Nyth and Noa in our Star Trek AU!
Nyth is Romulan and Klingon, genetically perfected in an artificial womb by his mothers! Noa is Vulcan and Orion, the result of a "balance" cult's influence on her Vulcan socialite mother. I love them so much.... *refrains from going into the lore*
(Nyth belongs to @thesixthplaneteer!!!)
I fell flat on my face for Novella November but I picked up steam for fucking do it December! while I have my other project on hold so I can toy with it to get to something I'll feel more energetic to write I've been working on Holo Roses, the Star Trek AU for mine and @crownedinmarigolds VTM OCs. You've probably seen her art of this AU but if not, go check it out! I wanted to share the cold open I have for the "pilot" episode of Holo Roses, so here it is!
(Dividers by @animatedglittergraphics-n-more)
All Encompassing
Sparks sputtered and spewed from a dark panel as Junior Lieutenant Khloe Osborne muttered curses under her breath. Her yellow uniform was dirty with soot spots and dark smears, as an Ensign taps away on an adjacent console. She pushed back her dark brown hair to keep it out of her eyes.
“These power fluctuations are getting out of hand.” Osborne Says as she pulls free the logic board. It was colored red-brown from a coating of a foreign substance. She waved a handheld sonic cleaner over it.
“Not so out of hand that it’s delaying the researchers at least. Just keeping us busy.” The ensign replied while running a diagnostic on the console.
“Ugh- We need to cycle the atmospheric filters more often. There is a fungus among us.” She said with a chuckle as she slotted the now clean logic board in place.
The ensign tapped a few more times on the panel and the now fixed console blinked to life. “I'm glad we are getting a new guy. Is it true he's Bajoran? Nothing against that I'm just a little surprised he would be engineering instead of security”
“New guy-” Osborne pondered a moment in confusion, then realization struck her like lightning. “THE NEW GUY! Gotta go, thanks for the help” She hurriedly picked up her PADD and rushed down the corridor. As she rounded a corner she's met with another shower of sparks. A groan of frustration escaped her as she slapped at her com badge.
In the calm med bay, symphonic music played quietly against the relaxing sounds of a gentle flowing brook. The only occupant was Junior Lieutenant Kyle Johnson, reading off a PADD while enjoying the fragrance of his steaming tea. The suffocating tranquility is interrupted by the chirping of his com badge.
“Hey, Kyle.” Osborne's voice came over the com.
“Hey, Khloe.” Johnson responded in kind.
“Can I ask you a big favor?” Her voice was strained like she was exerting herself.
“I'm elbow deep in an abdomen right now. Then I have to shave my head. Then lunch with myself, I just can't reschedule that again, but- I might be able to pencil you in.” He said as he sipped his tea loud enough for her to hear.
“OH! If you're busy that's fine I'll com Commander Arya."
“I'm joking, I've got nothing going on. What do you need me to do?"
“Oh! Can you meet the new guy on the landing deck for me? I've got half the consoles on the station determined on being fire hazards at the moment. How is the med bay?”
“The med bay is great. Thanks for installing those extra atmospheric filters. There's hardly a spore in sight.” Johnson said as he stood and gathered a couple of hypo sprays into a carrying case. “And no problem. I have to get onto Okta for missing his appointment anyway. Also I need to inoculate the new guy, don't need him getting the fungus flue.”
“Thank you so much Kyle! You're amazing and the best!”
"I know I am. If you can't catch up to us on the flight deck then check for us in the med bay."
“I'll be there as soon as possible and thank you so so much again!”
The com badge chirped and the communication closed. Johnson smiled and shook his head as he exited the med bay and entered the turbo lift.
The doors hiss open to the flight deck of the low atmosphere station. The wind was blowing hard and it was thin enough where respirators were needed for prolonged outings. The temperature hung just at hospitable thanks to the standard Starfleet uniform. Not far below the station were migrating clouds of spores that covered the planet. At this height they were less dense. The spores were not deadly but breathing in more spores than oxygen was ill advised and directly flying through a cloud almost guaranteed and emergency landing. Transportation to the surface, where the rolling fog banks of spores traveled across the surface like isolated sand storms, was generally limited as the clouds distorted the locking signatures. Medically, the effects were akin to seasonal allergies on old Earth. Some were hit harder than others but it wasn't anything more than very unpleasant, at least until one was inoculated. Johnson thought about how much he learned about spores, fungus, and pollen before coming to the station. It seemed so trivial until he took his first deep breath in a spore-gale.
