Marching Orders, Part II
Posted on Mon Sep 21st, 2026 @ 9:42am by Captain Percival "Percy" Tapper & Commander Theya Zh'Líran & Commander Samuel Jameson & Lieutenant Sean Hope & Lieutenant Tyler Hunt & Lieutenant Malax & Lieutenant Taras Mikovich & Lieutenant Gabriel Calhoun
Edited on on Tue Sep 22nd, 2026 @ 6:47am
3,779 words; about a 19 minute read
Mission:
Outward Trajectory
Location: Bridge / Briefing Chamber, Deck 1
Timeline: MD01
Previously on Marching Orders:
"We haven't heard much from the Romulans since the war," Taras said in a stern tone. "They operate in the shadows. Let's not fool ourselves by thinking if they aren't actively openly trying to exterminate us that they aren't out there scheming, manipulating things, and playing a long game of chess." Taras had some personal experience with that, but what was public knowledge versus what was redacted was often different.
Hunt considered following up on everything Taras said. But in all honesty, there wasn't really much more to say. The senior staff served during the Earth Romulan War and was familiar with what the Romulan Empire was capable of doing. Twenty years later ,and the Neutral Zone was still heavily patrolled.
Percy cleared his throat as if to signal a return to the briefing and not the tangent about Romulans they had gone down.
The occupants of the briefing chamber all seemed to quiet down and watched him as he continued.
"In any event, it is ridiculous to debate until we reach the nebula."
"Agreed," Taras replied. "The nebula poses its own Pandora's box of dangers." Lieutenant Mikovich added.
Theya was listening to the debate, learning the crew she was to serve with for the next two years as they were receiving orders for their first mission. The young communications officer spoke the most sense. He was suspicious. It was early to make judgments, but so far she liked him.
Sam had been rubbing at his chin as the Captain laid out the situation and the information to date. There was something odd about this. As far as they understood things signal degraded the further they traveled, which was the very reason they had subspace relay stations to boost signals in order to maintain communications the further Starfleet moved out into space.
This signal, or process, seemed to gain strength by the the very stellar objects that garbled their own communication. How was that possible?
"We have a lot of unknowns," Percy said. "That's going to remain true for some time. Our job at Luujak is to turn these into knowns."
He turned to Sam.
"Commander Jameson, you're taking scientific coordination. I want the analysis divided into two tracks. The first is the nebula itself: its magnetic structure, plasma density, elemental composition, and anything else that might explain why the signal behaves differently there. The second is the signal--or process, as Doctor Dusczak insists it be called. I want us to understand what it's doing every time it encounters a stellar body. You and Dusczak will work together on that."
Percy paused.
"And I want you to have authority to change our science priorities as the evidence changes. If something we're seeing doesn't fit the original briefing, follow it. We aren't going to force the universe to cooperate with Starfleet paperwork."
Sam nodded. "Roger that. Roll with the punches. I really want to see what this nebula is made of. One that damages starships but strengthens a transmission.... Definitely not your typical nebula. Maybe there's something there we can use to improve Starfleet own communications."
His attention shifted to Theya, the slender but severe-looking Andorian mission specialist.
"Commander, you'll coordinate mission planning. I want a complete operational picture before we enter the nebula: where Iphigenia and Ni'Paar are operating, what condition they're in, what they've already learned, and where they've encountered trouble. Once we're there, you'll be responsible for integrating our findings into an operational plan."
He glanced back at the waveform before returning his gaze to her.
"If we have to send people into the nebula, onto another vessel, or somewhere we haven't been invited, you've going to decide what we need to make that possible and what contingencies we need when it goes wrong."
"Of course, Captain," Theya replied simply bowing her head obligingly. She felt no need to enter the debate at this point. There were enough uninformed opinions squabbling about the possibilities.
Sean Hope was next.
"Lieutenant, I want you looking at the stars. We know the signal is interacting with stellar bodies. I want a map of those interactions. Find the geometry. Work backward from the signal we receive and see whether you can identify the route it has taken to reach us. If there are relay points, I want to know where they are and where the next one might be."
Percy offered a warm smile to the Astrogation Chief before continuing.
"And if you find something that suggests the signal isn't coming from where we think it is, tell Commander Zh'Líran. The difference between a transmission from somewhere and a transmission from through somewhere could become very important."
Sean'd been listening. Mostly. If he weren't deaf and potentially distracted by a certain rhythmic tapping of a conduit somewhere beneath him. However, his datapad scrolled some text for him. Knowing he was called upon, he looked up and nodded, "Yes, sir. I'll let you know."
He then turned to Malax and Tyler near the end of the table.
