The USS Fearless (NCC-14598), is an Excelsior-class heavy cruiser and one of the few remaining still in use. The Fearless is a versatile “workhorse,” capable of almost any mission within Federation space due to ample space which can be easily converted for mission specific objectives. Commanded by 
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Episode 1: Tried-and-True
Episode 2: Duc in Altum
Story Overview
The USS Fearless has docked at Starbase 38 for overdue refits on the warp propulsion systems. While docked, the crew have been granted some R&R for the duration of the overhaul. Captain Langston is briefed by Task Force Commanders on Starfleet's intentions to explore the delta Quadrant. The senior staff, mindful of diminished morale amongst their green subordinates, carry on in their mentorship exemplifying the grit needed to survive in the far reaches of space, while away from family and friends. As the Fearless recovers from a brutal campaign with the Klingons, the crew questions what lies in wait beyond the wormhole in the Delta Quadrant. Meanwhile, Captain Langston accepts a new candidate for the role of First Officer, a determine Trill female whose resume and accolades appear far above expectation.
Starbase 38: Barzan System
Stardate: 76415.61
Shore leave had been a welcome reprieve after a cloaked minefield, laid by the rogue warriors of House D’Ghor, claimed the lives of several officers and crewmen. This was an especially tough experience for the most recent academy graduates. The incident had become an experiential lesson in grief and loss, a topic that had been briefly addressed in one of the introductory medical courses in their first year at Starfleet Academy. This was a lesson Jocelyn wished she had taken to heart. Like many of her peers, she believed that this kind of loss would occur later in her career.
“This really was a great memorial service Zem,” voiced Ensign Kahlil.
Ensign Kahlil was Jocelyn’s closest friend. Their friendship had blossomed during their time at the Academy and presently continues to bloom onboard the Fearless. Yasmine Kahlil’s duty station was adjacent to Jocelyn’s at Conn. In their short time aboard Fearless, they had become known as the “Watchmen” as their stations were directly in front of the main viewscreen. It was a pet name Jocelyn couldn’t have been more proud of, taking it as a personal accolade and testament to their shared attentiveness when on duty.
“Yea, it’s hard to believe we’ve already had our first, so soon after graduation,” chimed Ensign Trujillo, their mutual friend from astrometrics.
The crew, in her assessment, had been in somber spirits. Their tour in the Archanis system had kept everyone busy and distracted, but changes in orders had left many free to recall the recent losses. The need for closure was abundantly evident in Grendle’s Lair, Fearless’s lounge.
“It was a joint effort,” Jocelyn replied, following her friends down the line. “Counselor Naigho deserves most of the credit.” The words just flowed out without much thought. It was the natural thing to say, especially at a delicate time such as this. Afterall, it wasn’t about the credit as much as it was about building morale and creating an opportunity for closure; to start their new journey fresh and ready for whatever lay beyond the wormhole in the Delta Quadrant.
Victor Trujillo chuckled, offering his own assessment of the situation. “Yea, but all the little details in this room scream of your handiwork. I mean who else would have known to place the hypospray beneath Ensign Solander’s picture”. Victor’s smile widened as continued his quasi-eulogy, “only the three of us saw him go through every antihistamine, antibiotic, and anxiolytic he could find during survival training; that exercise made him the best field medic Starfleet ever had”.
“I bet our TI will be sorry she chewed him up for that when she hears about...this,” Yasmine Kahlil added.
Jocelyn watched as Vic speared three Denobulan sausage links onto his plate, followed by a spoonful of Chef’s famous BBQ meatballs. Yasmine, consistent to a fault, took some of the Chocolate Mousse with a slice of Tarvokin Pound Cake. For a moment it was as if the three of them had never left Starfleet Academy, as she herself plated pasta filled with spinach and ricotta cheese in addition to signature crafted crostini.
“It just doesn’t seem like enough you know,” Jocelyn sighed. It was hard for her to articulate exactly what she was feeling at the moment. She felt responsible for ensuring that each classmate and crew member would be properly remembered.
“Yea,” Victor affirmed.
“I can only imagine,” Yasmine seconded in a somber tone.
They all slowly fell into a still silence. Joclyn could barely hear the whispers of closing dialogue across the room as all eyes focused their attention towards the opposite end of Grendle’s Lair, the recreation lounge on deck 15.
“I guess the Captain’s gonna get the last word,” Vic whispered as he set his plate down upon the buffet line.
Jocelyn followed suit, placing her plate down as she focused her attention on Captain Langston. She watched with anticipation as she humbly took center in humble reverence, looking towards the holographic images of their departed crewmembers. She wondered what the Captain of a Starfleet vessel would be feeling at events like these. As he turned, she observed him nodding to the senior staff, turning full attention and heavy brow the crew assembled. She tuned out everything around her, focused completely on his heavy and heartfelt words.
“Today, we remember, and honor, the fearless crew members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the Federation. They, like each of us, took an oath; swearing to live out the highest ideals as citizens of a galactic community. In the line of duty, they became ambassadors of peace and goodwill; serving, protecting, and aiding all in need. Each and every one of our colleagues remembered here today made good on their oath; and now they take their place as paragons, demonstrating the power of true ‘esprit de corps’. We must hold on to their memory and follow in their footsteps; living out each day the principles for which they died. Let us, today, commit ourselves to becoming cornerstones of peace and prosperity; and may their memory always remind us of what it means to be Brave, to be Bold, and to be Fearless”.
respectful and conservative applause erupted from the gathered crowd. Silenced conversation resumed, both familiar and foreign voices exchanged emboldened sentiments of encouragement as she watched Captain Langston shake the hands and exchange empathetic words with family and friends of the departed. The senior staff followed suit as the memorial came to a close.
“What do you think awaits us on the other side of the wormhole,” Vic questioned aloud as he returned to the plate of seconds he had set aside.
Jocelyn read Yasmine’s silence as confirmation that Vic’s question was simply a rhetorical one which required no response. She stood in silence as fellow officers and crew passed on their way through the main doors of Grendle’s Lair. She, too, now wondered what lay in wait beyond the wormhole; recalling the story of Odysseus and the valiant soldiers taken from Odysseus’s charge by the creature named Grendle.