The Face is Familiar

Posted on Sun Dec 17th, 2023 @ 6:26am by Commander Marissa Hunter & Captain Alec Hunter

0 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: Welcome Home Stanger
Location: USS Ares/Starbase 135

(The following is copied from our discord group)

Prologue:

Captain Alec Hunter sighed silently not that his comrades would know or ask questions. In his guise as a Romulan general he was above such mundane acts but as a Starfleet Captain he knew frustration first hand. He had been undercover for two years and it was time to go home back to the Federation and back to Marissa. He missed her terribly. He had managed to sneak a note to her that only she would be able to read when he sent her a case of vintage Romulan ale.
Gary Taylor — 11/17/2023 1:00 PM
The Federation needed to know what the Romulan Star Empire was up. Why they had been so quiet recently. An attack on the starbase Marissa commanded was coming to deprive the Federation of its outpost as well as opening up the sector to the Romulans so they could invade and take over the worlds in their way. Marissa needed to know to get the Ares ready for the attack as well as get some needed reinforcements. His predicament was how to get to Marissa. He finally settled on the idea of stealing a Romulan shuttle, faking his own kidnapping and head for the starbase. He would destroy the shuttle and 'himself' and once again become Captain Alec Hunter.
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/17/2023 10:46 PM
Mari sat her desk her office at the station in deep thought. The station served as a center of trade for the sector, it was not uncommon to have Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Ferengi and ships from various other races and alliances all docked at the same time. Starbase 135 was also the home port for the USS Ares. The Ares routinely patroled the area that used to be the Romulan neutral zone. Though the neutral zone was gone there was still some tension in the area. Starbase 135 had another purpose, which was to listen to Romulan communications. Mari was the station commander, but also routinely served as interm commanding officer of the Ares. It was an odd arrangement, but the Captaincy had been held open for a specific individual who had been on Special Assignment for over two years now.
All had been quiet lately, too quiet. And the fact that she hadn't seen any Romulan merchants dock at the station in a couple of months did not escape her notice. Mari yawned and decided it was bed time so she stood up, stretched an headed to her quarters.
travelchick45 — 11/17/2023 11:01 PM
2:00 AM Federation time. Mari was sound asleep when the call came in. "Commander I have Admiral Wilkenson on supspace. "Why...always in the middle of the night...." She yawned again, slipped on her robe and went over to her view screen. She was not fond of Wilkenson, she was the one that sent Marc away and she was positive Wilkenson was part of section 31. Mari denied having any knowledge of the organization. "We don't talk about Fight Club." She mumbled in reference to an old movie she had once seen.
travelchick45 — 11/17/2023 11:09 PM
Mari took a sip of water, cleared her throat and answered the call. "Admiral, for what do I have the pleasure of being woke up in the middle of the night for?" Wilkenson smiled and said: "Isn't it dark all the time out there commander?" Mari just sighed. Wilkenson continued. "The Ares is enroute to pick you up Commander, they picked up a transmission from deep in Romulan space about the kidnapping of a Romulan General. I'm sending the Ares in to investigate. She'll be there in an hour to pick you up. It's been quiet out there Commander, we need to get in closer to see what's going on. Wilkenson out." (Tag)
The transmission ended before Mari could say anything else. "Who needs sleep anyway." She mumbled as she showered quickly and slipped in to uniform. An hour later she was sitting in the command chair and the Ares was heading into Romulan space. (TAG)
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 2:04 PM
The Alec had stolen and faked his kidnapping had made a successful escape and had about a two hour head start on the Romulan pursuers. He scanned the area looking for Mari but so far nothing and his rear scanners showed two Romulan warbirds in hor pursuit and closing fast.
"Where are you Mari?" He whispered ti himself as he continued to scan the surrounding space for a Federation signature.
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 2:39 PM
The Ares approached the coordinates provided. "Slow to impulse, scan the area." Mari ordered. "What are we looking for Commander?" asked the tactical officer. "Hmm... I don't quite know Frank. Orders from the Admiral are to bring the ship here and start scanning." Mari replied. Not even Mari was aware that Alec had sent a coded message to the admiral with his intent. Wilkensen hadn't provided a why or how to Mari, just the orders to get the ship there. "Picking up a Romulan Shuttlecraft Captain. They should be picking us up now too. Visual range in about a minute. Oh...sensors also picking up 2 larger warp signatures, closing fast on the shuttle. Looks like they are in pursuit." "Shields up. Open a secured frequency and hail the shuttle." "Aye commander." replied the com officer. Mari stood up. "Romulan shuttle this is the Federation Starship Ares. Surely you understand that you are very near Federation Space and though the Neutral Zone no longer exists, we still require you to state your intent before entering our space. I see you have friends. Are you all together or do you require assistance?" (TAG)
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 2:49 PM
Aboard the shuttle Alec smiled at Mari's words. He opened a channel and his grim visage appeared on the viewscreen of the Federation ship. "This is General S'Tookr of the Romulan Star Navy. I require your assistance." In his next breath he continued in Mari's language. "Hiya Mari. missed you."