"Lieutenants Malax and Hunt, you're responsible for keeping us alive while the rest of us figure out what we're looking at."
There was no levity in Percy's voice when he said it.
"The Iphigenia and the Ni'Paar have both experienced equipment failures. We don't know yet whether those failures are simply the result of the nebula or whether the signal itself is contributing to them. I want a full security assessment of our operations there, including transporters, environmental systems, power systems, and anything else that could leave us vulnerable."
He nodded toward the Chief Armoury Officer.
"Your people will also be responsible for the physical security of any boarding or away missions. I don't expect us to find hostile forces--Romulans or otherwise. I do, however, expect us to encounter things we don't understand. Treat those as two different problems."
'Naturally, Captain. The unknown isn't always our enemy,' Malax replied with a smile, voice brimming with enthusiasm. 'I would however appreciate the latest rundowns on our colleagues on-station. Knowing how badly both ships have been affected will have a bearing on how the Eventide deals with the situation. We are a scientific vessel, not a battleship, after all.'
Percy offered a graceful nod. "All too true, Lieutenant. Everything Starfleet provided us with will be available for analysis. Should you deem it prudent to contact your counterparts on the Iphigenia and Ni'Paar, please do."
Nodding his understanding, Malax responded, 'thank you, Captain. Once I've contacted them, I'll provide a report.'
'Good - that will make modelling an effective response to any unknown threat much the easier,' Malax replied jovially. Being out aboard ship again suited the Denobulan, and much like the rest of his people, he wasn't shy to share it. 'Not everyone will want to drown in these reports, but we can make them generally available to inform one another.'
"I would like to take a look at their analysis as well prior to arrival," Tyler insisted. "Perhaps I can find a way to avoid Eventide sharing the same fate."
Sam chimed in. "Sir. How much damage, if any, have they taken to their propulsion systems?"
The Commander from the Andorian Guard spoke up, "I'll ensure there is full access to the assessment of all systems damage as it comes in," she assured him. "You won't have to wait for a report. We need to be efficient."
Hunt towards the Andorian. "That would be much appreciated."
"Mister Hunt," Percy said, "There is an additional task for you. We'll be leaving spacedock without a Chief Engineer. Unfortunately, she is convalescing at Starbase Five and will not be making the trip to Luujak. There are seven engineers without a senior officer and the last thing we need is for an untested warp engine being hovered over by several unruly colts without direction. Corral them and make sure they stay on assignment."
"I'll get down to engineering immediately after this briefing," Hunt replied. Doubling in operations and engineering would be a new task for the young officer. But he was somewhat familiar with how the Eventide worked enough to get the job done.
Percy then turned to Gabriel.
"Doctor, you're going to have one of the harder jobs--we have two ships sitting inside that nebula that have both suffered unexplained failures. We should have medical teams ready to receive their personnel, and I want you looking for correlations between exposure to the environment, exposure to the signal, and whatever symptoms their crews are experiencing. It would also be prudent to have baseline medical data on our own crew before we arrive. If the nebula affects biological systems, we need to know the moment it begins. Don't wait for someone to become sick before reporting it."
“Understood. I’ll make sure my staff is up to speed on radiation protocols just in case, in addition to being prepared for any space and subspace borne pathogens. Sickbay will be ready, Commander.”
Percy offered a thin smile. "Iphigenia's sickbay is minimal even for the old NX-class. Be ready for casualties, doctor."
“Aye, sir. I can coordinate all our efforts with the personnel over there if necessary. Shouldn’t be a problem.”
Percy shifted his attention to Taras Mikovich, the ship's Comms Chief.
"Taras, the signal is yours. Coordinate with Commander Jameson, Doctor Dusczak, and Commander Zh'Líran. Treat this as a communications problem from both ends. First, determine exactly what we're receiving and whether there's anything hidden deeper inside it."
Percy looked at Dusczak and Taras for a moment. "One more thing we should consider: how we might transmit something back. It might not be possible, but I believe it's something worth looking into."
He let that hang there for a long moment.
"Commander," Taras Mikovich said calmly addressing the Commanding Officer. "If it is something to respond back to, then we will, but I reiterate if. I need time to study this transmission intimately, Sir. This is not going to be something I throw an earpiece on and sit at my station and listen to."
The Newfoundlander nodded understandingly. "You have the right of it, Mister Mikovich."
Percy then turned to his Executive Officer and Commander Zh'Líran. "Please ensure the Lieutenant is given everything he requires to study the signal."
Lieutenant Mikovich nodded. He was appreciative of the support. "Thank you, Sir," he replied simply.
