Sky Trek: Over Still Waters

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Ten Minutes Earlier…

As soon as Tasha heard the bridge announce severe storm protocols, she knew the situation was a lot more dangerous than she had thought. Drizzle was already beginning to fall as she turned to Undyne.

Even she looked a little worried.

"Yeah," Undyne grumbled. "There's definitely something weird going on. Hate to say it, but I guess we really should cut our training session short."

Tasha nodded. "There's no shame in it. Come on, we should get below deck."

Unfortunately, it wasn't an instant process. The closest exit from the top deck was a good few minutes away from where they were. It seemed like a further and further goal as drizzle turned into rain and rain turned into a downpour.

“Would it be weird if I said I wish I brought an umbrella?” Undyne asked as they dashed along.

Tasha gazed at her, bewildered. “You own an umbrella?”

“Don’t get me wrong, these gills aren’t for show,” Undyne said, gesturing to ones along her neck. “But swimming and getting pelted by cold friggin’ rain are two different things.”

“Hey, you wanted to get a taste of it,” Tasha playfully chided.

“True,” Undyne sighed. “Just didn’t expect the wind to be blowing this hard.”

Tasha laughed at that. “It’s alright - just maybe next time we should try with regular ole' rain then move up to storms.”

“Deal,” Undyne grinned. “Come on, we’re almost--”

Suddenly, they were forced to screech to a halt, their jaws nearly agape at the sight of the bony, strange creatures that had suddenly moved in front of them. More caught her eyes - swarming about the ship, a particular concentration moving towards the bridge.

“Okay,” Tasha gulped, remaining perfectly still. “No sudden moves.”

She gazed at Undyne. Unlike Tasha, she had a look of familiarity on her face instead of fear. "No way…"

"Undyne?" Tasha said warily. She resisted the urge to draw the stun rifle she always kept with her. Instead, she began to slowly back away.

"Sorry," Undyne said, holding her ground. "It's just-- I think I've seen these things before."

"Then you know more than me, then," Tasha said nervously. "And we studied literally every known creature at the academy."

"Wait, school!” Undyne said, snapping her fingers. “That's where I saw them - back when I was a kid. They were supposed to be a distant cousin to Monsters. Magic creatures that lived in storms. I think they were called Latawak-- no, Latawiec or something."

"Did your book mention if they were friendly?" Tasha asked, once again looking around her. Two more had now floated behind them, surrounding them. "Because uh, we might be in trouble if they aren’t."

"Can't remember," Undyne said, locking eyes with the nearest Latawiec. "Hey! Cloud demon thing! You just trying to creep us out or do you want to start explaining yourselves?”

"..."

"Creatures of few words, huh?" Tasha said, trying to lighten the mood.

“No kidding,” Undyne grunted.

Suddenly, there was a crackle from the intercom.

"Attention all security and MACO teams! We have been boarded by an unknown force. Report to assigned defense positions but do not draw your weapons. I repeat, do not draw your weapons unless absolutely necessary!”

‘So the bridge doesn’t know anything, either,’ Tasha thought.

A second later, there was another broadcast. The deep voice of Worf had replaced Charlie’s.

‘“All AA gunners report to stations. Do not man until given the order. Do not man until given the order.”

“Damn it,” Tasha cursed in frustration. “I need to be coordinating security, not stuck here! Undyne, you said you can tell a lot from something’s SOUL, right?”

She nodded briskly.

“What can you say about them?”

“I can’t say much,” Undyne said, almost embarrassed in tone. “They don't have any LV, but I think that's cus… cus their SOULs are all very young. Like still in the cradle young. They're crazy good with sky magic, too, but no surprise there."

"Don't sell yourself short," Tasha said. "That tells us a lot. And wait, you said they're related to Monsters, right? Could they read our SOULs?"

"I'm not sure," Undyne said. "Damn, I wish Alphys was with us. She's better at this stuff than me."

"Where is she now?" Tasha asked. "She might be able to help us with--"

"Woah, hold it there!"

Tasha's eyes widened. Undyne hadn't shouted at her, but at the creatures. They had begun drawing closer to the two of them from all sides. A second later, they were so near that Tasha could even smell them: something like electrically burned O2.

"Stay back!" Tasha ordered, reaching for her weapon, but reminding herself not to draw it.

Undyne looked like she had a similar idea. A green energy spear had just begun to form in her hands. However, before it could fully come into existence...

Everything went black.

