[Main Shuttle Bay (Lower Level) - Deck 16 - USS Chimera NCC 96899-C]
The engineering team pulled away from the shuttle as the Captain and the Away Team arrived. Kroitzer's team had been working on depolarizing the hull plating of the USS Serpent, one of the four Type IX personnel shuttles in the Chimera's compliment, and adding insulated armor to protect the tiny vessel from the power of nature at work ion the nebula. Captain Rojac thanked the petty officer in charge of the hasty re-fit, and made a note to compliment Kroitzer on his team's work upon his return to the ship.
"Captain Xerxes," Rojac said as the group of five approached the hatchway in the back, "you are the best pilot among us, take the helm. Lieutenant Jardan, fill in at the operations and navigation console and maintain a constant link with the bridge."
Anya nodded her acknowledgment {Plus I doubt anyone else knows that much about Erassian Carrier Landing procedures.}
Jardan took a seat at operations and opened a channel to the Chimera. " Aye, sir."
Rojac let the two officers file into the small craft before him, and he put a hand on Athena's shoulder as she approached. "Is everything okay, Commander?" He asked.
"Yes, sir." Athena replied, rather hestiantly. "I'm a little nervous about the storm, but otherwise I am prepared."
"Good." Rojac nodded. "Viktor seemed a little weary of a negotiation with Starfleet while we talked on the Bridge earlier. He is still upset with the Federation's interpretation of the Narendra Event. How can I best approach these negotiations and put that dispute behind us?"
"Carefully, sir." She responded. "He's likely to be sceptical of the Federation. You will have to make quite a compromise to get his fleet on your side. You should probably play to your old friendships." The Captain nodded.
Anya grinned and thought of another method which would work but it was unlikely it would be approved for use. "Two lit and all systems green. We're good to go Captain."
Tommy listened to the earpiece and turned to Rojac." Sir, bridge says we are clear to launch. Ready to set course."
Rojac took his seat between Commander Wellington and Lieutenant JG Adams of Security and strapped himself in. "Then lets get going. But make it quick, Anya, I don't want to be out in the middle of this hell hole for too long."
"Trust me Sir this isn't a hell hole area of the Grand Banks nor even of the straights, in fact the crossroads where we currently are is actually quite a popular tourist destination." Anya said as she lifted off out of the shuttle bay. The shuttle shook violently as it was struck by a bolt of lightning. "See shields only dropped fifteen percent...elsewhere we'd be calling you Crispin right about now."
Anya opened a comm channel on a frequency she had pre-loaded into the shuttle. "Hermes ATC this is Stormchild. Request permission and instructions to drop a Polished Turd in the Car Park." She saw the saw the response from a hologramatic display of symbols near the entrance to the top flight deck of the Hermes giving her an approach vector and a designated parking bay. This was essentially the more advanced Erassian version of 'call the ball' although encoded so only Erassian pilots were likely to understand.
Anya called to the back of the shuttle "Heading in on an approach vector now. We'll be on solid ground in under 120 seconds."
Shaken a little from the blast Rojac replied with more than a slight bit of exasperation, "Thank god."
As promised, the trip to the EAS Hermes was quick - and thankfully - uneventful. Within the stated time frame, Anya Xerxes arrived at the "Car Park" and deftly maneuvered the "Polished Turd" to its designated space. By the looks of it, a delegation had already assembled to receive them. As Jardan and Xerxes completed the docking procedures, Rojac stood erect and straightened his jacket. After everyone was ready, he nodded to Jardan to open the hatch.
Armed soldiers in crisp blue and starched uniforms stood at attention as Rojac stepped out of the hatch and onto the deck plating. One stepped forward with his hands held tightly behind his back. "Captain Rojac, welcome aboard the EAS Hermes. General Ivanov and Colonel Anios are awaiting you in the conference room."
"Then lets get to it. Lead away." Rojac responded, following his leaders to said conference room. It was customary, usually, for the Commanding Officer of a ship to greet an arriving dignitary. Rojac was not surprised at the change in decorum. Often times in diplomatic negotiations one would alter - or ignore - custom in order to throw the other party off-guard, or send a message. Rojac suspected the latter as he follwed the backs of the Erassian soldiers to the turbolift; a message that the Erassians weren't too fond of Federation courtesy as of late either. Rojac hoped to change that.
[End Log]
Captain Cropa Rojac
Commanding Officer
Marine Captain Anya Xerxes
Chief Flight Control Officer / Mission Specialist
Commander Athena Wellington
Chief Counsellor
Lieutenant JG Tom Jardan
Chief of Security
USS Chimera NCC 96899-C