The Day Mars Burned: Kiran Arai: Part 1
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Originally published as part of a joint sim, fleet effort, or exclusively for AioRPG, this original writing has been preserved for posterity. |
| Characters: |
Cadet Kiran Arai, Cadet Edward Jones |
| Location: |
Starfleet Academy, Earth |
| Date & Time: |
Friday 5, April 2385, 0845 |
| Author: | |
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Kiran Arai yawned once more. “Well at least we get to finish a few hours away from classes, for the First Contact Day celebrations. The weather’s good for it too.” It was clear enough that rather than take a transporter from their dorms to the main parade grounds, Kiran and Ed were taking a nice leisurely walk. Ed looked up to the clear blue sky. “You know that’s the weather modification net, right?” he replied with a cheeky grin on his face. “Yes, I do, smart ass.” Kiran replied with his own cheeky grin. “You know what I mean, Ed. It’s nice to just slow down a little. The celebrations don’t start for another fifteen minutes, and we get to enjoy a proper stroll, instead of rushing to Subspace Geometry. I know what I’d rather be doing.” He let out a little chuckle. They walked for a few more minutes, enjoying the view, the shuttles flyovers overhead, and just embracing the tranquil nature of their walk. “I just don’t want to miss any of it. There’s a special guest speaker at oh nine hundred, to open the ceremonies. I wonder who it would be? I hope it’s Ambassador Spock. I’ve always wanted to see one of his speeches.” Ed replied with a hopeful look on his face. “I don’t think it will be Ambassador Spock. But we also don’t have long to get there. We’re still about ten minutes away, we better move quicker.” said Kiran, before speeding up his pace.
“Cadets, officers, honored guests, welcome to Starfleet Academy’s First Contact Day ceremony. Today, we commemorate the moment when humanity reached beyond its own sky and met the unknown not with fear, but with curiosity. That first handshake between Earth and Vulcan marked the beginning of a shared journey, one built on trust, diplomacy, and the courage to imagine a better future. You, the cadets of this generation, carry that legacy forward. You are not merely students of warp theory or xenolinguistics. You are stewards of peace, architects of resilience, and the next voices in the Federation’s long conversation with the stars. As we celebrate today, let us remember that first contact is not a single event. It is the choice to listen before reacting, to understand before judging, and to lead with integrity even when the path is uncertain. Thank you for your commitment, your discipline, and your belief in what Starfleet stands for. Let the day begin.” The crowd cheered. She again raised her hand. “Please allow me to introduce our special guest. A man who has been with Starfleet for over fourty-seven years, and one of the finest officers that I have the pleasure of knowing. Please welcome to the stage Commander Tuvok, former Chief of Security aboard the USS Voyager, and current Chief of Security of the USS Dauntless, which is in the system for the celebrations.” Kiran tapped Ed on the arm. “Didn’t have that on my bingo card. I’m actually kind of excited for this.” He had read everything he could find about Voyager when he was younger. Seeing Commander Tuvok in person was more than a surprise, it was a thrill. He watched, as the Vulcan officer walked onto the stage from the side. He waited patiently for the applause to die down. “Thank you for that introduction, Admiral Thawne. As has just been mentioned, I have served in Starfleet for over four decades. During that time, I have encountered species unknown, navigated crises unforeseen, and stood alongside officers whose integrity shaped the course of history. One such officer is Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway. I had the privilege of serving under her command aboard the USS Voyager during its seven-year journey through the Delta Quadrant. That mission tested every principle Starfleet holds dear, and reaffirmed them. First Contact Day is not simply a historical milestone. It is a reflection of what we choose to value when confronted with the unfamiliar. That moment between Vulcan and Human was not defined by technology or timing, it was defined by restraint, by openness, and by the willingness to engage without assumption. In your careers, you will encounter species whose logic differs from your own, whose ethics may challenge your training. You will be asked to interpret silence, navigate ambiguity, and act with precision even when the path ahead is obscured. These are not failures of protocol. They are tests of character. The Federation thrives not because it avoids conflict, but because it approaches difference with discipline and respect. That is the legacy you inherit. Starfleet does not exist to impose order. It exists to understand. To protect. To explore. And when necessary, to stand firm in defense of what we value. I commend you for choosing this path. It is not an easy one. But it is, in my estimation, a worthy one. Live long, and prosper.” Again, the crowd erupted in a raucous applause. Kiran was standing there, his smile practically from ear to ear. “That was much better than I had even imagined. I wonder if he will be at the dinner this evening.” There was going to be a special dinner later this evening in Sarek Hall, to bring the days celebrations to a close. This was to be followed by a firework display over the San Francisco Bay. Sarek Hall had an outdoor area that would be perfect for watching the fireworks. This time it was Ed’s turn to chuckle. “You’re going to ask him for a holo aren’t you. Kiran started to smile. “I’m not…” he paused, as he noticed a some movement, and rushing around on the stage. An officer walked quickly over to the Superintendent and whisper something into her ear. At the same time, Tuvok tapped his commbadge, and began to speak. No one could hear anything as the microphones had been turned off. He tapped his comm badge, and spoke to the Superintendent, who suddenly stepped back, as he was beamed directly off the podium. Suddenly the murmuring of the crowd grew and grew. Something had happened. Kiran was about to speak when klaxon's went off, and warning lights around the area began glowing red. The Superintendent took to the podium once more. “Cadets. A fleet-wide Red Alert has been issued.” As she was talking, the blue shimmer of the facility shields activating flashed across the campus. It was something that had been installed in key facilities after the Breen had managed to attack Earth during the Dominion War. “You are all ordered to your dormitories until further notice. Dismissed.” Kiran looked to Ed, whose smile had also faded into a face of worry. “What the hell just happened?” Ed shook his head. “I have no idea, Kiran. I have no idea. But it was big enough for Tuvok to beam off instantly, and the shields are up. So it can’t be good. Whatever it is, it can’t be good.” | |
| The Attack on Mars | |
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| The Day Mars Burned: Kiran Arai | Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4 |