Personal Project

Posted on Wed Apr 10th, 2024 @ 10:17am by Lieutenant Commander Andrei Petrov & Immy

Mission: In-Between (S1:E7-S1:E8)
Location: Aeroshuttle
Timeline: Date 2371-09-28 at 1500
1455 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Self-improvement was a necessity for some, but for Andrei Petrov, it was a way of life. Ever since he was a child, he had learned to push himself to the limit in private so that he could make it all look easy in public. Turning his weaknesses into his strengths had always been a central part of his education, and he had honed skills others had only played at honing. He was a warrior, sure; he was a lover, yes. Many people thought that was all he was or could be, but he was slowly coming to the realization that there were other ways to make his power known. A reckless youngster no longer; he was a Terran man of noble birth and pure blood, and he intended to ascend all the way to the top with more than what hung between his legs.

The large room that housed the Aeroshuttle was almost always empty, owing to the fact that the Vengeance’ only runabout never got any use and had unfortunately become little more than an item on the ships specs. He intended to change all that.

The room was circular in shape, which was rather odd for bays on Imperial Starships, and the consoles at the margins of the room were unmanned and in sleep mode. In the center was the craft he’d set his eyes on when he’d started this process. The Aeroshuttle was comfortable, but most importantly, it was swift, durable, and maneuverable. He grinned and gave a shrug. Someone needed to put it to good use.

“Immy, unlock the Aeroshuttle.”

“I’d love to, Commander. But, you need to give your access codes.” came the warm, feminine lilting voice of the woman who now inhabited their computer.

“Petrov-Beta-4769” he answered, quiet, as if he were sneaking, a hint of impatience in his melodic voice.

With a hiss, the hatch on the port side of the runabout began to open and a set of pristine stairs extended slowly from the mouth of the entrance. As soon as the struts made contact with the deck, Andrei stepped up and into the runabout. Since the craft was roomy and tall, even a large man like himself didn’t have to duck to get inside. He didn’t bother to close the door behind him, but instead passed through a second door into a small corridor with gray walls. To his right, a short set of stairs led up to the crew quarters, and before him, another door provided access to the hatch on the other side. Instead of taking either of those, he turned left instead, walking into the back of the cockpit behind the slim two-person transporter pad. A medical and science area greeted him along with a versatile work station on the other side. The entire main room felt compact, sleek, and efficient. He looked at the polished surfaces and the bluish bright design and decided, at last, that this vessel would suit his purposes perfectly.

With a confident stride, he stepped past the transporter and down the steps to the cockpit proper. Sitting at the bulky chair in front of the operations station, he logged in to the Aeroshuttle’s security system and pulled up her specs.

“Can you access the runabout’s computer systems?” he asked, a bit louder than he had outside the vessel.

“With your level of authorization, I can.” Immy’s voice lilted back. “Do you approve?”

“I do, this one time.” Andrei said, his eyes still locked on the information on the screen before him.

In the next instant, the soft “ping" of a forcefield sounded as the holographic emitters activated for the first time in months. Immy appeared in an Imperial Starfleet uniform with a command-red shirt, pipless and without rank indication. On her face was an attractive freckled smile. She looked around the room with curious eyes.

“Impressive. Clean.” she said, communicating in short bursts as she made her way from one side of the room to the other. “What are you up to, Commander?”

“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?” he asked with a neutral face as he scrolled. He seemed to give her very little of his attention, focusing instead on his unknown task.

“You can’t blame a girl for being curious, really. You strolled in here with some mysterious goal, and I’m looking for a challenge.”

“I’m more than capable of assigning blame exactly as I see fit.” He said, lifting a brow.

“I’m sure you are, Commander.” she said, and leaned down next to his face, reading the console with him. “Come on, Andrei. I’ll be super discreet.”

Andrei turned to look at the holographic woman, his visible eye showing signs of mild amusement. Their faces were close, and there was a notable tension between her grin and the smile in his eyes.

“I don’t see why I should share my toys.” He said in a low voice.

“Because, there are some toys that are much more fun with multiple playmates.” she said with a suggestive smile, pretty and full of youth.

Andrei leaned back in the chair and crossed his strong arms over his chest. “Computer, deac-”

“No!” she interrupted, shaking her head. “I’m just bored, Andrei.” She said, standing up tall then and pouting. “”I can do so much now, but most people are scared to call on me. You and Commander Petrova are the only ones besides…my unfortunate gentleman visitors.”

Andrei frowned, shaking his head.

“You can’t be serious.” He said. “Do you..”

“I have to do what I’m told, Commander. Those are the rules your engineers programmed into me.” She frowned, blinking quickly. “I miss being a slave.”

Andrei watched her face, his stony expression giving very little away.

“Fine, I’ve decided to have mercy on you then. I’ll make sure that more practical use is made out of you and, in exchange, you will give me any information you think I would find interesting.” He said.”

Immy lifted her head and looked at him, her skepticism obvious. Her eyes communicated her eagerness about the offer, however.

“You want me to be your little spy?”

“I want you to be my little spy, yes.” He said with a smile. “And just mine, by the way. Make yourself useful to me and I can guarantee you’ll never be forgotten again.”

Immy’s vibrant green eyes turned away from him and looked through the windows at the front of the runabout. She was thinking; weighing her options. After several long moments, she looked back at him cautiously and noticed his hand was extended to her. She grabbed it and gave it a squeeze.

“Deal.”

“Good,” he said, holding her hand and gazing into her eyes. “Just remember how insanely jealous I am, Immy. I respect and honor loyalty.”

“Cross my heart, Andrei.” She said with a sudden playful smile.

“Cut out your heart, if you betray me..or speak anything of our relationship.”

“We’re in a relationship now, are we?” She asked, drawing closer and swaying her shapely hips. As she stepped up to him, he placed a hand on her waist and looked into her eyes.

“Tell me about this runabout’s processing technology. What are its networking capabilities?”

“Networking capabilities are standard with all Imperial technology.” She answered, turning her head to the side. “Are you trying to update remote flight options?”

“What kind of processor is used?” He asked, ignoring her question as if it hadn’t been interesting enough.

“M-15 isolinear III. The same is used on Danube Class Runabouts. It controls and monitors all shipboard systems.”

“Oh, that’s great news.” He said with a grin.

“So, since we’re on the same team, tell me what you’re up to.” She said, placing her hand on his and holding it on her hip.

“You misunderstand our relationship. I ask. You tell.” He said, and quickly moved his hand from her grip and up to her cheek. “Now, leave me.”

She gave a sound of protest and a pouting frown just as she disappeared from existence. Andrei turned back to the console, unamused, and pulled the chair all the way back. Pressing a few keys, he shut off the main power and then got down on his hands and knees. Climbing under the console, he popped off the cover and exposed the complicated workings underneath. WIth nimble, though unpracticed fingers, the security officer made some physical modifications to the processor, being as careful as he could not to damage the technology in his rush to accomplish the task himself. He preferred to work in the shadows.