Lieutenant Commander Sydney Arya stood near the shuttle pad on the flight deck, looking up into space. The respirator covering his mouth let out low hisses with every gentle exhale of breath. He could feel something out there. It made the back of his throat feel dry. Was it just his wanderlust? His thirst for adventure? Or maybe it was just the starship that delivered their new crewman. Either way, it was accompanied by an uncomfortable twisting in his stomach.
"A thick one today.” Johnson said, slightly muffled by the respirator.
The voice startled Arya, he hadn't heard anyone approach. His head was stuck in the cloud so he didn't sense him either.
“Lieutenant Johnson, I didn't expect you up here. Has Okta missed another checkup?” He said while mentally re-balancing himself.
“Yes he has, but really I'm here because Osborne is held up with console malfunctions. So she asked me to greet the newcomer.”
Arya enjoyed Johnson's presence. Not that he had many people he didn't enjoy the presence of. Johnson was calm. He wasn't emotionally stoic like a Vulcan but had a reign on his thoughts that most humans didn't. It was like his mind emanated a pleasant melody instead of the normal hyper reactionary thoughts most had. He wondered if it was a practiced state of mind, some kind of meditation technique he learned growing up on Risa, or maybe it came more naturally.
“Ah yes. It's a particularly dense spore cloud today and I heard talk of more erratic weather patterns. Commander Topps was far too eager to study it so I'm officially the officer in charge of welcoming the new crewman.” Arya said with a smile.
“Explains why she ordered no organic use of the transporters. Also, congratulations, you don't get to lead missions often." Johnson said as a friendly jab.
“Oh- but I lead the greatest mission of all! Caring to the mental well being and health of an entire research station. Sure I am not much help in the way of researching planet covering super-flora, fauna, whatever it actually is, but I believe we are all crucial to leading the mission, of life! I thank you Kyle for being part of this mission with me.”
Johnson sputtered out a laugh before Arya's facade broke and he joined with him.
“When did you come up with that one?" Johnson said through laughter and the respirator.
“From the top of my head, shame I'll have forgotten it before I can write It down with full accuracy.”
“I would love to read your book of inspirational quotes and speeches when you publish it.”
Arya opened his mouth to respond but hesitated before looking up the the sky. “Ah, the crewman is nearly here."
The hum of the nacelles vibrate through the old shuttle’s hull. The way the station sat just above the spore cloud made it look like a ship on a muddy ocean. The only passenger aside from the ships pilot aboard was a tall and well muscled Bajoran man that seemed all too excited to be stationed at an old research facility above a dusty planet. He hangs over the pilot’s seat, staring at the view screen.
“How much longer until we get there?” He asked the scruffy bearded Orion pilot.
The pilot stared ahead at the screen, not wanting to fully acknowledge the existence of his passenger. “Will you just sit down?” He growled.
“I can’t! I’m too excited. I get jittery when I’m excited.” The jewelry dangling from his ear softly jingled as he moved side to aid to exaggerate his statement.
The pilot let out a sigh and rolled his eyes. Opting to ignore the Ensign.
“I’m Ralf Jow by the way.” The Ensign said as he shuffled in place.
“Charis Okta.” The pilot said reluctantly.
“How long have you been a pilot in Starfleet?”
“Ensign if you don’t sit your ass down I will crash this shuttle into the surface of the damn planet. So help, please give me an excuse.”
Jow held his hands up in mock surrender and sat down in the copilot seat. “Aye-aye sir, I just figured I’d get to know the people I’ll be working with.”
Okta grumbled incoherently, tapping away on the console.
There was a moment where they both remained silent before the Ensign spoke again.
“So, type-6 shuttle huh? Have you flown the type-8 yet?” He asked with a disarming smile.
“Nope.” Okta let out in part with a sigh of defeat.