(Tag)
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 3:01 PM
He continued. "Don't transport me until the warbirds fire on the shuttle. It must look like I was killed when the shuttle was destroyed."
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 3:45 PM
Mari simply nodded and replied back to him Federation Common. Understood. Ares out." The screen went dark. "Did that Romulan officer just say he missed you in Lanthanitian? Commander? " asked the very confused com officer. "Did he? " Mari responded coyly. "Maybe there was a glitch in the universal translator Lieutenant. " She opened a com to the rest of the ship. "This is Commander Hunter. Until notified otherwise this vessel and and crew are on on a Priority One mission. What happens is not to be discussed with anyone outside of this crew and discussion amongst the crew about said mission shall only concern your duty at hand. Hunter out." She looked at the tactical officer. "Leave our shields up until the Romulan Warbirds fire on the shuttle, then drop them. Transporter room, our shields can only be down for a few seconds. When they drop, lock on to the General and beam him onboard. Frank, when the General is on board get those shields back up. Don't back away, ride the shockwave. We need to look like we are investigating the shuttle when it's destroyed, not like we're running from the Warbirds." Frank nodded but still seemed confused as to why the Romulans would fire on their own shuttle. "Um Commander so we are abducting a Romulan General?" He asked. "Mari nodded and responded frankly "Yes we are." She then added "Sickbay....just standby." She added. "Do you want security in the transporter room Commander?" Mari nodded. This had to look like they were abducting a real Romulan General even to the crew. At least until she was given orders otherwise. Of course his few words in Lanthanitian may have given some a clue that he was not. "Satek you have the bridge." The vulcan 2nd officer nodded and took the command chair as Mari left the bridge headed to the transporter room (TAG)
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 7:35 PM
Alec watched the warbirds close the distance to the shuttle. He stood up and moved to the small transporter cubicle. The warbirds would fire as soon as they were in range. he just hoped Mari's people were on the ball. He hated to think he spent years in deep cover to get killed returning home.
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 7:52 PM
Mari arrived in the transporter room just a minute after two security officers. She motioned for the officers to stand on either side of the door. She moved to stand next to the transporter chief. "You've got this Chief. Remember, not until the warbirds fire. "The two warbirds are closing in." came Frank's voice over the com. Mari nodded. "Get ready...." (TAG)
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 8:46 PM
Alec stood as he watched the small monitor. It showed the warbirds moving to killing range to bracket the shuttle. He tried not to tense as he trusted Mari completely, but it was hard to rely on others when he had only himself to depend on for so long. Stii... Mari wouldn't have people on her crew who couldn't do their jobs. He saw the shuttle's scans, showing the warbirds were powering up their weapons. They weren't even going through the motions of hailing him.
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 8:57 PM
The transporter chief was as steady as they came, even with Mari almost literally breathing down his neck. "Wait for it.... Wait for it..." The warbirds simultaneously fired on the shuttle. "Now!" Almost instantly the Ares dropped their shields and locked on to Alec. He dematerialized just as the shuttle vaporized around him. "Do you have him?" Mari said anxously. "Aye Commander...I better, he's got no place to go back to." As Alec's form materialized on the transporter pad, the shields went back up and the ship rocked from the shock wave.
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 9:05 PM
He gazed down at them in full Romulan Star Navy uniform, complete with medals. His eyes were hard until they found Mari and soften as he looked at her. "Permission to come aboard Captain. Then added, "I request political asylum." Deciding it was best to stay in character. As he doubted the crew knew the full story of his mission or if even Mari did. He was sure she was itching to know but she concealed it well. He asked as he noticed the security officers standing to one side. He raised an eyebrow in an almost Vulcan manner but made no comment.
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 9:41 PM
"Granted. If you don't mind, I'd like my doctor to look you over General. That was a rough transport. " Franks voice echoed over the coms. "Cmdr Hunter, the warbirds have turned and are departing on the same route they arrived on. " "Good." Mari responded. " Then we should do the same. Set a course back to the Starbase. Hunter out." She looked back at Alec. "Once the doctor clears you, you can debrief me and explain why you are here." (TAG)
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 9:49 PM
Alec stayed in character. "Of course, Captain er Commander. That would be most satisfactory." He replied as he looked at the security officers hovering close by. Shall we go? I am sure you have many questions and the sooner your doctor checks me over, the sooner I can answer them." He answered as he stepped down off the transporter pad. "Shall we go?"
