The Guided Tour - Part 1

Posted on Fri Dec 5, 2025 @ 3:17am by Lieutenant Commander Alanna Wells & Civilian Nyla Thane

1,361 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Pangaea
Timeline: MD19 - 1300 hours

When Alanna was ready to go back to Pangaea, she notified Nyla to give her the tour she promised. As her assistant, she would have to be told about most of the unique facts about the planet. Only Alanna, T'mpest, and Jason would know more--unless Captain Soran ever returned, which she doubted.

While she waited, she ran a quick diagnostic of the shuttle to see if she would need to have it checked soon.

Nyla stepped inside the shuttle, a satchel slung over one shoulder and a travel bag in hand. She was excited to head down to the planet, with no ambitions of returning to the station once the tour was over. Her intention was to remain. She wore a light field jacket over a simple grey tunic, paired with dark utility trousers and sturdy boots.

“Hello.” She said, setting her bag down before sliding into the seat beside Alanna.

"Hi! Welcome." Alanna informed the station she was ready to go to Pangaea and received clearance.

"Okay," she said to Nyla. "We'll fly over the main content--which is the only one we can currently go to--then land and look around at specific areas."

“Thank you.” Nyla said as she settled comfortably into her seat. She gave Alanna a small nod at the overview of the plan. “Understood.” Folding her hands neatly in her lap, she waited patiently, her eyes shifting toward the front and out the window as the shuttle eased away from the station.

It wasn't a long trip to the planet. "We can't use transporters because of the planet and system. Both create temporal ripples that are mostly harmless--unless you try to beam down to the planet. So, travel has been limited. But with the new Marine base, enlarged research colony, and the proposed cabins around the lake, we'll have to be extra careful." Alanna negotiated around the station in silence. Then, as the planet came into view, continued. "That's not our responsibility. We're over the research colony, the portal complex, and all areas of historic or archaeological significance. We also have a say in the development on the planet. That being said, the commodore is the ultimate authority." She'd already said most of that, but it bore repeating.

Nyla listened quietly, her eyes fixed on the growing curve of the planet. “That makes sense.” She said.

Alanna came in low so Nyla could see the Marine Base near a small lake, then continued over to the research colony. "The shuttle port is north of the colony. It's where everyone but Marines or those who live here land."

"How far is the Marine base from the research colony?" Nyla asked, glancing over at Alanna.

"About a kilometer, more or less. Not far. The portal complex is farther away, by necessity."

She nodded. "And how many people are settled here now?"

"Most of the Cardassians and Ferengi left after the battle, but we still have a few. Some of the Federation and Romulan scientists went to the station for a break, but most have returned. The Klingon scientists helped the Marines protect the planet. So, it's in flux. The colony is laid out in nine blocks. The three on the north are Federation. The center is for community resources and a gathering place. To the left of center is the Ferengi block. Cardassians are to the right. Romulans and Klingons have two of the lower blocks. The other one is currently empty."

Nyla listened carefully, committing the layout of the colony to memory. “The mix of cultures in such close proximity must make for an interesting dynamic day to day.” She looked to Alanna. “Do the groups tend to stay within their own areas, or has there been much cooperation?”

"For the most part, they get along well. Fortunately, politics rarely goes with science and here, they're working on a Federation planet. I work closely with two Romulans who live in the colony. Before the battle, the Marines cleared the colony and took the scientists to safety, then stationed troops in the complex. Most of the Romulans and Klingons stayed to help."

Nyla nodded. “That’s encouraging.” She said. “It sounds like cooperation came naturally when it mattered most.”

"We are careful about which scientists we allow to work on the planet. We check their backgrounds and experience. So, we can ensure that they will be able to work with the different species we have here."

“Who oversees the selection process? Is it handled through Starfleet, or coordinated directly from the colony?” Nyla asked.

"We do, officially." Alanna said. "I always let the station commander know in advance in case there are any problems, but it generally falls to us. And, now that you're here, you can take the lead on that."

Nyla nodded. "I'll review the existing protocols and familiarize myself with personnel files when I settle in. It'll be good to have a clear picture of who's here and what specialties they bring." She looked at Alanna. "Thank you for the trust, Alanna."

"Any time." Alanna said. "I look forward to working with you." She went over to another lake that wasn't far from them. "There's not much to see right now, but this is where they'll be putting up cabins for station personnel to come down for a brief shore leave."

The other three places Alanna wanted to show Nyla were farther south. "There are several places that are restricted. Anywhere not on this continent is too dangerous. Also, the portal complex and temple complex caverns are restricted. We'll fly over those, then I'll show you where I live."

Nyla looked out the window toward the lake as they passed overhead. “It’s a beautiful spot." She said. "I can see why they would pick this spot." She added and continued to look out the window. "What makes the other continents dangerous?" Nyla asked.

"The Fae. They still control those continents, if you can call it control. The temple complex is also too dangerous for us. And the portal complex is...problematic. The portals are in flux, making the cavern complex dangerous. Only the Commodore has any authority there. I've been learning what I can since my arrival, but...it's complicated. And, since the war, the portals have stopped working. I think a lot of it is due to the temporal problems caused by the upheaval on the station. So, right now, it looks more like a maze of caverns with occasional obelisks and stone sentinels."

"The Fae." Nyla repeated. She had read a few references, but information had been scarce. It sounded like whatever balance existed here has been disrupted far more than anyone expected. "Are the portals completely inert, or do they will shows signs of residual activity?"

"The portals aren't functioning at all, but the sentries are still active," Alanna replied. "They are, for the most part, stone statues that only activate to block entry to a portal or to defend it. They aren't doing anything right now, but they did respond to the commodore when she told them to close one of the portals. That is classified. As is the information that the portal led to a Cardassia before the Dominion War. We believe Hydel Turvan wanted to take a group of Cardassians through the portal to ensure that Cardassia won the war. The portals recognize the commodore as the Queen of Pangaea, as they did Captain Soran before her." She glanced at Nyla. "That is also classified. Commanders Letsul and Haines know, as does Brianthe Oaxaca--and now you. I don't know who else knows, but it won't be many. But as the portal and temple complexes and archaeological sites are officially under Federation Sciences--and you and I are their representatives here--you should also be aware of how things work."

Nyla took in everything Alanna said. The weight of the information settling over her as she listened. She gave a nod. "Understood. I'll treat what you've shared with the discretion it deserves."

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Commander Alanna Wells
Director of Science, Exploration, and Archaeology - Pangaea
Archaeologist/Anthropologist - Deep Space 5

Nyla Thane
Assistant Director of Science, Exploration, and Archaeology
Pangaea

 

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