“Oh man! The type-8 uses-”
The short trip from high space down to the station was stretched long with small talk. It was difficult to call it a conversation between them as the Ensign did all of the talking. He didn't even stop talking when the shuttle settled gently down onto the landing pad.
“So I said, the Prophets are watching over Bajor, I'm on Earth, how can it be blasphemy?!” The Ensign said with a roaring laugh as the door to the shuttle popped open.
Okta stomped down the short ramp wearing his annoyance on his face, followed by Jow, who easily stood half a foot above Okta. Johnson was only a few inches taller than Okta but Arya was nearly the same height as Jow. Jow's cybernetic leg was hidden under his uniform but the heavy steps gave it away. Okta tried to pass by the group, but was stopped when Johnson grabbed him by the arm. He could only manage a groan as he stayed put with Johnson.
“Ensign Jow reporting for duty. Permission to board sir.” He said when he came to a stop in front of Commander Arya
“Granted.” Arya said with a warm smile. “I am Lieutenant Commander Arya. Commander Topps sends her regards and apologies. She has been engulfed in study with the current spore-gale.”
“Thank you sir.” Jow said, every bit serious in contrast to how he was on the shuttle. He was rigid, soldierly in a way that made Arya feel discomfort and pity.
Arya looks at Jow for a moment, then speaks. “I know it’s disappointing no one in engineering came up to receive you but trust me, they are more than excited for some help. I’ll let Lieutenant Osborne fill you in on the details.” Jow broke from his stiff position of attention for a moment as he seemed to become excited. “For now, I’m turning you over to Lieutenant Johnson here to cover your medical evaluation.” Arya gestured to Johnson with a hand.
“Alright big guy, and you follow me.” He held onto Okta’s arm and dragged him to the turbo lift. Jow and Arya followed right behind.
Jow sat on the bed next to Okta's. The sounds of running water and gentle orchestral music playing. A soft snore comes from the pilot as Johnson walked over to Jow with a hypo. It hissed as the contents are injected into him.
Jow takes a deep breath. “Woo! I don’t feel like my sinuses are trying to collapse anymore!” He said with a wide grin.
“It’s the simple things right?” Johnson placed the hypo into the decontamination chamber.
The doors open and Arya entered holding a PADD. “Alright Ensign. Now that your medical evaluation is completed, it is time for-” He paused as Johnson drummed on the top of the chamber. “Your psychological evaluation!” His smile wide, though as he goes to hold out the PADD, he suddenly drops it. His hands go to the side of his head as his teeth clenched tight. In the time it takes Johnson to reach him, it had passed. Jow had jumped from the bed, holding out his hands to grab him if he fell.
“Are you okay?” Johnson asked as they guide him to the bed Jow was just sitting on and lay him down.
“I’m fine, don’t fuss over me. I think the spores are just getting to me.” Commander Arya said as Johnson scanned him with a medical tricorder.
“If you say so. Nothing is showing on the tricorder so I’ll have to trust you for now. Still, lie down for a bit.” Johnson said as he stored away the device.
The door hissed open again, and Osborne walked in.
“Oh wow, is everyone alright?” Worry came over her face she she looked between the boys on the beds.
“I am fine.” Arya sat up on the bed.
Johnson looked over at him with an eyebrow raised and it seemed to stop him from completely standing up. Jow’s eyes were locked on her the moment she came in, and refused to leave her.
“Alright-” She sounded like she didn’t fully believe them. “Hello new guy!” She said with a cheery smile. “Sorry for not meeting you sooner but the spores seem to be messing with the consoles on the station. I am so glad you are here! Oh, I’m Lieutenant Junior Grade Khloe Osborne.” She paused and looked at Jow expectantly. For a moment they stared at each other and she could feel her cheeks redden. She was about to ask his name when he spoke.
“Do you remember me?” He sounded unsure, maybe even afraid.
“Um, what-”
The floor fell out from beneath them as everyone in the med bay became momentarily weightless, then slammed into the floor. The lights turned red and the alarm rang. Yellow smoke pooled into the room. Arya screamed and held his head like he was trying to keep his skull from exploding. Okta writhed on the ground, bone protruded from his arms as Johnson attempted to get to any sort of helpful medical equipment as it was thrown around the med bay. Jow dropped to the floor, his eyes were wide and wild. He muttered unintelligibly save for the word “Cardassian”. Osborne pushed herself off the floor and looked around. The med bay was a far cry from the pristine clinic it was moments before.