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 9:59 PM
"I'm just a Commander, but addressing me as Captain is acceptable as I am currently the acting Captain of this vessel. Yes, lets go. I'll show you to sickbay myself." She looked at the security officers. "I will take it from here gentlemen, dismissed. Come with me General General S'Tookr." She lead him out the door and down the corridor. As they walked she said: "Let's get those implants and prosthetics off of you...unless you are going back?" (TAG)
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 10:02 PM
They walked a little further until he finally stopped . He lookrd both ways. making sure they were alone. Then he pulled her close and kissed her passionately. When he released the kiss. he smiled. I've waited over two years to that. I missed you a great deal Mari and no I am not going back. I assure you of that."
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 10:14 PM
She giggled a bit. "General, we can't do that here. Can you imagine what it would do to my career if I got caught making out with a Romulan defector? I missed you too. It's been way too long. I wasn't sure if you were ever coming back. They only told me the bare mininum." They arrived in front of sickbay. I think you'll like our CMO. Her name is Doctor Corelli. She's as good as they come. I trust her like family. I'm sure you will too."
Gary Taylor — 11/18/2023 10:48 PM
Alec sighed. "Your right of course but I couldn't wait Mar. I have missed you so much! I'm home now and I'm never leaving you again." He paused "I'm sorry you were kept in the dark Mari. But I couldn't risk my cover being blown. He looked t the Sickbay doors. "Dr. Corelli? Well. let's not keep the good doctor waiting."
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/18/2023 10:58 PM
As the doors shut behind them a voice from the office yells: "I'll be out in a moment!" The voice was familar to Alec. "Sit down on bio bed one!" Mari motioned to the bed. As Alec sat down a petite blonde woman came out. It was his little sister Amanda, now using a different last name. "I need you to check over our guest Doctor." Mari was waiting to see if the doctor recognized him. The doctor stopped and looked at him...starring at him for the longest time. Finally she turned to Mari and with a straight face said: "He looks better this way. I would just leave the disguise on."
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 8:09 AM
Alec sighed the sigh of an older brother. He looked at Amanda and then Mari. "That isn't funny Mandy. *'I've worn this getup for over two years. I would like it removed. and I've missed you too." A bright smile on his face. "What's with using a different last name? You don't like Hunter anymore?" He glanced over at Mari, "You okay with her using a different last name? Cause I'm not sure I am. Or is it because Hunter has some sort of stigma associated with it that I am unaware of? If so please tell me. I've been out of touch with Starfleet and Federation news."
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 8:23 AM
Amanda laughed. “Try over bearing traditional Italian American husband.” Almost on queue Franks voice came over Mari’s com. “We’re out of Romulan space Commander. ETA to the station is 56 minutes. No sign of pursuit from the Warbirds.” “Thank you Lt Corelli”. Mari used his last name on purpose. “Legally it is actually hyphenated so it’s Hunter-Corelli if that makes you feel better. That was my compromise”.
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 9:29 AM
Alec looked between Mari and Mandy. "No, it doesn't." He answered honestly. "However, I can't change it. Mandy is an adult though I sometimes have doubts about that." He looked at her. Disappointment on his face. "Just get the prosthetics off Dr, Corelli." He said firmly. "Now. if you please." He repeated.
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 10:57 AM
Mandy frowned and replied with a somewhat insolate tone: "Oooh yes Sir!" She pulled on the tip of one of his pointy ears hard, knowing that alone would not pull it off but it would still hurt. "I'll go get the surgical kit." She stormed off. Mari sighed after she was gone. "Alec, take it easy on her. Frank's a good guy. He's just a bit of a traditionalist. We make compromises in marriage. Be happy he's human. She had a few dates with a Horta right after you left. Also, I don't beileve your parents were too excited to find out I had to flee colonial America to avoid persecution in the Salem witch trials nor that my parents served Cleopatra. I think your dad thought you were brining home a Q or something. I think you can deal with an Italian."
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 4:46 PM
Alec glared at her, "And what am I Mari? I've been undercover for two years, protecting the Federation and I come back to find my sister married. This isn't about you Mari or me. I mean it's clear no one other than you cares, I'm back." He sighed, "Great, he's a good guy. I'm a good guy and look what it has gotten me."
