Nebula II Prototype
"Sic Parvis Magna"
(Greatness From Small Beginnings)
"Progeny of the Progenitors – Part One"
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Captain Taverain Ramius leaned against the shiny metallic railing of Starbase 343's grand observation deck. Beyond him were massive windows and still further beyond them in her moorings was the only lady currently in his life; the USS Corsair. Her dark hull was in sharp contrast to the shiny silvers and sterile whites of the station's interior and exterior. The entire vessel exuded a menacing aura. Its sleek lines and red exterior lighting announced it was not a ship in which to be trifled or underestimated.
Yet despite its powerful imposing stature it was taking a small army of engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel to piece her back together after her latest mission. Two weeks had passed since he had entered port his ship badly damaged hunting for evidence to use against the mega-conglomerate the NeoDyne Defense Corporation. The mission had taken a high toll on both men and machine. Corsair had suffered in combat and more than a few of the crew had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ramius took a deep breath as his eyes traced the lines of his starship. Estimates had the Corsair docked for at least another week perhaps longer given the extensive damages to the forward hull and saucer decks. More than likely his chief engineer and the station's repair yard would insist on several days of shakedown time to ensure repairs were satisfactory and to reveal any lingering problems.
He didn't like the idea of sitting around waiting when NeoDyne was on the move. While he had dealt them a blow, they were no doubt off licking their wounds, time was against him. The longer he sat here the less time he could be out there searching for clues and following up on leads with the goal of ending NeoDyne's power and influence, but most of all stopping its sinister and corrupt leader, President Alistair Merikai. The corporation's top officer had been engaged in significant biological and genetic experimentation for years to fulfill some terrible purpose. Whatever his goals or aims one thing was clear. He had to be stopped – at any cost. He needed a smoking gun to wave before generals, admirals, and politicians or else nothing would be done to end the threat. He was confident he would find it, but the price that was being paid in blood, sweat, and equipment was monumental. The final price tag would be astronomical however how could one put a price on eliminating a mortal threat to freedom, peace, and the rule of law?
Ramius took one last look at his injured lady. He had taken a few minutes aboard the station to relax and get away from his duties aboard his ship. The doctor had demanded he take a few days shore leave, but there was far too much work waiting for him. Leaving the ship periodically for lunch or dinner was enough to keep Doctor Durandal and his spy network temporarily at bay. With NeoDyne at work throughout the galaxy, Ramius had no time for vacations or relaxation. Too much depended on him stopping the corporation and ending its reign of horrific crimes against man and nature.
Leaving the observation deck, Ramius proceeded back to the Corsair by way of the docking platform where other ships, civilians, and cargo arrived and departed. A busy location the docking platform buzzed with different cultures and a variety of vendors, goods, and services. Moving past a substantial crowd of people, Taverain noticed something was out of the ordinary as one of the airlocks was cordoned off and had grown several station security officers. A crowd had formed but had been pushed back by officers and barriers. A news affiliate was also nearby its field agent engaged in a live broadcast.
"What is going on?"
Deciding to investigate, Ramius pushed his way through the crowd reaching a line of crime tape and several security officers with annoyed expressions.
"What happened here", Ramius asked.
"Sorry sir, I cannot comment on the situation. It is a security matter. If you would respectfully move along sir we both have work to do here."
The officer's obstinate answer only served to further peak Ramius's interest.
"LOOK..SOMEONE SUSPICIOUS", Ramius shouted pointing into the crowd. The momentary distraction gave him time to slip past the barriers and yellow tape before the guards could stop him.
"WAIT A MINUTE", the guards yelled in tandem. This is a crime scene! YOU CAN'T GO IN!"
Ramius was growing tired of playing twenty questions with the hired help. He was only interested in what had caused so much commotion. Ignoring the guards, Ramius continued rounding the corner which was filled with station security taking photos, interviewing witnesses, and performing other crime scene tasks. He didn't stop walking until a hand forcefully grabbed his shoulder and yanked him backwards eliciting more than an annoyed look from the captain.
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE", one of the guards said shoving the business end of his weapon into Ramius's back. "You had better have a good explanation captain or else I am afraid we're going to have to ask you to answer a few questions back at station security."
Tav pushed the guard's hand from his arm freeing himself. He was done playing with amateurs.
"Captain Taverain Ramius, Starfleet Intelligence, Special Projects Division. Does that answer your questions?"
"Let's see some ID."
Ramius produced his identification which he snatched back after the guards had inspected it.
"I apologize captain, however we…"
"Following orders. I get it. Why don't you two get back up to the front lines and keep those dangerous crowds in check and I will try to forget about this incident."
"Come on", one of the guards sneered heading off leaving the captain alone.
"Finally", Ramius muttered as the guards left him. Proceeding forward Ramius noticed half of the station's commercial street had been closed off. Dozens of businesses were closed and evacuated. Someone had thrown out a wide net however the question was why. Something highly unusual was going on and Ramius couldn't ignore the tiny voice within him which was warning of potential trouble on the horizon.
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Captain Taverain Ramius
Commanding Officer, USS Corsair