A voice came over their com badges and the intercom of the station. “This is Commander Topps. We are abandoning the station. Prepare for emergency transport. Ensure you have your com badges secure to your person. We are abandoning ship. Prepare for emergency transport.”
Jow was the closest to Khloe. She grabbed him by the shoulder with one hand. She was too astonished to do any more, trying to take in the emergency and understand what was happening around her. Before she could speak the station violently shuddered again. A large pipe dislodged from the ceiling threatening to crush them. She threw her hands in the air in a futile attempt to knock away the pipe as it fell.
The sounds of stressed metal and the alarm mix with the high pitched tone of atoms being dematerialized. A white light began to fill their vision, but for a moment they could see each other. Incorporeal and undefined but still present in a yellow miasma. There was a pull towards each other, like tethers connecting her to the others who had been in the med bay. They were all frozen in their suspended states, staring back at each other, except for Arya. A web of threads only he seemed to comprehend entangled in him and stretched out across the vastness of the foggy void to clusters of the crew of the station. In their our groups connected to each other, connected back to him. He could see them all. Feel their fears and pains.
He closes his eyes.
IT'S BEEN A LONG ROAD!~
In a dark room sat a man, alone. A screen in front of him comes to life and speaks to him.
“High Command is giving you a new assignment.” The voice is masked, taking on a machine-like monotone. The figure on the screen is just a silhouette.
“Unsurprising.” The man said in a low voice.
“I’ll surprise you then. You are being given a command. I’m transmitting the details to you now. Congratulations, Captain.” The screen went blank, leaving the man alone in the dark once more.
I am so sorry I do not know what overcame me but I was in a fever pitch drawing this out... Romulan Godwynn and Vulcan/Orion Noa getting married in our Star Trek AU. Explanations and ramblings beneath the cut!
I based their outfits across the various eras (T'Pring and T'Pol's wedding fits specifically for Nono!) - but they of course make it their own. I tried to make Noa's pink dress (because she would) metallic-esque because I love the idea of Vulcans basically wearing fire hazardwear on their volcanic planet... her tassels are meant to be the same color as his sash. I also imagine they carry ceremonial daggers per Romulan tradition that are situated on their fronts but we can't see them in the drawing!
I haven't deeply watched Romulan or Vulcan ceremonies but I have my headcanons! Noa will be gloved and veiled for the public ceremony in front of their crew, and in a private final ceremony she will remove them so the two can physically touch and meld. The open back is not a normal Vulcan design but something they decided so they may touch any time they'd like because they're freaks. He is only wearing one glove so he can have a free hand. I imagine during our fanfic they're both normally gloved and it's always a hot moment when they rip them off to hold hands...... SORRY. LOVE THAT MIND AND PHYSICAL CONNECTION STUFF.
Also in this episode I imagine Noa and Godwynn's first on-screen kiss for the audience and the crew. They're very good at keeping most things behind closed doors and you want everyone to be like FINALLY.
Help me I'm working on Romulan/Vulcan wedding ceremonies and outfits...
(Godwynn and Noa in our Star Trek AU getting married in probably season three or so)
Some headshots for our Star Trek AU starring our various OCs...!
Carver DelRoux, Captain of the USS Antumbra
Khloe Osborne, Lieutenant Jr Grade
N'Than Lo'Kahn, Lieutenant Jr Grade
Noa, Lieutenant and Chief of Medical
Mnhei'okhala i'Mhiessan tr'Mnaudh, Lieutenant Commander and Chief of Security
Ralf Jow, Ensign
Indulgent sketch of a pulp-esque cover for one of the "episodes" of our Star Trek AU. The crew of the USS Antumbra must get information from the Orion Syndicate - SPACE PIRATES - and will do whatever it takes to get it!
(Like... use one's Orion heritage to help sneak in the security officer - a hot dad-bod Romulan. By dressing him up in bondage gear like we're about to sell him. It's part of the wooing process you guys.)
