greater risk. For example, your task will fail if none of us survive, and those you are pushing to save will not get what they require. There is also a statistical chance, the rarity of this cargo, only makes it valuable to the very pirates who may come up against. The more rare items they procure, the more profit there is for them, so we may find your Zenite has already been procured. They what will our mission be? Take it back? Send the Ontario after them? All of Starfleet? Begin another conflict over this cargo that can, not will, help people who may not see your cure if this conflict turns into a full blown war? Where will it end, Lieutenant? Do you even know when to stop? Can you?" He placed one gloved hand over the other, feeling the Borg wires protruding from his hand from underneath the fabric of the glove, a constant reminder he was part machine. "I acknowledge your desire to help, and I regret I cannot express the same feeling, but this Zenite cannot be the only way to achieve your goal. I will do all I can to complete this task. However, I need an understand from you. Both of you, if required."

"Lieutenant, so long as the probability of there still being some Zenite aboard that vessel, so long at the statistical probability of a successful mission is above Zero," Percy said looking at the Borg in particular, the sharpness of his numerical word not lost on him.

"Any chance, any margin, no matter how slim nor small it may be, that we can save even one life by doing this, is something that I am willing to shoulder. Because we are Starfleet and risk...risk is our business and we have a sworn duty to preserve and protect the lives of others, and that is exactly what I plan on doing."

Percy nodded at Zero. "Zero, you have understanding so long as I have yours. We are doing this mission and doing it to the best of our abilities to the fullest extent of our sworn duties."

Zero kept is focus on Percy, the double meaning of his comment about a successful mission is above Zero was not lost on him, but the Lieutenant seemed determined to verbally joust with him even though nothing he said was inaccurate. It was as if death would be the only outcome that would allow the Lieutenant's mind to be opened to the possibility that this could be a move done with poor planning.

"Lieutenant Balor... I am not arguing the nobility in your goal, only the inefficiency that we do not have enough information to determine the end of this mission will lead to a favorable outcome. At least, set aside your stubborn train of thought, and acknowledge you haven't considered an alternative method to achieve your goal." Zero's eyes shifted, zooming in on Percy, as he adding. "If the Zenite is not there or minimal. If the risk of becomes more than use three, and this shuttle, can handle. You must call it off." Before Percy could reply, Zero oddly raised his voice slightly, to conclude. "At which point, I will pull together my knowledge of elements, formulas, and technology accumulated by the Borg to help you work out an alternative that will give you the desired result and potentially a greater number of survivors. My determination, on that task, will not pull away. You will find, as a former Borg, I will not regenerate until you get the desired result. With or without this Zenite." Zero did not notice the sound of sincerity from his tone. He did not know what it was or he did not know to look for it. The Borg was not familiar with it enough to know when or how to express it properly.

Siren had finally had it. "Oh for Christ sake, there isn't always enough information, sometimes you just have to go with what you have, and then wing it. We have our orders, we follow them." The timing was perfect, as the ship responded with their clearance to launch. She looked to Percy, hoping that he would give her the go to launch. At least if she mouthed off to Zero too much and went over the line, they'd have to wait to throw her in the brig.

Percy knew that Siren could be short fused and hot headed. Zero did not mean to get under anyone's skin, at least as far as Percy was aware. "Siren, take us out," he said to the woman as he turned back around and sent a route to her console.

The half-Tellarite then brought himself back about to give Zero some attention. "I appreciate you coming on this mission with its flaws and all. You are a good officer, Zero. I know if there's any chance off success, that you will find it" added Percy with a small smile.

Zero looked at Siren, then to Percy, the look on his face never altering. He could only offer a simple nod, before shifting his chair to face the ops console again. Before he began to tap he processed the experience. The conversation seemed less of a conversation and more of something else entirely. No matter what Zero said, or points to brought up, only few were acknowledged and faded from the conversation. Others seem to just never reach their destination. Even his offer seem to go untouched. The Borg could do nothing but process this information and judge his order in this small collective by what came next.

____
OFF

Lieutenant Zero
Chief Operations Officer
USS Ontario

Lieutenant Percival Bálor, Ph.D
Chief Science Officer
USS Ontario

Lieutenant JG Elizabeth 'Siren' Stone
Chief Flight Control
USS Ontario

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