Aerial Tour
Posted on Sat Sep 13, 2025 @ 2:08am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Colonel Nicholas Means III & Lieutenant Sarah Mackenzie & Lieutenant Carissa Holmes
Edited on on Sat Sep 20, 2025 @ 1:49am
1,988 words; about a 10 minute read
Mission:
Time After Time
Timeline: MD17 - afternoon
T'mpest and Carissa walked into the shuttle bay together. Carissa, a Federation Ambassador, was here as part of the peace talks and wanted to have a look at the planet and talk to some of the Cardassians still in residence. So, she'd asked Sara Mackenzie to take them on a quick tour. She'd also invited Colonel Means to join them.
Carissa had a pleased smile, as she walked with an easy step, alongside T'mpest. "I feel the peace talks went rather well, and I am grateful of your willingness to let me check on the residents upon the planet. The Cardassian delegates were quite firm about that, and I can't blame them for their concern, they wish to avoid any other conflicts."
T'mpest nodded. "They are in a difficult position. All the Cardassians and Xi'Cadians were interviewed and had to pass background checks. Many preferred to leave. Those who are still here keep to themselves. It will take time for trust to be reestablished, but it is my hope that you and the other ambassadors can help. Colonel Means will be joining us. He and his Marines protected the scientists during the battle and knows a bit about the scientists who remain."
Standing by her runabout, ‘Lucky 13’, Sarah was awaiting the ambassador and the station CO to take them down to the planet. It wasn’t every day she had to babysit dignitaries and she felt uncomfortable in her dress uniform. “God I hate this thing” she said under her breath as she pulled at the collar.
"I am pleased to hear about what they did, sounds like there won't be too many complaints about what they've done." When they approached the shuttle, Carissa noticed the fidgeting of the person waiting for them.
"Hello there, you look a bit uncomfortable." a friendly smile. Carissa turned to the Commodore, "Would it be against rules if, our pilot makes herself more comfortable? I am not one for pomp and circumstance."
“Apologies ambassador, regulations and all that” Sarah said, giving her a slight smile as she stood to attention. “All I can promise is a smooth ride and a safe return”
Carissa looked at herself, her outfit was not a Starfleet uniform. More civilian. a cream color blouse with a green vest over it. Rust brown pants with pockets and dark brown boots.
"Oh, I have no worries about you not being able to fly well." The red headed ambassador's smile going a bit broader.
Sarah nodded in response, “thank you ambassador, if you would board the shuttlecraft, we’ll be on our way momentarily”
T'mpest paused by the pilot. "Colonel Means will be joining us shortly. We can leave as soon as he is settled. And, for the record, regulations do not say you have to be uncomfortable. Your regular duty uniform is fine."
Before she boarded onto the shuttle, "Lieutenant, what is your name? I'm Carissa Holmes. I can also be referred to as. Carissa." another smile, another twinkle in her green eyes.
“Ma’am, I’m Lieutenant Sarah ‘Flash’ Mackenzie, DS5’s CAG” Sarah answered, Standing a little straighter as she introduced herself
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Carissa answered
Means strode into the bay and after glancing about he spotted the Commodore and the Ambassador near the shuttle. It appeared they were waiting on him so he headed over. Upon reaching them, "Apologies Ambassador, Commodore, I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"Not at all," T'mpest assured him. "Thank you for joining us."
Carissa called out , "You didn't keep us waiting, you arrived at a perfect time, Colonel Means. " having an easy going smile.
Carissa held out her hand towards Colonel Means, "Carissa Holmes, pleasure to meet you."
After taking her hand he gestured to the shuttle. "Is there anything particular you'd like to see or have questions about?"
"Well, the colony definitely I'd like to talk to those living there, I did hear that you had protected those living there from the insurgents." That was what she was going to call those who were attacking the Federation. And the one who wanted to live there peacefully were not insurgents.
She liked the way Means shook her hand, the grip, the feel of his hand was confident and definitely not cold, clammy or even soft. Carissa hated shaking hands with those who had a slimy feel to them, that were not naturally that way. Her own hand was warm, had its own callouses from working with her hands.
He was surprised, he had expected the hand of a woman ambassador to be dainty and soft but her hand was slightly rough and firm. Speaking as they moved into the shuttle, "That's what we're here for. It was lucky that we were on the surface at all. I had ordered an unscheduled deployment and training operation to the surface when everything took place."
"I am quite glad you did, Colonel Means." Giving a warm smile.
Carissa moved to take a seat, to get a good view.
T'mpest was the last to board, allowing the others to be seated first. The colonel could answer more of the ambassador's questions about the scientists on the planet than she could.
Once they were all seated, T'mpest turned to Sarah. "Lieutenant Mckenzie, whenever you are ready."
Giving T’mpest a nod, Sarah started the launch sequence. “Flight, this is Runabout Yarra, Departing for planet”
"Runabout Yarra, you are clear for departure."
