Captain Nicolette Ashwood - Look What We Made
Ava Munro
((USS Kepler – en route to United Alliance of Worlds Territory))
The situation was curious. Extraordinarily so. They had three races that had been influenced, inadvertently so, by USS Voyager's remarkable journey through space. Lettie was rarely awestruck by the stories of other crews, she was strictly of the opinion that each ship had their own collection of incredible stories.
Yet, Janeway and her crew were most certainly the exception. Lettie admired Janeway's steely determination and dedication to her crew. Her legacy in the Delta Quadrant was so remarkable that even these species were encouraged to emulate it. There was something remarkable about that, not only that it made her incredibly proud to be a Starfleet officer that day but also that these people sought the hopeful promise of the Federation ideals.
A reminder for her that that was not to be taken for granted. It was with this in her thoughts as she followed Hopper through the corridors of the Kepler towards the transporter room. Lettie was more than a little eager, and somehow trepidious, to meet the Illidarian captain, Ertmo. She wondered if Hopper would be up to the task? Or would she not only fail her own expectations but a much worse thought occurred to her. That Hopper would fail to meet the expectations of these people, and perhaps they would find them less than.
Zakrem: Response
Ashwood: Have we considered the risk to the Kepler's crew from being exposed to the pathogen?
Hopper: Their commanding officer, Captain Ertmo, assures me that there’s little risk. Our crews biology shouldn’t be susceptible to the pathogen, and we’ll ensure a full decon screening on any transports onto the Kepler… That said, I’ve instructed Lieutenant Commander Iko and Lieutenant Wong to make sure their teams take proper precautions.
Lettie nodded and clasped her hands together. Hopper appeared to at least put on the appearance of professionalism, which was a small mercy.
Ashwood: Captain :: pause for a breath :: Have we considered what the Zumardi hope to achieve with this insidious attack? If the UAW is to be believed.
She felt a strong pull to believe in them. After all they were, in a sense, the children of the Federation.
Zakrem: Response
Hopper: I’m not sure yet what it is, but something about this whole thing gives me the heebie-jeebies. I don’t think we’re getting the full picture… ::Thinking:: It’s hard to imagine this Zumardi ‘insurgency’ taking it upon themselves to develop this pathogen, inflict it on these people, and withhold a cure unprovoked. There’s a piece here that Ertmo hasn’t shared yet. I’m hoping when we meet him we can learn more.
They entered the transporter room.
Zakrem: Response
The transporter operator standing at the controls, nodded as the three senior officers entered, then indicated their visitor was ready.
Operator: We’re ready here, ma’am. One to beam aboard.
As the transporter shimmered the captain appeared before them.
Hopper: Captain Ertmo. I’m Lieu– Mm. ::Correcting herself:: I’m Captain Robin Hopper of the USS Kepler. Welcome aboard. This is my Special Operations Officer, Chief Petty Officer Ilid Zakrem, and my– Captain Nicolette Ashwood.
Lettie nodded in acknowledgement to the captain, allowing Hopper to take the lead who extended her hand of welcome.
Ertmo: Response
Zakrem: Response?
Gesturing towards the door, Robin suggested they relocate their conversation.
Hopper: On behalf of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet, I’d be happy to discuss further the challenges your people are dealing with and determine what sort of assistance we might be able to render. I suggest taking the conversation to our conference room for now, where we can talk candidly.
Ertmo: Response
Ashwood: It will give you a chance to see more of the ship. I'm rather fond of her myself.
A small smile began to creep in as she looked at the fresh commanding officer. It was a look that conveyed ‘and I expect her returned in the same condition’.
Zakrem: Response
Hopper: The Kepler is, in fact, the same class of ship as the Voyager – we call it an Intrepid Class, though you may have known that already. She’s a fine ship, and recently upgraded. Captain Ashwood is typically the Commanding Officer however, given my familiarity with the region, I’ll be leading this mission. ::Raising her eyebrows:: But I’m very curious to learn more about you and your ship, Captain.
Ertmo: Response
She listened intently, with renewed fascination as they made their way towards the turbolift.
Ashwood: :: extends her arm :: After you, captains and Mister Zakrem.
Zakrem/Hopper/Ertmo: Response
As they entered the turbolift ahead of her she followed behind them.
Zakrem/Hopper/Ertmo: Response
Ashwood: Captain Ertmo, I'd love to know more about the history of your people, how did this union come about?
Zakrem/Hopper/Ertmo: Response
Tags/TBC
Captain Nicolette Ashwood