…

Yet Tasha was not unconscious.

She gasped, glancing around her. She was an empty void of some sort, but she didn’t feel like she was dreaming. She moved to pinch herself, but as soon as she did, she noticed what had happened to her skin.

It was now a deep purple… and transparent.

“Oh no… no no no, not now!” she said, trying to keep herself from completely succumbing to panic. “Not during an emergency!"

She began to look around rapidly for any way out of the apparent purgatory she was in.

"Woah!" She almost jumped as Undyne suddenly appeared next to her. However, her alarm was quickly replaced by relief. "Oh, Undyne, thank the skies. I thought I was dead." A small bit of worry returned to her, however, as she noticed Undyne had changed as well: she was now a pure, transparent white. "Wait, we're not dead, right?"

"I don’t think so," Undyne said, a brief look of confusion on her followed quickly by a hint of clarity. "No hang on… this is really familiar. I think we might be…"

She then looked forward, Tasha following her gaze. Appearing a small distance away were several of the creatures. Like them, they had changed. While they were once mostly a dark blue, they were now a transparent grey.

"...in an Encounter!" Undyne exclaimed, a hint of excitement in her tone. "Hah! So they are like us! Er, and by us I mean Monsters, my bad."

"Wait, wait," Tasha said, baffled. "An Encounter? What's an Encounter?"

"I swear, I'm going to need to drag Alphys with me whenever I hang out with humans," Undyne grumbled. "She's so much better at--"

"Explaining, I know," Tasha said, giving her an annoyed look. "Give me your best try."

"Fine, fine," Undyne sighed. "An encounter is… well it's like… hrmmm… have you ever had a super deep conversation with someone? Like where you come out of it thinking you’ve just learned what makes someone tick? This is sort of like that. Only we’re not talking with our mouths here, we’re talking with our SOULs.”

Tasha squinted in thought. “So, like a Monster version of a Vulcan mind-meld.”

“I have no idea what that is, but sure,” Undyne shrugged.

“Vulcan… mind… meld?”

Tasha and Undyne paused, looked at each other, then looked towards the creatures, astonished.

“Did they just--?”

Undyne nodded. “I think we can understand each other now.”

The creatures floated over to them in unison. Not seeing any other option, Tasha held her ground, Undyne following suit. Together, with voices that sounded like different tones of a lonely wind, they continued with:

“What is… mind… meld?”

“It’s um,” Tasha said, blinking to herself. While she had kept herself composed even around the Thestrals, this was something else entirely. “It’s… a form of deep communication Vulcan Elves can do. I’ve never done it myself.”

“But you are… child of sky… not Vulcan,” they continued, their speech becoming less and less disjointed. “How do you… how do you know?”

“Well… I learned about it,” Tasha said slowly. “While at Skyfleet Academy.”

“Child of sky?” Undyne said, giving Tasha a smirk. “So much for your Vila part being buried. Told ya’, sucka!”

Tasha rolled her eyes in response.

“What is Skyfleet?” they asked. “Why teach about… Vulcans? You are not Vulcans.” They looked towards Undyne. “And you are not child of sky… you are Astral.”

“They are crazy curious, aren’t they?” Undyne said. “Should we uh… should we really be answering their questions?”

Tasha nodded. “I think so. They’re not asking about our weapon systems or anything like that. It’s almost like they’re… like they’re children. You know how kids are: they have a new question every few seconds. Not about anything in particular. They just want knowledge.”

“Well, the little punks learn more quickly than adults, don’t they?” Undyne said. “Why waste the chance?”

“Exactly,” Tasha said, a feeling of understanding washing over her as she turned back to the creatures. “Skyfleet is part of the Federation. It’s made up of a bunch of different species. Elves, Humans, ‘Astrals’, Averials, Tieflings, Nymphs…”

“Yet you are so different,” they said. “Why join as one?”

“Well, why do you join as one?” Tasha asked.

“...?”

“Yeah, seriously,” Undyne said. “You act like you’re all one, well, one thing. Heck, you’re even talking at the same time! Why do you do it? Why not do your own thing?”

“One with the storm. Storm one with us. Binds us together. Are you bound together?”

“Not exactly,” Tasha said. “We don’t really have anything binding each other. At least not most of us. It’s more just… well, it’s dangerous to go alone.”

“And it’s better than killing each other,” Undyne said.

“That, too.”

"How can bind with no… connection?"

"We forge a connection," Tasha explained. "With our actions and our words."