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 5:22 PM
"Alec, you need to relax. It seems like you have some issues that you need to speek to the counselor about. You need to understand what happened on this side. Your family was only told very basic information, that you were being sent on a long term assingment and would be out of touch for awhile. I was the only one that had had a slightly more narrowed down idea of where you were. Wilkenson told me that you were in Romulan territory. That's it. And that much information had a level 10 security clearance slapped on it. I couldn't tell anyone that I knew even a little more than they did. I'm sorry life moved on without you but for all they knew you were dead. The case of Romulan Ale that you sent gave me a hint of hope a year ago. Well there's that and the very odd shuffling of personel that has been happening over the last several months, both here on the ship and on the station. I haven't really seen anything like it either here or in Starfleet." She looked at a nurse accross the room. "But that's information for your debriefing. Mandy should be back in a minute."
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 5:41 PM
Alec looked at her in silence for several seconds before he spoke. "I'm relaxed Mari as much as can be after two years with Romulans and worrying if my next breath was going to be my last. But then, I'm good at what I do, so the Romulans never suspected." He sighed and shook his head. "Just forget it, Mari and I'm not going to see a counselor.""
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 7:53 PM
“I’ll reserve judgment on that. Mari said in response as Mandy returned with her surgical kit. “Lay down. I’ll need to sedate you to remove the implants and restore your normal bone structure. You’ll be out for about 15 minutes.” Mandy said.
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 8:03 PM
"Yes Doctor." Alec replied professionally as he lay back on the biobed. He looked over at Mari. "You going to be here when I wake up?" Ignoring her previous statement.
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 8:12 PM
“Yes, of course.” Mari replied. The hypo went into his neck as Mari squeezed his hand. The next thing he hears is his sister voice “Wakey wakey big brother. I think you’ll be happy to have your own ugly mug back”
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 8:16 PM
Alec looked around. Mari was there just as she said she would be as was Amanda. "I just went to sleep." He commented . Then replied to Mandy. "It isn't an ugly mug. I am quite fond of it and Mari likes it as well. Got a mirror?"
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 10:47 PM
“Here…”. Mandy handed it to him anticipating the question. “There’s a uniform over in the shower room if you want to change before you walk back through the corridor.” Mari added.
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 10:50 PM
Alec took the mirror and looked at himself. "Hello stranger." He commented to the reflection staring back at him. "Good work Doctor." He commented to Mandy. "Yes, I believe I would like to shower and change. Mari."
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 11:01 PM
Mari nodded. “The ship should be arriving back at the station shortly. Come up to the to the ready room when you’re done for your debriefing.” Mari said. “What you’re authorized to tell me anyway.” She kissed him. “Umm much better. I’ll see you shortly.”
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 11:06 PM
Alec nodded, "Will do. I'll be up to see shortly. It will feel good to be back in a Starfleet uniform. I agree that kiss was better."
A fewminutes later he had showered and dressed in a Starfleet uniform and stood outside Mari's reasy room. He buzzed the chime and awaited entry.
(Tag)
travelchick45 — 11/19/2023 11:23 PM
“Mari was by the door when he rang. “Enter…”. She said as it opened. She looked out onto the bridge. “Frank you have the bridge until power down is complete. Then let beta shift take over.” Once the doors were closed she motioned to the sofa instead of the desk. “First things first…my standing orders, presuming you returned are to maintain command of the station, but step down to XO of the Ares. She’s yours when you’re ready. You’ll find that the majority of Alpha shift have duties both here and on the station. We have a back up team that handles the station when the Ares is out. On patrol”
Gary Taylor — 11/19/2023 11:30 PM
Alec moved to and sat down on the sofa. Alright. I'm not ready to assume command of the ship yet. So, don't go transferring command codes jus yet. I want to look over the manifest and familiarize myself with the crew. You are okay with XO of the ship? I take it that I have no official role or position on the station and what exactly is the Ares assigned with doing?"
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/20/2023 12:25 AM
“On the station you maintain your rank of course, but you are to assume the role of Chief intelligence attache officer. In other words, leave the disputes between the merchants and keeping the patrons of this station from killing each other to me. And I have to be ok with stepping down to XO on the ship. The ship falls under the command of said attached officer. Though a promotion would have been nice at some point in the last 2 years”
Gary Taylor — 11/20/2023 5:49 AM
Alec looked at Mari. "No, you don't have to be okay with this Mari. If your mad or upset say something. As for a promotion I agree you should have been awarded a promotion and Wilkenson should have done so. I am sorry Mari. I'll see what I can do to change that situation."
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/20/2023 7:38 AM
She was holding the command for you Alec. I just kept the seat warm. But take your time, let me know when you are ready to take over. Off of that subject things are changing out here. It has not gone unnoticed by me that Starfleet is stacking its cards so to speak. There’s been staff changes and shifts both on the ship and station.”