"Of course, Captain," Theya then turned to Mikovich, "Anything the Lieutenant needs," she added, giving the younger officer the same deferential head bow she had given the Captain earlier.
Sam turned towards the comms officer, giving him a nod.
Taras gave a nod at Theya. Having their support was certainly a good start towards sorting all of this out. He was grateful of that.
Percy's expression remained serious, though there was little warmth in it. He needed to address the larger issue.
"Look, we're taking a brand-new class of starship that still has a plethora of issues on its first journey. We're going to a nebula that has the power to cripple a starship so I want continuous monitoring of Eventide's power distribution, EPS, computer systems, scanners, and propulsion. If something starts drawing power it shouldn't, shutting down when it shouldn't, or reporting something that makes no sense, report it with haste to Lieutenants Malax and Hunt. But let it be known that each of you have the authority to redistribute power and suspend nonessential systems without waiting for authorization if the ship's safety is involved."
Taras appreciated that the Captain did not sugar coat the risk of the nebula, nor the effects it could have in the starship. The Lieutenant also respected the trust that Tapper had of his crew. "Just don't take out Communications in your haste. Please and thank you. If we're going to get stranded in this potential death trap of a nebula, I'd appreciate being able to get an SOS out there."
Percy was forced to grin. "Agreed."
"When in doubt, we have plenty of flashlights on board to send that SOS," Tyler joked in an attempt to lighten the mood.
There was a quiet murmur of light chuckles before Percy spoke again.
"A couple of non-mission-related things," he said, regaining the attention of the room. "Starfleet has decided to do-away with these utility coveralls we've been wearing for the past twenty-odd years. Apparently, they want their officers to be more colourful."
Raising a confused eyebrow towards the Captain, the Chief Operations Officer looked around the table to see if anyone had a clue as to what he meant. If there was a change in uniform, surely he would have been given this news sooner. Considering that he would be the one to help distribute these uniforms.
Sam was curious to see what these new uniforms would look like. Thinking to himself, ~Colorful? The department already had color designations. I wonder if they are keeping them or going with something completely new?~
"Colorful," replied Taras. "Sir, they do realize we're on starships not strutting our stuff on a Paris runway. These utility coveralls are useful, suitable, and don't make us target practice."
Theya raised her eyebrows as if to punctuate Taras' point and she looked to the Captain expectantly as if he should reply. The uniforms did not affect her, she was not Starfleet. But the young Lieutenant had said many wise things today, least of not was their concern about not being an easily identifiable targer.
Percy raised a hand and smiled. "Ships that have already been wearing the old coverall will be grandfathered in. They will have the choice to keep their current look or switch to the new style." He fixed Taras with a sympathetic look. "Eventide will be the first crew mandated to wear the new uniforms."
He paused and considered. "It will be a long journey to the Zakdorn system, so feel free to send along your impressions to myself or Commander Jameson. We'll make sure your feelings about it are passed along to Command."
"And Mister Hunt," Percy said. "Not to worry--the uniforms arrived early this morning."
"Besides, Tyler, I am sure there is someone aboard with tailor skills to help with alterations with your uniform. I know getting those enormous biceps into a regulation sleeve can be a challenge" teased Taras.
"What, these little things?" Tyler responded as he flexed.
Sam raised a hand. "Careful. You'll split the seams", he said jokingly.
Percy grinned at the comment and then took a deep inhale of breath.
"Thank you--to each of you. For being here and being a part of Eventide. While I may not know each of you as well as I'd like to at this moment, I hope we can be more than just crewmembers someday."
He looked around one last time at the assembled senior staff. "Dismissed."
Taras gave a nod at the Commanding Officer. A scientist at heart clearly, Taras did not entirely mind that. Tapper seemed comfortable as the ship's Captain. He spoke with confidence, his tone stern and reassuring.
The Chief Communications Officer proceeded to exit the room.
Tyler exited right behind him, making a quick beeline to the turbolift. Next stop, meeting with the engineering staff.
As the crew began to depart, Percy touched Sam on the shoulder and signaled for Theya to join them.
Once most of the senior staff had departed, he spoke.
"Admiral Sterling had planned to give us these the night before the christening," Percy said, reaching under the console island and producing three boxes. He set two aside and opened one, revealing a gold-plated insignia that featured three symmetrical lines.
"Congratulations, Commander Jameson," Percy said, setting the box in front of his Executive Officer.
Picking up the box he opened it. When he saw what it was his jaw dropped. He had thought it might be a commendation or something catching up to him from his last assignment but when he saw the three bars his jaw dropped, he should still have at least several years, minimum, before promotion. "Sir. This is...it's..."