"Yep," Undyne said. "And I've learned the hard way what talking things through can get you," She smiled warmly. "Even friends you never thought you'd have."

The creatures paused, looked towards each other, then back towards Tasha. “Child of sky is wise… Astral is wise… safety in numbers, safety in peace.” Their voices then took on a slightly accusatory tone. “Yet if fighting is less safe, why fight us?”

Tasha furrowed her brow. “We haven’t fought you.”

“Child of green did atop your tower. Tried to grab connection. Dangerous for us.”

Tasha glanced at Undyne, who looked as confused as her. “We don’t know what you mean. ‘Tried to grab your connection?’”

“Connection binds us. Links us with storm - with home, to each other. Without it… we are alone.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” Tasha said. “All I can say is if we have done anything to hurt you, it must have been a mistake.”

“Did not hurt,” they said. “Kept from hurting. Protected.”

"How did you ‘protect’?" Undyne said, narrowing her eyes.

"Fed back overdose of connection. Would have killed, but you… confused us."

Tasha blinked. "We did?"

"Stood before us - guarded child of green."

"You saw our people protect each other?" Tasha asked.

"Yes,"they said. "Half of tower protected. Many of us saw - still trying to understand."

"Any one of us would do the same for our comrades," Undyne said. “It isn’t that surprising.”

“Protect another and they might just do the same for you,” Tasha said.

“Perhaps…” they continued.

A beat. They turned to each other, once again, then back to the duo.

"You are… so strange yet… so similar."

Tasha raised an eyebrow. "Right back at you... I think."

Another few seconds passed before finally, they announced: “We do not wish to destroy you. Others on tower may, Not listening to these three. Must dissuade.”

“These three?” Tasha asked. “By that, you mean the creatures I’m speaking with here, right? You three?” She blinked, confused. “But I thought you were bound together?”

“Bound together, yes, but still unique,” they explained.

“You still retain some of your individuality,” Tasha said.

“Yes.”

“That’s great and all,” Undyne said. “But how do we convince your friends to spare the stick?”

They looked specifically at Tasha. “They will not speak with you like this - must show them what you are: fellow child of sky. Combine with proving good intent. May not harm then.”

“Show them I’m part Vila?” Tasha said, slumping slightly. “I… I’m not sure I can.”

“Must give them proof. Do not harm, but let them feel. Astral can help.”

“Hah. Told you!” Undyne grinned.

“I still don’t--” Tasha stammered. “I’m not sure if I can--”

“Can. See it inside,” they said firmly. “Just need help. No shame. Nothing survives without help, yes? Safety together?”

Tasha slowly nodded.

“Then tread lightly.”

They began to slowly fade away, but before they did...

“And child of sky?”

Tasha glanced at them curiously. “Yes?”

“No matter what happens, you will persevere.”

There was a flash of light, and Tasha found herself back in the real world. She immediately gasped for breath, feeling like she had been holding it forever.

“Not bad for a first Encounter,” Undyne said, slapping her on the back. “Come on, let’s get to the bridge.”

“Wait!” Tasha said. “How am I supposed to--?”

“Remember when I said siphoning magic is the hard part?” Undyne smiled. “Leave that to me.”

--

“Tasha?!” Picard gasped, his eyes widening at the sight of his Chief of Security. A second ago, she had stormed onto the bridge, Sergeant Undyne in tow. Yet something was wrong: her eyes were glowing blue - like a mage who had siphoned a lot of magic. Yet she wasn’t a mage… was she?

He wasn’t the only one to take notice, however. The creatures were now staring at her intently.

Tasha didn’t respond - at least not with words. Instead, she held her hands outwards as if she was gripping a sphere, concentrating intently. It was then Picard noticed blue swirls of energy emanating from Undyne and into her.

“Alright, I’m giving you all the mana I can!” the aquatic warrior said. “Just remember what I told you. Think stormy thoughts!”

“Right, stormy thoughts!” Tasha nodded.

And to the surprise of all, it wasn’t long before a dark, blue miniature cloud began to form between her hands.

“You’re doin’ it!” Undyne cheered. "Keep going! Make it bigger!"

“Going for it!” she said excitedly. “You know, I always thought I’d just be using it to zap people, but this is much better!”

“Yeah, yeah, cut the philosophizing and concentrate!” Undyne barked.

“Right, gotcha.”