“Thank you flight, see ya around” Sarah said before activating the runabouts internal speakers. “Morning passengers, this is your Captain speaking. Welcome about this morning flight to all places Pangaea. We understand you have your choice of shuttlecraft and we thank you for choosing ‘Lucky 13’ airways. We’re expecting clear skies, 23 degrees and friendly locals. Now please sit back and relax and it’ll be over before you know it.”
Triggering the shuttle bays forcefield, Sarah opened the bay doors, pulled her runabout around and headed out into space, giving a burst from the impulse engines as they left the bay to give them a bit of a kick.
Taking a wide path out from the station, Sarah tried to keep the planet in full view of the cockpit for her passengers to marvel at.
Carissa gave a quiet chuckle listening to Sarah's routine, "Nicely done. And I hope it won't be over too soon, Lieutenant Mackenzie. " as she took in the panoramic view of the planet that the pilot offered.
"The planet itself is also beautiful," T'mpest added. "We are working to preserve as much as we can while still allowing access for recreational use. You may be asked to help out with that from time to time as it may involve non-Federation scientists and station workers."
"Very beautiful." Carissa breathed out in awe.
She looked towards the Colonel.
"That unscheduled deployment and training course you had mentioned; my father and my maternal grandfather would have approved that course of action. It was something that they had done before." her attention being turned back to the view.
That peeked his interest. It was a longshot but he asked. "Oh? Your grandfather was in Starfleet?"
"Yes, in Starfleet and also-" Carissa giving Means a bit of a smile. "Marines, I am sure you and I might have a few things to talk about."
He grinned. "I look forward to it."
Carissa hearing T’mpest, looked over towards her, giving a nod.
"I am quite willing to do so, I did a little bit of that when I was assigned to Myrfen."
Carissa adjusted herself to be more engaged in the conversation, "With a planet this beautiful, much like Myrfen, its beauty does need to be preserved and definitely not wanting things to be obtrusive where recreational facilities are concerned."
T'mpest nodded. "The former chief science officer is over development and archaeology on the planet. Part of her job is to preserve as much of the planet as possible." There were multiple reasons for that. Most of which were better discussed at another time.
"I look forward to meeting her, and learning more about the planet." Carissa glancing back towards T'mpest.
The ambassador felt rather eager to step foot upon the planet, and to get to know it better. Her mind went back to Myrfen and the citizens thereof, were there those who were born upon this planet and will she get to meet them?
“Are there any locations you’d like to see first ambassador?” Sarah asked.
Carissa gazed out towards the planet once more. "As much as I would love to say there are particular places I'd like to see, I think that it would be better if we were to head to the colony and I get down to the business at hand. If the colony is near a body of water and some forest, take us in that direction please."
She looked back at T'mpest, "If you don't mind Commodore, at a later date, the sort of tour I would like to do would be to fly to a location, get out and explore. If it isn't considered restricted or taboo."
Carissa remembered that there were areas on Myrfen that had those restrictions, as it was felt that anything mechanical in certain parts would cause damage. She was getting the feeling that perhaps, it was the same for this planet.
"Either Commander Well, Colonel Means, or I can give you that tour. We know which areas are restricted and which are safe to explore," T'mpest replied.
Carissa's gaze drifted over towards Colonel Means, would he give her the tour. Her attention drifting back to T'mpest. "I will definitely make an appointment to do so."
Skillfully flying the runabout through the atmosphere, Sarah took a more direct course to the colony then the flight plan recommended, her steeper angle causing the shuttle to light up like a comet as the shields absorbed the heat.
After breaking atmosphere, Sarah again took a wider path to give her passengers a better look at the colony before pulling the runabout in for a landing. “Pangea Colony, this is Runabout Yarra from DS5, requesting landing permission”
"Runabout, pad three is clear. Come on in."
Looking through the forward window he saw his Marines on the edge of the platform. Since the attack, his Marines had been quite active on the surface, guarding the entrance to the portals, landing platform, and other key areas all while keeping a VERY close eye on their "guests".
Carissa found the view captivating, and her attention went from the conversation to their arrival. The movement of the Marines and them being on watch, met with her approval, knowing it was necessary. She did ponder over how the residents of the colony might view this as well.
"They look rather prepared." Carissa commented, feeling goosebumps rise up her arms.
Glancing over to the Ambassador, he dropped his chin slightly, "Marines are always prepared."
"Indeed they are." Carissa answered softly, "Ready at a moment’s notice, specialized training, going into the most difficult places." her mind drifting towards her daughter who was in the Marines.
"First to fight," T'mpest added. "They were instrumental in defending Pangaea during the Battle of Deep Space 5." She nodded to the colonel. "They were impressive."
Means grinned as he nodded to the pair.
Another glance towards the colonel feeling a bit of pride welling up inside. The commodore's words made Carissa feel comforted that those who were on the planet had been treated well. As the shuttle descended to the landing Carissa's heart started beating rapidly, a feeling of tension, excitement along with some trepidation, hung over her. Once she stepped out of the shuttle, her life, she felt would change even more.
A post by
Carissa Holmes
Federation Ambassador
Colonel Nicholas Means III
Marine Commanding Officer - 21st MEU
Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5
Lieutenant Sarah Mackenzie
CAG
Deep Space 5
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