Percy beamed with second-hand pride. "Currently the youngest officer to make Commander in Starfleet. Well done, Sam." He placed an avuncular hand on the First Officer's back but only for a second.
Looking down at the box in his hand. "Well damn..." Sam tilted his head a bit. Well until some young hotshot knocked him off this perch he was not only in the record book but had a spotlight on him. No...he couldn't let this lead him to second guess himself. He would just do what he had had to do and let thing fall where they may. "...thank you."
He slid another box toward the Andorian Second Officer and smiled. "Starfleet has long felt that officers who spent time in the service of their own military should have an equal rank by Starfleet standards. It's an old piece of naval voodoo that officers of one organization may not show the proper respect to an officer of equal or higher rank in another. I've noticed that such accommodation was never provided to you, Commander."
Percy waited for Theya to open the box.
Theya regarded the box with some suspicion as she opened it. "Does this mean I am to wear one of the new colorful uniforms you mentioned?" She asked. If she held any disdain for them, she did not let it show, her question being presented as one of practicality. Though joining Starfleet had never been mentioned. She would be curious to see if her superiors were aware of this development.
"You wear what you wish," Percy said calmly with his usual slight rasp. "You are a decorated officer of the Andorian Guard and as far as Starfleet is concerned, you carry the equivalent rank and experience. In a crisis of command, no other officer can question your rank or position."
Percy looked around the room for a moment as if searching for something. Finally, with a sigh, he rapped on the bulkhead. "Knock on wood, as they used to say."
Percy stared down at the remaining box, unsure if he really felt as though he'd earned it. It was just a wall decoration, anyway. Though he would now truly be a Captain in rank, he recalled a time when he felt so unequipped to lead others. Yet, here he was.
Sam followed his commanding officer's gaze and looked at the third box still sitting on the table. His eyes glanced up before he pick up the box. Opening it he smirked as the insignia confirmed his suspicion. Looking to Theya he nodded, "Attention on deck!"
Presenting the now opened box. "Congratulations... Captain."
Theya reacted promptly to the call to attention. Military protocol was something she respected. She stood formally, waiting to be addressed before making another statement.
Percy half-smiled. He reflected for a moment on how so many of his colleagues had pushed themselves to reach captain and one day command a starship--even before there was a Federation. Before there was even a Coalition. All he wanted was to dig and find truths in mysteries.
"Thank you, Commander."
He turned to both Sam and Theya and saluted crisply, genuinely happy to have both of them by his side as Eventide prepared for her first great adventure.
Almost on cue, there was a series of short, successive vibrations that gently rocked the ship.
"We're detaching from Cochrane," Percy said with a child-like grin.
He motioned to the door leading back to the bridge. "Shall we?"
"Well we should probably get out there before Mr. Hope scratches the paint." Gesturing to the door as well, "After you, sir."
Watching the officer depart before him, Malax felt a lightness come across him. With Eventide decoupled from Cochrane, she was finally free and operating under her own power. He felt the future stretch out ahead of him, a feeling of bubbling anticipation he felt only at the edge of a diving board as he prepared to leap off. 'No time like the present,' he muttered to himself happily.
Sean turned at the remark aimed toward him. Raising his eyebrow, he muttered, "Uhh, no promises." He rolled his eyes, exiting the briefing room.
Percy turned to notice not all of the senior staff had made their exit and followed his Executive Officer and Second Officer out of the cramped chamber and onto the bridge.
The senior officers were now occupying their stations and the viewscreen no longer showed the underbelly of Cochrane Shipyards. In its place, Alpha Centauri's southern continents were displayed, a mixture of brown-and-blue with minimal cloud cover. Beyond the sliver of the planet was the blackness of space and the wonder and mystery that seemed somewhere just out of reach.
He reached his command chair, feeling the back and sides of it. Percy sat down slowly--it was the first time he actually assumed the chair in the two months since he'd arrived aboard. It felt good.
"Mister Hunt," he called-out. "Lay in a course for the Zakdorn system and engage at at maximum warp."
Captain Percival Tapper
Commanding Officer
USS Eventide
Commander Samuel Jameson
Executive Officer & Chief Science Officer
USS Eventide
Commander Theya Zh'Líran
Second Officer & Senior Mission Specialist
USS Eventide
Lieutenant Commander Gabriel Calhoun, MD
Chief Medical Officer
USS Eventide
Lieutenant Sean Hope
Chief Astrogation Officer
USS Eventide
Lieutenant Malax
Chief Armoury Officer
USS Eventide
Lieutenant Tyler Hunt
Chief Operations Officer
USS Eventide
Lieutenant Taras Mikovich
Chief Communications Officer
USS Eventide
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