They now had the creatures on the bridge's full attention. Slowly but surely they approached Tasha. The cloud between her hands grew larger - so large she was having trouble moving her arms wide enough to contain it. One of the creatures seemed to realize this, and, almost as if mimicking what Leia did earlier, held out its own, bony hands.

"What's it doing?" Riker asked.

"I believe it wants to see Tasha's handiwork for itself," Picard said.

"Well, if they want it, they can have it!" Tasha gasped, as if at her limit.

So she passed the cloud to the Latawiec, and the bridge held its breath.

The creature studied it for a moment, then glanced at its kin. As if beckoned, they moved to examine it for themselves.

A moment later, the cloud dissipated in the first creature’s claws, becoming swirls of blue energy. The creatures opened their mouths. And almost as if they had divided it into equal portions, they slurped up three strands of it.

“What, so they wanted a snack this whole time!?” Victor said, exasperated.

“No,” Leia said. “I mean, I guess it was a snack, but I don’t think that’s how they view it.”

“A gift,” Picard nodded.

Seemingly satisfied, and almost as suddenly as they appeared, the three creatures left the bridge. Others began to follow them, and soon, every last creature had disappeared from sight - off to rejoin the storm.

"C-Captain," Deanna stammered, still exasperated by all that had just happened. "I think we sated their curiosity… and concerns."

"Should I bring the engines online?" Jane asked.

"Indeed," Picard said, smiling slightly. "And bring us out of the storm. I don't think they'll follow us again." He turned to an exhausted Tasha, his smile still standing. "I’m sure this will be an interesting debriefing later, Lieutenant Yar."

"Yes, sir," she grinned.

--

Captain's Log, SFD 57.1932

Two times now I’ve expected our missions to be uneventful, and two times I was wrong. I’m starting to see a pattern forming. Normally I’d be dreading such a realization, but as with the incident with the Thestrals, my crew has performed far above my expectations. It may be arrogant for me to presume, but with their unique skillsets and varied backgrounds, I’m starting to wonder if there’s any task they can’t handle.

All that aside, the Enterprise has cleared the storm and its Latawiec inhabitants, their name verified through texts given to us by King Asgore. While formal relations with them were not established, at least we now know the means by which the Arcturian Sea’s ‘intelligent storms’ operate. I am going to recommend to Skyfleet that any vessels entering the area have at least one Vila or part Vila crew member aboard, as well as an Astral, if possible. Hopefully this will help mitigate the risk.

Just like with the Thestrals, perhaps one day stronger relations will be possible. For now, however, our journey continues, once again over still waters. For my crew, the opportunity has come again for a well-earned chance to enjoy themselves…

--

Whether through games...

In Ten-Forward, late into the evening, Victor, Geordi, Alphonse and a few others sat around a large, round poker table. Everyone had folded save for Alphonse and Geordi. The latter had just put down straight, smirking Alphonse’s way. In return, the young alchemist nervously showed his own hand:

A Royal Flush.

The table erupted into cheers, Victor giving him a friendly pat on the back.

--

Through spending time with friends…

A good twenty or so crewmembers sat in the auditorium, now working as a makeshift theater. In the front row, Undyne, Alphys, Riker, and Tasha sat together, the latter hugging the former tightly as a vampiric character showed his fangs on screen. Tasha smiled warmly at the sight, earning an appreciative nod from Undyne.

--

Pursuing passions…

In Sunset Shimmer’s office, her and Princess Luna continued to ponder over the Gallifreyan artifact.

--

Or simply spending time with family…

In the ‘Jedi Temple’, Ahsoka, Ben, and Leia sat cross-legged, meditating to the pulse of the Force. All were unusually close to one another.

--

… It is good for them to do so now. For we cannot predict when we will be confronting the unknown once--

Picard winced. The two-way intercom phone at his desk had suddenly begun to ring, drawing his concentration away from his logbook.. Regaining his composure, he quickly picked it up.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Sorry to bother you, captain,” Charlie said. “But we’re being hailed by the Federation Cargo Ship Mustang.”

“A cargo ship?” Picard blinked. “What in the world are they doing out this far? Don’t they know how risky it is?”

“They say they were sent here by President Missy Who herself,” Charlie said. “And they’ve got important goodies for us!”

Picard sighed. “Thank you, ensign. I’ll be there shortly.”

He hung up the phone, a pensive look on him. ‘The president,’ he thought, thinking about the eccentric leader of the Federation. While Picard had no idea what specifically she may want, one thing was always certain with her:

’The waters are restless again.’