Captain Whittaker: Strange New World (Columbia)

[Michael Meir-Wright]

OOC: Do feel free to continue the scenes from the party- that's the beauty of shore leave- and do feel free to join us on Losaria as well when you're ready!

((Bridge – Deck One – USS Columbia))

((Time Index: Several Weeks After The Awards Ceremony)

 

::The U.S.S. Columbiaslipped in to orbit of Ehziro V- better known as Losaria to it’s native inhabitants- with little fanfare. On the bridge, Captain Theo Whittaker looked at the cloud-streaked orb and silently marvelled at the ingenuity and technical skills of those who had helped to construct the vast city that encompassed much of the surface. Millions of miles above the ecumenopolis, just coming into view, were two of Losaria’s three moons; one a small pinkish-brown orb, its surface hidden by dense clouds of gas and the other a lifeless chunk of grey rock. Further beyond them, shining in the far distance shone Ehziro- the lone star system at the centre of the star system.::

 

::Rising from his chair and stepping over to the side of the joint navigation and operations console at the front of the bridge, he placed one hand on the shoulder of Lieutenant Jona ch’Ranni, once again proud of the Andorian’s piloting ability.::

 

Whittaker: Excellently done, Lieutenant. ::he said approvingly, looking down at the young chenbefore he looked back at the orb of Losaria on the viewscreen.:: Impressive, is it not? ::he said to nobody in particular.:: An entire city spanning the entire planet…. a true modern day wonder of the cosmos. ::he grinned.::

 

Any: ? 

 

::Theo had only ever visited one ecumenopolis before- Tilanna V, once a haven for criminals and those peddling in corruption and now a vassal world of the Klingon Empire. He and the crew of StarBase 118had been summoned to investigate the murder of somebody wanted in connection with the outbreak of a breed of deadly Tribbles on the station. Having spent enough time on the planet, Theo had vowed never to return.::

 

::With any luck Losaria would prove to be a vastly different world. If what Commander Marayn had told him about her homeworld was true, then he had nothing to worry about.::

 

Whittaker: oOWhat was it she called her world?The cradle of Losarian culture?Oo

 

Any: ?

 

::He could have stared at the planet for hours had it not been looking forward to viewing it first hand. Several days previously, Commander Marayn had informed Theo that the reigning monarch of Losaria had formally extended the hand of friendship to the crew, welcoming them to visit the Royal Court and to enjoy the sights and sounds of her world. Given that it was the first world in the Sagittarius Reach (not included the already charted Delta Vega I) that they were to explore, Theo was happy to forego protocol and join the crew in visiting what was sure to be a fascinating world.::

 

::Turning from the viewscreen, Theo regarded his first officer with an eager glimmer in his eye.::

Whittaker: What do you to rewarding the crew for their hard work lately with a spot of shore leave, Commander Thoran?

 

Thoran: ?

 

Any: ?

 

::Though the incident with Kaironn was now several weeks behind them, the journey to Losaria had been a long one and it had felt longer than it had been because of the anticipation of visiting a strange new world. Of course that hadn’t stopped Commander Thoran from making a brief trip home to see his family during the long voyage. He envied his first officer: for the only family Theo had left was his mother, who was currently on her own deep space assignment on the far side of Cardassian space.::

 

Whittaker: oOMaybe I should take Sal up on his suggestion to visit 118.Oo  ::he thought himself, before turning his attention to other matters as his yeoman, Lieutenant Haneer, spoke up- her enormous mane of curly brown-blonde hair swinging majestically behind her as she turned around to address him.::

 

Haneer: We’re receiving instructions from the Imperial Palace, Captain. The Royal Court will receive you at 2000 Hours.

 

::A little over four hours, Theo realised. That would give him enough time to once again go over the protocol for meeting royalty with Mirra and Ambassador Nicholotti. A small part felt a thrill of terror knowing that he was going to be representing the Federation to the ruler of an entire Commonwealth. Fortunately, the rest of him was proud of and thrilled at the opportunity.::

 

Whittaker: I suppose I make sure that my dress uniform still fits. ::he said with a chuckle.:: Commander Ezo, Ambassador Nicholotti- shall we go over royal protocols?

 

Ezo/Nicholotti: ?

 

Whittaker: Excellent. ::he smiled at them appreciatively and then looked to Jarred.:: Number One- you have the bridge. Please ensure that the crew are all rotated to the planet for shore leave.

 

Thoran: ?

 

Any: ?

 

::Leaving the bridge with Mirra and Kali, Theo realised that within a matter of minutes, Jarred was going to be swamped with requests to be amongst the first to beam down to Losaria.::

 

Whittaker: oOThat’s the beauty of being a Captain…Oo ::he thought with a smirk, oOI can delegate.Oo

 

Ezo/Nicholotti: ?

TAG

 

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Captain Theo M. Whittaker

Commanding Officer

USS Columbia

NCC 85279

ID: C239203TW0