Gary Taylor — 11/20/2023 10:28 AM
Alec nodded. He wasn't pleased to know Mari had not received a well-deserved promotion. "I will Mari. As for things changing out here, I know. Changed because of moves I made as S'tookr. Trying to alert Starfleet to what was coming without being blatant about it." He answered as he pushed Mandy out of his mind. He knew he was being unfair to her and her husband but darn! He deserved to be there at her wedding and now it was snatched away from him.
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/20/2023 10:36 PM
“That would explain it. They have been transferring officers clear out here that were up for really coveted postings elsewhere. They were denied their requests and sent out here. Others that were already out here were transferred out and replaced. Your sister became an assistant CMO on the station a year ago. Not long after that , Doctor T’Rin was transferred out and Mandy became CMO for both the station and the ship. Mandy is probably the best there is but you know as well as I do that 28 years old is really young for her rank and position.” (TAG)
Gary Taylor — 11/20/2023 11:05 PM
Alec nodded. "Yes, the transfers were in direct response to my moves." He paused. "Mandy is a good doctor but no 28 is young even for someone who is talented and skilled as she is." Alec looked at Mari. "You tell here that and I'll deny it. Changing the subject, tell me about this Frank is he good ? I don't mean good to Mandy. If he isn't he'll disappear in the middle of the night. I mean is he a good officer?"
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/20/2023 11:43 PM
“Please don’t make the best tactical officer in the quadrant disappear. We really need him out here. He comes across as a big muscle bound lug and sometimes his Brooklyn accent doesn’t help that. He was the Star Quarterback on the Academy football team, but that makes him a screwed tactician. His record is spotless. But that can be said for most of the crew.”
Gary Taylor — 11/21/2023 6:11 AM
Alec listened and took in what Mari said. He respected her views and her opinions. "Those days are behind him and if he expects me to fawn over him, he can forget it. I appreciate your view and your opinion Mari. Now, do you want to debrief me?"
(tag)
travelchick45 — 11/26/2023 6:37 PM
"I had hoped to be debriefing you about what you learned out there for the past couple of years. Is that your way of telling me you can't tell me anything?"
Gary Taylor — 11/26/2023 7:16 PM
Alec gave her, his best smile. "Not at all Mari. It means I'm ready to tell you what I learned out there among the Romulans. It is quite a lot and Starfleet needs to know."
Gary Taylor — 11/26/2023 7:52 PM
He then wiggled his finger for her to come closer. When Mari did, Alec whispered "I can tell you that I love you and I missed you terribly. I'm glad to be home."
travelchick45 — 11/26/2023 10:40 PM
"I'm glad you are home too. Tell me what you can. Don't get yourself in trouble with Wilkenson. She sighed. "Who am I kidding. Section 31 is going to drag me in whether I want it or not. The Ares has standing orders to...and I quote: "Do what it takes to protect Federation Space." That includes a whole list of things that would normally get an officer court martialed."
Gary Taylor — 11/27/2023 5:40 AM
"Then I would say you have a lot of leeway in this matter. As for Wilkenson, I'm not worried. For two years I did my job collecting information, assessing the Romulan political and military situation without any help from her." He paused and asked."You have a recording device to take all this down?"
travelchick45 — 12/11/2023 11:04 PM
Mari nodded. “I assume you don’t want this on ships logs then?”
Gary Taylor — 12/12/2023 6:01 AM
Alec smiled, "You know what happens when you assume Mari but yes, I don't want this on the ships logs. This stays between us and whatever secure recording device you have,"
travelchick45 — 12/12/2023 11:34 PM
Mari nodded, walked over to the desk and took out a portable recorder. After sitting down again she turned it on. “Go ahead.”
Gary Taylor — 12/13/2023 6:17 AM
Alec took a breath and began speaking in measured tones. "I am Captain Alec Hunter for two plus years I have been undercover in the Romulan Star Navy as General S'Tookr, commander of the Romulan Third Fleet, its ships and personnel. Third Fleet is charged with patrolling the area of space this Starbase currently occupies. Starfleet Command wanted to know what was going on in the Romulan military. I know......" He paused and looked over at Mari. "They are planning an all assault on this starbase to remove it and any defense it provides so they can conquer and claim the worlds to expand their empire. Third Fleet has received an influx of the newest warbirds and battle-hardened commanders for this assault. In my disguise as S'Tookr, I oversaw the dispersal of ships and personnel. I know where the heaviest concentration of warbirds is located." He stopped. "Think that will get the Admiral's attention?" He asked Mari. "There's more." He added, "But I want to hear your opinion on what i just said."

 

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