Reinforcing the Frontier

Posted on Wed Apr 9th, 2025 @ 2:08am by Captain T’Kal & Lieutenant Commander Clay McEntyre

773 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: ARYL 1X01: Bound for Cold Frontier
Location: Barissa Prime

The USS Ark Royal was temporarily parked in orbit of the Federation colony world of Barissa Prime. Their final crewmembers, those who had not come aboard at Earth Spacedock or transferred over at Starbase K-11, were beaming aboard and getting sorted by the quartermaster.

The final senior officer, meanwhile, had requested to meet his new commander planetside, and Captain T’Kal found it logical to agree. She beamed into the colonial administration centre and found her new security chief waiting at the foot of the transporter. “Greetings.”

“Captain T’kal, I presume?” Clay asked as the transporter finished materializing the Vulcan officer.

“I’m Lieutenant Commander Clay McEntyre. Welcome to Barissa Prime.” He greets cordially. The man was tall, handsome, with a suave Texan accent as he spoke. Not in the standard uniform but the Security Armor of those assigned to Security Forces.

“Thank you, Commander McEntyre,” T’Kal replied as she stepped off the transporter pad. “I understand you have been working to bolster local planetary defenses?”

"Yes, Ma'am, to some moderate success. However we are a few scant AUs away from the Neutral Zone so time is a factor." Clay nodded his head as he gestures for the doors. "Barissa Prime, like many planets in the sector are running on very basic infrastructure. There are also about 50 peacekeepers here to a colony of over 4500 people." Clay elaborated as they walked.

“Have many of the colonists been trained with small arms?” T’Kal asked as they walked down the corridor. “When the time comes, they may be called upon to defend their homes. I can see the potential for local militias to support the peacekeeping forces.”

"A few." Clay started as they exited the small shack that was the government center. "Not as many as I like, but I got some of my people training up what volunteers we have. It'll be slow going. Not many of them have held a Phaser rifle, let along shoot one." Clay elaborated further.

"My biggest concern is raids by the Klingons. Being this close to the border makes the colony a ripe target."

“What do they produce?” T’Kal asked. A Federation colony so close to the frontier must be producing something of value that the Klingons might desire. If only trade were possible. “And is there an effective means of protecting it from outside raiders?”

"Dilithium. The planet's substrata is full of it. Deuterium as well in good quantities." Clay pointed out to the edge of town. "That was makes it a good target."

“Indeed.” They reached an operations centre, being crewed presently by peacekeepers and a few civilian workers. “I’m going to recommend Starfleet patrols stop here more frequently. The USS Suffren is being assigned to the sector for neutral zone patrols. But what else can we do to support colonial defense while in the region?” The question was open, not just for Mr. McEntyre but also for the colony officials present.

"Futher trainings, random patrols. Need to show that the Federation is willing to defend the frontier. Beyond that, mainly just show the flag." Clay remarked. "More peacekeepers wouldn't hurt, and go a long way to fostering good relationships between the core worlds and the frontier."

“We shall signal Starfleet Command when we return to the ship,” T’Kal said. “I expect that this has not yet happened only because Earth does not know what is needed out here. Part of our mission shall be needs assessment. I am confident that at least some of these needs can be met in due course.” She considered a moment. Random patrols. Perhaps even joint exercises. A demonstration of willingness to fight for these distant systems.

"Whatever we can provide. These are good people trying to make a life for themselves. I don't want to see that life under a Klingon Banner." Clay commented, nodding his head.

"I can have my gear packed and ready for beam up inside of a half hour."

“The quartermaster will have quarters ready for you,” T’Kal said. “And we will ensure the flag over their heads will remain that Federation. I shall leave you to finish collecting your gear.” She knew the way back to the transporter.

"Yes, Ma'am. I'll be aboard presently." Clay nodded, snapping to attention with a crisp salute to the Captain.

T’Kal returned the salute. “Dismissed.” She turned first to return to the transporter room, to her ship, ready to receive the last piece of her complete senior staff.

END


Captain T’Kal
Commanding Officer, USS Ark Royal

Lieutenant Commander Clay McEntyre
Chief Security Oficer, USS Ark Royal

 

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